2026-10-05T17:10:25Z https://herpetozoa.pensoft.net/oai.php

10.3897/herpetozoa.32.e35662 2019-05-13 herpetozoa

Broad seasonal changes in thermoregulation of Podarcis lilfordi (Squamata, Lacertidae) at Binicodrell islet (Menorca, Spain) Ortega,Zaida Mencía,Abraham Giroux,Aline Pérez-Mellado,Valntín temperature behavioural thermoregulation seasonality lacertids islands Balearic lizard environmental changes Herpetozoa 32: 57-63 Most lizards maintain quite constant body temperatures by behavioural means. Seasonal variations of environmental factors, such as temperature, sunlight exposure and wind intensity, influence lizard thermoregulatory abilities. Understanding how seasonal environmental shifts influence lizards’ thermoregulation helps us to know how they deal behaviourally with environmental changes, in general. We examined seasonal shifts (spring vs. summer) in behavioural thermoregulation in Podarcis lilfordi from Binicodrell islet (Menorca, Spain). Operative temperatures varied between microhabitats and seasons, being lower in spring than in summer, regardless of sunlight exposure. Lizard body temperatures were also lower in spring than in summer. Lizards used sunny microhabitats more frequently in spring and shaded areas in summer. Habitat thermal quality was similar during both seasons, but lizards thermoregulated less accurately in spring than in summer. Thermoregulatory effectiveness was low in spring (0.28) and moderate in summer (0.76). In comparison with previously published results, our findings showed the marked seasonal variation in the effectiveness of thermoregulation amongst island populations, which should be considered in future comparative studies. info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/eissn/2682-955X info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/pissn/1013-4425 info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess CC BY 4.0 Pensoft Publishers 2019 Research Article text/html info:doi:10.3897/herpetozoa.32.e35662 https://doi.org/10.3897/herpetozoa.32.e35662 https://herpetozoa.pensoft.net/article/35662/ https://herpetozoa.pensoft.net/article/35662/download/pdf/ en

10.3897/herpetozoa.32.e35617 2019-05-13 herpetozoa

Distress calls of Leptodactylus knudseni Heyer, 1972 (Anura, Leptodactylidae) Carrillo,Juan FC Dena,Simone vocalisation defensive behaviour anurans Herpetozoa 32: 7-10 We describe distress calls of Leptodactylus knudseni recorded in Colombia and Brazil. These calls share similar acoustic features with previous records from other species of L. pentadactylus group. info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/eissn/2682-955X info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/pissn/1013-4425 info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess CC BY 4.0 Pensoft Publishers 2019 Short Communication text/html info:doi:10.3897/herpetozoa.32.e35617 https://doi.org/10.3897/herpetozoa.32.e35617 https://herpetozoa.pensoft.net/article/35617/ https://herpetozoa.pensoft.net/article/35617/download/pdf/ en

10.3897/herpetozoa.32.e35663 2019-05-13 herpetozoa

A case of communal egg-laying of Gonatodes albogularis (Sauria, Sphaerodactylidae) in bromeliads (Poales, Bromeliaceae) Carvajal Ocampo,Valentina Angel Vallejo,Maria Camila Gutiérrez-Cárdenas,Paul David Alfonso Ospina-Bautista,Fabiola Estévez Varón,Jaime Vicente Andean disturbed Colombia forests communal egg-laying nesting sites Tillandsia elongata Herpetozoa 32: 45-49 The Neotropical Yellow-Headed Gecko Gonatodes albogularis commonly use cavities in the trees as a microhabitat for egg-laying. Here, we present the first record of this species in Colombia using the tank bromeliad Tillandsia elongata as nesting sites, along with the occurrence of communal egg-laying in that microhabitat. info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/eissn/2682-955X info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/pissn/1013-4425 info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess CC BY 4.0 Pensoft Publishers 2019 Short Communication text/html info:doi:10.3897/herpetozoa.32.e35663 https://doi.org/10.3897/herpetozoa.32.e35663 https://herpetozoa.pensoft.net/article/35663/ https://herpetozoa.pensoft.net/article/35663/download/pdf/ en

10.3897/herpetozoa.32.e35660 2019-05-13 herpetozoa

Fluctuations in population abundance in two anurans from Central Serbia Jovanović,Bogdan Crnobrnja‐Isailović,Jelka Bufo bufo climate variation population growth rate population size variation Rana dalmatina south-eastern Europe Herpetozoa 32: 65-71 We monitored the population size of the agile frog (Rana dalmatina) and the common toad (Bufo bufo) from 2011 or 2012, respectively, to the year 2017 at a syntopic breeding site in the vicinity of Belgrade. Adult R. dalmatina population size had minor fluctuations during the years of study (from 351 to 108 frogs). On the contrary, the adult B. bufo population was widely fluctuating towards decline (from 1158 to 141 toads). In both species, population fluctuations were not significantly related to variation of meteorological parameters (air temperature, humidity, precipitation). Density dependence effects on population size were not detected in either species. Apart from possible effects of climate change, the indicated trend towards decline of the monitored B. bufo population could also be the outcome of common population fluctuations or of increasing anthropogenic impact (vicinity of settlement and agricultural land). More years of monitoring more than one population are required to obtain precise information. Nevertheless, our results seem to be coherent with other studies that recommend conservation action for this species. info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/eissn/2682-955X info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/pissn/1013-4425 info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess CC BY 4.0 Pensoft Publishers 2019 Research Article text/html info:doi:10.3897/herpetozoa.32.e35660 https://doi.org/10.3897/herpetozoa.32.e35660 https://herpetozoa.pensoft.net/article/35660/ https://herpetozoa.pensoft.net/article/35660/download/pdf/ en

10.3897/herpetozoa.32.e35658 2019-05-13 herpetozoa

Opening a turtle graveyard: Size distribution of dead individuals of Phrynops geoffroanus (Pleurodira, Chelidae) Rodrigues,João Fabrício Friol,Natália Silva,Wagnar Demondes,Erica Pinto,Antonio Fernandes-Ferreira,Hugo body size Caatinga Cedro drought freshwater turtles Herpetozoa 32: 33-37 Aquatic animals, such as freshwater turtles, are much dependent on the water bodies where they live. Here we describe the size distribution of a population of Phrynops geoffroanus complex that died after the total drought of the artificial water reservoir where it lived in Caatinga. Amongst the 438 animals we found dead in the Cedro water reservoir, we measured the maximum carapace length of 72 individuals. The population was mainly composed of adult individuals and dead turtles measured in areas that kept water for longer were larger than animals from areas that dried up early. info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/eissn/2682-955X info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/pissn/1013-4425 info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess CC BY 4.0 Pensoft Publishers 2019 Short Communication text/html info:doi:10.3897/herpetozoa.32.e35658 https://doi.org/10.3897/herpetozoa.32.e35658 https://herpetozoa.pensoft.net/article/35658/ https://herpetozoa.pensoft.net/article/35658/download/pdf/ en

10.3897/herpetozoa.32.e35624 2019-05-13 herpetozoa

First record of Platyceps rhodorachis (Jan in de Filippi, 1865) from the Alay Mountains, southern Kyrgyzstan Jablonski,Daniel Bragin,Andrei Central Asia Colubridae Coluber range extension new records distribution Herpetozoa 32: 73-76 We report recent observations of Platyceps rhodorachis (Jan in de Filippi, 1865) from Kyrgyzstan and the first species record from the Alay Mountains. It represents an important range extension in the Central Asiatic distribution of the species. info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/eissn/2682-955X info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/pissn/1013-4425 info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess CC BY 4.0 Pensoft Publishers 2019 Short Communication text/html info:doi:10.3897/herpetozoa.32.e35624 https://doi.org/10.3897/herpetozoa.32.e35624 https://herpetozoa.pensoft.net/article/35624/ https://herpetozoa.pensoft.net/article/35624/download/pdf/ en

10.3897/herpetozoa.32.e35627 2019-05-13 herpetozoa

Does carnivory pay off? Experiments on the effects of different types of diet on growth and development of Bufo bufo (Linnaeus, 1758) tadpoles and carry-over effects after metamorphosis Craioveanu,Octavian Craioveanu,Cristina Ghira,Ioan Mireșan,Vioara Hartel,Tibor Amphibia herbivory/grazing experimental ecology permanent pond-breeder Herpetozoa 32: 21-31 Natural diets of anuran larvae vary widely in their relative amounts of nutrients. The proportion of these ingested nutrients has significant influence on larval and post-metamorphic performance. Here, we use the Common Toad to address the role of diet (exclusively carnivore, exclusively vegetarian and mixed) on growth and development of tadpoles and short-term carry-over effects on post-metamorphic animals. Larvae fed on an exclusively vegetarian diet performed better (faster growth and development) than larvae fed on exclusively carnivore and mixed diets. Larvae fed on the exclusively carnivore diet had the lowest performance. Regarding the carry-over effects of larval diets, although the body condition indices of the toadlets were similar in all treatments, there was a major difference in the survival rate. While toadlets, originating from larvae fed on a vegetarian diet, were more successful and had the lowest mortality, those fed on a carnivore diet had the highest mortality level. Our results suggest that a plant-based diet may contain all the necessary nutrients needed by Bufo bufo larvae. Furthermore, a diet based exclusively on food of animal origin might be detrimental for the larval performance and could have significant carry-over effects on the post-metamorphic animal. info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/eissn/2682-955X info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/pissn/1013-4425 info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess CC BY 4.0 Pensoft Publishers 2019 Research Article text/html info:doi:10.3897/herpetozoa.32.e35627 https://doi.org/10.3897/herpetozoa.32.e35627 https://herpetozoa.pensoft.net/article/35627/ https://herpetozoa.pensoft.net/article/35627/download/pdf/ en

10.3897/herpetozoa.32.e35742 2019-05-13 herpetozoa

Tadpole of Leptopelis ragazzii (Boulenger, 1896), Shoa Forest Tree Frog (Anura, Arthroleptidae) Tiutenko,Arthur Zinenko,Oleksandr Arthroleptidae Ethiopia Harenna Forest larva Leptopelis gramineus Leptopelis vannutellii tadpole Herpetozoa 32: 51-55 The tadpole of poorly studied Leptopelis ragazzii (Boulenger, 1896), a high-altitude tree frog species from the Ethiopian highlands, is described for the first time and compared with closely related sympatric species – L. gramineus (Boulenger, 1898) and L. vannutellii (Boulenger, 1898). info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/eissn/2682-955X info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/pissn/1013-4425 info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess CC BY 4.0 Pensoft Publishers 2019 Research Article text/html info:doi:10.3897/herpetozoa.32.e35742 https://doi.org/10.3897/herpetozoa.32.e35742 https://herpetozoa.pensoft.net/article/35742/ https://herpetozoa.pensoft.net/article/35742/download/pdf/ en

10.3897/herpetozoa.32.e35611 2019-05-13 herpetozoa

Multiple origins of the common chameleon in southern Italy Basso,Roberto Vannuccini,Maria Luisa Nerva,Luca Mazza,Giuseppe Seno,Matteo Mori,Emiliano 16S rRNA gene Chamaeleo chamaeleon Mediterranean countries paleo-introduction population origin Herpetozoa 32: 11-19 The common chameleon Chamaeleo chamaeleon is a Mediterranean lizard which has been introduced in many islands and its native origin in European countries is debated. Chameleons have been introduced in southern Italy, possibly from the Middle East and Tunisia. We conducted genetic analyses on mitochondrial DNA 16S gene on a larger sample. We observed a multiple origin for the Salento (Apulia, southern Italy) population, with individuals phylogenetically related to populations of North Africa and two areas in the Middle East. Some individuals may have been released before the 1950s and some others in the 1980s, improving the establishment success of this species. info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/eissn/2682-955X info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/pissn/1013-4425 info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess CC BY 4.0 Pensoft Publishers 2019 Research Article text/html info:doi:10.3897/herpetozoa.32.e35611 https://doi.org/10.3897/herpetozoa.32.e35611 https://herpetozoa.pensoft.net/article/35611/ https://herpetozoa.pensoft.net/article/35611/download/pdf/ en

10.3897/herpetozoa.32.e35623 2019-05-13 herpetozoa

Diet of the Rufous Frog Leptodactylus fuscus (Anura, Leptodactylidae) from two contrasting environments Santana,Diego Ferreira,Vanessa Crestani,Gabriel Neves,Matheus anthropic changes anthropization Cerrado resources trophic ecology Herpetozoa 32: 1-6 The impact of urbanization on amphibians has received some attention in the conservation literature. Despite the various impacts on animal life, some species can persist along the cities structures by adjusting their natural histories. Leptodactylus fuscus is a common anuran species occurring in South America, which can commonly be found in urban environments. Herein, we compare the diet of L. fuscus between an urban and a wild environment. We collected 57 individuals of L. fuscus and analysed their diet, which differed significantly between the two sites. In the urban environment, Coleoptera were the prevalent prey items, whereas specimens from the wild site had a more diverse diet. info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/eissn/2682-955X info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/pissn/1013-4425 info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess CC BY 4.0 Pensoft Publishers 2019 Research Article text/html info:doi:10.3897/herpetozoa.32.e35623 https://doi.org/10.3897/herpetozoa.32.e35623 https://herpetozoa.pensoft.net/article/35623/ https://herpetozoa.pensoft.net/article/35623/download/pdf/ en

10.3897/herpetozoa.32.e35576 2019-05-13 herpetozoa

A skeletochronological estimate of age and growth in a large riparian frog from Madagascar (Anura, Mantellidae, Mantidactylus) Guarino,Fabio Maria Crottini,Angelica Mezzasalma,Marcello Randrianirina,Jasmin E. Andreone,Franco growth curve longevity Malagasy herpetofauna Mantidactylus subgenus phalangeal skeletochronology sexual size dimorphism Vevembe Herpetozoa 32: 39-44 We characterized the body size (as snout-vent length), age, sexual size dimorphism, and growth rate in a population of one of the larger riparian frog from Madagascar (Mantidactylus grandidieri) from a rainforest patch close to Vevembe, SE Madagascar. We identified a significant female-biased sexual size dimorphism. Age was estimated using phalangeal skeletochronology and was significantly higher in females than in males. Modal age class turned out to be 4 years in both sexes but a large percentage of adult females (75%) fell in the 5–6 years-old classes, while no male exceeded 4 years. We here report M. grandidieri as a medium-long-lived anuran species. Von Bertalanffy’s model showed similar growth trajectories between the sexes although the growth coefficient in females (k = 0.335) was slightly but not significantly higher than in males (k = 0.329). info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/eissn/2682-955X info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/pissn/1013-4425 info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess CC BY 4.0 Pensoft Publishers 2019 Research Article text/html info:doi:10.3897/herpetozoa.32.e35576 https://doi.org/10.3897/herpetozoa.32.e35576 https://herpetozoa.pensoft.net/article/35576/ https://herpetozoa.pensoft.net/article/35576/download/pdf/ en

10.3897/herpetozoa.32.e35729 2019-05-15 herpetozoa

Release calls of four species of Phyllomedusidae (Amphibia, Anura) Mângia,Sarah Camurugi,Felipe Pereira,Elvis Almeida Carvalho,Priscila Röhr,David Lucas Folly,Henrique Santana,Diego vocalization animal behavior bioacoustics Phyllomedusa Pithecopus Herpetozoa 32: 77-81 Anurans emit a variety of acoustic signals in different behavioral contexts during the breeding season. The release call is a signal produced by the frog when it is inappropriately clasped by another frog. In the family Phyllomedusidae, this call type is known only for Pithecophus ayeaye. Here we describe the release call of four species: Phyllomedusa bahiana, P. sauvagii, Pithecopus rohdei, and P. nordestinus, based on recordings in the field. The release calls of these four species consist of a multipulsed note. Smaller species of the Pithecopus genus (P. ayeaye, P. rohdei and P. nordestinus), presented shorter release calls (0.022–0.070 s), with higher dominant frequency on average (1508.8–1651.8 Hz), when compared to the bigger Phyllomedusa (P. bahiana and P. sauvagii) (0.062–0.107 s; 798.7–1071.4 Hz). For phyllomedusid species, the release call might indicate a phylogenetic signal, because species of the same genus have similar acoustic traits. info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/eissn/2682-955X info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/pissn/1013-4425 info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess CC BY 4.0 Pensoft Publishers 2019 Research Article text/html info:doi:10.3897/herpetozoa.32.e35729 https://doi.org/10.3897/herpetozoa.32.e35729 https://herpetozoa.pensoft.net/article/35729/ https://herpetozoa.pensoft.net/article/35729/download/pdf/ en

10.3897/herpetozoa.32.e35743 2019-05-15 herpetozoa

The frequency of body scarring in Caspian Whip Snakes (Dolichophis caspius Gmelin, 1789) in south-western Hungary Frank,Krisztián Dudas,György Colubridae injury predator-prey relationship Szársomlyó Hill Herpetozoa 32: 83-85 Animals can suffer injuries due to diseases, intraspecific aggression and, most of all, predation events. We present field data to provide numerical information about the injuries found in the largest Caspian Whip Snake (Dolichophis caspius) population in Hungary, near the northernmost portion of the species’ distribution range. info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/eissn/2682-955X info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/pissn/1013-4425 info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess CC BY 4.0 Pensoft Publishers 2019 Short Communication text/html info:doi:10.3897/herpetozoa.32.e35743 https://doi.org/10.3897/herpetozoa.32.e35743 https://herpetozoa.pensoft.net/article/35743/ https://herpetozoa.pensoft.net/article/35743/download/pdf/ en

10.3897/herpetozoa.32.e35615 2019-05-17 herpetozoa

New data on the distribution of lizards in Caucasus Doronin,Igor Doronina,Marina Bekoshvili,David Darevskia brauneri Darevskia daghestanica Lacerta agilis ioriensis Lacerta strigata Azerbaijan Georgia Herpetozoa 32: 87-90 New data on the distribution of four species of lizards (Darevskia brauneri, D. daghestanica, Lacerta agilis ioriensis, L. strigata) in the Caucasus are presented. info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/eissn/2682-955X info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/pissn/1013-4425 info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess CC BY 4.0 Pensoft Publishers 2019 Short Communication text/html info:doi:10.3897/herpetozoa.32.e35615 https://doi.org/10.3897/herpetozoa.32.e35615 https://herpetozoa.pensoft.net/article/35615/ https://herpetozoa.pensoft.net/article/35615/download/pdf/ en

