@article {58454, title = {The distribution and calls of Vraem{\textquoteright} Treefrog, Dendropsophus vraemi (Caminer, Mil{\'a}, Jansen, Fouquet, Venegas, Ch{\'a}vez, Lougheed, and Ron 2017), with comments on its conservation status}, journal = {Amphibian \& Reptile Conservation}, volume = {15}, year = {2021}, pages = {311-317}, chapter = {311}, abstract = {

Dendropsophus vraemi is a recently described frog that is only known from the type locality, in La Mar province, Ayacucho, Peru. Here, we present new data on its geographic distribution, coloration in life, and habitat, as well as descriptions of the advertisement and aggressive calls of this species. The new localities extend the known distribution range 151 km northwest and the elevation range down to 250 m asl, which is nearly 450 m lower than previously known. Our findings are inconsistent with its current IUCN categorization of Least Concern (LC), and we suggest that this species should be categorized as Data Deficient.

}, keywords = {Amphibia, Anura, Data Deficient, Peru, South America, vocalization}, author = {Germ{\'a}n Ch{\'a}vez and Andy C. Barboza and Michelle E. Thompson} } @article {58447, title = {The Acoustic behavior of the Brazilian Caatinga big rodent is incongruent to its actual position in Hidrochaerinae}, journal = {Behavioural Processes}, year = {2021}, abstract = {

Our knowledge about the acoustic behavior of Caviinae species drove us to investigate Kerodon rupestris\’s (Caviidae: Hydrochoerinae) repertoire. This species is endemic to Caatinga and states as vulnerable in the Brazilian list of endangered species. We recorded sounds uttered by individuals from Santa Luzia, State of Para\íba, Brazil. We promoted interactions among 13 animals during intra and intersexual pairing sessions, under undisturbed interactions in captivity, and in free-living conditions. We found a repertoire of 13 call types, most of them (all except three) shared with Cavia and only five possibly shared also with Hydrochoerus: (1) Close contact and cohesion: tonal and noisy contact calls, tweet, slow-whistle; (2) Social regulation (incitement, subordination or auto-defense): whine, peep-squeak, yelp; (3) Offensive aggression and status display: roar, snort, and teeth-chattering (4) Warning or intimidation: alarm-whistle, drrr, and drumming; (5) Courtship: purr and slow-whistle. The similarity of Kerodon signals to Hydrochoerinae species, despite the ecological differences, needs to be understood in comparative phylogenetic studies tracing back the origin of the courtship display in Caviidae. Thus, future research should focus on playback studies to test signals\&$\#$39; biological function hypothesis.

}, keywords = {alarm call, Hystricognathi rodents, semi-arid, social life, vocalization}, doi = {10.1016/j.beproc.2021.104523}, author = {Raimundo Novaes Alencar-Jr and Patr{\'\i}cia Ferreira Monticellia} } @article {58446, title = {What{\textquoteright}s the Buzz About? Progress and Potential of Acoustic Monitoring Technologies for Investigating Bumble Bees}, journal = { IEEE Instrumentation \& Measurement Magazine}, volume = {24}, year = {2021}, pages = {21-29}, chapter = {21}, abstract = {

Pollination is a vital ecosystem service for both natural and agricultural ecosystems. Most flowering plants-including many staples in the human diet such as fruits, vegetables and nuts- require animals for pollination. The majority is done by over 20,000 species of bees, some of which are managed commercially to provide these services. The global industry of pollination is valued at US $153 billion annually and is increasing in demand to meet the needs of a growing human population [1]. However, both managed and wild bees, especially the ecologically and economically important bumble bees (Bombus spp.), are suffering alarming declines worldwide, presenting serious implications for food security and biodiversity. Despite numerous pleas by farmers and scientists for improved management and monitoring methods [2], [3], precision techniques for these essential pollinators are still lacking.

