bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Temporal segregation in larval amphibian communities in temporary ponds at a locality in SW Spain
Authors: Diaz-Paniagua Carmen 
Published: April 2008

AbstractThe 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

AbstractVocalizations 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

Abstract
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

AbstractFrom 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

AbstractA 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

Abstract
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

Abstract
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

AbstractThe 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

AbstractFive 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

AbstractThe 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

Abstract
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

AbstractChanges 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.
Régimen alimentario de Triturus helveticus durante el período reproductor en el NE de la península Ibérica
Authors: Fontanet Xavier 
Published: April 2008

AbstractI describe the food and feeding habits of 61 adult palmate newts during their aquatic phase from three localities in NE Iberia. 1 used the stomach-flushing method to obtain the prey, of the newts with 100 % efficacy. Diptera were overall the most important prey of palmate newts. Diptera and Ostracoda were the main prey in two localities, but in the third locality only Ostracoda were the main prey. There was generally an interpopulation trophic segregation. Analyzing the data at different localities demonstrated trophic segregation at Serra de Daró and Canet d'Adri, while Podocopa dominated the diet at Fogars del Tordera.
Body temperatures and exposure to sunshine of ruin lizards Podarcis sicula in central Italy
Authors: Tosini G. , Foa A. , Avery R.A. 
Published: April 2008

Abstract
Body temperatures (Tbs) of adult ruin lizards, Podarcis sicula, captured near Pisa (Italy) between February and November ranged from 22.4-38.5°C. There were no significant differences between sexes. Mean body temperatures in February-April and November were significantly lower than those recorded from May-October (29.0 and 32.7°C respectively). The overall relationship between Tb and soil temperature at the point of capture (Ts) showed two components. At Ts<28°C there was a highly significant association and 98% of individuals were recorded with Tb>Ts. At Ts> 28°C the association was less clear and Tb<Ts in nearly 30% of lizards. There were diel differences in exposure to sunshine at all seasons; exposure was greatest during the morning after emergence from overnight inactivity and during the late afternoon, least during the mid-day period.
Male reproductive biology of the southeastern crowned snake (Tantilla coronata)
Authors: Aldridge Robert D. , Semlitsch Raymond D. 
Published: April 2008

Abstract
The spermatogenic cycle of Tantilla coronata is post-nuptial. Spermatogenesis begins in May and reaches a peak in July and August. The sexual segment of the kidney has a cycle opposite that of the testis. Hypertrophy of the sexual segment occurs in the early spring (May) and summer july-September). Mating occurs during the period of sexual segment hypertrophy. The youngest males examined (approximately 1 2 months of age) begin spermatogenesis at the same time of year as adults, and the course of spermatogenesis appears similar to adults. It appears, however, that insufficient sperm are produced to permit successful mating following the first spermatogenic season. During the second spermatogenic season, enough sperm are produced to permit mating in the summer or following spring.
Experimental analysis of lizard pause-travel movement: pauses increase probability of prey capture
Authors: Avery Roger A. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractThe probability that common lizards (Lacerta vivipara), which have a pause-travel locomotor pattern, would detect and capture living crickets (Acheta domestica) dropped into their immediate environment was determined for five conditions. These were when a lizard was basking (stationary for >30 s), pausing during locomotion (stationary for <0.8 s), or moving at one of three speed ranges defined as searching, standard or fleeing, at the moment when the cricket reached the substrate. The probability that prey would be captured was greatest in basking lizards, and decreased progressively through pausing, searching movement and standard movement to fleeing movement during which no prey were ever captured.
Electrophoretic analysis of the Cordylus cordylus species group in the southwestern Cape, South Africa
Authors: Brody L.S. , Mouton P. le F.N. , Grant W.S. 
Published: April 2008

Abstract
Allozyme frequencies were used to test a proposed hypothesis on the evolution and biogeography of the taxa in the Cordylus cordylus species group in the southwestern Cape. The population structures of the three species were also analysed. Low levels of heterozygosity were found in C.oelofseni and C.niger which have small distribution ranges, and intermediate levels in C.cordylus which has an extensive distribution range. Genetic distances were calculated among species and approximate times of divergence were estimated. These divergence times do not agree with the times suggested by other authors. Both phenetic and cladistic approaches were used to assess relationships among the three species. The results suggest that C.niger is monophyletic, but that C.oelofseni is polyphyletic, the population at Landdroskop in the Hottentots Holland Mountains being closer to C.cordylus than to the remaining C.oelofseni populations. It is demonstrated that average genetic distance is not a reliable aid in decisions regarding the taxonomic status of C.oelofseni. Proposed relationships within, as well as monophyly of this group, remain unconfirmed as conflicting results were obtained.
A re-evaluation of the taxonomic status of the Moldavian steppe viper based on immunological investigations, with a discussion of the hypothesis of secondary intergradation between Vipera ursinii rakosiensis and Vipera (ursinii) renardi
Authors: Nilson Göran , Andrén Claes , Joger Ulrich 
Published: April 2008

