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In this study, it is aimed to determine the amphibians and reptiles species of Adana province. This study was conducted in September and October 2013 and February, March, May, April, and June 2014. As a results of the study, 4 anuran species belonging to three families, 2 urodelian species belonging to one family, 6 tortoise species belonging to five families, 16 lizards species belonging to 6 families, one worm lizard, 19 snakes species belonging to 4 families, with a total of 48 different species of amphibians and reptiles, showing distribution in Adana, were identified. However, the species of Neurergus strauchii, Pelobates syriacus, Anatololacerta pelasgiana, Darevskia valentini, Eirenis decemlineatus, E. eiselti, E. lineomaculatus, Rhynchocalamus melanocephalus, which were recorded in the literature previously, could not be found. With the field survey and literature records, 56 amphibian and reptile species belonging to 21 families were determined in Adana province. In addition, chorotype information of the species and distribution localities in Adana were given in detail.

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A new record of D. pontica in the Kuban-Azov Lowland was described. This is the northernmost locality for the species. This population could be relic or recently introduced. To estimate the presumed relic origin of the population, we using GIS modeling estimated distributional range dynamics of the species since the Late Pleistocene. Currently and during the previous times, the locality had little suitable environmental conditions for a survival of the species. Therefore, we consider that the population more likely to be introduced.

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The karyology of two taxa represented in the mountain herpetofauna: Discoglossus Otth, 1837 and Iberian Archaeolacerta Méhely, 1909 -- Discoglossus and Iberian Archaeolacerta represent good models in studying the roles played by chromosomal variations during evolution. In Discoglossus chromosomal rearrangements appear to have essentially involved the localisation and/or composition of heterochromatin and, at a lower degreee, the chromosome morphology. Kariologic data on the Iberian Archaeolacerta showed that L. monticola is a polytypical taxon including L. monticola sensu stricto and the L. bonnali complex. In the former taxon there are 2n=36 all acrocentric chromosomes, and in the latter there are 2n=24-26 chromosomes, 10-12 of which biarmed.

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Rarity degree, evolution of distribution and particularities of herpetofauna from Region Nord .– Pas-de-Calais. After giving a review of species (natives, introduced or probably introduced and mentioned by mistake) from Region Nord .– Pas-de-Calais, cartography of observations has been carried out. It permit to allocate a regional rarity rating to each species according to the surface area occupied and to reckon the evolution of distribution by the comparison of actual distribution area (surface occupied between 1995 to 2000) to the potential area. The comparison of species frequencies between coalfield and the rest of the region conduces to bring to the fore the importance of secondaries habitats being the result of mine development on distribution and preservation of some species.

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A la date du 01 septembre 2010, et pour la période 1995-2008, 450 observateurs ont communiqué 5423 fiches d’inventaire à la centrale herpétologique régionale, récapitulant 12449 observations . L’herpétofaune régionale autochtone et/ou introduite compte actuellement 18 espèces d’Amphibiens et 9 espèces de Reptiles. Leur distribution géographique est présentée dans la maille 10x10 km basée sur le carroyage Lambert Zone 1.

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The blue-throated keeled lizard, Algyroides nigropunctatus, is distributed along the Adriatic coast from Italy to Greece and is sexually dichromatic. Males display a striking blue on their throat, an orange ventrum, and a dark brown dorsal colouration, but their colouration has never been objectively assessed. Here, we describe the colouration of 13 male blue-throated keeled lizards from Cres Island (Croatia) using spectrophotometry and ultraviolet (UV) photography, and show that the blue throat and the blue spots located on the flanks reflect in the UV part of the spectrum. We discuss the potential role of UV-blue colouration in social signalling.

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We analysed the species–area relationship and structural connectivity among islands of La Maddalena Archipelago (Italy), a numerous group of small islands very close to Sardinia. We related species richness (amphibians and reptiles) to several environmental factors (area; number of unique habitats; topographical variables; and distances of each island to Sardinia, to the nearest island and to the nearest large island) using generalized additive models and connectivity analysis by graph theory and the software Conefor 2.6. Using each method, we performed several comparisons: considering all species; excluding species with a high exchange rate (‘in transit’); including only autochthonous species; and including species present on large islands. We also excluded, in turn, all amphibians; all Scincidae; all Gekkonidae; all Lacertidae; all Colubridae; and one species in turn. Except in the case of species present on large islands, all models selected the same variables: ruggedness standard deviation, area, number of unique habitats, and mean and maximal elevation. When excluding Sardinia, the highest connectivity value corresponded to the largest islands. Species richness is related to island complexity (habitat diversity and topographical complexity) and not simply to area. Network connectivity is dominated by the internal connectivity of the largest islands, but small islands are essential to maintain the network connectivity and endemicity.

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Acanthodactylus lineomaculatus is now regarded as an ecotype of A. erythrurus with which it has been recently synonymized. Despite the wide range of A. erythrurus, karyological data for this species are scarce and limited to classical cytogenetic studies carried out in individuals from only 2 locations (central Spain and Spanish enclave of Melilla on the northwestern Mediterranean Moroccan coast). Here, for the first time, we cytogenetically characterized individuals of A. lineomaculatus from the southwestern Moroccan Atlantic coast with the aim to increase the karyological knowledge of this wide-ranging species and to assess if any chromosomal changes can be found in this ecotype in comparison to other populations of this species. The diploid number of the individuals investigated is 2n = 38 which is typical of most lacertids. Active NORs were located telomerically in a medium-small pair of chromosomes, and no inactive NORs were detected. C-banding revealed an intensely heterochromatic W chromosome composed of AT-rich (centromere and long arm telomeric region) and GC-rich (most of the long arm) regions, with extended interstitial telomeric sequences. These telomere-like repeats occupy the GC-rich heterochromatin of the W. The DNA composition of the W represents a trait distinguishing A. lineomaculatus (southwestern Morocco) from A. erythrurus from Spain that possess a DAPI-positive (AT-rich) W chromosome. In conclusion, these results add further evidence to the remarkable karyotype conservation in lacertid lizards, although differences in NOR location and in W chromosome structure among populations could suggest an incipient speciation mediated by chromosome changes in this wide-ranging lizard species.

