bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The call of the Aldabra tortoise (Geochelone gigantea) (Reptilia, Testudinidae)
Authors: Frazier J. , Peters G. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractMating male Aldabra tortoises (Geochelone gigantea) emit loud, deep-pitched calls or "groans" while mounted. A bout of 34 groans was recorded and analyzed oscillographically and spectrographically. The sound energy occurs in periodic waves and there is no evidence of regularly pulsed energy. Calls are relatively stereotyped, with at least seven partial tones that range from 0.26 to 0.80 kHz. Only three tones occur throughout each call and in all calls, and these three have a harmonic relationship. More than half of the duration of the call, averaging 64 %, consists of a steady decrease in frequency, which occurs at the end. The beginnings of calls have the most energy, especially in the deepest tone, but there is considerable variation in the pattern of amplitude modulation. Call length and duration of the pauses between calls are relatively stereotyped, averaging 0.47 and 3.86 seconds, respectively. Movements made during "groan-thrusting" may be related to sound production, but the structures involved in the production, modulation, and resonance of the call are unknown. As the majority of the groan is apparently within the frequency range of highest auditory sensitivity for tortoises, there is an excellent chance that the sounds are perceived by the female, possibly intimidating her and facilitating mounting. Sounds are made by mating tortoises of a variety of species, and it would be interesting to know how these behaviors evolved.
The Present Status of Mertensiella caucasica (WAGA, 1876) (Urodela: Salamandridae) in Northeastern Anatolia
Authors: Atatür Mehmet K. , Budak Abidin 
Published: April 2008

Abstract
Mertensiella caucasica specimens, collected from various parts of northeastern Anatolia, are compared statistically and from the point of view of their pattern and coloration. While no significant taxonomic differences were detected between the samples of different populations, the range diagrams, constructed from several body ratios, show a marked difference between the adult males, adult females, sub-adults, juveniles and larvae of the same population.
Cyrtodactylus kotschyi (STEINDACHNER 1870) in the Santorin archipelago
Authors: Tiedemann Franz , Häupl Michael 
Published: April 2008

Abstract
For the first time proof is given of the existence of the Aegean Bogenfingergecko (Cyrtodactylus kotschyi) on the islands of Thirasia and Thira in the Santorin archipelago. A brief survey of the herpetological research work concerning this archipelago is provided. The collected material was biometrically analysed. As a result of this investigation the specimens of both islands are to be allocated taxonomically to the transition form saronicus x solerii.
Primeros datos sobre la duración del periodo de incubacion de los huevos de Tarentola mauritanica en Cordoba (sur de España)
Authors: Lopez-Jurado L.F. , Ruiz M. , Gallego J. 
Published: April 2008

Abstract
The time it takes the Tarentola mauritanica eggs to hatch in a locality in the South of Spain, counted from the moment of laying, has been much less than quoted in this respect so far for this species. The following results have been obtained: 4, 5, 8, 10 and 12 days (maximum). The possible generalization of this reproductive strategy is being discussed, as well as the possible advantages that it presents over the classical oviparity model.
Ovarian cycle of the lizard Agama stellio stellio
Authors: Loumbourdis N.S. , Kattoulas M.E. 
Published: April 2008

Abstract
The ovarian cycle of Agama stellio stellio was investigated. Oocytes present in the ovary are largest in May. Yolk deposition is completed in 5-6 weeks. Oviducal females were present over a 40 days period. The mean clutch size is 8.1 eggs. The number of clutces produced per year is 1 and rarely 2. There is no interuterine migration of eggs.
Relations between temperature and incubation time for eggs of the Sand Lizard (Lacerta agilis L.)
Authors: Kjaergaard Jensen Jan 
Published: April 2008

AbstractIn connection with descriptions of incubation of reptile eggs it is often stated that the time of incubation depends on the temperature (ex. PORTER 1972). BLANCHARD and BLANCHARD (1941) inform about the connection between temperature and time of birth for garter snake (Thamnopsis sirtalis), but most other information is of more general character. In this experiment it is tried to determine the connections between temperature and time of hatching for an egg-laying species: Lacerta agilis L.
Chromosome Uniformity in Lacertidae: New Data on four Italian Species
Authors: Capula Massimo , Nascetti Giuseppe , Capanna Ernesto 
Published: April 2008

