Predator, but not conspecific, chemical cues influence pond selection by recently metamorphosed Iberian green frogs,Rana perezi

Abstract

In amphibians, adults and larvae have different ecological requirements that could force recently metamorphosed individuals to disperse. The presence of chemical cues of conspecifics and predators could provide information about habitat quality, which might influence the juveniles’ settlement decisions. We examined in the laboratory whether pond choice by recently metamorphosed Iberian green frogs ( Rana perezi Seoane, 1885) is influenced by the presence of chemical cues from conspecifics and (or) from predators in the water. Our results suggest that frogs were able to detect the presence of chemical cues of snake predators in the water and that they avoided entering such ponds. However, frogs did not show either attraction or avoidance of ponds with conspecific chemical cues. Thus, juvenile frogs may select their postmetamorphic territories based on the lack of predation risk, and possibly on some habitat features, but not on the presence of conspecifics.