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Spatial ecology of the invasive Asian common toad in Madagascar and its implications for invasion dynamics. Sci Rep 2023; 13:3526. [PMID: 36864075 PMCID: PMC9981762 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-29467-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Invasion dynamics are determined, among other aspects, by the spatial behaviour of invasive populations. The invasive toad Duttaphrynus melanostictus is spreading inland from the eastern coast of Madagascar, causing considerable ecological impacts. Understanding the basic factors determining the spread dynamics can inform management strategies and provide insights into spatial evolutionary processes. We radio-tracked 91 adult toads in three localities along the invasion gradient to determine whether spatial sorting of dispersive phenotypes is occurring, and investigate intrinsic and extrinsic determinants of spatial behaviour. Overall, toads in our study appeared as habitat generalists, and their sheltering behaviour was tied to water proximity, with toads changing shelter more frequently closer to waterbodies. Toads showed low displacement rates (mean = 4.12 m/day) and quite a philopatric behaviour but were able to perform daily movements of over 50 m. We did not detect any spatial sorting of dispersal-relevant traits nor sex- or size-biased dispersal. Our results suggest that toads are more likely to expand their range during the wet season, and that the range expansion is probably dominated by short-distance dispersal at this stage of the invasion, although a future increase in invasion speed is expected, due to the capacity for long-distance movements of this species.
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2
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Does Exposure to Predator Cues Influence Movement Behavior of Postmetamorphic Juvenile Rana aurora? J HERPETOL 2022. [DOI: 10.1670/21-035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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3
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Hudel L, Kappeler PM. Sex-specific movement ecology of the shortest-lived tetrapod during the mating season. Sci Rep 2022; 12:10053. [PMID: 35710848 PMCID: PMC9203456 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-14156-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2021] [Accepted: 06/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Sex-specific reproductive strategies are shaped by the distribution of potential mates in space and time. Labord’s chameleon (Furcifer labordi) from southwestern Madagascar is the shortest-lived tetrapod whose life-time mating opportunities are restricted to a few weeks. Given that these chameleons grow to sexual maturity within about three months and that all individuals die soon after breeding, their mating strategies should be adapted to these temporal constraints. The reproductive tactics of this or any other Malagasy chameleon species have not been studied, however. Radio-tracking and observations of 21 females and 18 males revealed that females exhibit high site fidelity, move small cumulative and linear distances, have low corresponding dispersal ratios and small occurrence distributions. In contrast, males moved larger distances in less predictable fashion, resulting in dispersal ratios and occurrence distributions 7–14 times larger than those of females, and males also had greater ranges of their vertical distribution. Despite synchronous hatching, males exhibited substantial inter-individual variation in body mass and snout-vent length that was significantly greater than in females, but apparently unrelated to their spatial tactics. Females mated with up to 6 individually-known mates, but frequent encounters with unmarked individuals indicate that much higher number of matings may be common, as are damaging fights among males. Thus, unlike perennial chameleons, F. labordi males do not seem to maintain and defend territories. Instead, they invest vastly more time and energy into locomotion for their body size than other species. Pronounced variation in key somatic traits may hint at the existence of alternative reproductive tactics, but its causes and consequences require further study. This first preliminary study of the mating system of a Malagasy chameleon indicates that, as in other semelparous tetrapods, accelerated life histories are tied to a mating system with intense contest and scramble competition among males.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lennart Hudel
- Department of Sociobiology/Anthropology, University of Göttingen, Kellnerweg 6, 37077, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Peter M Kappeler
- Department of Sociobiology/Anthropology, University of Göttingen, Kellnerweg 6, 37077, Göttingen, Germany. .,Behavioral Ecology Unit, German Primate Center, Leibniz Institute of Primate Biology, Kellnerweg 4, 37077, Göttingen, Germany.
