bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ecological and Ethological Parameters in Anolis bahorucoensis, a Species Having Rudimentary Development of the Dewlap
Authors: Fitch Henry S. , Henderson Robert W. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractAnolis b. bahorucoensis is a slender lizard, endemic to Hispaniola, that inhabits the deep shade of the forest understory. Unlike most anoles, the male has only a weakly developed dewlap, an organ important in courtship and territorial displays (and species' recognition). At least some populations of A. b. bahorucoensis are brilliantly colored with a gaudy, contrasting pattern. Experiments conducted in the field indicate that A. b. bahorucoensis is subject to intense predation pressure from at least two large common predatory congeners, A. coelestinus and A. cybotes. These two species occurring in syntopy with A. b. bahorucoensis probably assure that every individual of the latter species is constantly in danger, from several directions simultaneously, and can only survive by instantaneous escape responses, and other anti-predator strategies, that demand priority over every other kind of activity.
Random mating by size in a population of common toads (Bufo bufo)
Authors: Robertson Jeremy G.M. , Höglund Jacob 
Published: April 2008

AbstractThe mating system of a population of individually marked common toads (Bufo bufo) was studied during two years at a pond on the island Öland, southern Sweden. The mating system can be described as explosive breeding with scramble competition for mates. Males outnumbered females by approximately 2:1 and competed for the possession of females by guarding them prior to spawning and by displacing already paired males. Data on displacement patterns showed that smaller males were displaced more often than larger males. However, successful males were not larger than the male they displaced. Furthermore, thc mean size of spawning males was not different from the population mean and the size distribution of spawning males did not differ from the size distribution expected by chance. No size assortion could be detected among spawning pairs. Female fecundity showed a strong correlation with increasing body size. Males of all sizes showed capability of fertilizing all eggs of any female. Females apparently did not choose their mates. Though males would enhance their reproductive success by mating with large and more fecund females, this scenario was probably hampered due to a short breeding season and an operational sex ratio close to 2: 1.
Bombina bombina and Bombina variegata in the Mátra mountains (Hungary): New data on distribution and hybridization (Amphibia, Anura, Discoglossidae)
Authors: Gollmann Günter 
Published: April 2008

AbstractFire-bellied toads (Bombina bombina and B. variegata) were collected at eight locations in the Mátra mountains and subjected to morphological examinations and electrophoretic investigations of nine enzymes encoded by twelve presumptive loci. Both species occurred together at one place. Another site was inhabited exclusively by B. bombina, while only B. variegata was found at the other localities. Analysis of variation at four marker loci revealed varying degrees of introgression of alien alleles in all populations. Individuals of hybrid origin prevail in most of the B. variegata samples. At Idh-1 and Aat B. variegata exhibits polymorphism for both those electromorphs fixed in northern Carpathian populations of this species and those characteristically found in western parts of its range.
Descripcion de la Larva de Elachistocleis bicolor (Valenciennes, 1838) (Anura: Microhylidae)
Authors: Williams Jorge D. , Gudynas Eduardo 
Published: April 2008

AbstractNine tadpoles of Elanchistocleis bicolor from Uruguay are described and figured. Main characters are a globular body; oral disc with two ventral projecting flaps, with a medial notch, and denticulate edges; spiracle reotal in position and to the left of a midventral anal tube; and width of dorsal fin to width of ventral fin 1:1. The tadpole is similar to that of other Elachistocleis: E. ovalis and E. surinamensis. After comparisons with tadpoles of other related genera, Dermatonotus and Elachistocleis appeared to have a symplesiomorphic condition (aquatic development), while Myersiella and Synapturanus presented a synapomorphy (terrestrial development), Synapturanus also having an autapomorphic condition (vestigial fins).
Migrations de la tortue verte Chelonia mydas dans l'Océan Indien Sud-Ouest observées à partir des marquages sur les sites de ponte Europa et Tromelin (1970-1985)
Authors: Hughes Georges R. , Le Gall Jean-Yves 
Published: April 2008

