The British Herpetological Society

The Herpetological Journal is the Society's prestigious quarterly scientific journal. Articles are listed in Biological Abstracts, Current Awareness in Biological Sciences,Current Contents, Science Citation Index, and Zoological Record.

 ISSN 0268-0130

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pdf 02. The effects of cohort structure and density on larval growth and development in Alytes muletensis implications for conservation

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pp.155-161

Authors: Jerry Lea , Mandy Dyson And Tim Halliday

Abstract: The Mallorcan midwife toad (Alytes muletensis) has a very extended breeding season, and the nature of competition between larvae in the torrent pools where it breeds is likely to change across time. Larvae commonly overwinter and grow to a very large size and new hatchlings will have to compete with these overwintered larvae under varying conditions of density. The effects of density and cohort structure (i.e. the presence/absence of large overwintered tadpoles) on the growth and development of hatchling A. muletensis larvae were investigated in the laboratory using a factorial design. Large competitors, high densities and lower temperatures were all shown to suppress tadpole growth and development. Larger competitors were superior, especially the very large overwintered tadpoles. Whilst large size is advantageous, avoiding competition with overwintered tadpoles or high densities of tadpoles is probably much more important in determining size at - and timing of - metamorphosis. Because A. muletensis is an endangered species, knowledge of life history constraints can guide management of wild populations. The results are discussed in terms of potential optimal times to breed in light of the changing competitive environment.

Keywords: amphibian, anuran, competition, density effects, tadpoles

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IMPORTANT NOTE - JUNE 2020

Please note that as from Volume 31 Number 1 (January 2021) on, the Herpetological Journal will be available as an online publication only - the last print edition will be Volume 30 Number 4.   

Aligning with this change, it is now no longer possible to purchase a subscription that includes a print copy of the HJ.  All members who have existing HJ print subscriptions that remain active as at end June 2020 will receive the full four 2020 print editions.  New subscribers or renewals after this time will only have option to subscribe to the online only subscription package.  Subscription pricing has been amended to reflect the content changes.

 

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