Call description and extended range of Phrynobatrachus mayokoensis in Gabon

Abstract

This study presents the first description of the advertisement call of Phrynobatrachus mayokoensis and reports a new locality record for this species in Gabon. During June 2022, two specimens were found in the Baniaka region, Haut-Ogooué Province, Gabon. The call of one individual was recorded and analysed using standard bioacoustic methods. The advertisement call consists of a call series emitted at a rate of approximately 84 calls per minute with a pulsatile structure. The dominant frequency ranges from 1.12 to 2.24 kHz, with a mean dominant frequency of 1.41 kHz. This acoustic data now allows for the identification of P. mayokoensis through aural surveys, enhancing the likelihood of detecting this cryptic species in future herpetofauna surveys. Additionally, this study provides further information on the species’ coloration, natural history, and distribution.