Use of Reproductive Microhabitat byMelanophryniscus montevidensis(Anura: Bufonidae) from Uruguay

Abstract

This study describes the reproductive microhabitat of Melanophryniscus montevidensis and its use in two water bodies (WBs) in Barra de la Laguna de Rocha, Uruguay. Monthly field trips were performed between March 2012 and February 2013. Variables related to the WBs and vegetation, as well as parameters linked to the usage the amphibians make of the site (e.g: distance to the border of the pond, water depth and the vegetation use) were recorded. The behavior shown by the individuals during the breeding activity was recorded. This activity occurs in shallow temporary WBs with abundant hydrophilic vegetation. The individuals were found more frequently in areas near the edge of the pond, which has denser vegetation. The calling males were found closer to the border of the pond, and they showed better body condition than the non-calling males. In addition to calling activities, males used alternative tactics to find couples, such as active search of females, and aggressive behaviors, such as male displacing and physical combat. Such behaviors are common in anurans with explosive reproductive dynamics. The characterization of the reproductive microhabitats permits the proposal of strategies for the conservation of the species in Uruguay, given that the loss and fragmentation of habitats is one of the main causes considered for the decrease in their populations.

The Correlates of in Situ Larval Survivorship of the Threatened South American Toad Melanophryniscus montevidensis (Anura, Bufonidae)

“…Melanophryniscus montevidensis is an explosive breeder (sensu Wells, 2007) that exploits shallow ponds (less than 30 cm deep) formed over psamophilic vegetation after heavy rains, possibly during warm months (Alonzo et al, 2002;Pereira and Maneyro, 2016;Bardier et al, 2019). Breeding activity is mainly diurnal; males floating on the water surface or grasping aquatic vegetation start calling immediately after rains.…”

“…No gregarious behavior has been described for the larvae. Although the larval diet has not yet been described, they seem to have benthic habits (Garrido-Yrigaray, 1989;Prigioni and Garrido, 1989;Alonzo et al, 2002;Baldo et al, 2014;Pereira and Maneyro, 2016).…”

Anurans From Barra De La Laguna De Rocha (Rocha, Uruguay)

“…Additionally, the species is threatened by the consequences of climate change (Toranza & Maneyro, 2013;Zank et al, 2014). In the BLR the breeding activity of M. montevidensis occurs in shallow temporary water bodies with abundant emergent hydrophilic vegetation (Pereira & Maneyro, 2016a). This species also presents high fidelity to both breeding and shelter sites (mainly rushes and caraguatales near the breeding ponds) (Pereira & Maneyro, 2016b).…”

Seasonal demography of the threatened Montevideo Redbelly Toad (Melanophryniscus montevidensis) in a protected area of Uruguay

“…iucnredlist.org/ [Accessed 15 April 2016]). This is a small sized (adult snout-vent length [SVL]: 20-30 mm) coastal species, which exploits psammophilic vegetation (vegetation from sandy soils), and breeds in ephemeral ponds after heavy rains (Maneyro and Carreira 2012;Pereira and Maneyro 2016a). recommended population-level studies for this species, and non-invasive marking techniques like photo-identification are the most advisable approaches for threatened species.…”