The reproductive ecology of female Rana (Limnonectes) Kuhlii, a fanged frog of Taiwan, with particular emphasis on multiple clutches

The reproductive ecology of female Kuhl's wart frog Rana (Limnonectes) kuhl ii, one of the fanged frogs, was studied under natural conditions in subtro pical Taiwan. Egg-laying: by females of R. kuhlii occurred asynchronously t hroughout a three-month study period, and was aggregated at five sites alon g an 81-m transect of a small creek. Rana kuhlii is unusual among anurans i n that females are generally smaller than their mates (67.6% of 34 amplexed pairs), and typically lay multiple clutches. Females each occupied stable residence sites along the transect during non-breeding intervals, usually a way from the main oviposition sites. Amplexus or oviposition occurred on av erage 14.5 m (maximum 54.5 m) away from each female's residence site. The f requency of oviposition (including amplexus) was observed on average on 3.1 occasions for each female (maximum nine), and including presumed occasions (based on spatial movement patterns) was estimated to occur on average on 3.9 occasions (maximum 10), during the 50 nights surveyed. The inter-clutch period for each female averaged 12.7 days (minimum three days). Females la ying multiple clutches usually laid at different sites and mated with diffe rent males for each clutch. Several aspects distinguish the multiple clutch ing of R. kuhlii from other anuran species laying multiple clutches. Possib le explanations for the high frequency of oviposition by females of R. kuhl ii are discussed.