bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Public Attitudes Toward Animal Research: Some International Comparisons
Authors: Pifer Ralph , Shimizu Kinya , Pifer Linda
Published: April 2008

A comparative analysis was made of the public's attitudes toward the use of animals in scientific research in 15 different nations. The intensity of opposition to animal research was found to vary from relatively low levels in Japan and the United States to much higher levels in France, Belgium, and Great Britain. More women than men were opposed to animal research in all 15 nations. Scientific knowledge, or the lack of knowledge, was not found to have a consistent relationship with attitudes toward animal research. Concern about the environment was found to be related to opposition to animal research in some western European nations, in particular West Germany. Cluster analysis was used to group the nations into four patterns based on intensity of opposition, level of opposition, gender differences in opposition, and the relationship between attitudes toward animal research and both environmental concern and scientific knowledge.
Marketing Deviance: The Selling of Cockfighting
Authors: Darden Donna K. , Worden Steven K.
Published: April 2008

We use conventional marketing concepts to examine the marketing of the deviant and stigmatized activity of cockfighting and show how the two differ. Our research is based on several years of active participant observation with cockfighters and the examination of several publications devoted to the sport. We find a paradoxical situation wherein people who compete with each other in an illegal activity must also establish their reputations for honesty and trustworthiness. Aspects of a gerontocracy characterize this deviant world.
New Places for "Old Spots": The Changing Geographies of Domestic Livestock Animals
Authors: Evans Nick , Yarwood Richard
Published: April 2008

This paper considers the real and imagined geographies of livestock animals. In doing so, it reconsiders the spatial relationship between people and domesticated farm animals. Some consideration is given to the origins of domestication and comparisons are drawn between the natural and domesticated geographies of animals. The paper mainly focuses on the contemporary geographies of livestock animals and, in particular, "rare breeds" of British livestock animals. Attention is given to the spatial relationship these animals have with people and the place of these animals in the British countryside today. The paper concludes by highlighting why it is important to consider livestock animal breeds as part of on-going research into the geographies of domestic livestock animals.
Animal Abuse in Childhood and Later Support for Interpersonal Violence in Families
Authors: Flynn Clifton P.
Published: April 2008

A survey of university students tested whether committing animal abuse during childhood was related to approval of interpersonal violence against children and women in families. Respondents who had abused an animal as children or adolescents were significantly more likely to support corporal punishment, even after controlling for frequency of childhood spanking, race, biblical literalism, and gender. Those who had perpetrated animal abuse were also more likely to approve of a husband slapping his wife. Engaging in childhood violence against less powerful beings— animals—may generalize to the acceptance of violence against less powerful members of families and society—women and children. This paper discusses the implications of this process.
Cat Culture, Human Culture: An Ethnographic Study of a Cat Shelter
Authors: Alger Janet M. , Alger Steven F.
Published: April 2008

This study explores the value of traditional ethnographic methods in sociology for the study of human-animal and animal-animal interactions and culture. Itargues that some measure of human-animal intersubjectivity is possible and that the method of participant observation is best suited to achieve this. Applying ethnographic methods to human-cat and cat-cat relationships in a no-kill cat shelter, the study presents initial findings; it concludes that the social structure of the shelter is the product of interaction both between humans and cats and cats and cats and that the observed structure represents, to a large degree, choices made by the cats. The study also concludes that, within the cat community of the shelter, a distinctive cat culture has emerged, which represents the cats' adaptation to the particular conditions of shelter life. Specifically, the shelter allows for the emergence of higher order needs and goals that stress affection, friendship, and social cohesion among the cats rather than territoriality and conflict. The study further argues that traditional animal researchers have mistaken the relative equality of cat colonies for a lack of social structure, as opposed to a different structure from that found in sharply ranked nonhuman animal communities.
The Interpretation of Exodus Xxiv 9-11
Authors: Nicholson E.W.
Published: April 2008

(1) Exodus xxiv 9-11 is identifiable as a separate unit of tradition within the Sinai pericope. Of the present introduct on to these verses in Exodus xxiv 1-2, verses 1b-2 are not original. Whether verse 1a forms the original introduction will be discussed in a later article. (2) The tradition in Exodus xxiv 9-11 neither knows of nor implies the existence of a covenant between Israel and 'the God of Israel'. It is a theophany tradition and the expression at its conclusion, 'they ate and drank', is best understood, as in other cultic contexts in the Old Testament, as meaning that those who experienced this remarkable manifestation of God 'rejoiced' or 'worshipped' in the presence of God. (3) This theophany tradition is unique among and independent of other theophany traditions contained elsewhere in the Sinai narrative: it knows nothing of the mountain of the theophany being enwrapped in cloud, smoke, etc.; though it implies that the usual consequences of seeing God were fatal (verse 11a), it states in the most direct manner that a delegation of Israel's ancestors saw God, whereas in other theophany traditions in the Sinai narrative the hiddenness of God from human view is emphasised; finally, the figure of Moses in this tradition is strikingly 'reduced' when compared with the dominating role he plays in other theophany traditions. Here in Exodus xxiv 9-11 he cannot even be said to be primus inter pares.
The Numbers of Genesis V 3-31: a Suggested Conversion and Its Implications
Authors: Etz Donald V.
Published: April 2008