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Thompson CM, Sweeney MR, Popescu VD. Carryover effects of pesticide exposure and pond drying on performance, behavior, and sex ratios in a pool breeding amphibian. J Zool (1987) 2022. [DOI: 10.1111/jzo.12975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- C. M. Thompson
- Department of Biological Sciences Ohio University Athens OH USA
| | - M. R. Sweeney
- Department of Biological Sciences Ohio University Athens OH USA
| | - V. D. Popescu
- Department of Biological Sciences Ohio University Athens OH USA
- Center for Environmental Research University of Bucharest Bucharest Romania
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Kruger N, Measey J, Vimercati G, Herrel A, Secondi J. Does the spatial sorting of dispersal traits affect the phenotype of the non-dispersing stages of the invasive frog Xenopus laevis through coupling? Biol J Linn Soc Lond 2020. [DOI: 10.1093/biolinnean/blaa191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Abstract
In amphibians, spatial sorting progressively enhances the dispersal capacities of dispersing stages in expanding populations but may enhance or limit the performance of the earlier non-dispersing stages. Phenotypic traits of non-dispersing tadpoles and metamorphs can be coupled, through carry-over effects and trade-offs, or decoupled to dispersal traits in adults. We used the globally invasive amphibian, Xenopus laevis, to examine whether spatial sorting of adult phenotypes affects the phenotype of larval stages to metamorphosis in the core and at the periphery of an invasive population in France. We combined common garden laboratory and outdoor experiments to test the effect of parental pond location (core or periphery) on morphology, development and survival to metamorphosis and found no differences between tadpoles. After metamorphosis, the only difference observed in either of the experiments was the larger body size of metamorphs from the periphery, and then only when reared in the laboratory. Differences in metamorph size may indicate that a shift of dispersal traits occur after metamorphosis in X. laevis. Thus, our findings illustrate that decoupled evolution through spatial sorting can lead to changes of X. laevis adult phenotypes that would enhance dispersal without affecting the phenotype of tadpoles before metamorphosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natasha Kruger
- Univ Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS, ENTPE, UMR 5023 LEHNA, Villeurbanne, France
- Centre for Invasion Biology, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
| | - John Measey
- Centre for Invasion Biology, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
| | | | - Anthony Herrel
- UMR 7179 Département Adaptation du Vivant, Centre National de la Recherche, Muséum national d’Histoire naturelle, Paris, France
| | - Jean Secondi
- Univ Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS, ENTPE, UMR 5023 LEHNA, Villeurbanne, France
- Faculté des Sciences, Université d’Angers, Angers, France
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Ruthsatz K, Dausmann KH, Reinhardt S, Robinson T, Sabatino NM, Peck MA, Glos J. Post-metamorphic carry-over effects of altered thyroid hormone level and developmental temperature: physiological plasticity and body condition at two life stages in Rana temporaria. J Comp Physiol B 2020; 190:297-315. [PMID: 32144506 DOI: 10.1007/s00360-020-01271-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2019] [Revised: 02/03/2020] [Accepted: 02/15/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Environmental stress induced by natural and anthropogenic processes including climate change may threaten the productivity of species and persistence of populations. Ectotherms can potentially cope with stressful conditions such as extremes in temperature by exhibiting physiological plasticity. Amphibian larvae experiencing stressful environments display altered thyroid hormone (TH) status with potential implications for physiological traits and acclimation capacity. We investigated how developmental temperature (Tdev) and altered TH levels (simulating proximate effects of environmental stress) influence the standard metabolic rate (SMR), body condition (BC), and thermal tolerance in metamorphic and post-metamorphic anuran larvae of the common frog (Rana temporaria) reared at five constant temperatures (14-28 °C). At metamorphosis, larvae that developed at higher temperatures had higher maximum thermal limits but narrower ranges in thermal tolerance. Mean CTmax was 37.63 °C ± 0.14 (low TH), 36.49 °C ± 0.31 (control), and 36.43 °C ± 0.68 (high TH) in larvae acclimated to different temperatures. Larvae were able to acclimate to higher Tdev by adjusting their thermal tolerance, but not their SMR, and this effect was not impaired by altered TH levels. BC was reduced by 80% (metamorphic) and by 85% (post-metamorphic) at highest Tdev. The effect of stressful larval conditions (i.e., different developmental temperatures and, to some extent, altered TH levels) on SMR and particularly on BC at the onset of metamorphosis was carried over to froglets at the end of metamorphic climax. This has far reaching consequences, since body condition at metamorphosis is known to determine metamorphic success and, thus, is indirectly linked to individual fitness in later life stages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharina Ruthsatz
- Institute for Zoology, University of Hamburg, Martin-Luther-King-Platz 3, 20146, Hamburg, Germany.
