Habitat disturbance alters color contrast and the detectability of cryptic and aposematic frogs

Abstract Animals use color both to conceal and signal their presence, with patterns that match the background, disrupt shape recognition, or highlight features important for communication. The forms these take are responses visual systems observe them environments within which they viewed. Increasingly, however, being affected by human activity. We studied how pattern characteristics habitat change may affect detectability of three frog from Bocas del Toro archipelago in Panama: Beige-Striped Brown Allobates talamancae two spotted morphs Oophaga pumilio, Black-Spotted Green Red. To assess detectability, we used modeling conspecifics potential predators, along a computer-based detection experiment participants. Although found no evidence disruptive camouflage, did find clear A. stripes inherently more cryptic than O. pumilio spots regardless color. polytypism is related differences forest floor between natural sites. did, strong disturbance affects environment modifies absolute rank order detectability. Human-induced environmental reduces effectiveness camouflage talamancae, increases chromatic contrast, but not Red pumilio. Insofar as predators learn about prey defenses make foraging decisions based on relative availability suitability, such changes have wider implications predator–prey dynamics.