Presentation Details
| The Signal Ecology of Anuran Communication Networks in Tropical Forests Katherine González1, 2, Ximena E.Bernal1, 2. 1Department of Biological Sciences, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA.2Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Balboa, Panama, Panama |
Abstract
The vertical heterogeneity of tropical forests can shape both how acoustic signals are transmitted and the risk of exploitation by eavesdropping enemies. Here, we examined how signaling height influences acoustic communication in anurans by experimentally testing signal transmission in a Neotropical frog community. We broadcast the mating calls of 24 species of frogs in the understory and canopy to quantify excess attenuation, degradation, and reverberation. We then focused on two treefrogs (Boana rosenbergi and Scinax boulengeri) that naturally call from different heights to measure the diversity and abundance of eavesdropping flies attracted to their calls at both heights. In all our species, transmission efficiency was lower in the canopy than in the understory, regardless of natural calling height. Although both treefrogs showed higher transmission efficiency in the understory, calls broadcast at this height attracted more flies, suggesting increased eavesdropper risk. This study reveals that vertical microhabitats mediate a tradeoff between signal propagation and eavesdropper attraction, highlighting signaling height as a key ecological factor shaping acoustic communication.
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No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the author.
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