Publication Date
Fall 2024
Abstract
Amphibians are the most threatened vertebrate class, with global populations declining at unprecedented rates, largely due to chytridiomycosis, a disease caused by chytrid fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis. Neotropical regions, particularly in Central and South America, host the highest density of amphibian species, many of which are endemic but heavily impacted by this disease. El Valle de Antón in Panama has experienced significant chytridiomycosis-related declines, yet some species, such as glass frogs (Centrolenidae), have persisted. While detailed research exists on behavior, breeding biology, habitat preference, and oviposition site selection of certain glass frog species, there is limited knowledge about Cochranella granulosa, Hyalinobatrachium tatayoi, and Sachatamia albomaculata, three species found near rivers in El Valle. This study investigated habitat and oviposition site preferences of these species to better understand their natural history and inform conservation strategies. Over the monitoring period, 158 observations were recorded, including 99 individuals, 10 amplexus events, and 49 egg clutches. Most observations were made along main river transects, indicating a preference for moderately larger, faster-moving streams. Results revealed species-specific oviposition site preferences, with S. albomaculata selecting lower heights than both other species, as well as farther locations over the stream compared to H. tatayoi, which primarily occupied areas above the bank. All species preferred smooth or waxy leaves for oviposition, though H. tatayoi exclusively laid eggs on leaf undersides, unlike C. granulosa and S. albomaculata. Dense canopy cover (>87%) was common at oviposition sites, but canopy alone was insufficient without a robust understory. These findings highlight niche differentiation and habitat preferences among coexisting glass frog species, offering insights into their ecology and resilience against threats like chytridiomycosis.
Disciplines
Life Sciences
Recommended Citation
Williams, Sienna, "Habitat and oviposition site preference of glass frogs (Anura: Centrolenidae) on Río Antón in El Valle de Antón, Coclé, Panamá" (2024). Panama: Tropical Ecology, Marine Ecosystems, and Biodiversity Conservation. 1.
https://digitalcollections.sit.edu/pne/1
