bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Perceptions of Family Violence: Are Companion Animals in the Picture?
Authors: Raupp Carol D. , Oliver Judith A. , Barlow Mary
Published: April 2008

Service and education organizations such as the ASPCA claim a connection between family violence against children and companion animals, but to what extent does the general public share this perception? Sixty-three undergraduates rated their certainty about perceiving family violence using 60 pictures with differing potential targets of family violence. Participants showed stronger certainty when the target was a child than when the target was a companion animal, but ratings for companion animals averaged above the midpoint of the scale used. Interview questions were used to obtain information about childhood recollections of joint discipline situations in which children received punishment for what companion animals did, or vice versa. Thirty-four participants recalled such situations, some of which resulted in the death or discarding of a family's companion animal. The majority of participants affirmed a connection between violence against children and companion animals in the family, with some giving credit for that insight to their taking part in the study.
What is a "Jewish Dog"? Konrad Lorenz and the Cult of Wildness
Authors: Sax Boria
Published: April 2008

This paper explores the Nazi view of nature as violent but orderly, contrasted with what the Nazis took to be the chaos and confusion of human society. In imposing strict authoritarian controls, the Nazis strove to emulate what they viewed as the natural discipline of instinct. They saw this as embodied in wild animals, especially large predators such as wolves, while the opposite were domesticated mongrels whose instincts, like those of overly civilized peoples, had been ruined through careless breeding. Those who anticipated this view included Nietzsche and Kipling. The author finds the Nazi perspective best articulated by Nobel-laureate Konrad Lorenz, a member of the Nazi party and its Office for Race Policy, who believed that traits indicating genetic decline crossed species lines. He advocated correcting the alleged damage done to animals and people by civilization through eugenic controls.
Loving Them to Death: Blame-Displacing Strategies of Animal Shelter Workers and Surrenderers
Authors: Frommer Stephanie S. , Arluke Arnold
Published: April 2008

This article examines how shelter workers and individuals who surrender their companion animals to shelters manage guilt about killing previously valued animals. Researchers used an ethnographic approach that entailed open-ended interviews and directobservations of workers and surrenderers in a major, metropolitan shelter. Both workers and surrenderers used blame displacement as a mechanism for dealing with their guilt over euthanasia or its possibility. Understanding this coping strategy provides insights into how society continues to relinquish animal companions-despite the animals' chances of death-as well as how shelter workers cope with killing the animals they aim to protect.
The Phonetic Structure and Tone Behaviour in Hagu (Commonly Known as the Amoy Dialect) and Their Relation To Certain Questions in Chinese Linguistics
Authors: Chiu Bien-Ming
Published: April 2008

Summing up, we may say that the behaviour of tone in Hagu is a most remarkable linguistic phenomenon. It serves, first of all, to distinguish words of different meanings. Then it figures as a means to bring out emphasis and contrast. Then by an ingenious working of tonal laws, it is able to organize syllables of widely different tones into smooth tonal groups, each gathering around its tonic. Finally the tonic lays the foundation for the analysis of syntactical relations. Such, in a few words, is the function of tones in Hagu.
Divination By Shells, Bones and Stalks During the Han Period
Authors: Loewe Michael
Published: April 2008

From the foregoing it may be seen that many Chinese of the Han period retained a deep faith in the powers of divination. Deliberate attempts to search for guidance in this way possessed a significance and a validity that was no less forceful than that of other intellectual or religious activities undertaken in like manner to plumb the secrets of the universe. The act of divination depended on a belief in the unitary nature of the universe. It sought communication with unseen powers through the medium of material objects that were
Wer Sprach Den Segen Nach Genesis Xiv 19 Über Abraham Aus?
Authors: Peter Michal
Published: April 2008

Aus unserer Untersuchung geht hervor, dass der Text von Gen. xiv 17-24 zwei wesentliche Ergänzungen enthält: den Vers 18 über Melchisedek und den Vers 20 b über die Zehntenabgabe. Dagegen bilden die Verse 19 und 20 eine Einheit mit dem Vers 17 und beziehen sich auf den König von Sodom. In dieser Gestalt der Erzählung spricht nicht Melchisedek den feierlichen Segen über Abraham den Sieger aus, sondern ein kanaanäischer König, Bera, der Herrscher von Sodom (Gen. xiv 2)8). Diese Kunde verdanken wir unverkennbar der sehr altertümlichen Tradition, nach welcher es noch keine Gegensätzlichkeiten zwischen den Abrahamiten und der einheimischen Bevölkerung gab. Diese gewiss mündliche Überlieferung übernahm hernach die J-Tradition und legte sie schriftlich nieder. Die Person des Melchisedek wurde später in das Buch Genesis eingefügt. Das ist sicherlich das Werk der Traditionsschicht E, die bestrebt war, die dem König von Sodom sehr wohlgesinnte Schilderung seines Verhältnisses zu Abraham abzuschwächen und die Melchisedek-Tradition aufzuwerten. Die Einfügung des Melchisedek in Gen. xiv bewirkte eine künstliche Zusammenstellung der Verse 17-24, und, was noch schlimmer ist, sie leitete die jüdischen sowie auch später die christlichen Kommentatoren auf falsche spekulative Wege, z.B. zur Annahme des scheinbar von Melchisedek bereits vertretenen Monotheismus. Aber das sind schon weitere Probleme, die mit unserem Thema nicht mehr unmittelbar verbunden sind.
The Meaning and Significance of Asherah1
Authors: Margalit Baruch
Published: April 2008