}, doi = {10.1109/MIM.2021.9549234}, author = {Zachary J. Miller} } @article {58445, title = {Intraspecific advertisement call variation of Scinax fuscomarginatus (Lutz, 1925) from Central Brazil}, journal = {Studies on Neotropical Fauna and Environment}, year = {2021}, abstract = {

Quantitative analysis of the acoustic communication system in anurans is a relevant step toward understanding how acoustic traits variation is related to conspecific recognition and discrimination. Here, we report on the advertisement call variation of male Scinax fuscomarginatus at three levels: within-individual, between-individual, among-populations. We examined 635 advertisement calls of 127 individuals from 10 populations in Central Brazil. Fieldworks were carried out during eight breeding seasons, from 2008 to 2016. We used the coefficient of variation (CV), Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Multivariate Analysis of Variance (MANOVA) to evaluate whether the call features differed statistically. The advertisement call structure consisted of a single multipulsed note with stereotyped acoustic features. These features were statistically different at between-individual level and the relative variability (CV) was higher between-individual than within-individual of the same population. MANOVA performed with PCA scores indicates that call traits are different among populations. Hence, we suggest the advertisement call features of male S. fuscomarginatus show sufficient statistical differences for interindividual and interpopulation distinction. We also discuss the role of the stereotyped acoustic features on mate choice and intraspecific distinction.

}, keywords = {Anuran communication, calling behavior, dynamic property, mate choice, Signal features, static property}, doi = {10.1080/01650521.2021.1978212}, author = {Antonio Ol{\'\i}mpio de Souza and Seixas Rezende Oliveira and Rog{\'e}rio Pereira Bastos and Alessandro Ribeiro Morais} } @article {58444, title = {Behavioral differences in sound detection in recently diverged cave and surface forms of Astyanax mexicanus}, year = {2021}, abstract = {

Astyanax mexicanus, or the Mexican tetra, inhabits both surface streams and cave systems, and has subsequently developed two unique morphologies: a cave morph and a surface morph. Cave morphs of the species have evolved several troglomorphic phenotypes, including vestigial eyes, reduced pigmentation, and increased olfactory and lateral line sensitivity. Interestingly, several satellite populations of surface fish were introduced to a Texas aquifer approximately 100 years ago and, following cave colonization, rapid evolution of various sensory adaptations between the cave and surface populations have been observed. Auditory evoked potential (AEP) data was collected to compare hearing sensitivities between cave and surface satellite populations, and both populations responded to sound presentation up to 4 kHz. However, because AEPs measure action potential summation to screen for frequency sensitivities, behavioral data is needed to determine absolute hearing sensitivity. The current study examines behavioral differences in sound detection between these two populations using reflexive startle behaviors to sound, namely the \“C-start\” escape response, which has been shown to be a reliable means of determining neurological responses to acoustic stimuli. Based on behavioral audiograms collected on satellite three populations, San Pedro Springs (cave) and Honey Creek (surface) appear to respond more readily to acoustic stimuli and habituate at a similar rate when compared to San Antonio Zoo (surface), which appear to respond less readily and habituate faster. Differences in sound pressure thresholds, as well as stimulus-response latencies between these populations, will be determined through finer volume control and modeling sub-thresholds.

}, url = {https://hdl.handle.net/11299/224732}, author = {Kistner, Amanda R. and Enriquez, Maya S . and Michels, Noland O. and Mensinger, Allen F.} } @article {58441, title = {Development and test of a bat calls detection and classification method based on convolutional neural networks}, journal = {Bioacoustics}, year = {2021}, abstract = {

Automated acoustic monitoring methods are frequently used to survey bat activity around wind turbines. The algorithms are often based on spectral features or threshold values of the recordings. Due to the generality of these features, a lot of recordings are noise, making manual analysis and labelling of the recordings time consuming. In this paper, we present an approach based on convolutional neural networks to detect and classify bat calls respectively. Recordings are converted to Mel-frequency cepstral coefficients (MFCCs), which are then fed as an image into the convolutional neural networks (CNNs) for classification. A dataset consisting of 43585 recordings gathered at 5 m height was used to train and test this method. An accuracy of 99.7\% was achieved on a test set for the binary classification of noise and bat calls. For the species classification, this approach achieved an accuracy of 96\%. Both networks, trained on data gathered at 5 m, were also tested on recordings gathered at heights of 33 m, 65 m and 95 m. In case of the binary classification task, the results showed an increased rate of misclassifications among noise recordings. For species classification, there was a higher amount of misclassifcations among all species.

