- Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas
Oficina B410-45
Edificio Orlando Sierra Hernández, bloque B
Universidad de Caldas
Calle 65 # 26 – 10, Manizales (Caldas, Colombia)
webpage: www.paulgutierrez.org
- www.paulgutierrez.orgedit
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Vocalizations are one of the most important communication modalities in amphibian biology, and advertisement call is the type of vocalization mostly emitted by anurans (frogs and toads). In the present study, we carried out a... more
Vocalizations are one of the most important communication modalities in amphibian biology, and advertisement call is the type of vocalization mostly emitted by anurans (frogs and toads). In the present study, we carried out a scientometric analysis of the advertisement call in species of anurans in Colombia to determine the state of knowledge of this science in the country. We recorded the number of call descriptions and its trend throughout more than 60 years; in addition, we identified how many species there are with the call described per taxonomic family, geographic units and threat status. According to our review, between 1958 and June 30 of 2021, at least 296 studies have been published that describe the advertisement call of 307 species (of 785 in the country); only 130 descriptions come from recordings to individuals in Colombian populations. Leptodactylidae and Hylidae are the families with the highest percentage of species whose call has been described (84.6% and 68.4%, respectively). On the contrary, Bufonidae (19.5%) and Craugastoridae (12.9%) exhibit a low percentage of described calls. The Central and Eastern cordilleras were the regions with the best knowledge of advertisement calls, while the least known were the Caribbean – interAndean valleys, Orinoquía, and Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta. In terms of the threat status, the species with the least concern (LC) were the ones that presented the highest number of species with the call described. Despite an increase in the most recent two decades, our findings still reveal notable gaps in knowledge of the advertisement calls in Colombian anurans, which constitutes an incentive to develop future research on this subject. Finally, based on this meta-analysis, we highlight some recommendations that we hope that we hope stimulate new studies in ecoacoustics, using anurans in Colombia as a study model.
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The Neotropical Yellow-Headed Gecko Gonatodes albogularis commonly use cavities in the trees as a microhabitat for egg-laying. Here, we present the first record of this species in Colombia using the tank bromeliad Tillandsia elongata as... more
The Neotropical Yellow-Headed Gecko Gonatodes albogularis commonly use cavities in the trees as a microhabitat for egg-laying. Here, we present the first record of this species in Colombia using the tank bromeliad Tillandsia elongata as nesting sites, along with the occurrence of communal egg-laying in that microhabitat.
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To date, the diet of the frog Pristimantis labiosus is not known. We analysed the feeding habits of adults and juveniles of this species and evaluated whether dietary shift was related to variation in body and/or mouth size. Diet was... more
To date, the diet of the frog Pristimantis labiosus is not known. We analysed the feeding habits of adults and juveniles of this species and evaluated whether dietary shift was related to variation in body and/or mouth size. Diet was analysed in terms of number, volume and frequency of occurrence of items. Both length and volume of prey were correlated with snout-vent length, and mouth width to identify if there was ontogenetic shift in prey size consumption with the increase in body and head size. The diet was composed of 18 taxa of arthropods and gastropods distributed in 217 items. Adult frogs consumed a greater number of food items (N = 139) than juveniles (N = 78), and the two age-classes consumed a similar array of prey taxa. The most frequent prey in adults was Formicidae (60%), whereas in juveniles the most frequent prey taxa were Diptera and Hemiptera (13% each). Adults had a broader trophic niche (0.57) than juveniles (0.08) with a relatively low trophic overlap among them (0.39). Although we found differences in body size and in mouth width between the two age-classes, we did not observe a corresponding ontogenetic shift in prey size consumption with the increase of morphological variables. Based on these results, P. labiosus is considered opportunistic widely-foraging predator, consuming any type of prey available in the environment.
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To date, the diet of the frog Pristimantis labiosus is not known. We analysed the feeding habits of adults and juveniles of this species and evaluated whether dietary shift was related to variation in body and/or mouth size. Diet was... more
To date, the diet of the frog Pristimantis labiosus is not known. We analysed the feeding habits of adults and juveniles of this species and evaluated whether dietary shift was related to variation in body and/or mouth size. Diet was analysed in terms of number, volume and frequency of occurrence of items. Both length and volume of prey were correlated with snout-vent length, and mouth width to identify if there was ontogenetic shift in prey size consumption with the increase in body and head size. The diet was composed of 18 taxa of arthropods and gastropods distributed in 217 items. Adult frogs consumed a greater number of food items (N = 139) than juveniles (N = 78), and the two age-classes consumed a similar array of prey taxa. The most frequent prey in adults was Formicidae (60%), whereas in juveniles the most frequent prey taxa were Diptera and Hemiptera (13% each). Adults had a broader trophic niche (0.57) than juveniles (0.08) with a relatively low trophic overlap among them (0.39). Although we found differences in body size and in mouth width between the two age-classes, we did not observe a corresponding ontogenetic shift in prey size consumption with the increase of morphological variables. Based on these results, P. labiosus is considered opportunistic widely-foraging predator, consuming any type of prey available in the environment.