"... aus der Vergleichung der außeralttestamentlichen Belege ... mit den alttestamentlichen ist offenbar die nötige etymologische und lexikographische Konsequenz noch nicht gezogen" (O. Eissfeldt, "Etymologische und archäologische Erklärung alttestamentlichcr Wörter", Oriens Antiquus 5 [1966], p. 170 = Kleine Schriften 4 [Tübingen, 1968], p. 290).
Jahwe Als Schöpfer Der Welt Und Herr Ihrer Mächte in Der Verkündigung Des Propheten Amos1
Authors: Pfeifer Gerhard
Published: April 2008

Die Texte Amos iv 13, v 8-9, ix 5-6 stehen in ihrer sprachlichen Form, ihren sachlichen Aussagen und ihrer Denkform nicht im Widerspruch zu den übrigen Worten des Propheten Amos, vielmehr stimmen sie mit ihnen überein und können sehr wohl von ihm selbst verfaßt sein.
On Sacred or Secular Ground? Callicott and Environmental Ethics
Authors: Taylor Bron
Published: April 2008

In Earth's Insights Baird Callicott develops a science-based but religiously influenced global environmental ethics that attempts to resolve the relationships between science, religion, and morality. He proposes to privilege science and relegate religion to a supportive and corrective role in environmental ethics. I argue, on the contrary, that a rationally compelling environmental ethics is dependent on religion and that, ironically, the only way to resolve conundrums regarding science, religion, and morality, is to stand environmental ethics on sacred ground.
What's Postmodern about Earth's Insights?
Authors: Lorentzen Lois Ann
Published: April 2008

Callicott convinces us that diverse religious traditions provide resources in constructing an environmental ethic. However, his use of the term postmodern, while rejecting most of postmodern thought, is not helpful for his project. Callicott also presumes that nonanthropocentrism and holism are necessary for a universal environmental ethic, and provides only one version of ecofeminism. There are reasons to prefer pluralism in environmental ethics and ecofeminism.
Judaism and Christianity in Earth's Insights
Authors: Radford Ruether Rosemary
Published: April 2008

In Earth's Insights, Baird Callicott argues that Hebrew scripture, because of its more communal and this-worldly standpoint, is more amenable to environmental ethics than the New Testament. I enumerate other insights from this tradition, portraying a three-way relation in which nature has its own autonomy, as well as reciprocal interrelation with the human and with God.
What Has God to Do with Sustainable Development? A Sahelian Dialogue
Authors: Hintjens Helen M.
Published: April 2008

The Sahel region has become fairly well known as an environmentally vulnerable region where human inventiveness and collective organisation have been able to reverse processes of land degradation, brought about by earlier 'maldevelopment'. This paper sets out to explore schisms between local accounts of the spiritual significance of environmental decay, and regeneration involving interventions by external development agencies. It focuses on the case of two Northern NGOs. The two project-level examples are located in Mali; one is a World Vision-sponsored tree seedling project, the other an SOS Sahel-sponsored well-digging scheme. Each presents a contrasting approach to local beliefs in God; the first attempts to 'correct' what are seen as wrong beliefs; the second seeks to build on existing beliefs and religious practices. In the one. relations between humans and the natural environment are conceived as being spiritually laden, in the other they are seen as almost purely functional. If Sahelian people are to be held responsible for environmental regeneration, then their religious beliefs about nature, however complex, need to be incorporated into the design of development interventions from the outset.
The 'Balance Sheet' and the 'Sacred Balance': Valuing the Knowledge of Indigenous and Traditional Peoples1
Authors: Addison Posey Darrell
Published: April 2008

Indigenous and traditional peoples, who often attribute a sacred quality to nature, have made major contributions to the enhancement and conservation of the world's biodiversity. Although this is increasingly recognised in international discourse, rights of these peoples to continue their traditional practices are threatened by the globalised economy. Likewise, science implicitly denies their contribution to biodiversity conservation and enhancement by referring to their lands as 'wild' or 'wilderness'. It also effectively undermines their rights by claiming that the biodiversity fostered by their traditional practices is a global resource. In order to counter these threats, we need, not only to strengthen the rights of indigenous and traditional peoples, but also to reverse global trends that substitute economic and utilitarian models for the holistic concept of the 'sacred balance'.
On the Irreplaceability of Place
Authors: Light Andrew
Published: April 2008

I examine a puzzle concerning the role of humans in the appreciation of place that arises in Christoph Rehmann-Sutter's paper in this volume, specifically the problem of the irreplaceability of place. If places are designated as valuable in part because they are irreplaceable, and if any human can appreciate any place, then how can humans ever be part of a place if they are ultimately substitutable as agents who appreciate places? After identifying the puzzle I briefly discuss two possible ways to answerthis problem though the literature on bioregionalism. Two kinds of bioregionalism, liberal bioregionalism (LB) and communitarian bioregionalism (CB) are identified and distinguished. A brief appeal is made to embrace LB for now (which entails avoiding the irreplaceability problem by jettisoning the need to focus on the special qualities of a particular place) and to hold off on CB as a goal down the road which would re-establish the importance of specificity in the value of place.
Houses, People and Good Fortune: Geomancy and Vernacular Architecture in Japan
Authors: Kalland Arne
Published: April 2008

