Abstracts » Zoology and wildlife conservation

The use of chemical cues in predator recognition by western toad tadpoles

Article Abstract:

Western toad tadpoles can differentiate between predatory and non-predatory heterospecifics with the help of chemical cues. They exhibit anti-predatory behavior in response to backswimmers, giant water bugs and common garter snakes. The responses include decreased movement, avoidance of predator compartment and increased use of shelter. However, these responses fail to occur in the presence of rainbow trout and roughskin newts, as they find these toads unpalatable.

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Behavioural responses of Mallorcan midwife toad tadpoles to natural and unnatural snake predators

Article Abstract:

A comparison of the activity levels of Mallorcan midwife toad tadpoles, Alytes muletensis, in two natural pools was conducted to determine their behavioral responses to predatory viperine snakes, Natrix maura. Reductions in activity were observed in tadpoles treated with chemical cues from the toads in a flow-through system. However, tadpoles failed to reply to chemical signs from other species of amphibian-eating snakes.

Tadpoles

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Interspecific associations in tadpoles

Article Abstract:

The effect of predation and competition pressures on aggregation behavior is investigated in tadpoles. Results show that in unpalatable species, the benefits of minimizing the probability of predation byaggregating must be weighed against the cost of increased competition. In palatable species, forming aggregations may be too risky, even if the association is with a close relative or with an unpalatable species.

Frogs, Competition (Biology)

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