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Based on recent records, published data, and review of specimens deposited in scientific collections, we present an updated map of the geographic distribution of Diploglossus monotropis in Colombia. Our data show that this species has a... more
Based on recent records, published data, and review of specimens deposited in scientific collections, we present an updated map of the geographic distribution of Diploglossus monotropis in Colombia. Our data show that this species has a wide geographical distribution, including the Pacific versant of the Cordillera Occidental, the inter-Andean valley of the Magdalena River, and the Caribbean lowlands of northern Colombia
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Bufonidae is one of the most diverse amphibian families. Its large-scale phylogenetic relationships are relatively well understood with the exception of few Neotropical genera that may have diverged early in the evolution of the family.... more
Bufonidae is one of the most diverse amphibian families. Its large-scale phylogenetic relationships are relatively well understood with the exception of few Neotropical genera that may have diverged early in the evolution of the family. One of those genera is Andinophryne, a poorly known group of three toad species distributed in the western slopes of the Andes of northern Ecuador and southern Colombia. Their phylogenetic position is unknown due to lack of genetic data. We estimated a new phylogeny (over 200 species) of the family Bufonidae based on DNA sequences of mitochondrial and nuclear genes to assess the phylogenetic position of Andinophryne based on recently collected specimens of A. colomai and A. olallai from Ecuador and Colombia. We also examined external and internal morphology of Andinophryne to explore its congruence with the new phylogeny. The mtDNA and nuclear phylogenies show that Andinophryne is embedded within Rhaebo, a genus that belongs to a large clade characterized by the presence parotoid glands. Morphological characters confirmed the affinity of Andinophryne to Rhaebo and a close relationship between Andinophryne colomai and Andinophryne olallai. Rhaebo was paraphyletic relative to Andinophryne and to solve this problem we synonymize Andinophryne under Rhaebo. We discuss putative morphological synapomorphies for Rhaebo including Andinophryne. We provide species accounts for R. atelopoides new comb., R. colomai new comb. and R. olallai new comb. including assessments of their conservation status. We suggest that the three species are Critically Endangered. Their altitudinal distribution and association with streams are characteristic of endangered Andean amphibians.
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We examine factors that influence male mating success in the glass frog Centrolene savagei; in addition, we describe courtship behaviour, oviposition and early parental behaviour. Fieldwork was conducted in the Colombian Andes during the... more
We examine factors that influence male mating success in the glass frog Centrolene savagei; in addition, we describe courtship behaviour, oviposition and early parental behaviour. Fieldwork was conducted in the Colombian Andes during the rainy season from April 2006 to January 2011. Larger males had more chances of mating than smaller males; neither the height of calling site nor number of nights calling influenced the male mating success. Apparently, females choose males on the basis of call frequency attributes. Ours is the first study in glass frogs to report mating success skewed toward larger males. Courtship behaviour includes acoustic signals and visual displays. Additionally, we recorded an unusual routine interruption of amplexus by the male, and a synchronized behaviour between the female and male that indicates the beginning of male parental behaviour.
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Ocypode quadrata is a crab species distributed from United States of America to Brazil which is frequently found in supratidal zones of sandy beaches, where they built burrows. The counting of the number of burrows allows sample of both... more
Ocypode quadrata is a crab species distributed from United States of America to Brazil which is frequently found in supratidal zones of sandy beaches, where they built burrows. The counting of the number of burrows allows sample of both population densities and spatial distribution of individuals. To study these parameters of O. quadrata in Vila Dois Rios, southeastern Brazil, were delimited plots (3.14 m2) to distances from nearest backshore vegetation that varied from 1 to 10 m (60 plots = 188.4 m2). Burrows’ density in Vila Dois Rios was 0.67 burrows/m2 (126 burrows). The density of burrows of this species might vary influenced by local environmental factors (e.g. tides). The distances of the burrows from the vegetation and the diameter of its openings averaged 357.1 ± 272.7 cm (N = 83) and 15.1 ± 8.3 mm (N = 83), respectively. Larger burrow openings were built near the vegetation. It is possible that larger-sized individuals might exclude smaller ones from this region which may have more protection against energy of tides and flooding and a potential higher availability of food resources. Moreover, smaller-sized crabs might occupy areas near the sea due to lesser capacity of excavation than adults and/or to avoid the risk of desiccation due to their high surface/volume ratio. This study in Vila Dois Rios reinforces the occurrence of the construction of burrows near to the vegetation by larger O. quadrata.