In summary, the development of the numbers for these nine patriarchs may have proceeded as follows: 1. A set of plausible numbers was invented. 2. Each lifespan except Enoch's was increased by 300 years. Enoch's lifespan was increased by only 100 years. 3. All the numbers were multiplied by 2.5 (or multiplied by 10 and divided by 4), and rounded down to whole numbers if necessary. It is not likely that one person performed all three steps with the final set of numbers in mind. If someone had begun with the requirement to invent 27 numbers within the desired range, he would probably have invented them in the final form. They might for convenience have all been multiples of 5 or 10, but it is highly improbable that they would have been reducible by fairly simple arithmetical operations to a set of plausible numbers. It is more likely that the final author or editor used an existing list that included numbers at stage 2, and multiplied them by 2.5 because this gave lifespans in the desired range. It remains an open question at what point the explicit lifespans became part of the set.
Respecting Nature: a Maori Perspective
Authors: Patterson John
Published: April 2008

This paper presents a distinctively Maori version of the idea that we should respect all creatures. At the heart of this philosophy is the concept of mauri, a life force which unites all creatures and enables them to flourish. By acknowledging this sort of connectedness we accept limitations to human domination of the environment: our actions must respect or enhance the quality of natural items, not simply further human or personal interests. A philosophy of respect for mauri asks us to respect and even enhance the essence or character of each creature and of each habitat. For this we need to understand them. While respect for mauri does not prevent us from using other creatures for food and other real needs, we humans are not seen as sovereign over nature, there being no fundamental dichotomy. According to this philosophy we should seek to live in harmony with nature, not to dominate it, harming other creatures only when we really need to. I end by arguing that those who find the idea of mauri hard to accept can work instead through the more familiar idea of mana, as the mauri of a creature would not be thought to matter unless its mana were acknowledged. Further, both mauri and mana involve an acknowledgment of the unity of all things, as well as their individual importance. The mana or standing of any creature depends on that of many others. The central thread of this Maori philosophy for the environment then is that we acknowledge and care about the special character of each creature, its mana and its mauri.
The Pacific Northwest Forest Debate: Bringing Religion Back In?1
Authors: Porter Samuel C.
Published: April 2008

This paper puts into relief the religious dimension of the fierce fight over the federal forests in Oregon. My purpose is to describe and comment on some of the religiously based normative pictures that underlie the institutional dynamics of the dispute. Oregon's religious contours are sketched as backdrop. Strands of civil religion Oregon style are teased out. Oregon Lutheran and Catholic visions are examined. Based on field observations, interviews and analysis of public documents, the essay finds a vital, though marginalised, religious dimension to the debate. Yet, moral vocabularies of a religious nature, evident in the personal convictions of forest debate participants, tend to drop out in public discourse, especially at the level of policy. While preserving the Enlightenment critique of religion, I argue, religion should be brought back in to the public square to give voice to religious persons and groups. Citizens and national forest policy makers must create the conditions in which religious voices are heard along with biological and economic ones. Not doing so violates a fundamental principle of political liberalism: inclusion. Suggestions are made as to how public debates, which include religious voices, might proceed.
The Struggle for Environmental Philosophy in Australia
Authors: Plumwood Val
Published: April 2008

Australian settler philosophy needs to create the basis for two important cultural dialogues, with the philosophy of Aboriginal people on the one hand, and with the land the settler way of life is destroying on the other. Through these interconnected dialogues we might begin the process of resolving in a positive way the unhappy anxieties surrounding Australian identity. Mainstream Australian academic philosophy has certainly not provided fertile ground for such dialogues, and its dominant forms could hardly be further away from Australian indigenous philosophies or from land-sensitive forms of environmental philosophy. It is a paradox that in a continent where Australian Aboriginal people have given land spirituality what is perhaps the world's most powerful and integrated development, settler philosophy contrives to provide what is probably the world's strongest dismissal of other ways to think about the land than those legitimated by western reductionism and rationalism. This paradox, I suggest, can be explained through understanding the ascendancy of ex-colonial masculinity in Australian culture and academic philosophy.
A Literary Form in the New Testament
Authors: Mullins Terence Y.
Published: April 2008

The Disclosure is a literary form identifiable in koine Greek of the New Testament period. Its characteristics are four: the use of identification of the person addressed, a noetic verb in the infinitive, and the information, usually introduced by óIt may also have a vocative address. The termination of the New Testament Thanksgiving form can be delineated by the appearance of a recognizable element of the Disclosure or, more often, of the Petition. The elements of the Disclosure appear in a fairly rigid order in the non-literary papyri; a far less rigid and quite different order is followed in the New Testament uses of the Disclosure.
The Use of in the Greek Bible
Authors: Muraoka Takamitsu
Published: April 2008