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The cyclic patterns of terrestrial animal locomotion are frequently perturbed in natural environments. The terrain can be complex or inclined, the substrate can move unexpectedly and animals can misjudge situations. Loosing stability due to perturbations increases the probability of capture by predators and decreases the chance of successful prey capture and winning intraspecific battles. When controlled corrective actions are necessary to negotiate perturbations, animals rely on their exteroceptive and proprioceptive senses to monitor the environment and their own body movements. The vestibular system in the inner ear perceives linear and angular accelerations. This information enables gaze stabilisation and the creation of a stable, world-bound reference frame for the integration of the information of other senses. During locomotion, both functions are known to be facilitated by head stabilisation in several animals with an erect posture. Animals with a sprawled body posture, however, undergo very large body undulations while running. Using high speed video recordings, we tested whether they nevertheless stabilise their head during running, and how this is influenced by perturbations. We found that running Acanthodactylus boskianus lizards strongly stabilise their head yaw rotations when running on a flat, straight runway: the head rotation amplitude is only 4.76 ± 0.99, while the adjacent trunk part rotates over 27.0 ± 3.8. Lateral head translations are not stabilised (average amplitude of 7.4 ± 2.0 mm). When the lizards are experimentally perturbed by a large and unexpected lateral substrate movement, lateral translations of both the head and the body decrease (on average by 1.52 ± 0.81 mm). At the same time, the rotations of the head and trunk also decrease (on average by 1.62 ± 7.21). These results show that head stabilisation intensifies because of the perturbation, which emphasises the importance of vestibular perception and balance in these fast and manoeuvrable animals.

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The maternal origin of isolated populations of the common wall lizard (Podarcis muralis) in the Czech Republic, representing the north-eastern range border of the species, was addressed. We compared mitochondrial DNA sequences of the cytochrome b gene of samples from these populations with those from within the continuous range in Slovakia, the northern Balkan region, and those available from previous studies. We recorded five main haplogroups in the studied region, with all available Central European samples belonging to the same haplogroup. The star-like structure of this haplogroup suggests a scenario of relatively recent, post-glacial population expansion, which is further supported by a coalescent-based demographic analysis. The presence of unique haplotypes in two of the three isolated Czech populations together with close phylogenetic relationships to adjacent Slovak populations suggests either autochthonous origin or human-mediated introductions from geographically and genetically closest populations. We therefore support conservation programs for all three isolated Czech populations.

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In June 2007, 12 species of Amphibia and 19 species of Reptilia were found during investigations at 18 localities situated from sea level up to 1507 m a. s. l. in Albania. The highest number of amphibians (5) was recorded at Shelegurë, 1032 m a. s. l. and of reptiles (9) at Diviakë, 1–5 m a. s. l. The highest total number of species (5 amphibians and 6 reptiles) was recorded at Shelegurë. Testudo hermanni was the most abundant species of reptile recorded. Of the amphibians, Bombina variegata and Pelophylax ridibundus were also abundant and Podarcis muralis occurred at the highest locality (Llogarë, Cikës Mts., 1507 m a. s. l.). Herein, are presented new faunistic records for 11 species of Reptilia. From the zoogeographical point of view, 50.0% of the amphibians recorded are Mediterranean, 33.3% European and 16.7% Palaearctic species. Of the reptiles, 52.6% are Mediterranean, 15.8% European and 31.6% Palaearctic species. Mediterranean faunal elements are predominant in the batrachofauna and herpetofauna of Albania. Four of the amphibians recorded (Triturus macedonicus, Pelophylax epeiroticus, P. shqipericus, Rana graeca) and three reptiles (Algyroides nigropunctatus, Podarcis erhardii, Anguis graeca) are endemic to the Balkan Peninsula. An annotated list of all the species recorded in Albania in 2007 is presented.

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The Common Lizard, Zootoca vivipara (Lichtenstein, 1823), has the largest distribution of all known lizard species. In the European continent the intraspecific phylogeographical pattern of Zootoca vivipara is characterized by seven haplogroups. Several previous studies were published about the phylogenetic relationships of viviparous and oviparous haplogroups of the species, according to them in the Carpathian Basin there are four haplogroups present. Samples were collected from 161 individuals in eighteen locations in the Carpathian Basin, during the collection period some new populations were found at different locations. Two target genes were selected for the phylogenetic analysis: a 429 bp segment of mtDNA, that contains 406 bp from protein-coding cytochrome b and 23 bp from the adjacent Glu-tRNA genes, as well as about 500 bp (depending on the haplotype) of the non-protein-coding 16S rRNA gene. According to the results, there is no evidence to the existence of the connection between the two main distribution areas of clade „F”. A north-south corridor of clade „E” across eastern Hungary and western Romania has recently been suggested, but the distribution area was found discontinuous between Western Europe and the Balkan. The populations studied in the Făgăraş Mountains and Bucegi Mountains were characterised as a new, previously undescribed presumably ancient haplogroup.

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In the course of a two years` study, author processed data of 634 individuals of the 3 lizard species (Lacerta taurica, L. agilis and L. viridis) living o n a sandy grassland. The density of the lizard population was 557 individuals per hectare. The migration of the juvenile L. taurica tended towards the surrounding grazed areas. The L. taurica population belongs to mortality type No. I I . The main mortality factor is predation. The covering by vegetation segragetes L. taurica from the other two populations. The consequences regarding habitude of the morphological differences between the 3 species presumably act in the direction of a decrease in interspecific competition between the individuals more than 1-year-old. The lizards represent a biomass of 1725 g/ha at the sampling area. Their annual nutriment consumption is 1.3 g / m ` , 18% of the complete secondary consumption, and 8 % of the primary consumers` production. The lizards play a significant role in the regulation of the Coleoptera, Aranei and Orthoptera populations.

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In this study, comparison of a life history traits (e.g. body size, age at maturity, longevity) of two populations of Phoenicolacerta laevis from different altitudes is being carried out (Anamur, 22 m a.s.l.; Andirin, 1.083 m a.s.l.) for the first time. We applied phalangeal skeletochrono¬ogy to obtain the age of juveniles and adults. Age was determined by counting the lines of arrested growth (LAGs) in cross¬sections. Males in both populations were the larger of the two sexes and a male biased sexual dimorphism was determined for both populations. Body size (SVL) was similar in both sexes and populations. Age of maturity was calculated to be 3 years of age for males and females in both populations. The average age of males and females was calculated as 6.62 ± 0.37 (Mean±SE) and 6.11 ± 0.26 years in Anamur, and 6.15 ± 0.51 and 5.26 ± 0.24 years in Andirin. There was statistically significant variation between sexes, but no significant difference in populations was found in relation to age. For both populations, a significant positive correlation was found between age and SVL in males and females.

