Complex courtship of Bokermannohyla capra (Anura: Hylidae), a treefrog that inhabits lotic environments
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.11606/issn.2316-9079.v24i1p67-82Keywords:
Amphibians, Behavior, Communication, Cophomantini, Ecology, ReproductionAbstract
Bokermannohyla capra is an endemic species of the Atlantic Forest whose biology and ecology are poorly understood. We studied the reproductive behavior of this species in an ecotonal Atlantic Forest–Caatinga area in south-central Bahia state. We collected data on habitat use, courtship, and calling behavior. Males of Bokermannohyla capra were observed calling at night, peaking between 19:00 and 21:00 h. We recorded reproductive activity in B. capra non-continuously throughout the period of the study, from February 2020 to September 2021, both in dry and rainy seasons. The number of males calling ranged from one to nine individuals. The vocalization microhabitat is vegetation along stream banks, but the species also uses bromeliads as vocalization sites and shelter. Bokermannohyla capra has an elaborate courtship with acoustic, tactile, and visual signals. The male guides the female to the spawning site, where they perform axillary amplexus; oviposition occurs in small puddles along stream banks. Like many species of the Cophomantini tribe, B. capra also displays a repertoire of elaborate reproductive behaviors related to the occupation of lotic and noisy permanent environments. The data presented here expand our knowledge about the ecology and reproductive biology of B. capra. Our results also contribute to the knowledge of the taxonomic group to which the species belongs.Downloads
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