It remains now to summarize briefly the conclusions arrived at in the preceding study. The Greek Bible exhibits an astonishing variety of uses of , even to the extent that there is scarcely any particular use of the word as we observe it in the Greek Bible which is not attested in the contemporary secular literature. This is partly due to the fact that some portions of the Bible are more literary in character than the rest. Such are 2-4 Ma. for the LXX and writings of Luke for the New Testament. This variety of usage however should not hinder us from observing an all-important fact that in the main the function of as compa
Morphological Studies on the Mouth Cavity of Urodeles
Authors: Greven Hartmut , Clemen Günter
Published: April 2008

The teeth in the upper jaw and the palate of adult Andrias davidianus and A. japonicus are pedicellate, bicuspide, arranged in a monostichous pattern, and ankylosed in a pleural condition to the dentigerous bones. We presume that the palate is toothed by two (vomerine) dental laminae and the upper jaw by one continuous dental lamina. Bicuspidity of all teeth, a distinct, probably collagenous, dividing zone and the absence of both a palatinum and a palatinal dental lamina are features generally observed in fully transformed urodeles.
Position systématique de Geoclemys palaeannamitica BOURRET, 1941 (Reptilia - Testudines - Emydidae)
Authors: Bour Roger
Published: April 2008

Le réexamen de l'holotype (crâne) d'une espèce récente fossile (néolithique) du Viêt-Nam, Geoclemys palaeannamitica BOURRET, 1941, permet d'en modifier l'attribution générique: cette Tortue appartient au genre Chinemys SMITH, 1931 essentiellement chinois; elle est bien individualisée et plus grande que les représentants actuels du genre.
Poids des nouveau-nés et reproduction de Vipera aspis (Reptilia: Viperidae), dans des conditions naturelles et artificielles
Authors: Naulleau Guy , Saint Girons Hubert
Published: April 2008

We studied 36 pregnant females and 70 litters of Vipera aspis. Vipers were either recently caught, living in outdoor terrariums (semi-natural conditions), or living in the laboratory (artificial conditions). Following results were obtained: 1. There were significant correlations between the number of eggs and the weight of the litter and between the length and weight of the females. 2. The weight of hatchings does not depend, or only to a small extent, on the length or on the weight of the female, but is negatively correlated with the number of eggs. Hatching weight is generally higher in semi-natural and artificial conditions than in natural conditions. On the other hand, litter size was independent of the rearing conditions. 3. The weight of a litter at birth represents an average of 44 and 47% of the female's weight, respectively in natural and semi-natural conditions, where vipers breed generally once every two years; and only 34% in artificial conditions, where females breed once or twice a year. In all cases, this proportion is independent of the female's weight.
Annual Rhythmics of Lacerta vivipara JACQUIN and Lacerta agilis agilis L. (Sauria, Lacertidae) in the Netherlands
Authors: van Nuland G.J. , Strijbosch H.
Published: April 2008

This article shows what method is suitable for an accurate determination of the annual rhythmics of lizard species. Such a determination can be reached with the help of, amongst others, mating scars, presence of deep skin folds and the structure of the navel scars in juveniles. This method was applied in a five year intensive poulation study on Lacerta vivipara and Lacerta agilis agilis in the south-east of the Netherlands. The data on rhythmics obtained thus are discussed.
The Oral Cavities of Central European Anuran Larvae (Amphibia)
Authors: Viertel Bruno
Published: April 2008

With few additions (structures here called prenarial lobes, prenarial arena pustulations, prevalar pustulations), WASSERSUG'S ( 1976) terminology is adequate to describe the oral structures of Central European anuran larvae. The oral cavities of Bombina and Alytes (Discoglossidoidei) are very similar in structure. Based on oral anatomy Pelabates fuscus appears to occupy an intermediate position within the Anura and a basal position among the Ranoidea, which are morphilogical very heterogeneous in oral characters. This assessment is consistent with the findings of other authors working on the anatomy of the tadpole head. Extensive morphological diversity can be found even within the genus Rana (Greenfrogs, Brownfrogs). It is, however, possible to clearly differentiate between genera and a generic key is presented based on the oral features. The oral ontogeny begins as soon as larval growth begins (stage 28). Lingual papillae, the buccal floor arena (BFA), the buccal pockets, the prenarial papillae and the median ridge papillae all differentiate very early. The anlagen for all larval structures are already present at stage 25.
La comunidad Herpetológica de Caurel: Biogeografía y Ecología
Authors: Bas Lopez Santiago
Published: April 2008

