Multilevel analysis of acoustic variation in a Scinax fuscomarginatus population (Anura, Hylidae) of Central Brazil

Abstract

The vocalisations of anurans are one of their principal forms of communication and are mainly used for specific recognition involving the attraction of reproductive mates and territorial defense. In this study, we analysed the advertisement calls of 101 individuals from a population of Scinax fuscomarginatus sampled in the type locality of S. pusillus (currently under the synonymy of S. fuscomarginatus). Specifically, we investigated acoustic variation at several levels: intraindividual, interindividual, throughout the night, and across six breeding seasons by analysing temporal and spectral parameters. We identified that all parameters of the advertisement call can be used for individual recognition, with the maximum frequency having the greatest potential. We then observed that all other acoustic parameters were influenced by the predictor variables, with the exception of maximum frequency. The air temperature negatively influenced call duration, number of pulses, dominant frequency and minimum frequency; while it positively influenced pulse rate and call rate during the breeding season. Furthermore, with the exception of call duration and pulse rate, the other acoustic parameters varied significantly across the different nocturnal periods. This study provides data on the variation in S. fuscomarginatus acoustic features. Besides, we also discuss the implications of individual recognition. Studies that consider different sources of variation for the same population of a given species are uncommon, but of paramount importance for understanding the behavioural dynamics of the population. Keywords: advertisement call, behaviour, individual recognition, sexual-selection