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Biological invasions represent ideal systems for the study of evolutionary processes associated with colonization events. It has been hypothesized that the genetic diversity is generally decreasing from the centre of the range to the margins due to multiple founder events. Invasive populations offer the opportunity to test this hypothesis at a fine spatial and temporal scale. We analysed the genetic structure of a large expanding non-native population of the Common Wall Lizard (Podarcis muralis) in Passau (Germany) using thirteen microsatellite loci. We analyzed the genetic structure and levels of admixture across a transect reflecting the expansion process and tested for a loss of genetic diversity and an increase of genetic differentiation from the centre to the invasion front. Our results demonstrate that significant genetic population structure can emerge rapidly at a small spatial scale. We found a trend for an increase in genetic differentiation and a decrease in genetic diversity from the invasion centre to the expanding range margin, suggesting that genetic drift is the major factor causing this pattern. The correlation between genetic diversity and average genetic differentiation was significant among sites. We hypothesize that the territoriality of P. muralis generates sufficient rates of noncontiguous and stratified dispersal from longer established sites to maintain significant genetic diversity at the invasion front. Simultaneously, territoriality might restrict the colonization success of migrants at established sites, so that in combination with founder events a strong differentiation arises.

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This study focuses on the spring diet and biometric variability in Podarcis vaucheriduring May and July in the Tazaregion in 2019.We present the first data on the diet of this species in Taza National Park. The analysis of 28 stomach contents allowed us to identify 161 prey, divided into 15 food categories, one of which includes unidentified taxa. During the study period, Podarcis vaucherishowed a generalist diet based on arthropods. The five most ingested prey are: Hymenoptera, Larvae, Spiders, Ants and Beetles. The comparison of the morphology of the two sexes shows a significant difference of a few biometric characters that are in favour of males. This morphological heterogeneity reveals an apparent sexual dimorphism in Podarcis vaucheriof the Oued Taza gorges

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In the lacertid Podarcis siculus the reproductive cycle is typically biphasic, with alternate recrudescence (Spring and Fall) and resting (Summer and Winter) phases. This study aimed to shed some light on the role exerted by progesterone during the two recrudescence periods; to this purpose, exogenous progesterone was administered intraperitoneally and the effects on oogonial proliferation, oocyte recruitment, and follicle cells apoptosis were determined. The presence and distribution of progesterone receptors was also investigated by immunohistochemistry and western blotting. Results indicate that progesterone would play different roles and follow different route of action in the two recrudescence periods thus confirming the complexity of the mechanisms controlling oogenesis in this species of vertebrate.

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Measuring the intensity of sexual selection is of fundamental importance to the study of sexual dimorphism, population dynamics, and speciation. Several indices, pools of individuals, and fitness proxies are used in the literature, yet their relative performances are strongly debated. Using 12 independent common lizard populations, we manipulated the adult sex ratio, a potentially important determinant of the intensity of sexual selection at a particular time and place. We investigated differences in the intensity of sexual selection, as estimated using three standard indices of sexual selection - the standardized selection gradient (b_), the opportunity of selection (I ), and the Bateman gradient (bss)-calculated for different pools of individuals and different fitness proxies.We show that results based on estimates of I were the opposite of those derived from the other indices, whereas results based on estimates of b_ were consistent with predictions derived from knowledge about the species’ mating system. In addition, our estimates of the strength and direction of sexual selection depended on both the fitness proxy used and the pool of individuals included in the analysis. These observations demonstrate inconsistencies in distinct measures of sexual selection and underscore the need for caution when comparing studies and species.

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Totally, 106 lacertid lizards of two species, Anatololacerta anatolica (n=63) and Darevskia rudis (n=43), from Bursa Province, Turkey, were examined for helminth parasites. In Anatololacerta anatolica, one species of Cestoda, Mesocestoides sp. (tetrathyridium), four species of Nematoda, Skrjabinodon medinae, Spauligodon saxicolae, Skrjabinelazia hoffmanni and Ascarops strongylina (larva in cysts), and one species of Acanthocephala, Plagiorhynchus sp. (cystacanth), were found. In Darevskia rudis, two nematode species, Skrjabinodon medinae and Spauligodon saxicolae, were recorded. The helminth species reported in this study are generalists infecting more than one host species.

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Observation and dissection of the urogenital system of an adult Lacerta vivipara was conducted.The results showed that:the excretory system was composed of kidney,ureter and cloaca,the kidney on the left side of the body was bigger than the one on the right side;the reproductive system of adult male L.vivipara was composed of the testis,spermaduct,epididymis,and hemipenis;the left spermary of the male was bigger and slightly closer to the head than the right spermary.The reproductive system of the adult female was composed of an ovary and oviduct.The size of the ovary on the left side of the body was the same as the one on the right side,whereas the left ovary was higher than the right one.During the reproductive period,the L.vivipara`s sex gland became obviously larger than the same sex gland after the reproductive period.Besides,the reproductive system of L.vivipara was similar to these of other oviparous and ovoviviparous lizards.

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The goal of this study was to evaluate P450 aromatase localization in the epididymis of two different vertebrates: the lizard Podarcis sicula, a seasonal breeder, and Rattus rattus, a continuous breeder. P450 aromatase is a key enzyme involved in the local control of spermatogenesis and steroidogenesis and we proved for the first time that this enzyme is represented in the epididymis of both P. sicula and R. rattus. In details, P450 aromatase was well represented in epithelial and myoid cells and in the connective tissue of P. sicula epididymis during the reproductive period; instead, during autumnal resumption this enzyme was absent in the connective tissue. During the non-reproductive period, P450 aromatase was localized only in myoid cells of P. sicula epididymis, whereas in R. rattus it was localized both in myoid cells and connective tissue. Our findings, the first on the epididymis aromatase localization in the vertebrates, suggest a possible role of P450 aromatase in the control of male genital tract function, particularly in sperm maturation.

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The protected Area „Engerser Feld“ ist part of the Neuwied basin between the Upper and the Lower Middle Rhine Valley. On the shore of the Rhine, the village-enclosed „Engerser Feld“ is charcteeized by agricultural use and sand and gravel quarries. In the ensuing man-made habitats, there are European Wall Lizards (Podarcis muralis (Laurenti, 1768). Some lizards of the subspecies brongniardii came from the surrounding hills with stone transportation by carriage and truck, mainly in the second half of the last century, and some dispersed along the railroad line; in xeric habitat, which was enlarged by the tearing down of buildings and paved storage areas, they live in flat areas, but prefer little loamy or sandy slopes where the usually light brown or light gray lizards tend to a more yellowish coloration. In the xeric areas, these lizards replace the Sand Lizard (Lacerta a. agilis Linnaeus 1758), which used to be the only lacertid in the area, but prefers a less sunny and more mesic habitat,. On a southern-oriented, partly unshaded bulwark wall, a southern clade (Southern Alps clade) of the Wall Lizard (subspecies maculiventris) has established a small population. These lizards prefer a vertical structure as a center habitat and only forages into flat areas. They need a higher temperature for activity (about two centigrades). In spite oft he last warm summers, the wall now shows individuals with a darker coloration (ground colour and markings); they heat up more easily especially in spring and fall, and they have driven the individuals with lighter coloration into less favorable habitats. Both subspecies are in contact, but mix only slowly, maybe due to their different preferred activity temperatures.

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We carried out total statistical analysis of fluctuating asymmetry of bilateral traits (number of femoral pores - P.f. and number of supralabial scales - Lab.) for two populations of Zootoca vivipara from Perm region. For integral estimation of FA value, using algorithm of convolution, statistically significant differences between studied populations were found in male`s sample and in the united sample of males and females. We found that there is no statistically significant difference (using χ2 criteria) in occurrence frequency between two studied populations.

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The Common Wall Lizard (Podarcis muralis) has existed in southwestern British Columbia since 1967, but expanded its range rapidly in the last decade. In 2006, P. muralis was thought restricted to 4 populations on southeastern Vancouver Island: 3 on the Saanich Peninsula and 1 in the Triangle Mountain area. However, increased reporting and exploration led to the recognition that these populations have merged. Further, P. muralis have also appeared along the eastern side of Vancouver Island north to Campbell River; and on Denman Island. In 2015, P. muralis was also reported from two BC mainland locations: Osoyoos in the southern Okanagan, and the city of Vancouver. Introduced lacertid populations are reported to spread from their points of origin at a relatively slow rate (∼1 km every 10 y), so given that P. muralis has been found at least 200 km north, 300 km west, and from Vancouver Island to Denman Island and the British Columbia mainland over the last 52 y, human-assisted dispersal likely contributed to its apparently rapid radial expansion in southwestern BC. As they expand into rural and protected areas on Vancouver Island, P. muralis may have increasing opportunities to interact with the native Northern Alligator Lizard (Elgaria coerulea). Where E. coerulea and P. muralis coexist on southern Vancouver Island, the latter seems more abundant, which raises concern and warrants study.

