Refine your search
Collections
Co-Authors
Journals
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z All
Hooroo, R. N. K.
- Breeding and Nesting Behaviour of Rhacophorus maximus (Anura:Rhacophoridae) in Meghalaya, North East India
Abstract Views :311 |
PDF Views:100
Authors
Affiliations
1 Department of Zoology, Shillong College, Shillong 793 003, IN
2 Department of Zoology, North Eastern Hill University, Shillong 793 022, IN
3 Nature Environment and Wildlife Society, Angul 759 123, IN
1 Department of Zoology, Shillong College, Shillong 793 003, IN
2 Department of Zoology, North Eastern Hill University, Shillong 793 022, IN
3 Nature Environment and Wildlife Society, Angul 759 123, IN
Source
Current Science, Vol 110, No 6 (2016), Pagination: 1102-1105Abstract
The present study deals with the breeding and nesting behaviour of Rhacophorus maximus at Cherrapunjee and Mawsynram, Meghalaya, North East India. Breeding activity of R. maximus occurred after the first few showers of rain and an increase in air temperature. The species breeds sporadically for a short period, which lasts for about 6-8 weeks during March and April. Amplexus took place on land as well as in water and lasted for several hours. Aggregations of male frogs making advertisement call at the breeding sites have been observed. Competition among the males to mate with the female frogs and at the same time trying to dislodge the amplecting pairs have also been observed. Multiple amplecting pairs are seen in the temporary rainfed pond at Mawsynram, which appeared to be a congenial breeding habitat during the peak of the breeding period. Both male and female frogs took active part in nest construction. The species constructs foam nests on diverse substrata such as aquatic vegetation about 2-3 cm above the water surface, on bare rocks near the water bodies and on earthen banks. The water temperature recorded during oviposition ranged from 20°C to 22.5°C, air temperature from 21.5°C to 26°C and relative humidity from 65% to 99%. The eggs are large, measuring 2 mm in diameter, unpigmented, white in colour and clutch size varies between 809 and 2059 with a mean of 1351.96 ± 83.07.Keywords
Aggregation, Amplecting Pairs, Breeding, Foam Nest, Rhacophorus maximus.Full Text
References
- Duellman, W. E. and Trueb, L., Biology of Amphibians, McGrawHill, New York, 1986.
- Heyer, W. R., The adaptive ecology of the species group of the genus Leptodactylus (Amphibia, Leptodactylidae). Evolution, 1969, 23, 421–428.
- Downie, J. R., Functions of the foam in foam-nesting leptodactylids: the nest as a post-hatching refuge in Physalaemus pustulosus. Herpetol. J., 1993, 3(1), 35–42.
- Mohanty-Hejmadi, P. and Dutta, S. K., Life history of the common Indian tree frog, Polypedates maculatus (Gray, 1834) (Anura: Rhacophoridae). J. Bombay. Nat. Hist. Soc., 1988, 85(3), 512– 517.
- Kadadevaru, G. G. and Kanamadi, R. D., Courtship and nesting behavior of the Malabar gliding frog, Rhacophorus malabaricus (Jerdon, 1870). Curr. Sci., 2000, 79(3), 377–380.
- Dutta, S. K., Mishra, S. and Rath, S., Breeding and development of Polypedates maculatus (Anura: Rhacophoridae). Pranikee – J. Zool. Soc., 2001, spl. vol. pp. 121–134.
- Reading, C. J., The effects of variation in climatic temperature (1980–2001) on breeding activity and tadpole stage duration in the commom toad, Bufo bufo. Sci. Total Environ., 2003, 310(1–3), 231–236.
- Roy, D., Choudhury, A. and Borah, B., Role of weather condition on the daily appearance and advertisement call initiation time of Polypedates leucomystax during the breeding season. Zoo’s Print J., 2004, 19(3), 1408–1410.
- Deuti, K., Breeding ecology of Annandale’s tree frog Chirixalus simus (Anura: Rhacophoridae) near Kolkata, West Bengal. J. Bombay Nat. Hist. Soc., 2001, 98(3), 341–346.
- Gibbs, J. P. and Breisch, A. R., Climate warming and calling phenology of frogs near Ithaca, New York, 1990–1999. Conserv. Biol., 2001, 15, 1175–1178.
- Mitchell, N. J., Nest-site selection in a terrestrially breeding frog with protracted development. Aust. J. Zool., 2002, 50, 225–235.
