Sexual dimorphism and resource utilisation by the Veadeiros waterfall frog Bokermannohyla pseudopseudis (Anura: Hylidae).

Bokermannohyla pseudopseudis is endemic to the Brazilian Cerrado, living in fast-flowing streams in the highlands of northern Goiás State, Brazil. Males have well-developed prepolexes and use steady pools in streams for reproduction, and therefore are likely territorial. Along with its small geographic distribution in high-altitude areas and habitat specialization it is a species at risk of extinction. Still, little is known about the ecology of B. pseudopseudis, hampering a correct evaluation of its conservation status and possible management strategies. We evaluated resource utilisation and sexual dimorphism in one population to test predictions related to territoriality and to evaluate diet specialization. We found a significant sexual size dimorphism, with males being larger than females, suggesting male-male competition. Males presented thicker forearms whereas females had proportionally longer heads. Tadpoles and calling males are found all year round, suggesting prolonged breeding activity, which is also in accordance with a resource defence breeding structure. Males and females did not select prey by size or volume, but males had wider niche breadths than females. Beetles, spiders, and cockroaches were the most relevant prey items, all of which are commonly found in the habitats of B. pseudopseudis. We emphasize that preservation of the habitats of B. pseudopseudis is essential to the management of the species because of its microhabitat restriction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]