Uso do micro-habitat por duas espécies de anuros sintópicas (boana leptolineata e dendropsophus minutus) no sul do Brasil

Abstract

The selection and use of micro-habitats play a crucial role in the ecology of anurans, directly influencing their reproduction, foraging, protection, and social interactions. Phylogenetically related species may share resources through mechanisms such as habitat filtering or competition for habitat and microhabitat. This study aimed to assess habitat and microhabitat use by two syntopic anuran species (Dendropsophus minutus and Boana leptolineata) in a pond located in southern Brazil. The primary research questions included: What are the main habitat and micro-habitat characteristics used by Boana leptolineata and Dendropsophus minutus? Is there microhabitat overlap or segregation between Boana leptolineata and Dendropsophus minutus? Field sampling was conducted from November 2024 to April 2025. Surveys began at twilight and lasted for approximately four hours. For each individual of Boana leptolineata and Dendropsophus minutus encountered, the following data were recorded: time of observation, whether the individual was alone or in the presence of conspecifics or heterospecifics, distance from the pond margin, height above ground, vocalization activity (presence or absence), and the type of substrate used. The two studied species exhibited broad overlap in habitat use, with only minor temporal or spatial differences. These findings suggest that temporal variation in microhabitat use by D. minutus may represent an important strategy for spatial partitioning. The coexistence of the two species occurs despite considerable overlap in the evaluated niche variables.