Amazonian poison frog: population differences without influence on habitat selection

Understanding intraspecific variation in habitat selection of polytypic species, where different variants occur in different populations, can improve knowledge of population-specific selection pressures. This knowledge can also provide useful information in the context of conservation measures. An international research team involving Vetmeduni Vienna has now investigated the differences in habitat selection in six populations of the dyer's poison frog (Dendrobates tinctorius).

Foto: Bibiana Rojas/Vetmeduni

The dyeing poison frog is an aposematic (warningly coloured, toxix) species in which individuals from different populations look very different (coloration, body size, etc.). For their study, the researchers recorded the locations and associated habitat of the frogs in each population and systematically assessed the available habitat. Study lead author Bibiana Rojas from the Konrad Lorenz Institute of Ecology at Vetmeduni (KLIVV) explains: “We hypothesized that habitat selection differs between populations with different variants. We assumed that larger frogs are less dependent on moisture-retaining habitat structure, e.g. fallen trees and dead wood. Second, we hypothesized differences between human-disturbed and largely undisturbed areas, assuming that frogs in disturbed areas are more dependent on structural diversity and water bodies. We also predicted differences between males and females, with stronger differences in habitat selection in populations with more pronounced sexual size dimorphism.”

Researchers identify strong general patterns of habitat selection

Contrary to these assumptions, the research team found only slight differences in habitat selection between populations or between human-influenced and untouched areas. In general, however, frogs of all populations relied on fallen trees, dead wood and small water sources. In addition, males tended to be closer to water (to which they transport newly hatched tadpoles) and females closer to dead wood, where they often lay their eggs.

Important new information for future conservation measures

Taken together, the results suggest that habitat selection in aposematic species may be constant across populations, possibly due to reduced susceptibility to localized risks from predators. Study co-author Lia Schlippe Justicia from KLIVV emphasizes the importance of the research: “Our study is the first to investigate the habitat selection of D. tinctorius across a large part of its range, including human-influenced sites. As it is a polytypic species (individuals from different populations have different appearances), understanding whether different population variants have different habitat requirements is crucial for effective conservation planning and prioritization. Our results provide important baseline data on the habitat requirements of this fascinating species, which may be important for efficient conservation measures in the future.”

The article „Phenotypic divergence across populations does not affect habitat selection in an Amazonian poison frog“ von Martin Mayer, Lia Schlippe Justicia and Bibiana Rojas was published in „Global Ecology and Conservation“ .

Scientifc article

Scientific contact:
Ass.-Prof. PhD. Bibiana Rojas
Konrad-Lorenz-Institut für Vergleichende Verhaltensforschung
Veterinärmedizinische Universität Wien (Vetmeduni)
Bibiana.Rojas@Vetmeduni.ac.at

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