Assessment of the calling detection probability throughout the day of two invasive populations of bullfrog (Lithobates catesbeianus) in Uruguay

Abstract

Bullfrog invasion is a major conservation concern in South America, so there is an urgent need to detect and monitor its many invasion foci. Amphibian sampling methods commonly use calling display, specifically the nuptial calls of males. With the aim of obtaining the better day period to sample and monitor Lithobates catesbeianus presence, we recorded its calls at three ponds in two invaded localities in Uruguay (Aceguá, Cerro Largo, and San Carlos, Maldonado) during the reproductive season. Then, we studied the records, obtaining a subsample of calling intensity at the first 5 minutes for each hour. We detected that vocalization intensity remained almost constant between 20:00 and 05:00 h. Detection probability remained high and constant during this period, and then decreased. Therefore, bullfrog displays a constant calling activity during the nights of its reproductive period, even longer than native anurans. This long calling period facilitates its detection during nocturnal sampling.