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The successful regrowth of retinal ganglion cell (RGC) axons after optic nerve (ON) axotomy in Gallotia galloti indicates a permissive role of the glial environment. We have characterised the astroglial lineage of the lizard optic pathway throughout its ontogeny (embryonic stage 30 [E30] to adults) by using electron microscopy and immunohistochemistry to detect the proliferation marker PCNA (proliferating cell nuclear antigen), the transcription factor Pax2 and the gliofilament proteins vimentin (Vim) and GFAP (glial fibrillary acidic protein). PCNA+ cells were abundant until E39, with GFAP+/PCNA+ astrocytes being observed between E37 and hatching. Proliferation diminished markedly afterwards, being undetectable in the adult optic pathway. Müller glia of the central retina expressed Pax2 from E37 and their endfeet accumulated Vim from E33 and GFAP from E37 onwards. Astrocytes were absent in the avascular lizard retina, whereas abundant Pax2+ astrocytes were observed in the ON from E30. A major subpopulation of these astrocytes coexpressed Vim from E35 and also GFAP from E37 onwards; thus the majority of mature astrocytes coexpressed Pax2/Vim/GFAP. The astrocytes were ultrastructurally identified by their gliofilaments, microtubules, dense bodies, desmosomes and glycogen granules, which preferentially accumulated in cell processes. Astrocytes in the adult ON coexpressed both gliofilaments and presented desmosomes indicating a reinforcement of the ON structure; this is physiologically necessary for local adaptation to mechanical forces linked to eye movement. We suggest that astrocytes forming this structural scaffold facilitate the regrowth of RGCs after ON transection.

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We tested the ability in the ruin lizard (Podarcis siculus) to discriminate between odour of a predator (the whip snake Hierophis viridiflavus) and those from harmless sources. We analysed two lizard populations: one (PP) predated by snakes and another (PNP) where no snakes occur. We tested the rate of tongue flick directed to cotton-tips impregnated with odours, and the rate of tongue flick, the time spent in immobility, escaping and exploring the terrarium containing a diffuse odour. We used the smell of the snake as dangerous stimulus, water as blank control, and cologne as complex control. Both populations did not discriminate snake cue from complex odour in both the experiments. PP individuals were more active and prone to analysing and exploring the stimuli and the environment than PNP lizards. In PP, the higher interest towards cologne and snake scents could be triggered just by their complexity that requires more tongue flicks to be ‘analysed’, with no apparent adaptive anti-predatory value. Overall, we observed a total responsiveness and activity pattern higher in the PP respect to PNP.

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Four hibernation sites of the common lizard (Zootoca vivípara Jacq. 1787) were described in the northern and southern taiga of Western Siberia. The depth of their location (10-15 cm) was similar in the natural habitat (the peat soil of a felled area in a birch-pine forest with Ledum palustre and Cladonia and Cladina lichens) and in the anthropogenic habitat (the soil of gardens). In search of Z. vivipara hibernation sites in Western Siberia, an area of 0.2 ha where the lizard permanently inhabit nearby the city of Tomsk (56°30` N, 84°53` E) was thoroughly examined. However, no lizards were found in rotten trunks or grass sod and coverts (tree waste, wind fallen trees, bark pieces, decayed boards). The observations of lizards kept in an open-air enclosure showed a serious danger they face during wintering periods on the land surface (tree waste, moss), in the upper soil layer (2-4 CM) and in holes of small rodents: most of wintering lizards in our experimental enclosure were killed by rodents. Our results and published data evidence that hibernation sites of common lizards in Western Siberia are located mainly in the upper soil layer (10-15 CM), but not on the soil surface.

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This note presents photographic material and a detailed description of a concolor morph in Podarcis erhardii (Bedriaga, 1882) and the first published record of this morph on Alonissos. Data on the observation and a short review of the literature are also given.

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In 2018–2019, isolated sandy habitats in the Ferghana oasis were surveyed. The reptile communities in the sands had a similar structure and very high population density, reaching up to 144 ind./ha. In all habi- tats, two racerunner species absolutely predominated, namely, Eremias velox and Eremias scripta, which accounted from 56.9 to 94.5% of the total abundance. In some habitats the dominants included Rusta- mov’s plate-tailed gecko and Strauch’s toad-headed agama. Three endemic lizard species (Phrynocephalus strauchi, Eremias scripta pherganensis, and Teratoscincus scincus rustamowi) had high population density and were classified as common or numerous. They accounted for an average of 52% (34–74%) of the total reptile abundance. The relationship among reptiles and their distribution in their biotopes were described. The current status of the habitats was assessed and few factors affecting the number of reptiles were considered. Due to plowing and watering, the area of sand habitats has decreased by 3.7 times since 1960 (down to about 180 km2). The only protected area (the Yazyavan natural monu- ment) is not enough to maintain the biodiversity of these isolated desert habitats. It is necessary to enlarge the protected area by including several large massifs in several parts of the Fergana Valley. The total area of refuges in this case will be about 95 km2.

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The paper presents materials on growing and winter hibernation of the Hyrcanian meadow lizard, Darevskia praticola hyrcanica, in artificial conditions. Juveniles were obtained from the captive breeding of lizards caught on the typical locality of this subspecies (Gadazyghahi Natural Boundary, the Talysh Mountains, Astara District, Azerbaijan) in the first decade of May, 2016. Immediately after leaving the eggs, newborn lizards were placed in groups of 5 specimens each into plastic 39×28×28 cm containers. Six groups were formed in total, and our research involved 30 lizards. The animals from the first three containers received only two-spotted crickets, Grillus bimaculatus, as feed (the control group). The liz- ards from the second three containers ate speckled cockroaches, Nauphoeta cinerea only (the experimen- tal group). The feed was offered to the lizards every other day. The growing lasted 450 days. The weight gain, survival and feed costs per unit weight of the animal (feed coefficient) were investigated. After growing the animals were placed into wintering rooms, where they were kept without feeding for 60 days at a temperature between 4–11oC. It was noted that during 450 days of growing the cockroach-fed lizards did not differ in weight from the cricket-fed animals. The feed coefficient of young meadow lizard grow- ing with cockroach (11.7–14.3) was similar to that of the animals that ate their traditional food, crickets (12.3–12.7). The survival rate of young lizards in different containers for 450 days of cultivation on both feed types was 100%. The lizards that ate cockroaches showed a better survival rate (100%) in the period of winter hibernation than the animals from the control group (86.6%).

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On the territory of the Saratov region, the populations of viviparous lizards mainly inhabit the river val- leys of the Don basin. Most populations were found along the sides of lake basins. In the conditions of the drying up of floodplain lakes, some populations have degraded while the others have moved to river-bed biotopes. The reduction in the number of local populations has led to their increased disconnection. The disconnection of populations in the marginal areas of the habitat determines the need to preserve the pro- tected status of the species in the Red Data book of the Saratov region.

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In the last few years, DNA barcoding became an established method for species identification in biodiversity inventories and monitoring studies. Such studies depend on the access to a comprehensive reference data base, covering all relevant taxa. Here we present a comprehensive DNA barcode inventory of all amphibian and reptile species native to Austria, except for the putatively extinct Vipera ursinii rakosiensis and Lissotriton helveticus, which has been only recently reported for the very western edge of Austria. A total of 194 DNA barcodes were generated in the framework of the Austrian Barcode of Life (ABOL) initiative. Species identification via DNA barcodes was successful for most species, except for the hybridogenetic species complex of water frogs (Pelophylax spp.) and the crested newts (Triturus spp.), in areas of sympatry. However, DNA barcoding also proved powerful in detecting deep conspecific lineages, e.g. within Natrix natrix or the wall lizard (Podarcis muralis), resulting in more than one Barcode Index Number (BIN) per species. Moreover, DNA barcodes revealed the presence of Natrix helvetica, which has been elevated to species level only recently, and genetic signatures of the Italian water frog Pelophylax bergeri in Western Austria for the first time. Comparison to previously published DNA barcoding data of European amphibians and reptiles corroborated the results of the Austrian data but also revealed certain peculiarities, underlining the particular strengths and in the case of the genus Pelophylax also the limitations of DNA barcoding. Consequently, DNA barcoding is not only powerful for species identification of all life stages of most Austrian amphibian and reptile species, but also for the detection of new species, the monitoring of gene flow or the presence of alien populations and/or species. Thus, DNA barcoding and the data generated in this study may serve both scientific and national or even transnational conservation purposes.