Abstract
The chromosome complements of Podarcis filfolensis, P. tiliguerta, P. wagleriana and Archaeolacerta bedriagae were analyzed in bone marrow somatic mitoses as well as in meiotic diakinesis. All four species are characterized by the typical lacertid karyotype consisting of 38 chromosomes (36 acrocentric macrochromosomes plus 2 microchromosomes). Adaptive stability of karyotypes, as a result ofa canalization process of chromosomal evolution, and absence of complex social behaviour promoting population subdivision and inbreeding, are the evolutionary factors presumably correlated with the remarkable conservativeness of karyotype observed within the family Lacertidae.
Food and feeding habits of Triturus vulgaris (L.) and T. cristatus (LAURENTI) (Amphibia) in two bog tarns in central Norway
Authors: Dolmen Dag , Koksvik Jan Ivar 
Published: April 2008

AbstractThe diets oftwo sympatric species of newts, Triturus vulgaris(L.) and T. cristatus(LAURENTI), from two localities in central Norway, have been compared. Adult T. vulgaris ate mainly those Cladocera which can be classified as planktonic, and to a lesser degree those which are predominantly benthic. The food of T. cristatus was predominantly benthic invertebrates and Cladocera associated with the bottom. T. vulgaris larvae ate planktonic - and predominantly benthic Cladocera, and to a certain degree also larger benthic invertebrates, while T. cristatus larvae (July-August) had taken almost exclusively Cladocera, 75% of which can be classified as planktonic. Large T. cristatus larvae (in September) had eaten relatively more benthic prey. These data would fit the hypothesis that the modes of feeding of the species are different: Adult T. vulgaris swim about in the water much of the time, while T. cristatus stay on the bottom. Among the young, T. vulgaris larvae are mainly associated with the bottom, while T. cristatus larvae are definitely more nektonic during most of the summer; large T. cristatus larvae, however, when nearing the time for metamorphosis, become benthic.
On the Sexual Behaviour of Paramesotriton caudopunctatus (LIU & Hu) (Amphibia: Caudata: Salamandridae)
Authors: Sparreboom Max 
Published: April 2008

AbstractIn its general pattern, courtship of Paramesotriton caudopunctatus is similar to that of Triturus species. The male courts a female by making fanning movements with his tail. When the female's response is positive, she follows the male. The male deposits a spermmass, which remains sticking to the cloaca of the female, when she creeps over it. P. caudopunctatus displays only one type of tailmovement: the'fanning'. The tip of the male's tail, which is marked with a bright spot, probably plays a role in courtship as a visual stimulator. At the time of oviposition the female's cloaca is swollen. The eggs are mounted in clefts and hollows in or between stones.
Threats to Mediterranean (West Palaearctic) tortoises and their effects on wild populations: an overview
Authors: Lambert M.R.K. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractThe species and subspecies of W Palaearctic tortoises include six, which are widespread in southern Europe, North Africa, the Middle East and Central Asia, and four with restricted ranges in the Mediterranean region. The Central Asian Testudo (Agrionemys) horsfieldii GRAY overlaps with Testudo graeca zarudnyiNIKOLSKY in Iran and Afghanistan. The distributions of the remainder border the Mediterranean Sea. Their survival is threatened directly or indirectly by human activity over many years and include habitat destruction (urbanization, touristic development, road-building, scrubland fires and agriculture), bulk pet and food trade collection for export to NW Europe (Testudo graeca graeca L., Testudo graeca ibera PAL-LAS, Testudo hermanni hermanni GMELIN, T. (A.) horsfieldii and sometimes Testudo marginata SCHOEPFF), isolation of populations with restricted ranges (Testudo hermanni robertmertensiWERMUTH, Testudo (Pseudotestudo) kleinmanni LORTET, T. marginata and Testudo graeca floweri BODENHEIMER), and desertification, especially in the Saharan encroachment zone of northern Africa from wood burning, animal grazing and rainfall decrease (T. g. graeca and T. (P.) kleinmanni). A circum-Mediterranean investigation would establish the population status of all species and their habitats. Countries of the Council of Europe and European Economic Community by ratifying C.I.T.E.S. (Washington Convention 1973) have established the extent of the bulk trade. This should only be allowed in captive-bred animals which, like other domestic pets, could be commercially farmed, probably by necessity in the Mediterranean bioclimatic zone.
Vivipare Apoda (Amphibia: Gymnophiona), Typhlonectes compressicaudus (Duméril & Bibron, 1841): Kopulation, Tragzeit und Geburt
Authors: Billo R.R. , Straub J.O. , Senn D.G. 
Published: April 2008

