Abstract
Acoustic signaling is an integral part of anuran behavior for mating and territorial defense amongst conspecifics. Anthropogenic noise interferes with the detection and discrimination of crucial signals, having consequences on individual fitness and overall population levels. We hypothesize intensity of frog calls will decrease in response to an increase in anthropogenic noise and that the time it takes for anurans to return to their control intensity will increase as we increase the decibel of noise stimulus. Whoosh Pond, Beaver Pond, Beaver Meadow, and Pigs Ear Flow were tested twice over a period of four nights. Each night, we played two cycles of three decibel levels of noise treatments in random order (50 dB, 70 dB, and 90 dB), using a recording of a motorcycle. We then recorded the change in calling intensity using the Decibel 10 App, and recorded the time that it took for the frogs to return to their initial decibel level. We had eight experimental units and sixteen sampling units per treatment. We used a regression analysis to measure the relationship amongst the stimulus intensity and the dependent variable (mating call intensity change and length of time before returning to control intensity). The findings will be presented and discussed during the CLBS symposium. We anticipate that our hypotheses will be supported, providing evidence that noise pollution is a significant factor contributing to the world decline of amphibians.