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In the family Lacertidae (Reptilia) composed by more of 280 species is found the genus Podarcis, with 24 - 30 species distributed along Eurasia and Africa. It is a monophyletic group with an origin does roughly 18 -20 Ma, composed of species with very variable phenotype, big intraspecific variability and low interspecific variability. These traits cause that the relations are not established definitively and that require the analyses of DNA to establish more solid phylogenetic relationships. At this work studied the usefulness of DNA barcoding of 10 of these species with Citocrom Oxidase I (COI), a gene found in mtDNA, to study genetic variability and phylogeny. To this end, DNA extraction of tail of the specimens was carried out, two sets of primers were necessary to perform the amplification as this group exhibited a high variability in the binding region of primers. Finally, the samples were purified and sequenced to be able to perform genetic variability and phylogenetic analysis, time of divergence and delimitation of the species. It has been observed that there is a greater diversity in P. tiliguerta, but the sequences obtained with the two games of primers were of low quality what could be caused by nuclear copies of the genes and to avoid errors this species were eliminated from the phylogenetic analysis. On the other hand, P. hispanica also has a high diversity, which is not surprising given that it covers 3 different species and that two of these `P. h. “Galera” and P. h. virescens stand out because present the highest distance value. Finally, two phylogenetic models were studied: the model of maximum likelihood and the Bayesian coalescence model. Both with similar results, although slightly more solid in the Bayesian model, where the different species separate correctly. Also found a clear relationship between the moments of speciation and the great tectonic movements that have occurred in the Mediterranean.

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It is described the finding of a death Lacerta bilineata and its circumstances, apparently by accidental cause when it was trapped in a small-mammal burrow.

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In the Netherlands, the Common Wall Lizard (Podarcis muralis) is a rare and protected species. The city of Maastricht harbours the only natural Dutch population, where it lives on historic city walls and a diversity of urban habitats, such as an abandoned railroad. Measures had to be taken to safeguard the population on the abandoned railway when plans were presented for revitalising the railway. Plans included renewal of the gravel bed and sleep- ers, restoration of bridges and the removal of vegetation in the years 2007-2008, as well and the usage of the track by freight trains in the future. These activities lead to the destruction and severe disturbance of reptile habitat. To compensate for this, new habitat was created and reptile friendly management of the vegetation is introduced. New habitat was created by building piled walls and wood piles. Twenty-five piled walls were built with a total length of 1100 meter and 37 wood piles were put alongside the track every 50 meter. Common Wall Lizard population size, re- production success and dispersion were monitored. Reconstruction and translocation proved to have a great impact on the population size in the first year after translocation. However, the population shows both a significant, strong increase since then and annual successful reproduction in the new habitat. The average annual growth of the popu- lation over the period 2008-2011 is 60%. Based on the experiences in this project it is advised to develop new habitat five years prior to the destruction of the original habitat. As the railway is not in use yet, the impact of passing trains on the population is unknown.

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Am 13.06.2005 wurde am Rio Genal in Andalusien, Spanien, ein Algerischer Sandläufer Psammodromus algirus dabei beobachtet und fotografiert, wie er ein Paarungsrad von Orthetrum chrysostigma erbeutete und fraß.

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The human-assisted movement of species beyond their native range facilitates novel interactions be-tween invaders and native species that can determine whether an introduced species becomes invasiveand the nature of any consequences for native communities. Avoiding costly interactions throughrecognition and avoidance can be compromised by the naïvety of native species to novel invaders andvice versa. We tested this hypothesis using the common wall lizard,Podarcis muralis, and the native lizardspecies with which it may now interact in Britain (common lizard, Zootoca vivipara, sand lizard, Lacerta agilis) and on Vancouver Island (northern alligator lizard, Elgaria coerulea) by exploring species` re-sponses (tongueflicks, avoidance behaviour) to heterospecific scent cues in controlled experiments. Thetongueflick response of P. muralis depended on the different species’scent, with significantly moretongueflicks directed to E. coerulea scent than the other species and the control. This recognition did notresult in any other behavioural response in P. muralis (i.e. attraction, aggression, avoidance).Lacerta agilis showed a strong recognition response to P. muralis scent, with more tongueflicks occurring close to the treatment stimuli than the control and aggressive behaviour directed towards the scent source. Conversely, Z. vivipara spent less time near P. muralis scent cues than the control but its tongueflick rate was higher towards this scent in this reduced time, consistent with an avoidance response. There was no evidence of E. coerulea recognition of P. muralis scent in terms of tongueflicks or time spent near the stimuli, although the native species did show a preference for P. muralis-scented refuges. Our results suggest a variable response of native species to the scent of P. muralis, from an avoidance response by Z. vivipara that mirrors patterns of exclusion observed in the field to direct aggression observed in L. agilis and an ambiguous reaction from E. coerulea which may reflect a diminished response to a cue with a low associated cost. These results have significant implications for the invasive success and potential impacts of introduced P. muralis populations on native lizards.

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Two previously known northernmost localities of the Sharp-snouted rock lizard in Montenegro were the entrance of the Komarnica Canyon (Nevidio), and the middle part of the Tara River Canyon (village Tepca). It was presumed that Komarnica and Piva canyons were once corridors for the spreading of this species from the Eastern Adriatic sub-Mediterranean area to the Tara River Canyon in the north. However, it had not been hitherto known if there were any other relict populations in the area. In the autumn of 2019 a localized population of D. oxycephala was discovered in the middle part of the Komarnica Canyon.

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Autotomy has evolved independently several times in different animal lineages. It frequently involves immediate functional costs, so regeneration evolved in many instances to restore the functionality of that body part. Caudal autotomy is a widespread antipredator strategy in lizards, although it may affect energy storage, locomotion dynamics, or survival in future encounters with predators. Here, we assessed the effect of tail loss on the locomotor performance of wall lizards (Podarcis muralis ), as well as the recovery of locomotor functionality of lizards with regenerated tails, and the movement dynamics of shed tails that were either intact or having regenerated portions. Tail loss had no effect on locomotion over unhindered spaces, possibly due to compensation between a negative effect on the stride of front limbs, and a positive effect of losing mass and friction force. We found a clear negative impact of tail loss on locomotion in spaces with interspersed obstacles, in which tailed lizards jumped larger distances when leaving the obstacles. Besides, lizards that used the tail to push off the ground were able to approach the obstacles from further, so that the tail seemed to be useful when used during jumping. Regeneration fully restores lizard`s locomotor capacities, but tail antipredator value, as indicated by the intensity of post‐autotomic movements, is only partially retrieved. From these results, we propose that, together with the recovery of post‐autotomy antipredator capacities, the restoration of the organismal locomotor performance may have been an important, yet frequently neglected factor in the evolution of lizard`s regeneration ability.

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Multiple factors influence an organism’s performance in a given environment, including morphology and physiology. These factors have been well studied on their own, but it is not clear how they interact to influence performance. In this project, we will examine morphological and physiological factors and determine their influence on performance. We have constructed a racetrack to test individual lizards’ spring speed (a common indicator of performance) in a variety of conditions. We will be researching these morphological and physiological aspects in lizards from across an elevational gradient in their native range in France as well as invasive populations within southern Ohio. Data from both invasive and native populations will be compared to see if there are significant changes in morphology and physiology that can be attributed to the environment.

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Ectothermic organisms depend entirely on the surrounding environment in order to maintain thermal balance. If the environment has low thermal quality, or if they are not in range of their thermal optimum, they must adjust their behavior to compensate. To uncover the mechanisms and driving forces behind lizard thermoregulation, we must first understand how environmental temperatures affect lizards, and how they accordingly respond. In this project, we address questions about the role of humidity and moisture levels in lizard thermoregulation and the impact of the surrounding environment on lizard activity levels. Further, we investigate how regional heterothermy (maintaining different temperatures in different regions of the body) fluctuates in a changing environment. To answer these questions, we will conduct research on the lizard species Podarcis muralis, the Common Wall Lizard. This species is an active diurnal thermoregulator native to Europe, but found in abundance here in southern Ohio. This makes it an ideal organism to conduct experiments studying how ectotherms compensate for environmental changes that impact thermoregulation. We will conduct field transects of natural populations and use 3D printed model lizards to measure operative temperatures in the field. The environment (temperature, humidity, light levels, etc.) and subject (body and cloacal temperature, activity levels, etc.) will be quantified to test hypotheses that will give us insight on understanding how ectothermic organisms respond and adapt to shifts in the environment. As climate change impacts the Earth, many organisms, especially ectotherms, will need to adjust their thermal interactions with the surrounding environment.