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Anthropogenic pressures have been increasing in the past decades in Gabès region, due to the installation of the Gabès-Ghannouche factory complex of phosphate treatment for fertilizer and acid production in the early 1970s. This pollution has affected wildlife at all levels of biological organization, from the molecular to the ecosystem levels.

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The locality of El Salt (Middle Paleolithic, Alcoy, Spain) is mainly known by having one of the youngest Neanderthals records of the southeastern Iberian Peninsula. In this work, we have analysed the herpetofaunal fossils from the upper part of stratigraphic unit Xb, dated at 52.3 } 4.6 ka (MIS 3). The faunal list is composed by three taxa of anurans (Alytes obstetricans, Bufo bufo s.l., and Epidalea calamita), one taxon of blanid (Blanus cinereus s.l.), two taxa of lizards (Chalcides bedriagai and cf. Acanthodactylus erythrurus), and one taxon of snakes (cf. Rhinechis scalaris). All of them have a broad distribution range in the Mediterranean, with wide ecological preferences range. This association of amphibians and reptiles from the Unit Xb suggests a slightly warmer and more humid climate than the current one; with an annual temperature range less accused and a similar seasonality of the rainfall than it is recorded nowadays in Alcoy. These results may correspond to a warm period (Daansgard-Oeschger event) during the MIS 3. A landscape composed by bushland and forest patched in which some open areas were present, with presence of permanent water bodies in the nearby areas, would characterize the surroundings areas of El Salt.

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Niche divergence among closely related lineages can be informative on the ecological and evolutionary processes involved in differentiation, particularly in the case of cryptic species complexes. Here we compared phylogenetic relationships and niche similarity between pairs of lineages included in the Podarcis hispanicus complex to examine patterns of niche divergence and its role in the organization of current diversity patterns, as allopatric, parapatric, and sympatric lineages occur in the Western Mediterranean Basin. First, we used ecological niche models to characterize the realized climatic niche of each Podarcis hispanicus complex lineage based on topographic and climatic variables, to identify important variables, and to test for niche conservatism or divergence between pairs of lineages. Variables related to precipitation generally exhibited the highest contribution to niche models, highlighting the importance of rainfall levels in shaping distributions of Podarcis wall lizards. We found that most forms have significant differences in realized climatic niches that do not follow the pattern of mitochondrial divergence. These results lend support to the hypothesis that genetic divergence across Podarcis hispanicus complex most likely occurred in allopatric conditions, mostly with significant niche divergence. Competition after secondary contact is also suggested by the common occurrence of niche overlap between lineages that exhibit strictly parapatric distribution. The almost continuous distribution of Podarcis lizards in the study area appears to be a result of a combination of complementary suitable niches and competition, which seem two important mechanisms limiting geographic distributions and restricting the existence of extensive contact zones.

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Female mate choice for male display traits is widely observed across animal taxa and is a well-established mechanism of evolution. However, males are increasingly seen to exhibit mate choice for female display traits, even in species with traditional sex roles, although this continues to be an understudied aspect of sexual selection. We evaluated the role of female coloration on male mate choice decisions in the spiny-footed lizard (Acanthodactylus erythrurus), a species in which adult females show red coloration as a retained juvenile trait. Although both sexes show red tails as juveniles and subadults, only females maintain red colored tails when becoming adult; moreover, this coloration is only present at the beginning of female adulthood and becomes white after ovulation, suggesting a mating-related function. Male courtship preferences were investigated through an experimental approach, where they were offered pairs of females that differed in size (adult/subadult) and tail coloration (red/white). Male lizards preferred adult females using both visual and chemical cues and, when adult female coloration could be chosen, they preferred red females. These results suggest that red coloration is a sexual signal involved in male mate selection. We hypothesize that red coloration in adult females might indicate sexual maturity and a pre-ovulatory reproductive status. Being a juvenile trait retained until the beginning of adulthood, we also suggest that it might indicate reduced risk of sperm competition. This study highlights the role of a juvenile trait for sexual selection and adds to the understanding of the evolution of male mate choice.

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Hyalomma franchinii is a three-host tick with one life cycle per year under natural conditions. The immature stages of Hy. franchinii parasitize lizards and, less commonly, rodents. Adult hosts are camels, cattle, sheep and donkeys. Immature stages are found on lizards all year around, having been recorded on Acanthodactylus boskianus, Acanthodactylus schreiberi, Acanthodactylus scutellatus and Agama mutabilis according to data summarised by Apanaskevich et al. (2008). Adults appear to be most common during the cooler months of the year. Observations in Egypt (July and August) mentioned a duration of egg development of about 25 days, and a duration of larval moult of about 14–16 days (recorded in September–October)

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The behaviour of embryos of the lizard Lacerta vivipara has been studied in cultured eggs, removed from the mother. Spontaneous movements begin at a time when the embryo is still unresponsive to touch, and about two days before the appearance of reflex responses. The earliest movements consist of lateral flexion which gradually gives place to dorsiventral flexion. Embryonic movements are not necessarily related to contractions of the amnion. The activity of the embryo, as measured by the number of times movements were initiated and the amount of time spent in activity during a half hour period, rises to a plateau and then decreases sharply as the time of hatching approaches. Activity of the tail is prominent, particularly at times when other movements occur in rapid succession. Serpentine movements were not observed in embryos younger than stage 39; some prematurely born animals showed such activity in response to contact with the substratum. During embryonic life any part of the animal may move individually or in combination with any other part, such combined movements being unco-ordinated. In these respects the spontaneous motility of the lizard embryo closely resembles that of the chick. Statistical analysis of the embryonic movements provides evidence of rhythmic activity within the developing central nervous system.

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Seit einigen Jahren versucht der Autor, eine Lösung für das Problem der im Allgemeinen matten Körperfarben von in Menschenobhut gezüchteten großen Lacertiden wie Lacerta bilineata, L. trilineata und Timon lepidus zu finden. Frühere Untersuchungen hatten ergeben, dass bei diesen im Terrarium gezüchteten Eidechsen vor allem das gelbe Pigment fehlte, was zu unnatürlich bläulichen Körperfarben führte. Nach dem Ausschluss von (UV-)Licht als bestimmender Faktor für natürliche Körperfarben bei diesen Eidechsen wurde die Nahrung (Insekten) als Quelle des gelben Pigments identifiziert. In Gefangenschaft gezüchtete Insekten besitzen dieses Pigment nicht, während in der Natur gefangene Insekten ausreichende Mengen des gelben Pigments enthalten, um natürliche Körperfarben bei in Menschenobhut gezüchteten Eidechsen hervorzurufen. Da es vor allem in gemäßigten Klimazonen fast unmöglich ist, für eine große Zahl von Eidechsen-Nachzuchten genügend Insekten aus der freien Wildbahn zu fangen, versuchte der Autor, eine synthetische Alternative zu finden, um natürliche Körperfarben bei den Nachzuchten zu erzeugen. Im vorliegenden Artikel wurde Sauriflavin (ein synthetisch modifiziertes Carotinoid) mehreren Arten von großen Lacertiden verabreicht, und es wurde festgestellt, dass es zu einer normalen Gelbfärbung und damit zu einer normalen Grünkörperpigmentierung führt. Sauriflavin ist wasserlöslich und scheint keine toxische Wirkung auf junge oder erwachsene Eidechsen zu haben. Interessanterweise konnten Weibchen, die mit Sauriflavin gefüttert wurden, die normale Körperpigmentierung über die Eier auf ihre Nachkommen übertragen.