10.3897/herpetozoa.32.e35911 2019-05-21 herpetozoa

Tropidodipsas sartorii (Cope, 1863) (Squamata: Dipsadidae): an addition to the snake fauna from Guerrero, Mexico Blancas-Hernández,Jean Cristian Palacios Aguilar,Ricardo Santos-Bibiano,Rufino Southern Mexico Pacific coast Tropidodipsas sartorii new state record Guerrero Herpetozoa 32: 91-93 We report for the first time on the presence of the snake Tropidodipsas sartorii in the Mexican state of Guerrero. According to distribution and morphological evidence, the specimen reported herein is a representative of the subspecies T. s. macdougalli. info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/eissn/2682-955X info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/pissn/1013-4425 info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess CC BY 4.0 Pensoft Publishers 2019 Short Communication text/html info:doi:10.3897/herpetozoa.32.e35911 https://doi.org/10.3897/herpetozoa.32.e35911 https://herpetozoa.pensoft.net/article/35911/ https://herpetozoa.pensoft.net/article/35911/download/pdf/ en

10.3897/herpetozoa.32.e36023 2019-05-21 herpetozoa

Observation on rapid physiological color change in Giant tree frog Rhacophorus smaragdinus (Blyth, 1852) from Namdapha Tiger Reserve, Arunachal Pradesh, India C K,Deepak Payra,Arajush Tripathy,Basudev Chandra,Kailash anuran behavior reversible color change camouflage physiological stress thermoregulation Rhacophoridae Rhacophorus maximus Theloderma Raorchestes Pseudophilautus Herpetozoa 32: 95-99 Many poikilotherms have the ability to change body color for homeostatic regulation, conspecific communication or predator deterrence. Physiological color change is a rapid, reversible mode of color change regulated by neuromuscular or neuroendocrine system and has been observed in several anuran species. Here we report the occurrence of physiological color change in the tree frog Rhacophorus smaragdinus (Blyth, 1852) (Amphibia, Anura, Rhacophoridae) for the first time from Namdapha Tiger Reserve, Arunachal Pradesh, India. Probable proximate causes of the behavior are discussed along with an overview of physiological color change in species of the family Rhacophoridae and nature of color change observed. info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/eissn/2682-955X info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/pissn/1013-4425 info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess CC BY 4.0 Pensoft Publishers 2019 Short Communication text/html info:doi:10.3897/herpetozoa.32.e36023 https://doi.org/10.3897/herpetozoa.32.e36023 https://herpetozoa.pensoft.net/article/36023/ https://herpetozoa.pensoft.net/article/36023/download/pdf/ en

10.3897/herpetozoa.32.e35825 2019-05-22 herpetozoa

Early onset of breeding season in the green toad Bufotes viridis in Western Poland Kaczmarski,Mikołaj Szala,Klaudia Kloskowski,Janusz Amphibia Anura climate change global warming phenology Poznań Herpetozoa 32: 109-112 Amphibians are highly sensitive to environmental changes such as climate warming. Here, we report unusually early oviposition in two spatially isolated urban subpopulations of the green toad Bufotes viridis Laurenti, 1768, in Poznań, Western Poland. To our knowledge, we report the earliest breeding date for Central and Eastern Europe, for areas of similar latitude. We ascribe the early onset of B. viridis reproduction to an exceptionally warm spring in Western Poland in 2017. B. viridis shows flexibility in the timing of reproductive activity, however, shifts in breeding phenology may have both beneficial and detrimental population consequences. info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/eissn/2682-955X info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/pissn/1013-4425 info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess CC BY 4.0 Pensoft Publishers 2019 Short Communication text/html info:doi:10.3897/herpetozoa.32.e35825 https://doi.org/10.3897/herpetozoa.32.e35825 https://herpetozoa.pensoft.net/article/35825/ https://herpetozoa.pensoft.net/article/35825/download/pdf/ en

10.3897/herpetozoa.32.e35574 2019-05-22 herpetozoa

A long-term study of a snake community in north-western Tuscany (central Italy): population structure and density patterns Storniolo,Federico Menichelli,Sacha Zuffi,Marco central Mediterranean Italy Colubridae density long-term analysis Reptilia: Serpentes Squamata: species occurrence Viperidae Herpetozoa 32: 101-107 We analysed a snake species community of a Mediterranean 0.2 ha ecotonal area during a 21 year time span, monitoring two colubrid and one viperid snake species. We carried out analyses in seven years (1997, 1999, 2002, 2004–2005, 2016–2017) that had similar sampling efforts and, in the last two years of short-term monitoring, we applied a recently proposed monitoring protocol of the Italian Environment Ministry. In total, we captured 172 distinct individuals, 61 whip snakes (Hierophis viridiflavus), 26 barred grass snakes (Natrix helvetica) and 85 asp vipers (Vipera aspis). Regarding the long-term monitoring period, whip snakes were captured on average about nine times per year, grass snakes were captured four times per year and asp vipers were found 12 times per year. Captures decreased in whip snakes, while increased in grass snakes and remained constant in asp vipers. In 2016 and 2017, we captured 10 whip snakes, 19 grass snakes and 31 asp vipers. Density estimates of snake species (0.5 H. viridiflavus/ha, 0.3 N. helvetica/ha and 0.7 V. aspis/ha) differ, to a certain extent, from published results for some other areas of central, northern and western Europe, perhaps depending on the approach applied for habitat suitability estimation. The average body size between two years differed neither for whip snakes nor for grass snakes, but it decreased significantly in asp vipers. info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/eissn/2682-955X info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/pissn/1013-4425 info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess CC BY 4.0 Pensoft Publishers 2019 Research Article text/html info:doi:10.3897/herpetozoa.32.e35574 https://doi.org/10.3897/herpetozoa.32.e35574 https://herpetozoa.pensoft.net/article/35574/ https://herpetozoa.pensoft.net/article/35574/download/pdf/ en

10.3897/herpetozoa.32.e35641 2019-05-23 herpetozoa

Herpetofauna in a highly endangered area: the Triângulo Mineiro region, in Minas Gerais State, Brazil Neves,Matheus Yves,Andre Pereira,Elvis Alves Silva,Leandro Vasques,Jacqueline Coelho,Joaquim Silva,Patricia amphibians Atlantic Forest Cerrado checklist new records reptiles Herpetozoa 32: 113-123 The Brazilian Cerrado and Atlantic Forest shelter an especially rich herpetofauna and experience strong anthropogenic disturbances, which is also true for the western portion of Minas Gerais State. Herein, we present a list of the herpetofauna from the Triângulo Mineiro region in Minas Gerais State, southeastern Brazil. From 2012 to 2016, we sampled 28 localities along 23 municipalities in the region, using three sampling methods: active search, pitfall traps, and opportunistic records. We recorded 79 species, 44 amphibians and 35 reptiles. Three species (Bokermannohyla sazimai, Ololygon canastrensis, and Pithecopus azureus) are classified as “data deficient” (DD) according to the IUCN. One species (Proceratophrys moratoi) is classified as “critically endangered” (CR) according to the IUCN Red List, and “endangered” (EN) according to the national red list. However, we suggest listing P. moratoi in the “least concern” category. We also present the first record of Dendropsophus elianeae in Minas Gerais State, and distribution map of the species. Furthermore, we elucidate the composition of the herpetofauna in the Triângulo Mineiro region and contribute to future conservation plans for the region and the species. info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/eissn/2682-955X info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/pissn/1013-4425 info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess CC BY 4.0 Pensoft Publishers 2019 Research Article text/html info:doi:10.3897/herpetozoa.32.e35641 https://doi.org/10.3897/herpetozoa.32.e35641 https://herpetozoa.pensoft.net/article/35641/ https://herpetozoa.pensoft.net/article/35641/download/pdf/ en

10.3897/herpetozoa.32.e35654 2019-05-31 herpetozoa

Hindlimb abnormality reduces locomotor performance in Pelobates cultripes metamorphs but is not predicted by larval morphometrics Zamora-Camacho,Francisco Javier Aragón,Pedro anomaly anuran jumping distance morphology spadefoot Herpetozoa 32: 125-131 Locomotor performance is a fundamental feature commonly related to many animals’ fitness. In most cases, locomotor performance is closely related to morphology of the structures responsible for it, which is therefore under strong selective pressure. Hence, limb abnormality could hinder locomotion and, for that reason, be eradicated by selection, which could explain its overall low prevalence that makes proper research difficult. Here, we took advantage of the moderately high prevalence of hindlimb abnormality in a sample of Iberian spadefoot (Pelobates cultripes) metamorphs developed from tadpoles captured and transferred to the laboratory before selection could act against metamorph abnormality. We tested the hypothesis that limb abnormality impairs locomotor performance. Moreover, we measured several larval and metamorph morphometrics, and checked for differences between normal and abnormal-limbed individuals. We also assessed correlations between hindlimb ratio (hindlimb length/SVL) and jumping performance in normal and abnormal-limbed metamorphs. Larval traits measured could not predict hindlimb abnormality. In metamorphs, only hindlimb ratio differed between normal and abnormal-limbed individuals, being shorter in the latter. Abnormal-limbed metamorphs jumped considerably shorter distances than normal-limbed conspecifics. Therefore, selection against reduced locomotor performance could eliminate limb abnormality from populations. Hindlimb ratio was included in the model as a covariable, and thus controlled for. Consequently, other factors besides shorter hindlimbs, probably hindlimb abnormality itself, could play a role in worse jumping capability of abnormal-limbed individuals. Hindlimb ratio was positively related to jumping distance in both groups, although the relationship was weaker in abnormal-limbed metamorphs. info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/eissn/2682-955X info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/pissn/1013-4425 info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess CC BY 4.0 Pensoft Publishers 2019 Research Article text/html info:doi:10.3897/herpetozoa.32.e35654 https://doi.org/10.3897/herpetozoa.32.e35654 https://herpetozoa.pensoft.net/article/35654/ https://herpetozoa.pensoft.net/article/35654/download/pdf/ en

10.3897/herpetozoa.32.e35824 2019-06-12 herpetozoa

Snakes use microhabitats created by the great capricorn beetle Cerambyx cerdo in southwest Poland Gottfried,Iwona Borczyk,Bartosz Gottfried,Tomasz ecosystem engineers Natrix natrix niche saproxylic beetles Herpetozoa 32: 133-135 Niche engineering is considered one of the most important interspecific interactions that shape ecosystems, but this kind of interaction network has not been sufficiently studied so far. Here we present the first observation of grass snake Natrix natrix in the galleries of Cerambyx cerdo. We recorded three grass snake individuals basking and hiding inside the C. cerdo galleries. We suggest the presence of this beetle species may create new environmental niches and improve habitat quality for snakes and other vertebrates. info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/eissn/2682-955X info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/pissn/1013-4425 info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess CC BY 4.0 Pensoft Publishers 2019 Short Communication text/html info:doi:10.3897/herpetozoa.32.e35824 https://doi.org/10.3897/herpetozoa.32.e35824 https://herpetozoa.pensoft.net/article/35824/ https://herpetozoa.pensoft.net/article/35824/download/pdf/ en

10.3897/herpetozoa.32.e35651 2019-06-14 herpetozoa

Endoparasites in two species of ranid frogs from Peninsular Malaysia, Odorrana hosii (Boulenger, 1891) and O. monjerai (Matsui and Jaafar, 2006), with comments on modes of infection Goldberg,Stephen Bursey,Charles R Grismer,Lee Nematoda Amphibiocapillaria bufonis Cosmocerca ornata Abbreviata sp. new hosts Peninsular Malaysia prevalence Herpetozoa 32: 137-138 Odorrana hosii and O. monjerai from Peninsular Malaysia were examined for endoparasites. Only Nematoda were found. For Odorrana hosii, Amphibiocapillaria bufonis, Cosmocerca ornata and Abbreviata sp. (cysts) were found. For O. monjerai, A. bufonis and C. ornata were found. All are new host records. info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/eissn/2682-955X info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/pissn/1013-4425 info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess CC BY 4.0 Pensoft Publishers 2019 Short Communication text/html info:doi:10.3897/herpetozoa.32.e35651 https://doi.org/10.3897/herpetozoa.32.e35651 https://herpetozoa.pensoft.net/article/35651/ https://herpetozoa.pensoft.net/article/35651/download/pdf/ en

10.3897/herpetozoa.32.e36361 2019-06-27 herpetozoa

Potential distribution and habitat connectivity of Crotalus triseriatus in Central Mexico Sunny,Armando Gandarilla-Aizpuro,Fabiola J. Monroy-Vilchis,Octavio Zarco-Gonzalez,Martha M. circuit theory ecological niche modelling habitat fragmentation habitat suitability protected natural areas Herpetozoa 32: 139-148 The dusky rattlesnake, Crotalus triseriatus, used to be very abundant in many parts of the highlands of central Mexico, but with the increasing human population and associated activities, the rattlesnake habitats and populations have suffered drastic reductions and fragmentation. At the moment, the most important habitat features, associated with the presence of C. triseriatus, the current potential distribution and the landscape connectivity amongst the populations of the State of Mexico and Mexico City, are unknown. Therefore, we used the maximum entropy modelling software (MAXENT) to analyse the current potential distribution and most important habitat features, associated with the presence of the species. The variables with the highest contribution to the model were: proportion of Abies forest, minimum temperature of coldest month, maximum temperature of the warmest month, proportion of Pinus forest and annual precipitation. Furthermore, we found connectivity corridors only within mountain chains. Our results highlight the necessity for conserving the patches of Abies forest and preserving the populations of C. triseriatus and the connectivity of the landscape. info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/eissn/2682-955X info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/pissn/1013-4425 info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess CC BY 4.0 Pensoft Publishers 2019 Research Article text/html info:doi:10.3897/herpetozoa.32.e36361 https://doi.org/10.3897/herpetozoa.32.e36361 https://herpetozoa.pensoft.net/article/36361/ https://herpetozoa.pensoft.net/article/36361/download/pdf/ en

10.3897/herpetozoa.32.e37347 2019-07-16 herpetozoa

Emergence and dispersal of snakes after syntopic hibernation Dyugmedzhiev,Angel Slavchev,Miroslav Naumov,Borislav microhabitat hibernaculum competition segregation Colubridae Herpetozoa 32: 149-157 A communal hibernaculum situated in Southwestern Bulgaria and its adjacent area (4 km in diameter) was studied. Seven snake species used this hibernating den, Malpolon insignitus, Dolichophis caspius, Platyceps najadum, Elaphe quatuorlineata, Telescopus fallax, Vipera ammodytes and Xerotyphlops vermicularis. The emergence of the snakes was related to the rise of daily temperatures. Malpolon insignitus emerged from hibernation earlier in the spring than the other species, and most individuals were the first to leave the hibernaculum. There was a temporal segregation among the basking area in early spring, between the latter species and D. caspius, which were the two most abundant species. These two species also used the same area of the hibernaculum, in contrast to P. najadum and E. quatuorlineata, which used a different area. After spring dispersal, M. insignitus and D. caspius used the same microhabitats during the rest of the active period. The earlier emergence of M. insignitus (and earlier departure from the site) probably reduces the competition for basking sites. The early departure of the species may give advantage in the competition for optimal microhabitats with D. caspius. info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/eissn/2682-955X info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/pissn/1013-4425 info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess CC BY 4.0 Pensoft Publishers 2019 Research Article text/html info:doi:10.3897/herpetozoa.32.e37347 https://doi.org/10.3897/herpetozoa.32.e37347 https://herpetozoa.pensoft.net/article/37347/ https://herpetozoa.pensoft.net/article/37347/download/pdf/ en

10.3897/herpetozoa.32.e37094 2019-07-24 herpetozoa

Age structure and body size of the endangered species Darevskia bendimahiensis (Schmidtler, Eiselt & Darevsky, 1994) from eastern Turkey (Squamata, Sauria, Lacertidae) Yıldırım,Elif Kumlutaş,Yusuf Candan,Kamil Ilgaz,Çetin Bendimahi lizard life-history traits skeletochronology longevity endosteal resorption Herpetozoa 32: 159-163 The life-history traits of the parthenogenetic lizard Darevskia bendimahiensis were studied by skeletochronology in a population inhabiting highlands in Çaldıran, Van, Turkey. Endosteal resorption was observed in 18 specimens (55%). The mean age was 4.91 ± 0.19 SD years. The mean snout-vent length (SVL) was 51.11 ± 1.15 SD mm. The age at sexual maturity was estimated as 3 years. Longevity was 7 years. Snout-vent length and age were positively correlated (Spearman’s correlation; r = 0.797, P = 0.000). The aim of this study is to contribute to the future conservation activities for this endangered species. info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/eissn/2682-955X info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/pissn/1013-4425 info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess CC BY 4.0 Pensoft Publishers 2019 Research Article text/html info:doi:10.3897/herpetozoa.32.e37094 https://doi.org/10.3897/herpetozoa.32.e37094 https://herpetozoa.pensoft.net/article/37094/ https://herpetozoa.pensoft.net/article/37094/download/pdf/ en

10.3897/herpetozoa.32.e36609 2019-07-30 herpetozoa

Eaten or beaten? Severe population decline of the invasive lizard Podarcis siculus (Rafinesque-Schmaltz, 1810) after an eradication project in Athens, Greece Adamopoulou,Chloe Pafilis,Panayiotis cat predation invasive Italian wall lizard urban biodiversity Herpetozoa 32: 165-169 Invasive species have been recognised as an important hazard to native communities. Amongst the mitigation measures that have been proposed to confront biological invasions, eradication projects are certainly the most drastic. In this short communication, a successful eradication project against a recently established population of the Italian wall lizard (Podarcis siculus) in Athens, Greece, is reported. To this aim, the Hellenic Herpetological Society received unforeseen aid from stray cats and, possibly, from the Οcellated skink (Chalcides ocellatus) and vegetation growth. Within three years, the initial thriving P. siculus population has shrunk to very few individuals. info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/eissn/2682-955X info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/pissn/1013-4425 info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess CC BY 4.0 Pensoft Publishers 2019 Short Communication text/html info:doi:10.3897/herpetozoa.32.e36609 https://doi.org/10.3897/herpetozoa.32.e36609 https://herpetozoa.pensoft.net/article/36609/ https://herpetozoa.pensoft.net/article/36609/download/pdf/ en

