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We performed a common garden experiment to assess the differences in life history associated with local adaptation in Takydromus wolteri. Adults from Harbin (cold) and Chuzhou (warm) populations were maintained in common conditions, and their life-history and hatchling characteristics were compared. Harbin and Chuzhou females showed the same patterns of seasonal shifts in egg size and clutch size and produced eggs of similar size, but differed in all other reproductive characteristics. Harbin females laid larger and heavier clutches later and less frequently than Chuzhou females of the same body size. Harbin eggs hatched earlier and resulted in larger hatchlings with shorter tail, forelimb and hindlimb lengths. With respect to local adaptation of life history, we summarize our findings as follows. First, cold-climate females mature later, at a larger size, by prolonging growth and delaying reproduction because of thermal constraints on the time available for activity. Second, cold-climate females produce larger clutches in shorter time periods and invest more yolk in eggs to increase annual fecundity and reproductive output. Third, cold-climate eggs hatch earlier to compensate for a reduced growing season and earlier winter. Fourth, cold-climate hatchlings have a body shape associated with reduced heat exchange and maintenance costs, as predicted by Allen’s rule.

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The name “lacerta Schreibersiana var B Lutea Gachet, 1832” forgotten during near two centuries, could endanger the name of Zootoca vivipara louislantzi Arribas, 2009, described 10 years ago. In the present article, we argue that there are several reasons to rule out “lutea” as a valid name. On the one hand, there is a remarkable contradiction that could make one doubt about the species concerned (the tricuspid teeth, never are present in Z. vivipara). Even if being Z. vivipara, there is an uncertainty also regarding the subspecies concerned (the Garona river is the theoretical limit that separates both oviparous and viviparous forms, and although oviparous is closer, none lives today in the vicinity of Bordeaux). That`s why “Lutea”should be a nomen dubium. In addition, and in words of its own author, it was erected as a variety of color in some individuals, so it is an infrasubspecific name. For all these reasons, and in case any of these aspects could still be further discussed, we propose here the reversal of precedence, since the name `Lutea` has never been used as valid in the last 187 years, and the name louislantzi has more than 10 years and has been used as valid in at least 37 works and by 70 different authors (see Appendix 1; the minimum required by the ICZN is 10 years, 25 works and 10 authors). For this reason it is declared louislantzi as nomen protectum and “Lutea” nomen oblitum.

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The microornamentation of the scales (oberhautchen) has been studied by means of enamel casts (in negative), or with detached skin pieces (positive cast in the upper face or negative in their lower face of the scales) and its observation by transparency with optical microscopy at 40x, 400x and 1000x. In this study we have found a remarkable uniformity in all genera of Lacertini studied (already known, although significantly expanding the number of species previously studied). In light of the results obtained, it seems that the use of the microornamentation of the scales in taxonomy is limited. There is a remarkable degree of variation and probably of homoplasy, as it happens in so many characters of Lacertini. Nor is it clearly linked to certain conditions of the environment, although it may have a certain importance in mechanisms such as evapotranspiration and perhaps in the crypsis through its influence on the reflectance of the scales. These scales can present protuberances (like small tubercles) on their surface (derived character) in Algyroides (the four species), and in the case of Algyroides marchi also seems to present small pits on its scale surface. In most lacertids the cells of the “oberhautchen” are usually narrow (or short anteroposteriorly, if preferred), between 1 and 4 μm, having the appearance of ribbons or transverse straps. Smaller sizes (derivated) appear more or less marked in Algyroides spp, Darevskia praticola complex, Parvilacerta spp and in Dinarolacerta mosorensis (although not in D. montenegrina) and is difficult to interpret. Except in Dinarolacerta, in the other species it coincides that they are ground or ground-rock interface species, and the coarser stripes could have to do with reflectance (imitating the vegetation or the medium between which they move, according to the hypothesis of Allam et al.). In the case of Dinarolacerta, very saxicolous, it is probably the sister group of Algyroides and the common morphology could have a phylogenetic origin linked to its relationship with Algyroides. There is also no relationship with moisture since some come from dry places and others are from very wet areas. The posterior flange of the cells may be slightly mounted in the next cell (primitive character) but appears quite raised (derived character) in Algyroides nigropunctatus (much less in A. moreoticus and A. marchi, and apparently little or nothing in A. fitzingeri). The rear flange of the cells can be smooth, corrugated or notched. In our samples, irregular (and even dentate) posterior ridges appear in numerous Darevskia such as D. derjugini, D. parvula, D. raddei complex [D. raddei raddei, D. r. vanensis and D. nairensis], in part of the group of D. rudis [D. rudis sspp. and D. bithynica sspp.], several Iberolacerta (I. bonnali, I. horvathi and I. monticola astur), as well as in Teira dugesii. The character appears, although less marked in Algyroides (more in A. moreoticus, but less marked or barely visible in the others), in Hellenolacerta graeca, and other Iberolacerta (I. aurelioi, I. martinezricai, and scarcely marked in I. cyreni). Very little marked in Darevskia mixta, somewhat more in D. dryada and none in D. clarkorum, and also appears in the group of D. saxicola (D. saxicola, D. brauneri brauneri, D. b. darevskii, D. lindholdmi, D. szczerbaki), Dalmatolacerta oxycephala, Dinarolacerta mosorensis (only in the Biokovo sample, and not in Durmitor or D. montenegrina), Apathya cappadocica, in some places of the scales of Parvilacerta fraasii (but not in P. parva) and very little in D. (p) hungarica; also in the remaining group of D. rudis (D. valentini valentini, D. v. lantzicyreni, D. rudis bolkardaghica, D. portschinskii), and some parthenogenetic species (D. armeniaca, D. dahli, D. rostombekowi) but not in D. unisexualis, D. uzzelli, D. sapphirina, D. bendimahiensis or in the triploid hybrid between D. unisexualis and D. nairensis. In these parthenogenetic species it seems a general rule that the character of the crenulation or irregularity of the posterior flange of the cells resembles that of the paternal rather than the maternal species. The exception is the triploid hybrid [arisen from the hybridization of D. unisexualis (parthenogenetic female, without the character) and a male of D. nairensis (with fairly developed character)] that lacks character, and in this case is more similar to the maternal species of which has two genetic sets compared to only one of the paternal one.

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New data on the distribution of four species of lizards (Darevskia brauneri, D. daghestanica, Lacerta agilis ioriensis, L. strigata) in the Caucasus are presented.

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Understanding how organisms respond to climatic variability and novel conditions is becoming an increasingly important task for ecologists. For ectotherms in the northern hemisphere, the response to cold is of special interest, considering that poleward range expansion events and increasing variability of temperatures during winter are already being observed as consequences of a warming planet. Though direction of change in physiological variables in response to cold is well studied in ectotherms, the extent to which traits can change and the rate at which they can change is not. We compared the extent and rate of change in cold tolerance (CTmin) between two long-term captive populations of the Italian wall lizard (Podarcis siculus) during a lab cold-acclimation treatment. Heat tolerance (CTmax), thermal preference (Tpref), temperature dependent rates of oxygen consumption (SMRO2), and temperature dependent rates of water loss (EWL) were also compared between Italian wall lizards previously introduced to Long Island, NY and San Pedro, CA before and after the lab cold acclimation treatment. Because our study coincided with a cold snap during the spring 2018 season for the San Pedro, CA population, we also studied the effects of cold acclimatization on wild lizards from the CA population. After initial lab acclimation of the lizards to laboratory conditions, SMRO2 at 15°C and EWL at 10°C were higher in NY lizards compared to CA lizards. Lizards from the two populations did not differ in any other variables measured before the cold acclimation treatment. We found that lizards from the NY population experienced an 80% decrease in CTmin following a switch from 20°C:18°C to 17.5°C:16°C (12h light:12h dark) acclimation treatment. Lizards from the CA population did not decrease CTmin in response to the same cold acclimation treatment. Overall, NY lizards decreased CTmin, CTmax, and Tpref following cold acclimation, whereas CA lizards decreased CTmax only. Wild CA lizards decreased CTmax following the cold spring 2018 season in a manner similar to that of lab acclimated NY and CA lizards, suggesting that these lizards do not maintain a high CTmax when the environment is unlikely to expose them to high temperatures. Thermal sensitivity (Q10) of SMRO2 and EWL was lower in NY lizards, suggesting physiological adaptation to fluctuation in diurnal temperatures. The ratio of CO2 produced to O2 consumed (respiratory exchange ratio, RER) measured at 15°C increased in NY lizards following cold acclimation suggesting an increased use of carbohydrates and/or an increased production of lipids in the colder conditions. These responses in combination with the higher observed plasticity in NY lizards are in accordance with the climatic variability hypothesis, which predicts that organisms from more variable climates will be better adapted to physiologically respond to variable conditions. The higher capacity for physiological plasticity may explain the relatively high success of P. siculus in NY and other northern U.S. states. By describing the rate of change of CTmin during cold acclimation we hope to better understand how these lizards minimize the risk of low temperature exposure during winter. We ultimately hope to incorporate the rate at which cold tolerance can change into predictions of species distributions and hypothesis tests investigating the relationship between climatic variability and the rate at which animals can exhibit plasticity.