The present work studies the herpetological community of Caurel (NW, of Spain): biogeography and ecology. Biogeography: altitudinal distribution of species, altitudinal variation in abundance of species and stratification reflect a decrease with the altitude bound to climatic reasons and productivity in Reptiles and to lesser heterogeneity of biotopes in Amphibians. There is a greater altitudinal stratification of the subcommunity of Amphibians than of Reptiles. Ecology: the different physiological requirements of Amphibians from land habitats and Lizards are reflected in a temporal alternation (seasonal and daily) in the exploitation of the same trophical resource. The snakes occupy another trophical level (predators and superpredators) and the tritons live in another habitat (subaquatic) with different resources and they have a different diet. The problem of interspecific competition is dealt with in two concrete cases: Lacertidae and Triturus. Great differences in size or corporal shape and behaviour permit coexistence but in the opposite case they separate themselves throughout the area, distributing the biotopes according to their physiological preferences. There are cases (Lacerta schreiberi and Triturus boscai) in which there appears to be a spatial displacement due to a diffuse competition with congenital species. One highlights the importance of the habitat in the food diet of some species, which becomes very clear comparing the tritons with the lizards and amphibians from land habitats. One questions the problem of stability and heterogeneity (climatic and spatial), competition and predation as factors which impel and influence the evolution of communities and species. In relation with studies realized in other areas we see that the herpetological community of Caurel represents the transition from the Mediterranean region to the European shore region, very much in accordance with the climatic and botanical characteristics of the zone, where the seasonality plays an important role just as the glaciarism appears to have determined a Reptile community evolutionally young.
The Water-collecting Mechanism of Moloch horridus Re-examined
Authors: Gans Carl , Merlin R. , Blumer W.F.C.
Published: April 2008

The Australian desert lizard, Moloch, has been reported to collect water by aposing its body to wet surfaces. This water passes through small open capillary channels over the integumentary surface to reach the mouth where it is swallowed. Experiments and scanning micrographs show that water collection and water transport are more complex and occur in different regions of the integument than described. Observations on other agamids from the same region indicate the extent to which agamid skin generally permits water passage; they allow a better definition of the specializations of Moloch.
Trophic Relationships and Foraging Strategies of some New World Tree Snakes (Leptophis, Oxybelis, Uromacer)
Authors: Henderson Robert W.
Published: April 2008

Trophic relationships and foraging strategies are examined in two New World arboreal, diurnal, snake communities: Leptophis mexicanus, Oxybelis aeneus, and O.fulgidus from Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula, and Uromacer catesbyi and U. oxyrhynchus from Isla Saona, República Dominicana. Active foragers (L. mexicanus and U. catesbyi) have similar body proportions and feed primarily on diurnally quiescent prey (hylid frogs, bird eggs). Sit-and-wait strategists (O. aeneus, O.fulgidus and U. oxyrhynchus) have similar body proportions and feed on diurnally active prey (primarily lizards). Active foragers take prey that is, on the average, larger than the prey of sit-and-wait foragers, but presumably, active foragers expend more energy in locating prey. Trophic niche breadth is widest among the active foragers and narrowest for the slender vine snakes (O. aeneus and U. oxyrhynchus). Trophic niche overlap values are low for species pairs that occur sympatrically (or syntopically) with the exception of O. aeneus-O. fulgidus, but O. fufgidus preys on a wider variety of lizard taxa, preys on birds (which are absent from the diet of O. aeneus), and takes prey items that are significantly larger in size. It seems likely that, among arboreal colubrids, the sit-and-wait foraging strategy is derived from one of active foraging.
Effect of Temperature and Photoperiod on Spermatogenesis in the Tortoise, Testudo hermanni hermanni GMELIN
Authors: Kuchling Gerald
Published: April 2008

Testudo hermanni hermanni shows a post-nuptial testicular cycle with the peak of spermiogenesis in July and August. Endogenous factors as well as the rising temperature initiate the beginning of spermatocytogenesis in spring. The temperature threshold for the initiation of complete spermiogenesis lies between 21 and 26 °C of constant environmental temperature. Gonadal regression in autumn is the result of low temperature and short photoperiod together with an endogenous readiness. From June to August low temperature (5 °C) and constant darkness did not induce gonadal regression.
The current status of the rare Usambara Mountain Forest-Viper, Atheris ceratophorus WERNER, 1895, including a probable new record of A. nitschei rungweensis BOGERT, 1940, and a discussion of its validity (Reptilia, Serpentes, Viperidae)
Authors: Bødtker Rasmussen Jens , Howell Kim M.
Published: April 2008

The recent collecting of five specimens of Atheris ceratophorus WERNER, 1895, together with an examination of material already deposited in various museums documents new records outside the Usambara Mountains to which the species had been believed to be endemic. Lepidosis and hemipenial characters have been investigated and tabulated to give an impression of the intraspecific variation. The data of the new specimens provide some information on the natural history of this species. The validity of A. nitschei rungweensis is discussed and a probable new record is given.
Recherches comparatives sur l'ontogénèse et l'évolution de l'appareil hyobranchial de Proteus anguinus L., proteidae aveugle des eaux souterraines
Authors: Marche C. , Durand J.p.
Published: April 2008

The hyobranchial skeleton of Proteus anguinus develops 3 branchial arches, whereas the vast majority of urodela undergoing metamorphosis develop 4 branchial arches. More characteristic is the fact that the ossification of the apparatus begins in young animals and continues into the adult stages, whereas ossification usually takes place essentially after metamorphosis. Retention of 3 ossified branchial arches by adult P. anguinus appears to be neither a larval characteristic nor a neoformation; examples of Amphiumidae and urodela fossils would support this. The hyobranchial skeleton of Necturus consists also of 3 branchial arches. The squat form, the individualised hypohyal, the very reduced ossification and denticulation of the ceratobranchials are, however, characteristic comparable to those of the neotenic axolotl. These characteristics indicate that Necturus has diverged further from European perennibranchiate fossils than Proteus.
Conservation Status of South African Land Tortoises, with Special Reference to the Geometric Tortoise
Authors: Greig J.C.
Published: April 2008

