When and where does Sphaenorhynchus surdus call in Southern Brazil?

ABSTRACT

Research regarding temporal and spatial distribution of amphibians has been very important to better understanding the relationship between species and their environment. In this context, no information is available for species of Sphaenorhynchus Tschudi, 1838 in Rio Grande do Sul. Thus, the main purpose of this research was to describe the temporal and spatial distribution of Sphaenorhynchus surdus (Cochran, 1953) during calling activity as well as the main climatic factors associated to this activity. This research was conducted in three ponds in the northeastern region of this State, specifically in the municipalities of Vacaria and Bom Jesus. Fieldwork was carried out monthly from June 2006 to March 2008 and each expedition lasted two days and two nights. The results show that S. surdus presents calling season concentrated in the warmer seasons, during spring and summer. The peak of calling males was observed during the sunset and the first hours of night; however, the calling activity was observed in all periods of day and night. Calling activity was primarily associated with water temperature (r² = 0.43; F_1.19 = 14.65, p = 0.01). Regarding the calling sites, water surface was the most representative substrate (42%), followed by shrubby vegetation (25%), including the ones above two meters, when all ponds were considered in the analysis.

KEYWORDS
Hylidae; calling site; calling period; Rio Grande do Sul