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Dokumentation eines Farbwechsels bei vier Teira dugesii dugesii.

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Der Artikel berichtet über eine bislang unbeschriebene „gestreifte Form“ von Podarcis liolepis im Süden Spaniens und diskutiert deren taxonomischen Status. Anschließend werden Rückschlüsse auf das Verbreitungsgebiet von Podarcis liolepis in Südost-Spanien gezogen und Unterscheidungskriterien zu den benachbarten Arten beschrieben.

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Es wird über einige Beobachtungen zur Häufigkeit sowie zur Tagesaktivität der Mauereidechse (Podarcis muralis) in einer Wohnanlage am Ostufer des Lago Maggiore, Norditalien, berichtet.

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Kurze Vorstellung der drei Eidechsenarten Acanthodactylus felicis, A. opheodurus und Mesalina ayunensis aus der omanischen Provinz Dhofar.

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Decreasing levels of simulated solar radiation have the following effects in the diurnal basking lizard Lacerta vivipara: (i) increase in time spent basking with a consequent decrease in time available for foraging (ii) decrease in speed of movement whilst foraging (iii) decrease in total foraging distance, and hence contact with potential prey (iv) decrease in searching efficiency in an experimental arena. Complete absence of simulated solar radiation accentuates these effects, and reduces the proportion of faster-moving prey in the diet. Time taken to swallow prey (handling time) increases exponentially with decreasing body temperature. It is concluded from these results that maintaining relatively high activity temperatures (30–36°C) is adaptive for the species because the loss of potential foraging time caused by lengthy periods of basking is offset by the following advantages: increased contact with and capture of prey, increased efficiency of prey handling, and availability of a wider range of prey types.

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Variations of adrenal activity were studied in captive viviparous females Lacerta vivipara, in relation to breeding activities. The study was restricted to the period of active life which includes both the phase of annual reproduction and a phase of sexual inactivity. Significant seasonal changes in plasma corticosterone levels were measured with a peak during the second half of gestation followed by an abrupt fall at parturition. No significant variations in plasma aldosterone levels were observed. A limited extraovarian production of progesterone was detected which might be of adrenal origin. The half-life of injected tritiated corticosterone was not longer in pregnant than in nonreproductive females, suggesting that the peak of circulating corticosterone in pregnant females corresponds to an increase in the production rate of the hormone. The functional importance of the pituitary-adrenal axis was demonstrated in vivo: plasma corticosteroid levels dropped to the detection limit after adenohypophysectomy. Seasonal variations of adrenal sensitivity to synthetic ACTH 1–39 were examined in vitro, using a perifusion system. No significant variations were observed throughout the period of active life. These results suggest that the peak of plasma corticosterone during gestation can be ascribed to activation of the pituitary-adrenal axis. Experimental modifications of circulating corticosterone level during late gestation altered the timing of parturition, thus indicating that the fall of corticosterone just before term may be involved in the process of parturition in the female L. vivipara.

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In the Netherlands the common lizard has strongly declined in numbers. To find the possible cause and to take good measures to preserve the common lizard, Stichting RAVON asked the authors to investigate the population common lizards in the Overasseltse and Hatertse Vennen. The main question of this research is: How has the population common lizards (Zootoca vivipara) in the Overasseltse and Hatertse Vennen developed between 1976 and 2012 in numbers and condition and what is the effect of management? To investigate the present population size the density (n/ha) has been determined, the Strijbosch method (Strijbosch, 2008) has been used with to determine the density. Apart from that the condition of the common lizard was tested by looking at the snout vent length/weight relation and the difference in condition. Also the mean numbers of ticks per lizard has been investigated. This is done in four research plots, namely dry grazed area, dry ungrazed area, wet grazed area and wet ungrazed area. In this way the effects of grazing and water regime was tested. Apart from that for all research plots the vegetation and the vegetation structure was investigated. Also the temperature and air humidity was tested in two research plots. The present condition, mean number of ticks per lizard and the density was compared with data from 1976 – 1981, so increase and decline could be noticed. This research showed that the present densities are substantial lower compared to the original population (21 – 5 % of the reference population is still present). In spite of the fact that the mean number of ticks per lizard had increased, the condition of the common lizard in 2012 is not significantly different from the condition of the population 1976 – 1981 in the months March and April. The densities are lower in the grazed research plots than in the ungrazed research plots. This is caused by the open vegetation structure as a result of the grazing. Also the mean number of ticks per lizard and the percentage of infected lizards is higher in the grazed plots than in the ungrazed plots. This is probably caused by a higher population of ticks in areas with great mammals than in areas without great mammals. The condition between adult male common lizards in the research areas dry grazed and dry ungrazed is significantly different. The condition of the male common lizards in research area dry ungrazed is better than in research area dry grazed. The condition between lizards that are infected with ticks and uninfected lizards is also significantly different. Infected lizards have a better condition than uninfected lizards. A possible explanation for this is a higher level of testosterone in the blood of the common lizard. Because of this, common lizards are traveling more which increases the chance that they can meet ticks. This increased level of testosterone can’t be investigated in this research. It was also found that the densities in dry areas are higher than in wet areas. Recommendations of this investigation are: • More research whereby the effect of ticks on the common lizard and the effect of grazing intensity will be investigated • More research whereby the population of common lizards in the Overasseltse en Hatertse Vennen will be monitored. • It is recommended not to use season grazing as management tool. • It is recommended to preserve wet and dry habitat next to each other.