10.3897/herpetozoa.32.e37735 2019-08-23 herpetozoa

Injuries reflecting intra- and interspecific interactions in the Snake-eyed Skink Ablepharus kitaibelii (Bibron & Bory de Saint-Vincent, 1833) (Squamata, Scincidae) from Bulgaria Vergilov,Vladislav Kornilev,Yurii aggression biting copulation limb lizard tail Herpetozoa 32: 171-175 The Snake-eyed Skink’s intra- and inter-specific interactions and their impacts on the individual (e.g. injuries) have received little attention so far. As part of copulation, male lizards bite the females; observations confirm an old report that bites occur in the fore side of the body, along with more recently published information about the back side. Additionally, out of 435 individuals observed in situ, 10 had missing extremities (toes, ankles, etc.); however, further studies should identify the causes of such injury, e.g. male-male combat, predators. For the first time, an adult male was observed biting a juvenile ex situ; the specific reasons, however, remain unknown. This report should generate further interest in ecological and behavioral studies, assessing the costs and benefits to potential territorial defense, intra-specific combat, and predator pressure and escape mechanisms. info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/eissn/2682-955X info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/pissn/1013-4425 info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess CC BY 4.0 Pensoft Publishers 2019 Short Communication text/html info:doi:10.3897/herpetozoa.32.e37735 https://doi.org/10.3897/herpetozoa.32.e37735 https://herpetozoa.pensoft.net/article/37735/ https://herpetozoa.pensoft.net/article/37735/download/pdf/ en

10.3897/herpetozoa.32.e38171 2019-09-10 herpetozoa

Additional data to the herpetofauna of Afghanistan Jablonski,Daniel Regan,John Pervaiz,Roomna Farooqi,Javeed Basit,Abdul Masroor,Rafaqat amphibians reptiles first record distribution zoogeography Central Asia Herpetozoa 32: 177-193 This study provides observation on 21 species of amphibians and reptiles obtained during various field trips in Afghanistan from 2007 to 2018. The core of this study is distributional data collected mostly by the second author of this paper that were systematically evaluated. Our records show a notable expansion of the current distribution range for several species and highlight the need for more extensive further sampling within the entire country. The first record of Cyrtopodion agamuroides (Nikolsky, 1900) complex for Afghanistan is presented here, increasing the number of herpetofauna in the country to 117 species. info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/eissn/2682-955X info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/pissn/1013-4425 info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess CC BY 4.0 Pensoft Publishers 2019 Research Article text/html info:doi:10.3897/herpetozoa.32.e38171 https://doi.org/10.3897/herpetozoa.32.e38171 https://herpetozoa.pensoft.net/article/38171/ https://herpetozoa.pensoft.net/article/38171/download/pdf/ en

10.3897/herpetozoa.32.e36705 2019-09-10 herpetozoa

Observations on reproduction in captivity of the endemic long-tailed snake Philodryas chamissonis (Wiegmann, 1835) (Reptilia, Squamata, Dipsadidae) from Chile Cabeza,Osvaldo Vargas,Eugenio Ibarra,Carolina A. Urra,Felix Chile colubrids eggs hatching oviposition rear-fanged snake reproduction Herpetozoa 32: 203-209 The long-tailed snake Philodryas chamissonis is an oviparous rear-fanged species endemic to Chile, whose reproductive biology is currently based on anecdotic reports. The characteristics of the eggs, incubation time, and hatching are still unknown. This work describes for the first time the oviposition of 16 eggs by a female in captivity at Zoológico Nacional in Chile. After an incubation period of 59 days, seven neonates were born. We recorded data of biometry and ecdysis of these neonates for 9 months. In addition, a review about parameters of egg incubation and hatching for Philodryas species is provided. info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/eissn/2682-955X info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/pissn/1013-4425 info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess CC BY 4.0 Pensoft Publishers 2019 Research Article text/html info:doi:10.3897/herpetozoa.32.e36705 https://doi.org/10.3897/herpetozoa.32.e36705 https://herpetozoa.pensoft.net/article/36705/ https://herpetozoa.pensoft.net/article/36705/download/pdf/ en

10.3897/herpetozoa.32.e35772 2019-09-10 herpetozoa

Body size, age structure and survival rates in two populations of the Beyşehir frog Pelophylax caralitanus Arısoy,Ayşen Günay Baskale,Eyup Amphibia longevity age at sexual maturity growth rates survival rate Herpetozoa 32: 195-201 In many amphibians, skeletochronology is a reliable tool for assessing individual mean longevity, growth rates and age at sexual maturity. We used this approach to determine the age structure of 162 individuals from two Pelophylax caralitanus populations. All individuals exhibited Lines of Arrested Growth (LAGs) in the bone cross-sections and the average age varied between 4.5 and 5.4 years in both Işıklı and Burdur populations. Although intraspecific age structure and sex-specific age structure did not differ significantly between populations, we found that the Işıklı population had a lower body size in the same age class, had lower growths rates and lower values of survival rates and adult life expectancy than the Burdur population. info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/eissn/2682-955X info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/pissn/1013-4425 info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess CC BY 4.0 Pensoft Publishers 2019 Research Article text/html info:doi:10.3897/herpetozoa.32.e35772 https://doi.org/10.3897/herpetozoa.32.e35772 https://herpetozoa.pensoft.net/article/35772/ https://herpetozoa.pensoft.net/article/35772/download/pdf/ en

10.3897/herpetozoa.32.e35910 2019-09-17 herpetozoa

Relative clutch mass of Basiliscus vittatus Wiegmann, 1828 (Squamata, Corytophanidae): female morphological constraints Suárez-Varón,Gabriel Suárez-Rodríguez,Orlando Granados-González,Gisela Villagrán-Santa Cruz,Maricela Gribbins,Kevin Cortez-Quezada,Diego Hernández-Gallegos,Oswaldo clutch size Corytophanidae female morphology lizard reproduction reproductive effort Herpetozoa 32: 211-219 Clutch size (CS) and relative clutch mass (RCM) are considered important features in life history descriptions of species within Squamata. Variations in these two characteristics are caused by both biotic and abiotic factors. The present study provides the first account related to CS and RCM of Basiliscus vittatus in Mexico within a population that inhabits an open riverbed juxtapositioned to tropical rainforest habitat in Catemaco, Veracruz, Mexico (170 m a.s.l.). Twenty-nine gravid females were collected and kept in captivity under favorable conditions that promote oviposition. The CS within this population was 6.2 ± 0.2 and was correlated positively with snout vent-length (SVL); while the RCM was 0.17 ± 0.006 and was correlated positively with both CS and width of egg. Factors, such as female morphology and environmental conditions, should influence these reproductive traits in B. vittatus. The data collected in this study could provide a framework for comparisons of the life history traits across populations of B. vittatus in Mexico and within other species of the family Corytophanidae and provide a model for testing how abiotic and biotic factors may influence the CS and RCM in basilisk lizards throughout their range. info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/eissn/2682-955X info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/pissn/1013-4425 info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess CC BY 4.0 Pensoft Publishers 2019 Research Article text/html info:doi:10.3897/herpetozoa.32.e35910 https://doi.org/10.3897/herpetozoa.32.e35910 https://herpetozoa.pensoft.net/article/35910/ https://herpetozoa.pensoft.net/article/35910/download/pdf/ en

10.3897/herpetozoa.32.e39059 2019-10-01 herpetozoa

Basking activity pattern of the European pond turtle, Emys orbicularis (Linnaeus, 1758) in Babat valley (Gödöllő, Hungary) Gergő,Erdélyi Szabó,Borbála Kiss,István freshwater turtle meteorological factors optimal temperature sun-basking activities visual observation Herpetozoa 32: 221-227 The populations of the widespread European pond turtle and their numbers are decreasing in Hungary and other European countries. Knowledge of basking habits, along with other biological characteristics of the species, could be important to preserve the European pond turtle. The purpose of our research was to assess the seasonal and daily basking activity of the European pond turtle, and the effects of weather parameters on sun-basking, for which no prior data exist for Hungary. Our study was carried out in the area of a dammed valley pond system at Gödöllő (Hungary) over two years. The results showed that the seasonal peak of the turtles’ basking (the highest number of observed sun-basking turtles) was in the spring. When using a finer time scale (1.5-hour intervals), we found that daily activity peaks were earlier in the spring and summer (11:00–12:30 h) than in autumn (12:30–14:00 h). Based on three measured temperatures (air temperature in shade and sunlight, water temperature), the number of basking turtles positively correlated with temperatures and varied seasonally; the optimal temperature ranges also shifted during the year. In the spring and autumn, turtles started sun-basking at lower temperatures than in the summer. We observed the narrowest optimal temperature ranges in the summer as well. Based on a Principal Component Analysis of weather parameters, low humidity and high air temperature created optimal basking conditions, whereas high humidity, and low air and water temperatures had an adverse effect. info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/eissn/2682-955X info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/pissn/1013-4425 info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess CC BY 4.0 Pensoft Publishers 2019 Research Article text/html info:doi:10.3897/herpetozoa.32.e39059 https://doi.org/10.3897/herpetozoa.32.e39059 https://herpetozoa.pensoft.net/article/39059/ https://herpetozoa.pensoft.net/article/39059/download/pdf/ en

10.3897/herpetozoa.32.e38897 2019-10-04 herpetozoa

Distribution and hybridisation of barred and common grass snakes (Natrix helvetica, N. natrix) in Baden-Württemberg, South-western Germany Schultze,Nadine Laufer,Hubert Kindler,Carolin Fritz,Uwe cline analysis gene flow hybrid zone Natricidae Serpentes Herpetozoa 32: 229-236 The distribution and hybridisation zone of the two grass snake species occurring in the German state of Baden-Württemberg are described, based on genetic data from maternally inherited mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA, up to 1983 bp) and biparentally inherited microsatellite DNA (13 loci). In agreement with previously published morphological evidence, the barred grass snake (Natrix helvetica) occurs in the Upper Rhine Valley and the Black Forest, while the common grass snake (N. natrix, ‘yellow lineage’) is distributed across the remaining, more eastern parts of Baden-Württemberg. Cline analyses across two transects running through the region of Karlsruhe and the Black Forest indicate that the hybrid zone is similarly narrow here as in the previously characterised stretch near Lake Constance. With respect to nuclear DNA, the Black Forest constitutes no impediment to gene flow in comparison with lowland regions (Karlsruhe, Lake Constance). However, on the eastern slope of the Black Forest, the abrupt replacement of mtDNA of N. helvetica by that of N. natrix indicates male-mediated gene flow and that the Black Forest represents a dispersal barrier for female grass snakes. info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/eissn/2682-955X info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/pissn/1013-4425 info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess CC BY 4.0 Pensoft Publishers 2019 Research Article text/html info:doi:10.3897/herpetozoa.32.e38897 https://doi.org/10.3897/herpetozoa.32.e38897 https://herpetozoa.pensoft.net/article/38897/ https://herpetozoa.pensoft.net/article/38897/download/pdf/ en

10.3897/herpetozoa.32.e38023 2019-10-08 herpetozoa

Genetic diversity and structure of two endangered mole salamander species of the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt Monroy-Vilchis,Octavio Heredia-Bobadilla,Rosa-Laura Zarco-Gonzalez,Martha M. Avila-Akerberg,Victor Sunny,Armando endemic species endangered species conservation genetics microsatellite Ambystoma Nevado de Toluca Volcano Sierra de las Cruces Herpetozoa 32: 237-248 The most important factor leading to amphibian population declines and extinctions is habitat degradation and destruction. To help prevent further extinctions, studies are needed to make appropriate conservation decisions in small and fragmented populations. The goal of this study was to provide data from the population genetics of two micro-endemic mole salamanders from the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt. Nine microsatellite markers were used to study the population genetics of 152 individuals from two Ambystoma species. We sampled 38 individuals in two localities for A. altamirani and A. rivulare. We found medium to high levels of genetic diversity expressed as heterozygosity in the populations. However, all the populations presented few alleles per locus and genotypes. We found strong genetic structure between populations for each species. Effective population size was small but similar to that of the studies from other mole salamanders with restricted distributions or with recently fragmented habitats. Despite the medium to high levels of genetic diversity expressed as heterozygosity, we found few alleles, evidence of a genetic bottleneck and that the effective population size is small in all populations. Therefore, this study is important to propose better management plans and conservation efforts for these species. info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/eissn/2682-955X info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/pissn/1013-4425 info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess CC BY 4.0 Pensoft Publishers 2019 Research Article text/html info:doi:10.3897/herpetozoa.32.e38023 https://doi.org/10.3897/herpetozoa.32.e38023 https://herpetozoa.pensoft.net/article/38023/ https://herpetozoa.pensoft.net/article/38023/download/pdf/ en

10.3897/herpetozoa.32.e39030 2019-10-22 herpetozoa

On the stability of the dorsal pattern of European cave salamanders (genus Hydromantes) Lunghi,Enrico Romeo,Daniele Mulargia,Manuela Cogoni,Roberto Manenti,Raoul Corti,Claudia Ficetola,Francesco Gentile Veith,Michael capture-mark-recapture cave biology colouration individual recognition photo pattern Speleomantes biospeleology Amphibia Herpetozoa 32: 249-253 Photographic identification is an emerging method for recognising wild animals. This harmless methodology allows researchers to identify “naturally marked” individuals and therefore study their specific ecology and behaviour. However, before incurring potential data loss, it is recommended to test the methodology on the target species and evaluate the pros and cons. We assessed the reliability of photographic identification in adult Hydromantes salamanders from three species. Specifically, we assessed whether the dorsal pattern of adult salamanders changed over time, thus evaluating its potential use as a reliable marking methodology. We used capture-mark-recapture and controlled conditions (i.e. individuals kept in fauna boxes) to evaluate potential changes in the dorsal pattern of Hydromantes through time. We did not observe any change in the dorsal pattern in the three species during the study period. Photographic identification might be a useful marking technique for these endangered species. However, these animals are usually found in environments generally lacking light and thus, researchers must be careful in setting up proper light conditions to produce suitable pictures for individual identification of Hydromantes. info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/eissn/2682-955X info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/pissn/1013-4425 info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess CC BY 4.0 Pensoft Publishers 2019 Short Communication text/html info:doi:10.3897/herpetozoa.32.e39030 https://doi.org/10.3897/herpetozoa.32.e39030 https://herpetozoa.pensoft.net/article/39030/ https://herpetozoa.pensoft.net/article/39030/download/pdf/ en

10.3897/herpetozoa.32.e37560 2019-10-29 herpetozoa

The Caucasian Toad, Bufo verrucosissimus (Pallas, 1814) in the Levant: evidence from mitochondrial DNA Jablonski,Daniel Sadek,Riyad common toad Bufonidae mtDNA biogeography taxonomy Middle East Herpetozoa 32: 255-258 We present the first molecular analysis of the Bufo bufo (Linnaeus, 1758) complex population in the Levant. This complex contains four species distributed through the Western Palearctic. Based on the analysis of the widely used mitochondrial marker 16S rRNA, populations from the Levant belong to B. verrucosissimus (Pallas, 1814) and have a close affiliation to populations from the Transcaucasian region rather than southern Turkey. Such identified relationships may imply past rapid colonisation from north to south and support the need for further research. info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/eissn/2682-955X info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/pissn/1013-4425 info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess CC BY 4.0 Pensoft Publishers 2019 Short Communication text/html info:doi:10.3897/herpetozoa.32.e37560 https://doi.org/10.3897/herpetozoa.32.e37560 https://herpetozoa.pensoft.net/article/37560/ https://herpetozoa.pensoft.net/article/37560/download/pdf/ en

10.3897/herpetozoa.32.e38237 2019-12-03 herpetozoa

The home range of adult Phrynops geoffroanus (Testudines, Chelidae) in relation to sex and body mass Müller,Márcia Marrie Ortega,Zaida Antunes,Pâmela Seino,Larissa Hammarstron,Matheus Silva,Ana Santos,Luiz Gustavo one-dimensional fixed kernel radio-tracking turtle VHF transmitters Herpetozoa 32: 259-265 Studying how different variables influence the size and shape of animals’ home ranges helps our understanding of the ecology of individuals and populations. This study aims to assess the effects of sex and body mass on home range size and the sexual differences in the use of terrestrial habitats of a population of aquatic turtles Phrynops geoffroanus from an urban area in Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil. Turtles were captured along a river by active search, occasional encounter and hoop traps. Using individual VHF radio transmitters, 13 individuals (7 females and 6 males) were radio-tracked by homing in on the signal strength of the transmitter. Home ranges were estimated by 95% and 50% core one-dimensional fixed kernel and linear distance method. Home ranges were similar for both sexes (t = -0.50, DF = 12, p = 0.62) and independent of body mass (t = -0.53, DF = 12, p = 0.60). However, females seemed to use terrestrial habitats more than males (females = six recorded locations out of 767 points; males = none), probably to nest. To gain insight on how males and females use their space, it would be useful to focus future studies on the influence of sex in microhabitat selection of Phrynops geoffroanus. Finally, as sex did not influence home range, studying the contribution of other variables – both intrinsic, as age or personality, and extrinsic, as habitat composition or distribution of trophic resources – shaping the home ranges of the species is proposed. info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/eissn/2682-955X info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/pissn/1013-4425 info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess CC BY 4.0 Pensoft Publishers 2019 Research Article text/html info:doi:10.3897/herpetozoa.32.e38237 https://doi.org/10.3897/herpetozoa.32.e38237 https://herpetozoa.pensoft.net/article/38237/ https://herpetozoa.pensoft.net/article/38237/download/pdf/ en

10.3897/herpetozoa.32.e39192 2019-12-04 herpetozoa

The voice from the hereafter: vocalisations in three species of Atelopus from the Venezuelan Andes, likely to be extinct Lötters,Stefan Mebs,Dietrich Köhler,Gunther Vargas,Joseph La Marca,Enrique Anura Bufonidae Atelopus carbonerensis Atelopus mucubajiensis Atelopus tamaense bioacoustics Herpetozoa 32: 267-275 Atelopus is a species-rich group of Neotropical bufonids. Present knowledge on bioacoustics in this genus is relatively poor, as vocalisations have been described in only about one fifth of the ca. 100 species known. All studied members of the genus produce vocalisations although, with a few exceptions, most species lack a middle ear. Nonetheless, hearing has been demonstrated even in earless Atelopus making bioacoustics in these toads an inspiring research field. So far, three structural call types have been identified in the genus. As sympatry is uncommon in Atelopus, calls of the same type often vary little between species. Based on recordings from the 1980s, we describe vocalisations of three Venezuelan species (A. carbonerensis, A. mucubajiensis, A. tamaense) from the Cordillera de Mérida, commonly known as the Andes of Venezuela and the Tamá Massif, a Venezuelan spur of the Colombian Cordillera Oriental. Vocalisations correspond, in part, to the previously identified call types in Atelopus. Evaluation of the vocalisations of the three species presented in this study leads us to recognise a fourth structural call type for the genus. With this new addition, the Atelopus acoustic repertoire now includes (1) pulsed calls, (2) pure tone calls, (3) pulsed short calls and (4) pure tone short calls. The call descriptions provided here are valuable contributions to the bioacoustics of these Venezuelan Atelopus species, since all of them have experienced dramatic population declines that limit possibilities of further studies. info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/eissn/2682-955X info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/pissn/1013-4425 info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess CC BY 4.0 Pensoft Publishers 2019 Research Article text/html info:doi:10.3897/herpetozoa.32.e39192 https://doi.org/10.3897/herpetozoa.32.e39192 https://herpetozoa.pensoft.net/article/39192/ https://herpetozoa.pensoft.net/article/39192/download/pdf/ en