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Italian wall lizard, Podarcis siculus (Rafinesque, 1810) and Dalmatian wall lizard, Podarcis melisellesis (Braun, 1877) are two species from family Lacertidae. Podarcis siculus is widespread in Italy, but spreads also on Adriatic islands, while Podarcis melisellesis is spread over coastal belt from northwest coast of Italy to nortwestern Albania. When these two species share the same habitat, Podarcis siculus overpower Podarcis melisellesis as the dominant competitor. In this Graduation thesis I have studied learning as one of the factors influencing the competition between these two species. The research was carried out on total of 56 individuals. Prior to the experimental procedure, the animals passed the three-day habituation and then they were tested for ten days in the eighth radial labyrinth. The results have shown that females of P. siculus move more and change their behavior after the seventh day, suggesting some form of spatial recognition. Also, the results showed that males of P. melisellensis showed a trend of increasing entering in goal zone, which indicate level of spatial recognition. But, overall, this study has shown that learning is not crucial factor which can affects dominance of one species over the other, also it indicates that both of this species are not the best model examples for learning, as only two parameters have been statistically and ecologically significant.

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In the present study, we contributed to knowledge of distribution of the Italian wall lizard, P. siculus in Turkey. Besides, we gave some morphological data about species from Akçakoca population. The morphological data of the specimens from Akçakoca were generally found to be similar with the known literature. Only some morphological characteristics were observed to be different from the features given in the literature. The mean of supraciliar granules (SCG) was found lower and the mean of median gularia (MG) was found to be higher than the mean values given in the literature. In addition, we found high percentage of five supralabial plates in anterior of oculars. The distribution of the species was found to be restricted between northeastern Marmara and western Black Sea regions, according to our distributional model. On the other hand, the distributional data of P. siculus in the present study exhibited that Çanakkale and Samsun have not suitable habitats for the species. High AUC and lover standard deviation values (0.986 ± 0.006) showed that the potential distribution area of the species was congruent with its habitat preferences inhabited localities.

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ased on two specimens collected from Çatalca, İstanbul, Turkey we present a new distribution record for Darevskia pontica in Turkey. This find composes the south-easternmost record for the species and extends its range about 80 km. Data based on meristic pholidosis characters, metric measurements and color-patter features of the specimens were given in detail and it was observed that Çatalca population is similar to D. pontica reported in the literature.

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n this study the Check list lizards of Iraq were investigated. by reviewing the old and new data as well as carrying out field work and study of material in the Natural history Museum of Iraq as well as many departments and colleges in various universities, are discussed.Further, various relevant websites in the Internet specialized lizards. I found in this study 7 families, 27 genera and 50 species distribution in the different parts of Iraq. During this study I found Asaccus saffinae (Afrasiab & Mohamad, 2009) the first time in SheraSwar Cave in the Saffine Mountain near Erbil, Kurdistan and the first record new species in Iraq and found Ptyodactylus puiseuxi (Boutan, 1893) the first time in same area . Also found Carinatogecko heteropholis(Minton, S. Anderson, and J. A. Anderson, 1970) Which is one of the endemic species in western Iran in the Erbil western Zagros foothills in Erbil. Trapelus ruderatus (Olivier, 1804) found in the central of Iraq. Cyrtopodion scaber (Heyden, 1827) Previously found in southern Iraq But recently also recorded in the center and northern Iraq. Varanus nesterovi (Bohme, Ehrlich, Milto, Orlov & Scholz, 2015) new species in the northern of Iraq. Lacerta media (Lantz & Cyren, 1758) found newly in central and northern of Iraq and Timon kurdistanicus, Apathya cappadocica (Werner, 1902) (Suchow, 1936) northern of Iraq. I note the two families were finding Previously in Iraq and they did not record any new genus and species in Iraq.

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Zwei benachbarte Populationen der Zauneidechse (Lacerta agilis), die nur durch die Bundesstraße 5 voneinander getrennt waren, wiesen unterschiedliche Häufigkeiten der erythronotus-Farbmorphe auf. Nur in einer der beiden untersuchten Zauneidechsenpopulationen wurden Exemplare der erythronotus-Mutation angetroffen. Bei diesen Exemplaren wiesen 69,2 % eine dunkle Punktierung im Rückenband auf, während bei 30,8 % der Morphe keinerlei schwarze Punkte oder Flecken im Rückenband vorhanden waren. Möglicherweise übt eine dauerhafte Isolation von Populationen einen Einfluss auf die Häufigkeit rotrückiger Tiere aus und kann bis zu ihrem vollständigen Verschwinden führen.

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Es wird über den Fund eines adulten cyanistischen Männchens der Zauneidechse (Lacerta agilis) innerhalb eines stark isolierten Gebäudebereiches bei Elstal (Brandenburg) berichtet. Dieses Tier wies eine hellbläuliche Färbung über dem gesamten Körper auf. Die unnormale Färbung des Exemplasrs könnte Ursache eines mangelnden genetischen Austauschs der beschriebenen Population mit anderen Zauneidechsen sein.

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In einer retrospektiven Durchsicht des Datenmaterials von 41 zeckenbefallenen Eidechsen zeigt sich in der Paarungszeit bei männlichen Tieren eine deutlich höhere Zeckenlast als bei weiblichen. Außerhalb der Paarungszeit ist die Zeckenlast bei beiden Geschlechtern annähernd gleich. Der Unterschied wird erklärt durch die höhere Bewegungsaktivität von Männchen in der Paarungszeit im Vergleich zu Weibchen. Dadurch sind Männchen einem höheren Risiko ausgesetzt, auf wirtsuchende Zecken zu treffen.

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Es wird über eine allochthone Population der Mauereidechse (Podarcis muralis) im Landschaftspark Duisburg-Nord berichtet. Nach der Einschätzung des Autors handelt es sich hierbei wahrscheinlich um die Unterart Podarcis muralis brongniardii.

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Der Artikel beschreibt die griechische Insel Alonnisos als liebenswertes idyllischen Urlaubsziel für Naturfreunde abseits der großen Touristenströme. Eine Bildserie zeigt die ganze Variationsbreite der Färbung und Zeichnung von Podarcis erhardii ruthveni, und als „Bonbon“ wird noch ein Dolichophis caspius präsentiert. 80 % der beobachteten Eidechsen wiesen deutlich sichtbaren Milbenbefall auf. GUNTRAM DEICHSEL nimmt im Anhang Stellung.

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Die Kanareneidechsen der Gattung Gallotia gehören zu den chasrismatischten Vertretern der Lacertidae. Durch ihr Vorkommen auf den beliebten Urlaubsinseln, ihre Größe und ihr teils massenhaftes Auftreten sind sire auch bei Laien recht bekannt, während die packenden bis dramatischen Geschichten rund um die beinahe ausgestorbenen Rieseneidechsen die Fachleute elektrisieren. Im seltsamen Mißverhältnis dazu steht, dass diese kräftigen, teils farbenfrohen Echsen in der letzten Zeit in der Terraristik nur noch wenig beachtet worden sind. Zeit für eine Ehrenrettung!