- Dutta, S. K. and Mohanty-Hejmadi, P., Breeding and life history of the Indian bull frog, Rana tigerina (Daudin). Prakruti Utkal Univ. J. Sci., 1976, 13(1&2), 51–59.
- Dutta, S. K., Jena, S. and Mohanty-Hejmadi, P., Breeding and development of Ramanella variegata (Anura: Microhylidae). J. Zool. Soc. India, 1990–91, 42–43, 55–76.
- Biju, S. D., A novel nesting behavior of a treefrog, Rhacophorus lateralis in the Western Ghats, India. Curr. Sci., 2009, 97(3), 433– 437.
- Sinsch, U., Mini-review: the orientation behavior of amphibians. Herpetol. J., 1991, 1, 541–544.
- Davies, N. B. and Halliday, T. T., Competitive mate searching in male common toad, Bufo bufo. Anim. Behav., 1979, 27, 1253–1267.
- Giaretta, A. A. and Menin, M., Reproduction, phenology and mortality sources of a species of Physalaemus (Anura: Leptodactylidae). J. Nat. Hist., 2004, 38, 1711–1722.
- Eggert, C. and Guyétant, R., Reproductive behavior of spadefoot toads (Pelobates fuscus): daily sex ratios and males’ tactics, ages, and physical condition. Can. J. Zool., 2003, 81, 46–51.
- Roy, D., Development of hearing in vertebrates with special reference to anuran acoustic communication. J. Biosci., 1994, 19(5), 629–644.
- Menin, M. and Giaretta, A. A., Predation on foam nests of leptodactyline frogs (Anura: Leptodactylidae) by larvae of Beckeriella niger (Diptera: Ephydridae). J. Zool., 2003, 261, 239–243.
- Unique Breeding Activity and Oviposition in Annandale’s High-Altitude Tree Frog, Kurixalus naso (Annandale, 1912) in Meghalaya, North East India
Abstract Views :278 |
PDF Views:74
Authors
Affiliations
1 Department of Zoology, North Eastern Hill University, Shillong 793 022, IN
2 Nature Environment and Wildlife Society, Angul 759 123, IN
1 Department of Zoology, North Eastern Hill University, Shillong 793 022, IN
2 Nature Environment and Wildlife Society, Angul 759 123, IN
Source
Current Science, Vol 118, No 3 (2020), Pagination: 467-472Abstract
The present study highlights the unique characteristics of the breeding activity and oviposition of Annandale’s high-altitude tree frog, Kurixalus naso (Annandale, 1912) at Mawsynram, Meghalaya, North East India. After the cold, dry, winter months (September– January), the first rainfall in February triggers the onset of a short breeding activity of the species, which lasts for 3–4 weeks during February to March. The first shower causes an increase in soil moisture content and decrease in soil temperature. Immediately after the first showers, males make their advertisement calls, followed by females engaging in amplexus with the males and ovipositing in the moist soil. The females come only once to the breeding site and leave after mating; parental care is provided by the males. Multiple amplecting pairs at the breeding site are seen inside the burrows and some are observed to amplect in the open soil surface, lasting for 5–6 h. No aggregation and competition among the males is observed. The amplecting females lay eggs inside the excavated burrows and the males, using their hind limbs, expose the eggs by pushing them to the mouth of the burrowing hole. Sometimes, the females oviposit at the base of hollow tree trunks and occasionally in the open soil surface. The eggs are mixed with the soil and they resemble perhaps masquerade as seeds. Most frogs display a biphasic life cycle. However, K. naso shows a distinct non-aquatic oviposition with aquatic larva. Further, soil moisture content and temperature may support the development of embryos in open soil surfaces and burrows.Keywords
Amplexus, Breeding, Burrows, Kurixalus naso, Oviposition.Full Text
References
- Willaert, B., Suyesh, R., Garg, S., Giri, V. B., Bee, M. A. and Biju, S. D., A unique mating strategy without physical contact during fertilization in Bombay Night Frogs (Nyctibatrachus humayuni) with the description of a new form of amplexus and female call. Peer J., 2016, doi:10.7717/peerj.2117.
- Duellman, W. E. and Trueb, L., Biology of Amphibians, McGraw-Hill, New York, USA, 1986.
- Oda, F. H. et al., Anuran species richness, composition, and breeding habitat preferences: a comparison between forest remnants and agricultural landscapes in southern Brazil. Zool. Stud., 2016; doi:10.6620/ZS.2016.55-34.