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Eleven out of 42 (26.2%) lizards Acanthodactylus schmidti were found harboring haemogregarines in their peripheral blood. The erythrocytic stages were differentiated into 2 forms: the young form (trophozoite) measured 12.5 +/- 0.5 x 1.7 +/- 0.3 microm and the large mature form (gametocyte) measured 19.8 +/- 1.7 x 1.7 +/- 0.3 microm. The infected erythrocytes were distorted from 16.0 +/- 1.2 x 9.2 +/- 0.2 microm to 20.2 +/- 1.8 x 6.7 +/- 0.8 microm, hypertrophied and faintly stained. None of the leucocytes seemed to be parasitized by the present parasite. Schizogony took place in the endothelial cells of lung capillaries and parenchyma of liver. Two types of schizonts were recorded; microschizonts of 9.35 x 9.65 +/- 0.38 microm and macroschizonts of 25.36 +/-1.81 x 20.35 +/- 0.82 microm. The microschizonts produced 6-12 merozoites, while the macroschizonts produced 18-36 merozoites, however there were no differences between both merozoites, each measured 11.54 +/- 0.81 x 1.41 +/- 0.71 microm. The infected host cells were markedly hypertrophied with noticeable irregularity and faint stainability as well as some vacuolation, necrosis or shrinkage and necrosis.

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Bicuar National Park (BNP) is a protected area in southwestern Angola where biodiversity has been poorly studied. BNP is located on the Angolan plateau on Kalahari sands, in a transition zone between the Angolan Miombo Woodland and the Zambezian Baikiaea Woodland ecoregions. Herpetological surveys were conducted in BNP and surrounding areas, through visual encounter surveys, trapping, and opportunistic collecting of specimens from 2015 to 2018. The regional herpetofauna is described here based on these surveys, literature records, and additional unpublished records. In total, 16 amphibian, 15 lizard, 18 snake, two testudine, and one crocodilian species were observed from the recent surveys, and in combination with historical records the species counts are 21, 36, 32, four, and one species for these herpetofauna groups, respectively. Important observations include the first record of Xenocalamus bicolor bicolor (Günther, 1868), the second records of Sclerophrys poweri (Hewitt, 1935) and of Amblyodipsas ventrimaculata (Roux, 1907), and the fourth record of Monopeltis infuscata (Broadley, 1997) for Angola. Additionally, the type locality of Hyperolius benguellensis (Bocage, 1893) is discussed. A part of the material could not be confidently identified to species level, reflecting the taxonomic uncertainty associated with the Angolan herpetofauna. Fossorial herpetofauna was well represented, reflecting adaptation to sandy soils, the dominant substrate in the area. The likely presence of endemic and poorly known species in BNP reinforces the importance of the park for the conservation of Angolan biodiversity. Further surveys are necessary for a more comprehensive understanding of the park’s fauna and biogeographic affinities, and to improve conservation planning.

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The geographic limits of the three high mountain pyrenean lizards (Archaeolacerta bonnali, A. aranica and A. aurelioi) are relatively congruent with the biogeographic sectorizations proposed up till now, although don’t fit well with the hierarchy of these subdivisions. The differentiation degree among conspecific populations is significatively correlated with their separation distances. Our sectorization from the Alpine belt developed in basis to the alpine carabofauna is the first model specifically proposed for these biota. It clusters the alpine massifs in four groups: a) Occidental Pyrenees; b) Central Pyrenees (with a central portion s. str., an aranese portion, and a preoriental portion); and c) Eastern Pyrenees.

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The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of oil pollution in a desert location (the Greater Al-Burgan oil fields, an area damaged in the Gulf War in 1991) in Kuwait on the hepatotoxicity of the Sand lizard Acanthodactylus scutellatus (A. scutellatus). Twenty lizards (10 of each sex) from each polluted and each control sites were collected. Livers were removed from dissected animals and ready for fixation by Bouin`s solution and formal-saline. Twenty sections (10 from males and 10 from females) from each tar mat (polluted) and control sites were prepared and examined for cell diameter and nuclear measurements using Cell Analysis Systems. The cytology of hepatocytes showed normal appearance in samples from the control sites. Dead cells were abundant in the sections of lizard livers from the tar mat sites and occurred in notably greater numbers than the sections of livers of animals from the control sites. Examinations of the data confirm that the cell and nuclear diameters in liver samples of males collected from polluted sites were generally greater than those of corresponding females. The liver sections obtained from animals in the tar mat site had greater cellular diameters than counterparts from control sites. Females from the polluted sites were also affected by oil pollution by having larger hepatocyte diameters and their nuclei were also affected, being larger than female nuclei from the control sites. The most remarkable feature observed in hepatocytes of lizards collected from the tar mat sites were swelling of hepatocytes, ballooning degeneration of hepatic cytoplasm and cell death. This study confirmed that the prolonged exposure to oil pollution may result in increased accumulation of contaminants and may cause severe liver pathology in a range of wild organisms such as A. scutellatus.

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Color polymorphism is genetically controlled and the process generating and maintaining morphs can affect speciation and/or extinction rates. Competition and aggression among morphs can contribute to polymorphism maintenance and color badges are useful signals in intraspecific communication, because they convey information about alternative strategies and avoid unnecessary conflicts. This could lead to an uneven spatial distribution of morphs in a population, because the local frequency of each morph establishes the intensity of the competition in that neighborhood, and then the fitness of each male. We used a polymorphic lizard, Podarcis muralis, to assess if aggression varies among morphs under two contrasting hypotheses: a heteromorphic vs. a homomorphic aggression. We used laboratory mirror tests after lizard color manipulation and we verified the results consistency with the analysis of the spatial distribution of morphs in a wild population. Both the experiments confirmed that aggression is morph-specific and notably homomorphic. The adoption of behavioral alternative strategies that minimize risks and costs of unwanted conflicts could facilitate the stable coexistence of the phenotypes and reduce the resource competition. A bias in aggression to like-coloured males would advantage rarer morph, which would suffer less harassment by common morphs and obtain a fitness advantage. This process would be negatively-frequency-dependent and would stabilize polymorphism in the populations, possibly leading to sympatric speciation.

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Plusieurs séjours au Maroc entre 1974 et 1978 effectués soit dans le cadre de la RCP 249 du C.N.R.S. soit à l`occasion de voyages touristiques ont permis de rassembler des informations complémentaires sur l`herpétofaune marocaine. Captures, observations de spécimens écrasés sur les routes, mues et déterminations visuelles ont permis d`établir le texte qui suit. Il nous a paru intéressant de rassembler les observations ainsi obtenues avant leur Intégration dans un atlas des Reptiles du Maroc qui devrait voir le jour sous peu. Le découpage régional qui a été retenu est celui qui a été proposé par J. BONS (1967). Les observations les plus originales sont marquées d`un astérisque (*) et certaines sont commentées dans la conclusion.

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The aim of the present work was to study the possible role of adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP) 38 in the testicular intracellular mechanism regulating steroidogenesis of crested newt, Triturus carnifex. Gonads were incubated in vitro with PACAP 38 and prostaglandin (PG) E(2) alone or with inhibitors of cyclooxygenase (COX), adenylate cyclase (AC), and phospholipase C (PLC) for 30 min and 60 min. PGE(2), PGF(2 alpha), testosterone, and estradiol-17 beta were measured in the culture medium; aromatase (AR) activity and cAMP were assessed in the tissue. PACAP 38 increased PGE(2) (30 min and 60 min), estradiol-17 beta (60 min), cAMP (60 min), and AR (60 min) but decreased testosterone (60 min). PGE(2) increased estradiol-17 beta, cAMP, and AR and decreased testosterone at 30 and 60 min.PLC inhibitor counteracted the effects of PACAP 38, while AC inhibitor counteracted these effects except for PGE(2) increase. AC inhibitor counteracted the effects of PGE(2), while PLC did not. COX inhibitor decreased PGF(2 alpha) (30 min and 60 min), PGE(2) (30 min and 60 min), estradiol-17 beta (60 min), cAMP (60 min), and AR (60 min), but increased testosterone (60 min). These in vitro results suggest that, in newt testis, PACAP 38 acts on PLC, inducing the increase of PGE(2) which, in turn, acting on AC, increases AR activity with the consequent estradiol-17 beta increase and testosterone decrease.

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Novel data on the distribution, habitats and population density of the Crimean (Balkan) wall lizard, Podarcis tauricus (Pallas, 1814) in the Odessa Province of the Ukraine are given. For the majority of the localities known from the literature data in the Pre-Danube Region, the current dwelling of the species was confirmed, and its population density over limited areas remains quite high, namely: from 5–10 to 70–100 specimens/1000 sq. m. The northernmost point of the P. tauricus geographical range in the Odessa Province was revealed on the territory of Tatarbunarsky district (N 45.7791, E 29.4843). At the same time, the Crimean wall lizard was not found by us in the area between the Dniester River and the Tiligulskyi Liman, although this species had been known there from few records during the 20th century. This allows one to assume that the P. tauricus range in the North-Western Black Sea Region has de- creased. The tendency of using some types of anthropogenic habitats in the Steppe zone of Ukraine by the Crimean wall lizard, as well as cases of its syntopy with other Lacertidae species, are discussed.