AbstractLe bilan du programme de marquage des tortues vertes Chelonia mydas dans l'Océan Sud-Ouest s'établit ainsi: Europa (1970-1985) 4 843 marquages, 15 recaptures internationales; Tromelin (1971-1984) 3 766 marquages, 12 recaptures internationales. Ces vingt-sept recaptures montrent un encerclement total de Madagascar par les femelles marquées sur les deux sites de ponte. Un résultat original est le changement de site par une femelle.
Sex Ratio, Population Density and Home Range of the Desert Monitor (Varanus griseus) in the Southern Coastal Plain of Israel
Authors: Stanner Michael , Mendelssohn Heinrich 
Published: April 2008

AbstractDuring a two-year study of the desert monitor (Varanus griseus) in a sand dune area south of the greater Tel Aviv area 21 adult monitors (8 males and 13 females) were captured and marked. Nine of the above monitors were equipped with radio transmitters, and were followed telemetrically for one year. The telemetered monitors maintained definite home ranges: 0.984 ± 0.165 km2, n = 4 for males and 0.319 ± 0.18 km2, n = 5 for females. The home range areas increased with the number of locations, reaching maxima after 30-70 locations. A considerable overlap of home ranges, between and within sexes, indicated that the species is not territorial. Varanus griseus forages over distances of 2 km or more. These forays often take the lizard through several habitats: unstabilized dunes, dense vegetation, construction areas, ruderal areas and a municipal garbage dump. A sex ratio of 1:1.6 (males:females) differs from that found in many previous Varanus studies.
Social behaviour, call repertory and variation in the calls of the pool frog, Rana lessonae (Anura: Ranidae)
Authors: Schneider Hans , Mahmoud Mohamad Radwan Nasr 
Published: April 2008

AbstractAt a pond in Kottenforst, Bonn, West Germany, the calling period of the water frog Rana lessonae began on the first of May and ended by the end of June, 1983. The population is of the mixed type: 80-85 % of the individuals are classified as R. lessonae, the rest as R. esculenta. The reproductive period is subdivided into 3 successive phases: pre-spawning, spawning and post-spawning. Various exogenous factors, such as temperature, rainfall and sunlight, influence the reproductive period, and they particularly affect calling activity. The male frogs do not produce mating calls when the water temperature is below 14°C, or above 26°C. Female frogs prefer sunny places in the water during the spawning phase. Sexual activity is more intense in male R. lessonae than in male R. esculenta. Medium- and large-size male R. lessonae are more successful than small males in choosing suitable territories and in maintaining of amplexus with females. Male R. lessonae give four basic types of calls-mating call, two territorial calls and release call-and in addition two transitional calls. The basic types are given throughout the calling period, whereas the transitional calls are not. An increase in water temperature induces a decrease in call duration, intercall interval and pulse-group duration of the mating call. On the other hand, the frequencies and the repetition rate of the pulse groups are raised. Similarly, the duration of both territorial calls decreases at higher water temperatures, whereas their dominant frequencies are subjected to a notable increase. Body size has a prominent effect on the mating call. The number of pulses per pulse group and the different frequencies of the call decrease with increasing male body length. The lower pitch in the mating call produced by medium- and large-size males is assumed to play a role in their mating-success. The repetition rate of pulses and the dominant frequency in the territorial calls decrease as the body size of the frogs increases.
An early description of a member of the genus Phelsuma (Reptilia: Gekkonidae), with comments on names erroneously applied to Uroplatus fimbriatus
Authors: Russell Anthony P. , Bauer Aaron M. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractIn the course of a review of the gekkonid genus Uroplatus some early descriptions of lizards subsequently ascribed to this genus were found to be inappropriate. The "salamanders" of Feuillée (1714) and Seba (1735) are not gekkonids at all, but accompanying illustrations, which do not agree with the textual descriptions, exhibit some gekkonid characteristics. This probably accounts for subsequent confusion. The Sarroubé of Lacépède (1788), however, is gekkonid and represents an early description of a member of the genus Phelsuma. Subsequent confusion with Uroplatus has obscured recognition of the key characteristics of the Sarroubé, and it was not until 1825 that the genus Phelsuma was formally recognized.
Field-data on the madagascan flat tailed tortoise Pyxis (Acinixys) planicauda
Authors: Kuchling G. , Bloxam Q.M.C. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractDuring 1985 a population of Pyxis planicauda was studied in the forest of Amborompotsy in Western Madagascar. The habitat is a deciduous forest in a hot, semiarid climate. Observations are reported concerning morphometric data, growth, changes of colour and marking pattern, and foraging activities. Active tortoises are only found during the rainy season. The continuing forest destruction is a serious threat for the survival of P. planicauda which could not be found in farmland or anthropogenicsavanna-grassland.
Effects of moderately high temperature on the testis of the marbled newt, Triturus marmoratus
Authors: Fraile Benito , Paniagua Ricardo , Saez Francisco J. , Rodriguez Marina C. 
Published: April 2008