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Bizarre Felsstrukturen, exotische Pflanzen und gierige Eidechsen lassen sich in einem Wort zusammenfassen: Teneriffa. Die größte Insel der Kanaren ist geprägt vom Pico del Teide, Spaniensn höchsten Berg mit 3.718 m ü. NN. Dadurch bietet sie die verschiedensten Klimazonen auf engstem Raum – und eine Heimat für Kanareneidechsen mehrerer Taxa.

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Die Pracht-Kanareneidechse ist eine besonders farbenfrohe Vertreterin ijhrer Gattung. Obwohl d9ie Tiere auf Teneriffa in großer Zahl vorkommen und regelrechte Wegelagerer-Qualitäten entwickeln, verhalten sie sich im Terrarium häufig sehr scheu. Aber auch hier kann die Eingewöhnung gelingen - und selbst mit der berüchtigten Aggressivität der Tiere untereinander kann man fertig werden.

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In the herpetological collection of ZFMK 528 scientific species group names are represented by type materi- al. Of these, 304 names are documented by primary type specimens (onomatophores) while for 224 further names sec- ondary type specimens (typoids) are available, ranging chronologically from 1801 to 2010. The list is a shortened pred- ecessor of a comprehensive type catalogue in progress. It lists name bearing types with their catalogue numbers includ- ing information on further type series members also in other institutions, while secondary types are listed only by pres- ence, both in ZFMK and other collections including holotype repositories. Geographic origin and currently valid names are also provided.

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Die beiden Arten der Gattung Lacerta auf Rhodos werden durch endemische Rassen vertreten: Lacerta trilineata durch diplodtondrodes, Lacerta dantfordi durch pelasgiana n. subsp. Von diplochondrodes wird das eigenartige zwei- bzw. vier- streifige Jugendkleid beschrieben, das bisher kaum von Lacerta trilineata und erst recht nicht von der verwandten Lacerta strigata bekannt war. Die bisher bald als dantfordi, anatolica oder oertzeri bezeichnete pelasgiana wird in die nächste Verwandtsdraft der typischen danfordi vom Cilicischen Taurus sowie von oertzeni aus Nikaria gestellt.

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Reptiles are supposed to be relatively invulnerable to the ongoing rapid anthropogenic climate change as they are able to actively regulate their body temperature (Tb) through behaviour, tolerate high Tb and resist water loss. However, recent studies have shown that lizards and snakes seem to be more at risk than previously expected. In Mexico, increased local extinction probability in lizards correlated with the magnitude of warming during the reproductive period, questioning the assumption of climate invulnerability. We tested the hypothesis that different lizard species of the family Lacertidae are vulnerable to rises in maximum temperatures in Namibia, especially in the Namib and the Kalahari. We predicted that inhabiting different habitats with different microhabitat temperatures and different preferred Tb within different distribution ranges would result in differences in local extinction probability. As opposed to other studies our model integrates past and present distributions verified by museum collections and ground-truthed, a quantifiable physiological parameter (preferred body temperature Tpref) and available operative temperatures in correlation to air temperatures. Data was collected for 17 species (Meroles anchietae, M. cuneirostris, M. suborbitalis, M. ctenodactylus, M. reticulatus, M. micropholidotus, M. knoxii, Pedioplanis namaquensis, P. laticeps, P. lineoocellata, P. breviceps, P. rubens, P. undata, P. inornata, P. gaerdesi, P. husabensis and Heliobolus lugubris). Our first results seem to indicate that populations of at least one of the tested species were extirpated (both predicted by the model and verified) in the hottest area of its distribution range due to increased maximum temperatures during the reproductive season since the mid-1970s. Furthermore, different extents in future extinction risk are predicted under consideration of the currently accepted climate change scenarios. It seems that Namibian Lacertidae under current conditions already live at their thermal maximum.

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The Spotted Sand Lizard, Pedioplanis lineoocellata, is widespread across much of southern African found primarily in open habitats. Recent work uncovered four mitochondrial DNA clades which were previously unknown. The formation of these clades is thought to be linked to the Plio-Pleistocene glacial cycles. Furthermore, two of the most geographically widespread clades occur sympatrically in the Loeriesfontein region which has raised questions of possible hybridisation. To investigate gene flow between the latter two clades, samples were profiled at nine microsatellite markers and genetic patterns assessed using estimates of divergence and migration, and a discriminant analysis of principle components. While measures of genetic differentiation and the proportion of recent migrates at each population supports greater gene flow over a few 10s of kilometres and far less over 100s of kilometres, there was no isolation-by-distance pattern. This suggests that gene flow is influenced by barriers or environmental resistance to gene flow. Microsatellite genetic clusters did not match mitochondrial clades which was interpreted as evidence of recent gene flow between the two clades. Hybridisation at Loeriesfontein could not be detected because mitochondrial clades were not genetically distinct in terms of microsatellite loci investigated. Mitochondrial lineages may occur sympatrically at places other than Loeriesfontein but were not sampled by chance because of small sample sizes in the previous study. The regions of overlap between mitochondrial clades may be more extensive than previously thought. Further clarity regarding the formation of clusters awaits more comprehensive sampling.

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Rapid evolution is a biological process in which phenotypic and genetic changes happen so fast that they are noticeable within generations. One of the intriguing examples of rapid phenotypic divergence is a result of a translocating experiment conducted in 1971. Five pairs of Italian wall lizard (Podarcis siculus) were transferred from a small islet Pod Kopište onto Pod Mrčaru islet where the species was not present before. After only 36 years it was discovered that the new established, introduced population from Pod Mrčaru had developed diverse phenotypical changes compared to the native population. With the objective of determine the inheritance of those morphological traits we set a reciprocal cross-experiment with individuals from both islands. The crossbreeding was performed in common garden conditions to determine if the phenotypical differences between offspring have genetic background. We measured eight morphologic traits, emphasizing head measures, considering that the biggest observed differences between populations were in head shape. Those traits were measured every two months through the developmental period, from the moment of hatching until one year afterwards. In this work we present the results of the morphometric analysis of the the first generation of offspring. The results show that the sex has a big influence on the individual size. While observing the overall data pattern it seems that hybrids have different values than pure crosses which suggests that there is a genetic background for the differences. However, bigger sample size is needed to confirm it with certainty.

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Socioeconomic and climatic factors are modifying fire regimes with an increase of fire frequency and extension. Unfortunately, the effects of recurrent fires on biological processes that ultimately affect the genetic diversity of animal populations are mostly unknown. We examined genetic patterns of diversity in the wall lizard Podarcis guadarramae in northern Portugal, one of the European regions with the highest percentage of burnt land. This species is a small saxicolous lizard as it inhabits natural outcrops and artificial stone walls, likely in recurrent-fire landscapes. We genotyped nine microsatellites from ten populations selected according to a gradient in fire recurrence, and compared genetic diversity indexes and demographic patterns among them. At the population level, we hypothesize that a high level of mortality and population bottlenecks are expected to reduce genetic heterozygosity in sampled localities affected by recurrent fires. Alternatively, genetic signatures are expected to be absent whether fire did not cause high mortality. Regardless of levels of mortality, we expect a gain in genetic diversity whether recurrent fires facilitate lizard dispersal and migration due to the increased quality of the habitat for wall lizards. At the regional level, we examine whether a recurrent fire regime may disrupt the spatial structure of populations. Our results showed an increase in genetic diversity in recurrently burnt populations, and a decline in longer-unburnt populations. We did not detect bottleneck effects in repeatedly-burnt populations. High genetic diversity in recurrent fire populations suggests a high dispersion rate between adjacent metapopulations and perhaps immigration from outside the fire boundary. At the regional level, lizard populations show low differentiation and weak genetic structure, suggesting no effects of fire. This study confirms field-based censuses showing that recurrent-fire regimes give ecological opportunities to wall lizards that benefit from habitat openness.