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In many frog species, males defend a territory through direct male-to-male interactions and/or aggressive calling behaviour. We describe the site fidelity, vocalizations, aggressive interactions, and male combat behaviour of the glassfrog... more
In many frog species, males defend a territory through direct male-to-male interactions and/or aggressive calling behaviour. We describe the site fidelity, vocalizations, aggressive interactions, and male combat behaviour of the glassfrog Nymphargus grandisonae. We show high specificity of males’ calling and mating sites. We then describe the temporal and spectral differences for six types of vocalizations. We link these vocalizations to behavioural observations, describing their aggressive and reproductive contexts. Additionally, we show that combat is highly variable and includes three previously described and two unreported variations. We describe injuries resulting from combat and we report the first observation of a multiple night fight between the same two males. Our observations on site fidelity and aggression provide evidence for territoriality among males. Furthermore, our results suggest that combat behaviour in glassfrogs is more complex than previously hypothesized and that hypotheses on the evolution of combat behaviour need re-evaluation.
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The Annonaceae family is characterized by the presence of many bioactive substances from different chemical nature. Alkaloids, flavonoids and acetogenins have been characterized and reported in this family. The bioactivity of this type of... more
The Annonaceae family is characterized by the presence of many bioactive substances from different chemical nature. Alkaloids, flavonoids and acetogenins have been characterized and reported in this family. The bioactivity of this type of Annonaceae plant metabolites is associated with its effect as insecticidal, antitumoral, antibacterial, antimalarial, leishmanicidal, anthelmintical and cytotoxical properties. Since 1982, bioassays have been developed for the determination of cytotoxicity with the use of “Brine Shrimp” (Artemia salina), which is used for toxical screening of high toxicity extracts. This research aims to evaluate the toxic activity of different polarity extracts obtained from Annona cherimolioides stem bark. Column chromatography and preparative layer chromatography were applied for extraction and isolation of the alkaloids present in the Annona cherimolioides stem bark. Extracts, fractions and alkaloidal type purified compounds were tested in vivo on Artemia salina to determine cytotoxic activity. A purified compound was obtained, in which the presence of an aporphine nucleus was obtained according to nuclear magnetic resonance 1-H (NMR 1-H) and spectrophotometry. The crude extract showed higher toxicity on Artemia salina (< 250 ppm), due to the synergism of the alkaloids found in this extract and the pharmacological properties attributed to the aporphine nucleus present in extracts, fractions and purified compounds.
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A new species of tree frog of the genus Dendropsophus is described from the highlands of the Cordillera Central of the Andes, departamento de Antioquia, Colombia (06°58’50’’N, 75°08’07’’W, 1700 m a.s.l.). Dendropsophus norandinus sp. nov.... more
A new species of tree frog of the genus Dendropsophus is described from the highlands of the Cordillera Central of the Andes, departamento de Antioquia, Colombia (06°58’50’’N, 75°08’07’’W, 1700 m a.s.l.). Dendropsophus norandinus sp. nov. differs from other Andean Dendropsophus previously described by the following combination of traits: dorsal skin smooth with minute scattered tubercles; axillary membrane developed; distal subarticular tubercle of fourth finger bifid; ventral surfaces cream with variable brown markings on gula, throat, and outer region of belly; medial area of the belly immaculate; in life axilla and groin pale yellow in males and bright orange in females; toe webbing extensive [I (1–1+)– (11/2–13/4) II 1–(2–2-) III 1–(2–2-) IV (2–2-)–1 V], and tadpoles with tooth row formula of 0/2. On the basis of morphological similarities, principally between tadpoles, we tentatively assign this new species to the Dendropsophus columbianus group.
