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Introductions of non-native lineages increase opportunities for hybridization. Non-native lineages of the common wall lizard, Podarcis muralis, are frequently introduced in cities where they hybridize with native populations. We aimed at unravelling the invasion history and admixture of native and non-native wall lizards in four German cities using citywide, comprehensive sampling. We barcoded and genotyped 826 lizards and tested if gene flow in populations composed of admixed native and introduced lineages is facilitated by similar environmental factors to those in native populations by comparing fine-scale landscape genetic patterns. In cities with non-native lineages, lizards commonly occurred in numerous clusters of hybrid swarms, which showed variable lineage composition, consisting of up to four distinct evolutionary lineages. Hybrid swarms held vast genetic diversity and showed recent admixture with other hybrid swarms. Landscape genetic analyses showed differential effects of cityscape structures across cities, but identified water bodies as strong barriers to gene flow in both native and admixed populations. By contrast, railway tracks facilitated gene flow of admixed populations only. Our study shows that cities represent unique settings for hybridization, caused by multiple introductions of non-native taxa. Cityscape structure and invasion histories of cities will determine future evolutionary pathways at these novel hybrid zones.

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Mechanisms leading to sympatric speciation are diverse and may build up reproductive isolation. Reproductive isolation among differentiated clades may exist due to genetic incompatibilities, sexual selection, differences in parity mode, reduced post-zygotic survival or reproductive success of hybrids. Here, we test whether differences in parity mode lead to reproductive isolation by investigating introgression in Zootoca vivipara, a lizard species exhibiting oviparous and viviparous reproduction. We measured introgression in transects spanning different viviparous clades, different oviparous subclades, transects containing oviparous and viviparous clades, and transects within the same subclade (control transects). Introgression in transects spanning oviparous and viviparous clades was one order of magnitude smaller than transects spanning the same reproductive mode and no statistical differences existed between transects spanning the same reproductive mode and control transects. Among types of transects, no significant differences existed in genetic and geographic distances, nor number of detected alleles. Moreover, hybrids were detected in all types of transects, showing that parity mode alone does not necessarily lead to complete reproductive isolation, which suggests that reinforcement may play an important role. The evolution of different parity modes together with reinforcement may thus promote reproductive isolation and rapid speciation, potentially explaining why only six of the almost 40,000 vertebrates belonging to groups consisting of viviparous and oviparous species exhibit bimodal reproduction.

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Widespread species often show extensive phenotypic variation due to the contrasting abiotic and biotic factors that shape selective pressures in different environments. In this context, the gradual and predictable patterns of variation in climatic and environmental conditions found in mountain areas offer a great opportunity to explore intraspecific phenotypic variation. For instance, temperature is negatively correlated with altitude and virtually all aspects of the behavior and physiology of ectotherms are sensitive to body temperature. In this work, we tested the hypothesis that morphology, dorsal and ventral coloration and the chemical profile of femoral secretions show interpopulational and seasonal variation in the lacertid lizard (Podarcis liolepis). We compared lizards from three populations inhabiting lowland and highland habitats in the French Pyrenees that were closely related genetically. We found that highland lizards were larger, stockier, had longer heads and more femoral pores and had a darker dorsal coloration than lowland ones. In addition, we detected interpopulational differences in both the abundance and the richness of chemical compounds in the glandular secretions, and we also found seasonal variation in the overall chemical composition. Dorsal and ventral coloration differed seasonally and between populations. Ventral and dorsal brightness were higher in lowland than in highland lizards in the reproductive season whereas the reversed trend was found in the non-reproductive season but only for dorsal brightness. In addition, all lizards had browner dorsal coloration in the non-reproductive season, and lowland lizards were greener in the reproductive season. By integrating information from both visual and chemical systems, our works offers a comprehensive view of how these lizards communicate in a multimodal context.

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Palaeoenvironmental information on Marine Isotope Stage 3 (MIS 3) coastal Latium is sparse, mainly based on studies of isolated faunal assemblages or long pollen records from lake sediments, often of insufficient resolution to aid in palaeoenvironmental reconstruction. This study describes in detail the Late Pleistocene faunal assemblage from layers SU11 and SU12 of Cava Muracci (Cisterna di Latina, central Italy), the first of which is a partially-preserved hyena den. The first multi-disciplinary palaeoenvironmental reconstruction of coastal Latium between 34–44 ka BP, a critical time span for the presence of the latest Neanderthals and the arrival of Anatomically Modern Humans (AMH), is provided combining palaeoecological inferences from a previous pollen study of hyena coprolites with the palaeontological study described here. The results indicate a temperate climate and a landscape characterised by the coexistence of at least three habitats within a short distance between the coastline and the inland mountains, suitable for a wide variety of species.

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Warming climates are facilitating the range expansion of many taxa to habitats that were formerly thermally inhospitable, including to higher latitudes and elevations. The potential for such colonization, however, varies widely among taxa. Because environmental factors may interact to affect colonization potential, an understanding of underlying physiological and behavioral mechanisms is necessary to predict how species will respond to potentially suitable habitats. For example, temperature and oxygen availability will interact to shape physiological and performance traits. Our model species, the wall lizard, Podarcis muralis, is a widely distributed ectotherm that continues to expand its range in Europe despite being limited by cold temperatures at high elevations and latitudes. To test the potential for organisms to expand to warming high-altitude environments, we conducted a transplant experiment to quantify the within-individual effects of high-altitude hypoxia on physiological and performance traits. Transplanted lizards maintained individual differences in physiological traits related to oxygen capacity and metabolism (hemoglobin concentration, hematocrit, and peak postexhaustion metabolic rate), as well as performance traits tied to fitness (sprint speed and running endurance). Although lizards altered blood biochemistry to increase oxygen-carrying capacity, their performance was reduced at high altitude. Furthermore, lizards at high altitude suffered a rapid loss of body condition over the 6-wk experiment, suggesting an energetic cost to hypoxia. Taken together, this demonstrates a limited potential for within-individual plasticity to facilitate colonization of novel high-altitude environments.

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The common lizard (Zootoca vivipara) displays characteristic cytogenetic, reproductive, molecular, and biogeographic variability. This species comprises oviparous and viviparous populations with disjunct distribution and sex chromosome polymorphisms, from simple ZZ/ZW to complex Z1Z1Z2Z2/Z1Z2W systems with different morphologies of the W chromosome. In this study, we used the primers SINE A and SINE B and a newly designed primer pair to (1) obtain information on the presence and distribution of transposable elements (TEs) in 8 squamate families and (2) assess the chromosomal location of SINE Squam elements in Z. vivipara. PCR amplification with SINE A and SINE B produced single or multiple products in different Z. vivipara populations, subsequently used to design the SINE-Zv primers. Using the newly designed SINE-Zv primers, we identified 2 sequences of about 700 and 300 bp (SINE-Zv 700 and SINE-Zv 300) in all the investigated populations of Z. vivipara. Fluorescence in situ hybridizations showed a preferential localization of SINE-Zv sequences in the peritelomeric regions of almost all chromosomes, with the exception of the W. Both sequences contained a distinct segment of SINE Squam2. SINE-Zv 700 appeared to be restricted to Z. vivipara, while SINE-Zv 300 contained a partial Gypsy sequence that is highly conserved among Squamata and showed high identity values (72-93%) with several transcripts from different species. Using the same primers, we also highlighted the presence of another highly conserved Gypsy-like fragment in snakes which displayed significant similarity with the stomatin-like protein 2 of colubrids. Our results suggest that SINEs and the Gypsy-like elements are widely distributed among squamates and may have played an active role in their genomic evolution and differentiation.

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The current paper summarizes old and recent herptiles records in the karst cavities of the Crimean Mountains, highlighting also the means of entry of poikilothermic vertebrates into the karst. It was found that the underground habitats are on purpose utilized by some amphibians and reptiles, characterized by mostly crepuscular and/or night activity as well as by the pronounced ability to move on the vertical surfaces and, in many cases, by the synanthropization tendency. One of the prerequisites for the animals’ entry to the karst might be their habitat’s conditions such as arid climate, absence of the forest, harsh winters at the upper distribution limit.

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Aim: Small geographic ranges make species especially prone to extinction from an- thropogenic disturbances or natural stochastic events. We assemble and analyse a comprehensive dataset of all the world’s lizard species and identify the species with the smallest ranges—those known only from their type localities. We compare them to wide-ranging species to infer whether specific geographic regions or biological traits predispose species to have small ranges. Location: Global. Methods: We extensively surveyed museum collections, the primary literature and our own field records to identify all the species of lizards with a maximum linear geo- graphic extent of <10 km. We compared their biogeography, key biological traits and threat status to those of all other lizards. Results: One in seven lizards (927 of the 6,568 currently recognized species) are known only from their type localities. These include 213 species known only from a single specimen. Compared to more wide-ranging taxa, they mostly inhabit relatively inaccessible regions at lower, mostly tropical, latitudes. Surprisingly, we found that burrowing lifestyle is a relatively unimportant driver of small range size. Geckos are especially prone to having tiny ranges, and skinks dominate lists of such species not seen for over 50 years, as well as of species known only from their holotype. Two- thirds of these species have no IUCN assessments, and at least 20 are extinct. Main conclusions: Fourteen per cent of lizard diversity is restricted to a single location, often in inaccessible regions. These species are elusive, usually poorly known and little studied. Many face severe extinction risk, but current knowledge is inadequate to properly assess this for all of them. We recommend that such species become the focus of taxonomic, ecological and survey efforts.