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There is rising concern for the interaction of environmental contaminants with brain transcriptome and the potential effect on reproductive processes. The present study sought to determine selenoprotein glutathione peroxidase 4 (gpx4) transcriptional activity in the brain and testis of the soil biosentinel, Podarcis sicula, through the main phases of the reproductive cycle and whether pharmaceuticals exert an endocrine disruption. Based on gpx4 cloned amminoacids sequence (GenBank AEX09236.1.), we used a bioinformatic approach to assess the structural role. Specifically, we detected seasonally the reactive oxygen species (ROS) level using electron spin resonance spectroscopy and gpx4 transcriptional activity using quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction. In addition, the impact of pharmaceuticals was assessed after 21‐days of treatment with ICI 182,780 and human chorionic gonadotropin administration in mating and winter stasis, respectively. Bioinformatic data shows the gpx4 proteic activity and a phylogenetic profile. ROS contents in lizard brain are significantly less than in testis and display higher levels after treatments. Brain gpx4 expression gives statistically significant seasonal differences, opposite trends in testis and altered expression in both tissues, with evidence of testis morphological and DNA disruption. Taken together, these results provide direct evidence that gpx4 in P. sicula plays a seasonal regulatory role and may be a reliable biomarker for reproductive health toxicity screening.

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To reduce the impact of biological invasions, we need to understand the behavioural mechanisms that enable some species to be successful invaders. Testing differences in behaviour between sympatric congeneric species with different invasive potential is an opportunity to study specific behavioural traits associated with invasion success. Using the invasive Italian wall lizard, Podarcis sicula, and a noninvasive congeneric, the green Iberian wall lizard, Podarcis virescens, which live in sympatry in a location that is novel for P. sicula, we tested their exploratory behaviour, neophobia and boldness: all traits that should promote invasion success. The invasive P. sicula was more exploratory, bold and neophilic than the sympatric native P. virescens. Native lizards had highly repeatable behaviour, whereas in P. sicula boldness was the only behavioural trait that was repeatable. The behavioural traits of the native species, but not the invasive species, were correlated. A lack of correlation between behavioural traits, as well as a lack of repeatability in two of the three behavioural traits, suggests higher levels of behavioural plasticity in P. sicula, which may also explain the success of this lizard during invasions. Our experiment highlights the potential importance of behavioural traits in invasions and provides insight into why P. sicula is such a successful invader.

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In the eastern Adriatic, Podarcis siculus, an invasive species, competitively excludes the native Podarcis melisellensis. Monoamine neurotransmitters—serotonin (5HT), dopamine (DA), and noradrenaline (NA)—are implicated in social behavior, and could lie at the basis of the direct behavioral interference of P. siculus with P. melisellensis. To understand the relationship between social behavior and monoamines, as well as the differences in behavior between P. siculus and P. melisellensis, we developed a high-performance liquid chromatography (UV/VIS detection) method with which we were able to reliably measure concentrations of 5HT, DA, and NA in 32 brains of the two lizard species. We observed no statistically significant influence of species, sex, or their interaction on brain NA and 5HT concentrations. Statistically significant influence of species on dopamine levels were recorded, with P. siculus having twice as much dopamine in their brains. Taking into account that a significant aggressive relationship, with P. siculus dominating over P. melisellensis, has been previously observed, and that dopamine directly influences this behavior, the observed differences in dopamine levels could represent a trait in these species and may contribute to the competitive exclusion of P. melisellensis by P. siculus in the eastern Adriatic.

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Little is known about altitudinal distribution of lizards in Iran. In the present study we studied distribution pattern of members of family Lacertidae along the eleveatinal gradient in Iran. To determine environmental drivers of distribution pattern of 48 lizard species, all known valid members of family Lacertidae, along elevational gradient in Iran. Firstly, we classified Iran digital elevation model (DEM) based on 100m intervals, that resulted in 56 altitudinal bands and number of species in each band was recorded. Secondly, we extracted mean value of following variables; altitude, slop, area, solar radiation index (SRI), normalized differences vegetation index (NDVI), annual precipitation, precipitation of wettest month, precipitation of driest month precipitation, precipitation of wettest quarter, precipitation of driest quarter, and precipitation of warmest quarter, and using VIF measure correlated variables were removed. Finally, we performed a multiple regression and found that area and precipitation of warmest quarter are the most important drivers of distribution pattern of family Lacertidae along elevational gradient in Iran. General distribution pattern of family Lacertidae was unimodal and maximum number of species living from 1475 m to 1675 m.

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The predation of the sand lizard Lacerta agilis by the domestic cat Felis catus is considered. Evidence to support the predation of the former by the latter was obtained from behavioural literature on the domestic cat; data derived from tracking radio-tagged cats and anecdotal information from questionnaires of cat owners. Radio-tagged cats were observed hunting in L. agilis colonics and potential habitat. Tracking showed that more than one cat hunts at the same L. agilis colony and that cats travelled significantly faster when moving outside colonies than within them and made more stops within colonies than outsideb them. Tagged cats also return to precise locations on their hunting routes. The degree of compactness of a L. agilis colony was considered in relation to the level of cat predation at that site, and showed that cats were more likely (p<0.05) to visit colonies with a compactness ratio of <0.675 (where 1 is a perfect circle), implying that lizards within such colonies were more susceptible to predation. Questionnaire data shows that 5.7 per cent of the cats surveyed at Hesketh are known to have caught lizards within the last year and that 67 per cent of the cats from the questionnaire were regular visitors to Hesketh golf course. There is a high proportion of cats of `suitable` hunting age per number of households that live in close proximity to a known L. agilis colony or potential habitat. Cat outdoor activity strongly correlates with L. agilis activity. There are cats in the Hesketh locality of feral background and which are un-neutered. Behavioural literature suggests that despite being fed by their owners a cat`s urge to hunt is not suppressed. Literature also suggests that cats can become specialist hunters potentially capable of depleting an entire prey population. The maps denoting the lizard colonies and the routes of the radio-tagged cats are not included for reasons of confidentiality. Management proposals are offered. A comprehensive reference list is provided for future workers.

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We provide the first complete list of the present and lost amphibian and reptile type specimens of the Hessisches Landesmuseum Darmstadt and the Museum Wiesbaden Naturhistorische Landessammlung. The Darmstadt collection cur- rently houses primary types of 5 taxa (holotypes) and secondary types of addi- tional 15 taxa (paratypes). The Wiesbaden collection includes primary types of 13 taxa (8 represented by holotypes, 4 by syntypes and 1 by lectotype). Furthermore, the primary types of 6 taxa formerly housed at the Museum Wiesbaden are consid- ered lost. In several cases, we comment on the current status of the taxa present in the collections. Bufo spinulosus var. arapensis Andersson, 1908 was obviously over- looked and neglected in the literature. It is here considered a junior synonym of Chaunus spinulosus (Wiegmann, 1834). The largest specimen of the type series is designated as lectotype (MWNH 153/1). The current status of Hylambates rufus var. aubryioides Andersson, 1908, as a junior synonym of Leptopelis modestus (Werner, 1898) is rejected.

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Behavioural ecologists often use data on patterns of male–female association to infer reproductive success of free-ranging animals. For example, a male seen with several females during the mating season is predicted to father more offspring than a male not seen with any females. We explored the putative correlation between this behaviour and actual paternity (as revealed by microsatellite data) from a long-term study on sand lizards (Lacerta agilis), including behavioural observations of 574 adult males and 289 adult females, and paternity assignment of more than 2500 offspring during 1998–2007. The number of males that contributed paternity to a female’s clutch was correlated with the number of males seen accompanying her in the field, but not with the number of copulation scars on her body. The number of females that a male accompanied in the field predicted the number of females with whomhe fathered offspring, and his annual reproductive success (number of progeny). Although behavioural data explained less than one-third of total variance in reproductive success, our analysis supports the utility of behavioural-ecology studies for predicting paternity in free-ranging reptiles.