Abstract
Six Typhlonectes compressicaudus were kept in aquariums for a year at constant water temperature of 25°C. One copulation was partially observed. The female's increase in weight and the duration of gestation were determined. This female gave birth to seven young, and a second to four young. In all, four births could be observed, described and photographed.
Bearing of Chromosome C-banding patterns on the Classification of Eurasian Toads of the Bufo bufo Complex
Authors: Matsui Masafumi , Seto Takeshi , Kohsaka Yoshiko , Borkin Leo J. 
Published: April 2008

Abstract
Distribution of NORs and C-spots in the karyotypes was compared among six forms of the Bufo bufo complex, i.e. B. j. japonicus, B. j. formosus, B. torrenticola and B. gargarizans miyakonis from Japan, and B. b. bufo and B. b. verrucosissimus from USSR. All forms invariably possessed NORs on 6q. All the 11 pairs of homologous chromosomes had constitutive heterochromatin on the centromere region in every form of toad examined. Further, each form had pericentric heterochromatin on 1p and telomeric one on 6q. Pairs 8 and 9 lacked C-bands except the centromeric spot in every form. Other chromosomes revealed unique C-spots specific to each form, and each form could be characterized from others by the banding pattern. Comparisons of the C-banding patterns of the three forms obtained with those of the published data revealed several discrepancies, but most of them were attributed to the unlike standard in recognizing spots by the different authors. Although the C-banding pattern is suggested to have some taxonomic value, systematic relationships among the six forms cannot be directly estimated by the analyses of banding patterns.
Etudes sur les Acanthodactyles de Tunisie: VII - Les Acanthodactyles de l'Extrême-Sud tunisien
Authors: Blanc Charles P. , Ineich Ivan 
Published: April 2008

Abstract
A multidimensional analysis of 34 characters of the colouring and scale pattern, providing 101 mathematical variables, applied to 77 Acanthodactylus collected in ten field stations in the Saharien Far-South of Tunisia, reveals a gradual and continuous morphological variation from populations of Acanthodactylus inornatus (with the back and sides of their body blackly reticulated and short legs) to populations with a A. longipes habitus (orange light body with small dorsal white spots, faint or nul black marks on their flanks and longer legs). Variation axis, approximately directed from North to South, also express an habitat difference between the populations dwelling on the reg nebkhas and sandy knolls in the beds and edges of the rivers (oueds) and those restricted to the high sand dunes of the Great Eastern Erg. The taxonomic status of the Acanthodactylus populations living in the Southern Tunisia should obviously be revised in relation with a high and mostly uncorrelated variability of the morphological characters of diagnostic use.
Albumin Evolution and its Phylogenetic and Taxonomic Implications in several Lacertid Lizards
Authors: Lutz Daniela , Mayer Werner 
Published: April 2008

Abstract
Albumins from several species assigned to Lacerta s. 1. and Gallotia were investigated by means of the Micro-Complement fixation technique. The phylogenetic trees evaluated according to Fitch & Margoliash (1967) and Beverley & Wilson (1982) led us to infer a division, which is in accordance with protein electrophoretic results (Mayer & Tiedemann, 1982) as well as with the subgeneric division used before the studies of Böhme (1971) and Arnold (1973).
Le métabolisme aéroble de Vipera aspis et de Vipera berus (Reptilia: Viperidae) acclimatées à des conditions naturelles. Influence de la température et comparaison des deux espèces
Authors: Saint Girons Hubert , Naulleau Guy , Célérier Marie-Louise 
Published: April 2008