The geometric tortoise, Psammobates geometricus(L.), is one of eleven South African species. It is confined to the south-west Cape region. A 7.5 ha reserve of natural veld was established near Paarl in 1972. By 1976, 80P. geometricus and by 1980,170P. geometricus and 94 Homopus areolatus(THUNBERG) had been marked, work on the latter starting in 1979. The tortoise population was estimated at 260 ca. 10 ha-1), half being P. geometricus. Twenty P. geometricus were lost to predators, a bush-cutting machine and emigration. Twelve further P. geometricus areas have been identified, two of which have been formed into reserves. A large (3 000 ha) private nature reserve established in 1973 north ofPaarl hold the largest surviving population.
Population Ecology of European Tortoises: Review of Field Techniques
Authors: Stubbs David , Hailey Adrian , Pulford Elizabeth , Tyler Wendy
Published: April 2008

Field techniques used in recent studies of the population ecology of European tortoises are discussed. An efficient marking system suitable for large sample sizes is described. The dual problems ofageing adults and sexing juveniles are highlighted. The relative merits of sampling techniques are dependent on habitat and population density. Mark-recapture techniques are most suitable when sampling is conducted within a grid system which enables results to be stratified, allowing for differential ease of location. However, grid sampling is only practical where tortoise densities are high. At low density sites, or for brief surveys, recording numbers observed per man hour along random paths is the most convenient method, but allowances must be made for differential observer skill. Existing sampling methods bias against finding inactive animals and where these form a large proportion of the population, sample size is strongly influenced by habitat type.
Individuality in the Mating Calls of the Treefrog Hyla arborea savignyi
Authors: Shy Eyal
Published: April 2008

Little research has been done on the intraspecific aspects of vocal behaviour of anurans. The purpose of this study was to examine the possibility that there are individual call characteristics within a population of the treefrog Hyla arborea savignyi. Ten individuals from two close localities near Jerusalem, Israel were recorded in the laboratory. Individuals differed significantly from each other in one or more of the parameters tested (three dominant frequencies, segment duration, rise time, fall time, intersegmental interval, call duration and segment repetition rate) and in absolute values of the frequency spectrum. They do not differ significantly in the distribution of energy in the spectrum (the shape of the spectrum). The range of the percentage of pairs within which differences in a particular parameter were found was 31-67%. The most common individual characteristics were fall time, segment duration and dominant frequencies I, III. Individuals differ also in the exact form of changes that occur in call parameters during the call. The individual differences were not a result of different recording temperatures, nor of differences in body size. The results show which (if any) call characteristics or their combination could be used for individual recognition; they do not imply that such recognition actually takes place in this species.
A checklist of the Greek reptiles. I. The lizards
Authors: Chondropoulos B.P.
Published: April 2008

The Greek lizard fauna consists of 26 species from which 5 are monotypic and the other ones are represented by a total of 86 subspecies. Five species and 61 subspecies are endemic of Greece. A checklist including the geographical distribution of each taxon in the Greek region is presented.
Ceratophrys joazeirensis sp.n. (Ceratophryidae, Anura) del noreste de Brasil
Authors: Mercadal Isabel T.
Published: April 2008

A new octoploid species of Ceratophrys from the northeast of Brasil is described. The species of this genus are compared using morphological, morphometrical and cytometrical data. A tentative cladogram for the genus Ceratophrys is given, and a possible correlation of ecological preference and ploidy level is briefly discussed.
On the Occurrence and Feeding Habits of the False Smooth Snake Macroprotodon cucullatus (Geoffroy, 1827) in Portugal (Serpentes: Colubridae)
Authors: Ferrand de Almeida Nuno , Ferrand de Almeida Francisco
Published: April 2008

Until today the False Smooth Snake (Macroprotodon cucullatus) was referred to as occurring to the south of the river Tagus and in Lisbon's region. In this paper we describe two specimens of this species captured recently to the north of the river Douro. We succintly characterize the region where they were found and the local herpetocoenosis. A few considerations are made about the feeding habits of the snake, and we discuss the hypothesis of these two new specimens forming part of a relict population.
A study of Snake Venom Yield by different Methods of Venom Extraction
Authors: Tare T.G. , Sutar N.K. , Renapurkar D.M.
Published: April 2008

Various methods of venom extraction including application of manual pressure to the glands, electric stimulation, and vacuum method were used for the extraction of venom from snakes maintained in captivity and in an open farm. The venom was collected from cobra (Naja naja), Russell's viper (Vipera russelli) and common krait (Bungarus caeruleus) snakes. The yield of venom with different methods was compared. It was observed that snakes maintained in open farm yield more venom in comparison to those maintained in captivity. Extraction of venom by application of hand pressure to the venom glands and the use of vacuum method produced highest venom yield.
Bornean treefrogs of the genus Philautus (Rhacophoridae)
Authors: Dring Julian
Published: April 2008

