Seasonal activity patterns of the frog, Crinia signifera (Anura: Myobatrachidae), in southern Tasmania, Australia

Abstract

We investigated the seasonal adaptations of the myobatrachid frog Girard, 1863 in a commercial forest in sourhernTasmania, Australia. Seasonal variation in activity patterns, body size and body condition was investigated. Although C does not hibernate over winter, activity levels arc much reduced during this time. Females trapped in summer were smaller than those captured throughout the remainder of the year. We interpreted seasonal variation in the condition of captured frogs as an indication that breeding in spring and early summer is metabolically costly and fat stores are replenished by extensive foraging in summer. Fat stores accumulated in summer and autumn by males are llsed for body maintenance over winter and breeding in the following spring.