The paper seeks to analyse Japanese vernacular architecture in terms of geomancy. There is a widely held belief that the orientation and shape of the house, as well as the location of the various rooms and objects (e.g. altars, water basins, stoves) therein, have profound impact on the wellbeing of its residents. The main features of the geomantic compass are outlined, and it is argued that the northwest-southeast and northeast-southwest axes are of particular importance. Whereas the former is seen as representing wealth and the continuity of the household, the latter represents danger and the threats that face the household due to its reliance on other households for in-marrying 'strangers' (i.e. women).
Lithodytes lineatus (SCHNEIDER, 1799) (Amphibia: Leptodactylidae) as a dweller in nests of the leaf cutting ant Atta cephalotes (LINNAEUS, 1758) (Hymenoptera: Attini)
Authors: Schlüter Andreas , Regös Janos
Published: April 2008

The leptodactylid frog Lithodytes lineatus is associated with the leaf cutting ant Atta cephalotes in Perú. All specimens found in the investigated area were observed sitting near the entrances of nests of leaf cutting ants. One, found sitting in a nest at a depth of 60 cm, was heard calling and was recorded by lowering a microphone into the ant nest. All investigated leaf cutting ant nests were occupied by ants involved in normal foraging activities.
Revision der Farbmuster-Variabilität in der madagassischen Gattung Mantella (Salientia: Ranidae)
Authors: Busse Klaus
Published: April 2008

The colour morphs of preserved material as well as of live specimens of the Malgasy frog genus Mantella are described. The discussion of their variability shows that two of the names accepted by GUIBE (1964,1978) are synonyms of the oldest name available, a third, synonymized by him (op. cit.) is revalidated. The proposed taxonomic changes are: Mantella cowani (part., sensu GUIBÉ)=M. laevigata ; M. cowani (part.) and M. pulchra (sensu GUIBÉ) = M. madagascariensis. The latter is divided into three subspecies, one of which is described as M. madagascariensis haraldmeierissp. n. An identification key to all taxa of the genus Mantella is presented.
Etudes sur les Acanthodactyles de Tunisie V.-Différenciation Génétique et Divergence
Authors: Blanc Françoise , Cariou Marie-Louise , Blanc Charles
Published: April 2008

Electrophoretic analysis of allozymes encoded by 22 loci supports the specific status of four lizard taxa in the genus Acanthodactylus. LDH-2 appears as a diagnostic locus for the four species. Measures of genetic distance suggest two groups: A. inornatus- A. savignyi and A. pardalis- A. boskianus. A. boskianus relationships might yet be modified when intraspecific variability is more extensively known.
Diving and Heart Beat Compounds in the Marine Turtle Caretta caretta (LINNÉ) (Reptilia, Testudines)
Authors: Lanteri A. , Lloze R. , Roussel H.
Published: April 2008

Electrocardiograms were obtained from the marine turtle Caretta caretta, both on land and in water. A typical bradycardia was observed during forced and free diving. Alteration of the t wave occured during this bradycardia.
Female Residency and Courtship intensity in a Territorial Lizard, Holbrookia propinqua
Authors: Cooper William E.
Published: April 2008

In the territorial iguanid lizard Holbrookia propinqua territory-holding males were found to court nonresident females more intensely than coresident females. Resident males also attempted to force copulation more frequently with nonresident females. These results indicate that males can operationally distinguish resident from nonresident females and suggest that males may recognize individual females. The selective forces underlying differential responses to resident and nonresident females presumably are related to differences in expected mating opportunities.
Estudios sobre la Herpetofauna Canaria I. El Cariotipo de Gallotia simonyi stehlini y de G. atlantica spp. en Poblaciones de la Isla de Gran Canaria1
Authors: Lopez-Jurado Luis F. , Cano J. , Baez M.
Published: April 2008

A karyological analysis on lizards of the Canary Islands Gallotia simonyi stehlini and G. atlantica ssp., resulted in both cases in a formula of 2n = 40 (38 1 + 2 m; NF = 40); what, besides the results in Gallotia galloti, defines the genus Gallotia (Lacertidae) endemic of the Canary Islands as a monophyetic unit. Considering the ancestral characteristic demonstrated in several species of this genus by diferent authors such as some morphological aspects (the hemipenis) as well as ethological aspects (copulatory ritual), it pointed out the important coincidence of the karyotype of these species and its relictual character. The similarities with Lacerta jayakari of Oman, are commented taking into consideration the botanical connections between the Canary Islands and south-eastern Arabia.
Estimation of Age in Nesting Female Iguana iguana: Testing Skeletochronology in a Tropical Lizard
Authors: Zug George R. , Rand A. Stanley
Published: April 2008

Skeletal elements of female Iguana iguana nesting in Panama show a distinct pattern of periosteal rings or marks of skeletal growth (MSGs), thereby indicating a pattern of cyclic growth. The numbers of MSGs, assuming one MSG is formed each year, slightly underestimate the known ages of a small sample of female iguanas. Based on the estimated age data, female iguanas probably reach sexual maturity in their fourth or fifth years. Age estimates and size are poorly correlated, and females nesting for the first time on Slothia are 292-415 mm in body length (SVL) and range in estimated minimum age from 3-8 yr.
Le cycle sexuel des femelles chez Lacerta laevis Gray 1838 dans la montagne du Liban
Authors: Hraoui-Bloquet Souad
Published: April 2008

