Aspectos da história natural de Frostius pernambucensis Bokermann, 1962 (Amphibia, Anura, Bufonidae), em um remanescente de mata atlântica no Nordeste do Brasil

Abstract

Frostius pernambucensis Bokermann 1962 is a bufonidae belonging to the Frostius Cannatella 1986 genus, an endemic Northeastern Atlantic Rainforest genus. The type locality for this species is the Dois Irmãos State Park, where it was recently documented, 50 years after the last registry. In this context, the present study aims to describe F. pernambucensis reproductive and behavioral aspects in its type locality, as well as model potential areas for its geographic distribution. Observations were carried out in an environmental conservation area, the Dois Irmãos State Park (Northeastern Brazil), with both diurnal and nocturnal observations, from October 2014 to April 2017, in nine ten-consecutive-day campaigns. The maximum entropy algorithm (MaxEnt) was used for ecological niche modeling, applying established points of occurrence and environmental variables. A total of 17 F. pernambucensis individuals were recorded. These specimens used leaves, termites and bromeliads in a mature forest area as advertisement site substrates. Oviposition and parental care sites were phyotelma established in tree trunks (n = 03). The advertisement call is harmonic, composed of multi-pulsed notes, with a dominant frequency ranging from 2.17 to 2.62 kHz. Acoustic parameters seem to have been influenced by abiotic factors, snout-cloacal length and the mass of the vocalizing male, indicating individual recognition. Recorded defense behavior comprised a ventral area display, stiffening and arching the front and back limbs forward, with eyes half-open, standing still for a few seconds (60 to 90 seconds). During parental care, the male presented defense, guard, offspring investigation and vocalization behaviors. The ecological niche model generated for the F. pernambucensis extended its geographic distribution area, with a potential occurrence area in Atlantic Rainforest ecosystems in the state of Rio Grande do Norte. The species is currently recorded in some Atlantic Rainforest fragments in the states of Pernambuco, Paraíba, Alagoas, Sergipe and Bahia. The data provided herein will serve as basis for monitoring and conservation strategies of a species considered vulnerable in the state of Pernambuco.