Pleurodema cordobae

Pleurodema cordobae co-inhabits the Sierras de Córdoba with another endemic species, Pleurodema kriegi. The current morphology and previous tectonic activities of the area have produced several endemic plant and animal species due to allopatric speciation. P. cordobae and P. kriegi are restricted between the parallels of latitude 31º26'S and 32°36´S which is from the Pampa de Achala and Sierra de Comechingones in the Córdoba province to the south of the Sierras de Córdoba. P. cordobae inhabits Estancia Los Tabaquillos and two other ponds located 5 kilometers away from it. Two ponds in Los Linderos, Sierra de Comechingones had a total of 13 individuals of the species. Two ponds in Puesto Pereyra, Pampa de Achala had 11 individuals, and in Mal Paso, Pampa de Achala, 16 P. cordobae individuals were located. The two semi-permanent ponds of Estancia Los Tabaquillos do not have the cryptic P. kriegi species.

Typical habitat is represented by temporary and semi-permanent ponds, at the high grassland, with vegetation at the edges and a depth of 20 to 30 cm. The males of this species were found to be acoustically active from December to March (Austral summer) from 21.00 hrs to 4.00 hrs (sunset time: 21.00 – 21.30 hrs). This species was observed in syntopy with Rhinella achalensis, Rhinella arenarum, Odontophrynus achalensis, and Hypsiboas cordobae. In 2010, the egg masses were observed to be adhered to vegetation, which was most abundant along the edge of the ponds. Thus, the greatest density of nests in the smaller pond could be due to the higher edge/area rate.