10.3897/herpetozoa.32.e47205 2019-12-06 herpetozoa

New records of the anomaly P syndrome in two water frog species (Pelophylax ridibundus and P. lessonae) in Russia Svinin,Anton Bashinskiy,Ivan Osipov,Vitaly Neymark,Leonid Pervaiz,Roomna Ermakov,Oleg Litvinchuk,Spartak morphological anomalies anomaly P polydactyly Herpetozoa 32: 277-281 The “anomaly P” was described in Palearctic water frogs of the genus Pelophylax by Jean Rostand as complex morphological anomalies of water frogs, including polydactyly, brachymely, hind limb oedema, bone outgrowths, spikes, flexions and additional limbs in the inguinal region. In 2016, the anomaly P syndrome was rediscovered in central Russia, confirming the hypothesis concerning its wider distribution. Here, three new records of this syndrome in two species of western Palearctic water frog from Russia are described. info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/eissn/2682-955X info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/pissn/1013-4425 info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess CC BY 4.0 Pensoft Publishers 2019 Short Communication text/html info:doi:10.3897/herpetozoa.32.e47205 https://doi.org/10.3897/herpetozoa.32.e47205 https://herpetozoa.pensoft.net/article/47205/ https://herpetozoa.pensoft.net/article/47205/download/pdf/ en

10.3897/herpetozoa.33.e48980 2020-02-04 herpetozoa

An update of the geographical distribution of Pleurodema marmoratum (Duméril & Bibron, 1840) in the Chilean Altiplano Fibla,Pablo Cruz-Jofré,Franco Sallaberry,Michel Méndez,Marco Antonio Pastenes,Luis Andes Anura highlands Leptodactylidae Herpetozoa 33: 1-5 This study summarizes new and historical records of one of the least known anuran species from the Chilean Altiplano, Pleurodema marmoratum (Duméril & Bibron, 1840). The discovery of a new population in the Altiplano of the Región de Antofagasta extends the known distribution of this species in Chile approximately 100 km south. info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/eissn/2682-955X info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/pissn/1013-4425 info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess CC BY 4.0 Pensoft Publishers 2020 Short Communication text/html info:doi:10.3897/herpetozoa.33.e48980 https://doi.org/10.3897/herpetozoa.33.e48980 https://herpetozoa.pensoft.net/article/48980/ https://herpetozoa.pensoft.net/article/48980/download/pdf/ en

10.3897/herpetozoa.33.e47279 2020-03-10 herpetozoa

Shot the spots: A reliable field method for individual identification of Amolops formosus (Anura, Ranidae) Patel,Naitik Das,Abhijit Amphibia mark recapture pattern recognition software population estimation Herpetozoa 33: 7-15 Natural body patterns in amphibians are widely used for individual recognition. In this study, we photographed individuals of Amolops formosus for four days of sampling without handling them. We processed 301 photographs of dorsal blotch pattern in HotSpotter software and verified them visually for confirmation. We identified 160 unique individuals of A. formosus based on the images taken in the field, resulting in an abundance estimate of 180 individuals. The success rate in identifying individuals of A. formosus using the HotSpotter software was 94.3%. We tested the effect of image quality and distance on recognition efficiency. Poor image quality reduced the recognition efficiency of the software but with a careful user review it was possible to identify the individual. The difference between using only the software and software plus human confirmation was very small. This protocol is useful for rapid population estimation of frogs with natural body patterns. info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/eissn/2682-955X info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/pissn/1013-4425 info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess CC BY 4.0 Pensoft Publishers 2020 Research Article text/html info:doi:10.3897/herpetozoa.33.e47279 https://doi.org/10.3897/herpetozoa.33.e47279 https://herpetozoa.pensoft.net/article/47279/ https://herpetozoa.pensoft.net/article/47279/download/pdf/ en

10.3897/herpetozoa.33.e47317 2020-04-07 herpetozoa

First record of cannibalism in Thamnodynastes phoenix Franco, Trevine, Montingelli & Zaher, 2017 (Serpentes, Colubridae) Morais,Mayara Araújo,Paula Costa,Renato França,Frederico Brazil Caatinga diet ecology feeding habits intraspecific predation snake behavior Herpetozoa 33: 17-19 Cannibalism has been documented across many groups of snakes and the same is true for Brazilian snakes. Herein, we present the first observation of cannibalism in Thamnodynastes phoenix between two adult males from Caatinga biome of northeastern Brazil. We suggest this behavior could be influenced by a lack of resources caused by extreme abiotic conditions, as well as the opportunistic habits of this species. info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/eissn/2682-955X info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/pissn/1013-4425 info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess CC BY 4.0 Pensoft Publishers 2020 Short Communication text/html info:doi:10.3897/herpetozoa.33.e47317 https://doi.org/10.3897/herpetozoa.33.e47317 https://herpetozoa.pensoft.net/article/47317/ https://herpetozoa.pensoft.net/article/47317/download/pdf/ en

10.3897/herpetozoa.33.e49268 2020-04-07 herpetozoa

Characterization of an Alsodes pehuenche breeding site in the Andes of central Chile Piñeiro,Alejandro Fibla,Pablo López,Carlos Velásquez,Nelson Pastenes,Luis Alsodidae Andean Anura endemism highland wetland threatened species Herpetozoa 33: 21-26 Alsodes pehuenche, an endemic anuran that inhabits the Andes of Argentina and Chile, is considered “Critically Endangered” due to its restricted geographical distribution and multiple potential threats that affect it. This study is about the natural history of A. pehuenche and the physicochemical characteristics of a breeding site located in the Maule mountain range of central Chile. Moreover, the finding of its clutches in Chilean territory is reported here for the first time. Finally, a description of the number and morphology of these eggs is provided. info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/eissn/2682-955X info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/pissn/1013-4425 info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess CC BY 4.0 Pensoft Publishers 2020 Short Communication text/html info:doi:10.3897/herpetozoa.33.e49268 https://doi.org/10.3897/herpetozoa.33.e49268 https://herpetozoa.pensoft.net/article/49268/ https://herpetozoa.pensoft.net/article/49268/download/pdf/ en

10.3897/herpetozoa.33.e51186 2020-04-09 herpetozoa

Genetic evidence for occurrence of Macrovipera razii (Squamata, Viperidae) in the central Zagros region, Iran Oraie,Hamzeh Iran Macrovipera mtDNA new record Razi’s Viper taxonomy Viperidae Herpetozoa 33: 27-30 This study presents the first molecular evidence of Macrovipera razii from central Zagros, more than 300 km north-west of its prior records in southern Iran. Molecular analyses based on mitochondrial cytochrome b sequences identified the individuals from central Zagros as a lineage of M. razii. Specimens from the new localities are separated by a genetic distance of 1.46% from the known populations of M. razii. The results extend the known distribution range of M. razii as an endemic species of Iran. info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/eissn/2682-955X info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/pissn/1013-4425 info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess CC BY 4.0 Pensoft Publishers 2020 Short Communication text/html info:doi:10.3897/herpetozoa.33.e51186 https://doi.org/10.3897/herpetozoa.33.e51186 https://herpetozoa.pensoft.net/article/51186/ https://herpetozoa.pensoft.net/article/51186/download/pdf/ en

10.3897/herpetozoa.33.e39155 2020-04-09 herpetozoa

Where do you come from, stranger? A scientific-historical digression with discussion on nomenclature and taxonomy of Testudo graeca Linnaeus, 1758 Schweiger,Mario Gemel,Richard Algeria distribution Morocco North Africa Reptilia Testudines Testudinidae Spur thighed tortoise terra typica designata terra typica restricta Herpetozoa 33: 31-38 It is shown that the location data for the terra typica restricta of Testudo graeca and for the terra typica designata for Testudo graeca are based on an incorrectly assigned location. In fact, the original place corresponds to Santa Cruz, known today as Agadir (Morocco) and not the old Spanish fortress of Santa Cruz near Oran in Algeria. Accordingly, populations of Testudo graeca from the Agadir environment have to be named Testudo graeca graeca instead of Testudo graeca soussensis. For the populations of Testudo graeca from the vicinity of Algiers, “mauritanica” is the next available name for this subspecies of graeca. Therefore, Testudo graeca mauritanica has to be used instead of Testudo graeca graeca. For Testudo graeca mauritanica, a lectotypus is designated. info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/eissn/2682-955X info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/pissn/1013-4425 info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess CC BY 4.0 Pensoft Publishers 2020 Research Article text/html info:doi:10.3897/herpetozoa.33.e39155 https://doi.org/10.3897/herpetozoa.33.e39155 https://herpetozoa.pensoft.net/article/39155/ https://herpetozoa.pensoft.net/article/39155/download/pdf/ en

10.3897/herpetozoa.33.e47543 2020-04-15 herpetozoa

Skeletochronology, age at maturity and cause of mortality of loggerhead sea turtles Caretta caretta stranded along the beaches of Campania (south-western Italy, western Mediterranean Sea) Guarino,Fabio Maria Di Nocera,Fabio Pollaro,Francesco Galiero,Giorgio Iaccarino,Doriana Iovino,Domenico Mezzasalma,Marcello Petraccioli,Agnese Odierna,Gaetano Maio,Nicola age structure Caretta caretta cause of death gonadal analysis marine turtles Mediterranean Sea phalanx sexual maturity Herpetozoa 33: 39-51 Information on demographic and life-history traits of endangered vertebrate species, such as sea turtles, is crucial for planning management and conservation actions. We applied skeletochronology of phalanges to estimate the age of loggerhead turtles, Caretta caretta, found dead stranded along the beaches of Campania (western Mediterranean) from 2013 to 2017. To obtain maturity data, we examined gonads from a subsample of 7 males and 11 females. Overall, curved carapace length (CCL) ranged from 5.6 to 90.8 cm, but for most turtles (89%) it was 50–79.9 cm. Predominance of stranded females (62%) was recorded. Ten out of the eighteen histologically examined gonads allowed estimating maturity. Based on the lines of arrested growth counting, the estimated age of the examined specimens ranged from 0 (hatchling) to 26 years. The modal age was 14 years for males and 17 years for females. The smallest male with spermatogenetic activity had a CCL of 65 cm and was estimated to be 16 years old. The smallest female with follicular development stage, characterising the transition towards adulthood, had a CCL of 69.5 cm and was estimated to be 20 years old. Anthropogenic factors were responsible for 36% of the mortality of individuals, followed by parasitic/infective pathologies (20%). info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/eissn/2682-955X info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/pissn/1013-4425 info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess CC BY 4.0 Pensoft Publishers 2020 Research Article text/html info:doi:10.3897/herpetozoa.33.e47543 https://doi.org/10.3897/herpetozoa.33.e47543 https://herpetozoa.pensoft.net/article/47543/ https://herpetozoa.pensoft.net/article/47543/download/pdf/ en

10.3897/herpetozoa.33.e49768 2020-05-07 herpetozoa

Observations on the oviposition of Blythia reticulata (Blyth, 1854) with new distributional records from Mizoram State, NE India Biakzuala,Lal Lalremsanga,Hmar Tlawmte Laltlanchhuaha,Hrahsel Barman,Binoy Kumar Blyth’s Reticulate Snake Colubridae eggs fecundity oviparous reproduction semi-fossorial Herpetozoa 33: 53-57 The poorly known semi-fossorial snake Blythia reticulata is a small, oviparous, worm-eating species found in northeastern India and neighboring countries. Here we report on multiple new distribution localities that extend the known geographic range of the species. In addition, we provide new information on the reproductive biology of the species based on egg-laying behavior data from a captive gravid B. reticulata from Mizoram. The simultaneous presence of a second clutch of eight eggs in the oviduct of the female indicates the capacity of the species to exhibit multiple matings and egg clutches during a single reproductive season. info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/eissn/2682-955X info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/pissn/1013-4425 info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess CC BY 4.0 Pensoft Publishers 2020 Short Communication text/html info:doi:10.3897/herpetozoa.33.e49768 https://doi.org/10.3897/herpetozoa.33.e49768 https://herpetozoa.pensoft.net/article/49768/ https://herpetozoa.pensoft.net/article/49768/download/pdf/ en

10.3897/herpetozoa.33.e51089 2020-05-07 herpetozoa

An assessment of vouchered records and field observations of the rare anguid, Dopasia buettikoferi (Lidth de Jeude, 1905) in Borneo Jablonski,Daniel Lawson,Martina Boyce,Andy Molls,Christian Das,Indraneil Anguidae legless lizards Malaysia Indonesia coloration diversity rare species Herpetozoa 33: 59-65 We report recent observations, two new locality records and an updated overview of the distribution of Dopasia buettikoferi (Lidth de Jeude, 1905) from Borneo, as well as photographic documentation of this species showing colouration and patterns in living individuals and the holotype. This note represents the first complete compilation of distributional knowledge of this rarely-encountered member of the family Anguidae. info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/eissn/2682-955X info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/pissn/1013-4425 info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess CC BY 4.0 Pensoft Publishers 2020 Short Communication text/html info:doi:10.3897/herpetozoa.33.e51089 https://doi.org/10.3897/herpetozoa.33.e51089 https://herpetozoa.pensoft.net/article/51089/ https://herpetozoa.pensoft.net/article/51089/download/pdf/ en

10.3897/herpetozoa.33.e51690 2020-05-13 herpetozoa

A case study on illegal reptile poaching from Balochistan, Pakistan Masroor,Rafaqat Khisroon,Muhammad Jablonski,Daniel CITES Appendices endemism lizards snakes wildlife legislations Herpetozoa 33: 67-75 The southwestern part of the Balochistan Province is a faunal extension of the Iranian Plateau in Pakistan, harboring more than one-third of Pakistan’s known amphibian and reptile species. We carried out field visits in five districts of southwestern Balochistan during 2013–2017 to investigate the scale and hotspots of reptile poaching. We encountered 73 illegal collectors possessing 5,369 live reptiles representing 19 species in ten families. Overall, Teratoscincus keyserlingii, T. microlepis (both Sphaerodactylidae), Phrynocephalus maculatus and P. luteoguttatus (both Agamidae) were the most collected lizards, having a relative abundance of 22.4%, 13.5%, 11.9% and 11.3 %, respectively. Eumeces schneiderii zarudnyi (Scincidae) was among the least collected lizard. Similarly, Lytorhynchus maynardi (Colubridae) and Eryx tataricus speciosus (Erycidae) were the most abundant snakes in the total collection (4.4% and 3.0%, respectively). Among the poached reptiles were internationally protected species: Varanus griseus caspius (Varanidae; CITES Appendix-I), E. t. speciosus (Appendix-II), Naja oxiana (Elapidae; Appendix-II), and Saara asmussi (Uromastycidae; Appendix-II). We found that the overall trend of illegal reptile poaching steadily decreased during the study period (from 1,724 individuals in 2013 to 633 in 2017). According to collectors, poached reptiles were largely destined for the local and international pet trade but also targeted other markets including folk medicines and snake charmer shows. One particular hotspot for the collection of reptiles was identified and should be a focus of law-enforcement activities. This particular case study partly demonstrates the effectiveness of strict enforcement of recently amended provincial wildlife protection legislation in the less studied regions of Asia. info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/eissn/2682-955X info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/pissn/1013-4425 info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess CC BY 4.0 Pensoft Publishers 2020 Research Article text/html info:doi:10.3897/herpetozoa.33.e51690 https://doi.org/10.3897/herpetozoa.33.e51690 https://herpetozoa.pensoft.net/article/51690/ https://herpetozoa.pensoft.net/article/51690/download/pdf/ en

10.3897/herpetozoa.33.e51338 2020-05-14 herpetozoa

Dead snakes and their stories: morphological anomalies, asymmetries and scars of road killed Dolichophis caspius (Serpentes, Colubridae) from Romania Ile,George-Adelin Maier,Alexandra-Roxana-Maria Cadar,Achim-Mircea Covaciu-Marcov,Severus-Daniel Ferenti,Sara asymmetry traits conservation environment morphology road mortality Herpetozoa 33: 77-85 We analysed several morphological characters of 84 road-killed D. caspius individuals from different areas of southern Romania. Most presented asymmetries in the total number of temporal scales, the temporal row and the periocular and labial scales. Almost a quarter of snakes had scars, located especially on the head and tail; many individuals had multiple injuries. The lowest rate of individuals with scars was found in the area with the least anthropogenic impact (Danube Gorge). This finding suggests that, in other areas in Romania, the species is threatened and lives in less optimal conditions. The number of individuals with asymmetries and scars differed according to the populated region, sex or size class. Most of the individuals were killed in August, due to the large number of road-killed juveniles. info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/eissn/2682-955X info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/pissn/1013-4425 info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess CC BY 4.0 Pensoft Publishers 2020 Research Article text/html info:doi:10.3897/herpetozoa.33.e51338 https://doi.org/10.3897/herpetozoa.33.e51338 https://herpetozoa.pensoft.net/article/51338/ https://herpetozoa.pensoft.net/article/51338/download/pdf/ en

10.3897/herpetozoa.33.e49683 2020-05-22 herpetozoa

The possible origin of the common wall lizard, Podarcis muralis (Laurenti, 1768) in Ukraine Oskyrko,Oleksandra Laakkonen,Hanna Silva-Rocha,Iolanda Jablonski,Daniel Marushchak,Oleksii Uller,Tobias Carretero,Miguel Angel genetic diversity human-mediated introduction Lacertidae natural dispersions Herpetozoa 33: 87-93 The phylogenetic relationships and possible origin of a putative non-native population of Podarcis muralis in Ukraine were assessed based on sequences of the mitochondrial gene cytochrome b. Phylogenetic analysis showed that the Ukrainian lizards belong to two distinct mitochondrial lineages (haplogroups), both occurring within the Central Balkan clade, which includes most of central and south-eastern European populations. From overall three detected Ukrainian haplotypes, one haplotype share same genetic signal with the hyplotype from the locality Bjala (Bulgaria), the other two are unique for Ukrainian population. Two of haplotypes correspond with haplogroup covering large geographic region of Bulgaria, Serbia, and Romania. These results reinforce previous findings that the species has the ability to establish new populations out of its native range. While most introductions to Germany and Britain have been deliberate, it appears likely that human transport of goods via the Danube river of goods is responsible for the range expansion into Ukraine. info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/eissn/2682-955X info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/pissn/1013-4425 info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess CC BY 4.0 Pensoft Publishers 2020 Research Article text/html info:doi:10.3897/herpetozoa.33.e49683 https://doi.org/10.3897/herpetozoa.33.e49683 https://herpetozoa.pensoft.net/article/49683/ https://herpetozoa.pensoft.net/article/49683/download/pdf/ en

10.3897/herpetozoa.33.e47293 2020-05-22 herpetozoa

Variation in species richness, composition and herpetological community structure across a tropical habitat gradient of Palawan Island, Philippines Supsup,Christian Asis,Augusto Carestia Jr,Uldarico Diesmos,Arvin Mallari,Neil Aldrin Brown,Rafe amphibians biogeography conservation iNEXT reptiles Victoria-Anepahan Mountain Range Herpetozoa 33: 95-111 Information on species richness and community structure is invaluable for guiding conservation and management of biodiversity, but is rarely available in the megadiverse biodiversity conservation hotspot of Philippines – particularly for amphibians and reptiles. This study provides the first report and characterisation of amphibians and reptile communities across primary habitat types of the Victoria-Anepahan Mountain Range on Palawan Island along the western edge of the archipelago. A total of 41 amphibian and reptile species were recorded throughout our sampling sites (n = 27 species) or in targeted habitat searches (14 species). A species richness estimator predicted that 35 species may be present in our sampling sites, suggesting that a significant proportion of secretive species may continue to be unrecorded, especially for reptiles. Higher species richness was found in secondary growth than in mixed-use agricultural areas or even pristine forest. The low species richness recorded from pristine forest types may be due to these forests now being restricted to higher elevations where species diversity has been documented to decrease. Our results also show that complex community structures (species assemblages) are to be equally expected in both secondary growth and pristine forests. Together, our results show how species richness and community assemblages may vary across habitats, highlighting that old growth forest does not always support higher species richness, particularly in high elevations. info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/eissn/2682-955X info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/pissn/1013-4425 info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess CC0 Pensoft Publishers 2020 Research Article text/html info:doi:10.3897/herpetozoa.33.e47293 https://doi.org/10.3897/herpetozoa.33.e47293 https://herpetozoa.pensoft.net/article/47293/ https://herpetozoa.pensoft.net/article/47293/download/pdf/ en

10.3897/herpetozoa.33.e48541 2020-05-28 herpetozoa

First study of sea turtle strandings in Algeria (western Mediterranean) and associated threats: 2016–2017 Alae Eddine,Belmahi Youcef,Belmahi MOULOUD,BENABDI LATIFA,BOUZIANI SAMIRA,AIT DARNA Yahia,Bouslah Mohamed Cherif,Bendoula Mohamed,Bouderbala Algerian coast Caretta caretta Chelonia mydas Dermochelys coriacea Mediterranean Sea Herpetozoa 33: 113-120 Between December 2015 and December 2017 a total of 63 sea turtles were recorded as being stranded along the Algerian coast. The loggerhead sea turtle Caretta caretta was the most commonly stranded species (n = 44) (69.8%), followed by the leatherback Dermochelys coriacea (n = 18) (28.6%) and the green turtle Chelonia mydas (n = 1). There was a slight dominance of the adult size class for stranded loggerhead turtles, while, for the leatherback, late juveniles and adults prevailed. Most loggerhead turtles stranded during the summer months (July and August), whereas most leatherbacks stranded during winter. The breakdown of the strandings by region shows a slight dominance along the western and central shores for C. caretta and a clear dominance in the west for D. coriacea. The primary cause of death was determined in 50.8% of the stranded turtles. Regarding the evidence of interactions with humans the major cause of stranding in loggerhead turtles was incidental catch by artisanal fisheries, followed by boats’ collisions. The main causes of leatherback strandings were boats’ collisions. Algerian data show that human activities affect loggerhead turtles and also prove a significant presence of the leatherback turtle on this coast. info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/eissn/2682-955X info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/pissn/1013-4425 info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess CC BY 4.0 Pensoft Publishers 2020 Research Article text/html info:doi:10.3897/herpetozoa.33.e48541 https://doi.org/10.3897/herpetozoa.33.e48541 https://herpetozoa.pensoft.net/article/48541/ https://herpetozoa.pensoft.net/article/48541/download/pdf/ en

10.3897/herpetozoa.33.e51570 2020-06-24 herpetozoa

New record of a Dalmatolacerta oxycephala (Duméril & Bibron, 1839) population in the northern part of Montenegro Crnobrnja‐Isailović,Jelka Ćorović,Jelena Ćosić,Nada Komarnica river canyon new locality refugium Sharp-snouted rock lizard south-eastern Europe Herpetozoa 33: 121-124 Two previously known northernmost localities of Sharp-snouted rock lizard in Montenegro were the entrance of the Komarnica Canyon (Nevidio), and the middle part of the Tara River Canyon (village Tepca). It was presumed that Komarnica and Piva canyons were once corridors for the spreading of this species from the Eastern Adriatic sub-Mediterranean area to the Tara River Canyon in the north. However, it had not been hitherto known if there were any other relict populations in the area. In the autumn of 2019 a localized population of D. oxycephala was discovered in the middle part of the Komarnica Canyon. info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/eissn/2682-955X info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/pissn/1013-4425 info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess CC BY 4.0 Pensoft Publishers 2020 Short Communication text/html info:doi:10.3897/herpetozoa.33.e51570 https://doi.org/10.3897/herpetozoa.33.e51570 https://herpetozoa.pensoft.net/article/51570/ https://herpetozoa.pensoft.net/article/51570/download/pdf/ en

10.3897/herpetozoa.33.e53625 2020-07-15 herpetozoa

First record of the invasive gecko, Lepidodactylus lugubris Duméril & Bibron, 1836 in mainland Chile (Squamata, Gekkonidae) A. Urra,Felix Zúñiga,Alejandro Miranda-Calle,Alejandro Bruno Melero,Nel lizards Mourning Gecko new records non-native species Herpetozoa 33: 125-129 In Chile, the presence of Mourning Gecko, Lepidodactylus lugubris Duméril & Bibron, 1836 has been recognized for Easter Island (Rapa Nui) from late 19th century. Here, we report the first observation of a juvenile specimen of L. lugubris in an urban zone of Santiago, Región Metropolitana, mainland Chile, representing the southernmost non-insular record in America for this invasive species. Moreover, an updated distributional map of L. lugubris for South America and the Antilles is provided. info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/eissn/2682-955X info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/pissn/1013-4425 info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess CC BY 4.0 Pensoft Publishers 2020 Short Communication text/html info:doi:10.3897/herpetozoa.33.e53625 https://doi.org/10.3897/herpetozoa.33.e53625 https://herpetozoa.pensoft.net/article/53625/ https://herpetozoa.pensoft.net/article/53625/download/pdf/ en

10.3897/herpetozoa.33.e54901 2020-07-31 herpetozoa

Aspidoscelis costatus costatus (Squamata, Teiidae): high elevation clutch production for a population of whiptail lizards Granados-González,Gisela Pérez-Almazán,Carlos Gómez-Benitez,Aldo Walker,James Hernández-Gallegos,Oswaldo Balsas Basin Whiptail Central Mexico clutch size female size Estado de México relative clutch mass Herpetozoa 33: 131-137 Clutch size and number of clutches per reproductive cycle are important life history traits that can be influenced by anatomical, physiological, evolutionary, and ecological factors. This report on the clutch size and number of clutches of an endemic Mexican whiptail lizard, Aspidoscelis costatus costatus (Cope, 1878), is based on a study of population at an unusually high elevation for a member of this genus. The study site is located in Ixtapan de la Sal, southeastern Estado de México, Central Mexico, at 2090 m a.s.l. Lizards were sampled in June 2006, and from May to July 2007, where females of Aspidoscelis costatus costatus were collected by hand along a drift fence. Female reproductive condition was evaluated based on abdominal palpation for presence of developing eggs; clutch size was determined by actual counts of either vitellogenic follicles or oviductal eggs. The smallest reproductive female was 77 mm snout-vent length; females produced a minimum of two clutches during the breeding season, the mean clutch size of 6.5 eggs (n = 33) was one of the largest reported for the genus. However, both length and width of its eggs, and the relative clutch mass have not been diminished by development of a large clutch. Additionally, comparisons of clutch size were undertaken within the polytypic A. costatus complex, within the genus Aspidoscelis, and between certain genera of whiptail lizards. This apparently represents the first study of whiptail lizards (genus Aspidoscelis), assessing the aforementioned reproductive characteristics, in a population above 2000 m. info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/eissn/2682-955X info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/pissn/1013-4425 info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess CC BY 4.0 Pensoft Publishers 2020 Research Article text/html info:doi:10.3897/herpetozoa.33.e54901 https://doi.org/10.3897/herpetozoa.33.e54901 https://herpetozoa.pensoft.net/article/54901/ https://herpetozoa.pensoft.net/article/54901/download/pdf/ en

10.3897/herpetozoa.33.e52854 2020-08-14 herpetozoa

Orientation and navigation in Bufo bufo: a quest for repeatability of arena experiments Pail,Markus Landler,Lukas Gollmann,Günter Amphibia behavioural ecology Bufonidae direction following MANOVA migration Herpetozoa 33: 139-147 Research on navigation in animals is hampered by conflicting results and failed replications. In order to assess the generality of previous results, male Bufo bufo were collected during their breeding migration and translocated to two testing sites, 2.4 and 2.9 km away, respectively, from their breeding pond in the north of Vienna (Austria). There each toad was tested twice for orientation responses in a circular arena, on the night of collection and four days later. On the first test day, the toads showed significant axial orientation along their individual former migration direction. On the second test day, no significant homeward orientation was detected. Both results accord with findings of previous experiments with toads from another population. We analysed the potential influence of environmental factors (temperature, cloud cover and lunar cycle) on toad orientations using a MANOVA approach. Although cloud cover and lunar cycle had small effects on the second test day, they could not explain the absence of homeward orientation. The absence of homing responses in these tests may be either caused by the absence of navigational capabilities of toads beyond their home ranges, or by inadequacies of the applied method. To resolve this question, tracking of freely moving toads should have greater potential than the use of arena experiments. info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/eissn/2682-955X info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/pissn/1013-4425 info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess CC BY 4.0 Pensoft Publishers 2020 Research Article text/html info:doi:10.3897/herpetozoa.33.e52854 https://doi.org/10.3897/herpetozoa.33.e52854 https://herpetozoa.pensoft.net/article/52854/ https://herpetozoa.pensoft.net/article/52854/download/pdf/ en

10.3897/herpetozoa.33.e52736 2020-09-11 herpetozoa

The first record of the genus Microgecko Nikolskii, 1907 for Iraq Jablonski,Daniel Benovics,Michal Vorel,Jiri Mohammed,Sarbaz Ibrahim Afrasiab,Sarbaz Gekkonidae Middle East mitochondrial DNA phylogeography range extension taxonomy Herpetozoa 33: 149-155 The genus Microgecko Nikolskii, 1907 (Gekkonidae) currently includes eight species distributed from western Iran to north-western India and Pakistan. During field research in Iraq, we found a population of the genus near to the Darbandikhan Lake in the north-eastern part of the country. Because members of the genus are characterized by a higher level of morphological and genetic diversity, we investigated the population using both morphological and molecular approaches. The phylogenetic analyses based on a fragment of the mitochondrial marker cytochrome b and morphological characters showed that our investigated population belongs to M. helenae fasciatus. This is the first record of the genus and species for Iraq. Moreover, the phylogenetic structure within M. helenae shows divergences that suggest the elevation of M. h. fasciatus to species level. info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/eissn/2682-955X info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/pissn/1013-4425 info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess CC BY 4.0 Pensoft Publishers 2020 Research Article text/html info:doi:10.3897/herpetozoa.33.e52736 https://doi.org/10.3897/herpetozoa.33.e52736 https://herpetozoa.pensoft.net/article/52736/ https://herpetozoa.pensoft.net/article/52736/download/pdf/ en

10.3897/herpetozoa.33.e57096 2020-09-11 herpetozoa

Eviscerated alive: Novel and macabre feeding strategy in Oligodon fasciolatus (Günther, 1864) eating organs of Duttaphrynus melanostictus (Schneider, 1799) in Thailand Bringsøe,Henrik Suthanthangjai,Maneerat Suthanthangjai,Winai Nimnuam,Kanjana Anura behaviour bufadienolide Bufonidae bufotoxin Colubridae Duvernoy’s gland poison posterior maxillary teeth Squamata Herpetozoa 33: 157-163 A hitherto unknown feeding mode among snakes is described for the colubrid snake Oligodon fasciolatus in Northeast Thailand. Three cases of O. fasciolatus using enlarged posterior maxillary teeth to cut open the abdomen of a live poisonous toad Duttaphrynus melanostictus and eat its organs are described. The snakes and toads fought vigorously, and the toads secreted toxic white liquid on the dorsum and neck. The snakes inserted their heads into the abdomen of the toads, pulled out some of the organs and swallowed them. The snakes and toads were adults. All three cases were documented by extensive photographic material. In a fourth case from Central Thailand, an adult O. fasciolatus was observed swallowing an entire semi-adult D. melanostictus. The majority of all snake species swallow their prey in one piece, but to place our observations in a broader context we review a number of exceptions. info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/eissn/2682-955X info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/pissn/1013-4425 info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess CC BY 4.0 Pensoft Publishers 2020 Research Article text/html info:doi:10.3897/herpetozoa.33.e57096 https://doi.org/10.3897/herpetozoa.33.e57096 https://herpetozoa.pensoft.net/article/57096/ https://herpetozoa.pensoft.net/article/57096/download/pdf/ en

10.3897/herpetozoa.33.e56520 2020-09-30 herpetozoa

Crepuscular and nocturnal activity of the Nose-horned viper, Vipera ammodytes (Linnaeus, 1758) is more common than previously reported Dyugmedzhiev,Angel Andonov,Kostadin Popgeorgiev,Georgi Naumov,Borislav Kornilev,Yurii behavior ecology snake temperature Viperidae Herpetozoa 33: 165-169 Different snake species may be active at various times of the day. In Europe, most snake species are predominantly diurnal, but about a third are partially or principally crepuscular and/or nocturnal. Here, we report the first instance of multiple in situ observations of the crepuscular and nocturnal activity of V. ammodytes in Bulgaria. Overall, usually as a result of general herpetological surveys and chance observations between 2001–2020, we recorded crepuscular/nocturnal activity of twenty-seven individuals from both sexes and all age classes (juvenile to adult), observed from April to September, following warm (maximum daily Tair = 20–28 °C) and hot (Tair > 28 °C) days. These records represent less than 1.5% of all our personal viper observations. However, given that our observations occurred throughout the country, within five different climatic zones, we hypothesise that nocturnal activity of V. ammodytes is more common than previously reported. info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/eissn/2682-955X info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/pissn/1013-4425 info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess CC BY 4.0 Pensoft Publishers 2020 Short Communication text/html info:doi:10.3897/herpetozoa.33.e56520 https://doi.org/10.3897/herpetozoa.33.e56520 https://herpetozoa.pensoft.net/article/56520/ https://herpetozoa.pensoft.net/article/56520/download/pdf/ en

10.3897/herpetozoa.33.e58050 2020-10-19 herpetozoa

The eastern boundary of the geographic range of the Pallas’ spadefoot Pelobates vespertinus (Anura, Amphibia) is limited by overwintering temperatures Bulakhova,Nina Alfimov,Arcady Berman,Daniil cold tolerance freezing soils geographic range overwintering Herpetozoa 33: 171-175 We studied the relationship between the geographic distribution of the Pallas’ spadefoot (Pelobates vespertinus) and the soil temperature regime at the eastern boundary of this species’ range (south-western West Siberia and northwest Kazakhstan). This species overwinters underground, burrowing down to 1.5 m or deeper and has poor frost tolerance – it is unable to withstand temperatures below 0 °C, therefore, the temperature at its overwintering depth has to be above zero. A cartographic approach to identifying the distribution of zero isotherms was used. Winter soil temperatures at depths of 80 cm, 120 cm, 160 cm and 240 cm were plotted, based on deep soil thermometer data and the outline of the spadefoot’s range was compared with close-to-zero isotherms in deep soil. Within the range of this species, the depth of the position of zero isotherms increases eastwards: from 80 cm in European Russia, to more than 160 cm in the south-west of Western Siberia. The eastern boundary of the species’ range lies in the forest-steppe, steppe and semi-desert zones in the Tobol-Ishim interfluve and further south, on the left bank area of the Turgai River. This boundary clearly coincides with the zero isotherm, which lies here at a depth of 160 cm, forming an impermeable barrier to the spadefoot’s distribution. info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/eissn/2682-955X info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/pissn/1013-4425 info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess CC BY 4.0 Pensoft Publishers 2020 Research Article text/html info:doi:10.3897/herpetozoa.33.e58050 https://doi.org/10.3897/herpetozoa.33.e58050 https://herpetozoa.pensoft.net/article/58050/ https://herpetozoa.pensoft.net/article/58050/download/pdf/ en

10.3897/herpetozoa.33.e56588 2020-10-23 herpetozoa

Signals of decline of flagship species Ambystoma altamirani Dugès, 1895 (Caudata, Ambystomatidae) in a Mexican natural protected area Guerrero de la Paz,Jesica Gabriela Mercado-Silva,Norman Alcalá,Raúl Ernesto Zambrano González,Luis mountain stream siredon rainbow trout salamander Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt Zempoala Herpetozoa 33: 177-183 Mexico is home to 18 species of salamanders in the family Ambystomidae. Endangered Ambystoma altamirani Dugès, 1895 is a flagship species for the Lagos de Zempoala National Park (LZNP) in central Mexico, a protected area subject to numerous anthropogenic threats. Ambystoma altamirani populations in the Park have been little studied. In 2016–2017, we surveyed four streams where populations of the species had been previously reported. Habitat variables did not differ amongst streams and three had invasive rainbow trout, but we were only able to locate one A. altamirani population in Quila, a small, cold water stream lacking fish. We captured an average of 88 individuals (total n = 354; range 53–109) across all samples in this stream, including larvae, juveniles and adults. Population estimates ranged between 53 and 127 individuals. The absence in other streams suggests reductions in the spatial extent of A. altamirani in the LZNP. We suggest rainbow trout presence in numerous streams have led to local extirpation of A. altamirani and that removal and blockage of the invasive fish and a planned re-introduction strategy might help in restoring this flagship species. info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/eissn/2682-955X info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/pissn/1013-4425 info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess CC BY 4.0 Pensoft Publishers 2020 Short Communication text/html info:doi:10.3897/herpetozoa.33.e56588 https://doi.org/10.3897/herpetozoa.33.e56588 https://herpetozoa.pensoft.net/article/56588/ https://herpetozoa.pensoft.net/article/56588/download/pdf/ en

10.3897/herpetozoa.33.e59114 2020-11-02 herpetozoa

First record of Zhangixalus franki Ninh, Nguyen, Orlov, Nguyen & Ziegler, 2020 (Anura, Rhacophoridae) from China Liu,Shuo Hui,Hong Rao,Dingqi distribution mtDNA new record phylogeny tree frog Yunnan Herpetozoa 33: 185-189 We record Zhangixalus franki Ninh, Nguyen, Orlov, Nguyen & Ziegler, 2020 for the first time from China based on two specimens collected from Laoshan Nature Reserve, Yunnan Province. Morphologically, the newly collected specimens from China mostly agree with the type series from Vietnam. Phylogenetically, these individuals were placed in a clade with Z. franki from Vietnam based on DNA sequences of the mitochondrial 16S rRNA gene. Our finding brings the species number of the genus Zhangixalus to 29 in China. info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/eissn/2682-955X info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/pissn/1013-4425 info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess CC BY 4.0 Pensoft Publishers 2020 Research Article text/html info:doi:10.3897/herpetozoa.33.e59114 https://doi.org/10.3897/herpetozoa.33.e59114 https://herpetozoa.pensoft.net/article/59114/ https://herpetozoa.pensoft.net/article/59114/download/pdf/ en

10.3897/herpetozoa.33.e53525 2020-11-13 herpetozoa

Distribution and conservation status of the herpetofauna of Dugi Otok Island, Croatia Schmidt,Bruno Kranželić,Daria Majetić,Đurđica Lauš,Boris Štih,Ana Koren,Toni Adriatic Islands Amphibia conservation field survey protection Reptilia Herpetozoa 33: 191-205 The first overview of the amphibians and reptiles of Dugi Otok Island, Northern Dalmatia, is presented, based on the published data and new records collected during the last twenty years. A total of 15 species are present on the island, of which only one was not recorded on our surveys. In comparison to other islands of Northern Dalmatia, Dugi Otok is the second most diverse island in terms of herpetofauna, just after Pag Island. The main threats to the amphibians and reptiles on the island are the disappearance and degradation of aquatic habitats, the abandonment and succession of traditional agricultural fields and olive groves and the increasing presence of several invasive species. info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/eissn/2682-955X info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/pissn/1013-4425 info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess CC BY 4.0 Pensoft Publishers 2020 Research Article text/html info:doi:10.3897/herpetozoa.33.e53525 https://doi.org/10.3897/herpetozoa.33.e53525 https://herpetozoa.pensoft.net/article/53525/ https://herpetozoa.pensoft.net/article/53525/download/pdf/ en

10.3897/herpetozoa.33.e60214 2020-12-01 herpetozoa

First record of Rhacophorus verrucopus Huang, 1983 from Myanmar Liu,Shuo Lwin,Ye Htet Quan,RuiChang Li,Song 16S rRNA Htamanthi Wildlife Sanctuary new record tree frog Herpetozoa 33: 207-211 We report the first country record of Rhacophorus verrucopus Huang, 1983 from Myanmar, based on one specimen collected from Htamanthi Wildlife Sanctuary, Sagaing Division. Morphologically, the specimen shows good agreement with the original description of R. verrucopus and phylogenetically, it is clustered with the specimen of R. verrucopus from Medog, Tibet, China with strong support. This is also the first record of R. verrucopus from outside of China. info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/eissn/2682-955X info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/pissn/1013-4425 info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess CC BY 4.0 Pensoft Publishers 2020 Research Article text/html info:doi:10.3897/herpetozoa.33.e60214 https://doi.org/10.3897/herpetozoa.33.e60214 https://herpetozoa.pensoft.net/article/60214/ https://herpetozoa.pensoft.net/article/60214/download/pdf/ en

10.3897/herpetozoa.33.e60163 2020-12-21 herpetozoa

A case of color aberration in a fire salamander (Salamandra salamandra) larva Vlad,Sabina E. Cogălniceanu,Dan Băncilă,Raluca Ioana Stănescu,Florina Amphibia cave leucism Romania Herpetozoa 33: 213-215 Color aberrations in salamanders are caused by defective chromatophores or by disrupted synthesis of the pigments, and have been previously reported in Europe. In this paper we report the first case of leucism in a fire salamander larva from a cave-dwelling population in Romania. The leucistic larva was larger and heavier compared to the other larvae from the same breeding habitat. info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/eissn/2682-955X info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/pissn/1013-4425 info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess CC BY 4.0 Pensoft Publishers 2020 Short Communication text/html info:doi:10.3897/herpetozoa.33.e60163 https://doi.org/10.3897/herpetozoa.33.e60163 https://herpetozoa.pensoft.net/article/60163/ https://herpetozoa.pensoft.net/article/60163/download/pdf/ en

10.3897/herpetozoa.34.e60668 2021-01-11 herpetozoa

Review of the herpetofauna of Attica, mainland Greece Annousis,Ioannis Kapsalas,Grigoris Pafilis,Panayiotis amphibians Greece reptiles Herpetozoa 34: 1-8 Although the insular distribution of the rich herpetofauna of Greece has been studied more extensively, the mainland one is still underexplored. The region of Attica in central Greece represents one of these “black spots” in the mainland. Thus, in 2019 we surveyed for the first time the herpetofauna of Attica in a systematic way. We collected 794 field records of 31 species (4 amphibians, 27 reptiles); Testudo graeca and Trachemys elegans were documented for the first time for Attica. info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/eissn/2682-955X info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/pissn/1013-4425 info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess CC BY 4.0 Pensoft Publishers 2021 Research Article text/html info:doi:10.3897/herpetozoa.34.e60668 https://doi.org/10.3897/herpetozoa.34.e60668 https://herpetozoa.pensoft.net/article/60668/ https://herpetozoa.pensoft.net/article/60668/download/pdf/ en

10.3897/herpetozoa.34.e61956 2021-01-28 herpetozoa

An agricultural practice as a direct threat to the snake-eyed skink Ablepharus kitaibelii (Bibron & Bory de Saint-Vincent, 1833) in central Greece Χριστόπουλος,Απόστολος Pafilis,Panayiotis agriculture lizard Mediterranean olive grove sticky traps threat Herpetozoa 34: 9-12 Terrestrial reptiles are threatened by numerous anthropogenic activities, including agriculture. Many agricultural methods and techniques affect the herpetofauna located in the oldest known tree crops in the Mediterranean Basin, olive trees. For the first time, we present a case of unintentional capture (and killing) of 12 snake-eyed skinks Ablepharus kitaibelii (Bibron & Bory de Saint-Vincent, 1833) on an insect control sticky trap in an olive grove in central Greece. info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/eissn/2682-955X info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/pissn/1013-4425 info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess CC BY 4.0 Pensoft Publishers 2021 Short Communication text/html info:doi:10.3897/herpetozoa.34.e61956 https://doi.org/10.3897/herpetozoa.34.e61956 https://herpetozoa.pensoft.net/article/61956/ https://herpetozoa.pensoft.net/article/61956/download/pdf/ en

10.3897/herpetozoa.34.e60875 2021-02-03 herpetozoa

Rediscovery and distribution extension of the rare Kukri Snake, Oligodon hamptoni Boulenger, 1918 (Reptilia, Serpentes, Colubridae), with the first record of this species from China Lee,Justin Yang,Jian-Huan Platon,Yushchenko V. Poyarkov,Nikolay biodiversity Gaoligongshan Nature Reserve morphology Myanmar snakes Squamata Herpetozoa 34: 13-21 Oligodon hamptoni is a rare species of Kukri Snake known from only two specimens, both collected nearly a century ago in northern Myanmar. Here, we report the third record of this species based on a photograph taken in Mt. Gaoligongshan, Tengchong City, Yunnan Province, China, approximately 235 km northeast of the nearest record in Bhamo District, Kachin State, Myanmar. We also provide a detailed redescription of the holotype, showing that the photo record from Mt. Gaoligongshan can be unambiguously identified to this species. This rediscovery represents the first observation of O. hamptoni in China and is the first report of this species in almost 100 years. info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/eissn/2682-955X info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/pissn/1013-4425 info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess CC BY 4.0 Pensoft Publishers 2021 Research Article text/html info:doi:10.3897/herpetozoa.34.e60875 https://doi.org/10.3897/herpetozoa.34.e60875 https://herpetozoa.pensoft.net/article/60875/ https://herpetozoa.pensoft.net/article/60875/download/pdf/ en

10.3897/herpetozoa.34.e58496 2021-02-03 herpetozoa

Demography and spatial activity of fire salamanders, Salamandra salamandra (Linnaeus, 1758), in two contrasting habitats in the Vienna Woods Burgstaller,Stephan Leeb,Christoph Ringler,Max Gollmann,Günter capture-recapture habitat effect home range life history population density Salamandridae site fidelity Herpetozoa 34: 23-34 Understanding population dynamics is vital in amphibian conservation. To compare demography and movements, we conducted a capture-recapture study over three spring seasons in two populations of Salamandra salamandra in the Vienna Woods. The study sites differ in topography, vegetation, and the type of breeding waters. Population density in a beech forest traversed by a stream was more than twice as high as in an oak-hornbeam forest with temporary pools. Movement distances were on average higher at the latter site whereas home range estimates were similar for both sites. The sexes did not differ significantly in the observed movement patterns at either site. Annual apparent survival was mostly high (~0.85), but the estimate for females from the low-density site was lower (~0.60), indicating a higher rate of emigration or mortality. info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/eissn/2682-955X info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/pissn/1013-4425 info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess CC BY 4.0 Pensoft Publishers 2021 Research Article text/html info:doi:10.3897/herpetozoa.34.e58496 https://doi.org/10.3897/herpetozoa.34.e58496 https://herpetozoa.pensoft.net/article/58496/ https://herpetozoa.pensoft.net/article/58496/download/pdf/ en

10.3897/herpetozoa.34.e54926 2021-02-08 herpetozoa

A Salamander tale: Relative abundance, morphometrics and microhabitat of the critically endangered Mexican salamander Pseudoeurycea robertsi (Taylor, 1939) Sunny,Armando Domínguez-Vega,Hublester Caballero-Viñas,Carmen Ramírez-Corona,Fabiola Suarez,Marco González-Fernández,Andrea Abies religiosa forest amphibians conservation deforestation endangered species Nevado de Toluca Volcano old-growth forest Pinus sp. forest Plethodontidae Herpetozoa 34: 35-47 Roberts’ False Brook Salamander (Pseudoeurycea robertsi) is a critically endangered plethodontid salamander, endemic to the Nevado de Toluca Volcano (NTV), Mexico. Little is known about the biology and ecology of this species, including its microhabitats. Thus, this study aimed to collect basic information about P. robertsi. We sampled fourteen forested sites in the NTV; to corroborate the correct identification of the species we used genetic data, we assessed the variation in head morphometric measurements and dorsal colouration patterns amongst localities and the microhabitat features associated with P. robertsi presence. Of the four potential salamander species, P. robertsi was the most abundant (89.80%) and widely distributed (approximately within 130 km2) salamander in the NTV. We did not find significant variations in morphometry; however, we found significant differences in dorsal patterns between populations (in the number and size of segments of the dorsal stripe). The average total length for 185 adults was 89.15 mm (38.7–117.9 mm); we found seven patterns of dorsal stripe. We found 98% of P. robertsi individuals under the bark of fallen logs in Abies religiosa and A. religiosa-Pinus sp. forests, with a higher number of detected salamanders in naturally-fallen logs than in cut logs (34% vs. 10%). Thus, keeping well-preserved A. religiosa forests and retaining fallen logs is essential to P. robertsi conservation. info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/eissn/2682-955X info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/pissn/1013-4425 info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess CC BY 4.0 Pensoft Publishers 2021 Research Article text/html info:doi:10.3897/herpetozoa.34.e54926 https://doi.org/10.3897/herpetozoa.34.e54926 https://herpetozoa.pensoft.net/article/54926/ https://herpetozoa.pensoft.net/article/54926/download/pdf/ en

10.3897/herpetozoa.34.e62688 2021-02-15 herpetozoa

Gruesome twosome kukri rippers: Oligodon formosanus (Günther, 1872) and O. fasciolatus (Günther, 1864) eat Kaloula pulchra Gray, 1831 either by eviscerating or swallowing whole Bringsøe,Henrik Suthanthangjai,Maneerat Suthanthangjai,Winai Lodder,Jo Komanasin,Navapol Anura behaviour Colubridae death roll Hong Kong Microhylidae posterior maxillary teeth rotational feeding Squamata Thailand Herpetozoa 34: 49-55 Predation on adult microhylid frogs Kaloula pulchra by two closely-related colubrid snakes is described, based on two observations of Oligodon formosanus in Hong Kong and one observation of O. fasciolatus in Thailand. In two instances, O. formosanus was observed cutting open the abdomen of this anuran species. In one case, it performed repeated rotations about its own longitudinal body axis (“death roll”) while its head was inserted into the frog’s abdomen. The purpose of this behaviour was probably to tear off organs and swallow them. Once O. fasciolatus was observed catching and swallowing K. pulchra whole. In that case, the snake also made a series of rotations while it maintained its firm grip in the frog’s belly. It is concluded that, for these two closely-related kukri snakes, prey size is crucial for determining whether the gape width allows large preys to be swallowed entire. info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/eissn/2682-955X info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/pissn/1013-4425 info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess CC BY 4.0 Pensoft Publishers 2021 Research Article text/html info:doi:10.3897/herpetozoa.34.e62688 https://doi.org/10.3897/herpetozoa.34.e62688 https://herpetozoa.pensoft.net/article/62688/ https://herpetozoa.pensoft.net/article/62688/download/pdf/ en

10.3897/herpetozoa.34.e62689 2021-02-15 herpetozoa

Yet another kukri snake piercing an anuran abdomen: Oligodon ocellatus (Morice, 1875) eats Duttaphrynus melanostictus (Schneider, 1799) in Vietnam Bringsøe,Henrik Holden,James Anura behaviour Bufonidae bufotoxin Colubridae organs poison posterior maxillary teeth Squamata Herpetozoa 34: 57-59 A case of Oligodon ocellatus eating a toxic adult toad, Duttaphrynus melanostictus, in Cat Tien National Park, southern Vietnam, is provided. We found a kukri snake having buried its head deeply into the abdomen of the toad and probably being in the process of eating organs. Subsequently, the toad was swallowed whole and the kukri snake moved away and disappeared with the toad’s hind feet still visible from its mouth. It is hypothesised that the behaviour of eviscerating or piercing anurans to eat their organs has been developed in the O. cyclurus species group or clade. This has now been observed in three species. info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/eissn/2682-955X info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/pissn/1013-4425 info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess CC BY 4.0 Pensoft Publishers 2021 Short Communication text/html info:doi:10.3897/herpetozoa.34.e62689 https://doi.org/10.3897/herpetozoa.34.e62689 https://herpetozoa.pensoft.net/article/62689/ https://herpetozoa.pensoft.net/article/62689/download/pdf/ en

10.3897/herpetozoa.34.61393 2021-02-15 herpetozoa

A high mountain lizard from Peru: The world’s highest-altitude reptile Cerdeña,José Farfan,Jackie Quiroz,Aarón J. Liolaemus alticolor-bibronii group L. tacnae Chachani Arequipa Herpetozoa 34: 61-65 Life at high altitudes is particularly challenging for ectothermic animals like reptiles and involves the evolution of specialised adaptations to deal with low temperatures, hypoxia and intense UV radiation. As a result, only very few reptile taxa are able to survive above 5,000 m elevation and herpetological observations from these altitudes are exceedingly rare. We report here an exceptional observation of a lizard population (Liolaemus aff. tacnae; Reptilia, Squamata) from the high Andes of Peru. During an ascent of Chachani mountain (6,054 m, 16°11'S, 71°32'W), we observed and documented photographically this species living between 5,000 and 5,400 m above sea level. Following a review of literature, we show that this is the highest known record of a reptile species. info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/eissn/2682-955X info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/pissn/1013-4425 info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess CC BY 4.0 Pensoft Publishers 2021 Short Communication text/html info:doi:10.3897/herpetozoa.34.61393 https://doi.org/10.3897/herpetozoa.34.61393 https://herpetozoa.pensoft.net/article/61393/ https://herpetozoa.pensoft.net/article/61393/download/pdf/ en

10.3897/herpetozoa.34.e59064 2021-03-09 herpetozoa

Digit ratio in three species of tropidurid lizards Miranda,Kelton Goulart,Marcella Galdino,Conrado digit length ratio Neotropical population sexual dimorphism Tropiduridae Herpetozoa 34: 67-70 Proportions between pairs of digits are linked to fitness in tetrapods and they can be influenced by sex hormones through individuals’ ontogenies. Therefore, in many species, the proportions amongst finger length ratios (referred as digit ratio, i.e. 2D second and 4D fourth digits) can differ between males and females. We investigated whether the three most commonly used forelimb digit ratios are sexually dimorphic in three tropidurid species. In one of the three lizard species, Eurolophosaurus nanuzae, males and females differ for only 2D:4D digit ratio. Otherwise, our results on the studied Tropidurus species conform to previous studies showing no differences in digit ratios between males and females. Hence, it might be the case of local selective forces shaping interpopulation variation in the expression of sexual dimorphism for digit ratio. info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/eissn/2682-955X info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/pissn/1013-4425 info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess CC BY 4.0 Pensoft Publishers 2021 Short Communication text/html info:doi:10.3897/herpetozoa.34.e59064 https://doi.org/10.3897/herpetozoa.34.e59064 https://herpetozoa.pensoft.net/article/59064/ https://herpetozoa.pensoft.net/article/59064/download/pdf/ en

10.3897/herpetozoa.34.e63072 2021-03-09 herpetozoa

Fine-scale analysis of habitat occupancy by Kura lizard (Darevskia portschinskii) and its daughter parthenogenetic form (Darevskia dahli) Barateli,Natia Tarkhnishvili,David Iankoshvili,Giorgi Kokiashvili,Luka Dvali,Nikoloz Janiashvili,Zurab competition ecological niche parthenogenesis rock lizards territoriality Herpetozoa 34: 71-81 Two species of rock lizards, the parthenogenetic D. dahli and the sexually reproducing D. portschinskii, coexist in a rocky outcrop in an area of ca. 1 ha, in the vicinity of Tbilisi, Georgia; the location has been well-known since the middle 1960s. The population density of the parthenogenetic lizard is five times higher than that of the sexual breeder. We studied the distribution of active lizards in space and time over three consecutive years, during the spring and autumn activity periods, to explore spatial and temporal differences between the species on a fine spatial scale. We studied the influence of temperature, humidity, and quantitative characteristics of the surface and the distance from permanent water source on the spatial distribution of D. dahli and D. portschinskii. Darevskia portschinskii was less dependent on the distance from the water source and more evenly distributed in space and time than D. dahli. Despite potential competitive interactions, the species did not avoid each other on the microhabitat scale, suggesting that the observed ecological differences are not caused by a niche shift. More individuals of the sexual breeder than individuals of the parthenogen were found in suboptimal habitats. This feature may increase the evolutionary success of D. portschinskii in a long-term perspective. info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/eissn/2682-955X info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/pissn/1013-4425 info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess CC BY 4.0 Pensoft Publishers 2021 Research Article text/html info:doi:10.3897/herpetozoa.34.e63072 https://doi.org/10.3897/herpetozoa.34.e63072 https://herpetozoa.pensoft.net/article/63072/ https://herpetozoa.pensoft.net/article/63072/download/pdf/ en

10.3897/herpetozoa.34.e62596 2021-03-15 herpetozoa

Distribution extension of Calotes irawadi Zug, Brown, Schulte & Vindum, 2006, previously confused with C. versicolor (Daudin, 1802): first record from China Liu,Shuo Zuo,Changsheng Rao,Dingqi Agamidae lizard mtDNA Tongbiguan Nature Reserve Western Yunnan Herpetozoa 34: 83-88 We report the first country record of Calotes irawadi, identified previously as C. versicolor, from China based on four specimens collected from Tongbiguan Nature Reserve, Western Yunnan, China. Morphologically, the specimens show good agreement with the original description of C. irawadi, and phylogenetically clustered with specimens (including holotype) of C. irawadi from Myanmar with strong support. This is also the first record of C. irawadi from outside Myanmar. info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/eissn/2682-955X info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/pissn/1013-4425 info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess CC BY 4.0 Pensoft Publishers 2021 Research Article text/html info:doi:10.3897/herpetozoa.34.e62596 https://doi.org/10.3897/herpetozoa.34.e62596 https://herpetozoa.pensoft.net/article/62596/ https://herpetozoa.pensoft.net/article/62596/download/pdf/ en

10.3897/herpetozoa.34.e63998 2021-04-09 herpetozoa

New herpetofaunal records from Gunung Mulu National Park and its surrounding areas in Borneo Fukuyama,Ryobu Fukuyama,Ibuki Kurita,Takaki Kojima,Yosuke Hossman,Mohamad Yazid Noda,Akihiro Nishikawa,Kanto Amphibia Dopasia inventory male-male combat Miri new locality Reptilia Sarawak species diversity Herpetozoa 34: 89-96 Gunung Mulu National Park (GMNP) in northwestern Borneo is marked by high species diversity and diverse environments. We present one new amphibian and ten new reptile records from GMNP and its surrounding area. In the records, Asthenodipsas jamilinaisi and Garthius chaseni were newly recorded in the Sarawak State. We also present the first record of Cyrtodactylus muluensis from outside of GMNP and the second record of Opisthotropis typica from the park. Combined with previous information, a total of 108 amphibians and 104 reptiles are known from GMNP, and their preferred habitat types are diverse. Furthermore, observed male-male combat of Dopasia buettikoferi is the first detailed description of the genus. Two color morphs of D. buettikoferi had an identical ND2 haplotype and appeared to be the same species. The present study provides new information about Bornean amphibians and reptiles, and also emphasizes the importance of continuous monitoring. info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/eissn/2682-955X info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/pissn/1013-4425 info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess CC BY 4.0 Pensoft Publishers 2021 Research Article text/html info:doi:10.3897/herpetozoa.34.e63998 https://doi.org/10.3897/herpetozoa.34.e63998 https://herpetozoa.pensoft.net/article/63998/ https://herpetozoa.pensoft.net/article/63998/download/pdf/ en

10.3897/herpetozoa.34.e62459 2021-04-26 herpetozoa

The first comprehensive data on the distribution of reptiles within the Southern Bug eco-corridor, Ukraine Oskyrko,Oleksandra Jablonski,Daniel Europe mapping Mykolaiv Oblast occurrence Reptilia zoogeography Herpetozoa 34: 97-114 This study provides distribution data for 12 species of reptiles in the Southern Bug eco-corridor located within the steppe zone, Mykolaiv Oblast (province), Ukraine. We compiled 935 records from published literature (324), from public databases (68), and from 12 field surveys we made in 2016–2020 (543). All records were mapped on to a grid of 10×10 km, representing the 294 cells of the studied area. We present new distributional data for Podarcis tauricus. For all the other species, our records add new localities that fall within areas where these reptiles were previously reported. Species richness and Shannon’s H’ index show that herpetofauna diversity was higher in the areas along the Southern Bug River. The maximum number of records within a single cell was 118 (for 10 species) in this oblast. Also the high number of identified reptile chorotypes (nine) within the Mykolaiv Oblast revealed that southern Ukraine is an important zoogeographical territory in Europe. These data provide the basis for future biogeographical and ecological studies and conservation priorities. info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/eissn/2682-955X info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/pissn/1013-4425 info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess CC BY 4.0 Pensoft Publishers 2021 Research Article text/html info:doi:10.3897/herpetozoa.34.e62459 https://doi.org/10.3897/herpetozoa.34.e62459 https://herpetozoa.pensoft.net/article/62459/ https://herpetozoa.pensoft.net/article/62459/download/pdf/ en

10.3897/herpetozoa.34.e62007 2021-05-27 herpetozoa

Females of the four-eyed frog, Pleurodema thaul (Anura, Leptodactylidae), respond behaviourally to conspecific male scent Rojas Vasquez,Valentina Labra Lillo,Antonieta Valdés,José Luis Velásquez,Nelson anuran communication chemical communication female choice male scent Herpetozoa 34: 115-120 Among amphibians, conspecific chemical communication has been widely studied in Caudata. Adult anurans, by contrast, have received less attention. Recently, it was shown that chemical scents are also relevant for adult anuran intraspecific communication. In this context, we evaluate whether females of the four-eyed frog (Pleurodema thaul) respond to conspecific male scents. We carried out a double choice experiment in a Y-maze. Females were repeatedly presented with the scents of several males versus distilled water. To extract the scent from males, we acoustically stimulated males and then used the water from their aquaria for the experiments. Our data suggest that females are capable of responding behaviourally to male scents, since they spent longer periods in the zones with male scent, rather than in zones with water. We propose that under natural breeding conditions, females of P. thaul may use either their chemical sense or chemical cues to facilitate their encounters with males. info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/eissn/2682-955X info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/pissn/1013-4425 info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess CC BY 4.0 Pensoft Publishers 2021 Research Article text/html info:doi:10.3897/herpetozoa.34.e62007 https://doi.org/10.3897/herpetozoa.34.e62007 https://herpetozoa.pensoft.net/article/62007/ https://herpetozoa.pensoft.net/article/62007/download/pdf/ en

10.3897/herpetozoa.34.e64628 2021-07-06 herpetozoa

Second observation of the reproductive biology of Blythia reticulata (Blyth, 1854) (Reptilia, Squamata, Colubridae) Biakzuala,Lal Hruaitea,Lal Biakhlui,Lal Lalremsanga,Hmar Tlawmte breeding eggs India Iridescent Snake Mizoram natural history reproduction Herpetozoa 34: 121-124 A second observation on the reproduction of Blythia reticulata was based on three eggs found on a forest path among leaf litter and successfully incubated. Given the limited knowledge on the natural history of the species, including its breeding biology, we provide information on egg measurements (n = 3; length = 25.54 ± 1.05 mm; width = 11.79 ± 0.37 mm; weight = 1.94 ± 0.24 g) and the first data on hatchling biometrics (n = 3; snout-vent length = 106 ± 1.73 mm; tail length = 14 ± 1.00 mm; weight = 1.13 ± 0.09 g) from Mizoram State, northeastern India. info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/eissn/2682-955X info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/pissn/1013-4425 info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess CC BY 4.0 Pensoft Publishers 2021 Short Communication text/html info:doi:10.3897/herpetozoa.34.e64628 https://doi.org/10.3897/herpetozoa.34.e64628 https://herpetozoa.pensoft.net/article/64628/ https://herpetozoa.pensoft.net/article/64628/download/pdf/ en

10.3897/herpetozoa.34.e63423 2021-07-07 herpetozoa

Leucism and albinism in the rear-fanged snakes Tachymenis chilensis chilensis (Schlegel, 1837) and Tachymenis chilensis coronellina Werner, 1898 (Serpentes, Dipsadidae) A. Urra,Felix Zúñiga,Alejandro Melero,Nel Reyes,Nibaldo Herrera,Yarela Miranda-Calle,Alejandro Bruno Ortiz,Juan Carlos phenotype reptiles short-tailed snake skin coloration South American snakes Herpetozoa 34: 125-129 Herein, we report the first observation of two different coloration patterns in Chilean snakes. Based on the alteration of wild coloration patterns, a juvenile specimen of Tachymenis chilensis coronellina Werner, 1898 was diagnosed with albinism and a juvenile specimen of Tachymenis chilensis chilensis (Schlegel, 1837) was diagnosed with leucism. The existence of color variations in wild snake populations and the implications of these for fitness are discussed. info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/eissn/2682-955X info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/pissn/1013-4425 info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess CC BY 4.0 Pensoft Publishers 2021 Short Communication text/html info:doi:10.3897/herpetozoa.34.e63423 https://doi.org/10.3897/herpetozoa.34.e63423 https://herpetozoa.pensoft.net/article/63423/ https://herpetozoa.pensoft.net/article/63423/download/pdf/ en

10.3897/herpetozoa.32.e69755 2021-07-23 herpetozoa

A new species of Micryletta Dubois, 1987 (Anura, Microhylidae) from Yunnan Province, China Liu,Shuo Hou,Mian Mo,Mingzhong Rao,Dingqi 16S rRNA Hekou County Honghe Prefecture Paddy Frog taxonomy Herpetozoa 34: 131-140 A new species of the genus Micryletta Dubois, 1987 is described from Yunnan Province, China, based on morphological and molecular analyses. The most obvious differences between the new species and other species of this genus are small body size, unique coloration, and relatively longer hind limbs. In 16S rRNA gene sequences, the new species is diverged from all other congeners by 3.1%–8.0%. info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/eissn/2682-955X info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/pissn/1013-4425 info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess CC BY 4.0 Pensoft Publishers 2021 Research Article text/html info:doi:10.3897/herpetozoa.32.e69755 https://doi.org/10.3897/herpetozoa.32.e69755 https://herpetozoa.pensoft.net/article/69755/ https://herpetozoa.pensoft.net/article/69755/download/pdf/ en

10.3897/herpetozoa.34.e64955 2021-07-27 herpetozoa

The genus Pelophylax (Amphibia, Ranidae) in Pakistan: museum collections and possible distribution Jablonski,Daniel Wynn,Addison Masroor,Rafaqat Papenfuss,Theodore Litvinchuk,Spartak Mazepa,Glib Afghanistan biogeography Central Asia Iran museum data Bufotes Chrysopaa Nanorana Rana Herpetozoa 34: 141-147 We provide the first comprehensive data on the questionable distribution of the genus Pelophylax and the family Ranidae from Pakistan. Based on a literature review and two specimens of the genus from Tasp, Panjgur District in Pakistani Balochistan (USNM 26194–95), stored in the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, Washington, DC, USA, we discuss the possible occurrence and affiliation of these frogs in the context of Central Asia. Our comparison shows that the nearest records of Pelophylax in relation to the Tasp specimens are reported from more than 280 km (air-line) away in Iran and Afghanistan, which are currently separated by hot and mostly desert environments. We suggest that possible surviving populations of this genus may still be present in Balochistan (Rakhshan River) or Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (Kabul River) Provinces of Pakistan. This would, however, need further field investigations. info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/eissn/2682-955X info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/pissn/1013-4425 info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess CC BY 4.0 Pensoft Publishers 2021 Research Article text/html info:doi:10.3897/herpetozoa.34.e64955 https://doi.org/10.3897/herpetozoa.34.e64955 https://herpetozoa.pensoft.net/article/64955/ https://herpetozoa.pensoft.net/article/64955/download/pdf/ en

10.3897/herpetozoa.34.e56326 2021-08-04 herpetozoa

Lurking in the depth: Pond depth predicts microhabitat selection by Rhinella icterica (Anura: Bufonidae) tadpoles at two different sampling scales Preuss,Gabriel Silverio Righetto Mauad,Anna Victoria Shinji Akiyama Kitamura,Rafael Santiago de Assis,Thara Corrêa Scalon,Marina Domingos,Fabricius Atlantic Forest conservation Cururu Toad depth distribution habitat selection substrate cover water turbidity Herpetozoa 34: 149-158 Habitat selection has long been a central theme in ecology and has historically considered both physiological responses and ecological factors affecting species establishment. Investigating habitat selection patterns at different scales can provide important information on the relative roles of the environmental factors influencing the organisms’ abilities to use their surrounding habitat. This work aimed at investigating which environmental factors determine habitat selection by Rhinella icterica tadpoles, and also took the opportunity to investigate how the scale in which tadpoles and environmental data are sampled might influence the habitat selection results. A total of 2.240 tadpoles were counted in the whole sampling area, and while substrate cover and depth were the variables that better explained the abundance of tadpoles at the larger scale (plot level), depth and water turbidity better explained tadpoles’ abundance at the smaller scale (subplot level). The results suggest that avoiding predation by matching the background color is a likely process explaining tadpoles’ occupancy at both scales. Depth is known to influence tadpole habitat use in the tropics, and although its combination with turbidity and substrate cover varied between scales, our study suggests that sampling at different scales might not affect the inferred ecological processes driving habitat selection. This information might also be useful to predict tadpoles’ responses to micro-environmental perturbations and help in guiding the choice of parameters that should be taken into account when analyzing the effects of habitat degradation in Atlantic Forest amphibian populations. info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/eissn/2682-955X info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/pissn/1013-4425 info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess CC BY 4.0 Pensoft Publishers 2021 Research Article text/html info:doi:10.3897/herpetozoa.34.e56326 https://doi.org/10.3897/herpetozoa.34.e56326 https://herpetozoa.pensoft.net/article/56326/ https://herpetozoa.pensoft.net/article/56326/download/pdf/ en

10.3897/herpetozoa.34.e69381 2021-08-04 herpetozoa

The Moorish gecko, Tarentola mauritanica Linnaeus, 1758 (Squamata, Phyllodactylidae), in Albania Szabolcs,Márton Mizsei,Edvard Golemaj,Aleksander Jablonski,Daniel Balkan Peninsula distribution faunistics introduced species Mediterranean reptile Herpetozoa 34: 159-162 We summarised the records of Tarentola mauritanica in Albania. The first record for the country was published in 1989 from Sazan Island; however, it was never confirmed again. Another population was found recently in an urban habitat of Vlorë City near the main city port, probably of human-mediated origin. info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/eissn/2682-955X info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/pissn/1013-4425 info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess CC BY 4.0 Pensoft Publishers 2021 Short Communication text/html info:doi:10.3897/herpetozoa.34.e69381 https://doi.org/10.3897/herpetozoa.34.e69381 https://herpetozoa.pensoft.net/article/69381/ https://herpetozoa.pensoft.net/article/69381/download/pdf/ en

10.3897/herpetozoa.34.e64040 2021-08-19 herpetozoa

Effects of body temperature on initial bite force in three species of rock- and crevice-dwelling lizards from Mexico Woolrich-Piña,Guillermo A. Smith,Geoffrey Martínez-Méndez,Norberto Lemos-Espinal,Julio Gadsden,Hector Abronia graminea Barisia imbricata bite force Xenosaurus fractus Herpetozoa 34: 163-168 Bite force can be an important aspect of a lizard’s organismal performance, and is likely to be subject to influence by ambient conditions including an individual’s thermal environment. We examined the effects of body temperature (Tb) on initial bite force of rock- and crevice-dwelling individuals of three species of lizards: Abronia graminea (Anguidae), Barisia imbricata (Anguidae), and Xenosaurus fractus (Xenosauridae) from Mexico. In B. imbricata and X. fractus from one site (Xochititan, Puebla) initial bite force was greatest at intermediate Tb. In contrast, X. fractus from a second site (Tlatlauquitepec, Puebla) showed a weak tendency for initial bite force to increase with Tb. Initial bite force in A. graminea was not affected by Tb. Taking our results together, we infer that initial bite force in rock- or crevice-dwelling lizards is often, but not always, related to Tb. info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/eissn/2682-955X info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/pissn/1013-4425 info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess CC BY 4.0 Pensoft Publishers 2021 Short Communication text/html info:doi:10.3897/herpetozoa.34.e64040 https://doi.org/10.3897/herpetozoa.34.e64040 https://herpetozoa.pensoft.net/article/64040/ https://herpetozoa.pensoft.net/article/64040/download/pdf/ en

10.3897/herpetozoa.34.e68576 2021-08-24 herpetozoa

Characterisation of a skin secretion with adhesive properties in the ground frog Eupsophus vertebralis (Alsodidae) Suárez-Villota,Elkin Trovatti,Eliane Contreras,Felipe Nuñez,José Amphibia Chilean Patagonia cutaneous glue proteinaceous material Herpetozoa 34: 169-173 Some skin secretions with adhesive properties allow frogs to distract predators and escape; their nature is poorly studied. Here, we report the sticky skin secretion released by the Patagonian frog Eupsophus vertebralis when stressed. This secretion contained ~ 50% proteins spanning 25–250 kDa and required a fast setting time to turn into strong adhesive, which worked well on synthetic and biological materials. Lap-shear assays with Eupsophus glue secretion showed average shear strength of 3.34 MPa, comparable to cyanoacrylate (5.47 MPa). These properties suggest its biotechnological value for practical applications in industrial and medical sectors. info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/eissn/2682-955X info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/pissn/1013-4425 info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess CC BY 4.0 Pensoft Publishers 2021 Short Communication text/html info:doi:10.3897/herpetozoa.34.e68576 https://doi.org/10.3897/herpetozoa.34.e68576 https://herpetozoa.pensoft.net/article/68576/ https://herpetozoa.pensoft.net/article/68576/download/pdf/ en

10.3897/herpetozoa.34.e67196 2021-09-02 herpetozoa

New distribution record, ecology and tail trifurcation of Cyrtodactylus mamanwa (Gekkonidae) on Dinagat Islands, Philippines Maglangit,Erl Pfian Tapdasan,Riza Jane Medija Jr.,Rico De Alba,Maria Fe Adamat,Liza Amparado,Olive Nuñeza,Olga M. Diesmos,Mae Lowe L. Diesmos,Arvin Dinagat Islands gekkonid new island record reptile tail abnormality Herpetozoa 34: 175-181 This study highlights the ecology, natural history, and a new distribution record by providing a unique habitat occurrence record in karst ecosystem and describes a tail anomaly of the endemic Mamanwa Bent-toed Gecko Cyrtodactylus mamanwa in the province of Dinagat. The detection of a new population on Unib Island in the southwestern Dinagat extends the previously known distribution of this gekkonid by approximately 100 km south from its known distribution. info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/eissn/2682-955X info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/pissn/1013-4425 info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess CC BY 4.0 Pensoft Publishers 2021 Short Communication text/html info:doi:10.3897/herpetozoa.34.e67196 https://doi.org/10.3897/herpetozoa.34.e67196 https://herpetozoa.pensoft.net/article/67196/ https://herpetozoa.pensoft.net/article/67196/download/pdf/ en

10.3897/herpetozoa.34.e66338 2021-09-15 herpetozoa

Phylogenetic relationships amongst the snake-eyed lizards of the genus Ablepharus Fitzinger, 1823 (Sauria, Scincidae) in the Iranian Plateau based on mtDNA sequences Karamiani,Rasoul Rastegar-Pouyani,Nasrullah Rastegar-Pouyani,Eskandar Ablepharus COI mitochondrial sequences 12S rRNA 16S rRNA systematics Herpetozoa 34: 183-194 We recovered molecular phylogenetic relationships amongst species of the genus Ablepharus in Iran and Iraq. Partial sequences of three mitochondrial genes (cytochrome C oxidase subunit I – COI, 12S rRNA and 16S rRNA) were analysed. In addition, phylogenetic relationships and taxonomic evaluation of Ablepharus species in Cyprus, India, Greece, Turkey and Syria were performed using partial sequences of the 16S rRNA gene. Phylogenetic trees and estimated genetic distances showed that the Ablepharus populations of Iran and Iraq clustered into three distinct clades. One is found in northwest Iran (A. bivittatus in Ardabil, East and West Azerbaijan and Hamedan Provinces). The second clade, formed by A. chernovi, is found only in Uromia. The third and most heterogeneous clade is divided into two subclades, the first includes two lineages of Ablepharus in Khorasan Razavi and Semnan Provinces (A. pannonicus) and in eastern and south-eastern Iran (A. grayanus); the second subclade is distributed in the eastern part of Iraq and west and south-western Iran (Ablepharus sp.). Our analyses indicated that splitting of A. chernovi within the genus occurred in the early Miocene [about 22.5 million years ago (Mya)]. Ablepharus bivittatus diverged 15.2 Mya, in the middle Miocene. Ablepharus pannonicus diverged in the late Miocene (8.4 Mya) and A. grayanus separated in the late Miocene (6.7 Mya). The lineages of eastern Iraq and south-western Iran (Ablepharus sp.) diverged also in the late Miocene (7.0 Mya). info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/eissn/2682-955X info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/pissn/1013-4425 info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess CC BY 4.0 Pensoft Publishers 2021 Research Article text/html info:doi:10.3897/herpetozoa.34.e66338 https://doi.org/10.3897/herpetozoa.34.e66338 https://herpetozoa.pensoft.net/article/66338/ https://herpetozoa.pensoft.net/article/66338/download/pdf/ en

10.3897/herpetozoa.34.e66909 2021-09-23 herpetozoa

Anti-predator behaviour of Rhinella major (Müller and Hellmich 1936), with insights into the Rhinella granulosa group Pedroso-Santos,Fillipe Costa-Campos,Carlos anuran behaviour Bufonidae ethogram gape-limited predator handling Herpetozoa 34: 195-200 In anurans, the different types of anti-predator behaviour have been documented in isolation, but some species have shown synergistic strategies in different situations. The display of these types of behaviour may be related to the types of predators in the habitat, which boost defensive responses in their prey. However, most reports are mostly opportunistic and punctual observations, not systematic. Here, we report the occurrence of anti-predator behaviour in the toad Rhinella major (Müller and Hellmich 1936) (Amphibia, Anura, Bufonidae) in the face of different handling modes. Probably the disturbance caused by handling had elicited a predator deterrence response in the individual, causing it to rapidly exhibit such behaviour. These conditions are discussed along with an overview of anti-predator behaviour in species of the R. granulosa group and we re-interpreted these strategies for two species in the group. info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/eissn/2682-955X info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/pissn/1013-4425 info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess CC BY 4.0 Pensoft Publishers 2021 Short Communication text/html info:doi:10.3897/herpetozoa.34.e66909 https://doi.org/10.3897/herpetozoa.34.e66909 https://herpetozoa.pensoft.net/article/66909/ https://herpetozoa.pensoft.net/article/66909/download/pdf/ en

10.3897/herpetozoa.34.e67271 2021-10-20 herpetozoa

Choice of tree holes as oviposition sites by Kurixalus eiffingeri on Iriomote Island Sato,Taku Iwai,Noriko breeding Japan Kurixalus eiffingeri opening angle parental care Rhacophoridae Taiwan Herpetozoa 34: 201-205 Oviposition site choice affects survival and growth of offspring, particularly in frogs in which the offspring cannot move from the oviposition site. We intended to find the features of tree holes used for oviposition by Kurixalus eiffingeri on Iriomote Island. We measured eight tree hole variables to determine which should be included in the best model to explain breeding use by K. eiffingeri. Out of 32 tree holes examined, we found five that were used for oviposition. The best model included the height above the ground and angle of opening. Higher located tree holes and a larger opening angle were associated with more frequent oviposition by K. eiffingeri. This trend may be due to the higher predation risk in lower tree holes with a steeper opening. The importance of the height of the breeding site above ground was also noted in a previous study on bamboo stumps in Taiwan, but the opening angle was only salient in this study. Our study suggested that the same species in different ecosystems may use different criteria when choosing oviposition sites. info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/eissn/2682-955X info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/pissn/1013-4425 info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess CC BY 4.0 Pensoft Publishers 2021 Research Article text/html info:doi:10.3897/herpetozoa.34.e67271 https://doi.org/10.3897/herpetozoa.34.e67271 https://herpetozoa.pensoft.net/article/67271/ https://herpetozoa.pensoft.net/article/67271/download/pdf/ en

10.3897/herpetozoa.34.e67807 2021-10-20 herpetozoa

Biology of the Big-headed Amazon River Turtle, Peltocephalus dumerilianus (Schweigger, 1812) (Testudines, Pleurodira): the basal extant Podocnemididae species Gentil,Eduardo de Medeiros,Larissa Vogt,Richard Barnett,Adrian behaviour Cabeçudo conservation diet distribution ethno-knowledge evolution morphology movements patterns reproduction Herpetozoa 34: 207-222 We review the extent and nature of scientific knowledge of the Big-headed Amazon River Turtle, Peltocephalus dumerilianus, covering distribution, morphology, taxonomy, diet, behaviour, reproduction, and ecology. We discuss the phylogenetic position of the species and its evolutionary relationships with the other podocnemidids, comparing morphological, karyological and molecular information. Also, we describe the importance of this species and its relationship with traditional Amazonian communities, including capture techniques, uses, beliefs and taboos. Finally, we comment on the conservation status of the species and the urgent need for additional studies. Besides discussing and reinterpreting published data, we provide new information from recent genetic studies, field activities and captive observations. info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/eissn/2682-955X info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/pissn/1013-4425 info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess CC BY 4.0 Pensoft Publishers 2021 Research Article text/html info:doi:10.3897/herpetozoa.34.e67807 https://doi.org/10.3897/herpetozoa.34.e67807 https://herpetozoa.pensoft.net/article/67807/ https://herpetozoa.pensoft.net/article/67807/download/pdf/ en

10.3897/herpetozoa.34.e72627 2021-10-21 herpetozoa

Taxonomic reassessment of the poorly known microhylid, Kalophrynus menglienicus Yang & Su, 1980 Liu,Shuo Yang,Bin Wang,Qiaoyan Hou,Mian 16S rRNA Menglian County Paddy Frog taxonomy Herpetozoa 34: 223-232 The taxonomic status of Kalophrynus menglienicus Yang & Su, 1980 was evaluated based on newly collected topotype specimens. Phylogenetic analysis showed that this species should be assigned to the genus Micryletta Dubois, 1987. In addition, morphological diagnosis and descriptions based on the newly collected topotype specimens were provided. info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/eissn/2682-955X info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/pissn/1013-4425 info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess CC BY 4.0 Pensoft Publishers 2021 Research Article text/html info:doi:10.3897/herpetozoa.34.e72627 https://doi.org/10.3897/herpetozoa.34.e72627 https://herpetozoa.pensoft.net/article/72627/ https://herpetozoa.pensoft.net/article/72627/download/pdf/ en

10.3897/herpetozoa.34.e69176 2021-11-11 herpetozoa

Two new species of snail-eating snakes of the genus Tropidodipsas (Serpentes, Dipsadidae) from southern Mexico, with notes on related species Grünwald,Christoph Toribio-Jiménez,Sarahi Montaño-Ruvalcaba,Carlos Eduardo Franz-Chávez,Hector Peñaloza-Montaño,Miguel Barrera-Nava,Eduardo Jones,Jason Rodriguez,Christopher Hughes,India Strickland,Jason Reyes Velasco,Jacobo conservation cloud forest Geophis Guerrero Oaxaca pine-oak woodland Sierra Madre del Sur bosque de niebla bosque de pino-encino conservación Geophis Guerrero Oaxaca Sierra Madre del Sur Geophis Guerrero Kiefern-Eichen Wald Naturschutz Nebelwald Oaxaca Sierra Madre del Sur Herpetozoa 34: 233-257 We describe two new species of Tropidodipsas related to the T. fasciata species group as defined by Kofron (1987), and provide morphological and molecular data to support the novelty of both species. A partial molecular phylogeny of the Mexican species of snail-eating snakes (Serpentes, Dipsadidae) is presented, and we discuss evolutionary relationships as supported by our molecular results. We analyze specific relationships of the new species described herein with their closest relatives. We present a distribution map for all species of Tropidodipsas and include photographs of living individuals of each species. Finally, we discuss other taxonomic changes based on our molecular phylogeny as well as conservation priorities of the new species. info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/eissn/2682-955X info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/pissn/1013-4425 info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess CC BY 4.0 Pensoft Publishers 2021 Research Article text/html info:doi:10.3897/herpetozoa.34.e69176 https://doi.org/10.3897/herpetozoa.34.e69176 https://herpetozoa.pensoft.net/article/69176/ https://herpetozoa.pensoft.net/article/69176/download/pdf/ en

10.3897/herpetozoa.34.e75578 2021-11-18 herpetozoa

The European green toad, Bufotes viridis, in Donaufeld (Vienna, Austria): status and size of the population Sistani,Amir Burgstaller,Stephan Gollmann,Günter Landler,Lukas Amphibia Bufonidae conservation population ecology urban environment Herpetozoa 34: 259-264 The European green toad, Bufotes viridis (Laurenti, 1768), is a rare and protected species in Vienna. In spring and summer 2020, we conducted a survey to assess size and status of its population in Donaufeld, an agricultural area designated for real estate development. Recaptures of photographically registered toads allowed to estimate the population size with 137 individuals (confidence interval: 104–181). Comparatively large body size indicates the presence of a well-established population. Reproductive success was high in the study year. A mismatch mating of a male B. viridis with a female Bufo bufo was observed. Mitigation measures are needed to support this population facing imminent habitat deterioration. info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/eissn/2682-955X info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/pissn/1013-4425 info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess CC BY 4.0 Pensoft Publishers 2021 Research Article text/html info:doi:10.3897/herpetozoa.34.e75578 https://doi.org/10.3897/herpetozoa.34.e75578 https://herpetozoa.pensoft.net/article/75578/ https://herpetozoa.pensoft.net/article/75578/download/pdf/ en

10.3897/herpetozoa.34.e68577 2021-12-14 herpetozoa

Relationship between anuran larvae occurrence and aquatic environment in septentrional east Palearctic landscapes Borzée,Amaël Kim,Ye Inn Purevdorj,Zoljargal Maslova,Irina Schepina,Natalya Jang,Yikweon anuran larvae conductivity Palearctic landscape pH salinity septentrional Asia species occurrence vegetation water biotic and abiotic properties Herpetozoa 34: 265-270 The presence of amphibian larvae is restricted by both biotic and abiotic variables of the environment. Some of these variables are still undetermined in the septentrional eastern Palearctic where Rana amurensis, Strauchbufo raddei and Dryophytes japonicus are found in large numbers. In this study, we sampled 92 sites across Mongolia, Russia and the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea and measured biotic and abiotic water variables, as well as the height of flooded terrestrial and emergent aquatic vegetation at the breeding site. We determined that the presence of anuran larvae is generally, but not always, linked to pH and temperature. Rana amurensis was not significantly affected by any of the variables measured, while S. raddei was impacted by water conductivity and D. japonicus by pH, temperature and vegetation. Our results highlight a potential risk for these species due to the changes in aquatic variables in response to desertification. info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/eissn/2682-955X info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/pissn/1013-4425 info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess CC BY 4.0 Pensoft Publishers 2021 Short Communication text/html info:doi:10.3897/herpetozoa.34.e68577 https://doi.org/10.3897/herpetozoa.34.e68577 https://herpetozoa.pensoft.net/article/68577/ https://herpetozoa.pensoft.net/article/68577/download/pdf/ en

10.3897/herpetozoa.34.e74009 2021-12-21 herpetozoa

Molecular phylogeny of Lytorhynchus diadema (Reptilia, Colubridae) populations in Saudi Arabia Alshammari,Ahmed Badry,Ahmed Busais,Salem A. Ibrahim,Adel El-Abd,Eman Colubridae Lytorhynchus mtDNA phylogeny Saudi Arabia Herpetozoa 34: 271-276 This study presents the molecular phylogenetic relationships among Lytorhynchus diadema (Duméril, Bibron & Duméril, 1854) populations in Saudi Arabia relative to populations from Africa and Asia. This phylogenetic analysis was based on mitochondrial 16S and 12S rRNA partial gene fragments using Neighbor-joining, Maximum Parsimony, and Bayesian methods. The results strongly support the monophyly of Lytorhynchus based on two concatenated genes and the 12S rRNA gene separately. Also, a significant separation is observed between the Arabian samples from Saudi Arabia, Yemen, and Oman, and the African populations from Egypt, Tunisia, and Morocco. info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/eissn/2682-955X info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/pissn/1013-4425 info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess CC BY 4.0 Pensoft Publishers 2021 Research Article text/html info:doi:10.3897/herpetozoa.34.e74009 https://doi.org/10.3897/herpetozoa.34.e74009 https://herpetozoa.pensoft.net/article/74009/ https://herpetozoa.pensoft.net/article/74009/download/pdf/ en

10.3897/herpetozoa.35.e78015 2022-01-06 herpetozoa

First country record of the fanged frog Limnonectes nguyenorum McLeod, Kurlbaum & Hoang, 2015 (Anura, Dicroglossidae) in China Liu,Shuo Mo,Mingzhong Rao,Dingqi 16S rRNA Daweishan Nature Reserve Honghe Prefecture morphology southern Yunnan Herpetozoa 35: 1-7 We report the first record of Limnonectes nguyenorum McLeod, Kurlbaum & Hoang, 2015 outside of Vietnam, namely from China, based on five specimens collected from Daweishan Nature Reserve, southern Yunnan, China. Morphologically, the records from China agree with those of L. nguyenorum from Vietnam, and they also phylogenetically clustered with strong support. In addition, based on the new records from China and the previous descriptions of L. nguyenorum from Vietnam, we provide an extended diagnosis of this species. info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/eissn/2682-955X info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/pissn/1013-4425 info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess CC BY 4.0 Pensoft Publishers 2022 Research Article text/html info:doi:10.3897/herpetozoa.35.e78015 https://doi.org/10.3897/herpetozoa.35.e78015 https://herpetozoa.pensoft.net/article/78015/ https://herpetozoa.pensoft.net/article/78015/download/pdf/ en

10.3897/herpetozoa.35.e77147 2022-01-06 herpetozoa

Phylogenetic position of Odorrana macrotympana (Yang, 2008) (Anura, Ranidae) and extension of its geographical distribution Liu,Shuo Rao,Dingqi Zhang,Dongru Lwin,Ye Htet Mo,Mingzhong Zuo,Changsheng Yin,Fawang Quan,RuiChang Li,Song 16S rRNA China Htamanthi Wildlife Sanctuary morphology Myanmar new record western Yunnan Herpetozoa 35: 9-19 Based on a 16S rRNA gene fragment, a molecular phylogeny for the genus Odorrana Fei, Ye & Huang, 1990 was reconstructed, the validity of the poorly-known ranid species O. macrotympana (Yang, 2008) was confirmed and its phylogenetic position was evaluated. In addition, we report the first country record of O. macrotympana from Myanmar, based on our new records from Htamanthi Wildlife Sanctuary, Sagaing Division and present a supplementary description of this species. This report also constitutes the first record of O. macrotympana from outside of China. info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/eissn/2682-955X info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/pissn/1013-4425 info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess CC BY 4.0 Pensoft Publishers 2022 Research Article text/html info:doi:10.3897/herpetozoa.35.e77147 https://doi.org/10.3897/herpetozoa.35.e77147 https://herpetozoa.pensoft.net/article/77147/ https://herpetozoa.pensoft.net/article/77147/download/pdf/ en cGFnZT0xJnNldD1oZXJwZXRvem9hJmZyb209JnVudGlsPSZtZXRhZGF0YV9wcmVmaXg9b2FpX2Rj