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Explosive breeding

Explosive breeding is a phenomenon of brief and massive reproduction of one or more species of amphibians. Generally, this phenomenon occurs in tropical regions, after the dry season, when the first rains fill temporary water points. This phenomenon is known in different places around the world but remains little studied. This phenomenon is well known in Guyana, where these explosive reproductions occur at the start of the rainy season, generally in December. When forest ponds fill, thousands of amphibians gather in a single night to mate and lay eggs. Some of the species affected by this phenomenon only breed during this short period, such as the Horned Frog (Ceratophrys cornuta), the Leathery Tree Frog (Trachycephalus coriaceus), the Leprieur's Tree Frog (Osteocephalus leprieurii) and the Fringed Tree Frog (Dendropsophus melanargyreus). Other species, such as the Little Tree Frog (Dendropsophus minutus), reproduce throughout the rainy season, but can be in very large numbers on the same water point during these phenomena. Explosive reproduction is a reproductive strategy observed in certain animal species, notably amphibians. This reproduction is characterized by very short and synchronized breeding periods, often triggered by specific environmental conditions such as heavy rains. For example, in tropical anurans, several species can come together simultaneously, forming massive, dynamic choirs. Frogs in both arid and tropical regions take advantage of abundant rain to reproduce quickly in temporary pools. This synchronization maximizes the chances of survival of eggs and tadpoles by reducing predation and exploiting ephemeral aquatic habitats. However, it carries risks, because if environmental conditions are not favorable, reproduction can be compromised for an entire season.