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Reptiles use pterin and carotenoid pigments to produce yellow, orange, and red colors. These conspicuous colors serve a diversity of signaling functions, but their molecular basis remains unresolved. Here, we show that the genomes of sympatric color morphs of the European common wall lizard (Podarcis muralis), which differ in orange and yellow pigmentation and in their ecology and behavior, are virtually undifferentiated. Genetic differences are restricted to two small regulatory regions near genes associated with pterin [sepiapterin reductase (SPR)] and carotenoid [beta-carotene oxygenase 2 (BCO2)] metabolism, demonstrating that a core gene in the house-keeping pathway of pterin biosynthesis has been coopted for bright coloration in reptiles and indicating that these loci exert pleiotropic effects on other aspects of physiology. Pigmentation differences are explained by extremely divergent alleles, and haplotype analysis revealed abundant transspecific allele sharing with other lacertids exhibiting color polymorphisms. The evolution of these conspicuous color ornaments is the result of ancient genetic variation and cross-species hybridization.

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Data about West African non-avian reptiles still remain scarce and, in particular, bibliography provides little information about the herpetofauna in the WAP complex pro- tected areas (W Transfrontier Biosphere Reserve, Arly and Pendjari Parks). At the request of ECOPAS project and with CIRAD financing we undertook, from May 2006 to November 2007, an herpetologi- cal survey of the W Transfrontier Biosphere Reserve straddling three countries : Niger, Benin and Burkina Faso. This study allowed us to record 83 reptiles species, which represents a high biodiversity for an African savanna area ; moreover we discovered a new species of cobra of the Naja haje group during this study in the W Reserve. Biogeographic analysis shows that, besides five ubiquitous species, most of the reptile species of the area (70%) are typically Sudanese savanna ones ; however a 17 Sahe- lo-Saharan species group enters the northern part of the area, while three typically guinean species extend to the southern part of the reserve through forest galleries.

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The order Squamata is a species-rich group of reptiles including the groups Sauria, Serpentes and Amphisbaenia. Several members of these groups have been extensively used as model organisms for a great variety of studies of different fields including ecology, behaviour and medicine. Such studies require a well-established phylogenetic framework to trace the evolution and diversity of the studied traits in the squamate tree of life. However, the accuracy of phylogenetic inference in Squamata is unbalanced: while the position of the main squamate groups and high level relationships have been successfully and consistently estimated across phylogenetic studies, the phylogenetic relationships of some groups have provided inconsistent results over the years. The accurate estimation of relationships between these groups might have been hindered by methodological artefacts of the phylogenetic inference due to limited data and analytical tools. For the last couple of decades, and even presently, phylogenetic inference has relied heavily on mitochondrial DNA as the main molecular marker as a result of its advantages, such as the lack of recombination, easy amplification and high evolutionary rate. While its use is based on sound reasons, some drawbacks and limitations have been highlighted, such as the overall small size, and the fact that all genes are linked thus it represents a single locus. To overcome this, the addition of nuclear DNA complements the use of mitochondrial DNA in phylogenetic inference. Within the nuclear DNA, some markers may present so little variation that it is insufficient to recover phylogenetic relationships, yet slow-evolving nuclear genes have been the most widely used markers in phylogenetic studies. On the other hand, it has been shown that the use of highly informative fast evolving nuclear genes, in combination with mitochondrial DNA, can provide resolution at different parts and depths of the evolutionary history of the species. Phylogenetic analyses of multiple loci have historically been based on the concatenation approach, .i.e. the combination of the sequences into a single alignment that is then analysed to represent the species tree. This method, however, relies on the assumption that the most commonly occurring gene tree is equivalent to the true species tree of any taxa, which may not be true in all cases. Another limitation of the concatenation approach is the elevated percentage of missing data that it sometimes entails, especially in large taxon sets, meaning that the sequence representation is The order Squamata is a species-rich group of reptiles including the groups Sauria, Serpentes and Amphisbaenia. Several members of these groups have been extensively used as model organisms for a great variety of studies of different fields including ecology, behaviour and medicine. Such studies require a well-established phylogenetic framework to trace the evolution and diversity of the studied traits in the squamate tree of life. However, the accuracy of phylogenetic inference in Squamata is unbalanced: while the position of the main squamate groups and high level relationships have been successfully and consistently estimated across phylogenetic studies, the phylogenetic relationships of some groups have provided inconsistent results over the years. The accurate estimation of relationships between these groups might have been hindered by methodological artefacts of the phylogenetic inference due to limited data and analytical tools. For the last couple of decades, and even presently, phylogenetic inference has relied heavily on mitochondrial DNA as the main molecular marker as a result of its advantages, such as the lack of recombination, easy amplification and high evolutionary rate. While its use is based on sound reasons, some drawbacks and limitations have been highlighted, such as the overall small size, and the fact that all genes are linked thus it represents a single locus. To overcome this, the addition of nuclear DNA complements the use of mitochondrial DNA in phylogenetic inference. Within the nuclear DNA, some markers may present so little variation that it is insufficient to recover phylogenetic relationships, yet slow-evolving nuclear genes have been the most widely used markers in phylogenetic studies. On the other hand, it has been shown that the use of highly informative fast evolving nuclear genes, in combination with mitochondrial DNA, can provide resolution at different parts and depths of the evolutionary history of the species. Phylogenetic analyses of multiple loci have historically been based on the concatenation approach, .i.e. the combination of the sequences into a single alignment that is then analysed to represent the species tree. This method, however, relies on the assumption that the most commonly occurring gene tree is equivalent to the true species tree of any taxa, which may not be true in all cases. Another limitation of the concatenation approach is the elevated percentage of missing data that it sometimes entails, especially in large taxon sets, meaning that the sequence representation is Miocene and supported a scenario of east-to-west diversification. The little morphological and phylogenetic evidence for the distinctiveness between Rhinechis and Zamenis supports a classification lumping which better reflects their evolutionary history and, based on the priority rule, R. scalaris is moved into the genus Zamenis and designated as Zamenis scalaris comb. nov. Within the Gallotiinae subfamily, the combined use of fast nuclear markers and the species tree was fruitful for the inference of a robust phylogeny of the genus Psammodromus, distributed in the Iberian Peninsula and North Africa. In this study we analysed for the first time the six Psammodromus species to infer the association between the main cladogenetic events within this genus and the complex biogeographic dynamics across the Strait of Gibraltar. The inferred phylogeographical history suggests that Psammodromus probably originated in Iberia. The African species and the African lineage of P. algirus were a result of two over-sea dispersal events towards Africa that occurred 10 Ma and 1.5 Ma, while continental vicariance events might have shaped the diversification of the species within Iberia and Africa. These results, combined with previous literature, provide compelling evidence that major biotic exchanges occurred across the Strait of Gibraltar well before or long after the land connection during the Messinian Salinity Crisis (5.9 – 5.33 Ma). These findings suggest caution in the application of the relatively short event of the opening of the Strait of Gibraltar at the end of the Messinian Salinity Crisis as a cause for divergence in molecular clock calibrations, which is a common approach in literature. At the species level, the use of fast evolving nuclear markers proved to be fruitful to understand the geographical pattern of phyletic diversification within the Omanosaura lizards belonging to the Eremiadini tribe, endemic to the Hajar Mountains in the Arabian Peninsula. Multilocus phylogenetic analyses recovered two highly divergent lineages within O. cyanura which are geographically associated to the northernmost and to the south and eastern regions of the Hajar Mountains. These lineages are reciprocally monophyletic at both mitochondrial and nuclear loci suggesting a long history of independent evolution and the need of a comprehensive taxonomic assessment. Omanosaura cyanura represents an additional case of cryptic diversity in the north Hajar Mountains, an area that has been demonstrated to hide high levels of genetic diversity in other reptile groups. Overall, the work developed in this dissertation has demonstrated that the inclusion of fast evolving nuclear genes and the coalescent species tree approach was relevant for resolving challenging phylogenetic questions on selected squamate groups. This approach allowed the recovery of new clades and provided support for old and recent relationships. These methods have further allowed the comparison between contrasting phylogenetic hypotheses on the Lacertini and Colubrinae, demonstrating that the inference based on the supermatrix approach used by many recent studies may provide high support for incorrect nodes. Future research directions include (i) the application of the phylogenomic approach based on Next Generation Sequence data to further resolve basal polytomy within the Lacertini and Colubrinae radiations; (ii) a taxonomical assessment of Omanosaura; (iii) a re-evaluation of molecular clock calibrations based on the end of the Messinian Salinity Crisis as general cause for divergence, in order to account for biotic exchanges by over-sea dispersal across the Mediterranean well before or long after the land connection during this period, as suggested by emerging literature and the study case on Psammodromus.

