Hybridization and introgression can have complex consequences for both species evolution and conservation. Here, we investigated the origin and characteristics of a putative hybrid zone between two South American poison dart frog species, O. anchicayensis and the critically endangered O. lehmanni, which are heavily sought after on the illegal pet market. Using a combination of phenotypic (49 traits) and genomic (ddRADseq) data, we found that the putative hybrids are morphologically distinct from their parental species and confirmed genomic signatures of admixture in these populations. Several lines of evidence (hybrid indices, interspecific hybrid heterozygosity, genomic clines, comparisons with simulated hybrids and demographic modelling) support the conclusion that these populations are not comprised of early-generation hybrids and thus, they likely did not arise as a result of illegal translocations associated with wildlife trafficking. Instead, they likely represent an independent lineage which has persisted through isolation and has only relatively recently re-established gene flow with both parental species. Furthermore, we detected signals of differential introgression from parental species into these hybrid populations which suggest relaxed stabilizing selection on these aposematic color morphs, potentially via context-dependent female choice. These populations thus provide a fascinating window into the role of hybridization, isolation and female choice in the diversification of South American poison dart frogs. In addition, our results underline the importance of landscape conservation measures to protect, not only known localities of nominal species, but also the phenotypic and genomic variation harbored by admixed lineages which represent crucial repositories for the impressive diversity in this system.

Phenotypic data collected from high-resolution pictures of Oophaga individuals. Measurements were taken using ImageJ software (https://imagej.nih.gov/ij/). Genomic data (SNPs) was collected using ddRAD tags as described in the Methods section of the main manuscript.