bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Zur innerartlichen Gliederung und zur Artgeschichte von Chamaeleo quadricornis TORNIER, 1899 (Sauria: Chamaeleonidae)
Authors: Böhme Wolfgang , Klaver Charles J. J. 
Published: April 2008

Abstract
In this paper all material of Chamaeleo quadricornis, present in museum collections, has been studied. Using morphological and geographical characteristics two subspecies are recognized, one of which is new: Chamaeleo quadricornis gracilior ssp. n. The history of the species has been reconstructed, using schemes of the orographic profile of West Cameroon, which furnishes a historical interpretation for the new subspecies. The closely related species C. eisentrauti and C. montium have also been discussed in this context. The assumed phylogenetic affinities are represented in a phylogram. This leads us to the following hypotheses: - in the Tchabal Mbabo mountains, which have hardly been explored faunistically, there probably lives a chameleon, that resembles C. quadricornis. - the differentiation in characteristics between C. montium and the sympatric C. eisentrauti and C. q. quadricornis (both being mutually allopatric) on the one hand and the allopatric C. q. gracilior ssp. n. on the other hand can be explained by "character displacement".
Investigations on Carotenoids in Amphibia. III. Presence of Neothxanthin in Bufo viridis LAURENTI (Anura: Bufonidae)
Authors: Czeczuga B. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractThe author investigated carotenoids in Bufo viridis. The presence of neothxanthin and the following carotenoids were noted: β-carotene, β-carotene epoxide, β-cryptoxanthin,lutein,lutein epoxide, isozeaxanthin, zeaxanthin, astaxanthin, astaxanthin ester, mutatochrome and mutatoxanthin. The total content of carotenoid was 10.944-15.814 μg/g fresh weight.
Primeros datos sobre la población de lagarto negro (Gallotia simonyi simonyi STEIND.) de la Isla de Hierro1
Authors: Martinez Rica Juan Pablo 
Published: April 2008

AbstractThis paper presents the first data on the ecology of the Giant Hierro Lizard (Gallotia simonyi simonyi) from Canary Islands; this animal was believed to be extinct until its recent finding, in 1975. The biotope, a very steep rocky cliff, almost inaccessible in many places, is described; the climate of the area is subdesertic and the plant cover, very sparse, is xerophytic; the vertebrate fauna is poor, but insects are abundant and diverse. The colour of this lizard is almost black, with large dull grey patches at the sides in the adults, while in the youngs the colour is earthly brown with whitish dorsal stripes. The largest specimen we measured was near 70 cm from snout to tail's end. Daily activity begins in young specimens when the sun reaches the area, while in the adult ones activity begins somewhat later, even at noon for the oldest animals. The diet consists entirely of plants, and includes lignified stems and other non-nourishing parts from several species (Kleinia neriifolia, Lavandula abrotanoides, etc.). Obviously there exists a strong intraspecific competition for food. The number of animals was very low in September 1975, about 200 specimens, half of them or more being young. This number might have been increased by now through protective measures recently adopted. Nevertheless, the status of the population is still critical and the danger of its extinction is strong. Some recent plans to modify the area, building industrial facilities nearby, may have, of course, very bad effects on this lizard.
On the Determination of Sex in Juvenile Lacerta vivipara (Sauria, Lacertidae)
Authors: Bauwens Dirk , Thoen Chris 
Published: April 2008

AbstractThe number of transverse rows ofventral scales differs between male and female Lacerta vivipara JACQUIN. The number of scale rows is fixed in individual lizards. We demonstrate the usefulness of this dimorphic character to distinguish between the sexes in juvenile Lacerta vivipara in field studies.
Variabilité sexuelle de Triturus boscai (LATASTE, 1879) dans le Parc National de Peneda-Gerês (Portugal)
Authors: Caetano Maria Helena 
Published: April 2008

AbstractIn this paper we have studies Triturus boscai from the "Parque Nacional de Peneda-Gerês". The qualitative and quantitative analysis of some morphological characteristics show the existence of significant differences between males and females. The present study have been based on the biometrical analysis of 337 specimens collected in several seasons.
Détermination Squelettochronologique de l'Ăge dans une Population de Cophosaurus texanus (Sauria, Iguanidae)
Authors: Nouira S. , Maury M.E. , Castanet J. , Barbault R. 
Published: April 2008