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The analysis of biogeographical structure and patterns of endemism are central topics of biogeography, but require exhaustive distribution data. A lack of accurate broad-scale information on the distribution of reptiles has so far limited the analyses of biogeographical structure. Here we analysed the distribution of reptiles within the broad-sense Western Palearctic to assess biogeographical regionalization using phylogenetic and non-phylogenetic approaches, identified areas of endemism and evaluated the environmental factors pro- moting community uniqueness and endemism. We gathered distributional records from the literature and from the field, mapping the distribution of all the Western Palearctic reptiles on a 1-degree resolution grid. bsim dissimilarity and hierarchical clustering was used to identify bioregions, analysing data both at the species and at the genus level, and considering phylogenetic dissimilarity. Consensus areas of endemism were identified on the basis of the optimality criterion. We then assessed whether biogeographical structure is related to present-day climate, insularity, orography and velocity of climate change during the Late Qua- ternary. The genus-level analysis identified five main biogeographical regions within the Western Palearctic, in partial agreement with previous proposals, while the species-level analysis identified more bioregions, largely by dividing the ones identified by genera. Phylogenetic bioregions were generally consistent with the non- phylogenetic ones. The strongest community uniqueness was observed in subtropical warm climates with seasonal precipitation and low productivity. We found nine consensus areas of endemism, mostly in regions with limited velocity of Quaternary climate change and warm subtropical climates. The biogeographical structure of Western Palearctic reptiles is comparable to what has been observed in other vertebrates, with a clear distinction between the Saharo-Arabian-Sindian and Euro-Mediterranean herpetofaunas. Unlike other vertebrates, in reptiles the highest uniqueness and endemism is observed in dry climates, but the velocity of climate change during the Quaternary remains a major driver of endemism across all the vertebrates.

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Understanding the local effects of climate change on biodiversity is essential to guide environmental and management policies for natural areas. The lack of knowledge at the regional level has led to the development of a research program `Climate sentinels`. The main hypothesis of the program is that effects on biodiversity are particularly detectable in species that have low movement abilities. These `climate sentinel` species would be the first to respond to local climatic variations by adaptation or local extinction. From the territory of New Aquitaine (France), 20 biological indicators of climate change in different ecosystems (dune, dry, wet, mountain and forest) were chosen: plants communities of ecosystems, insects (butterflies, dragonflies, bumblebees), amphibians (Rana pyrenaica, Hyla molleri, H. arborea), reptiles (Iberolacerta bonnali, Timon lepidus, Zootoca vivipara, Emys orbicularis, Vipera berus) and mammals (Marmota marmota, micromammals). This paper presents the method of development of these indicators and the research hypotheses associated with climate sentinel species.

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Several investigations and an Atlas project (Progetto Atlante degli Anfibi e Rettili del Molise) were carried out from 2003 to 2007 to assess the occurrence and distribution of Amphibians and Reptiles in the Molise region (Central Italy). Information on the distribution of the species in the study area, habitat types, seasonal activity and other aspects of the species biology were collected and recorded in a database. Data concerning the species occurrence were mapped on a 10x10 km square basis, according to a UTM grid system, such as those utilized in other Italian atlas projects devoted to the analysis of flora and fauna. The study area (Molise) was divided into 71 squared units. About 379 records (1 record = 1 species per 1 locality) were collected to define the present distribution of the 31 species which resulted to occur in the study area to date. All species are native to the area but one, i.e the red-eared turtle (Trachemys scripta), which was introduced in recent years and is native to North America. Amphibians were represented by 13 species: five salamanders (Salamandra salamandra, Salamandrina perspicillata, Lissotriton italicus, L. vulgaris, Triturus carnifex) and eight anurans (Bombina pachypus, Bufo bufo, Pseudepidalea cfr. viridis, Hyla intermedia, Rana dalmatina, R. italica, Pelophylax bergeri, P. kl. bispanicus). Green frogs are represented by a synklepton, i.e. a pair of taxa formed by an hybridogenetic species (Pelophylax kl. bispanicus) and a parental one (P. bergeri). Reptiles consisted of 18 species: four turtles (Eurotestudo bermanni, Emys orbicularis, Trachemys scripta, Caretta caretta), seven lizards (Hemidactylus turcicus, Tarentola mauritanica, Anguis fragilis, Lacerta bilineata, Podarcis muralis, P. sicula, Chalcides chalcides) and seven snakes (Hierophis viridiflavus, Coronella austriaca, Zamenis longissimus, Elaphe quatuorlineata, Natrix natrix, N. tessellata, Vipera aspis). Based both on literature and biogeographic data Coronella girondica, Zamenis lineatus, and Vipera ursinii also probably occur in Molise, but these species were not recorded to date and their occurrence should be confirmed by further investigation.

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Depuis l`origine des sciences computationnelles, les simulations numériques ont facilité l’étude des mécanismes générant les formes et les couleurs qui composent les organismes vivants. Alain Turing, souvent considéré comme l’un des pères de l`informatique, dans son célèbre article Chemical basis of morphogenesis, suggère qu`un mécanisme auto-organisationnel guide la formation de motifs durant la morphogénèse. Les modèles de Turing ont largement contribué à la compréhension des processus impliqués dans le développement des patrons de coloration de la peau et de motifs émergeants de la croissance différentielle des tissus. Un processus distinct, l`obtention d`un état d`énergie minimale par déformation suite à des instabilités élastique induites par disparité de croissance de tissus adjacents, permet également de générer des motifs morphologiques. Dans ce contexte, j`ai employé la modélisation mathématique, l`analyse graphique ainsi que le calcul parallèle afin d`expliquer l`émergence de la structure pliée de la collerette érectile du dragon australien (Chlamydosaurus kingii) ainsi que la formation de motifs cutanés colorés chez le lézard ocellé (Timon Lepidus). Soumis à des compressions suffisamment larges, découlant de la croissance homogène de la peau physiquement contrainte par ses connexions aux tissus adjacents, la surface de la collerette du lézard Chlamydosaurus subit une instabilité mécanique qui conduit à la formation d`un motif ondulant à trois stries convexes. En appliquant des reconstructions volumétriques réalistes, des mesures de croissance embryonnaire, d`épaisseur et de rigidité du tissu impliqué, le modèle computationnel indique que l`instabilité mécanique à elle seule suffit à reproduire la transition de deux à trois stries observée durant le développement embryonnaire de la collerette du lézard Chlamydosaurus. !9 Le motif coloré de la peau dorsale du lézard ocellé consiste en une juxtaposition d`écailles uniformément vertes ou noires. Ce motif se forme durant les premières années du développement de l`animal par le changement de couleur d`écailles individuelles. Ce processus peut être modélisé par un automate cellulaire probabiliste, survenant suite à des processus d’interactions de cellules pigmentaires se produisant dans la peau de géométrique complexe. En exploitant un mécanisme de Turing, l`analyse de distribution spatiale des cellules pigmentaires et d`un modèle numérique à trois dimensions, je montre que la géométrie de la peau est suffisante pour expliquer le motif des écailles uniformément colorées. En outre, en appliquant une méthode de réduction de dimension, qui projette un domaine 3D vers un domaine 2D, j`ai développé un modèle numérique hautement optimisé qui me permet de produire des simulations de réaction-diffusion combinée à la croissance tissulaire. Dans ce cadre, je démontre que la croissance de l`animal, couplée à une géométrie complexe de la peau, génère une séquence de motifs par changement de couleur d`écailles individuelles. De surcroît, les motifs générés présentent une décroissance de la taille caractéristique du motif hautement similaire à celle observée chez les lézards ocellés.

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In einem Umsiedlungsprojekt für die Zauneidechse (Lacerta agilis) im Rahmen eines Gleiserneuerungsvorhabens im Raum Berlin konnten 1797 Zauneidechsen, sowie 1081 Kleinsäuger mithilfe von Eimerfallen an Fangzäunen abgefangen werden. Der systematische Einsatz von Ausstiegshilfen für Kleinsäuger und Laufkäfer verringerte in diesem Projekt die Fangeffektivität für die Zauneidechsen mithilfe der Fangeimer um etwa 17 % (299 Zauneidechsen). Die Beifänge der Kleinsäuger konnten signifi-kant und um ca. 76 % (825 Kleinsäuger) reduziert werden. Mithilfe eines Kantholzes als Kletterhilfe konnten im Vergleich zu einem Rundholz mehr Säugetiere geschont und mehr Zauneidechsen gefangen werden. Die Fangzaunmethode (mit und ohne Ausstiegshilfen) in Abfangprojekten für die Zauneidechse wird im Kontext der Er-fahrungen aus dem Amphibienschutz auch unter ethischen Gesichtspunkten kritisch diskutiert.

