bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Revision der Farbmuster-Variabilität in der madagassischen Gattung Mantella (Salientia: Ranidae)
Authors: Busse Klaus 
Published: April 2008

AbstractThe 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

Abstract
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

Abstract
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

AbstractIn 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

Abstract
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

Abstract
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

AbstractLe 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

AbstractHemidactylus 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.
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

AbstractThree 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.
Systematics of neotropical gastropod-eating snakes: the sartorii group of the genus Sibon
Authors: Kofron Christopher P. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractSibon 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

AbstractThis 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

AbstractThe 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

AbstractThe 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

Abstract
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

AbstractChondrification 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

AbstractPhoresis 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

Abstract
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

Abstract
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

AbstractThe 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

AbstractAdults 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

AbstractDuring 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

Abstract
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.
Behavioural cues in sex recognition by two species of nocturnal lizards: Eublepharis macularius and Paroedura pictus
Authors: Brillet Ch. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractAlthough 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

Abstract
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

Abstract
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

AbstractSnakes 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

AbstractForty-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.