Call repertoire of Ptychadena uzungwensis (Anura: Ptychadenidae) to complement molecular and morphological identification of the species from the Soutpansberg, South Africa.

ABSTRACT

The identity of adults and tadpoles of Ptychadena uzungwensis from the Soutpansberg range in northern South Africa was confirmed using a combination of morphological characters and molecular analysis. Detailed vocalisation analysis was made and used to complement existing species identification methods. This study confirms the presence of P. uzungwensis in South Africa. Sound recordings obtained by way of directional manual recordings were used to analyse call structure and call type while Passive Acoustic Monitoring with Song Meter® technology were used to survey circadian call patterns. Following confirmation of species identity, the detailed vocalisation analysis indicated a much more diverse repertoire than previously known. Three call types were observed with Type A consisting of two or three compressed notes; Type B consisting of a multi-note vocalisation, containing multiple pulses and notes produced in rapid succession; and Type C being a multi-note vocalisation consisting of rapidly released, randomly-spaced single notes. Detailed descriptions of call repertoires, including patterns and call types are useful for species identification and for use in comparison studies.

KEYWORDS:

• Udzungwa grass frog
• calls
• Soutpansberg
• Vhembe Biosphere
• Anuran acoustics

Acknowledgements

We thank the Molozi Trust as well as Stephen and Lana Hoffmann for providing accommodation during fieldwork; Dr Koos Steyn from the University of Venda for advice and support; and Joretha du Buisson for creating Figure 1. This work is based on the research supported by a SANBI FBIP grant through the National Research Foundation of South Africa (Grant Numbers: 120782). Opinions, findings and conclusions in this paper are those of the authors. The NRF accepts no liability in this regard.