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Behavioral plasticity induced by maternal effects is crucial in adjusting offspring phenotype to match the environment. In particular, changes in water availability during development may initiate a range of behavioral responses, such as natal dispersal, but the contribution of maternal effects from water stress in explaining behavioral variation has been overlooked so far. In this study, we examined behavioral plasticity of juvenile common lizards (Zootoca vivipara) in response to changes in pre-natal and post-natal hydric conditions. We exposed pregnant mothers either to a moderate water restriction or to ad libitum access to water. We used neutral arena tests to measure repeatedly activity and space use behaviors of their offspring, either in dry or wet soil conditions, at two distinct life stages (juveniles and yearlings) in order to quantify behavioral flexibility, age differences, and personalities (consistent inter-individual differences). Juveniles and yearlings had greater exploration scores in dry than wet conditions regardless of the pre-natal conditions. Pre-natal water restriction and dry post-natal conditions enhanced thigmotaxis (i.e., a behavior related to anxiety) in juveniles. Maternal environment did not influence behavioral flexibility nor the behavior of yearlings. Behaviors were barely repeatable in juveniles and inconsistent through early life. Assuming that dry conditions may initiate flight responses, these results suggest complex relationships between the developmental timing of water stress, exploration and anxiety behaviors, and dispersal syndromes.

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Identifying the early warning signals of catastrophic extinctions has recently become a central focus for ecologists, but species’ functional responses to environmental changes remain an untapped source for the sharpening of such warning signals. Telomere length (TL) analysis represents a promising molecular tool with which to raise the alarm regarding early population decline, since telomere attrition is associated with aging processes and accelerates after a recurrent exposure to environmental stressors. In the southern margin of their range, populations of the common lizard (Zootoca vivipara) recently became extinct at lowest elevations due to changes in climate conditions. However, the proximal signals involved in these demographic declines are still unknown. Here, we sampled 100 yearling lizards from 10 natural populations (n = 10 per population) along an extinction risk gradient. Relative lizard abundance dramatically dropped over 12 years in low-altitude populations characterized by warmer ambient temperatures and higher body growth of lizards early in life. A non-linear relationship was found between TL and population extinction risk, with shorter telomeres in populations facing high risk of extinction when compared to non-threatened ones. Our results identify TL as a promising biomarker and imply that population extinctions might be preceded by a loop of physiological aging.

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We provide details on the first documented cases of complete or partial melanism of lacertid lizards from Bulgaria. We obtained three instances of partial melanism in Lacerta viridis and two of complete one in Zootoca vivipara. We discuss a case of tail bifurcation in L. viridis that resulted in partial melanism of the secondary tail. Overall, our field data suggests that both complete or partial melanism in lacertid lizards in Bulgaria are rare (< 0.01% of observations).

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The information is given on finding of males, having characters similar with Darevskia mixta (settled in 1968) and with D. armeniaca in the structure of the mixed experimental population of rocky lizards D. armeniaca and D.dahli. Data about distribution of the above mentioned species in the territory populated by them, characters of external morphology and others are cited. The possible reasons of not planned occurrence `D.dahli` in the population of D. armeniacа, including by hybridization are considered.

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Using anterograde tracing with HRP and antibodies (ABs) against neurofilaments, we show that regrowth of retinal ganglion cell (RGC) axons in the lizard Gallotia galloti commences only 2 months after optic nerve transection (ONS) and continues over at least 9 months. This is unusually long when compared to RGC axon regeneration in fish or amphibians. Following ONS, lizard RGCs up-regulate the immediate early gene C-JUN for 9 months or longer, indicating their reactive state. In keeping with the in vivo data, axon outgrowth from lizard retinal explants is increased above control levels from 6 weeks, reaches its maximum as late as 3 months, and remains elevated for at least 1 year after ONS. By means of BrdU incorporation assays and antiproliferating cell nuclear antigen immunohistochemistry, we show that the late axon outgrowth is not derived from new RGCs that might have arisen in reaction to ONS: no labeled cells were detected in lizard retinas at 0.5, 1, 1.5, 3, 6, and 12 months after ONS. Conversely, numbers of RGCs undergoing apoptosis were too low to be detectable in TUNEL assays at any time after ONS. These results demonstrate that retinal axon regeneration in G. galloti is due to axon regrowth from the resident population of RGCs, which remain in a reactive state over an extended time interval. Neurogenesis does not appear to be involved in RGC axon regrowth in G. galloti.

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Retinal ganglion cell (RGC) axons in lizards (reptiles) were found to regenerate after optic nerve injury. To determine whether regeneration occurs because the visual pathway has growth-supporting glia cells or whether RGC axons regrow despite the presence of neurite growth-inhibitory components, the substrate properties of lizard optic nerve myelin and of oligodendrocytes were analyzed in vitro, using rat dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons. In addition, the response of lizard RGC axons upon contact with rat and reptilian oligodendrocytes or with myelin proteins from the mammalian central nervous system (CNS) was monitored. Lizard optic nerve myelin inhibited extension of rat DRG neurites, and lizard oligodendrocytes elicited DRG growth cone collapse. Both effects were partially reversed by antibody IN-1 against mammalian 35/250 kD neurite growth inhibitors, and IN-1 stained myelinated fiber tracts in the lizard CNS. However, lizard RGC growth cones grew freely across oligodendrocytes from the rat and the reptilian CNS. Mammalian CNS myelin proteins reconstituted into liposomes and added to elongating lizard RGC axons caused at most a transient collapse reaction. Growth cones always recovered within an hour and regrew. Thus, lizard CNS myelin and oligodendrocytes possess nonpermissive substrate properties for DRG neurons—like corresponding structures and cells in the mammalian CNS, including mammalian-like neurite growth inhibitors. Lizard RGC axons, however, appear to be far less sensitive to these inhibitory substrate components and therefore may be able to regenerate through the visual pathway despite the presence of myelin and oligodendrocytes that block growth of DRG neurites.