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Herein we provided detailed informaton on the diet of Physalaemus pustulosus (= Engystomops pustulosus) from Reserva Rio Manso (5.666°N, 74.77417°W; ca 220 m elev.), municipality of Norcasia, Departament of Caldas, Colombia.
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"Dado que en la actualidad existe un proceso incipiente en la generación de información sobre la ecología, historia natural y amenazas que afectan la mayor parte de los anfibios neotropicales, se realizó en Medellín el “Primer Simposio de... more
"Dado que en la actualidad existe un proceso incipiente en la generación de información sobre la ecología, historia natural y amenazas que afectan la mayor parte de los anfibios neotropicales, se realizó en Medellín el “Primer Simposio de prioridades en la conservación de anfibios ante su crisis global” en el marco del III Congreso Colombiano de Zoología, durante los días 25 y 26 de noviembre de 2010. El objetivo general de este simposio, al cual asistieron alrededor de 200 personas, y se socializaron 30 trabajos en la modalidad de presentación oral y 24 en video cartel con investigadores provenientes de 32 instituciones en 9 países, fue generar un espacio que permitiera establecer estrategias regionales y nacionales comunes para incentivar la investigación y divulgar las problemáticas que afectan las poblaciones de anfibios. Solo de esta forma se podrían tomar decisiones con fundamento científico acerca de las especies y hábitats que son prioritarios para el desarrollo de programas de conservación en Colombia.
Dentro de este marco general, los objetivos específicos fueron: Conocer e incentivar trabajos de investigación que pueden aportar herramientas para la conservación y el manejo de los anfibios en Colombia; identificar las principales prioridades para la conservación de los anfibios ante su crisis global; interactuar con colegas para establecer futuras colaboraciones e investigaciones científicas. El simposio fue dividido en presentaciones que abordaron diferentes preguntas de investigación relacionadas con diversas temáticas y factores que afectan a los anfibios. Los aspectos discutidos durante este incluyeron: conservación biológica; quitridiomicosis; fragmentación del hábitat; ecofisiología y su relación con el cambio climático; la contaminación; la ecología de poblaciones; el ruido antropogénico y otros efectos ecológicos de las carreteras; los efectos de las especies invasoras. Una vez finalizadas todas las exposiciones, se realizó una mesa redonda moderada por los corrdinadores del simposio, y en la cual participaron 70 investigadores. En la mesa se discutieron las necesidades y retos para la investigación sobre la conservación biológica de los anfibios, se identificaron diversos...do finalmente con
un análisis de los futuros retos para los herpetólogos del país. Los resultados del simposio y la identificación de los desafios y retos para la
conservación de los anfibios en Colombia se documentan en el Anexo 1 de las presentes memorias."
Dentro de este marco general, los objetivos específicos fueron: Conocer e incentivar trabajos de investigación que pueden aportar herramientas para la conservación y el manejo de los anfibios en Colombia; identificar las principales prioridades para la conservación de los anfibios ante su crisis global; interactuar con colegas para establecer futuras colaboraciones e investigaciones científicas. El simposio fue dividido en presentaciones que abordaron diferentes preguntas de investigación relacionadas con diversas temáticas y factores que afectan a los anfibios. Los aspectos discutidos durante este incluyeron: conservación biológica; quitridiomicosis; fragmentación del hábitat; ecofisiología y su relación con el cambio climático; la contaminación; la ecología de poblaciones; el ruido antropogénico y otros efectos ecológicos de las carreteras; los efectos de las especies invasoras. Una vez finalizadas todas las exposiciones, se realizó una mesa redonda moderada por los corrdinadores del simposio, y en la cual participaron 70 investigadores. En la mesa se discutieron las necesidades y retos para la investigación sobre la conservación biológica de los anfibios, se identificaron diversos...do finalmente con
un análisis de los futuros retos para los herpetólogos del país. Los resultados del simposio y la identificación de los desafios y retos para la
conservación de los anfibios en Colombia se documentan en el Anexo 1 de las presentes memorias."
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Herein we provided the first data on nest site, clutch size, and parental care in Pristimantis achatinus from a premontane humid forest in the Central Andes of Colombia.
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Herein we provided detailed informaton on the diet of Leptodactylus fragilis from Reserva Rio Manso (5.666°N, 74.77417°W; ca 220 m elev.), municipality of Norcasia, Departament of Caldas, Colombia.
