Critical calls: Circadian and seasonal periodicity in vocal activity in a breeding colony of Panamanian golden frogs (Atelopus zeteki).

The Panamanian golden frog (Atelopus zeteki) is a critically endangered species and currently is believed to survive and reproduce only in human care. Panamanian golden frog males are considerably vocal which may be an important component in their successful reproduction, though little is currently known about their calls. To better understand the behavior and vocal patterns of this species and to improve breeding efforts in the assurance colony, we employed individual sound recording of male advertisement calls and acoustic monitoring of a breeding colony to investigate variation in the vocal behavior of Panamanian golden frogs.