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Frog eat frog: exploring variables influencing anurophagy.

G John Measey1, Giovanni Vimercati1, F André de Villiers1

  • 1Centre for Invasion Biology, Department of Botany & Zoology, Stellenbosch University , Stellenbosch , South Africa.

Peerj
|September 4, 2015
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Summary

Large frogs eating other frogs (anurophagy) is common, especially when invasive species inhabit diverse forest environments. This study confirms size matters but reveals other key factors influence this predatory behavior.

Keywords:
AnuraAnurophagyCannibalismHabitatInvasivePredationSize relationships

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Area of Science:

  • Ecology
  • Zoology
  • Behavioral Ecology

Background:

  • Frogs are generalist predators, frequently consuming other anurans (frogs and toads).
  • Anurophagy (frog-eating-frog) is considered significant in anuran predation dynamics.
  • A prevailing hypothesis suggests larger frog size drives anurophagy, but this remains untested.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To test the hypothesis that larger frog size increases anuran consumption.
  • To identify additional ecological factors influencing anurophagy in post-metamorphic frogs.
  • To provide insights for conservation regarding invasive anurans and native species.

Main Methods:

  • Conducted a comprehensive literature review of frog diets, analyzing 355 records.
  • Collected data on frog size, habitat, local anuran diversity, and invasiveness.
  • Employed statistical analysis, controlling for taxonomic bias (superfamily level).

Main Results:

  • Approximately 20% of reviewed frog populations exhibited anuran prey in their diet.
  • Ranid and pipid families showed a higher incidence of anurophagy.
  • A model incorporating frog size, invasiveness, habitat (forests), and anuran diversity best explained the data.

Conclusions:

  • The size hypothesis for anurophagy is supported, but not solely determinative.
  • Invasive status, forest habitats, and high local anuran diversity significantly increase anurophagy.
  • Findings highlight potential risks of invasive frogs to vulnerable native anuran populations.