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of the real lizards, family Lacertidae
Volume:
Volume 2017: 6 articles
Peek, R. (2017) -
This report describes the discovery and detailed description of a new small sized morph of ocellated lizard from the northern slopes of the Sierra de Gredos (Castilla y Leon, Spain). Morphological and molecular analysis showed that this new morph is different from the common species of ocellated lizard (Timon lepidus) on the Iberian peninsula in body size, sexual size dimorphism and cytochrome b haplotype. DNA sequencing revealed a unique and highly divergent cytochrome b haplotype indicating a long-term separation from other species of ocellated lizards. Evolutionary mechanisms that may have contributed to the formation of the small sized morph are discussed. The results presented in this paper suggest that this new morph is likely to be recognized as a full species in the near future.
Troidl, S. & Troidl, A. (2017) -
During two holiday stays (27.9.–11.10.2016 and 05.03.–12.03.2017) on the Canary Island of La Palma we undertook some herpetological photo excursions. The high variability of the lizard Gallotia galloti palmae was particularly impressive. With the following selection of photographs, which also includes pictures from the south of La Palma made in 2005, we would like to present the interesting herpetofauna as well as the landscape of the island that is full of contrast.
Börner, A.-R. (2017) -
The emerald lizard reaches the northern limit of its distribution in the upper Middle Rhine Valley and has stringent, narrow requirements for its habitat. In the last years, habitats, populations, and the number of individuals have been in decline, mainly because of eutrophy and suboptimal grazing in the protected areas as well as an increasing civilization pressure (including domestic cats, tourists, and presumably poachers), less by the rationalized viticulture. The mere protection of the few remaining habitats is not sufficient. It is necessary to restore the historical habitats and to release captive-bred specimens there. A special initiative for the protection of the green lizards in the upper Middle Rhine Valley is required.
Berg, M.P. van den (2017) -
Today Ichnotropis is still a poorly understood genus. This is an attempt to initialize some change herein, by providing an extensive bibliographic history of the genus, together with some remarks on the described taxa. Necessary future research is suggested.
Berg, M.P. van den & Zawadzki, M. (2017) -
This is already our seventh report in a series on our whereabouts while collecting data for a future revision of the present subspecific order of the endemic Balearic sisterspecies Podarcis lilfordi (GÜNTHER, 1874) and Podarcis pityusensis (BOSCÁ, 1883) (VAN DEN BERG & ZAWADZKI 2011 ; VAN DEN BERG et al. 2013 ; VAN DEN BERG et al. 2014a ; VAN DEN BERG et al. 2014b ; VAN DEN BERG et al. 2015 ; VAN DEN BERG et al. 2016). During this trip from the 8th until the 21st of April 2017, we were able to collect data at some mainland Ibiza locations, as well as on the following adjacent islands: Caragoler, Escull d’en Terra, Negra Norte, Vedranell, Conillera and Ses Margalides. We continue with the ventral coloration as a possible determining key as introduced in our 2014 trip report (VAN DEN BERG et al. 2014b). Images of the anal shields are presented of each lizard for purposes of illustration. Also we report on a new approach of assessing small islands, which have been considered without lizards in the past, or haven’t been considered at all, for the possibility of hosting a lizard population. Investigating these “uninhabited” small islands resulted in one new to describe population of Podarcis pityusensis, and a proven occurrence of a lizard population on another small island.
Arets, M.H.M. (2017) -
The genus Timon currently comprises six species and is distributed in Europe, Asia and North Africa. The two European species are Timon nevadensis in south-eastern Spain and Timon lepidus in the rest of the Iberian Peninsula and parts of southern France (as well as an adjacent small area in Italy). There seems to be some intergrading between those two species. Two subspecies are recognized beside the nominate form Timon lepidus lepidus: Timon lepidus ibericus in north-eastern Iberia and Timon lepidus oteroi on Illa de Sálvora. Molecular research showed recently that five different lineages can be distinguished in Timon lepidus (MIRALDO et al. 2011). The various lineages differ to some extent in colour and pattern. Recently, PEEK (2011, 2017) reported a small-bodied form of T. lepidus from the north side of the Sierra de Gredos. Moreover there are two North African species of this genus, Timon pater and Timon tangitanus. Timon princeps and T. kurdistanicus inhabit regions in Asia, the former is found in Iran and the latter in Turkey, Iran and Iraq.
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