Advertisement calls of Bufo debilis and B. punctatus were analyzed to determine if variation in calls was correlated with body size and temperature. Advertisement call variables (frequency, pulse rate or call duration) were not significantly correlated with male snout-vent length in either species. All three call variables, as well as call rate, were significantly correlated with body temperature in B. punctatus; analysis of temperature-induced variation was not possible for B. debilis. Observations revealed that males of neither species employ satellite or active-searching strategies to locate females in choruses. To initiate amplexus a female approaches a calling male and the male continues to vocalize until the female makes physical contact. These results are discussed in relation to previous work with bufonids.
The Journal of Herpetology publishes original research articles on the biology of amphibians and reptiles, with emphasis on behavior, conservation, ecology, evolution, morphology, physiology, and systematics. The purpose of the Journal is to increase knowledge about amphibians and reptiles and promote communication among herpetologists and other biologists interested in amphibians and reptiles.
The Society for the Study of Amphibians and Reptiles (SSAR) is a not-for-profit organization established to advance research, conservation, and education concerning amphibians and reptiles. It was founded in 1958 and is currently the largest international herpetological society. The Society meets annually, usually in joint venues with other herpetological societies. Members receive the Society's primary research publication, the Journal of Herpetology, and its news-journal, Herpetological Review. SSAR also publishes book length monographs, facsimiles, and a catalogue of American reptiles and amphibians. Grant programs support student research. Conservation and Education committees have extensive outreach components. In order to promote publication of research on amphibians and reptiles, the SSAR has an editorial assistance program for herpetologists who do not have English as their first language.
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