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Colombia is the country with the largest richness in species of glass frogs, but there are gaps in the knowledge of many species distribution. In this article for the first time we report the first records of Centrolene quindianum,... more
Colombia is the country with the largest richness in species of glass frogs, but there are gaps in the knowledge of many species distribution. In this article for the first time we report the first records of Centrolene quindianum, Centrolene savagei, Nymphargus grandisonae and Nymphargus spilotus in the municipality of Manizales, Caldas, Colombia, based on specimens collected in the northeastern region of this municipality, on the western flank of the Colombian Cordillera Central. The report of C. quindianum represents the first record for the department of Caldas, filling a distributional hiatus between its nearest locations.
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We describe a new species of the Anolis aequatorialis group from the central Andes of Colombia. The new species, Anolis anoriensis, is similar to A. eulaemus Boulenger, which occurs in both the western and central Andes, and was... more
We describe a new species of the Anolis aequatorialis group from the central Andes of Colombia. The new species, Anolis anoriensis, is similar to A. eulaemus Boulenger, which occurs in both the western and central Andes, and was positioned in the eulaemus subgroup of the aequatorialis group. Anolis anoriensis differs from A. eulaemus in having smaller interparietal scales and a green body coloration with a darker anterior part of the dewlap. We also for the first time describe the coloration of Anolis eulaemus, which is almost exclusively brown with a diffused light brown dewlap.
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We discovered the nematode parasite, Cosmocerca parva, in C. fraterdanieli; this is the first record of this nematode species in Colombia and C. fraterdanieli is a novel host of C. parva.
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Pristimantis repens (LYNCH, 1984), was described from Volcán Gáleras (the type locality) and adjacent localities above 3150 m of altitude, in the Department of Nariño, Colombia (LYNCH 1984, 2004). LYNCH & SUÁREZ-MAYORGA (2002), based only... more
Pristimantis repens (LYNCH, 1984), was described from Volcán Gáleras (the type locality) and adjacent localities above 3150 m of altitude, in the Department of Nariño, Colombia (LYNCH 1984, 2004). LYNCH & SUÁREZ-MAYORGA (2002), based only on the data presented by LYNCH (1984), classified P. repens as an endemic species to the Páramo ecosystem in Colombia, an environment above 3200 m to 4100 m, dominated by forests of Polylepis, shrubs of Asteraceae and Ericaceae, stem-rosettes (“frailejones”) of Espeletia, and thussocks of Calamagrostis (“pajonales”) (RANGEL-CH. 2000). At the moment of this classification, the species was known from localities that, according to CUATRECASAS (1958) and RANGEL-CH. (2000), fall within the Páramo ecosystem. In 2006, we reported a new locality for P. repens located 60 km NE of Volcán Gáleras in the Reserva Natural Santa Helena (ca. 01º31’N, 76º56’W; ca. 3278 m elevation), Corregimiento La Estancia, La Cruz municipality, Nariño Department (ROJAS-RIVERA 2006; ROJAS-R. & GUTIÉRREZ-C. 2006). While this elevation should correspond to typical Páramo habitat, sensu CUATRECASAS (1958) and RANGEL-CH. (2000), a floristic study in Santa Helena (MUNAR et al. 2004) showed that the predominant vegetation there does not correspond to Páramo; on the contrary, the area supports trees such as Ocotea, Oreopanax and Weinmannia (especially W. mariquitae) more characteristic of high Andean forests (RANGEL-CH. 2000). Consequently, we consider that P. repens is not a species restricted to the páramo ecosystems because it also occurs in plant associations of high-Andean forest.
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In this study we recorded the use of sleeping site by Anolis “anoriensis” and Anolis mariarum in two study sites located in the montane forest of the extreme northern of Cordillera Central, Colombia. We also tested the occurrence of... more
In this study we recorded the use of sleeping site by Anolis “anoriensis” and Anolis mariarum in two study sites located in the montane forest of the extreme northern of Cordillera Central, Colombia. We also tested the occurrence of spatial segregation between the two species. Furthermore, we estimated perch availability in both study sites. Anolis mariarum slept more frequently on shrubs (51%) than other kinds of perches (ferns, herbs, trees), but did so in proportion to their availability. Anolis “anoriensis” used different kinds of perches in each site, depending on the presence/absence of A. mariarum. Such variation in response to shrubs as sleeping perches by A. “anoriensis” suggests the existence of competition between the species when they are in syntopy.