}, keywords = {Bat echolocation calls, classification, convolutional neural networks, field test}, doi = {10.1080/09524622.2021.1978863}, author = {Y. Paumen and M. M{\"a}lzer and S. Alipek and J. Moll, B. L{\"u}dtke and H. Schauer-Weisshahn} } @article {58438, title = {Platylomia kohimaensis n. sp.{\textemdash}a new cicada species (Hemiptera: Cicadidae) from the Naga Hills in the Eastern Himalayas}, journal = {Zootaxa Vol. 5047 No. 1: 28 Sept. 2021 / Article}, volume = {5047}, year = {2021}, pages = {81-91}, chapter = {81}, abstract = {

A new cicada species, Platylomia kohimaensis n. sp., belonging to the Platylomia radha group is described from the Naga Hills in the eastern Himalayas. It is a dusk singing, large-sized cicada that calls for a short window during the evening twilight hours. Timbalisation is in the form of a continuous and regular cackling. Photographs of adult male and female along with genitalia illustration and distribution map are provided. A sonogram along with Acoustic Identification Card is also provided.

}, doi = {10.11646/zootaxa.5047.1.7}, author = {Sudhanya Ray Hajong and Limatemjen} } @article {58429, title = {A New Leaf Litter Toad of Leptobrachella Smith, 1925 (Anura, Megophryidae) from Sichuan Province, China with Supplementary Description of L. oshanensis}, journal = {Asian Herpetological Research}, volume = {12}, year = {2021}, pages = {143-166}, chapter = {143}, abstract = {

A new species of the Asian leaf litter toad genus Leptobrachella is described from Sichuan Province, China. Molecular phylogenetic analyses based on mitochondrial and nuclear gene sequences clustered the new species as an independent clade nested into L. oshanensis species group. The new species could be distinguished from its congeners by a combination of following characters: body size moderate (25.8\–32.6 mm in male, 33.7\–34.1 mm in female); distinct black spots present on flanks; toes rudimentary webbed, with narrow lateral fringes, dermal ridges under toes interrupted at articulations; ventral belly cream white with variable brown specking; skin on dorsum relatively smooth with fine tiny granules or short ridges; iris copper above, silver bellow; greyish black patches on posterior thigh absent or small; spines on surface of chest absent in male during breeding season; nasals entirely or partially separated from sphenethmoid in male; dorsal surface of tadpoles semitransparent light brown, spots on tail absent, keratodont row formula I: 3+3(2+2)/2+2: I; calls simple, call series basically consist of repeated long calls, at dominant frequency(4831.9 \± 155.8)Hz and call duration(544.5 \± 146.8)ms. In addition, we made supplementary description on L. oshanensis including holotype, variations, tadpoles, skull and bioacoustics. Besides, this paper reports cases\ of femoral adipose glands in the genus Leptobrachella as first known sexual dimorphism skin glands for males of Megophryidae.

}, keywords = {multiple data, new species, sympatric distribution, taxonomy}, doi = {10.16373/j.cnki.ahr.200118}, author = {Shengchao SHI and Yinmeng HOU and Zhaobin SONG and Jianping Jiang and Bin Wang} } @article {58425, title = {A Comparison of Mating Calls Recorded around the Type Localities of Rana tagoi and R. neba (Amphibia: Anura: Ranidae)}, year = {2021}, abstract = {

Two species of frogs endemic to Japan, Rana neba and R. tagoi, have previously been separated based on differences in the number of chromosomes and the dominant frequencies of their advertisement calls. However, through a comparison of advertisement calls around the type localities of both species, we found that interspecific differences are instead apparent in the fundamental frequencies, not in the dominant frequencies. Additionally, the calls of R. neba are more easily distinguished by their unique first notes, which can be differentiated by the strong frequency modulation, longer and fewer pulses, and lower pulse rate. Compared with R. neba, the calls of R. tagoi are composed of notes with similar acoustic structure, although the last note is longer in duration, contains more pulses, and has longer inter-pulse intervals than in the other notes in the call. Based on these results, we present a new acoustic diagnosis for R. neba and R. tagoi.

}, doi = {10.5358/hsj.40.54}, url = {https://bioone.org/journals/current-herpetology/volume-40/issue-1/hsj.40.54/A-Comparison-of-Mating-Calls-Recorded-around-the-Type-Localities/10.5358/hsj.40.54.full}, author = {SHIMADA, TOMOHIKO and Sanda, Maki and Eto, Koshiro} } @article {58421, title = {Using bioacoustics to monitor gibbons}, year = {2021}, abstract = {

