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Animal Action: Angry Frogs

For the red-eyed tree frog giving the tree a good shake is its way of making a stand against an interloper trying to invade its territory and threaten its mating success.

Animal Action: Angry Frogs

 
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NARRATION
What makes a red-eyed tree frog see red? Well, getting in its personal space for one thing. Holding on to its territory is vital for mating success, and the sight of an intruder sends male frogs shaking mad.

Researchers from the Flinders University have discovered vibrations are a clear signal to other males to "back off". The frog uses its back legs to send seismic signals down the branch, making it clear there is no room on the bush for two.

Topics: Nature
  • Reporter: Dr Graham Phillips
  • Producer: Anja Taylor
  • Researcher: Matthew Levinson
  • Camera: Michael Caldwell
  • Editor: Lile Judickas

Related Info


Tree frog tantrums keep rivals at bay, Science Online, 22 Jun 2010

'Vibrational Signaling in the Agonistic Interactions of Red-Eyed Treefrogs' journal article in Current Biology

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