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The paper discusses cases of eggs re-laying in two lizard species from the Darevskia (chlorogaster) com- plex. A male and a female of D. Chlorogaster were captured on 22 March, 2016 in the Gilan province (Iran), and she subsequently laid eggs on 29 May (4 eggs) and 5 July (4 ones). The eggs had length of 10.4–12.8 mm, the width of 6.1–6.5 mm, and the weight of 0.240–0.340 g. Young lizards came out from seven eggs after 52–55 days of incubation. The body length of these newborn lizards was 22.9–27.8 mm, the tail length was 38.5–46.5 mm, and the weight was 0.330–0.460 g. A male and a female of D. caspica were captured on May 22 in the Mazandaran province (Iran). The female laid eggs on June 15 (3 eggs) and July 12 (4 ones). The length of the eggs was 10.0–12.0 mm, the width was 5.0–7.0 mm, and the weight was 0.220–0.310. Young lizards exited from all eggs in 54–68 days. Their body length was 23.1– 26.0 mm, the tail length was 39.0–47.0 mm, and the weight was 0.300–0.390 g. The authors believe that these cases prove the possibility of multiple reproductions per season in D. chlorogaster and D. caspica.

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Aims: To characterize the genetic and morphological diversification of the endan- gered Balearic lizard Podarcis lilfordi and to assess the relevance of this diversity, and how it is described, to conservation measures. Location: This study covers all the populations of the Balearic lizard, Podarcis lilfordi, present in its range of distribution at coastal islets of Menorca, Mallorca and Cabrera Archipelago. Methods: We analysed genetic and morphological variation across the 43 known extant populations of the Balearic lizard, using mitochondrial and nuclear markers. We examined morphometric and scalation characters using, in some cases, phyloge- netically independent contrasts. We also incorporated the study of dorsal coloration and dorsal colour pattern including the analysis of melanism in several populations. Results: We detected clear genetic divergence between Menorcan populations and populations from Mallorca and Cabrera, in both nuclear and mtDNA markers, but genetic divergence is relatively low among different insular populations within these groups. In contrast, morphological divergence was substantial both between Menorcan and remaining populations and within these groups. Morphological traits, such as dorsal coloration, body size and the number and size of scales, seemed to be linked with differences in climatic conditions between populations. In addition, some traits, as melanism, showed a strong phylogenetic signal. Main conclusions: The morphological and genetic diversity of the Balearic lizard is incongruent with the subspecies described in the classical taxonomic literature. Moreover, current populations differ not only in some genetic and morphological features, but also in several ecological and ethological characteristics, in many cases unique to one population. Based on our results, we propose abandoning the use of subspecies to describe the extraordinary morphological diversity of the Balearic liz- ard and its replacement with the concept of evolutionary significant units (ESUs). ESUs are particularly suitable to describe and recognize such diversity and, especially, to ensure the continuity of the evolutionary process.

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The common wall lizard, Podarcis muralis, is a widely distributed European lizard which has been often introduced across the continent, including north of the continuous species range. Three such populations were recently discovered in the Strzelin Hills in Poland, but no information is available about their origin. We studied the morphological variation, demographic structure and ecology of these populations, as well as their possible origin based on cytochrome b mtDNA sequences. Between 2011 and 2019, the lizards were annually active from the first half of March to mid-October. Males attained significantly larger snout-vent length than females and had relatively larger heads. Almost half of all captured individuals exhibited at least one pileus scale anomaly. Analysis of colour polymorphism revealed the occurrence of three morphs: white, white-red and red. The oldest lizards reached the age of 8 years. These parameters of Polish populations do not deviate from those of other populations from similar latitudes. Molecular analysis revealed that they belong to the most common haplotype of Central European haplogroup I of the Central Balkan clade. This haplotype is widely distributed across the Czech Republic and Slovakia; however, genetic data do not allow determination of the exact origin of the Polish population. Human-mediated introduction from the closest localities, the Czech Republic or Slovakia, is probable but the relict status cannot at present be excluded.

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Three mantid species, Tenodera aridifolia (Stoll), Hierodura patellifera (Serville), and Statilia maculata Thunberg, of varying body size and habitats, exhibited defensive reactions when faced with a natural enemy, the Japanese skink, Takydromus tachydromoides (Schlegel). Defensive reactions were analyzed as primary or secondary defenses for all stages. Of the primary defenses, the cryptic reaction was the main defensive reaction: mantids lowered the prothorax and simultaneously stretched the prothoracic legs, the antennae were arranged forward, and the abdomen was sometimes extended posteriorly. The frequency of the subcryptic reaction as a primary defense tended to increase with more advanced developmental stage. The primary defensive strategy switched at specific developmental stage and also depended on the distance between the prey mantid and the natural enemy. In some instars, T. aridifolia and H. patellifera displayed the cryptic reaction when the mantid—foe distance was long, whereas they displayed the subcryptic reaction when the mantid—foe distance was short. However, S. maculata did not switch defense strategies based on the mantid—foe distance. The secondary defenses of young instar nymphs of T. aridifolia and H. patellifera were primarily defensive reactions, whereas the frequency of aggressive reactions tended to increase with developmental stage. S. maculata did not display aggressive reactions during any stage. We concluded that the primary and secondary defenses used by mantids depend on the developmental stage and mantid—foe distance. Moreover, three mantid species that vary in both body size and habitat showed different defensive reactions when faced with a natural enemy.

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Darevskia rock lizards is a unique complex taxa, including more than thirty species, seven of which are parthenogenetic. in mixed populations of Darevskia lizards, tri- and tetraploid forms can be found. the most important issues in the theory of reticulate evolution of Darevskia lizards are the origin of parthenogenetic species and their taxonomic position. However, there is little data on how meiosis proceeds in these species. The present work reports the complex results of cytogenetics in a diploid parthenogenetic species – D. unisexualis. Here we detail the meiotic prophase I progression and the specific features оf mitotic chromosomes organization. The stages of meiosis prophase I were investigated by immunocytochemical analysis of preparations obtained from isolated primary oocytes of D. unisexualis in comparison with maternal species D. raddei nairensis. It has been shown that in D. unisexualis at the leptotene-zygotene stages the axial elements and the synaptonemal complex (SC) form typical “bouquets”. At the pachytene-diplotene stage, 18 autosomal SC-bivalents and thickened asynapted sex Z and w univalents were observed. The presence of SYCP1 protein between the lateral elements of autosomal chromosomes proved the formation of assembled Scs. comparative genomic hybridization (cGH) on the mitotic metaphase chromosomes of D. unisexualis was carried out using the genomic DnA isolated from the parental species D. raddei nairensis and D. valentini. in the pericentromeric regions of half of the mitotic chromosomes of D. unisexualis, specific regions inherited from maternal species have been found. Following our results, we suggest a model for diploid germ cells formation from diploid oocytes without premeiotic duplication of chromosomes in the oogenesis of diploid parthenogenetic lizards D. unisexualis. Taken as a whole, our findings confirm the hybrid nature of D. unisexualis and shed light on heterozygosity and automixis in diploid parthenogenetic forms.

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Following habitat fragmentation, the remnant faunal community will undergo a period of species loss or ‘relaxation.’ Theory predicts that species with particular life-history traits, such as a small population size, small geographical range, low fecundity and large body size, should be more vulnerable to fragmentation. In this study, we investigated the relationships between the above life-history traits and the fragmentation vulnerability index (the number of islands occupied) of five lizard species inhabiting recently isolated land-bridge islands in the Thousand Island Lake, China. Data on life-history traits were collected from field surveys (population density) and from the literature (body size, clutch size and geographical range size). The species–area relationships for lizards sampled from the mainland versus on the islands differed significantly (i.e. the number of species inhabiting islands was decreased relative to similar-sized areas on the mainland), indicating that species extinction has occurred on all of the study islands following isolation. For the fragmentation vulnerability index, model selection based on Akaike’s information criterion identified natural density at mainland sites as the best correlate of vulnerability to fragmentation, supporting the hypothesis that rare species are most vulnerable to local extinction and will be lost first from fragmented landscapes. In contrast, there was little evidence for an effect of lizards’ snout–vent length, clutch size or geographical range size on fragmentation vulnerability. Identification of species traits that render some species more vulnerable to fragmentation than others has important implications for conservation and can be used to aid direct management efforts.

