| Six different categories of breeding sites were investigated from August 1989 to July 1990 at São José do Bonfim (240 m above sea level) and Maturéia (770 m above sea level), two sites localized in the Brazilian Caatinga (State of Paraíba). A severe drought affected these areas during the study. Even so, calling males, nests and/or tadpoles of 20 species from 5 families were found. Leptodactylidae was the most numerous family, with nine species distributed among five genera. In Maturéia, due to the low evapo-transpiration rates, less variation of water levels was observed. Males of hylids and leptodactylids began their calling activities together, whereas at São José do Bonfim leptodactylids began their calling activities first. Thus, at Maturéia high... |