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Reported effects of inbreeding vary among taxa and may depend on a number of factors, including what trait is measured, temporal variability, parental effects, or life history stage. To understand the effects of inbreeding during early life history stages, we estimated the effects of individual-level heterozygosity on hatching success and first year survival in a Swedish population of sand lizards (Lacerta agilis) over a period of almost a decade, using over 4000 eggs, 400 clutches, and over 3000 juveniles. Heterozygosity had a positive effect on hatching success, in standardized laboratory conditions, but no effect on first year survival. Also, both of these measures of viability varied across the years of the study, demonstrating the importance of temporal heterogeneity in pre and post-hatching conditions. Finally, we identified both paternal and maternal identity effects on hatching success. Thus, we show that selection on heterozygosity was not consistent across developmental life stages, emphasizing the need of considering a number of ontogenic stages, as well as potential parental and environmental effects, when studying the effects of heterozygosity on viability in natural populations.

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We used carbon (_13C) and nitrogen (_15N) isotopes to examine the foraging ecology of Tenerife giant rats (Canariomys bravoi) and lizards (Gallotia goliath) in northwestern Tenerife, which until recently, were the island’s largest terrestrial vertebrates. We combined new isotope data for 28 C. bravoi and 14 G. goliath with published regional data for both species and then compared these with data for co-occurring extant taxa and modern C3 plants. Isotope data suggest both extinct species relied primarily on C3 resources and were trophic omnivores. However, the two species appear to have partitioned their resources when living in sympatry. Isotopic overlap between C. bravoi and Rattus spp., and between G. goliath, extant Gallotia galloti, and introduced rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) suggests reliance on similar foods. We radiocarbon dated four C. bravoi and two G. goliath with the most extreme isotope values. These new dates do not settle the question of what triggered the demise of either species. Nevertheless, the data are most consistent with anthropogenically-induced extinction. Temporal isotopic trends contradict expectations if regional climate were responsible, and confidence intervals for radiocarbon dates suggest it is highly likely that both species were present when humans first settled the island.

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Oceanic islands are hotspots of biodiversity due to their high levels of endemism, with the Canary Islands being a notable example. A previous molecular study on the biogeography and host associations of haemogregarines (Apicomplexa: Adeleorina) infecting lizards from this archipelago detected seven parasite haplogroups. These haplogroups exhibited high host-specificity and geographical structure, suggesting that they might correspond to distinct biological identities. In this study, along with sequencing a longer fragment of the 18S rRNA, we further explore the distinctiveness of these parasites by analysing their morphology, effects on host erythrocytes and parasitaemia levels. These lines of evidence together with their genetics, host associations, frequency of occurrence and geographical distribution support them as different biological entities. As such, we describe seven new species: Karyolysus canariensis sp. nov., Karyolysus galloti sp. nov., Karyolysus stehlini sp. nov., Karyolysus gomerensis sp. nov., Karyolysus atlanticus sp. nov., Karyolysus tinerfensis sp. nov. and Karyolysus makariogeckonis sp. nov. These new taxa are further examples of endemic diversity in the Canarian archipelago. They also contribute to clarify the taxonomy within the Apicomplexa, a phylum estimated to have one of the lowest percentages of described species.

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The endocrine disrupting effect of pesticides is considered to be an important factor in the decline of reptile populations. The large-scale application of neonicotinoids in the environment poses a potential threat to small farmland lizards Eremias argus. In this study, we evaluated the disruption effects of thiamethoxam and its metabolite clothianidin on the endocrine disruption of Eremias argus during 28 d exposure. Thiamethoxam and clothianidin could accumulate in the testis and ovary. Adequate blood exchange was the main cause of thiamethoxam and clothianidin accumulation in the gonads. The production of clothianidin aggravated the effect of endocrine disruption to lizards. Thiamethoxam/clothianidin exhibited two distinct ways of interfering with the endocrine disruption of the male and female lizards. Thiamethoxam/clothianidin significantly up-regulated the expression of cyp17 and cyp19 genes in the testis, which ultimately led to a significant decrease in testosterone levels and a significant increase in the 17-estradiol concentrations in plasma. The expression of the estrogen receptor gene in the liver was also significantly increased in male lizards. The significant declines in testosterone and prostaglandin D2 levels in the plasma indicated that thiamethoxam and clothianidin could cause androgen deficiency in male lizards. Meanwhile, in female lizards, thiamethoxam/clothianidin increased the expression of hsd17β gene in the ovary, causing an increase in testosterone levels in the plasma and an up-regulation of androgen receptor expression in the liver. The effects of thiamethoxam and clothianidin on male lizards were more pronounced. This study verified the possible endocrine disrupting effects of neonicotinoids and provided a new perspective for the study of global recession of reptiles.

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Im mediterranen Raum sind Wald- und Buschbrände wesentliche Gestaltungselemente von Landschaften, natürlichen Abfolgen von Biozönosen und der Dynamik von arten und lebensgemeinschaften. doch haben in den letzten Jahren Zahl und ausmaß solcher Brände derart zugenommen, daß der Naturschutz besorgt auf diese Entwicklung reagiert. noch wird verbreitet angenommen, daß Reptilien von Buschbränden meist nur wenig beeinträchtigt werden oder sogar profitieren. in der vorliegenden Arbeit führten die Autoren eine vorher-nachher-Vergleichsuntersuchung durch, um die Auswirkung eines kleinräumigen Buschfeuers (16 ha) auf die Abundanz der Eidechse Psammodromus algirus (Linnaeus, 1758) zu untersuchen. die Ergebnisse legen nahe, daß die lokal be troffene Population aufgrund des Brandes zusammenbrach, obwohl Jungtiere das Brandgebiet aus der Nachbarschaft rasch wieder besiedelten. ein knappes Jahr nach dem Brand wurde erstmalig wieder ein adulter P. algirus im Brandgebiet festgestellt. Die vorliegende Untersuchung zeigt, daß selbst ein sehr kleinräumiges Buschfeuer negative Auswirkungen auf mediterrane Eidechsen haben kann.

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Measuring climatic niche position and breadth may help to determine where species can occur over space and time. Using GIS-based and phylogenetic comparative methods, we investigated global patterns of variation in climatic niche breadth in lacertid lizards to test the following three hypotheses about climatic niche widths. First, does a species’ temperature or precipitation niche breadth relate to its temperature or precipitation niche position (the mean value of annual mean temperature or annual precipitation across sampled localities in the range of each species)? Second, are there trade-offs between a species’ temperature niche breadth and precipitation niche breadth? Third, does a species’ temperature or precipitation niche breadth relate to altitude or latitude? We expect that: (1) species distributed in cold regions are specialized for low-temperature environments (i.e. narrow niche breadth center around low temperatures); (2) a negative relationship between species niche breadth on temperature and precipitation axes according to the tradeoff hypothesis (i.e. species that tolerate a broad range of precipitation regimes cannot also tolerate a broad range of temperatures); (3) precipitation niche breadth decreases with altitude or latitude, whereas temperature climatic niche breadth increases with altitude or latitude. Based on the analytical results we found that: (1) temperature niche breadth and position are negatively related, while precipitation niche breadth and position are positively related; (2) there is no trade-off between temperature and precipitation niche breadths; and (3) temperature niche breadth and latitude/altitude are positively related, but precipitation niche breadth and latitude/altitude are not significantly related. Our results show many similarities with previous studies on climatic niche widths reported for amphibians and lizards, which provide further evidence that such macroecological patterns of variation in climatic niche breadths may be widespread.

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Lefkada ist eine recht kleine Insel, die südlich der bekannten Urlaubsinsel Korfu liegt und sogar mit einer „Damm-Brücke“ gut per Auto zu erreichen ist. Die Insel liegt im Ionischen Meer und sollte durch die Nähe zum Festland die für diese Gegend typische Herpetofauna beherbergen. Seltamerweise liegen aber nur sehr wenige herpetologische Beobachtungen vor, da sie anscheinend nur selten von herpetologisch interessierten Personen besucht wird. Ein Grund mehr, hier einmal seinen Frühjahrsurlaub zu verbringen. Und weil einmal keinmal ist, werden hier gleich die Beobachtungen von zwei „herpetologischen Strandurlauben“ berichtet.

