Seasonal variation in nocturnal calling activity of a savanna anuran community in central Brazil

Abstract

We studied the calling activity of a savanna anuran assemblage and correlated two climatic parameters, rainfall and air temperature, with anuran calling. We made observations from September 1991 until March 1993 and quantified nocturnal calling activity by counting the number of calling males for each species present in a permanent pond. Bufo paracnemis had the shortest calling activity period and Physalaemus cuvieri had a seasonal calling period, lasting a maximum of four months. Diversity of calling males and species richness reached a peak in the first three months of the rainy season. Comparisons with other populations indicate that the reproductive period of P. cuvieri varies along its geographical distribution in a manner related to regional climatic conditions.