Acoustic analysis of an intergrade zone between two call races of the Limnodynastes tasmaniensis complex (Anura : Leptodactylidae) in south-eastern Australia

Abstract

Mating calls of the northern and southern call races of the L. tasmaniensis complex are described. Analysis of call structure along a transect across the main contact between these allopatric forms in north central Victoria indicates that there is a zone of intergradation between 90 and 135 km wide, about 215 km long and with a north-westerly orientation. The interaction is interpreted as a secondary contact in which there is hybrid or recombinant superiority along a subtle ecological gradient.