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Further localities for two species of amphibians [Hyla savigny, Triturus (O.) vittatus] and fourteen of reptiles [Blanus strauchi, Testudo graeca, Chelonia mydas, Mauremys caspica, Asaccus elisae, Cyrtopodion scaber, Laudakia stellio, Trapelus ruderatus, T. persicus, T pallidus, Eumeces schneideri, Ophisops elegans, Varanus griseus, Coluber (H.) nummifer] collected or observed in Syria are given with some notes. Emphasis on trade in reptiles in Syria revealed that at least five species are threatened due to excessive trade, including the Middle Eastern Spur-thighed Tortoise, Testudo graeca terrestris, the Striped-necked Turtle, Mauremys rivulata, the Mediterranean Chameleon, Chamaeleo chamaeleon, the Dabb, Uromastyx aegyptia, and two snakes; Natrix sp. and Coluber jugularis. KURZFASSUNG Es wird über weitere Fundorte von zwei Arten von Amphibien [Hyla savigny, Triturus (O.) vittatus] und vierzehn von Reptilien [Blanus strauchi, Testudo graeca, Chelonia mydas, Mauremys caspica, Asaccus elisae, Cyrtopodion scaber, Laudakia stellio, Trapelus ruderatus, T. persicus, T. pallidus, Eumeces schneideri, Ophisops elegans, Varanus griseus, Coluber (H.) nummifer] berichtet, die in Syrien gefangen oder beobachtet wurden. Zusätzlich werden Angaben über den Lebensraum am Fundort gemacht. Bei der Befassung mit dem Reptilienhandel in Syrien, stellten sich zumindest fünf Arten als durch uneingeschränkten Handel gefährdet heraus, nämlich die Syrische Landschildkröte Testudo graeca terrestris, die Kaspische Bachschildkröte Mauremys rivulata, das Europäische Chamäleon, Chamaeleo chamaeleon, die Ägyptische Dornschwanzagame Uromastyx aegyptia und zwei Schlangenarten, eine Wassernatter (Natrix sp.) und die Pfeilnatter Coluber jugularis.

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The parthenogenetic rock lizard Darevskia rostombekowi is considered to be the product of hybridization between female Darevskia raddei and male Darevskia portschinskii. These two species coexist within several secondary contact areas; however, no trace of their hybridization has been previously reported. We conducted focal observations of individually marked lizards in 2017 and 2018 to establish if there is behavioural isolation between these species. We demonstrate that individuals distinguish between lizards of the same and different species. Individuals of both studied species interacted regularly, but we found no evidence of males of either species using interspecific interference competition for resources or for females. Neutral reactions prevailed in the reactions of males to the individuals of the different species; aggressive or submissive behaviour was more common towards males of the same species. The differences in reactions of males to females of the same and different species were less clear and interspecific social interactions were almost as common as intraspecific interactions. Interspecific male mating behaviour was rare and unsuccessful; only a single female with heterospecific copulation marks on the body was found. The mating period in both species overlapped broadly in late May and early June; body size (SVL) in females of both species was equal. Hence, we suggest that the selection of the sexual partner and preference of the conspecific partner for the social and sexual contacts is the most plausible explanation of the revealed behavioural asymmetry in intra- and interspecific relationship.

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Parthenogenetic species are usually considered to be short‐lived due to the accumulation of adverse mutations, lack of genetic variability, and inability to adapt to changing environment. If so, one may expect that the phenotype of clonal organisms may reflect such genetic and/or environmental stress. To test this hypothesis, we compared the developmental stability of bisexual and parthenogenetic lizards of the genus Darevskia. We assessed asymmetries in three meristic traits: ventral, preanal, and supratemporal scales. Our results suggest that the amount of ventral and preanal asymmetries is significantly higher in clones compared with their maternal, but not paternal, progenitor species. However, it is questionable, whether this is a consequence of clonality, as it may be considered a mild form of outbreeding depression as well. Moreover, most ventral asymmetries were found in the bisexual species Darevskia valentini. We suggest that greater differences in asymmetry levels among bisexuals may be, for instance, a consequence of the population size: the smaller the population, the higher the inbreeding and the developmental instability. On the basis of the traits examined in this study, the parthenogens do not seem to be of significantly poorer quality.

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Occurrence of common lizards (Zootoca vivipara) in the steppe zone on the southern border of its range (site «Burtinskaya Steppe» of the Orenburg State Nature Reserve, Russia) is confined to habitat with azonal, pre- dominantly meadow, vegetation on the hydromorphic soils. Habitat and microclimatic conditions supporting the existence of this hygrophilous forest species in the study area are caused by the spring and a rivulet flowing from it. The habitat transformation is caused by fires, construction of tourist routes, and beaver activity. All lizard individuals within study area were captured on two plots with a total area of 0.004 km2. The estimated population density has reached 7.8 individuals/1000 m2. We have found no differences in size of individual’s body between studied Zootoca vivipara population and its populations from Penza region and Samara region which are also located at the edge of species range. Among females of this species studied in various parts of species’ range, females of the site «Burtinskaya Steppe» differ based on their higher fertility and smaller mass of newborns than in more northern populations. We noted earlier appearance of lizard offspring than in most regions of the Eastern European and Asian parts of the range. We demonstrated similarity of some parameters of reproductive biology (length of female’s body, timing of the offspring appearance, fertility, length and mass of newborn lizard) of the studied population with populations located in the Middle Volga Region.

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Ao longo dos últimos séculos, a gestão florestal assumiu diferentes funções, desde a otimização das florestas, necessária para a produção exclusiva de madeira, até à gestão da própria Natureza e dos seus recursos, de forma a conservar a biodiversidade, mas também para proporcionar atividades de caráter recreativo. Assim, e apoiado nestes últimos fatores, este trabalho teve como objetivo a avaliação da importância da biodiversidade, sendo no caso concreto a avifauna, para a elaboração de uma caracterização sumária de alguns valores naturais dos diferentes locais, para futuramente marcar quais os possíveis locais de maior interesse para a observação de diferentes espécies. O estudo foi realizado no concelho de Valpaços, situado no distrito de Vila Real, no período de verão, tendo sido definido um percurso com nove diferentes pontos (Lilela, Miradeses, Gorgoço, Cachão, Ponte do Arquinho, Parque de Campismo, Foz da Ribeira do Piago, Agordela, Tinhela), entre os rios Rabaçal e Calvo, com base num projeto de criação de uma possível ecovia. Para esse processo, foram utilizados como métodos de estudo as Listas de MacKinnon, e também o método de pontos de contagem, auxiliando a avaliação da riqueza e da abundância de espécies nos diferentes locais. Como primeira abordagem de resultados foi observado e identificado um total de 72 espécies, correspondendo a 79% das espécies já identificadas na região. Em relação ao local, foi detetado um maior número de espécies em Foz da Ribeira do Piago, um afluente do rio Calvo, e em Cachão. Lilela foi o local com um menor número de observações. De acordo com os resultados obtidos, concluiu-se assim que a criação de uma ecovia no local poderá ser uma mais- valia económica, cultural e mesmo para a conservação da biodiversidade.

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Reptiles are key components of Mediterranean ecosystems. Climate change, forest management practices, agricultural activity, land degradation and forest fragmentation represent the greatest threats to reptiles. Therefore, efficient tools are necessary for monitoring these vulnerable species. Habitat suita- bility maps have been found to be valuable tools for the monitoring of reptilian species and conservation, particularly across broad landscapes. This study was undertaken to determine the relations between two species of lizard, (Agamidae) and (Lacertidae) and environmental variables in the Isparta-Sütçüler district (Turkey). Habitat suitability maps were then produced. The re- lationship between the two species and 21 environ- mental variables were analyzed using MaxEnt and mapped with ArcGIS. The study showed that bed- rock, annual precipitation, slope, ruggedness, stream density, topographic position index, land cover/use classes and altitude are predictor variables for mod- elling . The environmental factors that create the optimum habitat suitability model for were bedrock, annual precipita- tion, slope, ruggedness, landform index, land cover/use classes and stream density. In conclusion, we found that environmental variables and geo- graphic information systems can successfully be used to generate habitat suitability maps for and .