AbstractThe taxonomic level and phylogenetic relationship of the Moldavian steppe viper was investigated using blood serum electrophoresis, immunological comparisons of blood serum albumin and morphological comparisons. The traditional hypothesis that the Moldavian steppe viper is a secondary intergradation between Vipera (ursinii) renardi and V. ursinii rakosiensis could not be verified. Although morphologically similar (but not identical) to these two taxa, it has a closer immunological distance to the Balkan mountain subspecies, V. u. macrops and V. u. graeca. Specific antisera against serum albumins of V. u. graeca, V. u. ursinii (wettsteini) and V. u. eriwanensis were available, and the three vipers to be tested: rakosiensis, renardi and the Moldavian steppe viper branch off from different stems: rakosiensis seems close to ursinii, V. (u.) renardi appears fairly close to eriwanensis, both of which share a common stem with the rakosiensis-ursinii lineage. The Moldavian steppe viper shows high distance to both ursinii and eriwanensis, but low distance to graeca. The electrophoretic pattern show great differences from all other geographic forms tested (seven). We conclude that the Moldavian steppe viper represents a separate subspecies: Vipera ursinii moldavica ssp.n.
Serum T3 and T4 levels during tail regeneration in the gekkonid lizard Hemidactylus flaviviridis
Authors: Ramachandran A.V. , Swamy M.S. , Abraham S. 
Published: April 2008

Abstract
Circulating levels of serum T3 and T4 have been assayed by radioimmunoassay during tail regeneration in the gekkonid lizard Hernidacylus flaviviridis. In general the level of serum T3 was lower than that of T4; both hormones showed phase-specific alterations. The immediate post-autotomy periods (first week) were marked by elevated T4 levels; the later phases of regeneration, corresponding to peak histodifferentiation (15-40 days), were marked by elevated T3 levels. These changes in serum T3 and T4 indicate the participation of the thyroid gland in lizard tail regeneration and are discussed in relation to changes in systemic, metabolic and haematologic variables characteristic of lizard tail regeneration.
Eumeces algeriensis, a full species of the E. schneiderii group (Scincidae): karyological and morphological evidence
Authors: Caputo Vincenzo , Odierna Gaetano , Aprea Gennaro , Capriglione Teresa 
Published: April 2008

Abstract
Eumeces algeriensis has been considered either a full species or a parapatric race of E. schneiderii. A review of morphological and karyological data indicates that E. algeriensis is reproductively isolated from E. schneiderii, and hence is a good biological species. The two taxa could have originated by an allopatric speciation process, and are clearly now represented by different cytotypes arising from pericentric inversion.
Activity patterns and body temperatures of two sympatric lizards (Tropidurus torquatus and Cnemidophorus ocellifer) with different foraging tactics in southeastern Brazil
Authors: Bergallo Helena Godoy , Duarte Rocha Carlos Frederico 
Published: April 2008

AbstractNós estudamos a biologia termal e comparamos os padròes termais e de atividade de dois lagartos simpátricos com diferentes táticas de forrageamento (Tropidurus torquatus e Cnemidophorus ocellifer) num habitat de restinga na Reserva Florestal Vale do Rio Doce, Linhares, Brasil. Os dados mostraram que as temperaturas corporais de ambas as espécies relacionaram-se positiva e significativamente com a temperatura do substrato. A espécie forrageadora ativa, C. ocellifer, teve temperaturas médias corporais significativamente maiores (37.6 ± 2.0°C) do que o senta-e-espera T. torquatus (35.6 ± 1.9°C), e permaneceu ativo no habitat numa porçào menor de tempo (entre 8:30 e 15:00 h) do que T. torquatus (entre 7:00 e 18:00 h). Nossos resultados estào de acordo com a premissa de que espécies forrageadoras ativas teriam maiores temperaturas médias corporais e permaneceriam ativas no habitat por periodo de tempo relativamente mais curto do que espécies forrageadoras sedentárias.
Mechanisms of differentiation in the sex chromosomes of some Lacertidae
Authors: Capriglione T. , Olmo E. , Odierna G. , Kupriyanova L.A. 
Published: April 2008

Abstract
Cytological and molecular evidence is provided to characterize the sex chromosomes of several species of Lacertidae. Observations on pachytene and lampbrush stages show that sex chromosomes have different condensation cycles and are only partially paired during meiosis. Bkm probe hybridization to Pst I-treated genomic DNA of Podarcis sicula and Lacerta vivipara shows the same pattern both in males and females. In situ hybridization of the same probe to Lacerta vivipara chromosomes shows no preferential localization of this DNA sequence. The results obtained clearly exclude the possible involvement of Bkm in sex-chromosome differentiation in the species investigated.