Le cycle sexuel des femelles de Lacerta laevis à 1800 m d'alt. (Mont-Liban) à été étudié chez 82 specimens adultes. La longueur du corps, mesurée de l'extrémité du museau à la fente cloacale varie entre 55 et 75 mm. 3 à 4 pontes ont été observées pendant la saison de reproduction. Les femelles sortent de l'hibernation en mars. La vitellogenèse commence au début de novembre, mais les accouplements ont lieu au printemps, une ou deux semaines avant chacune des ovulations successives. Le nombre d'oeufs varie entre 4 et 8. Les jeunes nouvellement éclos ont été observés vers le début de juillet.
Ecological observations on the gecko
Authors: Zug George R. , Mitchell Joseph C.
Published: April 2008

Hemidactylus brookii was the most common gecko in the Terai of central Nepal, occurring both in the forest and on buildings. In the Royal Chitwan National Park, samples of adult males (46.4 ± 0.04 mm SVL) were not significantly different from adult females (45.3 + 0.04 mm SVL) in body size and head measurements, except head width (males 9.1 ± 0.2 mm, females 8.7 ± 0.1 mm). All measures of head size were significantly different between sexes when the effect of body size was removed. Males were sexually mature at 42 mm SVL and females at 43 mm SVL. The reproductive pattern of both species is vernal; activities are concentrated in spring (premonsoon). Growth averaged 0.8 mm/month between premonsoon and postmonsoon sampling periods. Adult survivorship was estimated at 14.3% for this six month period. Population size was estimated at 105 lizards on six small buildings in a < 1 ha area. Peak activity period was 1900-2300 h. Hemidactylus brookii in Nepal appears to possess life history characteristics associated with annual population turnover.
Sobre la validez de Ceratophrys testudo Andersson, 1945 (Amphibia, Ceratophryidae)
Authors: Mercadal Isabel T.
Published: April 2008

Morphological, morphometrical and cytological characters of Ceratophrys testudo and C. cornuta were compared. C. testudo is considered as a valid species.
Stimulus control of predatory attack in the brown tree snake (Boiga irregularis)
Authors: Smith Hobart M. , Kandler Karl , Lee Robert , Chiszar David
Published: April 2008

Three experiments studied predation upon neonatal rodents by brown tree snakes (Boiga irregularis). Experiment 1 showed that chemical cues arising from prey were used in foraging tests that could not be completed on the basis of vision alone. Experiment 2 provided only airborne chemical cues, and snakes performed at chance levels in selecting among odoriferous (baited) and non-odoriferous (unbaited) nests. Snakes performed above chance, however, when a chemical trail led to the baited nest (Experiment 3), suggesting that non-volatile chemicals are most important in guiding choice behaviour.
Genetic distances between the populations of Cyrtodactylus kotschyi (Squamata: Gekkonidae) from Apulia and Greece
Authors: Picariello Orfeo , Scillitani Giovanni
Published: April 2008

The origin of the Apulian population of Cyrtodactylus kotschyi is debated. Two hypotheses have been made: 1) natural origin due to land bridges linking Apulia to the Balcanic Peninsula in times past; 2) anthropogenic origin. In this work the variations of isozimic frequencies by means of starch gel electrophoresis among Apulian and Greek populations of this gecko were studied. The data suggest a recent origin of the Apulian population due to importation.
Hearing and calls of the banana frog, Afrixalus fornasinii (Bianconi) (Anura: Rhacophoridae)
Authors: Schneichel Werner , Schneider Hans
Published: April 2008

During reproduction female Afrixalus fornasinii deposit 30-50 eggs on leaves which are folded around the egg masses by the males. The eggs are unpigmented and have a diameter of ca. 1.5 mm. The development from the larvae to young froglets lasts 10-12 weeks. A. fornasinii produces at least three types of calls. Type I is composed of 3-12 pulse groups. Type II consists of 13-113 pulses followed by a single pulse group, which concludes the call. Type III is a composite call, with 11-73 pulses like those in Type II followed by 3-11 pulse groups like those in Type I. The spectrum of the calls is noisy, with maximal sound energy at 2300-2400 Hz. When two males call in alternation, as often happens, the calls are first of Type II and later they change to Type III. The audible range of frequencies is the same for male and female A. fornasinii, extending from 100 Hz to nearly 6000 Hz. The neuronal thresholds measured in the torus semicircularis differed greatly, depending on the recording site. In the audiogram of A. fornasinii there are four sensitivity maxima: at 200 Hz, 450 Hz and 800 Hz in the range associated with the amphibian papilla, and 2800 Hz in the range associated with the basilar papilla. This tetramodality may indicate the presence of a fourth population of neurons in the auditory system of this species. The hearing of these animals is somewhat less sensitive than that of larger anurans, perhaps because A. fornasinii has fewer auditory sense cells. On the other hand, these frogs can detect higher frequencies than larger anurans do. Evidently the number of sense cells does not restrict the audible frequency range.
Systematics of neotropical gastropod-eating snakes: the sartorii group of the genus Sibon
Authors: Kofron Christopher P.
Published: April 2008