Bornean Philautus are placed in ten species of four species-groups: the hosei-group includes hosei (Boulenger) and ingeri sp. n.; the vermiculatus-group, acutus sp. n. and kerangae sp. n.; the tectus-group, tectus sp. n.; the aurifasciatus-group, amoenus Smith, longicrus (Boulenger), mjobergi Smith, petersi (Boulenger) and umbra sp. n. The taxa acutirostris (Peters), longicrus, mjobergi and petersi are removed from the synonymy of aurifasciatus (Schlegel).
The directionality of migrations of amphibians to and from a pond in southern England, with particular reference to the smooth newt, Triturus vulgaris
Authors: Verell Paul A.
Published: April 2008

Specific routes of migration in the vicinity of a pond in southern England were apparent for both adult and newly-metamorphosed Triturus vulgaris and for adult and juvenile Bufo bufo; no specific routes were apparent for adult and juvenile T, cristatus. For adult T. vulgaris, the major route of immigration was similar in two successive years. Adults and newly-metamorphosed juveniles of this species shared the same major route of emigration. The data suggest that adults 'home' towards the pond from nearby woodland in the spring; the emigration route observed may reflect the previous spatial distribution of the newts within the pond.
Karyology of Neurergus strauchii (Steindachner, 1887) (Urodela: Salamandridae) and Cytotaxonomic Considerations on Palearctic Salamandrids
Authors: Ragghianti Matilde , Bucci-Innocenti Stefania , Mancino Giorgio
Published: April 2008

The karyotype of Neurergus strauchii shows pericentric and subterminal C-bands heterochromatin and nucleolar organizers on chromosome IX. This site is revealed by both a C-band and a chromomycin A3 fluorescent band; the GC-specific fluorochrome also highlights additional sites of fluorescence. The lampbrush chromosomes have a general morpho-structural feature known for Triturus lampbrush chromosomes, but giant loops are lacking. Nucleolar organizer and sphere sites are the main cytogenetic markers in the lampbrush karyotype of Neurergus. The implication of these results to our understanding of cytotaxonomy and evolutionary biology of Palearctic Salamandrids is discussed.
Material and Energy Balance of some Captive and Free-ranging Reptiles in Western France
Authors: Bradshaw S.D. , Saint Girons H. , Naulleau G. , Nagy K.A.
Published: April 2008

Rates of turnover of water, energy and sodium were measured in free-ranging and enclosed Lacerta viridis and Vipera aspis at a site in Western France in late summer. Rates of CO2 production did not differ significantly between free-ranging Lacerta and those maintained in large outdoor enclosures and averaged 0.371 ± 0.056 mL(g.hr)-1 which was significantly greater (P < 0.05) than the rate of 0.152 ± 0.02 mL(g.hr)-1 recorded for Vipera aspis living in similar outdoor enclosures. Rates of water, but not sodium, turnover were significantly greater in free-ranging than in enclosed Lacerta (12.03 ± 1.21 mL(100g.day)-1 versus 7.46 ± 1.03 mL(100g.day)-1 respectively), suggesting that the free-ranging individuals, which were captured along a canal, had access to a source of free water not linked with their diet. Field Metabolic Rates (FMR) of Lacerta were positively and significantly correlated with the rate of water turnover and analysis of influx and efflux data indicate that this lizard requires on the average approximately 8mL(100g.day)-1 of water to maintain its hydric balance. A similar analysis suggests that this species requires roughly 1meq(kg.day)-1 of sodium for the maintenance of electrolyte balance. Rates of sodium and water turnover were significantly correlated in captive Lacerta, the diet of which was supplemented daily with mealworms and crickets, but the correlation in the case of animals living by the canal was not significant, indicating again that sources of water and sodium intake were independent in these individuals. Rates of water and sodium turnover were low in the vipers maintained in external enclosures and both elements were in negative balance, as would be expected with non-feeding animals. The data reveal a small but significant intake of sodium however, which was not identified. A regression of water intake versus rate of weight loss suggest that Vipera aspis requires an intake of approximately 2.5mL(100g.day)-1 to maintain hydric balance under these conditions. The data reported here for FMR's and rates of water turnover are compared with those for other lizards in the literature and suggest that Lacerta viridis falls mid-way between desert and tropical species studied to date. Further work with temperate-living species should prove of value in delineating the physiological capacities of terrestrial reptiles.
Temporal segregation in larval amphibian communities in temporary ponds at a locality in SW Spain
Authors: Diaz-Paniagua Carmen
Published: April 2008