Monitoring wildlife population trends is critical for the conservation of endangered species and measuring the efficacy of management activities. Recently, passive acoustic monitoring has emerged as a useful wildlife monitoring tool and automatic recorders have been used to detect the presence of gibbons in protected areas of Vietnam. However, these recording devices can be expensive, cumbersome, and difficult to operate in some areas with gibbons. Therefore, inexpensive, lightweight, and easily operated recording devices are needed for wildlife monitoring. In this study, we employed mobile smartphones to detect the presence and distribution, and to estimate the occurrence probability, of the northern yellow-cheeked crested gibbon (Nomascus annamensis) in Dakrong Nature Reserve (405.3 km2), Vietnam. We surveyed gibbons from February to July 2019, during the dry season, at 95 sites that were systematically spaced throughout the nature reserve. We used the software package, RAVEN, to analyze the sound data and to identify gibbon calls. We detected gibbon calls at 39 out of 95 recording sites. With these data and an occupancy model, we estimated, and examined the effects of environmental factors, on the occurrence probability. Assuming a 600 m detection distance, the model-averaged occurrence probability for the nature reserve was 0.44 (SE = 0.06). The area of rich (\> 100 m3/ha) and medium (\> 200 m3/ha) evergreen forest within 1 km of the recording posts was the most important predictor of, and posi- tively correlated with, occurrence with less occurrence in poor, regrowth forest, planta- tions, or on bare land. Bioacoustic methods can be potentially used in large-scale gibbon surveys, and the technology is especially attractive given the low cost. Additional work on estimating detection distances and identifying individual gibbon groups using bioacoustics will be useful next steps.

}, keywords = {bioacoustics, Dakrong, Gibbon, Nomascus, Occupancy model, primate, Smartphone}, doi = {10.1007/s10531-021-02139-1}, url = {http://link.springer.com/10.1007/s10531-021-02139-1}, author = {Vu, Thinh Tien and Doherty, Paul F.} } @article {58420, title = {It Is Not Just a Matter of Noise: Sciaena umbra Vocalizes More in the Busiest Areas of the Venice Tidal Inlets}, year = {2021}, abstract = {

Boat noise is known to have a detrimental effect on a vulnerable Mediterranean sciaenid, the brown meagre Sciaena umbra. During summer 2019, two acoustic surveys were conducted at 40 listening points distributed within the inlet areas of Venice (northern Adriatic Sea). Two five- minute recordings were collected per each point during both the boat traffic hours and the peak of the species\’ vocal activity with the aims of (1) characterizing the local noise levels and (2) evaluating the fish spatial distribution by means of its sounds. High underwater broadband noise levels were found (sound pressure levels (SPLs)50\–20kHz 107\–137 dB re 1 \μPa). Interestingly, a significantly higher background noise within the species\’ hearing sensibility (100\–3150 Hz) was highlighted in the afternoon (113 \± 5 dB re 1 \μPa) compared to the night (103 \± 7 dB re 1 \μPa) recordings due to a high vessel traffic. A cluster analysis based on Sciaena umbra vocalizations separated the listening points in three groups: highly vocal groups experienced higher vessel presence and higher afternoon noise levels compared to the lower ones. Since the species\’ sounds are a proxy of spawning events, this suggests that the reproductive activity was placed in the noisier part of the inlets.

}, keywords = {anthropogenic noise passive acoustic monitoring, coastal areas, fish, protected species, reproduction}, doi = {10.3390/jmse9020237}, url = {https://www.mdpi.com/2077-1312/9/2/237}, author = {Picciulin, Marta and Facca, Chiara and Fiorin, Riccardo and Riccato, Federico and Zucchetta, Matteo and Malavasi, Stefano} } @article {58419, title = {Individual-based acoustic variation of the alarm calls in the long-tailed ground squirrel}, year = {2021}, abstract = {

Based on their phylogenetic position, Nearctic ground squirrels are closest relatives to the long-tailed ground squirrel Urocitellus undulates even though it has Palaearctic distribution. We aimed to investigate the variability of alarm calls of the long-tailed ground squirrel to test the individual variation in alarm calls. This species is known to produce two types of alarm calls: whistle alarms and wideband calls. Although ground squirrels are a model group for the study of vocal individuality, this phenomenon has not yet been studied in a species producing two such completely different types of alarms. Most of ground squirrel species produce either whistle or wideband alarms and this species represents a unique model for testing the degree of individual variability depending on completely different acoustic structures. We analysed 269 whistle alarms produced by 13 individuals and 591 wideband alarms from 25 individuals at the western part of Lake Baikal. A discriminant function analysis (DFA) assigned 93.5\% (88.9\%, cross-validated result) of whistle alarms to the correct individual and 91.4\% (84\%) of wideband alarms. This is the first evidence of individual variation in wideband alarms compared with whistle alarms and occurrence of vocal individuality in two warning signals of a completely different acoustic structure produced by a ground squirrel.

