Vocalisations, territoriality and aggressive interactions of the Chaco tree frog Boana raniceps

Abstract

Various types of intra and interspecific vocalisation are a primary means of communication among anuran species. In intraspecific interactions, male anurans emit calls to attract females and repel rival males. This study describes new vocalisation types for reproductively active Boana raniceps (Anura: Hylidae) and provides a commentary on aggressive intraspecific behaviour that was recorded at ten sites. In addition to advertisement calls, our findings reveal that males emit two types of aggressive call, one territorial call and one encounter call. We identified a sequence of different aggressive behaviours displayed during physical combat between two males. Our findings show that B. raniceps exhibits complex intraspecific behaviours in a reproductive context.