CONTRACTING BEHAVIOR IN THE GIANT GLADIATOR FROG Boana boans (Hylidae) AND THE EMERALD CRYSTAL FROG Espadarana prosoblepon (Centrolenidae)

Erick Barría; Maribel Barría; Michael Roy; Rogemif Fuentes

doi:10.22201/fc.25942158e.2024.4.971

Authors

Erick Fundación los Naturalistas
Maribel Universidad de Panamá
Michael Conservation through Research Education and Action
Rogemif Fundación los Naturalistas

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.22201/fc.25942158e.2024.4.971

Keywords:

Antipredator, avoidance, defense, predator, protection, toxins

Abstract

Anurans exhibit several anti-predator behaviors, including thanatosis (also known as tonic immobility) where anurans pretend to be dead, and contracting (or shrinking). In contrast to thanatosis, contracting anurans usually remain with their eyes closed and their limbs contracted close to the body covering vital organs. If one attempts to stretch a limb from a contracted position , it pulls it back to the body after release. Here, we report for the first time, observations of contracting behavior in the Giant gladiator frog (Boana boans), and the Emerald glass frog (Espadarana prosoblepon). These records are important since they contribute towards the understanding of ecology and behavior of these species and anurans generally.

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