Pool choice in a vertical landscape: Tadpole‐rearing site flexibility in phytotelm‐breeding frogs. Issue 13 (15th June 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Fouilloux, Chloe A.; Serrano Rojas, Shirley Jennifer; Carvajal‐Castro, Juan David; Valkonen, Janne K.; Gaucher, Philippe; Fischer, Marie‐Therese; Pašukonis, Andrius; Rojas, Bibiana
• Is Part Of: Ecology and evolution. Volume 11:Issue 13(2021)
• Page Start: 9021
• Page End: 9038
• Publication Date: 2021-06-15
• Subjects: competition -- niche partitioning -- parental care -- phytotelmata -- poison frogs -- tadpoles; Ecology -- Periodicals; Evolution -- Periodicals; 577.05
• DOI: 10.1002/ece3.7741
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2045-7758

Abstract

Abstract: Many species of Neotropical frogs have evolved to deposit their tadpoles in small water bodies inside plant structures called phytotelmata. These pools are small enough to exclude large predators but have limited nutrients and high desiccation risk. Here, we explore phytotelm use by three common Neotropical species: Osteocephalus oophagus, an arboreal frog that periodically feeds eggs to its tadpoles; Dendrobates tinctorius, a tadpole‐transporting poison frog with cannibalistic tadpoles; and Allobates femoralis, a terrestrial tadpole‐transporting poison frog with omnivorous tadpoles. We found that D . tinctorius occupies pools across the chemical and vertical gradient, whereas A. femoralis and O . oophagus appear to have narrower deposition options that are restricted primarily by pool height, water capacity, alkalinity, and salinity. Dendrobates tinctorius tadpoles are particularly flexible and can survive in a wide range of chemical, physical, and biological conditions, whereas O. oophagus seems to prefer small, clear pools and A. femoralis occupies medium‐sized pools with abundant leaf litter and low salinity. Together, these results show the possible niche partitioning of phytotelmata among frogs and provide insight into stressors and resilience of phytotelm breeders. Abstract : Certain Neotropical frogs use plant‐based pools of water as nurseries for their young. This study covers the biological and chemical factors influencing pool choice across the vertical gradient in three different species.