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On 26-27 October 2005 were captured two individuals of the lizard L. southi at the Hacienda Santa Bárbara (ca. 06°32’N / 74º38’W, between 515-575 m above sea level), vereda Las Brisas, Maceo municipality, Department of Antioquia. Both... more
On 26-27 October 2005 were captured two individuals of the lizard L. southi at the Hacienda Santa Bárbara (ca. 06°32’N / 74º38’W, between 515-575 m above sea level), vereda Las Brisas, Maceo municipality, Department of Antioquia. Both specimens were collected on litterfall in the morning, inside secondary forest. These lizards represent the first documented records of L. southi from the Department of Antioquia and the Cordillera Central of Colombia and extend the known geographic distribution from Bahía Solano municipality, Department of Chocó ca. 270 km toward the northeast of the country.
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During a herpetological survey carried out in the Magdalena River valley in October 2005, was found an individual of the poorly-know glassfrog Cochranella punctulata RUIZ-CARRANZA & LYNCH, 1995) at Hacienda Santa Bárbara (ca. 06º32’N /... more
During a herpetological survey carried out in the Magdalena River valley in October 2005, was found an individual of the poorly-know glassfrog Cochranella punctulata RUIZ-CARRANZA & LYNCH, 1995) at Hacienda Santa Bárbara (ca. 06º32’N / 74º38’W, between 515-575 m above sea level), vereda Las Brisas, Maceo municipality, Department of Antioquia. This location is ca 70 km northeast of the nearest known record of this species (vereda La Granja, Cocorná municipality, Department of Antioquia, 06º3’N / 75º11’W, 900-930 m a.s.l; RUIZ-CARRANZA & LYNCH 1995).
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During a field trip in November 2005 to the pacific coast of western Chocó, three specimens of Bolitoglossa medemi were collected. The exact locality is Coquí River (05º35’31” N, 77º21’13” W, 10 m a.s.l.), town of Coquí, Nuquí... more
During a field trip in November 2005 to the pacific coast of western Chocó, three specimens of Bolitoglossa medemi were collected. The exact locality is Coquí River (05º35’31” N, 77º21’13” W, 10 m a.s.l.), town of Coquí, Nuquí municipality, Department of Chocó, Colombia.
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Kin recognition behavior (based on the spatial affinity for siblings index [S]) was examined in Smilisca phaeota tadpoles injected with odorific substances (experimental tadpoles). According to the S index values obtained, these tadpoles... more
Kin recognition behavior (based on the spatial affinity for siblings index [S]) was examined in Smilisca phaeota tadpoles injected with odorific substances (experimental tadpoles). According to the S index values obtained, these tadpoles did not discriminate between relatives and nonrelatives when they were presented with unfamiliar sibling and non-sibling individuals. Since these results were similar to those obtained from control tadpoles (not exposed to odorific substances), I conclude that this species does not exhibit kin recognition behavior. Ecological factors such as the predation risks to tadpoles in the puddles where they live and their behavior are discussed as possible explanations for the results presented here.
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The first demonstration of embryonic olfactory learning in a tropical anuran was documented in the Colombian treefrog Smilisca phaeota. It was determined that Smilisca tadpoles learned to recognize a specific odor and preferred it over... more
The first demonstration of embryonic olfactory learning in a tropical anuran was documented in the Colombian treefrog Smilisca phaeota. It was determined that Smilisca tadpoles learned to recognize a specific odor and preferred it over others. Embryos were exposed to the olfactory substance (orange essence) in two different ways; first, an artificial stimulation involving injection of the substance into the egg; and second, a “natural” exposure mixing the odor in the water surrounding the developing embryo. Learning capacity was evaluated in an aquarium where two olfactory stimuli were presented, the odor experienced as embryos and a novel odor. Olfactory influence prior to hatching simultaneously created in the individuals an avoidance behavior toward the novel odor. In this case, larvae associated preferably to neutral stimuli such as water. For each method, control embryos were exposed to saline solution and water.