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Rare or newly discovered species are attractive targets for poaching as they often command a high value in the international market. Endemic species often have a very restricted range, making them extremely vulnerable to stochastic events and human activities, including poaching. Previous studies have shown that several species endemic to the Nansei Islands in Japan are available in the international pet trade. This paper further investigates the presence of live reptiles and amphibians endemic to the Nansei Islands in international pet trade. Seven Facebook groups and five classified websites were searched for these species, in addition to the CITES database and a spot-check at Chatuchak market in Thailand. Nansei Island endemic reptiles and amphibians are more common in the international pet trade than initially thought. During the study period, advertisements for 23 species endemic to the Nansei Islands were found, comprising a total of 360 specimens. In addition, during a spot-check, 8 individuals of 2 subspecies of Japanese sword-tail newt were found at Chatuchak market in Thailand. Only three of these species are protected by the CITES and nine are regionally or nationally protected. Yet, ten species observed in international markets are classified as Endangered by IUCN and two even as Critically Endangered. The large numbers observed for the Endangered and Critically Endangered Goniurosaurus and Takydromus species warrants increased protection and a CITES Appendix III listing is recommended for these species.

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The paper discusses biotopical and altitudinal distribution of Takydromus amurensis Peters, 1881 and Takydromus wolteri Fischer, 1885 inhabiting the north-eastern Asia. These species demonstrate in this area the changes of biotopical preference. T. amurensis prefers to occupy the forest zone less actively than in the southern part of range, 46 vs. 91%, respectively. T. wolteri avoids open spaces and partially enters the forest zone (7%). Both T. amurensis and T. wolteri actively inhabit the light forest zone (15 and 17%, respectively) and anthropogenic region (39 and 76%, respectively), the zone being optimal for their inhabitancy. In the southern part of natural habitat (Republic of Korea), the light forest zone plays an important role in their biotopical distribution (9% T. amurensis and 36% T. wolteri), though it is less preferred when compared to north-eastern part of the range. Two sites in the forest zone with weakly anthropogenic disruption (one in Russia and the other in Republic of Korea) were revealed, where species symbiotopy was observed. In both cases, T. wolteri was a predominant species. For the first time the altitudinal distribution data for lizards of genus Takydromus has been presented, in particular, for Russia. T. amurensis was found in the range of 11 – 633 m a.s.l. and T. wolteri — 14 – 321 m a.s.l. Maximal amplitude of altitudinal distribution of studied species has been indicated for the light forest zone. On the territory of Korea, T. wolteri has been found to have wider range of vertical distribution 4 – 424 m a.s.l.

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In the striatum, thalamus and cerebellum of a Lacertid reptile, we have found three types of cellular death during embryonic development, both at the light and electron microscopic level. The first affects the undifferentiated neuro-epithelial cells and is commonest during the early stages (E. 32-E. 36). The second corresponds to the type of `nuclear` death described in the bibliography and reaches a maximum in the middle embryonic period (E. 37-E. 39); nevertheless important variations were observed in different zones. The third is the same as the `cytoplasmic` death type and appears in the perinatal stages. Phagocytosis involved in the elimination of dead cells is of two types. One is associated with early death and is carried out by undifferentiated neuro-epithelial cells. The other is carried out by microglial cells which appear around Stage 37. Much cellular debris was observed in the intermediate zone and this was associated with the second type of phagocytosis. In both cases lipid production was associated with the degenerative process. Comparison of the temporal cellular death pattern with synaptogenesis, gliogenesis and maturation of neuronal processes is consistent with the view that the various types of cellular death found by us had different causes.

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Uganda is one of the most species rich countries in Africa because of the presenceof several major biomes. However, it is also a country that has lost much of its nat-ural habitat to agriculture. Uganda is a country that has been better surveyed for itsbiodiversity than many African countries, but despite this, there has not been acomprehensive analysis of the critical sites that contribute to biodiversity conserva-tion at a global, as well as at a national level. We here present such an assessmentusing mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and plants as surrogate taxa. We iden-tified 36 terrestrial sites that are of sufficient global importance to qualify as KeyBiodiversity Areas (KBAs), using the Global Standard for the Identification ofKBAs, which complement an additional nine freshwater sites. National red listingof species and ecosystems was used to identify sites of national importance for con-servation. We employ a conservation planning approach using Marxan to identifythe minimum set of sites needed to conserve all the globally and nationally threat-ened species and nationally threatened habitats in Uganda. The findings show thatmost of the remaining natural habitat in Uganda is important for the conservationof globally and nationally threatened species and threatened habitat. Large areas ofirreplaceable habitat occur outside protected areas, although more extensive surveys of these areas would likely reduce the area that is irreplaceable.

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Evaluating flagship species and their potential for biological preservation and ecotourism development is a key issue for many audiences within the conservation and social fields. Despite several methods available to identify flagships, their application is often constrained in remote, poorly studied regions. Developments are needed in statistical and spatially-explicit approaches to assess species` traits influencing flagship appealing, to identify flagship fleets, and to map the location of flagship hotspots. Here, we developed a new method to identify flagship species in regions with knowledge gaps, using a two-stage statistical approach (ordination and clus- tering algorithms) to assess variable`s contribution to appealing and to group species sharing similar char- acteristics into flagship fleets. We then mapped areas concentrating the highest richness of flagships. Unique morphologies and behaviours, conservation status, endemicity, body size and weight, and feeding habits were the traits contributing the most to the flagship appealing. Nine flagship fleets were identified, from which two were the most suitable for conservation marketing and ecotourism promotion campaigns in Sahara-Sahel: Fleet A comprising 36 large-bodied species (18 mammals, 18 reptiles) and Fleet B including 70 small-bodied species (10 birds, six mammals, 54 reptiles). A total of 19 and 16 hotspots were identified for large-bodied and small-bodied flagships, respectively. The methodology was suitable to identify flagship species for conservation marketing and for developing ecotourism operations in the Sahara-Sahel, to independently assess which species` traits are re- levant for flagship appealing, and to organise fleets for multispecies-based marketing campaigns. The framework is scalable and replicable worldwide.

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The present immunohistochemical and western blotting study evaluates the localization of a proto‐cadherin which gene is overexpressed in the regenerating blastema of the lizard Podarcis muralis. Bioinformatic analysis suggests that the antibody recognizes FAT1/2 proteins. Western blot indicates a main band around 50 kDa, a likely fragment derived from the original membrane‐bound large protein. Immunofluorescence shows main labelling in differentiating wound keratinocytes, lower in ependyma, mesenchyme and extracellular matrix of the blastema. The apical epidermal peg contains keratinocytes with labelled peripheral cytoplasm, as confirmed using ultrastructural immunogold that also reveals most labelling located along the cell surface of mesenchymal cells. Myoblasts and differentiating myotubes of regenerating muscles are less intensely labelled. The regenerating cartilaginous tube contains sparse labelled chondroblasts, especially in external and internal perichondria. In regenerating scales, differentiating beta‐cells appear immunofluorescent mainly along the cell perimeter. In more differentiated muscle, cartilage and connective tissues of the new tail, the labelling lowers or disappears. The observations indicate that FAT1/2 proto‐cadherins are present in the apical blastema where an intense remodelling takes place for the growth of the new tail but where also a tight control of cell division and migration is active and may regulate potential tumorigenic process.

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Colour polymorphic animals offer useful models to study the evolution of polymorphisms and studies with colour polymorphic lizards have contributed many advances in this field. Unfortunately, few studies address basic questions such as how observers (e.g. conspecifics) perceive the polymorphism or whether there is chromatic variability among evolutionary lineages or distant geographic areas within a species’ range. The common wall lizard (Podarcis muralis) shows a striking colour polymorphism in its ventral surface, presenting up to five alternative colour morphs, that is white, yellow and orange/red (depending on the lineage), and two intermediate mosaic morphs: white-orange and yellow-orange. Here we compare this polymorphism in two geographically distant areas, the Po valley (Northern Italy) and the Eastern Pyrenees (Iberian Peninsula), corresponding to separate phylogeographic lineages. Using objective techniques of colour measurement and lizard vision models, we examine the chromatic differences between these two polymorphic lineages. We also search for chromatic differences in other colour traits present in P. muralis: the cryptic dorsal coloration and the ultraviolet-blue spots of the outer ventral scales (UV-blue OVS) used for intraspecific communication. Although we detected significant differences among lineages in colour variables, the main variation was found between the alternative ventral colour morphs. The most striking inter-lineage divergence was between the orange Pyrenean morph and the red Italian morph, mainly caused by achromatic (but not chromatic) differences. In addition, although the UV-blue OVS show strong chromatic and achromatic variation between lineages, the dorsal coloration shows the smallest degree of variation, and mainly between localities rather than lineages. Overall, the ventral colour pattern of P. muralis is shared by at least two geographically and phylogenetically distant lineages. Nevertheless, body coloration also shows signs of historical divergence (Pyrenean orange vs. Italian red) and local adaptation (mainly in the dorsal pattern).