Abstract
In order to investigate the effects of a moderately high temperature on testicular function in urodele amphibians, marbled newts (Triturus marmoratus) wcrc collected from thc field and killed at the end of each period of their spermategenetic cyle; these were: germ cell proliferation up to round spermatids (June), spermiogenesis (September), and the early (December) and late (March) periods of testicular quiescence. The testes of these animals were studied by light microscopy and compared with those of newts which were killed at the same dates and had been exposed previously to moderately high temperatures (30°C) for 1 or 3 months. The results of quantitative studies indicatc that: (1) exposure to high temperatures (for 3 months but not for 1 month) induces germ cell development up to round spermatids during the early phase of testicular quiescence; (2) this temperature has no effect in the period of germ cell proliferation up to round spermatids; and (3) high temperatures inhibit (exposure for 3 months) or decrease (exposure for I month) spermiogenesis during the spermiogenesis period.
Habitat partitioning and spatial organization in a lizard community of the Sonoran desert, Mexico
Authors: González-Romero A. , Ortega A. , Barbault R. 
Published: April 2008

Abstract
The spatial structure of a desert lizard community located in the state of Sonora, N.E. Mexico, was studied in October 1982 and June 1983. The community is composed of 17 species, and we analyzed the habitat partitioning and microhabitat utilization of 12 species recorded along two transects. We found that habitat and microhabitat selection plays a determining role in organizing this lizard community and its ecological meaning is discussed.
Larval diets of two anuran species, Pelodytes punctatus and Bufo bufo, in SW Spain
Authors: Diaz-Paniagua Carmen 
Published: April 2008

AbstractDiets of both species studied were basically composed of algae and detritus. For Pelodytes punctatus, other food types exhibited minor contributions to the diet. For Bufo bufo, phanerogams reached considerable proportions too and the frequency of animals may be considered noteworthy if related to other species in the area. Morphologically they seem to be both conditioned to bottom dwelling rather than to the use of water column.
Contribution à la recherche des homologies dans la région cervicale de l'embryon de lézard vert (Lacerta viridis, Laur.) et de l'embryon d'orvet (Anguis fragilis, L.)
Authors: Raynaud Albert , Renous Sabine , Gasc Jean-Pierre , Clergue-Gazeau Monique 
Published: April 2008

Abstract
L'étude du squelette d'embryons à terme et de nouveau-nés d'orvet (Anguis fiagilis, L.) et de lézard vert (Lacerta viridis, Laur.) montre une constance dans les rapports entre la scapula et un segment vertébral précis. Ceci conduit à admettre que la 3e vertèbre cervicale de l'orvet est homologue à la 5e vertèbre cervicale du lézard vert. La région cervicale de l'orvet comporterait donc 6 vertèbres et celle du lézard vert, 8. L'étude histologique de jeunes embryons de ces deux espèces suggère que 2 somites supplémentaires prennent part, chez l'orvet, à la formation de la plaque parachordale. Ceci expliquerait la différence de 2 vertèbres trouvée au niveau de la région cervicale. Chez l'orvet, comme chez le lézard vert, le nerf hypoglosse est formé par les 5 racines ventrales des premiers nerfs occipitaux. Chez Lacerta viridis, le premier nerf spinal, qui peut ici être considéré comme un premier nerf cervical, rejoint pour partie l'hypoglosse; par contre, chez Anguis fragilis, ce nerf est incorporé à la région occipitale et gagne seulement la région de l'ébauche du membre antérieur.
A new dwarf-snake (Eirenis) from Lake Van in eastern Turkey
Authors: Schmidtler Josef F. , Lanza Benedetto 
Published: April 2008

