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Phenotypic divergence across populations does not affect habitat selection in an Amazonian poison frog
  • Martin Mayer,
  • Lia Schlippe Justicia,
  • Bibiana Rojas
Martin Mayer
Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences - Evenstad Campus

Corresponding Author:martin.mayer@inn.no

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Lia Schlippe Justicia
Konrad Lorenz Institute of Ethology
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Bibiana Rojas
Konrad Lorenz Institute of Ethology
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Abstract

In polytypic species, where distinct variants occur in separate populations, few studies to date have quantified intraspecific differences in habitat selection. This can inform us about habitat requirements across different areas and populations, with implications for conservation, and can increase our understanding of the selective pressures acting upon different populations. Here, we investigated differences in habitat selection across six populations of the dyeing poison frog (Dendrobates tinctorius), which are characterized by great phenotypic variation among them, especially in terms of warning coloration, body size, and sexual size dimorphism. We hypothesized that habitat selection differs (1) among populations containing different variants, predicting that frogs in larger-bodied populations are less dependent on structures that retain moisture; (2) among disturbed and pristine areas, predicting frogs in disturbed areas being more reliant on structural diversity and water bodies; and (3) between males and females, predicting stronger differences in habitat selection in populations with greater sexual size dimorphism. We found little support for these hypotheses, with habitat selection being broadly similar among populations. Frogs generally selected for proximity to tree falls, dead woody material (such as fallen/rotting branches, fallen palm bracts, etc.), presence of water pools (phytotelmata and other small bodies of water), and avoided areas with extensive ground vegetation and little canopy cover. We found limited evidence for fine-scale differences in habitat selection between sexes, with males showing a comparatively stronger selection for proximity to water pools and females stronger selection for tree falls. More generally, our results suggest that in polytypic and aposematic species, habitat selection might be less influenced by intersexual niche partitioning and predation risk, and more by resource availability. Our findings provide important baseline data regarding the habitat selection and requirements of this emblematic species, which can be relevant for efficient conservation measures in the future.