Sibon sartorii, S. annulifera and S. zweifeli are more closely related to each other than to any other species of Sibon, and together they comprise the sartorii group. The sartorii group is distinguished by the shared characteristics of: 1) cylindrical body; 2) dorsal scales of equal size; 3) dorsal pattern of black bands alternating with light bands of red, orange, yellow, beige, cream or white; 4) 6-12 maxillary teeth; 5) 10-16 dentary teeth; and 6) non-protruding eyes of small to moderate diameter. Geographic and non-geographic variation in the species are analyzed. Colors of light bands and collars of S. sartorii cannot be used as a characteristic to diagnose subspecies because of the tremendous variation throughout its range. S. sartorii has two valid subspecies, the nominate form and S. sartorii macdougalli. Data are presented for inclusion of Tropidodipsas sartorii annulata in the synonymy of S. s. sartorii. S. annulifera is monotypic, and S. zweifeli is known from only two specimens.
Localization of the nucleolar organizer and heterochromatin evolution in three European brown frogs: Rana dalmatina, Rana graeca, Rana iberica
Authors: Odierna Gaetano
Published: April 2008

This study investigates the karyotypes, genome sizc, constitutive heterochromatin, and NOR localization in three European brown frog species: Rana iberica, R. dalmatina and R. graeca. The three species all possess a karyotype of 26 chromosomes. The genome size is respectively 6.9, 9.7 and 11.3 pg/N in R. iberica, R. dalmatina and R. graeca. Constitutive heterochromatin is 1.7% in R. iberica, 3.1 % in R. dalmatina and 7.0% in R. graeca. The NOR is located on the long arm of the 10th chromosome in R. iberica and R. graeca, whereas it is pericentromerically localized on the short arm of the 3rd chromosome in R. dalmatina. A single NOR extrasite is found in R. graeca. Results suggest that European brown frogs have evolved independently from North American and Asian groups. Moreover, the variation observed in constitutive heterochromatin is informative of different amplification levels of satellite-like DNA. Data also suggest that in R. dalmatina NOR localization on the 3rd chromosome may be derivcd by amplification of a pre-existing NOR site.
Feeding behavior of the larvae of Fritziana goeldi (Anura, Hylidae)
Authors: Weygoldt Peter
Published: April 2008

The tadpoles of the egg-brooding hylid frog Fritziana goeldi develop in bromeliads and are believed to be non-feeding larvae. I here report that the larvae of two females hatched in captivity and readily searched for and accepted food. The implications of these observations are discussed.
The morphology of the digits of the golden gecko, Calodactylodes aureus and its implications for the occupation of rupicolous habitats
Authors: Russell Anthony P. , Bauer Aaron M.
Published: April 2008

The recent rediscovery of the golden gecko, Calodactylodes aureus, after more than 100 years, has given occasion to reconsider both its phylogenetic position amongst the gekkonine geckos and the functional aspects of its subdigital pads. The morphology of these pads and the anatomical basis of their control suggests that Afroedura among a grouping of gekkonine geckos with phenetically similar digits, shows the greatest structural similarity to Calodactylodes. Available data do not support a robust hypothesis of actual relationship between these two genera, but if relationship is not the underlying dictator of the similarity seen, the degree of convergence is remarkable. The general similarity in digital form of those genera possessing terminal, leaf-like scansors, both in the Gekkoninae and Diplodactylinae, appears to be associated with rupicolous habitats and indicates an evolutionary pathway by which more extensive climbing pads may have arisen. It is likely that this morphotypic pathway has been followed independently by several lineages of gekkonine and diplodactyline geckos.
Distribution and ecology of lizards in the Greek province of Evros
Authors: Strijbosch H. , Helmer W. , Scholte P.T.
Published: April 2008

During a field study in 1983-1984 in a 200 km 2 study area in the south of Evros province (Greece) the presence of 11 lizard species was established. For every species a distribution map within the area is supplied. In different parts of the area thc lizards formed different species combinations. Ophisops elegans appeared to vicariate in certain terrains with both Podarcis erhardii and P. taurica. By studying habitat selection and activity patterns of all species data on spatial and temporal niche segregation could be obtained. The activity patterns of all species were strongly influenced by exposition and altitude. In some species a strong altitude influence was also measured on growth and some other life history data. Some pairs of morphologically or ecologically related species are compared in more detail. Some species occurred in very high densities (Lacerta viridis up to 500, Ablepharus kitaibelii up to 1100 ind./ha). Tail loss frequencies of all species are given. For many birds of prey they formed an essential food source.
Chondrification and osteological development of vertebral column in tadpoles of Microhyla ornata
Authors: Dey D. , Dutta S.K. , Mohanty-Hejmadi P.
Published: April 2008

Chondrification and osteological development of vertebral column in the ornate frog, Microhyla ornata tadpoles has been studied by differential staining. At early stages of development the bones of vertebral column develop as cartilaginous structures. At different stages after chondrification, ossification starts in different components of the axial skeleton. The vertebral column ossifies between Taylor-Kollros stages XV and XXV. Chondrification as well as ossification occur proximodistally.
Amphibien als Transporteure limnischer Muschelkrebse: Ein Parameter zur Analyse der Verteilung von Bombina variegata 1
Authors: Seidel Bernhard
Published: April 2008

