Predator-free short-hydroperiod wetlands enhance metamorph output in a threatened amphibian: insights into frog breeding behaviour evolution and conservation management

Abstract Context Knowledge on the drivers of breeding behaviour is vital to understand amphibian ecology and conservation. Proposed reproductive include selection optimum water quality, avoidance tadpole predators competition. These hypotheses are underpinned by logic that amphibians will choose habitat result in enhanced metamorph output. Aims We aimed infer key influence output threatened green golden bell frog (Litoria aurea). hypothesised (1) would be higher recently refilled wetlands than with a longer hydroperiod, (2) negatively correlated predator abundance, (3) waterbodies long hydroperiods have abundances aquatic lower L. aurea tadpoles. Methods tested these monitoring breeding, wild population aurea. coupled this counts were adjusted represent per capita numbers via genetic means. also ruled out detection probability explaining results manipulative experiment. Key found support for all three hence provide evidence adaptive preference governed abundance predators. clutch 8.2-fold greater short-hydroperiod (26 ± 15–44 95% CI) long-hydroperiod (3 2–5 CI). Four taxa associated low two occurred longer-hydroperiod wetlands. Conclusions implications provided behavioural adaptation select has evolved response predation pressure. recommend practitioners conduct releases newly enhance survival metamorphosis future reintroductions.