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Although explicit rules can be used to hypothesise an inter-island colonization sequence from a molecular phylogeny, and statistical methods can be used to assist in partitioning historical factors from current selective factors, this latter process has limited efficacy where there are a limited number of islands. Studying numerous populations within small, but heterogenous, islands allows a better understanding of the factors causing geographic variation. Three main approaches have been used to study within-island geographic variation using lizards on Canarian and Lesser Antillean archipelagos: (i) matrix correspondence tests and their partial regression/correlation extensions on morphological and molecular data; (ii) identification of within island patterns of morphological geographic variation paralleled on independent islands; and (iii) large scale field experiments on selection. These studies reveal that, even on small islands, ‘island populations’ may not be homogeneous in morphology, or molecular phylogeny, and that natural selection for current ecological conditions appears to be a primary force influencing morphological population differentiation, irrespective of phylogenetic history.

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The article describes the study of distribution and morphological features of diff erent morphotypes of sand lizards (Lacerta agilis) of the Kyiv Region. To sum up, 5 morphotypes of L. a. chersonensis were found in the Kyiv Region: bilinear (61.9 %); intermediate form (intermediate version) (17.3 %); trilinear (3.2 %); var. erythro-(viridi-)nota (16.2 %); and the rarest var. con-(bi-)color (1.4 %). According to the morphological features’ varieties erythro-(viridi-)nota lizards differ mostly from all other morphs (Na/Lor)(2/1 — 44.4 %), in the 15–17 rows 18(14–23) scales. They are most often found in forest biotopes. The remaining bi- and trilinears are characterized by Na/Lor (1/1 — 50.9 %), in the 15–17 rows 9.5 (6–13) scales.

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This review summarises the current status of our knowledge of Angolan reptile diversity, and places it into a historical context of understanding and growth. It is compared and contrasted with known diversity in adjacent regions to allow insight into taxonomic status and biogeographic patterns. Over 67% of Angolan reptiles were described by the end of the nineteenth century. Studies stagnated dur- ing the twentieth century but have increased in the last decade. At least 278 reptiles are currently known, but numerous new discoveries have been made during recent surveys, and many novelties await description. Although lizard and snake diversity is currently almost equal, most new discoveries occur in lizards, particularly geckos and lacertids. Poorly known Angolan reptiles and others from adjacent regions that may occur in the country are highlighted. Most endemic Angolan reptiles are lizards and are associated with the escarpment and southwest arid region. Identification of reptile diversity hotspots are resolving but require targeted surveys for their delimitation and to enable protection. These include the Kaokoveld Centre of Endemism, Angolan Escarpment and the Congo forests of the north. The fauna of Angola remains poorly known and under-appreciated, but it is already evident that it forms an important centre of African reptile diversity and endemism.

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Within the island of Tenerife the lizard Gallotia galloti shows geographic variation in a range of features, most notably the colour pattern of breeding males. Numerous (7) specific causal hypotheses, both phylogenetic and ecogenetic, are proposed or plausible for this geographic variation and these are simultaneously tested against the observed multivariate pattern. The hypotheses based on the divergence in allopatry (e.g. the secondary contact of populations from the precursor islands of Anaga and Teno and the separation of high- and low-altitude populations by encircling cloud) are rejected. The hypothesis that the pattern is caused by topographically determined climatic differences within the island is not rejected. The climate may influence the balance between selection for signalling colouration for sexual/territorial purposes and natural selection for crypsis.

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The Aegean Sea constitutes a major biogeographic barrier between the European and Asian continents and several models of diversification in the Aegean have been documented. Here, we test three of those models for the Aegean green‐lizards (Lacerta trilineata–pamphylica group): Vicariance versus Overland Dispersal versus Island Stepping‐stone Dispersal. We investigate these hypotheses and complement our knowledge on the impact of the Aegean Barrier on east Mediterranean taxa.

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A striking new sandveld lizard of the Nucras tessellata group is described from the Lambert’s Bay Strandveld of the Western Cape Province, South Africa. It is sister to the clade N. livida + N. tessellata, and is phenetically most similar to N. tessellata, from which it differs in its more elongate body and possibly increased number of presacral vertebrae and patternless orange dorsal coloration. The form elegans, described as a species by Andrew Smith (1838), but treated as an infrasubspecific variant by Broadley (1972), also exhibits weak patterning, but is likely a regional color variant. Nucras aurantiaca sp. nov. is the ninth member of the genus found in southern Africa. Its discovery in the well-collected coastal Western Cape suggests that further herpetofaunal surveys are needed in this region, which is threatened by agricultural activity and tourism-related development.

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Prothioconazole (PTC) is a widely used triazolinthione fungicide with low toxicity and short residual period. However, its desulfurization metabolite, prothioconazole-desthio (PTC-d), is more persistent and has higher toxicity in terrestrial animals. In this study, the toxicokinetics (TK) and tissue distribution of PTC and PTC-d in Chinese lizards (Eremias argus) were measured following single oral dose (100 mg kg−1 body weight) treatments. TK parameters indicated that PTC was more rapidly absorbed than PTC-d, as indicated by its shorter time to reach peak concentrations in most tissues. Furthermore, the relative bioavailability of PTC in lizards was lower than that of PTC-d. Compared with PTC, PTC-d preferentially accumulated in lizards, as reflected by longer half-life of PTC-d. During the distribution process, PTC-d generated in vivo was transported from other tissues and was deposited in the skin and tail, where PTC-d may be excreted by exuviation or tail detachment. Preferential enrichment of S-enantiomer of both PTC and PTC-d were observed in all tissues. Hepatic cytochrome P450 gene expression measurement revealed that cyp1a5 and cyp3a28 exhibited the strongest responses in both treatment groups. In addition, the opposite responses of cyp2k4 in different treatment groups may indicate that this enzyme caused differences in the rates of metabolism of the two chemicals. This study compared the TK profile of PTC and its desulfurization metabolite PTC-d in lizards and demonstrated that the desulfurization of PTC could increase its ecological risk due to the higher bioavailability and persistence of PTC-d.

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In March and April 2018 we surveyed amphibians and reptiles in two Proposed Protected Areas (PPAs) in Liberia. In the Krahn-Bassa Proposed Protected Area (KBPPA) in eastern Liberia 36 species of amphibians and 13 species of reptiles were recorded. In the Foya Proposed Protected Area (FPPA) in western Liberia 39 species of amphibians and 10 species of reptiles were recorded. The encountered herpetological communities in both sites were typical for West African rainforests. However, some species indicated disturbances, in particular at the edges of the study areas, the surrounding villages and plantations, and old artisanal gold mining sites within forests. Of particular conservation interest was the discovery of a high percentage of typical rainforest specialists with ranges restricted to the western part of the Upper Guinea rainforest biodiversity hotspot. Outstanding discoveries in KBPPA were two new species of puddle frogs, and the first country record for the arboreal, parachuting lizard Holaspis guentheri. Remarkable records in FPPA comprise a new species of stiletto snake, a new puddle frog and records of various frog species typically breeding in undisturbed rainforest streams, such as Odontobatrachus natator and Conraua alleni. Both study areas comprise an important proportion of the remaining rainforests in the Upper Guinea forest zone. The new discoveries indicate that within this biogeographic area, southeastern and western Liberian rainforest may still hold various undiscovered species and species of conservation concern. Further surveys in KBPPA and FPPA and nearby forests should clarify the distribution and conservation status of the new taxa. This study also emphasizes that the western part of the Liberian forests comprise at least partly a herpetofauna which differs from that of the East of the country. The recorded threatened amphibian species are all specialized on relatively undisturbed rainforests and they all have only small geographic ranges. The remaining parts of undisturbed or little disturbed forests thus have high importance for the long-term survival of these species. In conclusion the study areas have a high conservation potential and should be urgently protected from any further forest loss degradation and uncontrolled hunting.

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We present results of three consecutive years of research of batrachofauna and herpetofauna of Bjelasica Mountain and “Biogradska Gora” National Park, in north-eastern part of Montenegro. We found 9 amphibian and 9 reptile species inhabiting area in concern, that represent 56.3% of batracho and 26.5% of herpetofauna in Montenegro. We discuss conservation status of some species and suggest future perspectives for research and protection.

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The potential endocrine disruption of neonicotinoids poses a significant threat to the survival of small farmland lizards. We systematically evaluated the distribution, metabolism, and toxicity of three neonicotinoids (dinotefuran, thiamethoxam, and imidacloprid) in the Eremias argus during a 35-day oral administration exposure. Lizards could quickly transfer and store neonicotinoids into the scale and eliminated through molting. Dinotefuran was most prone to accumulation in lizard tissues, followed by thiamethoxam, and imidacloprid was generally present in the form of its terminal metabolite 6-chloropyridinyl acid. Exposure to dinotefuran resulted in hepatic oxidative stress damage, decreased plasma growth hormone concentration, and down-regulation of ghr, igf1 and igfbp2 gene expression. These indicated that dinotefuran might have potential growth inhibition toxicity to lizards. Although imidacloprid caused severe liver oxidative stress damage, the effect of imidacloprid on GH/IGF axis was not obvious. Compared to dinotefuran and imidacloprid, thiamethoxam had the least damage to liver and minimal impact on GH/IGF axis. This study verified the possible damage of neonicotinoids to lizard liver and the interference of GH/IGF axis for the first time.

