Home range and breeding ecology of Phasmahyla cruzi (Anura: Phyllomedusidae)

Phasmahyla cruzi is an endemic treefrog species from the Brazilian Atlantic Forest for which basic natural history information is still lacking. In this study, we monitored two populations over a 12-month period in Ubatuba, São Paulo, Brazil, to investigate the species’ ecology, home range, and reproductive patterns. We used non-invasive photographic identification combined with minimum convex polygon (MCP) analysis to estimate home ranges. Based on the monthly sampling, we assessed the influence of abiotic factors (temperature and humidity) on activity patterns. We recorded 1,054 adult, 2,142 tadpole, and 22 egg clutch encounters. Males vocalized from September to April and showed territorial behaviour. Reproduction occurred through axillary amplexus, with oviposition on folded leaves suspended over streams. Mean P. cruzi estimated home range was 460 m2, with individuals in higher elevations using significantly larger areas. A positive relationship was found between humidity and both individual abundance and clutch frequency. This study presents the first detailed data on habitat use, reproduction, and spatial ecology of P. cruzi, providing essential information for conservation efforts targeting this poorly known species endemic to the Atlantic Rainforest.