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<p>Communal roosting is taxonomically widespread but has been less studied in amphibians. Using the Japanese toad <i>Bufo japonicus</i>, we provide experimental evidence for both the occurrence and possible adaptive function of communal roosting. In laboratory experiments, in which free-moving toads can choose either shelter in experimental arenas, toads preferred a shelter containing conspecifics. Toads that coexisted with conspecifics in confined spaces reduced body mass loss due to evaporative water loss, suggesting that communal roosting is, at least in part, an adaption to prevent desiccation. Given that desiccation poses a major risk to amphibians, communal roosting could be prevalent among them.</p>

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Communal roosting in the Japanese toad Bufo japonicus

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2025年8月3日

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  • Kyosuke Nishikawa,
  • Wataru Kojima

摘要

Communal roosting is taxonomically widespread but has been less studied in amphibians. Using the Japanese toad Bufo japonicus, we provide experimental evidence for both the occurrence and possible adaptive function of communal roosting. In laboratory experiments, in which free-moving toads can choose either shelter in experimental arenas, toads preferred a shelter containing conspecifics. Toads that coexisted with conspecifics in confined spaces reduced body mass loss due to evaporative water loss, suggesting that communal roosting is, at least in part, an adaption to prevent desiccation. Given that desiccation poses a major risk to amphibians, communal roosting could be prevalent among them.