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In this study, the different metabolic pathways of lambda-cyhalothrin (LCT) enantiomers in Eremias argus feces and enantioselective disruption on hypothalamus-pituitary-gonad (HPG) system were investigated. After 7 days oral exposure to LCT enantiomers, the concentration of 3-phenoxybenzoic acid (PBA), hydroxylated and sulfated LCT were higher in the (+)-LCT exposure group than that in the (−)-LCT exposure group, which indicated a higher metabolic rate of (+)-LCT than (−)-LCT. Although no significant differences were seen on lizard body weight after enantiomers’ exposure, the gonadosomatic index was dramatically decreased. The testicular impacts such as increased seminiferous tubule diameters were only observed in the (+)-LCT exposure group. Consistent with this result, the expression of ar gene in the (+)-LCT exposure was significantly higher than that in the (−)-LCT exposure group. In addition, the stronger binding affinity of AR with (+)-LCT further demonstrated the more serious disruption of (+)-LCT on lizard HPG axis than (−)-LCT. This study first elucidated the metabolic pathway and endocrine effects of LCT in lizards at enantiomeric level and provided some evidence for lizard population decline.

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Climate change created predominantly by burning fossil fuels leads to increased pressure on biodiversity. It may cause extinction in lizard species over the forthcoming years. Lizard species that are unable to adjust rapidly enough to the ecological alterations due to climate change are particularly under threat. Therefore, vulnerable lizard species should be monitored and adopt climate change scenarios. This study examines the changes in the habitats of Danford’s lizard (Anatololacerta danfordi) according to the RCP 4.5 and RCP 8.5 (HADGEM2-ES) climate scenarios. We modelled the current habitat preferences of A. danfordi using the MaxEnt method based on the bioclimatic features derived from Worldclim. Our results showed that A.danfordi prefers habitats with the bioclimate features including 12 mm for precipitation of driest month, 1-2ºC for mean temperature of wettest quarter, -4ºC for min temperature of coldest month, and 600 mm for annual precipitation. We determined the potential distributions of the A.danfordi using the model and GIS facilities for both RCP 4.5 and RCP 8.5 climate scenarios. In conclusion, the potential habitats of this lizard species may be dramatically influenced from two climate scenarios. We envisage that the suitable habitats may be mostly relocated from the south toward the north. A.danfordi may not adapt this rapid change and may not migrate to new suitable locations within this short period. Therefore, governments should make provisions against climate change without delay.

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In June 1981 the authors visited Rumania. During that period they observed several species of amphibians and reptiles in Carpathian Mountains, Danube Delta and Dobrogea. Notes are given on distribution and habitat of the species, mentioned in the list above. In addition, remarks are made about problems concerning the determination of some species.

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Der Verfasser besuchte Tunesien Anfang April 1978 und berichtet von den Arten, die er da vorfand. Chalcides ocellatus und Tarentola mauritanica wurden häufig beobachtet, besonders in Sousse. Ertaunliche Mengen von mMauremys caspica leprosa wurden in dem kleinen Fluss ´Oued Hamdoun`bei Sousse gesehen, sie wurden aber auch in Kairouan und Gabès anagetroffen. Natrix maura wurde in Sousse und Kairouan immer im oder beim Wasser gesehen, oft ist dieses Wasser hier brackig. Zum Schluss gibt der Verfasser einen Determinationsschlüssel zu den tunesischen Amphibien-, Eidechsen- und Schildkrötenarten mit wissenscjaftlichen, französischen, niederländischen und manchmal auch arabischen Namen.

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During the period July 8th to August7th the authors observed several species of amphibians and reptiles in the Rhône-valley in Switzerland. Notes are given on their habitat and on problems concerning determination of some species; remarks are made on the status oft he amphibians and reptiles in Switzerland.

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During a five day trip to Rhodos in february 1974, three species of reptiles were observed, Agama stellio stellio, Lacerta danfordi pelasgiana and Ablepharus k.kitaibelii. Their habitats are described. Few specimens of all kinds were taken home, where they all died within a year. The conclusion is, that it may profitable to catch your own animals, but that nevertheless it remains obligatory to treat the freshly caught animals against inner and outer parasites.

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It is known that parasitic worms are an integral part of the natural ecosystem, performing a complex regulatory function. The aim of our study was to investigate the pathological changes that occur in the tissues of lizards exposed to parasites. In histological specimens of small intestine we observed cross sections of nematodes. The bodies of parasites with vaguely expressed organ structure and rounded formations of a small size, were surrounded by a wide strip of acellular eosinophilic mass; in the central parts there was a single rounded basophilic inclusion. On this basis we can assume that there is a formation of fibrosis, a protection against the parasite. Intestinal nematode parasitism in the studied lizards causes building of a xenoparasite barrier. The formation of the xenoparasite barrier is due to the adaptation of a parasitic agent and the host.

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Socioeconomic factors (e.g. rural abandonment, monoculture plantations) and global warming are changing fire regimes (fire intensity, extent, and frequency) in fire-prone regions such as the Mediterranean Basin. Understanding the factors that shape responses of animal communities to fire is a key objective for biodiversity conservation. Given the substitution of native forests to pine plantations in many regions of the world, we studied whether forest type influences the responses to fire of reptile communities, in the African rim of the Western Mediterranean. Reptiles were sampled and vegetation structure measured in 2015 and 2016. We used generalized linear mixed models to examine the influence of fire, forest type (cork oak and pine), habitat structure and climate factors on two reptile-community metrics (abundance, species richness). Given possible differences in reptile detectability between unburnt and burnt transects, we used distance sampling models to estimate the density of the five commonest reptile species. The response of reptiles to fire varied between the two forest types: reptile abundance did not change with fire in cork oak forest, and increased with fire in pine plantation. Species richness was higher in cork oak forests, and increased from unburnt to burnt areas. Two out of five commonest lizards in the region, Acanthodactylus erythrurus and Podarcis vaucheri, responded positively to fire in pine plantation and remained similar in cork oak forest. Reptile communities were more similar between burnt and unburnt cork oak forests than between burnt and unburnt pine plantations, due to the reduced effect of fire on the former tree (a resprouter species) than on the latter (a seeder species). This work is the first field-based study examining the effects of fire on animal communities from north-western Africa. Overall, our results show that the response of reptiles to fire is shaped by forest type, and this conclusion has to be considered in fire-prone regions.

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During the second half of June 1974 population of amphibians were observed in the Seewinkel, east of the Neusiedler See in Burgenland, Austria. Habitats are described.

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One species of amphibian, the green toad (Bufo viridis oblongus), and 20 species of reptiles, Comprising the Afghan tortoise (Agricnemys horsfieldi), 4 agamid lizards (Agama agilis, A. n. nupta (?), Phrynocephalus mystaceus galli, Ph. scutellatus), 4 gekkonid lizards (Agamura persica, Cyrtodactylus caspius, Teratoscincus bedriagai , T. scincus) , 4 lacertid lizards (Eremias fasciata (?), E. persica, E. v. velox, Meislina guttulata watsonana) , 1 varanid lizard (Varanus griseus caspius), 1 boiid snake (Eryx tataricus), 4 colubrid snakes (Coluber karelini , C. rhodorhachis ladacensis, Psammophis lineolatus, Spalerosophis diadema schiraziana) , and a single viperid snake (Pseudocerastes p. persicus), are documented from the Turan Biosphere Reserve. Collecting data, ecological information, measurements, and relevant observations are given for those forms within the Reserve, and a tentative zoogeographic analysis of the Turan herpetofauna is attempted.

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In Tunesia during the second half of the month October six species of amphibians and reptiles were seen: Rana ridibunda perezi (Sousse), Bufo v. viridis (Sousse, Enfida), Tarentola mauritanica (Sousse), Psammodromus algirus (Sousse, El Djem, Hammamet). Arab names for amphibian (Hammamet), Acanthodactylus sp. (Hammamet) and Lacerta lepida pater (El Fahs), and reptile species, given by boys from Enfida, differ on many points from the names given by Doumergue (1901) for the region of Oran.

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The sand lizard pholidosis spectra including some deviant forms are considered in this paper. The spectra of pholidosis variants in populations on the small territory of the widespread species as well as local micropopulations specific of the lizards were noticed.

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Squamate reptiles exhibit high variation in their traits and geographical distribution and are therefore fascinating taxa for evolutionary and ecological research. However, high-quality genomic recourses are very limited for this group of species, which inhibits some research efforts. To address this gap, we assembled a high-quality genome of the common lizard Zootoca vivipara (Lacertidae) using a combination of high coverage Illumina (shotgun and mate-pair) and PacBio sequence data, with RNAseq data and genetic linkage maps. The 1.46 Gbp genome assembly has scaffold N50 of 11.52 Mbp with N50 contig size of 220.4 Kbp and only 2.96% gaps. A BUSCO analysis indicates that 97.7% of the single-copy Tetrapoda orthologs were recovered in the assembly. In total 19,829 gene models were annotated in the genome using a combination of three ab initio and homology-based methods. To improve the chromosome-level assembly, we generated a high-density linkage map from wild-caught families and developed a novel analytical pipeline to accommodate multiple paternity and unknown father genotypes. We successfully anchored and oriented almost 90% of the genome on 19 linkage groups. This annotated and oriented chromosome-level reference genome represents a valuable resource to facilitate evolutionary studies in squamate reptiles.