| | - Kathrin H Dausmann
- Institute for Zoology, University of Hamburg, Martin-Luther-King-Platz 3, 20146, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Steffen Reinhardt
- Institute for Zoology, University of Hamburg, Martin-Luther-King-Platz 3, 20146, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Tom Robinson
- Institute for Zoology, University of Hamburg, Martin-Luther-King-Platz 3, 20146, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Nikita M Sabatino
- Department of Life Sciences, Hamburg University of Applied Sciences, Ulmenliet 20, 21033, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Myron A Peck
- Institute of Hydrobiology and Fisheries Science, University of Hamburg, Olbersweg 24, 22767, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Julian Glos
- Institute for Zoology, University of Hamburg, Martin-Luther-King-Platz 3, 20146, Hamburg, Germany
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Cayuela H, Valenzuela-Sánchez A, Teulier L, Martínez-Solano Í, Léna JP, Merilä J, Muths E, Shine R, Quay L, Denoël M, Clobert J, Schmidt BR. Determinants and Consequences of Dispersal in Vertebrates with Complex Life Cycles: A Review of Pond-Breeding Amphibians. QUARTERLY REVIEW OF BIOLOGY 2020. [DOI: 10.1086/707862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
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8
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Bredeweg EM, Urbina J, Morzillo AT, Garcia TS. Starting on the Right Foot: Carryover Effects of Larval Hydroperiod and Terrain Moisture on Post-metamorphic Frog Movement Behavior. Front Ecol Evol 2019. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2019.00097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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Bredeweg EM, Morzillo AT, Thurman LL, Garcia TS. The integrative effects of behavior and morphology on amphibian movement. Ecol Evol 2019; 9:1278-1288. [PMID: 30805159 PMCID: PMC6374665 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.4837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2018] [Revised: 10/25/2018] [Accepted: 11/25/2018] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Animal movement and dispersal are key factors in population dynamics and support complex ecosystem processes like cross-boundary subsidies. Juvenile dispersal is an important mechanism for many species and often involves navigation in unfamiliar habitats. For species that metamorphose, such as amphibians, this transition from aquatic to terrestrial environments involves the growth and use of new morphological traits (e.g., legs). These traits strongly impact the fundamental ability of an organism to move in novel landscapes, but innate behaviors can regulate choices that result in the realized movements expressed. By assessing the integrative role of morphology and behavior, we can improve our understanding of juvenile movement, particularly in understudied organisms like amphibians. We assessed the roles of morphological (snout-vent length and relative leg length) and performance (maximal jump distance) traits in shaping the free movement paths, measured through fluorescent powder tracking, in three anuran species, Pacific treefrog (Hyliola regilla), Western toad (Anaxyrus boreas), and Cascades frog (Rana cascadae). We standardized the measurement of these traits to compare the relative role of species' innate differences versus physical traits in shaping movement. Innate differences, captured by species identity, were the most significant factor influencing movement paths via total movement distance and path sinuosity. Relative leg length was an important contributor but significantly interacted with species identity. Maximal jump performance, which was significantly predicted by morphological traits, was not an important factor in movement behavior relative to species identity. The importance of species identity and associated behavioral differences in realized movement provide evidence for inherent species differences being central to the dispersal and movement of these species. This behavior may stem from niche partitioning of these sympatric species, yet it also calls into question assumptions generalizing anuran movement behavior. These species-level effects are important in framing differences as past research is applied in management planning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evan M. Bredeweg
- Department of Fisheries and WildlifeOregon State UniversityCorvallisOregon
| | - Anita T. Morzillo
- Department of Natural Resources & the EnvironmentUniversity of ConnecticutStorrsConnecticut
| | - Lindsey L. Thurman
- Department of Fisheries and WildlifeOregon State UniversityCorvallisOregon
- Northern Rocky Mountain Science CenterU.S. Geological SurveyBozemanMontana
| | - Tiffany S. Garcia
- Department of Fisheries and WildlifeOregon State UniversityCorvallisOregon
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Ogurtsov SV, Antipov VA, Permyakov MG. Sex differences in exploratory behaviour of the common toad, Bufo bufo. ETHOL ECOL EVOL 2018. [DOI: 10.1080/03949370.2018.1459864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Sergei V. Ogurtsov
- Department of Vertebrate Zoology, Faculty of Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Leninskie Gory d. 1, k. 12, Moscow 119234, Russia
| | - Vladislav A. Antipov
- Department of Vertebrate Zoology, Faculty of Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Leninskie Gory d. 1, k. 12, Moscow 119234, Russia
| | - Mikhail G. Permyakov
- Department of Vertebrate Zoology, Faculty of Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Leninskie Gory d. 1, k. 12, Moscow 119234, Russia
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