Effects of inter- and intraspecific competition on growth and development of Bufo viridis and Bufo bufo tadpoles

Abstract

Competition between the common toad Bufo bufo (L.) and the green toad Bufo viridis Laurenti was studied in an experimental design. Mixed and single-species groups of 40 larvae were reared in plastic tanks (water volume 411). Growth parameters such as body length, total length, body mass and developmental stage according to Gosner (1960) were measured weekly until metamorphic climax and analyzed by regression analysis. Body condition index was calculated. Tadpoles of B. bufo reached metamorphosis at the same time in mixed and single-species treatments. Larvae and toadlets were insignificantly larger in single-species groups, weighed more and had a higher body condition index than in mixed species designs. In B. viridis the larval period was six days shorter in mixed groups; tadpoles and toadlets were smaller but had a higher body condition index than in the single-species treatment. These results indicate high intraspecific competition in B. viridis and competitive inferiority of B. bufo to B. viridis under the experimental conditions.