Abstract
The age of 103 specimens from a wild population of Cophosaurus texanus (Sauria, Iguanidae) from Mexico is determined by counting skeletal growth rings in the diaphysis of the humerus and phalanges. The skeletochronological analysis of 8 lizards ofknown age supports the practical value of the method. However, inacuracies do occur in practice for age assessement of a few specimens. I n the sample studied, we observed three main age groups (and possibly a fourth one based on a single specimen four years old). The one year age class is the most numerous, accounting for 75 % of the sample studied. Females lay eggs twice each summer with an interval of sixty days between each spawning. The use ofthe skeletochronological method also allows to sort out the individuals belonging to the first or to the second clutch, at every stage of their subsequent lives.
Homing behaviour of Lacerta agilis and Lacerta vivipara (Sauria, Lacertidae)
Authors: Strijbosch H. , van Rooy P.Th.J.C. , Voesenek L.A.C.J. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractDisplacements over distances of 70-150 m were carried out with 48 L. agilis and 34 L. vivipara in order to determine their ability to return to their original home range. Return rates for 70 m displacements averaged 81.5 % for L. agilis and 50 % for L. vivipara; for 100 m displacements these figures were 66.7 % and 28.6 % respectively; 150 m displacements never resulted in homing. Most returns occurred within a few days. Probably both species are familiar with a far greater area than is suggested by their home range size.
Snout temperatures of reptiles, with special reference to the changes during feeding behaviour in Python molurus bivittatus (Serpentes, Boidae): a study using infrared radiation
Authors: in den Bosch H.A.J. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractThe AGA Thermovision 750® infrared measuring system is used to measure temperatures and to present thermal images of reptiles. Because the system records only the infrared that emanates from the subject itself, the process may be carried out in complete darkness. Evaporation from the wet nasal mucosal surface and the velocity and amount of air over this tissue, results in the reptiles tested having a distinctly cooler snout as compared to the other parts of the head and body. Body temperature is found to be above ambient temperature. Constriction and swallowing changes the heat distribution in Python molurus bivittatus. There is a differential increase in temperature and the cooler snout disappears. Afterwards a differential cooling of the head and body occurs and a colder spot in the anterior temporal region is noted. These phenomena are discussed; the cooler spot is attributed to the action of the anterior temporal gland. No qualitative differences in behavioural elements in feeding behaviour in dark vs light are observed. In the general feeding pattern the action ofappression is interpreted as hearing, and snout pushing after swallowing, as a putting back in place ofjaw and skull elements. The hypothesis that temperature differences over the dead prey (mouse) are of importance in head searching is investigated. A clear heat gradient persisting long enough to be of use to heat-sensitive snakes is found.
Thermoregulatory Behavior of the North American Lizards Cnemidophorus velox and Sceloporus undulatus
Authors: Bowker Richard G. , Damschroder Spencer , Sweet Ann M. , Anderson Deborah K. 
Published: April 2008

Abstract
The patterns of thermoregulation of Cnemidophorus velox and Sceloporus undulatus were compared and related to their foraging modes. In nature, C. velox are widely foraging lizards and most individuals actively shuttled in the temperature enclosures to regulate Tb. Sceloporus undulatus are wait-and-ambush predators and were relatively inactive in the enclosures. The terms active and inactive thermoregulation were used to describe these categories of behavior. There were no intraspecific differences between active/ inactive individuals, either in choice of Tb or precision of regulation of Tb. Cnemidofihorus velox (Tb = 37.2 C) was more thermophilic than S. ursdulatus (Tb = 35.9 C), however, the other thermoregulatory attributes of the species were similar. Both species regulated Tb with equal precision and the between individual variability in Tb was essentially the same for the two species. The wave characteristics of the thermoregulation curves were similar in amplitude (a measure of precision), however, there were interspecific differences in period of the curve. Cnemidophorus velox shuttled more frequently in order to achieve the same precision as S. undulatus. Thermoregulation in two different temperature enclosures was compared, one a sun/shade enclosure, and the other an IR thermal gradient. Both species thermoregulated similarly in the two enclosures. Thus both species used the complex thermal environments with equal facility and no gradient specific characteristics were observed.
Relations between Meteorological Variables and the Initiation of the Spawning Period in Populations of Rana temporaria L. in the Atlantic Region of the Basque Country (Northern Spain)
Authors: Bea A. , Rodriguez-Teijeiro J.D. , Jover LL. 
Published: April 2008