Phoresis of the ostracod species Cyclocypris ovum on yellow-bellied toads (Bombina variegata) was studied in an area of temporary pools in northeastern Austria. Based on the assumption that infested toads have been staying in areas of high ostracod abundance, the high percentage of toads with attached ostracods (18.9%) made it possible to use the phenomenon to analyse the dispersal of toads to aquatic sites. Males had a significantly higher attachment rate. A lower percentage infestation of paired toads (9.3 %) could be interpreted as due to change in microhabitat during breeding activity. The highest rate of infestation was registered for males at high levels in the pools, showing that males have a tendency to crowd at peripheral areas of shallow water.
Vipera albizona, a new mountain viper from central Turkey, with comments on isolating effects of the Anatolian "Diagonal"
Authors: Nilson Göran , Andrén Claes , Flärdh Börje
Published: April 2008

The Anatolian "Diagonal" divides Turkish Anatolia into two major zoo- and phytogeographical regions. Along this "Diagonal" a series of closely related species of vipers are distributed: Vipera bornmuelleri, Vipera bulgardaghica, and Vipera wagneri. To this series a new species, Vipera albazona sp. n. is added. The importance of this "Diagonal" as a mechanism for dispersal and speciation is also discussed.
Genetic differentiation among Iberian populations of the Alpine newt, Triturus alpestris
Authors: Arano B. , Arntzen J.W. , Herrero P. , Garcia-Paris M.
Published: April 2008

Allozyme and C-banding studies on Triturus alpestris cyreni from north and central Spain and of T. a. alpestris from west and central Europe show a distinct differentiation between the taxa. Within the Iberian subspecies a marked genetic differentiation is detected among those populations that are geographically isolated, with the exception of that from central Spain. One of the populations from northern Spain stands out as distinct on account of both cytogenetic and allozyme analyses.
Composition and variation of the diet of Vipera aspis francisciredi in relation to age and reproductive stage
Authors: Luiselli Luca M. , Agrimi Umberto
Published: April 2008

The composition of the diet has been investigated in some populations of Vipera aspis francisciredi from the Tolfa Mountains (central Italy) and related to snake size and reproductive stage. The percentage composition of the diet, niche breadth, the percentage of vipers which fed every month and the average time which elapsed between two consecutive feedings, have been analyzed. Some aspects of the relationships between vipers and their prey have also been investigated.
Reproductive and fat body cycle of the lizard Liolaemus wiegmanni
Authors: Ramirez Pinilla Martha Patricia
Published: April 2008

Adults of Liolaemus wiegmanni, a species which inhabits the west chacoan subtropical zone of South America, exhibit late winter and spring reproductive activity. Females have vitellogenic follicles, ovulation, fertilization and are ovigerous between August and January (Austral late winter, spring and early summer). In males, testicular volume begins to increase in March (early fall), peaks in October (spring), and declines in early summer. Fat body cycles are similar in both females and males. The female fat body cycle is inversely related to the reproductive cycle and in males abdominal fat bodies increase during the increment of testicular volume in the fall, but decrease during the winter and disappear during the breeding season. Fat body stores appear to be used by females for winter nutrition and for vitellogenesis in late winter. Males utilize their fat body reserves during winter months for nutritition and possibly for initial displays of courtship and copulation in late winter.
Tadpole transport in relation to rainfall, fecundity and body size in five species of poison-dart frogs from Amazonian Peru
Authors: Aichinger Manfred
Published: April 2008

During a study on annual activity patterns of anurans at a neotropical study site (Aichinger, 1987a) additional observations on tadpole carrying poison-dart frogs were made. Seventy-four individuals representing five species, Colostethus marchesianus, Dendrobates quinquevittatus, Epipedobates femoralis, E. pictus, and E. trivittatus (generic names follow Myers, 1987), were observed during larval transport. Eighty-nine percent transported their larvae immediately after rain showers. In 1981 and 1985 seventy-eight percent of the observations were made on two days at the beginning of the rainy season. There was no relation between snout-vent length (SVL) of adults and number of tadpoles carried. In Colostethus marchesianus and Epipedobates pictus the number of ovarian eggs increased significantly with increasing SVL. The number of ovarian eggs is compared with the number of tadpoles carried. In Epipedobates spp. the remarkably lower number of tadpoles carried (X = 25.9 % ) may be due to the mortality rate of the larvae. The number of transported tadpoles in C. marchesianus exceeded the number of ovarian eggs by up to 89 % . It is supposed that C. marchesianus may carry the hatched tadpoles of two clutches.
The ovarian cycle in the natterjack toad, Bufo calamita, and its relation to breeding behaviour
Authors: Silverin B. , Andrén C.
Published: April 2008

The ovarian cycle in natterjack toads Bufo calamita from an island population with unpredictable breeding conditions was studied in an archipelago off the Swedish west coast. About 80% of the female population bred during spring and early summer, and the rest later in summer and early autumn. Time of breeding and female size (age) were not correlated. It was found that first growth phase (FGP) oocytes were recruited from oogonia mainly during early spring and late autumn, but that recruitment could occur at any time of the year. The FGP oocytes grew rapidly immediately after recruitment, and when transferred into second growth phase (SGP) oocytes. In between these two periods the FGP oocytes seemed to be in a resting stage. Females showed an asynchrony in ovarian developed. We found females with fully developed SGP oocytes, ready for ovulation, as well as females with ovaries in only an early vitellogenic growth phase at all times of the year. Females did not neccessarily ovulate as soon as the vitellogenic oocytes had reached full size. There were strong indications that some females only ovulated and laid a fraction of the egg mass in their first batch, and that they laid a second batch later in the season. This second batch was thought to originate from the same recruitment of oocytes as the first batch. There was a tendency for SGP oocytes to grow faster during summer than during spring. It was also concluded that SGP oocytes coulde be recruited all year around. Bimodal size frequency distribution patterns were found both among the FGP and the SGP oocytes; they were most pronounced among the latter, where they were found throughout the year.
Una nueva especie de Proceratophrys (Leptodactylidae) del nordeste de Argentina
Authors: Mercadal de Barrio Isabel T. , Barrio Alfonso
Published: April 2008

