Authors:

Susana Torres Gnecco

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About Paper:

Urbanization is one of the most significant threats to biodiversity and a primary source of sensory pollution. Artificial light at night (ALAN) and traffic noise affect the physiology, behavior, and reproduction of many species. Amphibians are experiencing global population declines, and previous research has shown that sensory stressors affect both female and male reproductive behaviors, but little is known about their effect on male-male interactions. We aim to determine how ALAN and anthropogenic noise affect males' phonotactic responses to acoustic stimuli. This behavior can be essential for territorial defense, breeding site selection, and reproductive success. We also aim to examine how the effects of these sensory pollutants are magnified when combined, compared to when presented individually. Eastern Gray Treefrog (Hyla versicolor) males were collected at different breeding sites in the Greater Lafayette area, IN. Phonotaxis tests consisted of recording the males' movement patterns and calling behavior in response to heterospecific and conspecific playbacks under four different treatments: control, noise (at 80dB level), ALAN (at 5 lux) and ALAN + noise. These intensities aimed to mimic real-life conditions that frogs experience as urban areas expand. We expect that the presence of stressors will increase response times and reduce the likelihood that a male approaches a caller, indicating a greater impact when the stressors are present together. This study contributes to our understanding of how sensory pollutants affect male phonotactic responses to acoustic signals and highlights potential effects of multiple stressors, resulting in beneficial information for habitat management and urban planning policies. Keywords: Sensory Pollution; Phonotaxis; Amphibian Behavior; Urbanization; Male- Male Interactions

Source:

Purdue University / 2025

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Co-authors:

Susana Torres Gnecco