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Among vertebrates, oviparous animals lay eggs with a calcified eggshell and eggs are laid in an external environment, while viviparous animals retain eggs in oviduct until they give birth to live young. Viviparity has evolved in the lineage of snakes and lizards (squamates) over 100 times, more than all other vertebrate groups. Embryos of oviparous squamates obtain calcium from both yolk and eggshell while their viviparous counterparts lack a calcified eggshell and must obtain their calcium solely from yolk, or from yolk plus placental transfer. During embryonic development, squamates rely on calcium to build the skeleton before hatching. The extent of skeletal ossification at hatching or birth varies considerably among vertebrates. This study aims to determine if skeletal development/ossification varies in association with reduced eggshell calcium in embryos of viviparous squamate species. We studied the amount of ossification and overall size of embryos and hatchlings from an oviparous and a viviparous population of the reproductively bimodal lizard Zootoca vivipara. Previous studies suggested that limb development is delayed, and that overall size is reduced in viviparous squamates. We tested the hypothesis that viviparous embryos and hatchlings are more skeletally immature and smaller in size than oviparous embryos and hatchlings in squamates. To achieve this, specimens from both populations, spanning multiple stages of embryonic development including hatchlings, were cleared & stained to reveal skeletal cartilage and bone. Lengths of total body, humerus, femur, skull and Meckel’s cartilage were measured from photographs of cleared & stained specimens taken with a Cannon EOS 70D camera on a Motic, Leica MZ9 Compound Microscope, with a measurement reference in each picture. Photos were calibrated to the measurement reference and total length measurements were obtained using iSolutionLite® software. In addition to total measurements, the lengths of ossified portions on the humerus and femur were also measured. Preliminary results revealed that total length of the skull and body are reduced in embryos and hatchlings of viviparous specimens. Total length of the limbs and of Meckel’s cartilage are not significantly different between populations. However, it appears that the amount of ossification in the limbs is reduced in oviparous specimens. These preliminary findings do not support our hypothesis and indicate that reduction in eggshell calcium in embryos of viviparous populations does not negatively impact ossification during development but does influence overall size.

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Genetic variability, one of the main factors that guarantees species persistence, and species’ conservation status are generally evaluated with indices calculated at the present time. Natural history collections might help compare historical and current genetic diversity so to identify major trends. Here we analysed museum specimens of the lizard Zootoca vivipara carniolica, with a specific and stringent protocol for degraded DNA, in order to contrast its past and current genetic variability, using fragments of one mitochondrial DNA gene. Part of the distributional range of Z. v. carniolica (Po Plain, Italy), heavily impacted by human activities, was investigated. We found two previously unknown haplotypes in populations that are extinct today, suggesting the loss of these haplotypes and thus an overall shrinking of genetic variability. We argue that these results, together with the increasing threats posed by climate and land use changes, suggest that specific conservation measures for the persistence of Z. v. carniolica in Northern Italian lowlands have to be considered.

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We examined melatonin profiles of ruin lizards in different seasons (spring, summer, and autumn) under light: dark (LD) and concomitant responses when transferred to continuous darkness (DD) to determine the degree to which previously reported seasonally dependent effects of pinealectomy on locomotor behavior are related to melatonin secretion. The amplitude of the melatonin rhythm and the amount of melatonin produced over 24 h varied with season. In spring, the amount of melatonin produced was greatest and the amplitude 4– 5 times that found in summer or autumn. The degree of self-sustainment of the melatonin rhythm when transferred to DD also varied with season. In DD, melatonin levels remained high but did not exhibit circadian variation in spring. In summer, the melatonin profile persisted virtually unchanged in DD, showing the existence of a circadian rhythm. Finally, in the fall there was no circadian variation in DD and levels remained low. These responses correspond closely to previously reported effects of pinealectomy on locomotor behavior where there is little or no effect of pinealectomy in spring or fall but a profound alteration of locomotor behavior in summer. These results suggest that the seasonally dependent effects of pinealectomy on locomotor behavior in ruin lizards are related to a seasonally mediated change in the degree of self-sustainment of some component of the circadian pace-making system of which melatonin plays some role.

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Reptiles are the most common non-flying terrestrial vertebrates in insular ecosystems, being commonly associated with seabird colonies, where they use the resources made available by the presence of birds, and sometimes prey on the birds. Selvagem Grande is an important seabird colony. Cory’s shearwater, Calonectris borealis, nests in this island on burrows and rock cavities. In these nests, it is possible to find a high abundance of invertebrates, many of them bird ectoparasites. Selvagem Grande is also the home of a lacertid, the Madeiran wall lizard, Teira dugesii. This small omnivorous lizard is often found in Cory’s shearwater nests, and sometimes preys on chicks and eggs of this species. Like other lacertids, T. dugesii is diurnal, heliothermic and thermophile, relying on high temperatures to be active. Despite this, it’s common to find active Madeiran Wall lizards in Cory’s nests during the night. Cory’s shearwaters, like other seabirds, return to land at night to feed the chicks and it is plausible that the lizards may be extending its daily cycle to take advantage of the leftover food. It is also plausible that the lizards are using the residual heat of the nests or of the birds to maintain a higher internal temperature during the night. The present study aims to improve the knowledge about the relationship between these two species by characterizing abiotic and biotic conditions in Cory’s nests, assessing lizard activity and behavior and determining the main stimuli attracting lizards to the nests, and describing the diel thermal cycle of the lizards associated with nests. The nests were filmed to describe the daily variation in activity and behavior of lizards. The influence of the stimuli “sardine smell” and “heat” in lizards was tested during the day and night. Finally, the daily variation of T. dugesii’s body temperature, with and without access to nests, was described. All sampling took place during 3 distinct phases of Cory’s reproductive cycle: incubation period, chick rearing, and their abandonment of nests. Despite occupied nests being deeper, their thermal conditions were not different from unoccupied ones. Unoccupied nests had fewer invertebrates, housing only about 2% of the ectoparasites found in occupied nests. Lizards displayed a more frequent and wider array of behaviors, especially those related to feeding, in occupied nests. Lizard activity in nests with birds was particularly intense just after the chicks hatched. During this time, individuals of T. dugesii were 3 times more present and spent 7 times more time searching for food in occupied nests. Lizards responded more rapidly and in greater numbers to the stimulus “sardine smell”, both during the day and night. Despite being apparently ineffective in attracting lizards, the stimulus “heat” was used for thermoregulation whenever available. Madeiran Wall lizard body temperatures, despite being almost always higher, varied with the environment. Of the 43 lizards captured during the night, 13 were found inside Cory’s nests and even underneath chicks. The measured body temperature in these lizards was 4.40 ± 1.63 ºC above the environmental temperature. Only the heat emitted by the nests occupants explains such temperature differences during the night. This is one of the few recorded cases of nocturnal activity in lacertids and possibly the first one involving thermoregulation in birds’ nests.

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In this paper, we report the complete mitochondrial genome of Eremias vermiculata (Squamata: Lacertidae), which is a circular molecule of 19,914 bp in size and consists of 13 protein-coding genes, 2 ribosomal RNAs, 22 transfer RNAs, and 1 putative control region. The A + T content of overall base of the composition of H-strand is 59.8% (T: 28.9%, C: 27.2%, A: 30.9%, G: 13.0%). All of the results provide powerful data to further study of the molecular systematics, species identification and conservation genetics.