Abstract
A study of the acute oxygen consumption of 16 young vipers (8 Vipera aspis and 8 V. berus) at temperatures of 10-15-20-25-30°C shows a number of distinctive features common to both species, and also specific differences. The oxygen consumption obviously increases with temperature, more or less irregularly for the average consumption which partly depends on the activities of each animal, while it follows an exponential progression for the minimum consumption and a linear progression for the maximum consumption. In the total consumption the part caused by the rather limited exploratory activities of our animals (routine aerobic scope) decreases as the temperature rises and it even decreases in absolute value between 25 and 30°C. At all temperatures, the oxygen consumption of V. berus is greater than that of V. aspis, the difference being globally significant. However, these differences are important only for the minimum consumption at low temperatures. These specific differences are discussed according to the ecology and the geographical distribution of the two species.
Le cycle sexuel des mâles chez Lacerta laevis (Reptilia, Lacertidae) dans les montagnes du Liban
Authors: Hraoui-Bloquet S. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractL'étude histologique du tractus urogénital des mâles de Lacerta laevis à haute altitude nous a permis de mettre en évidence les caractères suivants: - Les animaux sont adultes après leur première hibernation, soit à l'âge de 8-10 mois. - L'hibernation dure environ 4 à 5 mois. - Tous les mâles sont au repos sexuel pour une courte durée durant les mois les plus chauds de l'année, à partir de la deuxième quinzaine de juillet jusqu'à la fin du mois d'août. - La spermiogenèse est très active en automne, depuis le début d'octobre jusqu'à l'entrée en hibernation, et au printemps après la sortie de l'hibernation. Elle se ralentit en juin et s'arrête à la fin de la première quinzaine de juillet. - Les caractères sexuels secondaires (épididyme et segment, sexuel du rein) sont développés en automne et au printemps, et présentent une activité secrétoire. Ils sont en régression en été pour une courte durée.
Further Observations on the Relationships between the SCO and the Adrenal Gland of Lacerta s. sicula Raf.: Effects of Oestrogen Administration during Summer1
Authors: D'Uva V. , Ciarletta A. , Varano L. , Laforgia V. 
Published: April 2008

Abstract
In order to verify the relationships between the SCO and the adrenal, specimens of Lacerta s. sicula were treated with oestrogens during summer, when the adrenal is very active and the SCO cells are filled with secretory material. After oestrogen treatment the interrenal cells appear reduced in size and large blood vessels appear between the interrenal cords. The SCO cells during the first period of treatment show a clear decrease in the amount of secretory material; subsequent treatment restores the levels of secretory material in the SCO cells cytoplasm, which shows an appearance identical to that exhibited by the control specimens of the same period. The results of these experiments point out that adrenal steroidogenic tissue is affected by the action of oestrogen, whose administration causes inactivation of the interrenal tissue with consequences on the SCO activity confirming the existence of a relationship between adrenal gland, interstitial tissue of the testis and SCO, already pointed out by preceding studies carried out in our laboratory.
Description of a new Subspecies of the Turtle Rhinoclemmys punctularia (Daudin) (Testudines: Emydidae) from Southern Venezuela
Authors: Paolillo O. Alfredo 
Published: April 2008

AbstractRhinoclemmys punctularia flammigera subsp. nov. is described from the region of confluence of the Ventuari and Orinoco rivers in southern Venezuela. The controversy on the systematic position of Rhinoclemmys punctularia diademata (Mertens) is discussed, and conservatively it is considered that Rhinoclemmys punctularia (Daudin) has three subspecies: the nominal form from eastern Venezuela, Trinidad, the three Guianas and northern Brasil; R. p. diademata (Mertens) from the Maracaibo Basin in Venezuela and Colombia ; and the new subspecies here described. Rhinoclemmys punctularia flammigera subsp. nov. seems to be more closely related to R. p. punctularia (Daudin), the other Guianan representative of the genus. Available biological information on the new subspecies is presented.
New knowledge of the genus Indobatrachus (Anura) from the Lower Eocene of India
Authors: Špinar Zdeněk V. , Hodrová Marcela 
Published: April 2008