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Smilisca phaeota tadpoles were exposed to four sublethal concentrations (0.1, 1.0, 10 y 100 μg/l) of chlorpyrifos insecticide, in order to test the effects on growth rate and the time spend to reach the metamorphosis. Were used 36... more
Smilisca phaeota tadpoles were exposed to four sublethal concentrations (0.1, 1.0, 10 y 100 μg/l) of chlorpyrifos insecticide, in order to test the effects on growth rate and the time spend to reach the metamorphosis. Were used 36 tadpoles (six replicates for each treatment), between the Gosner stages 25-26, which were individually placed into 100 ml glass beackers with 80 ± 3 ml of solution. For the each individual, the total length (TL) was measured at the third and eighteenth days, and at the climax of metamorphosis (stage 42). The main growth inhibition was observed at metamorphosis, with a reduction in the mean TL of 14 and 17% in the treatments with the higher insecticide concentrations, compared to the control treatment. At the third day of exposure, there was a 13.3% reduction in the size of the tadpoles exposed to the highest concentration (100 μg/l), compared to the control treatment. In contrast, at the eighteenth day of exposure, there was no significant effect on tadpole growth, for any of the treatments. Therefore, is possible that the both initial and final stages of larval development are more affected by insecticide exposure and the time to complete metamorphosis was also affected by chlorpirifos exposure. The tadpoles exposed to the two highest concentrations of insecticide took more days (mean 43 days) to reach metamorphosis.
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In 2005, during samplings carried out in the Natural Reserve Santa Helena (ca. 01º 31´N – 76º56´ W; ca. 3278 m above sea level), vereda El Paramito, corregimiento La Estancia, municipio La Cruz, Departamento Nariño, southwestern Colombia,... more
In 2005, during samplings carried out in the Natural Reserve Santa Helena (ca. 01º 31´N – 76º56´ W; ca. 3278 m above sea level), vereda El Paramito, corregimiento La Estancia, municipio La Cruz, Departamento Nariño, southwestern Colombia, four Eleutherodactylus species (E. buckleyi,E. leoni,E. repens, and E. unistrigatus) were found. Among the species collected, E. repens Lynch 1984, known only from the type locality (Volcán Galeras, between km 9-12, road to television tower, municipio Pasto, Departamento Nariño, Colombia, 3220-3300 m) was registered ca. 60 km NE from its known distribution.
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During field surveys between years 2002-2005 in the northern part of the Cordillera Central (Amalfi and Anorí municipalities, Departamento de Antioquia, Colombia), six individuals of Lepidoblepharis williamsi Ayala and Serna 1986 were... more
During field surveys between years 2002-2005 in the northern part of the Cordillera Central (Amalfi and Anorí municipalities, Departamento de Antioquia, Colombia), six individuals of Lepidoblepharis williamsi Ayala and Serna 1986 were found. These records represent a significant range extension for this species previously known only from its type locality.
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The northern Central Cordillera of the Andes in Colombia contains a diverse anuran fauna that is poorly known and highly threatened due to intensive processes that alter forests in this region. Human activity has created modified habitats... more
The northern Central Cordillera of the Andes in Colombia contains a diverse anuran fauna that is poorly known and highly threatened due to intensive processes that alter forests in this region. Human activity has created modified habitats that may differ in species composition and abundance. In a one-year study of the La Forzosa Reserve (Anorí municipality, Antioquia), differences in species richness, composition, and abundance was studied in two anuran assemblages in two premontane forests (highly impacted primary forest and tall scrub forest) that differed in vegetative structure (complexity and heterogeneity), with the less perturbed forest exhibiting more variable arboreal vegetation but more homogeneous herbaceous vegetation. Although species richness did not differ (14 species each), the less perturbed forest was more diverse with greater species evenness, while the other forest was dominated by two species (Eleutherodactylus factiosus and E. viejas). In general, the anuran fauna of the area was dominated by Eleutherodactylus and centrolenid species, a typical pattern for Andean forests, presumably due to the relative absence of lentic water bodies and presence of streams. Three niche axes were quantified (activity period and habitat and microhabitat use) by means of a pseudocommunity analysis (null model) in order to inspect for ecological segregation among the anuran species in the assemblage (irrespective of forest type). Activity periods overlapped broadly among most species, with the majority nocturnal and a few strictly diurnal (Ranitomeya opisthomelas and E. mantipus) or occasionally diurnal. With respect to habitat and microhabitat, there also was no evident spatial segregation, and the null model analysis showed no significant differences among the species, although there was a suggestion that diurnal leaf litter species and principally nocturnal perching species differed and that species confined to the forest interior were more generalists than riparian species. However, in both groups there was considerable overlap in habitat use. In conclusion, the anuran species in this assemblage appear to be using the resources quantified in this study without evidence of effects of interspecific competition for them.
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This is the first report of Anolis mariarum in the diet of Imantodes cenchoa throughout their distribution in Colombia.