AbstractEirenis thospitis n. sp. is described from Van in eastern Turkey, where it was collected on a dry mountain steppe habitat about 2000 m above sea level. The large-sized new taxon belongs to the collaris-group and is characterized by 15 dorsals around midbody, a short tail and the lack of dark transverse bands on pileus and neck.
Foraging mode in lacertid lizards: variation and correlates
Authors: Perry G. , Lampl I. , Lerner A. , Rothenstein D. , Shani E. , Sivan N. , Werner Y.L. 
Published: April 2008

Abstract
Foraging strategy was observed in five species of Israeli lacertid lizards in the field. Acanthodactylus scutellatus is a sit-and-wait strategist, whereas A. boskianus, A. schreiberi, Lacerta laevis and Mesalina guttulata forage widely. However, the actual values differed from those reported by Huey and Pianka (1981) for Kalahari lacertids, possibly indicating the existence of a continuum of foraging modes. Foraging intensity (proportion of time spent moving or frequency of moves) is positively correlated to relative tail length, and negatively correlated to relative clutch mass. Additional possible correlates are discussed, and some cautionary remarks added.
Reproduction of yellow-bellied toads Bombina variegata in a man-made habitat
Authors: Barandun J. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractA breeding population of Bombina variegata-a prolonged breeder, spawning predominantly in temporary pools-was studied in a Swiss gravel-pit in 1985. During the study, the number of pools and ponds varied from 10 to 23, as a result of drought and exploitation. No significant loss of tadpoles because of pool drying was found. Spawning was observed from 6 May to 9 August. No distinct calling or spawning periods were found, although the activities varied markedly among breeding pools. There was a turnover in males and females during the whole breeding season. Mate choice was not size-selective, and in several pools there was no correlation between calling and mating. The results contrast with observations in other Bombina variegata populations. It is concluded that in populations living in artificial habitats, essential behavioral adaptations to a temporary environment may not be expressed.
Tail base glands in European plethodontid salamanders with some comments on their biological and phylogenetic significance
Authors: Brizzi R. , Calloni C. , Delfino G. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractBoth the males and females of Speleomantes flavus, S. genei, S. imperialis and S. supramontis possess gland clusters in the dorsal skin of the tail base, consisting of large, closely contiguous, serous or mixed units. Structural and ultrastructural investigations revealed consistent homogeneous features in the glands from the four species and obvious homologies between these and the serous and mixed cutaneous glands of the back skin. Seasonal changes were not observed in the secretory activity of the tail base glands. It is suggested on the basis of these findings that tail base glands play a role possibly involving defensive strategies or, alternatively, the production of pheromone-like substances which may help the animals to recognize each other. The occurrence of tail base glands in both plethodontid subfamilies and respective tribes, found in the present study and bibliographical data, is regarded as a symplesiomorphy. Further suggestions on the phylo. genetic significance of this anatomical character may, however, be derived from its distinctive occurrence and functional role in the various plethodontid groups. Present findings suggest that tail base glands represent a plesiomorphous character in the Speleomantes species observed, whereas the condition of these gland clusters, described in some New World Plethodontidae, is assumed as a synaphomorphy.
Orientation and homing behavior as a measure of affinity for the home range in two species of Iguanid lizards
Authors: Guyer Craig 
Published: April 2008