Abstract
The relations between environmental variables (minimum temperature, daily thermal oscillation, rainfall and atmospheric pressure) and the onset of the spawning period of the common frog (Rana temporaria) in the Atlantic region of the Basque Country (Northern Spain) is analyzed. The onset of the spawning period is coincident with a change in temperature occurring four days prior to spawning. Atmospheric pressure looks not as a related factor, whereas the influence of rain seems to become apparent over a longer period of time.
On the taxonomic status of Dipsadoboa werneri (Boulenger), D. shrevei (Loveridge), and Crotaphopeltis hotamboeia kageleri Uthmöller (Boiginae, Serpentes)
Authors: Rasmussen Jens Bodtker 
Published: April 2008

AbstractOn the basis of lepidosis, dentition, and internal morphology, the specific status of the African endemic Dipsadoboa werneri (Boulenger, 1897) and Dipsadoboa shrevei (Loveridge, 1932) is established. Sternfeld's (1910) implicit synonymization of Dipsadomorphus reticulatus Werner, 1909, with Leptodira werneri Boulenger, 1897, is considered valid. Dipsadoboa shrevei kageleri (Uthmöller, 1939) n. comb. (Crotaphopeltis hotamboeia kageleri) is considered a valid taxon, but belonging to the genus Dipsadoboa in the sense of Laurent (1951) and Rasmussen (1979). On the basis of the emarginated optic fenestra and the relatively short anterior portion of the skull, the three taxa are considered a monophyletic subgroup within Dipsadoboa.
The tail of the lizard Agama stellio stellio: Energetics, significance and comments on its regeneration
Authors: Loumbourdis N.S. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractThe percentage of Agama s. stellio with broken tails is low compared to other lizards, and is higher in males than in females. The tail has a low energy content. Agama s. stellio has a tail retention adaptation as do other lizards which use the tail for climbing. The tail regenerates little or not at all, possibly because breaks occur intervertebrally, intravertebral fracture planes not being present.
Some autecological data on the Urodeles of Sardinia
Authors: Voesenek L.A.C.J. , Strijbosch H. , van Rooy P.T.J.C. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractIn the spring of 1984 an ecological investigation on the endemic salamanders Hydromantes genei flavus and Euproctus platycefihalus was carried out in eastern Sardinia. The investigation was focussed on natural population sizes and densities. The Sardinian cave salamander was found to occur in two clearly distinct habitats, viz. humid holm oak forests and limestone caves. The density found in the forests was 300/ha and 98 ± 7 individuals were found in one cave. The Sardinian brook salamander was found in a habitat not reported before, viz. a stagnant mountain lake. There the animals were rather robust, and a neotenic specimen was captured.
Osteocyte lacunae size in the genus Xenopus (Pipidae)
Authors: Reumer Jelle W.F. , Thiébaud Charles-H. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractThe relationship is studied between the volume of osteocyte lacunae and the nuclear DNA content and level of ploidy in the genus Xenopus. The lacunae volume and the DNA content appear strongly correlated. The possible use of this relationship in the study of the evolution of the genus is discussed.
Notes on the biology of Lacerta andreanszkyi (Reptilia: Lacertidae)
Authors: Busack Stephen D. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractReported only from three general areas at elevations between 2500-3700 m within the High Atlas Mountains of Marrakech Prefecture, Morocco, Lacerta andreanszkyi appears little studied (Saint Girons, 1953; Pasteur and Bons, 1960; Bons, 1967; Klemmer, 1969). Since Werner's (1929) description of this apparently restricted apecies, nothing has been published regarding its biology. The following limited data concerning population density, biomass, sex ratio, feeding ecology, reproduction, frequency of injury, and thermal environment and response of this elusive species are presented below to partially fill this void.
Density and Seasonal Movements of the Adder (Vipera berus L. 1758) in a Subalpine Environment
Authors: Neumeyer Rainer 
Published: April 2008