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Ilya S. Darevsky co-described 70 taxa (three genera, 46 species, 21 subspecies) in 44 publications belonging to five orders, eight families of amphibians and reptiles during his career in herpetology. Of this number, three taxa are fossil and 57 taxa are currently considered as valid. By the regions where new taxa were discovered Southeast Asia and Western Asia (includes Caucasus and Asia Minor) dominates. The largest number of descriptions was published in the Russian Journal of Herpetology.

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Hybrid zones provide insights into the evolution of reproductive isolation. Sexual selection can contribute to the evolution ofreproductive barriers, but it remains poorly understood how sexual traits impact gene flow in secondary contact. Here, we showthat a recently evolved suite of sexual traits that function in male-male competition mediates gene flow between two lineages ofwall lizards (Podarcis muralis). Gene flow was relatively low and asymmetric in the presence of exaggerated male morphology andcoloration compared to when the lineages share the ancestral phenotype. Putative barrier loci were enriched in genomic regionsthat were highly differentiated between the two lineages and showed low concordance between the transects. The exceptionwas a consistently low genetic exchange aroundATXN1, a gene that modulates social behavior. We suggest that this gene maycontribute to the male mate preferences that are known to cause lineage-assortative mating in this species. Although female choicemodulates the degree of reproductive isolation in a variety of taxa, wall lizards demonstrate that both male-male competition and male mate choice can contribute to the extent of gene flow between lineages.

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The ability to shed (autotomize) all or part of the tail, usually in response to predator attack, and often to subsequently regenerate it is widespread in lizards and amphisbaenians and also occurs in a few snakes and in the tuatara. Most species possess a sophisticated intravertebral autotomy mechanism which seems to be primitive in the Squamata. This appears to have been independently lost in members of many groups, but some agamids and snakes have regained the ability to shed their tails by a simpler intervertebral means and a -number of agamids have also redeveloped tail regeneration as well. Breakable tails are used to evade capture in two main ways: by enabling reptiles to break away from predators that have grasped them by the tail and by providing a distraction which deflects the attention of the attacker away from the vulnerable head and body. It is argued that loss of caudal autotomy has occurred when the costs of tail shedding outweigh its benefits. Likely costs include the expense of regrowing the tail and the loss of a variety of possible tail functions that may cause partial incapacitation, at least until the tail regenerates. Benefits of autotomy are liable to be low if predation is rare, if the animal is able to protect itself effectively in other ways, if it is too slow to evade further pursuit after the tail is shed, or if the tail is small or unpalatable and consequently not likely to distract a predator. Benefit variation may well be greater than cost variation and therefore more important in initiating the loss of autotomy mechanisms. Many taxa that do not shed the tail appear to conform to the above interpretation, but in some cases, such as the Platynota, Agamidae and Chamaeleonidae, lack of intravertebral autotomy may reflect the history of these groups rather than being a direct result of present ecological pressures. The distribution of intervertebral autotomy in the Agamidae suggests that it may have evolved only in rather special circumstances where tail fragility is advantageous even in the absence of the ability to regenerate. Restriction ot autotomy planes to the tail-base, so that the whole organ is lost, a condition found in a number of relatively slow-moving geckoes, is interpreted as a means of ensuring that enough of the tail is shed to distract a predator from further pursuit. The stimulus necessary to induce autotomy can vary rapidly in individual lizards and at least some of these changes probably maximize the effectiveness of the tail-shedding mechanism. Differences in the readiness with which all or part of the tail is shed exist between species and are likely to reflect the balance of costs and benefits in particular cases. Variations in incidence of broken tails between species and populations may be due to such differences in fragility but many other factors may play a part, including the age structure of samples, incidence of unsuccessful attacks by predators and ability to evade predators after autotomy. There is a clear tendency for climbing lizards, especially those living on rock surfaces, to have higher incidences of broken tails than ground-dwelling species, perhaps because the tail is usually less important in locomotion in the first group. Many lizards possess conspicuously coloured tails and tail movements that seem likely to help distract attention from the head and body. Conspicuous tail colouring is more frequent and often better developed in young animals, which tend to be more vulnerable than adults, and in active species from open habitats where crypsis may not always be very effective. Conspicuous tails usually have contrasting light and dark areas in nocturnal forms but are often a single bright colour in diurnal ones, probably reflecting the visual capacities of their respective predators. The predominance of blue tails in day-active species may be because this colour is striking close to but not very arresting at a distance, so it may not attract predators from far away while still drawing their attention at close quarters.

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Systematische Untersuchungen zur Herpetofauna der Stadt Essen sind zuletzt in den 1980er Jahren durchgeführt worden. Die Ergebnisse wurden seinerzeit auch publiziert, liegen hinsichtlich der Fundorte aber nur auf Basis von Quadratkilometer-Rasterflächen vor. Seit 1990 hat es keine flächendeckenden Kartierungen mehr gegeben. Auch im Rahmen der landesweiten Neukartierung (1993-2010) wurden fast keine neuen Funde mehr für Essen gemeldet. Einige wenige ältere Nachweise konnten nachträglich lokalisiert werden. Erst im Rahmen der Online-Erfassungen seit 2012 sind wieder einige konkrete Fundpunkte erfasst worden. Anhand der Datenbanken des Arbeitskreises Amphibien und Reptilien NRW, der BSWR und veröffentlichter Daten wurden 303 Datensätze generiert, von denen 82 lokalisierbare Fundpunkte für Essen sind. Die allermeisten Funde konzentrieren sich auf den Essener Süden. Die mit Abstand häufigste Art ist die Blindschleiche, gefolgt von Ringelnatter und Zauneidechse. Die Waldeidechse ist in Essen dagegen extrem selten. Neu für Essen ist das Vorkommen der Mauereidechse am Rhein-Herne-Kanal. Wasserschildkröten kommen stellenweise ausgesetzt vor, reproduzieren sich aber nicht. Ein mögliches ehemaliges Vorkommen von Schlingnatter und Kreuzotter wird diskutiert. Ob alle Ringelnattern zur Barren-Ringelnatter Natrix (n.) helvetica gezählt werden können ist nicht klar. Veränderungen der relativen Häufigkeit von Arten deuten auf tatsächliche Veränderungen in der Reptilienfauna hin. Blindschleichen sind demnach eventuell seltener geworden, Ringelnattern und ausgesetzte Schildkröten haben dagegen zugenommen.

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In this article we provide new data of amphibians and reptiles distribution in Teruel province: 81 unpublished records. These records constitute the first observation for a given herpetological specie in a 10 km x 10 UTM square. As a result of a bibliographical review until January 2004, the species cited in Teruel province are 30: 8 species of amphibians and 22 of reptiles, one of these reptiles has been introduced, Trachemys scripta.

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The genus Psammodromus (Lacertidae) comprises six species. Three of the species are morphologically similar, phylogenetically closely related, and are distributed in the Iberian Peninsula (besides P. algirus): P. occidentalis (Western Iberia), P. hispanicus (Central Spain), and P. edwarsianus (Eastern Spain). Previous studies have shown these three species to have allopatric distributions in Iberia, though there are still many areas such as Andalucia where it is unclear which species of Psammodromus occurs. In this study we present nine new records of Psammodromus from key places in southern Spain. Since the three Iberian species are difficult to differentiate by morphology, specimens were genetically identified using mitochondrial DNA data and compared to all six species of the genus. Here we present an updated distribution map of Psammodromus specimens identified with molecular methods, increasing the ranges of all three species. We also propose wider regions of potential sympatry between P. occidentalis and P. hispanicus, and P. edwarsianus and P. hispanicus than previously recorded.

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Alkylphenols (AP) are widespread environmental compounds belonging to the large family of substances known as Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals (EDCs). The present study was carried out to assess the effects of Octylphenol (OP) alone and in combination with Nonylphenol (NP) on the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal gland (HPA) axis of the lizard Podarcis sicula. Lizards are good bioindicators due to their features such as wide distribution, large population and good sensitivity to contaminants. Results obtained showed a time and dose-dependent stimulation of the HPA together with a high variation of both catecholamine plasma levels and greater vascularization and hypertrophy of steroidogenic cord of adrenal gland after both OP and OP+NP treatments. Interestingly, the OP+NP mixture treatment has provoked a state of stress of the adrenal gland which in fact appeared to be characterized by the presence of a marked macrophage infiltration which can be seen especially close to the connective capsule surrounding the gland. This macrophage infiltration could be an evidence of a particularly pronounced inflammatory state to indicate, probably, an animal’s response to a non-physiological situation.

