Geographic variation in the advertisement calls of the giant spiny frog (Paa spinosa)

We compared the advertisement calls of the giant spiny frog Paa spinosa from six localities with Paa yunnanensis, which to examine the geographical variation in the call of P. spinosa and prove it exist cryptic species. The method of discriminate analysis was used to check the variation of the calls with seven acoustic parameters. Call analysis showed very significant geographic variation of the call among the frog P. spinosa, and the variations were close to those between P. spinosa and P. yunnanensis. Furthermore, the six localities P. spinosa were roughly divided into two areas, based on the discriminate analysis. Through the significant differences in call properties, we can distinguish between the localities and confirm the P. spinosa exist cryptic species. In addition, 1-note, 2-note, and 8-note calls were presented in this paper as they have not been described before. The analysis of acoustical signals can be used as a basis for the taxonomy of P. spinosa and other complex frog species.