The amphibian community of the Biological Reserve of Doñana (SW Spain) is composed of 10 species, their period of larval occurrence commonly taking place from autumn to early summer, although it may vary from year to year in relation to the flooding conditions of ponds. A segregation is observed according to temporal use of temporary ponds by larvae of different species. Pelobates cultripes and Discoglossus galganoi tadpoles occur in ponds during their whole persistence, from flooding to drying up. Hyla meridionalis, Triturus marmoratus and Triturus boscai larvae commonly exploit a shorter temporal range, appearing about two months later until early summer. Bufo bufo, Bufo calamita and normally also Rana perezi have the shortest larval periods, of about two months. Rana perezi is also characterized by its delay in temporal use of the ponds in comparison with the other species. The flexibility of the larval period season is considered an adaptation to the unpredictability of temporary ponds. Thus, under certain climatic conditions, the two first groups of species may occur in the same temporal range.
Vocalizations and reproductive behaviour in the smith frog, Hyla faber Wied (Amphibia: Hylidae)
Authors: Martins Marcio , Haddad Célio F.B.
Published: April 2008

Vocalizations and reproductive behaviour of Hyla faber were studied for five months at Campinas, São Paulo State, Brazil. Advertisement, distress calls, and two types of territorial vocalizations of adult Hyla faber are described and figured for the first time. One of the territorial calls and the distress call were variable in pulse repetition rate, frequency and duration, and may represent graded territorial and distress communication systems. Hyla faber males built nests for egg deposition and defended territories from other males. Males called from inside the nests till a female approached. Males then left the nests and guided the females to them. Females inspected the nests before amplexus occurred. While in amplexus, females renovated the nests. Tadpoles showed gregarious behaviour inside the nest and stayed there until approximately stage 25. Parental nest guarding was not observed.
Tadpoles of three frog species endemic to the forests of the Eastern Arc Mountains, Tanzania
Authors: Drewes Robert C. , Altig Ronn , Howell Kim M.
Published: April 2008

The tadpoles of three poorly known endemic frog species from the forested mountains of the Republic of Tanzania are described: Arthroleptides martiensseni (Anura: Ranidae), Afrixalus uluguruensis (Hyperoliidae) and Leptopelis vermiculatus (Hyperoliidae). Natural history observations are included where possible.
Knee-tagging - a new marking technique for anurans
Authors: Elmberg Johan
Published: April 2008

From 1979 to 1987 637 common frogs Rana temporaria have been marked by knee-tagging in a population in east-central Sweden. A small coloured and numbered plastic tag is tied to the knee with a stretchable thread allowing for limb growth. The loss rate of the tags after one year was estimated to be less than 10%. Properly applied tags have lasted for at least four years.
The breeding migration and mating system of a Swiss population of the common frog Rana temporaria
Authors: Ryser Jan
Published: April 2008

A population of the explosive breeder Rana temporaria was studied from 1983 to 1985. The breeding periods lasted less than 10 days each year. Males were distributed non-randomly in the pond: large males tended to gather at the spawning site and small ones tended to search elsewhere in the pond and on land. Dislodgement of amplexed males was never observed, but in 7 out of 50 recaptured pairs males were found to be replaced. Males caught in amplexus did not differ significantly in SVL from single males. No correlation existed between SVL of males and females in amplexus. In both sexes a positive correlation existed between the date of individual arrival in consecutive years. The same was true for the date of individual departure. The direction of arrival and use of the pond as an overwintering site was non-random.
The tadpole of Bufo brongersmai Hoogmoed 1972
Authors: Grillitsch Britta , Grillitsch Heinz , Splechtna Heinz
Published: April 2008

The tadpole of the north african toad Bufo brongersmai is described for the first time in chronological developmental stages from hatching to the onset of metamorphosis based on a complete ontogenetic series. The structure of the oral disk and of the buccopharyngeal cavity are shown. Fifteen metric parameters are described in eight tadpole size classes by means of standard statistical methods and they are compared with those of other circummediterranean Bufo species. The eidonomic characteristics of the tadpole of B. brongersmai turn out to be intermediate between B. bufo and B. viridis.
Aspects of the ecology of an introduced anole: Anolis cristatellus in the Dominican Republic
Authors: Fitch Henry S. , Henderson Robert W. , Guarisco Hank
Published: April 2008

Anolis cristatellus, a medium-large brown anole native to Puerto Rico, its satellite islands and the Virgin Islands group, has been introduced at La Romana on the south coast of the Dominican Republic. The time and circumstances of introduction are unknown, but it is thought to have occurred before 1920 in the port area southeast of the town. The species has become well established and phenomenally abundant, occupying an area of about 12 km2 and 13 km long. However, it is closely confined to the town of La Romana and adjacent altered areas with parks, gardens and evergreen trees, more mesic in aspect than adjacent relatively natural areas that are characterized by exposed limestone surfaces and chaparral-like formation of thorny shrubs and low, gnarled trees. The introduced A. cristatellus is closely associated with at least three species of native anoles. Anolis distichus is abundant both in the area invaded by A. cristatellus and in the relatively undisturbed habitat where cristatellus is absent. The two species often occur together on the same tree, and their height preferences coincide. Their food habits are similar, but with difference in average size of prey. Ants are a major food source for both. The smaller A. distichus may avoid predation by A. cristatellus through its greater agility. Anolis chlorocyanus is similar in size to A. cristatellus, but where the two co-occur, it is almost confined to trees with smooth and slippery trunks that are avoided by cristatellus; A. cybotes, a large, aggressive, predatory species, similar in habitat preference to A. cristatellus was found only outside the cristatellus area or on its edges. It seems that A. cristatellus is limiting to cybotes perhaps by preying on its hatchlings and outproducing it with shorter generation time and more frequent egg production.
A multivariate analysis of amphibian habitat determinants in north western Italy
Authors: Pavignano Ivana , Giacoma Cristina , Castellano Sergio
Published: April 2008