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Between March and October 1992 the herpetofauna of the municipality Much was surveyed qualitatively and semiquantitatively on the basis of a square-kilometregrid-map. 9 species of amphibians and 3 species of reptiles were recorded: Fire Salamander (Salamandra salamandra terrestris), alpine newt (Triturus a. alpestris), smooth newt (Triturus v. vulgaris), palmate newt (Triturus h. helveticus), midwife toad (Alytes o. obstetricans), common toad (Bufo b. bufo), common tree frog (Hyla a. arborea), grass frog (Rana t. temporaria), edible frog (Rana kl. esculenta), pool frog (Rana lessonae); viviparous lizard (Zootoca v. vivipara), slow worm (Anguis f. fragilis) and grass snake (Natrix n. natrix and Natrix n. Helvetica). The distribution of these species is compared with the Situation in Nortrhine-Westphalia (NRW). Grass frog, common toad, alpine newt, smooth newt, viviparous lizard, slow worm and grass snake were widespread and had locally large populations in the municipality Much. The species edible frog, common tree frog, midwife toad and palmate newt were considered to be rare in this area, because only isolated and very small populations exist. The fire Salamander is abundant in the West of the area along the Naaf and Wahn stream valleys, whereas it is absent in the Northeast and the South. The yellow-bellied toad (Bombina variegata) is considered to be extinct. In contrast to similar studies the amphibians spawned more often in ponds stocked with fish, leading to the conclusion that there is a lack of small water bodies in the investigated area. The loss of this kind of water body, beside the eutrophy caused by fish and cattle breeding, is considered to be the most important threatening factor for the herpetofauna.

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Background The regenerating blastema of the tail in the lizard Podarcis muralis contains numerous macrophages among the prevalent mesenchymal cells. Some macrophages are phagocytic but others are devoid of phagosomes suggesting that they have other roles aside phagocytosis. Methods The presence of healing macrophages (M2-like) has been tested using autoradiographic, immunohistochemical and ultrastructural studies. Results Autoradiography shows an uptake of tritiated arginine in sparse cells of the blastema and in the regenerating epidermis. Bioinformatics analysis suggests that epitopes for arginase-1 and -2, recognized by the employed antibody, are present in lizards. Immunofluorescence shows sparse arginase immunopositive macrophages in the blastema and few macrophages also in the apical wound epidermis. The ultrastructural study shows that macrophages contain dense secretory granules, most likely inactive lysosomes, and small cytoplasmic pale vesicles. Some of the small vesicles are arginase-positive while immunolabeling is very diffuse in the macrophage cytoplasm. Conclusions The presence of cells incorporating arginine and of arginase 1-positive cells suggests that M2-like macrophages are present among mesenchymal and epidermal cells of the regenerative tail blastema. M2-like macrophages may promote tail regeneration differently from the numerous pro-inflammatory macrophages previously detected in the scarring limb. The presence of M2-like macrophages in addition to hyaluronate, support the hypothesis that the regenerative blastema of the tail in lizards is an immuno-privileged organ where cell proliferation and growth occur without degenerating in a tumorigenic outgrowth.

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Longevity and age of sexual maturity are key life history trait factors directly linked to ecological and evolutionary aspects. In this study, we determined age structure of Parvilacerta parva individuals from Sivas (Turkey) using skeletochronology. The maximum age was found to be seven years for females and six years for males of P. parva. A significant relationship was found between age and body size in individuals whose head length, head width and body length were measured. Additionally, it was seen that there is a significant relationship among body length, head length and head width.

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In this study, morphological and phylogenetic relationships between the populations of the dwarf lizard (Parvilacerta parva), whose distribution area is large Anatolian Peninsula, were investigated. In addition, how the climatic factors affect the distribution of the species today and in the past (at the last glacial maximum) has been demonstrated, and species distribution model maps of have been drawn and possible refigiums have been determined. The modeling results showed that especially climatic factors are effective in colonizing Anatolian populations of dwarf lizard. Lizards, which were in refugias among Western Anatolia and Van region in the past, are currently spreading to steppe habitats of Anatolia. Statistical analysis on morphological characters have shown that there is a macro-regional colonization as a result of past climate-based mobility rather than today`s geography and landscapes in accordance with the distribution dynamics of the species. In this context, gradual changes and significant correlations were detected between the Eastern, Central and Western Anatolian macro-regions. Phylogenetic analyzes were performed on mitochondrial cytochrome b gene (862 bp). The sequences of this gene were tested with maximum likelihood, maximum parsimony and Bayesian inference. Although the bootstrap values of some branches cannot have very high scores due to it is just a within species study, it is observed that the Eastern Anatolian populations are in a separate clad compare to Central and Western Anatolian populations and the Western populations are labelled as the youngest populations by using Bayesian inference analysis. Divergence time analyzes have also shown that the seperations in the colonization of the species are climate-based rather than geographical barriers. Because of the optimal mild climatic conditions, the species is dispersed from the refugiums. As a result, every significant branching in the phylogenetic tree was found to coincide with the interglacial periods, especially in the Pleistocene age. It was also calculated that the species might be separated from the Fraas lizard (Parvilacerta fraasi), another member of the genus Parvilacerta, in the period when the effects of Messinian salinity crisis were observed.

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We have previously described the spontaneous regeneration of retinal ganglion cell axons after optic nerve (ON) transection in the adult Gallotia galloti. As neurotrophin-3 (NT-3) is involved in neuronal differentiation, survival and synaptic plasticity, we performed a comparative immunohistochemical study of NT-3 during the ontogeny and regeneration (after 0.5, 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months postlesion) of the lizard visual system to reveal its distribution and changes during these events. For characterization of NT-3(+) cells, we performed double labelings using the neuronal markers HuC-D, Pax6 and parvalbumin (Parv), the microglial marker tomato lectin or Lycopersicon esculentum agglutinin (LEA), and the astroglial markers vimentin (Vim) and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP). Subpopulations of retinal and tectal neurons were NT-3(+) from early embryonic stages to adulthood. Nerve fibers within the retinal nerve fiber layer, both plexiform layers and the retinorecipient layers in the optic tectum (OT) were also stained. In addition, NT-3(+)/GFAP(+) and NT-3(+)/Vim(+) astrocytes were detected in the ON, chiasm and optic tract in postnatal and adult lizards. At 1 month postlesion, abundant NT-3(+)/GFAP(+) astrocytes and NT-3(-)/LEA(+) microglia/macrophages were stained in the lesioned ON, whereas NT-3 became downregulated in the experimental retina and OT. Interestingly, at 9 and 12 months postlesion, the staining in the experimental retina resembled that in control animals, whereas bundles of putative regrown fibers showed a disorganized staining pattern in the OT. Altogether, we demonstrate that NT-3 is widely distributed in the lizard visual system and its changes after ON transection might be permissive for the successful axonal regrowth.

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The last species list of the European herpetofauna was published by Speybroeck, Beukema and Crochet (2010). In the meantime, ongoing research led to numerous taxonomic changes, including the discovery of new species-level lineages as well as reclassifications at genus level, requiring significant changes to this list. As of 2019, a new Taxonomic Committee was established as an official entity within the European Herpetological Society, Societas Europaea Herpetologica (SEH). Twelve members from nine European countries reviewed, discussed and voted on recent taxonomic research on a case-by-case basis. Accepted changes led to critical compilation of a new species list, which is hereby presented and discussed. According to our list, 301 species (95 amphibians, 15 chelonians, including six species of sea turtles, and 191 squamates) occur within our expanded geographical definition of Europe. The list includes 14 non-native species (three amphibians, one chelonian, and ten squamates).

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Mesalina is a genus of small xeric lizards currently comprising 19 species distributed from West Africa throughout the Saharo-Sindian deserts to the Indo-Iranian plateau. Previous phylogenetic studies highlighted the presence of cryptic diversity within the genus and described new Mesalina species from its eastern lineages. In this study, we investigated the taxonomy and systematics within the Mesalina olivieri species complex, focusing on the Atlantic Sahara (from Morocco to Mauritania). The species complex is currently represented by three recognised species, all of them present in this region: M. olivieri, M. pasteuri and M. simoni. Using an integrative taxonomy approach based on morphological (pholidotic, coloration and pattern) and molecular (one mtDNA and four nuDNA markers) datasets, we provide robust evidences for the existence of additional taxa within the M. olivieri complex is provided, including an undescribed species in Mauritania. Mesalina sp. nov. . All M. olivieri that cluster together with M. simoni were proposed to be included as subspecies of the latter (M. simoni ssp. nov.). The clade including Mesalina sp. nov. and M. simoni diverged from M. olivieri and M. pasteuri around 9.5 Mya whereas these two latter species separated 1 or 2 Mya later in the end of the Miocene. The combined analyses supported a new classification of the Mesalina olivieri species complex into four extant species. The new species is sympatric with M. pasteuri in Mauritania but it is phylogenetically and morphologically divergent from it. Species distribution modelling suggests that the new taxon occurs exclusively in the rocky areas of the Adrar Atar plateau and neighbouring regions. The relatively wide but fragmented distribution of Mesalina sp. nov. suggests that its conservation status is Least Concern (LC).