}, keywords = {acoustic evolution, alarm call, rodent, Spermophilus, Urocitellus, vocal diversity}, doi = {10.1098/rsos.200147}, url = {https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/rsos.200147}, author = {Goncharov, Denis and Policht, Richard and Hamb{\'a}lkov{\'a}, Lucie and Salovarov, Viktor and Hart, Vlastimil} } @article {58417, title = {Limited vocal compensation for elevated ambient noise in bearded seals: implications for an industrializing Arctic Ocean}, year = {2021}, abstract = {

Vocalizing animals have several strategies to compensate for elevated ambient noise. These behaviours evolved under historical conditions, but compensation limits are quickly being reached in the Anthropocene. Acoustic communication is essential to male bearded seals that vocalize for courtship and defending territories. As Arctic sea ice declines, industrial activities and associated anthropogenic noise are likely to increase. Documenting how seals respond to noise and identifying naturally occurring behavioural thresholds would indicate either their resilience or vulnerability to changing soundscapes. We investigated whether male bearded seals modified call amplitudes in response to changing ambient noise levels. Vocalizing seals increased their call amplitudes until ambient noise levels reached an observable threshold, above which call source levels stopped increasing. The presence of a threshold indicates limited noise compensation for seals, which still renders them vulnerable to acoustic masking of vocal signals. This behavioural threshold and response to noise is critical for developing management plans for an industrializing Arctic.

}, keywords = {bearded seal advertisement, changing Arctic, Lombard effect, noise impacts}, doi = {10.1098/rspb.2020.2712}, url = {https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/rspb.2020.2712}, author = {Fournet, Michelle E. H. and Silvestri, Margherita and Clark, Christopher W. and Klinck, Holger and Rice, Aaron N.} } @article {58416, title = {Vocalization of the Sullen toad, Scythrophrys sawayae (Anura: Leptodactylidae: Paratelmatobiinae), from near its type locality, Paran{\'a}, Brazil}, journal = {Salamandra}, volume = {57}, year = {2021}, pages = {167-170}, chapter = {167}, author = {Camila F. Moser and Rodrigo Lingnau} } @article {58415, title = {Use of simple graded signals in the long-distance vocal communication of a forest thrush ( Catharus fuscescens )}, year = {2021}, abstract = {

I investigated the use of simple graded structures (i.e. \‘calls\’) in long-distance vocal communication among territorial forest-dwelling Catharus fuscescens \– an oscine passerine that also possesses a complex song. Two experiments were conducted: (1) Nests were threatened in three different contexts to test the effect of increasing motivation on three response variables (call form, rate, amplitude), and (2) a playback study was undertaken to quantify the accomplishments of graded call structures on territory-holders. Results from the two experiments showed that long-distance communication in the focal species is dependent on two concurrent aspects of communication: (1) Acoustic cues to signaller motivation via call rate, (2) spectral cues that reveal directivity \– either precisely or imprecisely \– that complement the perception of signaller location via distance assessment (ranging). Simultaneously, amplitude and bandwidth are adjusted to beam signals across various distance intervals. Therefore, to affect conspecific behaviour, a signaller can alter vocal cues to manipulate an assessor\’s perception of signaller location while revealing motivation. This study reveals the foundational components of short and long-distance communication with the use of simple graded calls by a forest-dwelling oscine passerine. It is similar to long-distance communication networks documented in some parrots, marine mammals, and primates.

