Abstract
We studied the mating system of a population of western spadefoot toads Pelobates cultripes for a single season. The breeding season lasted 35 days, during which there were four periods of arrival at the breeding pond. Only males arrived at the breeding site in the first peak; additional males and females arrived in subsequent peaks. Minimum temperature and rainfall influenced activity, and maximum temperature was correlated with recruitment and total number of toads that remained in the pond. The breeding sex ratio was slightly male-biased (1.15:1), whereas average operational sex ratio was more strongly male-biased (average 2.97:1). Males migrating early to the breeding pond were larger than males that migrated late. Males remained in the pond longer than females, and fighting between males was observed
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