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lm Zeitraum 1981 bis 1991 wurde die Amphibien- und Reptilienfauna des Kreises Steinlurt (Nordrhein-Westfalen) kartiert. Dabei wurden 18 autochthone Arten (Amphibia 12, Reptilia 6) nachgewiesen. 6 Amphibienarten (fsichmolch, Bergmolch, Erdkröte, Laubfrosch, Grasfrosch, Wasserfrosch-Komplex) und 3 Reptilienarten (Blindschleiche, Zaun- und Waldeidechse) sind im gesamten Kreisgebiet bzw. in allen Naturräumen vorhanden. Der Fadenmolch lindet sich nur im Hügelland. Die 3 Schlangenarten sind nur lückig (Ringelnatter) bzw. punktuell verbreitet (Kreuzotter, Schlingnatter), 42 % det Amphibien- und 50 % der Reptilienarten mußten in eine Rote Liste der im Kreise Steinlurt gefährdeten Arten aulgenommen werden. Neben der aktuellen Verbreitung sind ökologische und phänologische Daten tür jede Arl zusammengetragen.

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In June 1973 the Greek islands Amorgos, Thira and Milos were visited. On Amorgos numerous Lacerta erhardii amorgensis and Gymnodactylus kotschi kotschi were seen. Two Eryx jaculus turcicus were met, they are slow animals, one was picked up and stayed very quite. On Thira a lizard, probably Lacerta erhardii naxensis, was photographed. On Milos Vipera lebetina schweizeri and telescopus fallax fallax were seen, caught by a snakedealer.

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This publication on the herpetofauna oft he Caucasus is a compilation oft wo articles published in 1967 and 1970 (Zool. Abh. SStaatl. Mus. Tierk. Dresden 29, pp. 85-93 and Aquarien terrarien 17, pp. 120-123.

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July 1973 five species of reptiles and one amphibian species were seen in a coastal area near Otranto (Puglia, Italy). Observations were made on the behaviour oft wo of them: Lacerta sicula campestris and Lacerta viridis fejervaryi.

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Mediterranean European landscapes have been shaped by human activities for centuries, particularly by livestock and farming. Traditionally managed montado landscapes have been recognized as having a crucial role in biodiversity conservation, providing habitat complexity and thus, ecological conditions for a variety of species. Biodiversity associated with montado can only be maintained under specific agricultural practices, with the intensification or abandonment of such practices posing serious threats for wildlife. Despite the high number of reptile species endemic to the Iberian Peninsula, research on the influence of agroforestry management practices on these species has been scarce. The mediterranean lizard Psammodromus algirus is a generalist species that responds to changes in the structure and quality of microhabitats, specifically the shrub layer, which is greatly affects by changes in cattle grazing intensity. In this study, we assessed how grazing affects the frequency of occurrence of P. algirus in a Mediterranean landscape dominated by montado. We detected that areas of intermediate age regarding grazing exclusion support higher lizard abundance, with P. algirus abundance being limited by vegetation structure and solar radiation. Thus, we may infer that the vegetation structure regulatory role of cattle will affect this lizard’s abundance, limiting it indirectly. We suggest that the maintenance of adequate traditional management, allowing the grazing pressure at low to moderate levels, would be beneficial to this species and reptiles in general and conclude that reconciling grazing and reptile conservation is possible if done in a sustainable way.

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Transferring identity-related information (IRI) to conspecifics may give advantage in effectively tuning intraspecific behaviour. Some lizard species use the secretions of specialized epidermal glands (femoral or cloacal) to convey IRI. Those secretions are made of lipids and proteins, the former been suggested to inform about signaller quality, the latter suspected to communicate IRI to conspecifics. Here, we tested the hypothesis that proteins broadcast IRI by analysing the movement patterns of 28 male common wall lizards (Podarcis muralis) under strictly controlled experimental conditions. Lizards were videotaped in plastic terraria where the substrate scent was manipulated by filling it with a solution bearing (i) the proteins extracted from the secretions of the tested lizard (SELF); (ii) the proteins from a never-met donor from other nearby populations (NON-SELF); and (iii) the solvent alone. Lizards showed higher behavioural response to the NON-SELF treatment with respect to both CTRL and SELF ones. Further, protein concentration did not affect behavioural response, suggesting an all-or-nothing effect. Both results agree with the hypothesis that proteins may be used in chemical communication and convey IRI, demonstrating for the first time that they can be used as intraspecific signal.

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An increasing number of double mutualisms (i.e. two interacting species benefiting each other in two different functions, e.g. pollination and seed dispersal) have been reported, mainly from island ecosystems, although we still lack much information on how effective such species are in both processes. Here, we assessed the pollination effectiveness of a double mutualism between an ancient Mediterranean gymnosperm, Ephedra fragilis Desf., and a lizard, Podarcis lilfordi L. On the one hand, we assessed the lizard contribution to different fitness measures (seed set and germination success), relative to that of insects and the wind effect; on the other, we determined the lizards’ seed removal rate (i.e. the quantity component of seed dispersal effectiveness). In both processes, we further tested for differences in their contributions among male, female and juvenile lizards. Ephedra fragilis showed to be mostly anemophilous, lizards and insects playing only a minor role on seed set. However, lizards qualitatively contributed to pollination success, as seeds coming from lizard-pollinated cones germinated at higher rates than those pollinated by wind or insects, although this was detected only for small seeds (<8mg). The plant produced a low seed set (c. 23%), which was compensated by a high seed germinability (c. 70%). Adult male lizards were those most implicated in pollination, quantitatively more important than insects, and in seed dispersal. This work, thus, reports the importance of a lizard species in one of the few double mutualisms found in the world involving a gymnosperm, and it represents the first documentation of a double mutualism in the Mediterranean region. Our findings further contribute to highlight the role of both inter- and intra-specific differences in the effectiveness of mutualistic interactions.

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The purpose of the present study is to highlight the role of aromatase in the neuroendocrine control of the reproductive cycle of the male lizard Podarcis sicula during the three significant phases, i.e. the pre-reproductive, reproductive, and post-reproductive stages. Using immunohistochemical, biochemical, and hormonal tools, we have determined the localization and the activity of P450 aromatase (P450 aro) in the lizard`s brain together with the determination of hormonal profile of sex steroids, i.e. testosterone and 17β-estradiol. The present data demonstrated that the localization of P450 is shown in brain regions involved in the regulation of the reproductive behavior (medial septum, preoptic area, and hypothalamus). Its activity, as well as the intensity of the signal, is modified according to the period of reproduction, resulting in functional dynamic changes. P450 aro activity and signal intensity decrease in the pre-reproductive period and progressively increase during the reproductive stage until it reaches the maximum peak level at the post-reproductive phase. P450 aro determines a local estrogen synthesis, balancing the testosterone and estradiol levels, and therefore its role is crucial, since it plays an important role in the neuroendocrine/behavioral regulation of the reproductive processes in the male lizard P. sicula.

