| Vocal communication in frogs has many purposes including securing territory, warding off intruders or competitors, and finding mates. Rana boylii, the focus of this study, primarily call under water due to their small vocal sacs. Consequently, full characterization of their call spectrum has proven challenging. Little is known about the vocalizations of this species, apart from one preliminary study conducted in a single population. This previous study distinguished five distinct calls made by R. boylii, but did not characterize variation among populations. I examined variation in call types within and among populations of R. boylii during the mating season and compared them for differences across three geographically isolated populations. I recorded underwater vocalizations using a hydrophone and analyzed dominant frequency, duration, and note/pulse duration using the bioacoustics software Raven Pro. At least one previously undescribed call has been identified from one site, and characterization of differences among populations in predominant calls is ongoing. Knowledge of mating communication habits is essential to inform potential future translocation efforts for this rapidly declining frog.
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