Factors influencing breeding site choice by the pioneering amphibian Bufo calamita

This is the authors' abstract. We don't add key points for this paper.

We have investigated environmental factors influencing the choice of breeding pools by Bufo calamita in two different habitat types in Britain, using a number of methods including the construction of artificial pools and the translocation of spawn laid by competitively superior anuran species. On heathland, major determinants were aspects of pond chemistry especially pH, Na and SO 4 . On coastal dunes other criteria were important, notably maximum water temperatures achieved the day prior to spawning. These in turn related to the precise shape and size of the pond. In addition, natterjacks were able to discriminate against ponds which already contained large numbers of competitor species Rana temporaria and Bufo bufo larvae. Possible mechanisms underlying site choice by B. calamita are discussed.