- Wells, K. D., The Ecology and Behavior of Amphibians, University of Chicago Press, Chicago, USA, 2007.
- Oseen K. L. and Wassersug, R. J., Environmental factors influencing calling in sympatric anurans. Oecologia, 2002, 133, 616–625.
- Prado, C. P. A., Uetanabaro, M. and Haddad, C. F. B., Breeding activity patterns, reproductive modes, and habitat use by anurans (Amphibia) in a seasonal environment in the Pantanal, Brazil. Amphibia-Reptilia, 2005, 26, 211–221.
- Yoo, E. and Jang, Y., Abiotic effects on calling phenology of three frog species in Korea. Anim. Cells Syst., 2012, 16(3), 260–267.
- Lemkert, F., Penman, T. and Mahony, M. J., Relationship of calling intensity to micrometeorology in pond breeding frogs from central eastern New South Wales. Proc. Int. Acad. Ecol. Environ. Sci., 2013, 3(2), 170–180.
- Bertoluci, J., Annual patterns of breeding activity in Atlantic Rainforest anurans. J. Herpetol., 1998, 32(4), 607–611.
- Xavier, A. L. and Napoli, M. F., Contribution of environmental variables to anuran community structure in the Caatinga Domain of Brazil. Phyllomedusa, 2011, 10(1), 45–64.
- Resetarits Jr, W. J. and Wilbur, H. M., Choice of oviposition site by Hyla chrysoscelis: role of predators and competitors. Ecology, 1989, 70, 220–228.
- Alford, R. A., Ecology: Resource use, competition, and predation. In Tadpoles. The Biology of Anuran Larvae (eds McDiarmid, R. W. and Altig, R.), University of Chicago Press, Chicago, USA, 1999, pp. 240–278.
- Murphy, P. J., Does reproductive site choice in a Neotropical frog mirror variable risks facing offspring? Ecol. Monogr., 2003, 73, 45–67.
- Khongwir, S., Hooroo, R. N. K. and Dutta, S. K., Breeding and nesting behaviour of Rhacophorus maximus (Anura: Rhacophoridae) in Meghalaya, North East India. Curr. Sci., 2016, 110(6), 1102–1105.
- Deuti, K., Breeding ecology of Annandale’s tree frog Chirixalus simus (Anura: Rhacophoridae) near Kolkata, West Bengal. J. Bom. Nat. Hist. Soc., 2001, 98(3), 341–345.
- Biju, S. D., A novel nesting behavior of a treefrog, Rhacophorus lateralis in the Western Ghats, India. Curr. Sci., 2009, 97(3), 433– 437.
- Kadadevaru, G. G. and Kanamadi, R. D., Courtship and nesting behaviour of the Malabar gliding frog, Rhacophorus malabaricus (Jerdon, 1870). Curr. Sci., 2000, 79(3), 377–380.
- Seshadri, K. S., Gururaja, K. V. and Bickford, D. P., Breeding in bamboo: a novel anuran reproductive strategy discovered in rhacophorid frogs of the Western Ghats, India. Biol. J. Linnean Soc., 2015, 114, 1–11.
- Gosner, K. L., A simplified table for staging anuran embryos and larvae with notes on identification. Herpetologica, 1960, 16, 183–190.
- Crump, M. L., Reproductive strategies in a tropical anuran community. Misc. Publ. Mus. Nat. Hist. Univ. Kansas, 1974, 61, 1–68.
- Aichinger, M., Annual activity patterns of anurans in the seasonal Neotropical environment. Oecologia, 1987, 71, 583–592.
- Donelly, M. A. and Guyer, C., Patterns of reproduction and habitat use in an assemblage of Neotropical hylid frogs. Oecologia, 1994, 98, 291–302.
- Neckel-Oliveira, S., Magnusson, W. E., Lima, A. P. and Albernaz, A. L. K., Diversity and distribution of frogs in an Amazonian Savanna in Brazil. Amphibia-Reptilia, 2000, 21, 317–326.
- Licht, L. E., Comparative breeding biology of the red-legged frog (Rana aurora aurora) and the Western spotted frog (Rana pretiosa pretiosa) in Southwestern British Columbia. Can. J. Zool., 1969, 47, 505–509.
