The chytrid fungus and its influence on anuran vocalization.

• Grant number: 23/17812-0
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: February 01, 2024
• End date: December 31, 2024
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Zoology - Applied Zoology
• Principal Investigator: Luis Felipe de Toledo Ramos Pereira
• Grantee: Letícia Lessio Cossolini
• Host Institution: Instituto de Biologia (IB). Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP). Campinas , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 22/11096-8 - From the natural history to the conservation of Brazilian amphibinas, AP.TEM

Abstract

It is well known that parasites or pathogens can affect animal behavior. This has also been verified regarding the influence of the chytrid fungus (Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis; Bd) on the vocalization of some amphibian species. However, studies in this area are still incipient. In Brazil, Dendropsophus minutus is very common, widely distributed and has a complex and extensive vocal repertoire. It is, therefore, interesting to study the effects of Bd contamination on measurable acoustic parameters. In the present study, we intend to assess whether the vocalization parameters of D. minutus are affected by Bd infection. More specifically, we will test the hypothesis that infected individuals have less complex vocalization, higher-pitched or shorter calls, and are less attractive. In addition, we will also test whether the infection load is also affecting these parameters, where individuals with higher loads would have less complex, shorter and higher-pitched call than those with lower loads.