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The present review discussed the species diversity of herpetofauna in southern Iraq due to their scientific and national interests. The review includes a historical record for the herpetofaunal studies in Iraq since the earlier investigations of the 1920s and 1950s along with the more recent taxonomic trials in the following years. It appeared that, little is known about Iraqi herpetofauna, and no comprehensive checklist has been done for these species. So far, 96 species of reptiles and amphibians have been recorded from Iraq, but only a relatively small proportion of them occur in the southern marshes. The marshes act as key habitat for globally endangered species and as a potential for as yet unexplored amphibian and reptile diversity. Despite the lack of precise localities, the tree frog Hyla savignyi, the marsh frog Pelophylax ridibunda and the green toad Bufo viridis are found in the marshes. Common reptiles in the marshes include the Caspian terrapin (Clemmys caspia), the soft-shell turtle (Trionyx euphraticus), the Euphrates softshell turtle (Rafetus euphraticus), geckos of the genus Hemidactylus, two species of skinks (Trachylepis aurata and Mabuya vittata) and a variety of snakes of the genus Coluber, the spotted sand boa (Eryx jaculus), tessellated water snake (Natrix tessellata) and Gray`s desert racer (Coluber ventromaculatus). More recently, a new record for the keeled gecko, Cyrtopodion scabrum and the saw-scaled viper (Echis carinatus sochureki) was reported. The IUCN Red List includes six terrestrial and six aquatic amphibian species. It includes also 23 terrestrial and one aquatic reptile species. The list of herpetofauna of southern Iraq of the present review consists of six amphibian species belonging to one order (Anura) which includes three families as well as 32 reptilian species belonging to two orders (Squmata and Testudines) which include 15 families.

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The report contributes to the community structure of the amphibians and reptiles and provides prelimi- nary information on species diversity and their microhabitat association in Gingee hills. Gingee hills are located in Southern Eastern Ghats of Tamil Nadu and lying between 12°14 ́ N, 79°23 ́E. The forest habi- tats are composed of mixed dry deciduous forest and thorn scrub forest. A detailed herpetofauna survey was conducted from December 2015 to March 2016. Data collection were carried out by using Time Constrained Visual Encounter Survey method. Of 120 man hours harbors 56 species of herpetofauna, besides 15 species of amphibians belonging to 10 genera and 41 species of reptiles belonging to 30 gene- ra were recorded, of which 21 species were ophidians (55%) and 20 species of lizards (45%). The micro- climatic analysis of amphibian the temperature varied with 29.4oC ± 3.57°C and 30.8oC ± 2.73°C for reptiles. The amphibian humidity varied with 66.1±14.01% and 61.1 ± 10.21% for reptiles. The niche overlap index shows that many amphibian and reptiles overlapping between each other with maximum value of 0.98. This report indicated that the area is notably large in size of the richness of amphibians and reptiles.

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Tall Sufan, a 1.5-hectare hill in an area with a number of archaeological sites, is located 1.5 km west of the city of Nablus. This site contains remains from Bronze (3600–1200 BC) and Iron Age II (918–539 BC), Roman (63 BC–324 AD), Byzantine (325–638 AD/16H) and Islamic periods (638/16 Hijra–1918). From the Ottoman-Turkish period until modern times it was in agricultural use. However, in recent decades, human activities have destroyed sections of Tall Sufan. The surviving features include a fortification system, a pond, an aqueduct, a watermill and several dry-stone terrace walls, cylindrical weigh oil press, silos, and burial caves. This article describes these structural elements and compares them to similar sites in Palestine. In addition, it provides information on coins recovered during the 2016–2017 campaigns.

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We surveyed for herpetofauna along the poorly-explored sections of Southern Eastern Ghats. This 1000 hours-long large scale survey covered ranges stretching from near Western Ghats eastwards to the Coroman- del Coastal Plains, across a longitudinal gradient. Study area consisting of the tall and wet Bilgiri-Melagiri massifs to the west and the low and dry South Arcot and North Arcot ranges to the east were selected and surveyed. We recorded a total of 95 species including 23 species of amphibians, 35 species of lizards and 37 species of snakes. A descriptive species accounts with photographic vouchers is presented. Noteworthy find- ings include significant new range records for many wet-zone taxa and a few dry-zone taxa from hitherto fore under-surveyed regions. This includes many rare and range-restricted ones and newly described little-known taxa. The study highlights the importance of landscape-level, long-term fieldwork to unravel the hidden di- versity of tropical montane regions like the Eastern Ghats.

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Dans ce travail, nous présentons les premières données sur le cycle de reproduction des femelles du lézard des murailles Podarcis vaucheri (Boulenger, 1905) du Djurdjura. Les études macroscopique et histologique des ovaires ont montré l’existence d’un cycle de reproduction discontinu, caractérisé par une période d’activité sexuelle (avril à juin), suivie d’une longue période de repos (juillet à octobre). Une analyse histochimique a été effectuée afin de préciser la nature des composants des tissus ovariens. L’étude immunohistochimique a montré une variation saisonnière de la présence des hormones stéroïdes, avec une fonction stéroïdogène des cellules folliculaires et des cellules de la thèque conjonctive. En tenant compte des travaux précédents réalisés sur les mâles, l’activité sexuelle des femelles semble synchronisée avec le développement des testicules, ce qui nous a permis de classer le cycle de reproduction de P. vaucheri dans le type saisonnier associé.

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Oxymonads are a group of flagellate protists living in low oxygen environments - mainly the guts of insects and vertebrates. In this study, we focus on the analysis of ploidy and karyotype of various species of oxymonads using Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization (FISH) with probes against single copy genes and telomeric repeats as well as estimating the DNA content in the nuclei of these oxymonads using flow cytometry. Using specific FISH probes against SufDSU gene, which is present in a single copy in the haploid genome, we showed that all studied strains are probably haploid. From the genome of Monocercomonoides exilis strain PA203 we know that oxymonads have the ancestral type of telomeric repeat (TTAGGG). Using a probe against these repeats we tried to label chromosome ends and estimate the number of chromosomes for seven strains (five species) of Monocercomonoides. With a single exception, the average number of signals per nucleus was below 20 indicating number of chromosomes below 10. In the strains of M. mercovicensis, we observed much higher number of signals suggesting that the cells have much higher number of chromosomes. Finally, we established the DNA content for several strains using flow cytometry. We used as a standard M. exilis strain PA203 knowing that the haploid genome size is approximately 82Mbp. Results indicate that most of the strains have genomes smaller or similar to M. exilis except for M. mercovicensis, whose genome size is almost 130Mbp.

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Ich berichte über ein Echsenbiotop, in dem wir innerhalb kurzer Zeit drei Arten Lacertiden und eine tagaktive Geckoart fanden. Das Habitat dieser Echsengemeinschaft liegt knapp oberhalb 2200 m +ü.d.M. auf der Nordseite des Hohen Atlas in Marokko.