- Bider, J. R. and Morrison, K. A., Changes in toad (Bufo americanus) responses to abiotic factors at the northern limit of their distribution. Am. Midl. Nat., 1981, 106, 293–304.
- Weist Jr., J. A., Anuran succession at temporary ponds in a post Oak-Savanna region of Texas. US Fish and Widl. Res. Rep., 1982, 13, 39–47.
- Pough, F. H., Taigen, T. L., Stewart, M. M. and Brussard, P. F., Behavioral modification of evaporative water loss by a Puerto Rican frog. Ecology, 1983, 64, 244–252.
- Semlitsch, R. D, Analysis of climatic factors influencing migrations of the Salamander Ambystoma talpoideum. Copeia, 1985, 2, 477–489.
- Warkentin, K. M., Plasticity of hatching in amphibians: evolution, trade-offs, cues and mechanisms. Integr. Comp. Biol., 2011, 51(1), 111–127.
- Petranka, J. W., Salamanders of the United States and Canada, Smithsonian Institution Press, Washington, DC, USA, 1998.
- Anderson, J. D. and Williamson, G. K., Terrestrial mode of reproduction in Ambystoma cingulatum. Herpetologica, 1976, 32, 214– 221.
- Rudolf, V. H. W. and Rödel, M. O., Oviposition site selection in a complex variable environment: the role of habitat quality and conspecific cues. Oecologia, 2005, 142, 316–325.
- Huk, T. and Kuhne, B., Substrate selection by Carabus clatratus (Coleoptera, Carabidae) and its consequences for offspring development. Oecologia, 1999, 121, 348–354.
- Reich, P. and Downes, B. J., Experimental evidence for physical cues involved in oviposition site selection of lotic hydrobiosid caddis flies. Oecologia, 2003, 136, 465–475.
- Green, A. J., Determinants of chorus participation and the effects of size, weight and competition on advertisement calling in the tungara frog, Physalaemus pustulosus (Leptodactylidae). Anim. Behav., 1990, 39, 620–638.
- Taigen, T. L. and Wells, K. D., Energetics of vocalization by an anuran amphibian (Hyla versicolour). J. Comp. Physiol. B, 1985, 155, 163–170.
- Hauselberger, K. F. and Alford, R. A., Effects of season and weather on calling in the Australian microhylid frogs Austrochaperina robusta and Cophixalus ornatus. Herpetologica, 2005, 61, 349–363.
- Almeida-Gomes, M., Van Sluys, M. and Rocha, C. F. D., Calling activity of Crossodactylus gaudichaudii (Anura: Hylodidae) in an Atlantic Rainforest area at Ilha Grande, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil. Belg. J. Zool., 2007, 137, 203–207.
- Wright, A. H., North American anura. In Life-Histories of the Anura of Ithaca, Carnegie Institution of Washington, Washington, USA, 1914.
- Wright, A. H. and Wright, A. A., Handbook of Frogs and Toads, Comstock, Ithaca, New York, USA, 1949.
- Barreto, L. and Moreira, G., Seasonal variation in age structure and spatial distribution of a savanna larval anuran assemblage in Central Brazil. J. Herpetol., 1996, 30, 87–92.
- Ecterovick, P. C. and Sazima, I., Structure of an anuran community in a montane meadow in Southeastern Brazil: effects of seasonality, habitat, and predation. Amphibai-Reptilia, 2000, 21, 439–461.
- Touchon, J. C. and Warkentin, K. M., Reproductive mode plasticity: aquatic and terrestrial oviposition in a tree frog. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA, 2008, 105, 7495–7499.
- Magnusson, W. E. and Hero, J. M., Predation and the evolution of complex oviposition behaviour in Amazon rainforest frogs. Oecologia, 1991, 86, 310–318.
- Haddad, C. F. B. and Sawaya, R. J., Reproductive modes of Atlantic Forest Hylid frogs: a general overview and the description of a new mode. Biotropica, 2000, 32, 862–871.
- Crump, M. L. and Kaplan, R. H., Clutch energy partitioning of tropical tree frogs (Hylidae). Copeia, 1979, 626–635.
- Seymour, R. S., Respiration of aquatic and terrestrial amphibian embryos. Am. Zool., 1999, 39, 261–270.
- Kluge, A. G., The gladiator frog of Middle America and Colombia – a reevaluation of their systematics (Anura: Hylidae). Occas. Pap. Mus. Zool. Univ. Michigan, 1979, 688, 1–24.