A new species of the family Leptodactylidae is described from Argentina. Morphological characters of this and other species within the genus Proceratophrys are compared.
Behavioural cues in sex recognition by two species of nocturnal lizards: Eublepharis macularius and Paroedura pictus
Authors: Brillet Ch.
Published: April 2008

Although several senses are used in agonistic and sexual behaviours by Eublepharis macularius and Paroedura pictus, different cues do not have the same relative value for males of the two species. Behavioural patterns observed in the presence of anesthetized conspecifics of both sexes differed considerably. The agonistic and sexual behaviours of E. macularius underwent progressive changes in reaction time and the frequency and duration of other behaviours. Aggressive behaviour eventually almost completely disappeared in P. pictus and was replaced by sexual behaviour, whatever the sex of the stimulus-animal ; the lizards then appeared to be incapable of distinguishing males from females. Agonistic behaviour of both species was sensitive to the immobility of the conspecific, although to different degrees. These data concur with observations carried out under more natural conditions; sex recognition criteria differ between the species. E. macularius relies primarily on chemical signals for sex recognition and sex-related behaviours. In P. pictus, which depends primarily on visual signals, conspecific posture and behaviour are the main factors responsible for both sexual and agonistic reactions.
A new genus for the snake Enulius sclateri (Colubridae: Xenodontinae)
Authors: McCranie James R. , Villa Jaime
Published: April 2008

A new generic name is proposed for Enulius sclateri (Boulenger). The new genus is clearly distinct from Enulius (sensu stricto) in hemipenial morphology. The new genus and Enulius are closely related genera whose relationships within the subfamily Xenodontinae are uncertain.
Sex ratio and body size among hatchlings of habu, Trimeresurus flavoviridis, from the Okinawa Islands, Japan
Authors: Nishimura Masahiko , Kamura Takao
Published: April 2008

Embryo and hatchling sex ratios were unbiased in samples of habu, Trimeresurus flavoviridis, from Okinawa, Japan. Sex ratios dit not vary with maternal size or age. Large eggs produced large hatchlings with high proportions of residual yolk. Slender eggs produced lighter hatchlings.
Two species of the genus Eryx (Serpentes; Boidae; Erycinae) from the Spanish Neogene with comments on the past distribution of the genus in Europe
Authors: Szyndlar Zbigniew , Schleich Hans-Hermann
Published: April 2008

Snakes of the living genus Eryx were widely distributed in countries lying between the Mediterranean and Black Seas in the period between the end of lower Miocene to the late Pliocene. Vertebral remains of Eryx reported from two Spanish localities, the uppermost Miocene (MN 13) of Salobreña and the middle Pliocene (MN 15) of Gorafe 5, belong to E. cf. E. jaculus and E. primitivus sp. nov., respectively. The available fossil record sugests that most representatives of Eryx inhabiting Europe in the past were similar to the recent Asiatic members of the genus. However, E. primitivus sp. nov., displaying primitive conditions in its caudal osteology, probably represented an early offshoot of a hypothetical ancestral stock leading to the extant species of Eryx.
Analysis of amphibian habitat preferences in a farmland area (Po plain, northern Italy)
Authors: Ildos Angela S. , Ancona Nicoletta
Published: April 2008

Forty-two water bodies in an agricultural lowland area of northern Italy were investigated with respect to the presence of amphibians and to a number of habitat features. The following species were found: Rana kl. esculenta, R. latastei, Bufo bufo, B. viridis, Hyla arborea, Triturus carnifex and T. vulgaris meridionalis. A discriminant analysis was carried out for each species to test whether there were significant difference between ecological characteristics of used and unused sites; all analyses showed a significant difference, and they also made it possible to identify the most important habitat features for each species found. Vegetational factors seemed to be the most important.
Evolution de la masse corporelle et de la masse relative de quelques organes au cours du cycle annuel chez les mâles matures de Vipera aspis
Authors: Saint Girons H. , Duguy R.
Published: April 2008

The relative mass of fat bodies of 103 adult male Vipera aspis from western France appeared to be correlated with fasting and feeding periods. There was a slow decline in mass during wintering and a rapid decline during the occurrence of spring mating; a minimum fat body mass was at the first molting time in May. This was the only time when there was a significant decline in the relative mass of the liver; vipers are noticeably emaciated during this period. Changes in relative kidney mass were correlated with the volume of the sexual segment of the kidneys, the minimum being in July. The relative mass of the testes was also linked with the sexual cycle; the minimum appeared to be in July and there was little variation between September and May.
A new species of Eleutherodactylus (Anura: Leptodactylidae) from Panamá
Authors: Ibanez D. Roberto , Jaramillo César A. , Arosemena Fernando A.
Published: April 2008

