Female release calls and male distress calls in the Southern Xinjiang Toad, Bufotes pewzowi (Bedriaga, 1898), from Uzbekistan

Abstract

Amphibian vocalisations play a critical role in behavioural ecology, with release calls functioning as signals to deter undesired mating attempts and distress calls serving to mediate conflicts and signal imminent threats. Here, we provide the first description of female release calls and male distress calls of Bufotes pewzowi from Uzbekistan, Central Asia. Female release calls exhibited variability in both temporal and spectral properties, diverging from the release calls of males in other toad species. Male distress calls displayed similarities in temporal call property to those of Rhinella granulosa. Our study highlights the paucity of data on release and distress calls within the Family Bufonidae and the challenges in making comprehensive comparisons. Our findings contribute to an understanding of anuran communication and highlight the necessity for further research to elucidate the complexities of toad vocal behaviour.