}, keywords = {Assessment/Management, Catharus, motivation-structural rules, Songbird, Veery}, doi = {10.1080/09524622.2021.1888316}, url = {https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/09524622.2021.1888316}, author = {Heckscher, Christopher M.} } @article {58413, title = {Stridulatory sound production and acoustic signals of the longhorn beetle Batocera lineolata (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae)}, year = {2021}, abstract = {

Insects have evolved different structures and ways to produce sounds which play a crucial role in many aspects of insect biology, such as reproduction and predator\–prey interactions. Among acoustic insects, although a variety of stridulatory organs have been reported in beetles, acoustic behaviour of these insects has received little attention. Here, stridulatory organs, sound-producing behaviour and acoustic signals in males of the longhorn beetle Batocera lineolata were investigated for the first time. The detailed morphology of the file and scraper of the stridulatory organ are presented. Behavioural observations showed that sound production was associated with the rapid forward and backward movements of the pronotum. The forward and backward movements of the pronotum can both cause interactions between the file and scraper, and produce forward chirps and backward chirps, respectively. Oscillogram and frequency spectrum comparisons of the upward and backward chirps revealed that the two types of chirps exhibited significant differences in temporal and amplitude features, but had similar spectral characteristics. Acoustic studies on most longhorn beetles are strongly needed, which may make significant contributions in many areas, such as the evolution and diversity of the acoustic behaviour and the possibility of use of sounds in taxonomy of longhorn beetles.

}, keywords = {acoustic signals, Beetles, Cerambycidae, sound-producing structures, stridulatory mechanism}, doi = {10.1080/09524622.2021.1890640}, url = {https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/09524622.2021.1890640}, author = {Luo, Changqing and Huang, Shihui} } @article {58412, title = {Towards an enhanced management of recreational whale watching: The use of ecological and behavioural data to support evidence-based management actions}, journal = {Biological Conservation}, volume = {255}, year = {2021}, month = {Jan-03-2021}, pages = {109009}, abstract = {

Recognition of the potential disturbance from whale-based tourism has stimulated the discussion of whether whale watching remains \‘no take\’. Here we use observations and passive acoustic surveillance of tourism activities of foraging gray whales (Eschrichtius robustus) on the west coast of Vancouver Island to better understand the pressures on whales that are repeatedly subject to aerial and vessel-based viewing. Pressure from the fleet was greatest for low prey years, whereby fewer whales were subject to a greater number of encounters with whale watching vessels. The pressure on operators for close encounters was also greater during these years. The acoustic recordings found that whale watching vessels shaped the soundscape, with a distinct diurnal pattern. Acoustic reactions by the whales were also noted. Cow-calf pairs showed increased calling rate in the presence of vessels in the feeding bay, with calling rate of single foraging whales increasing as vessel number, particularly those engaged in whale watching, increased. These responses have implications for energetics, communication success. The implications of acoustic disturbance from whale watching has yet to be well defined, but it is only one of many stressors that gray whales are subject to. The results of this study lead us to argue for greater evidence-based management of whale watching; restrictions on encounters; noise emission limitations; requiems for the whales, and a greater interpretative component for passengers. The aggregate and cumulative effects of disturbance should also be emphasized in vessel-whale interaction guidelines, with the most vulnerable individuals removed from the viewing resource altogether.

}, issn = {00063207}, doi = {10.1016/j.biocon.2021.109009}, author = {Burnham, Rianna E. and Duffus, David A. and Malcolm, Christopher D.} } @article {58408, title = {The evolution of wood warbler flight calls: Species with similar migrations produce acoustically similar calls}, year = {2021}, abstract = {

Diverse animal species engage in long-distance migrations. Many migrants travel in groups, and communication within these groups may be important to survival and successful migration. We examined migration and communication in 36 species of wood warblers (Parulidae), songbirds that breed in North America and migrate in mixed-species flocks to their wintering grounds. During migration, wood warblers produce short vocalizations called \“flight calls.\” The function of flight calls and the patterns of acoustic similarity between species are poorly understood. We investigated whether acoustic similarity of flight calls of different species of warbler reflects the similarity in their migratory journeys or their phylogenetic relatedness. We found that phylogeny, similarity in breeding latitude, and overlap in the timing of migration predict acoustic flight call similarity across warbler species. Further, we found that phylogeny, similarity in migration distance, and overlap in wintering range predict acoustic flight call similarity in a subset of 12 species with highly similar calls, although this analysis has a small sample size. We conclude that migratory similarity may be an important force driving the evolution of acoustically similar calls in wood warblers, in addition to phylogenetic relatedness. Acoustic convergence in these species may facilitate communication between individuals with similar migrations.

