Click HERE for a link to the original article from Whistle Naturalists
In Emerald, Whistler, the nightly chorus of local amphibians, including four frog species and one toad species, is causing quite a disturbance. The Columbia Spotted frog, Wood frog, Pacific Treefrog, and Coast Tailed Frog are all active in the area. Only male frogs vocalize, using various calls to attract females. The Pacific Treefrog’s call is notably loud, while the Columbia Spotted frog’s is much quieter. The Western Toad, the only local toad, does not have a mating call but produces a quiet release call if grasped by another male.
These amphibians breed between February and June, except for the Coast Tailed Frog, which mates in autumn. The breeding process involves males calling to attract females, with their calls being amplified by vocal sacs. The males create a chorus, usually heard at night to avoid predators. Female frogs choose mates based on these calls, and after mating, the male fertilizes the eggs externally in most species, except for the Coast Tailed Frog, which fertilizes internally and lays eggs the following summer.
Amphibian populations are declining due to habitat destruction, with the Coast Tailed Frog and Western Toad listed as species of special concern. For more information, the BC Frogwatch website provides resources on local amphibians.