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1. Research addressing the effects of global warming on the distribution and persistence of species generally assumes that population variation in thermal tolerance is spatially constant or overridden by interspecific variation. Typically, this rationale is implicit in sourcing one critical thermal maximum (CTmax) population estimate per species to model spatiotemporal cross‐taxa variation in heat tolerance. Theory suggests that such an approach could result in biased or imprecise estimates and forecasts of impact from climate warming, but limited empirical evidence in support of those expectations exists. 2. We experimentally quantify the magnitude of intraspecific variation in CTmax among lizard populations, and the extent to which incorporating such variability can alter estimates of climate impact through a biophysical model. To do so, we measured CTmax from 59 populations of 15 Iberian lizard species (304 individuals). 3. The overall median CTmax across all individuals from all species was 42.8 °C and ranged from 40.5 to 48.3 °C, with species medians decreasing through xeric, climate‐generalist and mesic taxa. We found strong statistical support for intraspecific differentiation in CTmax by up to a median of 3 °C among populations. We show that annual restricted activity (operative temperature > CTmax) over the Iberian distribution of our study species differs by a median of > 80 hours per 25‐km2 grid cell based on different population‐level CTmax estimates. This discrepancy leads to predictions of spatial variation in annual restricted activity to change by more than 20 days for six of the study species. 4. Considering that during restriction periods, reptiles should be unable to feed and reproduce, current projections of climate‐change impacts on the fitness of ectotherm fauna could be under‐ or over‐estimated depending on which population is chosen to represent the physiological spectra of the species in question. Mapping heat tolerance over the full geographical ranges of single species is thus critical to address cross‐taxa patterns and drivers of heat tolerance in a biologically comprehensive way.

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Aim: The Mediterranean basin has a long history of interactions between humans and biota, with multiple ancient and recent introductions of alien species. Such a multitude of introductions makes it difficult to distinguish between alien and native species but provides an excellent opportunity to investigate factors related to intro ‐ductions and long‐term persistence of alien species. In this study, we combined ge ‐netic and distribution data to identify the factors promoting the presence of alien reptiles on islands, considering human‐related, geographic and species features. Furthermore, we assessed whether the use of genetic evidence to identify alien spe ‐cies improves inference of the factors determining their distribution.Location: Mediterranean islands.Methods: We combined genetic data and distribution databases to obtain informa‐tion on biological traits and on the native/alien status of reptiles on >900 Mediterranean islands, and we gathered data on geographic and human features of islands. We then used spatially explicit generalized additive mixed models to identify the factors associated with the establishment of alien reptiles.Results: Alien reptile populations are more frequent on islands far from the native range and with large human population. Alien populations of reptiles that are able to feed on plants are particularly frequent. Traditional data sources underestimate the frequency of alien reptiles on Mediterranean islands, and using genetic evidence to assess the status of populations provided a more complete picture of the factors as ‐sociated with the presence of alien populations.Main conclusions: Humans are key drivers of the distribution of alien reptiles on Mediterranean islands, but the distributions are determined by a complex interplay between human activities, geographic factors and species features. Genetic data are essential for obtaining reliable biogeographic assessments of invasive species, par ‐ticularly in systems with a long history of human influence.

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The immunolocalization of the muscle segmental homoeobox protein Msx1‐2 of 27–34 kDa in the regenerating tail blastema of a lizard shows prevalent localization in the apical ependyma of the regenerating spinal cord and less intense labelling in the wound epidermis, in the apical epidermal peg (AEP), and in the regenerating segmental muscles. The AEP is a micro‐region of the regenerating epidermis located at the tail tip of the blastema, likely corresponding to the AEC of the amphibian blastema. No immunolabelling is present in the wound epidermis and scarring blastema of the limb at 18–21 days of regeneration, except for sparse repairing muscles. The presence of a proximal–distal gradient of Msx1‐2 protein, generated from the apical ependyma, is suggested by the intensity of immunolabelling. The AEP and the ependyma are believed to induce and maintain tail regeneration, and this study suggests that Msx1‐2 proteins are components of the signalling system that maintains active growth of the tail blastema. The lack of activation and production of Msx1‐2 protein in the limb are likely due to the intense inflammatory reaction following amputation. This study confirms that, like during regeneration in fishes and amphibians, also the blastema of lizards utilizes common signalling pathways for maintaining regeneration.

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This study provides information about age and growth of Lacerta trilineata BEDRIAGA, 1886, in the population from Sergen, West Turkey, at an altitude of 420 m a.s.l. age at maturity, sexual size difference (SSd) and growth rate of the sample are presented. Cross-sections of phalangeal bones were examined based on the skeletochronology method. In the adult sample (14 males and 12 females), the age ranged from 6-13 (x = 8.77) years for both sexes collectively, the values 7-13 (x = 9.07) years in males and 6-10 (x = 8.42) years in females not differing significantly from each other. Sexual maturity was attained in the third year of life in both sexes. There was no significant correlation between the lizards’ body size (SVL) and age for both males and females. A slightly male-biased sexual size dimorphism (SSd = 0.014, not significant) was observed. The growth coefficient (k) was lower in females than males (k ± confidence interval, males: 0.96 ± 0.22; females: 0.75 ± 0.41). There was no difference in the growth rate between sexes.

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Substrate variations are likely to constrain animal performance in natural environments, as running over complex terrains challenges the dynamic stability of the body differently in each step. Yet, being able to negotiate complex terrains at top speed is a strong advantage for animals that have to deal with predators and evasive prey. Little is known on how animals negotiate such terrain variability at high speed. We investigated this in fast-running Acanthodactylus boskianus lizards, by measuring their 3D kinematics using four synchronised high-speed video cameras (325 Hz) on an adaptable racetrack. This racetrack was covered with four different substrates, representing increasing levels of terrain complexity. We found that the lizards deal with this complexity gradient by gradually adopting more erect parasagittal leg postures. Legs in a more-erect position are more compliant and are therefore highly adjustable on complex terrains. Additionally, the lizards stabilise their head, which facilitates vestibular and visual perception. Together, compliant legs and head stabilisation enable the lizards to minimise movements of the body centre of mass, even when running on highly irregular terrains. This suggests that the head and the centre of mass are the priority targets for running on uneven terrains. As a result, running performance (mean forward speed) decreases only slightly, and only on the most challenging substrate under investigation.

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The groups of red-bellied lizards had a small distribution area in the Pontic zone. The several studies performed on these lizard groups are based on taxonomy and systematics. Although there were several taxonomic or systematic researches on some species of this group, the phylogeographical pattern and species disturbing boundaries of this group is still not clear. In the present study, we aimed to resolve the taxonomic and phylogenetic relationships of the red-bellied lizards in Turkey, based on two combined mitochondrial gene fragments and one protein-coding nuclear gene (rag1). Also, we evaluated ecological niches differentiations among red-bellied lizard groups. The mitochondrial DNA genes were found to be highly polymorphic in this group. One hundred and one variable nucleotide sites were detected on the combined gene sequences. According to phylogenetic trees based on the maximum likelihood (ML) and Bayesian inference (BI), the red-bellied lizards group have three species groups; Darevskia parvula, D. adjarica and unnamed Darevskia sp. (candidate species for Darevskia genus). This situation was supported by high bootstrap and posterior probability values in the trees of mitochondrial DNA gene fragments. However, no genetic variation was detected according to nuclear DNA (rag1) sequence. Because the species groups have no overlaps in terms of their ecological niches, ecological niche modelling (ENM) results revealed differences among the groups of D. parvula, D. adjarica, and unnamed Darevskia sp. Besides, we detected no geographical overlaps among three species groups, since there were geographical isolation zones among the species groups of red-bellied lizard.

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Within reptiles, lizards cover less area across the globe than snakes do. One out of every seven known species of lizards in the world is found only in its type locality. Acanthodactylus harranensis Baran, Kumlutaş, Lanza, Sindaco, Ilgaz, Avcı & Crucitti, 2005, is one of these species. It is an endemic lizard species in Turkey with a very small area of occupancy and is listed in the critically endangered category (CR) by the IUCN. Here we document the age structure and body size of A. harranensis using skeletochronological methods for the first time and aim to point out current problems and contribute to an understanding of its demography. The mean age of males was found to be significantly higher than that of females. The maximum life span was 10 years in males while it was 9 years in females. The 8-year-old age group contained a higher number of individuals than any other age group. The mean snout-vent length of specimens was not significantly different between the sexes. As in many other lizards, A. harranensis exhibits a low-level male-biased sexual dimorphism. Acanthodactylus harranensis also displayed a considerably bigger body size than other studied lacertids from Şanlıurfa province. The data presented in this study may contribute to future conservation efforts for this endangered species.