The distribution of Bufo bufo, Rana esculenta complex, Rana dalmatina, Hyla arborea, Triturus carnifex and Triturus vulgaris were studied in 61 ponds in NW Italy, in relation to a number of specific habitat features. Multivariate analysis identifies those habitat parameters which classify ponds into characteristic habitat groups. Several multivariate statistical tests were carried out to identify habitat features characteristic of each species and to delineate ecological factors that influence amphibian distributions and size of breeding populations. Variables scored at each pond were: extent of aquatic vegetational cover, age of the pond, terrestrial habitats occurring near the ponds, degree of human interference, surface areas, maximum depth, chemical water factors (such as pH and water hardness). The first four of these parameters influenced breeding population presence of R. dalmatina, H. arborea, T. vulgaris and T. cristatus significantly. Densities of H. arborea, R. dalmatina, B. bufo and R. esculenta were apparently unaffected by any of these parameters; these species seem to colonize available habitats almost at random.
The influence of temperature and body size on duration of immobility in salamanders of the genus Desmognathus
Authors: Dodd C. Kenneth
Published: April 2008

Five of seven species (83.8% of the individuals) of the plethodontid salamander genus Desmognathus became immobile during field observations. Average immobility durations varied from 32-60 s for times < 180s (N= 281), with an additional 132 becoming immobile for longer than 180s. Air temperature was the only variable positively correlated with immobility duration, but it explained only a minute amount of observed variation. Only D. wrighti, the most terrestrial species, differed from other species in immobility duration. The postures of five species of immobile dusky salamanders were observed in the field. Salamanders generally assumed body positions classified as straight as opposed to coiled or contorted. There were no significant differences among species in posture frequency, nor were there significant differences in salamander length or immobility duration among posture categories. There are no specific immobility postures in Desmognathus that serve solely antipredator functions. Like woodland salamanders (Plethodon spp.), Desmognathus individuals remain immobile in the position in which they are encountered.
Aspects of ecology of the threatened ringed sawback turtle, Graptemys oculifera
Authors: Kofron Christopher P.
Published: April 2008

The ringed sawback turtle, Graptemys oculifem, is endemic to the Pearl River system of Louisiana and Mississippi in southern USA. In 1986 the species was placed on the U.S. Federal List of Endangered and Threatened Species with status designation of 'threatened'. Existing museum specimens were examined to determine geographic distribution, food, growth and reproduction. Caddisflies, dipteran flies, mayflies, beetles and plant material were the most important food. Many stomachs contained small pieces of wood, suggesting that fallen tree trunks were a "grazing" substrate. Males ranged from 3.2-8.6 cm plastron length, and attained sexual maturity during the third or fourth year at lengths of about 6.0-7.0 cm. Adult males experienced recrudescence of testes, with maximum testis lengths during August and September indicating the probable time of spermatogenesis. Females ranged from 3.3-18.9 cm plastron length, and appeared to attain sexual maturity during the seventh or eighth year at lengths greater than 10.0 cm. The data suggested that ovulation occurs from May through July, nesting during June and ,July, and hatching at least during August. Clutch size appeared to be just two or three eggs.
Transitional range of temperature, pivotal temperatures and thermosensitive stages for sex determination in reptiles
Authors: Mrosovsky N. , Pieau C.
Published: April 2008

The function relating phenotypic sex ratio to incubation temperature in reptiles can vary in a number of ways in addition to simple differences in the temperatures giving 50% of each sex. This paper offers terminology and definitions for describing these relationships. These definitions accomodate interactions between genetic and environmental effects on sexual differentiation, and variability within populations. The paper also discusses the concept of a sensitive stage/period within incubation during which temperature can affect the direction of sexual differentiation. Thermosensitive period has previously been assessed in a variety of ways. A suggestion for a more general way of defining thermosensitive stage/period is made.
Food resource allocation in larval newt guilds (genus Triturus)
Authors: Kuzmin Sergius L.
Published: April 2008

Changes in the natural diet by different developmental stages of larval Triturus vulgaris, T. vittatus, T montandoni, T. alpestris, T. cristatus and T. karelini and the dynamics of resource allocation in their guilds are discussed. Larval feeding is subdivided into three periods: endogenous, mixed and exogenous. The main trends in age-specific changes of food composition and electivity are similar in the different species. Against a background of general dietary similarity, however, there are interspecific differences in the mode of resource utilization. These are not related to competition for food but correlate with stable interspecific differences in morphology, behaviour and spatial distribution of larvae. The ontogenetic dynamics of food resource allocation are similar in guilds of similar ecological and morphological structure.