AbstractWithin a study area of about 1 km2 in a subalpine dwarf shrub community in the Swiss Alps, 148 adders (Vipera berus) were marked and observed during more than six months in 1981. There was no synchronized prenuptial sloughing of males. They seemed to slough only when they had found a female. After copulation the female was guarded by the male. Adult males sloughed three times, adult females only twice or once a year. Adder density was estimated to be about three adults per hectare. Survival of adults probably surpassed 80% after three years. Displacement rate was higher in foraging adders than in pregnant females. Most neonates stayed near the birth place until hibernation. The median home range was 5.20 ha in adult males and 0.76 ha in reproductive females, when estimated with Jennrich & Turner's (1969) method. The difference was probably due to the increased distances the males travelled during the mating period. After the mating period no difference could be found between adult males and pregnant females, in distances travelled, measured as a straight line. Spacing of home ranges was absent even within sexes. Pregnant females seemed to choose microhabitats more selectively than nonreproductive females. Sites of pregnant females had a more southerly exposure than sites of nonreproductive females.
Coexistence and niche segregation in the newts
Authors: Dolmen Dag 
Published: April 2008

AbstractThe newts Triturus vulgaris and T. cristatus are sympatric over almost the whole of their distributional areas, and they very often share the same breeding-ponds. According to "the competitive exclusion principle", however, no two species occupying the same ecological niche can persist together. Accordingly, within their habitat, the niches of the newts should be different. Studies on their macro- and microhabitat, diel activity, terrestrial seasonality and food, both of adults and larvae, indeed reveal such differences, especially in terrestrial seasonality, microhabitat and food preference. Although the habitat requirements of these newts are much the same, there is a clear resource partitioning between them, and adult T. cristatus also tends to exhibit a narrower niche breadth than does T.vulgaris.
Re-evaluation of the status of Japalura mitsukurii Stejneger 1898 (Reptilia: Agamidae)
Authors: Ota Hidetoshi 
Published: April 2008

AbstractMorphological and ecological re-investigations revealed that two subspecies of Japalura swinhonis (i.e.,,J. s. mitsukurii andJ. s. formosensis) collectively represent a good species, J. mitsukurii, distinct from J. swinhonis. Taxonomic confusions about these species in the literature are reviewed.
Cycles annuels de la testostéronémie et de la thyroxinémie chez Vipera berus L. (Reptilia: Viperidae) en relation avec le cycle sexuel et l'hivernage
Authors: Fleury François , Naulleau Guy 
Published: April 2008

AbstractBlood samples were taken in Vipera berus during a five year period. Changes in plasma thyroxine and testosterone levels were examined. Plasma testosterone levels show a marked profile. Highest levels are observed a few weeks after the emergence of hibernation from the end of March till the end of April. These values coincide with the mating period and spring spermiogenesis. Plasma thyroxine levels show also seasonal variations. Low values are observed in winter. Plasma thyroxine levels increase in spring and reach a maximal concentration shortly after the peak of plasma testosterone. A secondary peak is observed at the end of summer.
Chemisch-analytische und elektrophoretische Untersuchungen an Seren von Uromastyx acanthinurus Bell, 1825 (Sauria: Agamidae)
Authors: Hasl Andreas , Hasl Dora 
Published: April 2008

AbstractAs only little information about the blood chemistry of reptiles is available, a contribution for the establishment of standard values of serum parameters from Uromastyx acanthinurus is given. The sera were tested for their contents of total protein, glucose, triglycerides, cholesterol, uric acid, urea, creatinine, bilirubin, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, γ-glutamyl-transferase, iron, and calcium. In a countercurrent electrophoresis the serum proteins were separated according to their electrophoretic mobility. Additionally, the molecular masses of the proteins were determined by a discontinuous polyacrylamid gel electrophoresis in the presence of sodiumdodecylsulfate. By means of these techniques the albumin and the 7S-antibodies from the Spiny-tailed lizard sera were characterized.
Reproductive characteristics of the lacertid lizard Lacerta lepida
Authors: Castilla Aurora M. , Bauwens Dirk 
Published: April 2008