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The last catalogue of the Reptile collection of the Museu Bocage dates back to 1972. The collections were lost in a fire 25 years ago, so it was necessary to analyse the effort of various donors, who offered the Museum a new collection. The evaluation of the sampling effort is important to gather information (on quantity and origin) and the various samples of the species of lacertid lizards present in the Museum and enables an operational and practical visual imaged of that information. The obtained results prove that the study of the sampling effort using ordinary kriging method is robust and accurate on identifying gaps (under or no sampled areas) and a helpful tool to fulfil them. Although beginning to the representative of the Portuguese fauna, the lacertid collection of the Museu Bocage needs major improvements given that it still does not illustrate the actual distribution of lacertid lizards in Portugal. In order to stand for modern standards, when complementing the existing collection we must take into account not only the information provided by the analysis but also conservationist concerns (not killing animals) and the establishment of co-partnerships with congener institutions as well. Nowadays Museums have the duty, more than ever, to keep their collections well housed, cared for and accessible to the scientific community.

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Theoretical and field studies suggest that inferior competitors may be able to avoid costly agonistic interactions, although the mechanisms involved are poorly understood in lizards. The “Dear enemy recognition” theory proposes that higher tolerance among familiar than among unfamiliar conspecifics may reduce costly interactions. Male lizards Lacerta monticola are able to discriminate between familiar and unfamiliar conspecific males through chemical signals alone. To better understand the implications of this discrimination ability, we performed a laboratory experiment on the role of familiarity in social tolerance estimated as the degree of spatial proximity with no sign of aggressiveness between males with a size asymmetry. In natural conditions the outcome of neighbour-stranger interactions might be the result of asymmetries in residence. Therefore, we staged pairwise encounters between familiar and unfamiliar males in neutral terraria to avoid an interacting effect of residency asymmetry. The latency to the first time in close proximity was significantly longer when small males were faced with unfamiliar males. The time that unfamiliar lizards spent in close proximity was significantly lower than that with familiar males. Our design allowed us to conclude that there was a higher social tolerance among familiar individuals with a size asymmetry that was independent of residency asymmetry.

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The purpose of this study was to analyse selected factors determining the level of infestation of Ixodes ricinus ticks on Lacerta agilis and Zootoca vivipara lizards found in Central Europe. Both environmental factors (habitats within protected areas and areas transformed as a result of human activity) as well as morphological factors (age, sex and size of lizards, location of ticks on the lizard’s body) were assessed. We found that the age and size of a lizard played a significant role in the level of infestation, but this depended on the species and habitat. Females of both species differed significantly in their level of tick infestation; females of L. agilis had lower infection than Z. vivipara. In contrast, there was no difference in levels of infection between juveniles and males of the different species. We also found that the impact of body size changed in the different habitats: the number of ticks increased with body size in natural areas only. In addition, more frequently ticks were found in the front groin area (336 individuals) and forelimbs (202), less often on the neck (12) and never in the hind groin area. These differences might be because it is easier to infest a larger individual than a smaller one, and areas of the front of the lizard might be more accessible whilst foraging. This study provides additional information about tick infestation that may be relevant to the conservation of the species of lizards.

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Monfragüe National Park (Cáceres, Extremadura, Spain) is a protected area in central‐western Iberia, including some of the best preserved primary Mediterranean vegetation. Legal protection dates back to 1979 (first as a Natural Park and then as a National Park), but knowledge about its reptile communities is so far limited to sparse records. In this paper we present an updated species list based on 521 records covering 163 1x1 km UTM grids in the study area, compiled in the period 2000‐2019. We detected 20 native species, representing 71.4% of the reptile fauna in Extremadura and 35% of the ibero‐balearic reptile fauna. Additionally, based on molecular analyses populations of the amphisbaenid genus Blanus in the study area are assigned to the oriental Iberian taxon, B. cinereus. The new records extend the known distribution of the different reptile species in the study area in 56 10x10 km UTM grids. Species presenting more restricted distributions in Monfragüe are Lacerta schreiberi (one 1x1 grid), Emys orbicularis, and Acanthodactylus erythrurus (four 10x10 grids each).

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Females of several lizard species modify their body temperature during pregnancy, probably in connection with the optimisation of hatchling phenotypes. We studied variations in the temperature selected by gravid females compared with those selected by males and non-gravid females in an oviparous population of Zootoca vivipara (Jacquin, 1797) (Squamata: Lacertidae) of Northern Spain and examined the effects of incubation temperature on the phenotypic variation of hatchlings. Cloacal temperatures of gravid females active in the field were lower than those of males and non-gravid females, as well as the temperatures selected in a thermal gradient created in the laboratory (mean±s.d.: 32.33±1.27 °C for gravid females; 34.05±1.07 °C for males and non-gravid females). Effects of temperature were assessed by incubating eggs at five constant temperatures (21, 25, 29, 32 and 34 °C). Incubation time decreased as temperature increased, following a negative exponential function. Incubation temperatures also affected the hatchlings’ morphology: hatchlings incubated at 34 °C had shorter heads than those from other temperatures. Survival at 34 °C (58%) was significantly lower than at the other temperatures (mean 93%). Pregnant females select lower body temperature, approaching the temperatures that optimise hatchling phenotypes, according to predictions of the maternal manipulation hypothesis on the evolution of viviparity. The shift in preferred temperature by pregnant females would result in only a very short delay, if any, of hatching time and, because the temperature selected by pregnant females is much higher than average temperatures recorded in natural nests of Z. vivipara, egg retention considerably shortens incubation time, according to predictions of the cold-climate hypothesis. Our experimental results indicate that the two main hypotheses on the evolution of viviparity are compatible in our study model.

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Species distribution modelling is a powerful tool that can gives us ecological insights about species distributions, and potential effects of environmental factors, in poorly known habitats. For the first time the distribution of terrestrial reptiles in Saudi Arabia was modelled, and environmental factors that affect their current distribution and richness investigated. Reptiles are a major vertebrate group in Saudi Arabia and protecting them should be a priority for conservation in such an arid environment. Temperature was the most important of eleven predictors. Maximum species richness of reptiles was predicted in the central plateau, north-western borders, and in coastal areas of Saudi Arabia. Overall, the predicted and the observed patterns of species richness followed a similar pattern. Our analysis revealed that large scattered parts of Saudi Arabia are considered under-sampled in terms of sampling efforts of terrestrial reptile species. Our results represent the most comprehensive description of terrestrial reptile diversity distributions and habitat suitability in Saudi Arabia to date.

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Allelic polymorphism of three microsatellite loci from the genome of parthenogenetic lizard Darevskia unisexualis was characterized using analysis of free energy (Gibbs energy) of the DNA/DNA duplex formation within the stepwise mutational model. It was demonstrated that the number of microsatellite cluster monomericic units would change to decrease the mean free energy of the locus. In addition, based on the analysis of nucleotide composition, the GC content of each locus was evaluated, and belonging of the loci examined to certain isochore families was suggested.

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A new nematode species, Rhabdias lacertae n. sp. (Rhabdiasidae), is described from the body-cavity of the common lizard Lacerta vivipara Jacquin (Lacertidae) from the Ridge of Malá Fatra (Sokolie Hill), north-western Slovakia. The new species differs from its congeners mainly in possessing 3 min cuticular spikes at the tail tip and some other features. This is the first species of Rhabdias Stiles & Hassall, 1905 described from lizards in Europe and the first species of this genus parasitising hosts belonging to the Lacertidae.

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Numerous studies showed that habitat fragmentation can affect the constitution of species by impairing living conditions, impeding gene flow and thereby reducing genetic variability. However, populations of the same species may react less sensitive to fragmentation in the core than in the periphery of its distribution range. In the core they are assumed to be more euryoecious compared to the periphery, where they are assumed to be stenoecious with lower genetic diversity and higher genetic differentiation. We tested this hypothesis by comparing the genetic variability of 215 individuals of ten populations of Lacerta viridis from fragmented habitats within its distribution center in Bulgaria using genotype data of 19 microsatellite loci. We could not detect significant alteration of genetic variation, regardless of patch size and isolation by distance, indicating that fragmentation indeed did not had a strong impact on L. viridis in the core area of its historical and recent distribution range. We cannot rule out that the time elapsed since habitat fragmentation occurred was too short to yield a genetic response. However, in a similar study on L. agilis, which is stenoecious in Bulgaria, all genetic diversity indices declined with patch size. This provides indications that fragmentation at present does not have a strong effect on the genetic variation of Bulgarian L. viridis populations.