AbstractNew finds of Indobatrachus pusillus (Owen, 1847) from the Bombay (India) region are described. Some hitherto unknown skeletal elements have been revealed which render more precise the systematic position of this species. Other recently described Indobatrachus species are shown to be synonyms of I. pusillus. The opinion of Noble (1930) and Lynch (1971) on the systematic position of Indobatrachus in the subfamily Myobatrachinae of the family Leptodactylidae is confirmed. New ideas on the paleogeography of the genus Indobatrachus and its probable spread from the supposed centre of origin during the Mesozoic are presented.
Investigations of the breeding biology of the West-african slender-snouted crocodile Crocodylus cataphractus Cuvier, 1824
Authors: Waitkuwait W.E. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractSpecial research on the breeding biology of Crocodylus cataphractus has been done in the Tai National Park, one of the last primary rain forest of West Africa. The seasons for nest construction, incubation period and hatching time were determined. Kind, size and dispersion of nests are described. Information on egg size, clutch size, nest temperature and humidity during incubation is given. Some additional data has been obtained from a breeding-stock of Crocodylus cataphractus in the Abidjan National Zoo.
The Temperature Dependence of CO2 Production of the North American Lizards Cnemidophorus velox and Sceloporus undulatus
Authors: Bowker Richard G. , Anderson Deborah K. , Sweet Ann M. 
Published: April 2008

Abstract
The relationship of body temperature and resting CO2 production was examined for the lizards Cnemidophorus velox and Sceloporus undulatus. The CO2 production of both species was characterized by broad temperature ranges (30-38°C) in which no temperature dependence of CO2 production was observed. Also, both species showed considerable betwee individual variability. The metabolic rate of the widely foraging species, C. velox, is significantly higher than that of the wait-and-ambush species S. undulatus. However, this difference is eliminated when the size of the animals and activity times are considered; both species then have similar estimated average daily energy costs.
A Comparison of the Amphibian Fauna of Turkish Thrace with that of Anatolia and Balkan States
Authors: Atatür Mehmet K. , Yilmaz Īrfan 
Published: April 2008

Abstract
The amphibian species of Turkish Thrace, compiled from material collected during several excursions undertaken between 1977 and 1980, are compared with those of other Balkan States and Anatolia.
Ultrastrukturen an Gecko-Zehen (Reptilia: Sauria: Gekkonidae)
Authors: Hermann Schleich Hans , Kästle Werner 
Published: April 2008

AbstractThe investigation of Gekkonid toe-pads by scanning electron microscope revealed a wide diversity of "setae" formed by the "Oberhäutchen". These structures differ in many respects: size, shape, density and degree of branching. Several types can be combined. A totally aberrant form is present in Teratoscincus : "rosettes" ofjagged horny sheets. The small, tapering slightly curved and equally spaced "spines" are supposed to be the most primitive ones. They occur in many genera with narrow digits but can also be associated with long and branched setae on broad adhesive pads. The relations of the investigated structures to digit gross morphology and function are discussed. They are most evident in genera with highly differentiated broad adhesive pads.
On the Role of Colour Display in the Social and Spatial
Authors: Loman Jon , Madsen Thomas 
Published: April 2008

AbstractA population of rainbow lizards (Agama agama) was studied in central Kenya. Rainbow lizards are able to rapidly change their colours. Dominant territorial males usually exhibited intensive bright colours. Dominant males were less intensively coloured when close to their territory border than in its center. Dominant males tolerated subordinate adult males in their territories. The colours of subordinate adult males were less intensive when these males were close to dominant males than when far from them. We interpret our findings in light of theories of sexual selection.
Captive Breeding and Oviparity in Pseudechis butleri (Serpentes: Elapidae)
Authors: Mengden G.A. , Fitzgerald M. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractThe recently described Australian elapid snake Pseudechis butleri is the least well known representative of the genus in terms of basic biology and reproductive mode. This report describes the reproductive behavior, oviparity and female defence of the egg clutch. Ontogenetic colour change and sexual size dimorphism from birth are demonstrated in the offspring. A review of the literature suggests that these conditions are relatively rare amongst elapids.
Karyotype of the sea-turtle Dermochelys coriacea (Vandelli, 1761)
Authors: Medrano Leandro , Dorizzi Mireille , Rimblot Frédérique , Pieau Claude 
Published: April 2008

Abstract
Chromosomes of Dermochelys coriacea were prepared from kidney, spleen and lung cells of three neonates hatched from eggs incubated at 26.5 ± 0.5° C (a temperature yielding 100% phenotypic males). A study of the karyotype shows a diploid number of 56 chromosomes consisting of 14 meta- and submetacentrics, 10 telo- and subtelocentrics, and 32 microchromosomes. This karyotype, which is similar to those previously described for Chelonia mydas, Caretta caretta, and Eretmochelys imbricata, has been considered to be primitive for cryptodiran turtles. The implication of our results for the phylogenetic classification of Dermochelys coriacea is discussed.