AbstractWe report on the reproductive characteristics of the lizard Lacerta lepida from two separate geographic regions in Spain. Lizards from central Spain (L. lepida lepida) mature at an age of 32-33 months. upon attaining a minimum size of 122-148 mm snout-vent-length. One clutch averaging 16.9 eggs is produced annually. We found an inverse correlation between egg and clutch size. Lizards from south-eastern Spain (L. lepida nevadensis) have smaller clutches (mean = 12.3 eggs), composed of relatively large eggs, and some individuals produce more than one clutch per year.
Movement patterns of lacertid lizards: effects of temperature on speed, pauses and gait in Lacerta vivipara
Authors: Avery R.A. , Bond D.J. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractLacerta vivipara emerging from their overnight retreat before they had the opportunity to thermorcgulate moved with an alternation of locomotor bursts and pauses. Mean speed during bursts of locomotion fell with decreasing temperature from 3.21 snout-vent lengths (SVL) s-1 at the activity temperature (Tact ∼ 33°C) to 0.15 SVL s-1 at 5°C. Between Tact and 19°C the reduction was small (Q10 = 1.12) and statistically not significant; between 19°C and 5°C the change was very much greater (Q10 = 7.7). The pauses between locomotor bursts increased progressively in duration over the whole range of decreasing temperatures from Tact to 5°C, although the change from Tact to 23°C was not significant. Gait changed progressively from almost simultaneous movement of contralateral diagonal limbs at Tact to independent movement of limbs in the sequence LF, RH, RF, LH at 7°C, with increases in the mean duty factor of individual feet from 0.50 to 0.76 and in the proportion of time for which 3 or 4 feet were in simultaneous contact with the ground from 0 to 0.92.
Systematics of Neotropical gastropod-eating snakes: the dimidiata group of the genus Sibon, with comments on the nebulata group
Authors: Kofron Christopher P. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractSibon dimidiata and S. sanniola comprise the dimidiata group of Sibon, and S. nebulata and S. dunni the nebulata group. The species within each group are more closely related to each other than to any other species of Sibon. S. annulata, S. argus and S. longifrenis are placed in the synonymy of S. dimidiata, with no basis for recognition of the nominal subspecies S. dimidiata grandoculis. S. sanniola has two subspecies, the nominate form and S. sanniola neilli. The dimidiata group is distinguished by the shared characteristics of: (1) non-cylindrical body (laterally compressed or bread-loaf shape in cross section); (2) head distinctly wider than neck; (3) protruding eyes of large diameter; (4) vertebral and paravertebral scales not or only scarcely wider than other dorsals; (5) 11-20 maxillary teeth; (6) 20-27 dentary teeth; and (7) 1 or 2 postmental scales. The nebulata group is distinguished by the shared characteristics of: (1) laterally compressed body; (2) head distinctly wider than neck; (3) vertebral scales 1 1/4 -1 1/2 times wider than other dorsals; (4) about 12-17 maxillary teeth; (5) about 18-24 dentary teeth; and (6) absence of a postmental scale.
Disponibilidad y uso de recursos tróficos por Lacerta schreiberi y Podarcis bocagei en simpatría en una localidad de la Cordillera Cantábrica, España
Authors: Domínguez José F. , Salvador Alfredo 
Published: April 2008

Abstract
Food availability and diet composition were examined in sympatric populations of Lacerta schreiberi and Podarcis bocagei at a locality in the Cantabrian mountains (province of León, Spain). Neither species uses trophic resources in proportion to their relative abundance. Extensive overlap in diet composition has been found between P. bocagei and juvenile L. schreiberi. Although both species feed mainly on spiders, juvenile L. schreiberi eat the most abundant and P. bocagei select larger prey sizes. Subadult and adult L. schreiberi select beetles and grasshoppers.
Bioacoustic differentiation in Painted frogs (Discoglossus)
Authors: Glaw Frank , Vences Miguel 
Published: April 2008

AbstractAdvertisement calls of the Discoglossus-species D. pictus, D. sardus, D. galganoi, and D. montalentii were studied. In comparison with all other species, the advertisement call of D. montalentii is completely different. The frequency spectrum displays a harmonic structure and resembles a Bombina-call, while advertisement calls of the other Discoglossus species are mostly unharmonious. D. pictus auritus and D. pictus pictus show a great similarity of call patterns. D. galganoi is characterized by the longest call duration. The call of a red-backed Discoglossus with the vague locality "Sardinia", here named "D. spec.", differed substantially from the calls of D. sardus and any other studied specimen. The complex situation regarding the distribution of different Tyrrhenian Discoglossus phenotypes is discussed in this context.