Se describe una especie nueva de rana del género Eleutherodactylus de la Cordillera Central de Panamá. Esta especie se asemeja a E. cruentus, pero se diferencian por su color en vida y en preservativo.
Offspring size variation in a hybrid zone of Australian frogs (Geocrinia laevis complex, Myobatrachinae)
Authors: Gollmann Günter , Gollmann Birgit
Published: April 2008

To describe variation in size of offspring across a hybrid zone between the myobatrachine frogs Geocrinia laevis and Geocrinia victoriana, the sizes of tadpoles hatching from egg masses collected in the field were measured. Hatchling size was strongly correlated with diameter of the blastula or gastrula (referred to here as "egg size"). Geocrinia victoriana had bigger offspring than G. laevis. Hybrids were generally intermediate between the two parental species in offspring size. However, the variation in size across the hybrid zone did not show a smooth cline or a distinct step coinciding with any of the sharp transitions found for behavioural or genetic characters. Variation within hybrid populations was not greater than in "pure" samples of the two species; these data correspond to findings of other studies which showed that this contact between G. laevis and G. victoriana is a "true hybrid zone" with panmictic local populations, not an overlap of the two species.
Systematics and biogeography of eastern Caribbean Eleutherodactylus (Anura: Leptodactylidae): evidence from allozymes
Authors: Kaiser Hinrich , Sharbel Timothy F. , Green David M.
Published: April 2008

Allozyme evidence shows that eastern Caribbean Eleutherodactylus assort into two distinct lineages. Species from northern islands (E. barlagnei, E. johnstonei, E. martinicensis, E. pinchoni, and Eleutherodactylus sp. A from Dominica) are a monophyletic group of Greater Antillean origin, whereas species from the southern islands (E. euphronides, E. shrevei, E. urichi) have South American affinities. Phenetic and cladistic analyses support sister-group relationships for E. barlagnei and E. pinchoni, and for E. euphronides and E. shrevei. Eleutherodactylus sp. A, E. martinicensis, and E. johnstonei are each other's closest relatives, but further resolution within this clade is confounded by their great biochemical similarity. The dual origin of eastern Caribbean Eleutherodactylus is best explained by "jump" dispersal, at least once from the Greater Antilles and once from northern South America. Dispersal from South America was most plausibly facilitated by the historic presence of a land bridge between Trinidad, Tobago and the Paria Peninsula of northern South America, and by rafting of individuals during the annual rainy season discharge of the Orinoco River into the Caribbean Sea.
A new species of Eleutherodactylus from Perú (Anura: Leptodactylidae)
Authors: Dwyer Christine M.
Published: April 2008

A new member of the Eleutherodactylus unistrigatus group is described from the Rio Mayo drainage in the upper Amazon Basin, Departamento San Martin, Perú. This species possesses a unique pattern of yellow spots in the groin and a pair of glandular dorsolateral ridges. It resembles five other upper Amazonian congeners (E. carvalhoi, E. croceoinguinis, E. imitatrix, E. toftae, E. variabilis) that also have yellow or orange flash colors in the groin region. These frogs can be distinguished by a combination of features, including condition of tympanum and vocal apparatus, presence of digital lateral fringes, and details of groin color and pattern. A multivariate analysis of three basic measurements resulted in clear differentiation of the new species, with the morphometric relationship of the other five remaining unresolved.
Agonistic responses by a grass anole, Anolis olssoni from the Dominican Republic, to male conspecifics
Authors: Queral Alejandro , Garcia Renée , Powell Robert , Parmerlee John S. , Smith Donald D. , Lathrop Amy
Published: April 2008

Agonistic behaviour of male Anolis olssoni was elicited in natural habitats near Baraona, Barahona Province, Dominican Republic, through the introduction of tethered males. Videotaped responses consisted of various sequences and combinations of behaviours and modifiers and appeared to vary according to levels of arousal. Male A. olssoni assume a posture involving full head elevation and dewlap extension, which apparently signals the highest state of arousal to conspecifc males. This display was invariably accompanied by gaping with a protruded tongue, distinct extension of nuchal and dorsal crests, bulging eyes, and changes in body and tail colouration. Analysis of behaviours failed to identify a stereotypical display for this species. Males apparently monitor and defend their immediate surroundings, a strategy which may be adaptative in a densely occupied and complex microhabitat in which vision is restricted.
Are hybrid clonals species? A case for enlightened anarchy
Authors: Hotz Hansjürg , Uzzell Thomas , Beerli Peter , Guex Gaston-Denis
Published: April 2008

Animal taxa of interspecies hybrid origin that have derived obligatory clonal reproductive modes leading to genealogical persistence demand clear, stable names as labels to refer to them. We recommend (1) that clonal hybrid taxa distinguished by the combination of parental genomes they contain be recognized; (2) that they be referred to, consistently for each group studied, either with formal names or informal ones; and (3) that the existing taxonomic species category be used for them rather than creating additional special nomenclatural categories for the several non-Mendelian reproductive modes.
A new species of Hyla (Anura: Hylidae) from eastern Brazil
Authors: Bastos Rogério P. , Pombal José P.
Published: April 2008

A new species of small treefrog, related to Hyla branneri (here considered a full species), H. decipiens, and H. oliveirai, is described. The new species is known from the south of Bahia State to the north of Espirito Santo State in eastern Brazil. The new species is characterized by small size, snout mucronate or rounded in dorsal view and nearly truncate in profile, canthus rostralis evident, and large head. In most specimens, the color patterns show a light triangular mark on the head and light lateral stripes.