Work

Home range and breeding ecology of Phasmahyla cruzi (Anura: Phyllomedusidae)

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Phasmahyla cruzi is an endemic treefrog species from the Brazilian Atlantic Forest for which basic natural history information is still lacking. In this study, we monitored two populations over a 12-month period in Ubatuba, São Paulo, Brazil, to investigate the species’ ecology, home range, and reproductive patterns. We used non-invasive photographic identification combined with minimum convex polygon (MCP) analysis to estimate home ranges. Based on the monthly sampling, we assessed the influence of abiotic factors (temperature and humidity) on activity patterns. We recorded 1,054 adult, 2,142 tadpole, and 22 egg clutch encounters. Males vocalized from September to April and showed territorial behaviour. Reproduction occurred through axillary amplexus, with oviposition on folded leaves suspended over streams. Mean P. cruzi estimated home range was 460 m2, with individuals in higher elevations using significantly larger areas. A positive relationship was found between humidity and both individual abundance and clutch frequency. This study presents the first detailed data on habitat use, reproduction, and spatial ecology of P. cruzi, providing essential information for conservation efforts targeting this poorly known species endemic to the Atlantic Rainforest.

Source: Acta Herpetologica

DOI: 10.36253/a_h-19377

Authors: João Bachur, Karoline Ceron, Luís Felipe Toledo, Edelcio Muscat

Institutions: Universidade Federal do Ceará, Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP)

Language: English

Topic: Amphibian and Reptile Biology

Subfield: Global and Planetary Change

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Life on land

Open Access status: diamond

Funders: Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo, Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico