Latest Articles from Herpetozoa Latest 15 Articles from Herpetozoa https://herpetozoa.pensoft.net/ Fri, 29 Mar 2024 12:08:51 +0200 Pensoft FeedCreator https://herpetozoa.pensoft.net/i/logo.jpg Latest Articles from Herpetozoa https://herpetozoa.pensoft.net/ Microhabitat sharing for basking between squamate species in Poland https://herpetozoa.pensoft.net/article/94064/ Herpetozoa 36: 65-71

DOI: 10.3897/herpetozoa.36.e94064

Authors: Przemysław Zdunek, Maksymilian Jarmoliński

Abstract: Aggregations (e.g. group basking) by snakes are usually limited to specific life cycle phases (e.g. mating) or are a consequence of drastic environmental changes (e.g. habitat destruction), high prey densities or highly limited resources within an environment (e.g. basking sites, wintering dens). Here, we report intra- and interspecific observations of four reptile species (primarily Natrix natrix and Vipera berus) sharing basking sites at the confluence of the rivers Dunajec and Poprad near the town of Stary Sącz in southern Poland. From a total of 84 records in the field between 2020–2022, there were 11 interactions from 24 July 2020 to 1 May 2022. Previous studies have indicated direct competition or interference in many species, which we did not observe. There is a noticeable lack of such observations of microhabitat sharing for basking between squamate species in scientific literature. Hence, the accumulation of such observations has the potential to reveal new insights into the behaviour and ecology of N. natrix and V. berus.

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Short Communication Mon, 27 Mar 2023 14:49:35 +0300
A new species of saxicolous Lepidophyma (Squamata, Xantusiidae) from Tamaulipas, Mexico https://herpetozoa.pensoft.net/article/96184/ Herpetozoa 36: 9-21

DOI: 10.3897/herpetozoa.36.e96184

Authors: Christoph I. Grünwald, Jacobo Reyes-Velasco, Iván T. Ahumada-Carrillo, Carlos Montaño-Ruvalcaba, Héctor Franz-Chávez, Brandon T. La Forest, Ricardo Ramírez-Chaparro, Sergio Terán-Juárez, Juan Miguel Borja-Jiménez

Abstract: We describe a new saxicolous species of Lepidophyma from the Sierra Madre Oriental, in the state of Tamaulipas, Mexico and provide morphological and molecular data to support the novelty of this species. The new species is most closely related to members of the L. sylvaticum group; however; it is a flattened form specialised for a saxicolous lifestyle and it can be distinguished from all other members by a combination of meristic characters. Genetic analysis suggests that several populations of L. sylvaticum might represent additional novel taxa, while the validity of L. micropholis is questioned. We discuss conservation priorities of the new species.

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Research Article Wed, 8 Feb 2023 15:03:30 +0200
Observation records of the Bangon Monitor Lizard, Varanus bangonorum (Squamata, Varanidae), with emphasis on behaviour and local threats, from the Municipality of Abra de Ilog, Occidental Mindoro, Philippines https://herpetozoa.pensoft.net/article/96841/ Herpetozoa 36: 1-8

DOI: 10.3897/herpetozoa.36.e96841

Authors: Przemysław Zdunek, Michaela S. Webb

Abstract: Varanus bangonorum, the Bangon Monitor Lizard, is one of eleven Varanidae species endemic to the Philippines; its occurrence is restricted to dwindling habitats on the islands of Mindoro and Semirara. This lizard is still poorly known and is presently classified as “Least Concern” under the IUCN Red List in 2022. Observations recorded during eleven years (2011 to 2022) originate from the north-central Municipality of Abra de Ilog in Occidental Mindoro where this species was never before documented. We emphasise the primary factors that pose threats to the monitor lizard population, including insights gained from the knowledge of local community members. We present information about the lizards’ diet, for example, they can consume invasive toxic cane toads without harm. The result of our collective long-term observation records may serve as a baseline for further studies and contribute to evaluating the conservation status of this species.

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Short Communication Wed, 25 Jan 2023 18:33:48 +0200
Melanism in the grass snake Natrix natrix (Linnaeus, 1758) from the Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve, Romania https://herpetozoa.pensoft.net/article/85310/ Herpetozoa 35: 257-263

DOI: 10.3897/herpetozoa.35.e85310

Authors: Geanina Fănaru, Alexandra E. Telea, Iulian Gherghel, Raluca Melenciuc

Abstract: Animal colouration has a significant ecological role in defence, reproduction, and thermoregulation. In the case of melanism, it is a complex topic. Besides potential disadvantages such as higher risk of predation, melanistic ectotherms may have certain physiological advantages such as more efficient thermoregulation in colder climates and thus, reduced basking time. The common grass snake (Natrix natrix) is a widespread species throughout Europe and Asia. It exhibits a wide range of colour polymorphisms, from olive to dark grey, even albinistic and melanistic. Between 2016 and 2021, we conducted fieldwork in the Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve (DDBR) with the aim to document the geographic range of melanistic grass snakes. We categorised the melanistic expressions of N. natrix individuals as melanotic, completely melanistic, and partially melanistic. Melanistic snakes were encountered in all six localities visited, suggesting that the occurrence of melanistic grass snakes in the DDBR is geographically widespread. We observed both juveniles (n=2) and adults (n=11) with melanism, suggesting that individuals are born melanistic. However, the proportion of melanistic individuals in the general population of N. natrix from the DDBR is unknown. Only at Histria locality we studied the proportion of melanism in the grass snake population and 6.3% of the snakes caught were melanistic. Body size comparisons are not statistically significant because of the low sample size. The N. natrix melanistic morph’s geographical distribution in the DDBR is most likely due to an interaction of climate and habitats, which offer a thermal advantage in the face of predation pressure.

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Research Article Wed, 21 Dec 2022 11:24:57 +0200
First record of Lepidodactylus lugubris (Duméril & Bibron, 1836) (Squamata, Gekkonidae) from Hainan Island, China https://herpetozoa.pensoft.net/article/84045/ Herpetozoa 35: 99-105

DOI: 10.3897/herpetozoa.35.e84045

Authors: Hao-Tian Wang, Shuo Qi, Xian-Chun Qiu, Pi-Peng Li

Abstract: Lepidodactylus lugubris is known from tropical Asia, Oceania, and Latin America, but in China it was previously known only from Taiwan Island. In this paper, we report a new herpetofaunal record based on one specimen collected from Wanning, Hainan, China, which conforms to L. lugubris on both morphological and molecular data. Our finding brings the total species of the family Gekkonidae in Hainan to six.

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Research Article Tue, 7 Jun 2022 13:32:32 +0300
First record of the Diadem Snake, Spalerosophis diadema (Squamata, Colubridae) for Lebanon https://herpetozoa.pensoft.net/article/78714/ Herpetozoa 35: 77-80

DOI: 10.3897/herpetozoa.35.e78714

Authors: Rami Khashab, Daniel Jablonski

Abstract: We report the first record of the Diadem Snake, Spalerosophis diadema cliffordii (Schlegel, 1837) for Lebanon, based on an adult male found in the semi-desert area of the Beqaa Valley. This record increases the number of species of reptiles for Lebanon to 52, with the family Colubridae now comprising 17. The record also highlights the Beqaa Valley as a promising, but currently insufficiently investigated area for further herpetological research due to its biogeographic connection to the large semi-desert and desert areas of Syria.

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Short Communication Tue, 5 Apr 2022 14:35:23 +0300
Fine-scale analysis of habitat occupancy by Kura lizard (Darevskia portschinskii) and its daughter parthenogenetic form (Darevskia dahli) https://herpetozoa.pensoft.net/article/63072/ Herpetozoa 34: 71-81

DOI: 10.3897/herpetozoa.34.e63072

Authors: Natia Barateli, David Tarkhnishvili, Giorgi Iankoshvili, Luka Kokiashvili, Nikoloz Dvali, Zurab Janiashvili

Abstract: 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.

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Research Article Tue, 9 Mar 2021 16:13:58 +0200
Digit ratio in three species of tropidurid lizards https://herpetozoa.pensoft.net/article/59064/ Herpetozoa 34: 67-70

DOI: 10.3897/herpetozoa.34.e59064

Authors: Kelton Gonçalves Miranda, Marcella Junqueira Goulart, Conrado Barbosa Galdino

Abstract: 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.

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Short Communication Tue, 9 Mar 2021 14:03:16 +0200
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 https://herpetozoa.pensoft.net/article/60875/ Herpetozoa 34: 13-21

DOI: 10.3897/herpetozoa.34.e60875

Authors: Justin L. Lee, Jian-Huan Yang, Platon Yushchenko, Nikolay A. Poyarkov Jr

Abstract: 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.

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Research Article Wed, 3 Feb 2021 08:33:39 +0200
Crepuscular and nocturnal activity of the Nose-horned viper, Vipera ammodytes (Linnaeus, 1758) is more common than previously reported https://herpetozoa.pensoft.net/article/56520/ Herpetozoa 33: 165-169

DOI: 10.3897/herpetozoa.33.e56520

Authors: Angel Dyugmedzhiev, Kostadin Andonov, Georgi Popgeorgiev, Borislav Naumov, Yurii V. Kornilev

Abstract: 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.

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Short Communication Wed, 30 Sep 2020 08:48:51 +0300
First record of the invasive gecko, Lepidodactylus lugubris Duméril & Bibron, 1836 in mainland Chile (Squamata, Gekkonidae) https://herpetozoa.pensoft.net/article/53625/ Herpetozoa 33: 125-129

DOI: 10.3897/herpetozoa.33.e53625

Authors: Felix A. Urra, Alejandro Zúñiga, Alejandro Bruno Miranda-Calle, Nel Melero

Abstract: 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.

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Short Communication Wed, 15 Jul 2020 16:44:33 +0300
The home range of adult Phrynops geoffroanus (Testudines, Chelidae) in relation to sex and body mass https://herpetozoa.pensoft.net/article/38237/ Herpetozoa 32: 259-265

DOI: 10.3897/herpetozoa.32.e38237

Authors: Márcia Marrie Pinheiro Müller, Zaida Ortega, Pâmela Castro Antunes, Larissa Lopes Seino, Matheus Justino Hammarstron, Ana Carolina França Balbino-Silva, Luiz Gustavo Rodrigues Oliveira-Santos

Abstract: 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.

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Research Article Tue, 3 Dec 2019 08:38:54 +0200
Basking activity pattern of the European pond turtle, Emys orbicularis (Linnaeus, 1758) in Babat valley (Gödöllő, Hungary) https://herpetozoa.pensoft.net/article/39059/ Herpetozoa 32: 221-227

DOI: 10.3897/herpetozoa.32.e39059

Authors: Gergő Erdélyi, Borbála Szabó, István Kiss

Abstract: 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.

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Research Article Tue, 1 Oct 2019 14:24:54 +0300
Injuries reflecting intra- and interspecific interactions in the Snake-eyed Skink Ablepharus kitaibelii (Bibron & Bory de Saint-Vincent, 1833) (Squamata, Scincidae) from Bulgaria https://herpetozoa.pensoft.net/article/37735/ Herpetozoa 32: 171-175

DOI: 10.3897/herpetozoa.32.e37735

Authors: Vladislav Vergilov, Yurii V. Kornilev

Abstract: 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.

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Short Communication Fri, 23 Aug 2019 15:34:58 +0300
First record of Platyceps rhodorachis (Jan in de Filippi, 1865) from the Alay Mountains, southern Kyrgyzstan https://herpetozoa.pensoft.net/article/35624/ Herpetozoa 32: 73-76

DOI: 10.3897/herpetozoa.32.e35624

Authors: Daniel Jablonski, Andrei Bragin

Abstract: 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.

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Short Communication Mon, 13 May 2019 14:57:28 +0300