Six different categories of breeding sites were investigated from August 1989 to July 1990 at São José do Bonfim (240 m above sea level) and Maturéia (770 m above sea level), two sites localized in the Brazilian Caatinga (State of Paraíba). A severe drought affected these areas during the study. Even so, calling males, nests and/or tadpoles of 20 species from 5 families were found. Leptodactylidae was the most numerous family, with nine species distributed among five genera. In Maturéia, due to the low evapo-transpiration rates, less variation of water levels was observed. Males of hylids and leptodactylids began their calling activities together, whereas at São José do Bonfim leptodactylids began their calling activities first. Thus, at Maturéia high concentrations of individuals and large choruses were found at the beginning of the rainy season, whereas in São José do Bonfim high concentrations were found later. Although up to eleven synchronously calling species were recorded in São José do Bonfim and up to ten synchronously calling species in Maturéia, egg masses and tadpoles of few species were found at both study sites, suggesting that some species may vocalize but do not reproduce in adverse periods.
Anurans; Caatinga; activity patterns; unpredictable environment