}, doi = {10.1111/evo.14167}, url = {https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/evo.14167}, author = {Gayk, Zach G. and Simpson, Richard K. and Mennill, Daniel J.} } @article {58407, title = {Disease influences male advertisement and mating outcomes in a critically endangered amphibian}, journal = {Animal Behaviour}, volume = {173}, year = {2021}, month = {Jan-03-2021}, pages = {145 - 157}, abstract = {

The sublethal effects of infectious disease on reproductive behaviour and mating success are not well understood. Here, we investigated predictors of male mating success in one of Australia\&$\#$39;s most critically endangered vertebrates: the northern corroboree frog, Pseudophryne pengilleyi. Using a genomic approach to assign parentage, we explored whether infection with the amphibian chytrid fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd), a pathogen responsible for amphibian declines globally, influenced male calling behaviour and mating success. We also explored whether male mating success was predicted by phenotypic traits (age, body size, coloration, call characters) that potentially signal genetic quality, and the soil moisture (water potential) of male-constructed terrestrial nests, which may directly impact offspring survival. We found that Bd significantly influenced male advertisement; Bd-infected males produced calls with significantly higher pulse repetition rates than uninfected males. Older males had a higher probability of mating; however, variation in the number of eggs in a nest was most strongly explained by an interaction between male Bd infection status and call pulse repetition rate. We propose that these relationships may result from either pathogen-mediated changes to host behaviour or host-mediated changes to behaviour (e.g. terminal investment). Regardless of the mechanism, this is the first evidence that male mating success in an amphibian can be influenced by male Bd infection status, highlighting a novel mechanism through which this virulent pathogen can affect amphibian fitness. More broadly, these findings add to a growing body of evidence that pathogens can alter the reproductive biology of their hosts. From a conservation perspective, increased consideration of how sexual selection operates in altered environments has the potential to assist with the management of threatened amphibians worldwide.

}, keywords = {Amphibian, chytrid fungus, conservation, disease, female mate choice, fitness, male mating success, mating system}, issn = {00033472}, doi = {10.1016/j.anbehav.2021.01.007}, url = {https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S0003347221000087}, author = {Kelleher, Shannon R. and Scheele, Ben C. and Silla, Aimee J. and Keogh, J. Scott and Hunter, David A. and Endler, John A. and Byrne, Phillip G.} } @article {58406, title = {A new look at universals and specificities in the songs of humpback whales.}, journal = {Journal of Comparative Psychology}, volume = {135}, year = {2021}, month = {Jan-02-2021}, pages = {25 - 27}, abstract = {

In this issue\’s featured article, Mercado and Perazio (2021) describe songs of humpback whales using acoustic qualities, in part to determine the degree of similarity in songs across time and space that have not been revealed by information-theoretic analyses. They are particularly interested in evaluating alternative explanations of song variations in humpback whales. They argue that if humpback whales\’ songs \“are . . . transmitted through acoustic contact followed by imitation\” (p. 29) then (a) songs of populations not in acoustic contact should diverge, (b) songs of the same population should diverge increasingly over time, and (c) song forms separated by multiple decades either within or across populations should be dissimilar. Alternatively, acoustic similarities in song structure across populations and/or across decades in the same population would challenge the hypothesis that socially mediated learning is the primary driver of variation in the structure of humpback whales\’ songs over time. If that is the case, then identifying universal properties of song composition is important to move the field forward. Broadening the analytical tool kit can help in this effort.

}, issn = {0735-7036}, doi = {10.1037/com0000270}, url = {http://doi.apa.org/getdoi.cfm?doi=10.1037/com0000270}, author = {Fragaszy, Dorothy Munkenbeck} } @article {58404, title = {Similarities in composition and transformations of songs by humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) over time and space.}, journal = {Journal of Comparative Psychology}, volume = {135}, year = {2021}, month = {Jan-02-2021}, pages = {28 - 50}, abstract = {

The complex songs produced by humpback whales have been cited as evidence of prodigious memory, innovativeness, sophisticated auditory scene analysis, vocal imitation, and even culture. Researchers believe humpbacks learn their songs culturally because songs appear to change rapidly, consistently, and irreversibly across whales within a population. Here, we present evidence of similarities in song structure both across populations and decades that strongly challenge claims that social learning is the main driver of variations in humpback whale songs over time. Groups of humpback whales that were not in acoustic contact (recorded in Puerto Rico in 1970, Hawaii in 2012, and Colombia in 2013\–2019) produced songs in acoustically comparable cycles, suggesting that progression through sound patterns within and across songs is not simply determined by vocal imitation of innovative patterns, but may instead be controlled by production templates that prescribe how singers construct and transform songs over time. Identifying universal constraints on song production is critical to evaluating the role of vocal imitation and cultural transmission in the progressive changes that humpback whales make to their songs and for evaluating the functional relevance of such changes. The current findings illustrate how information theoretic analyses of vocal sequences can potentially obscure key acoustic qualities of signals that may be critical to understanding how vocalizers produce, perceive, and use those sequences.

