When chorus frogs are vocalizing in sync, sound-sensitive predators
have a difficult time singling out any particular one from the group.
When the synchronicity is lost, by some disruption such as an errant
noise or unexpected event occurring the frogs' biome, predation often
takes place because single voices stand out.
Bernie
On Jul 11, 2009, at 8:48 AM, oskarross wrote:
>
>
> Hi to the group,
>
> About 5 years ago I spent a month on the banks of the Rio Dulce in
> Guatemala. It was april, hot & humid.
>
> Most evenings I sat out and marveled at the singing of what I assume
> were chorus frogs amongst the mangrove.
> The sound was extraordinary, the individuals within a group were not
> simply all making a similar type of sound, they were actively
> harmonizing.
>
> When a group achieved this, they would produce a soaring crescendo,
> setting off other nearby groups which would each harmonize on
> slightly different notes. The combined effect of these harmonics on
> a good evening was spell binding, one of my personal 7 wonders of
> the world.
>
> When I returned I was inspired to join this group and prepare for my
> eventual return to Guatemala with proper recording equipment. At the
> time I could only use the on-board mics of my lap-top, which did not
> work very well.
>
> I have listened to recodings of various chorus frogs since then, but
> have never heard the wonderful harmonising I remember.
>
> Would anyone like to comment on this, or perhaps confirm that I was
> hearing what I thought I was hearing, frogs actually singing together?
>
> Thanks
> Ross
>
>
>
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