engleski

Examining the effectivness of aposematic colouration in Madagascan poisonous frogs, genus Mantella

Predator avoidance of warningly coloured prey (aposematism) is based upon learning and reinforcement. Theoretical models involving learning psychology and game theory have suggested how warning colouration in unprofitable prey could evolve and become stable. We made preliminary tests of the efficiency of aposematic colouration in Madagascan poison frogs, genus Mantella. Clay frog models in different colours (brown, resembling any non-conspicuous frogs ; orange, resembling Mantella aurantiaca ; and black-yellow, resembling Mantella baroni / madagascariensis) were set in two areas in Madagascar, first area populated by Mantella aurantiaca (Torotorofotsy wetland) and in Ranomafana, populated by M. baroni / madagascariensis, and at control plots in both areas (without Mantella populations). Additionally, we separated diurnal from nocturnal predation, as well as used shapeless models as negative control. Experiments were performed between January and March 2007 and 2008. Our hypothesis was not supported with our results ; we found no significant difference between predation rate on different colour of models, as well as no significant difference was found between different sites, also as there is no significant differences when comparing diurnal and nocturnal predation.

aposematism; predation; Madagascar; field experiments

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