}, issn = {0735-7036}, doi = {10.1037/com0000268}, url = {http://doi.apa.org/getdoi.cfm?doi=10.1037/com0000268}, author = {Mercado, Eduardo and Perazio, Christina E.} } @article {58403, title = {Advertisement calls of the lesser spiny frog Quasipaa exilispinosa (Liu and Hu, 1975) (Anura: Dicroglossidae)}, year = {2021}, abstract = {

There are currently only eleven species of Quasipaa (Anura: Dicroglossidae) distributed in southern and southwestern China to central Vietnam, southeastern Thailand, and southwestern Cambodia and presumably also in Laos (Frost 2020). Eight species of Quasipaa are currently known in China: Q. boulengeri (G\ünther 1889), Q. courtoisi (Angel 1922), Q. exilispinosa (Liu \& Hu 1975), Q. jiulongensis (Huang \& Liu 1985), Q. shini (Ahl 1930), Q. spinosa (David 1875), Q. yei (Chen, Qu, and Jiang 2002), and Q. verrucospinosa (Bourret 1937). The first seven species are endemic to China (AmphibiaChina 2020). These species have similar morphological traits and are capable of introgressive hybridization between the closely related species of this genus(Zhang et al. 2018). Despite the detailed acoustic analysis that is available to identify a variety of species and is beneficial to the study of anuran taxonomy (e.g., Microhyla species; Chen et al. 2020), advertisement calls have only been reported in detail for Q. spinosa (Yu \& Zheng 2009; Chen et al. 2012; Shen et al. 2015) and Q. shini (Kong et al. 2016), whereas the call for Q. exilispinosa was briefly described from observations in captivity (Voitel 2000).

}, doi = {10.11646/zootaxa.4926.310.11646/zootaxa.4926.3.9}, url = {https://www.biotaxa.org/Zootaxa/issue/view/zootaxa.4926.3https://www.biotaxa.org/Zootaxa/article/view/zootaxa.4926.3.9https://www.biotaxa.org/Zootaxa/article/viewFile/67047/65250}, author = {CHEN, ZHI-QIANG and HU, HUA-LI and ZHONG, JUN-JIE and SHANGGUAN, HAI-PING} } @article {58401, title = {Allometric escape and acoustic signal features facilitate high-frequency communication in an endemic Chinese primate}, year = {2021}, abstract = {

The principle of acoustic allometry\—the larger the animal, the lower its calls\&$\#$39; fundamental frequency\—is generally observed across terrestrial mammals. Moreover, according to the Acoustic Adaptation Hypothesis, open habitats favor the propagation of high-frequency calls compared to habitats with complex vegetational structures. We carried out playback experiments in which the calls of the Guizhou snub-nosed monkey (Rhinopithecus brelichi) were used as stimuli in sound attenuation and degradation experiments to test the hypothesis that propagation of Guizhou snub-nosed monkey calls is favored above vs through the forest floor vegetation. We found that low-pitched Guizhou snub-nosed monkey vocalizations suffered less attenuation than its high-pitched calls. Guizhou snub-nosed monkeys were observed emitting high-pitched calls from 1.5 to 5.0 m above the ground. The use of high-pitched calls from these heights coupled with the concomitant behavior of moving about above the understory may provide a signal for receivers which maximizes potential transmission and efficacy. Our results support the Acoustic Adaptation Hypothesis and suggest that by uncoupling its vocal output from its size, this monkey can produce a high-pitched call with a broad spectral bandwidth, thereby increasing both its saliency and the frequency range over which the animal may more effectively communicate in its natural habitat.

}, keywords = {acoustic adaptation hypothesis, Principle of acoustic allometry, Rhinopithecus brelichi, Snub-nosed monkey, Sound propagation}, doi = {10.1007/s00359-021-01465-7}, url = {http://link.springer.com/10.1007/s00359-021-01465-7}, author = {Riondato, Isidoro and Gamba, Marco and Tan, Chia L. and Niu, Kefeng and Narins, Peter M. and Yang, Yeqin and Giacoma, Cristina} }