DISTRIBUTION AND VOCAL ACTIVITY OF THE INVASIVE FROG Eleutherodactylus johnstonei (ANURA: ELEUTHERODACTYLIDAE) IN IBAGUÉ-COLOMBIA

Abstract

Invasive species pose a significant threat to biodiversity, competing for resources and transmitting disease-causing pathogens. The frog Eleutherodactylus johnstonei, originally from the Lesser Antilles, has become an invasive species in several countries, including Colombia. This study was conducted to determine the current distribution and nocturnal vocal activity pattern of E. johnstonei in the city of Ibagué, Colombia, and its surrounding areas. Nocturnal surveys were carried out in various locations to identify its distribution. We selected six nurseries in the city to record the songs of individuals using an AudioMoth® recorder for two minutes every 10 minutes over a period of 14 continuous hours (17:00 – 7:00 h) and five days, both in the dry and rainy seasons. We also measured the climatic variables of temperature and relative humidity at these sites. We found E. johnstonei in 47 locations in Ibagué, 18 in nurseries and 29 in gardens of residential complexes, buildings or schools. Comparing these data with previous reports, we observed a significant geographic expansion of this species in Ibagué. Furthermore, we discovered that the most significant nocturnal vocal activity of E. johnstonei began at 18:00 h and decreased around 02:00 h during the rainy season, while the activity varied slightly during the dry season. The vocal activity of E. johnstonei allows for continuous monitoring of this invasive species and could be used to identify its geographic expansion and thus develop effective population control strategies.