AbstractThe relationship between home range affinity and homing ability was studied in Phrynosoma douglassi and Sceloporus graciosus in southeastern Idaho. Movement patterns for P. douglassi were typical of an animal moving from one site of activity to other sites, whereas S. graciosus movements were typical of an animal using a single site of activity. Only S. graciosus was able to orient towards the home range when displaced, indicating an affinity for this site. Adult S. graciosus oriented and homed more consistently than did juveniles. P. douglassi did not orient homeward when displaced and returned less frequently than did S. graciosus. Recapture locations along with data regarding homeward orientation and homing indicate that P. douglassi has a lesser affinity than does S. graciosus for the home range. Some gravid females of both species left the home range to deposit eggs or young and later returned. Use of areas outside the home range for egg-laying and birthing and movements out of the home range resulting from chases by predators may represent natural means of displacement that select for homing behavior. Because most lizards experience only short displacements during their life histories, long distance homing reported for snakes, turtles, and salamanders is absent.
Reproducción de Psammodromus hispanicus en una arenal costero del nordeste ibérico
Authors: Carretero M.A. , Llorente G.A. 
Published: April 2008

Abstract
; The reproduction of a population of Psammodromus hispanicus was studied on a coastal sand area of NE Spain and compared with other populations. Sexual maturity is reached in the first spring, and there are no subadults. Reproductive activity occurs in March to July. The beginning of reproduction depends on the spring temperature increase but the end is produced by an endogenous rhythm. Eggs size, clutch size and length of the hatchlings are very close to those of other populations. The major difference is that a second clutch can be laid by the largest females. This is the first such record in the species.
Observations on Aspideretes nigricans, a semi-domesticated endemic turtle from eastern Bangladesh
Authors: Farid Ahsan Md , Nurul Haque Md , Fugler Chalres M. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractData are given on aspccts of the biology of Aspideretes nigricans, a turtle whose distribution is confined to a religious shrine in Bangladesh. These data may provide a biological base on which more detailed studies of this rare species might be initiated.
Dental morphology of the cannibal morph in the tiger salamander, Ambystoma tigrinum
Authors: Pedersen Scott C. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractCannibalistic behavior is accompanied by a robust dental and skeletal polymorphism in cannibal tiger salamanders, Ambystoma tigrinum. This study describes the dental polymorphism in terms of hypertrophy, recurvature, and surface detail as revealed by scanning electron microscopy. Vomerine and dentary teeth in cannibals are longer than those of non-cannibals of the same head size. While cannibals exhibit recurved teeth on each dentigerous bone, straight peg-like teeth appear occasionally. Conversely, isolated recurved teeth may be present in non-cannibals. No consistent differences between cannibal and noncannibal teeth with respect to the surface geography of the pedicel, shaft, or pedicel shaft junction were observed. Hypertrophy of the horizontally ankylosed vomerine teeth is associated with a distortion of the underlying vomer. This suggests that alterations in odontogenesis may effect changes in the morphogenesis of underlying dentigerous bones. Differential rates of development (heterochrony) between the skull (dentigerous bones) and the dentition may be a characteristic feature in the evolution of cranial morphology in cannibal tiger salamanders.
Condrocráneo y esqueleto visceral en larvas de Cycloramphus stejnegeri (Leptodactylidae)
Authors: Lavilla E.O. 
Published: April 2008

Abstractn. Se describe el condrocráneo de Cycloramphus stejnegeri en base a larvas en el estadio 31 de la tabla de Gosner (1960). Se destacan, entre otros, la presencia de un proceso dorsal anterior (no reportado en otras larvas conocidas) en el ala del suprarrostral, la escasa condrificación del esqueleto y la ausencia de algunas estructuras, tales como el proceso ótico y el proceso cuadrado-etmoidal.
Courtship and mating of the Nile crocodile (Crocodylus niloticus)
Authors: Kofron Christopher P. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractCourtship and mating of the Nile crocodile (Crocodylus niloticus) were studied in a seasonal river in Zimbabwe. Courtship and mating occurred from late June through mid August (the coldest months), which was in the dry season when crocodiles were confined to pools. There was a shared basking ground and shared courtship-mating arena, with group courtship by young adult males, but time-partitioning of the arena by the larger bulls. After courting and mating the individuals came ashore to bask and sleep. Various head postures and displays were used during courtship and submissive behaviour.