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It is important to investigate visual orienting in reptiles to better understand the basic organization of the oculomotor system in vertebrates. However, quantitative analyses of visual orienting behavior in reptiles have rarely been conducted, except in chameleons. In the present study, we videorecorded the head and body movements of the lizard Takydromus tachydromoides during visual tracking of moving prey and analyzed them frame-by-frame. Before approaching prey, visual tracking mainly consisted of brief intermittent turns of the head (saccade). After the head saccades, the angular position of the prey relative to the lizard head was kept at 10–70° (laterally) in most cases, rather than at 0° (in front). In addition, the ratio of the amplitude of the head saccades to prey position was 0.2–0.3, which is much smaller than 1, suggesting that the head did not orient exactly toward the prey after most saccades. These results were observed under both white (homogeneous) and grating (structured) backgrounds. Possible functions of head saccades in the lizard are discussed.

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The Wall lizard (Podarcis muralis) reaches the northernmost part of its distribution range in the Netherlands. The only native population is located in the city of Maastricht. In the 1980s the species was on the verge of extinction, which was prevented by designing and implementing conservation measures. At present several urban development projects are posing a new threat to the Wall lizard population. At the same time, however, these projects also offer opportunities to create new habitats and corridors. This article describes the population size trends for the five known subpopulations. Data on the distribution, population size and reproductive success are available for the 1977–2014 period. The total population size has increased steadily between 1994 and 2014 and comprises 601 to 887 individuals, including adults, sub-adults and juveniles. This growth resulted in the colonisation of new habitats around the original relict populations from 2002 onwards. Since 1997, reproductive success has been evident for one of the main subpopulations (Hoge Fronten), with more juveniles than adults being recorded. The reproductive success of the other main subpopulation (Lage Fronten), however, appears to have been impeded. Unlike the Hoge Fronten subpopulation, the Lage Fronten subpopulation exhibited a sex ratio that deviated from 1:1. Furthermore, the data showed a high survival rate of both juveniles and sub-adults in the Hoge Fronten population, whereas at the Lage Fronten a proportion of the sub-adults have disappeared from the monitoring radar, possibly due to a higher mortality rate. Current status and projections indicate that the Wall lizard population is not sustainable, and conservation measures are needed to ensure population sustainability and to guarantee its long-term survival. Several urban development projects have been planned for the near future, within and around the Wall lizard habitats. The species is protected under national law and any loss or degradation of habitat has to be compensated for. An integrated management plan, involving several other protected species, has been drawn up. This plan aims to construct a network of populations, connected by corridors, which will form a viable metapopulation. For the Wall lizard this means improved habitat quality within the present populations, as well as the creation of wholly new habitats and the construction of reptile-friendly passages underneath roads. Finally, the vegetation management will be carried out in a reptilefriendly fashion. With the above-mentioned measures in place, it is believed population sustainability can be achieved for the Wall lizard in the future.

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The anatomy of African lacertid lizards (Lacertidae: Eremiadini) is poorly known, which has hindered a better understanding of their evolutionary relationships. This applies especially to the East African clade, which includes the genera Nucras, Latastia, Philochortus, Pseuderemias and Heliobolus. We present a detailed description of the skull osteology of the genus Heliobolus using X-ray microcomputed tomography and compare its morphology to the above lacertid taxa. Because the genus Heliobolus includes species of doubtful validity and affinities (Heliobolus neumanni and Heliobolus nitidus), we also present a detailed intrageneric comparison and construct a morphological character matrix that we analyse against a phylogenetic backbone derived from previous molecular studies. Heliobolus lugubris and Heliobolus spekii can be well characterised as a monophyletic group on the basis of a short postorbital and a continuously broad posterior margin of the parietal, differing from H. nitidus and other members of the East African clade in an overall low degree of ossification and reduced ventral extension of the frontal bone. Our preliminary phylogenetic analysis suggests that the genus Heliobolus is currently polyphyletic. We propose that the name H. neumanni be officially retracted, because specimens assigned to this species show very different morphologies relative to each other and are placed in different parts of the tree in our analysis. Also, the type specimen is lost and no specimens were collected from the type locality. H. nitidus shows a signal towards the genus Latastia. A definitive, new generic assignment of H. nitidus must await further investigations based on molecular data.

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The medial cortex of lizards is a three-layered brain region displaying cyto- and chemoarchitectonical, connectional, and ontogenetic characteristics that relate it to the hippocampal fascia dentata of mammals. Three interneuron types located in the cell layer and ten others in the inner plexiform layer (six in the juxtasomatic zone and four in the deep zone) are described in this study. The granuloid neurons, web-axon neurons, and deep-fusiform neurons lay within the cell layer. These neurons were scarce; they were probably gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)-, and parvalbumin-immunoreactive and presumably participated in feed forward as well as in feed back inhibition of the principal projection cells of the lizard medial cortex. In the juxtasomatic inner plexiform layer, the smooth vertical neurons, smooth horizontal neurons, small radial neurons, large radial neurons, pyramidal-like radial neurons, and spheroidal neurons were found. They were all probably GABA-, and parvalbuminimmunoreactive and were involved in feed forward inhibition of principal medial cortex cells. In the deep inner plexiform layer lay the giant-multipolar neurons, long-spined polymorphic neurons, periventricular neurons, and alveus-horizontal neurons. These neurons were probably GABA-immunoreactive and either neuropeptide- (somatostatin-neuropeptide Y) or parvalbumin-immunoreactive. They seemed to be involved in feed back or even occasionally in feed forward inhibition phenomena.

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The study of Golgi-impregnated lizard brains has revealed a scarce but heterogeneous neuronal population in the outer plexiform layer of the medial cortex. Some of the neuronal types detected here resemble the neurons of the dentate molecular layer of the mammalian hippocampus. According to their morphology, five intrinsic neuronal types have been clearly identified: short axon aspinous bipolar neuron (type 1, or sarmentous neuron), short axon aspinous juxtasomatic neuron (type 2, or coral neuron), short axon sparsely spinous multipolar neuron (type 3, or stellate neuron), short axon sparsely spinous juxtasomatic multipolar neuron (type 4, or deep stellate neuron), and sparsely spinous juxtasomatic horizontal neuron (type 5, or couchant neuron). Most neuronal types were identified as y-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and parvalbumin immunoreactive, and are thus probably involved in medial cortex inhibition. Moreover, a small fraction of them displayed @-endorphinim munoreactivity. The distribution of these neuronal types is not uniform in the laminae of the outer plexiform layer. Type 1 (sarmentous) and type 3 (stellate) neurons overlap the axonal field projection coming from the dorsal cortex and the thalamus, whereas types 4 (deep stellate) and 5 (couchant) neurons overlap ipsi- and contralateral dorsomedial projection fields as well as raphe serotoninergic and opioid immunoreactive axonal plexi. Thus, these neuronal types may be involved in the control of specific inputs to the medial cortex by presumably feed-forward inhibition; nevertheless, feed-back inhibition may also occur regarding type 4 (deep stellate) neurons that extend deep dendrites to the zinc-rich bouton field.

