2 Memorandum : Vibration effects on amphibians (Leiopelmatid frogs) 64524 Vibration effects_memorandum (15 June 2022)_Final Rev 0 2.1 Biology and ecology of Archey’s frog (Leiopelma archeyi) Archey’s frog is a small (≤ 40 mm snout-urodyle length), terrestrial and nocturnal frog in the family Leiopelmatidae. It is one of only three endemic New Zealand frog species. Leiopelmatid frogs represent a unique evolutionary lineage among amphibians and are thought to be the most archaic frogs in the world (Roelants et al. 2007). Indeed, Archey’s frog is considered the world’s most Evolutionarily Distinct and Globally Endangered amphibian species1,2. Archey’s frog occurs in small, fragmented populations in the North Island. It is found in three locations, including Coromandel Peninsula (Coromandel), Whareorino Forest (west of Te Kuiti, Waikato), and in Pureora Forest (Waikato) where a translocated population is now established. It occupies dense, damp native forest from c. 200 to 1,000 m above sea level (a.s.l.) and is not associated with stream, creeks, or other waterbodies. Archey’s frog is sympatric3, and at some locations syntopic4, with the semi-aquatic Hochstetter’s frog (Leiopelma hochstetteri) (van Winkel et al. 2018; Bishop et al. 2013). Leiopelma species are highly sedentary (Bell, 1994; Bell et al., 2004; Bell & Pledger , 2010, Reilly et al., 2015) and employ crypsis and immobility as a primary anti-predator strategy. Indeed, Reilly et al. (2015) reported Archey’s frog spending 99.86% of their time stationary and none of the Archey’s frog they studied exhibited escape behaviour (e.g., jumping or moving away) in response to disturbance stimuli (i.e., an approaching observer). At Wharekirauponga; however, Archey’s frog evasion/ escape behaviours (jumping or moving beneath refuges) was recorded in a small proportion (~10–20%) of the frogs that were observed during searches (K. Muchna, pers. comm, Mar 2022). Archey’s frog also employs a sit-and-wait predatory strategy for obtaining food (Bell 1985, Reilly et al. 2015). Archey’s frog is carnivorous and feeds on a variety of invertebrates such as springtails, mites, ants, parasitic wasps, spiders, amphipods, isopods, and snails. Archey’s frog exhibits a specialised mode of reproduction in which there is no free-living tadpole stage, and development occurs entirely within the egg capsule (i.e., there is no free-feeding larval stage). Mating occurs via inguinal amplexus5 and has been observed in the field during the day in the month of October (Bell, 1978). Amplexus was reported among groups of 2–5 frogs in shallow depressions beneath logs where egg clusters were subsequently laid (Bell, 1978). The length of time over which amplexus occurs is unknown but considering the nocturnal habits of Archey’s frog and the daytime amplexus observations, it is likely that amplexus may extend for up to several hours. Egg laying occurs in spring (November– December) (Bell, 1978; 1985). Eggs are unpigmented, about 5 mm in size, and each contain a large yolk. Eggs are laid in clusters (typically 4–15, up to 19 eggs) in dark, damp sites such as under logs and rocks. 1 As assessed by the Evolutionarily Distinct & Globally Endangered (EDGE) amphibian programme formed by the Zoological Society of London. 2 EDGE species are scored according to the amount of unique evolutionary history it represents (Evolutionary Distinctiveness, or ED), and its conservation status (Global Endangerment, or GE). The scores are then combined to give each species an EDGE score. Those with high ED and GE get the highest EDGE scores and are considered priority species. The conservation status (GE) is based on the IUCN Red List classification. 3 Occupying the same geographical range. 4 Joint occurrence of two species in the same habitat at the same time. 5 Male gripping the female tightly around the groin immediately anterior to the hind legs.
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