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The Balkan Peninsula constitutes a biodiversity hotspot with high levels of species richness and endemism. The complex geological history of the Balkans in conjunction with the climate evolution are hypothesized as the main drivers generating this biodiversity. We investigated the phylogeography, historical demography, and popula- tion structure of closely related wall-lizard species from the Balkan Peninsula and southeastern Europe to better understand diversification processes of species with limited dispersal ability, from Late Miocene to the Holocene. We used several analytical methods integrating genome-wide SNPs (ddRADseq), microsatellites, mitochondrial and nuclear DNA data, as well as species distribution modelling. Phylogenomic analysis resulted in a completely resolved species level phylogeny, population level analyses confirmed the existence of at least two cryptic evolutionary lineages and extensive within species genetic structuring. Divergence time estimations indicated that the Messinian Salinity Crisis played a key role in shaping patterns of species divergence, whereas in- traspecific genetic structuring was mainly driven by Pliocene tectonic events and Quaternary climatic oscillations. The present work highlights the effectiveness of utilizing multiple methods and data types coupled with extensive geographic sampling to uncover the evolutionary processes that shaped the species over space and time.

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The comparison of gene expression patterns in the embryonic brain of mouse and chicken is being essential for understanding pallial organization. However, the scarcity of gene expression data in reptiles, crucial for understanding evolution, makes it difficult to identify homologues of pallial divisions in different amniotes. We cloned and analyzed the expression of the genes Emx1, Lhx2, Lhx9, and Tbr1 in the embryonic telencephalon of the lacertid lizard Psammodromus algirus. The comparative expression patterns of these genes, critical for pallial development, are better understood when using a recently proposed six‐part model of pallial divisions. The lizard medial pallium, expressing all genes, includes the medial and dorsomedial cortices, and the majority of the dorsal cortex, except the region of the lateral cortical superposition. The latter is rich in Lhx9 expression, being excluded as a candidate of dorsal or lateral pallia, and may belong to a distinct dorsolateral pallium, which extends from rostral to caudal levels. Thus, the neocortex homolog cannot be found in the classical reptilian dorsal cortex, but perhaps in a small Emx1‐expressing/Lhx9‐negative area at the front of the telencephalon, resembling the avian hyperpallium. The ventral pallium, expressing Lhx9, but not Emx1, gives rise to the dorsal ventricular ridge and appears comparable to the avian nidopallium. We also identified a distinct ventrocaudal pallial sector comparable to the avian arcopallium and to part of the mammalian pallial amygdala. These data open new venues for understanding the organization and evolution of the pallium.

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This paper reports the results of newest investigations of lizards` demonstration behaviour. A special attention was paid to lizards` aposematic and epigamious reactions which are of great importance when forming couples and defending individual territories. The species differences represent in quite a number of cases the most essential obsacle for the formation of couples of the individuals of different specis, even if the morphological differences of these species are hardly perceptible. Being the determining feature in intra- and inter- species contacts, the demonstration behaviour ensures the integrity of a species.

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Aim: Climatic fluctuations in northern Africa substantially changed the extent of the Sahara desert and Saharan species’ ranges. Yet, the region contained areas of climatic stability. We test the hypothesis that the Atlantic Sahara was a stable corridor, connecting ecoregions, for the spiny-footed lizard Acanthodactylus aureus. - Location: Africa, Saharan Atlantic coastal desert. - Methods: We combined ecological modelling and phylogeographic and population genetic analyses. Ecological models for past and current conditions were used to predict climatically stable areas for the species over time. Genetic analysis, including for three mitochondrial fragments (12S, Cytb and COI), one nuclear gene (C-mos) and 18 microsatellite markers, were used to unveil patterns of genetic structure and diversity, and gene flow dynamics within A. aureus. - Results: Three mtDNA allopatric lineages diversified during the Pliocene-Pleistocene along the Atlantic Sahara. Two main areas of high climatic stability largely fit the regions with highest mtDNA diversity. Mito-nuclear discordances along some coastal regions indicate evidence of gene flow between lineages, which are likely mediated by population expansions and male-biased dispersal. Several geographical barriers to gene flow were also identified. - Main conclusion: This study highlights the role of the Atlantic Sahara ecoregion both as a centre of lineage diversification and as a occasional suitable corridor within the Sahara desert. Population retractions and expansions resulting from climatic oscillations during the Pleistocene, facilitated allopatric diversification and genetic introgression processes along this region, whereas stable geographical barriers limited gene flow dynamics.

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Mountains imply enormous environmental variation, with alpine habitats entailing harsh environments, especially for ectotherms such as lizards. This environmental variability also may imply variation in prey availability. However, little is known about how lizard trophic ecology varies with elevation. In this study, we analyze diet, prey availability, prey selection, and trophic niche width in the lacertid lizard Psammodromus algirus along a 2,200-m elevational gradient in the Sierra Nevada (SE Spain). The analysis of fecal samples has shown that Orthoptera, Formicidae, Hemiptera, Coleoptera, and Araneae are the main prey, although, according to their abundance in pitfall traps, Formicidae and Coleoptera are rejected by the lizard whereas Orthoptera, Hemiptera, and Araneae are preferred. Prey abundance and diversity increase with elevation and diet subtly varies along with the elevational gradient. The consumption of Coleoptera increases with elevation probably as a consequence of the lizard foraging more in open areas while basking. The electivity for Araneae increases with elevation. Araneae are rejected in the lowlands—where they are relatively abundant—whereas, at high elevation, this lizard positively selects them, despite they being less abundant. The lizard trophic niche width expands with elevation due to concomitant greater prey diversity and hence this lizard feeds on more prey types in highlands. Although no sex difference in diet has been found, the trophic niche is broader in females than males. As a whole, alpine lizards show a trophic niche similar to that found at lower elevations, suggesting that P. algirus is well adapted to the harsh environment found in alpine areas.