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The structural and functional features that animals develop in order to survive and thrive in their environment have long drawn the attention of the scientific community. Regarding insular ecosystems, the unique physical-natural conditions prevailing on them, the strictly defined by the seas boundaries and the more simplified systems induce the diversification and evolution of island biotas with a number of ways. The main aim of the present research was first, to investigate the effect of natural selection on the ecology, physiology and general biology of ectothermic animals, such as lizards and second, to examine how natural selection can shape morphological, functional and behavioral traits. To this aim, we studied insular and mainland populations of the lizard species Lacerta trilineata (Sauria: Lacertidae). The green lizards of the genus Lacerta comprises nine allopatric species, four of which occur in Greece, while only L. trilineata is distributed in both continental and insular Greek region. The latter feature makes L. trilineata an ideal organism to study the phenotypic plasticity of physiological and morphological traits. How and with what adaptations was its current distribution formed? How did insular and mainland populations have diversified to the different environmental conditions? Are there historical or ecological causes that led to this diversification? These are some of the subjects that this PhD Thesis was dealt with. Through a comparative framework, that contained several L. trilineata populations we tried to address these issues. The resolved phylogeny revealed that the first branch-off of the Greek green lizards occurred during the middle Miocene (13.91 Mya) and led to the separation of the L. viridis/bilineata group from the species L. agilis and L. trilineata. The next major cladogenetic event took place at late Miocene (11.65 Mya) and led to the separation of the latter two species. Regarding the clade of L. trilineata our results support the existence of six distinct lineages. The high intraspecific genetic divergences between these lineages, which are comparable to that recorded among lacertid species, raises questions regarding its taxonomic status and whether or not it is a single species. L. trilineata seems to originate and diverge in western Anatolia. Given the phylogeny of L. trilineata in the Aegean and the geological history of the Greek area, we assume that the ancestral form of this species invaded the Greek area from Anatolia before the complete formation of the MAT (~9 Mya). The forming of this barrier gave the two groups of L. trilineata lineages (west and east of the trench). Within each group, some other vicariant and dispersal events as well as the raise of the Mediterranean Sea at the end of the last glacial period during Holocene have resulted in the present distribution of the six evolutionary lineages of L. trilineata. In order to approach the thermal biology of this species, we studied two mainland and two island populations and determined three different thermal values for each population: lizard`s temperature under normal conditions in the field (body temperature), the temperature that a lizard may achieve in a special designed thermal gradient in the lab (selective temperature) and the potential temperatures that an animal could reach in its biotope (operative temperatures). From the correlation of these three values we tried to describe the strategy of thermoregulation that each population has adopted. The comparison between mainland and island populations revealed that both populations have adapted to their thermal environment, supporting the `labile` view on the evolution of thermal physiology for this species. In particular, insular lizards thermoregulate less effectively because of the more benign, in terms of thermal quality, environment and have lower thermal preferenda. Mainland lizards on the other hand, showed higher effectiveness as a result of the more demanding environment. However, predation regime seems to restrict the ability of the latter to achieve body temperatures close to their set-point range. To investigate the trophic ecology of the Balkan green lizard, we removed the digestive track of preserved specimens as well as collected the fecal material from live lizards, and we correlated the trophic data with morphological and functional traits. Our findings support that L. trilineata is a widely foraging predator, feeding on numerous invertebrate taxa, while Coleoptera and Orthoptera represent the predominant prey group. Ontogeny, sex, season and habitat affect the feeding ecology of this species. The seasonal variation in the diet of L. trilineata corroborate that the species is an opportunistic predator. However, juveniles followed a discrete feeding pattern, which indicates an ontogenetic shift. During their growth, lacertids undergo significant changes in the size, shape and performance of their feeding apparatus. A complementary underlying reason should be sought in the way adults exploit their environment and the areas that usually occupy. Finally, regarding the observed differences in diet composition between sexes as well as island and mainland populations, these probably reflect adaptations through sexual and natural selection. The more robust heads of male lizards allows them to develop a greater bite force and consequently to feed on harder prey items. In addition, the food scarcity prevailing in the Mediterranean islands offers little choice to insular lizards. Thus islanders have to take advantage of every available food resource in order to survive even plant material, which they achieved by increasing the head depth and width as well as bite force, compared to their mainland counterparts. Differences on feeding ecology usually affect several aspects of the digestive system such as physiology and morphology. In the study of the digestive procedure we tried to obtain a qualitative approach of the digestion of the main organic compounds (lipids, sugars and proteins). Islanders deviated from their mainland peers increasing the digestive tract length and the frequency of cecal valves in the hindgut. However, an increase in the digestive tract length and the frequency of cecal valves might cause an increase of gut passage time and, thus, food retention times. In other words, enzymes could have more time to act, which maximize the rate of energy intake and the digestive efficiency. We believe that these changes on the digestive procedure could be interpreted as adaptations for the limited food availability prevailing on islands. Finally, given that the ability of an animal to successfully colonize new habitats is mainly determined by its ability to cope with pathogens of the environment, we studied the immune response in association with the genetic diversity of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I. For the study of cell-mediated response we used two methodological approaches: (a) the mixed lymphocyte reaction (MLR) and (b) the phytohemagglutinin-induced skin swelling test (PHA). Our finding revealed that the genetic boundaries of islands and the food scarcity prevailing on them caused decline in the genetic divergence at the MHC genes and in parasite tolerance. Nonetheless, the significant importance of balancing selection against genetic drift, in shaping MHC polymorphism, has lead to an increase on the nucleotide diversity of the remaining MHC alleles. As a result and besides the reduce parasite tolerance of islanders, the latter demonstrated high cell mediated response, which is comparable to their mainland peers. To sum up, it appears that island populations of L. trilineata have adapted to the different biotic and abiotic environmental conditions of islands, which have lead to the development of unique morphological, physiological and behavioral traits.

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Balearic herpetofauna represents a paradigmatic case of multiple biological invasions within the Mediterranean Basin, with a much higher number of alien amphibians (i.e. frogs and toads) and reptiles (i.e. lizards, snakes and turtles/tortoises) than native. The paleogeography of the Balearic Islands, located on Western Mediterranean between Spain and Sardinia, is complex, comprehending an ancient split from the continent during the late Miocene and Pleistocene climatic fluctuations connecting and disconnecting islands from one another (but not them to the continent) that eventually re-shaped the archipelago’s biota. The archipelago has been also influenced by humans since the Neolithic, being a cross-road for alien biota between North Africa and Southern Europe, which caused range regressions and extinctions in the native herpetofauna, nowadays restricted to one amphibian and two reptiles. During the last century, tourism development, the pet trade, and cargo transport of ornamental plants have produced a new wave of biological invasions. Recently introduced snakes are of particular concern, since the effect of predation may seriously threaten the remaining native reptiles in the main islands and endemic subspecies in surrounding islets. Balearic people have a negative social perception of such snakes, mainly due to the lack of familiarity with snakes among islanders but also to the herpetophobic attitude of many Mediterranean cultures. Here we review the herpetological invasions in the Balearic Archipelago and their impacts. We further discuss the on-going management actions on alien reptiles in this archipelago, namely the control of invasive snakes in Ibiza involving monitoring, trapping, environmental education and promotion of social participation.

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The paper deals with the study of the comparative osteological collection of extant amphibians and reptiles deposited in the Department of Palaeontology of the National Museum of Natural History, NAS of Ukraine. The collection has been recently catalogued and here is described for the first time. It consists of 407 storage units represented by complete or fragmented dry skeletons, skulls, and isolated bones belonging to 104 species of 65 genera, 23 families, and five orders (Caudata, Anura, Crocodilia, Testudines, Squamata). The collection also includes bones of 12 species currently listed in the Red Data Book of Ukraine: Salamandra salanandra, Lissotriton montandonti, Bombina (bombina) variegata, Rana dalmatina, Pseudopus apodus, Mediodactylus kotschyi, Lacerta viridis, Coronella austriaca, Elaphe dione, Zamenis situla, Zamenis longissimus, and Vipera renardi. Collection materials were collected at different times (from the last third of the 19th century until the present day) in 16 countries in Europe, Asia, and Africa. In terms of further enrichment, the collection can be used in batrachological and herpetological studies, and will be of interest for palaeontologists, archaeozoologists, and morphologists who work with osteological materials.

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The study summarizes the data on occurrence of amphibians and reptiles in the Křivoklát Area (Central Bohemia), paying special attention to the Křivoklátsko Protected Landscape Area and Biosphere Reserve. Some rare or significant taxa are discussed in more details, namely the Fire-bellied Toad (Bombina bombina), Yellowbellied Toad (Bombina variegata), water frogs, the Green Lizzard (Lacerta viridis), Dice Snake (Natrix tesselata) and the Common Adder (Vipera berus). Management outlines for as well as further research on some species are proposed by the author. In addition, amphibian and reptile distribution in the proposed Křivoklátsko National Park is debated within the article.

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Mit Hilfe einer Präsenz-Absenz-Kartierung (drei Erfassungen zwischen Mai und Juli 2017) wurden im Stadtgebiet Trier alle sowie im Landkreis Trier-Saarburg der Großteil der gemeldeten Vorkommen der Zauneidechse (Lacerta agilis) überprüft. Es konnten im Stadtgebiet von Trier nur noch drei von elf ehemaligen Vorkommen (27,3%) bestätigt werden. Im Landkreis Trier-Saarburg wurden Zauneidechsen sicher nur noch an sechs von insgesamt 28 überprüften Standorten (21,4%) nachgewiesen. Des Weiteren wurde ein Vorkommen bestätigt, welches direkt an den Landkreis angrenzt und über Dritte wurden sechs weitere Vorkommen im Kreis bekannt. Der starke Rückgang der Art in siedlungsnahen Bereichen wie auch in den ländlichen Gebieten des Kreises Trier-Saarburg wird vor allem auf eine zunehmende Bebauung und Strukturarmut in der Normallandschaft durch eine landwirtschaftliche Nutzungsintensivierung sowie fortgeschrittene Sukzession v.a. in ehemaligen Abbaugebieten zurückgeführt. Der Schutzstatus der Art als nach europäischem und nationalem Recht streng geschützte Art in Kombination mit der Bestandsentwicklung verpflichtet zu einer sorgsameren Betrachtung sowie der Umsetzung und Schutz- und Pflegemaßnahmen in den verbliebenen Vorkommen und zu einer Meldung bislang unbekannter Vorkommen.

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Within its range, the Caspian green lizard, Lacerta strigata, occurs in the Elburz Mountains (northern Iran) at elevations from below sea level to approximately 2700 m a.s.l. To determine the environmental factors affecting the distribution of this lizard, we used an ensemble approach to model the distribution of the Caspian green lizard (Lacerta strigata) in Iran using four algorithms (generalized boosted model, maximum entropy, generalized linear model, random forest). Results revealed that low-elevation habitats between the Elburz Mountains and the Caspian Sea are the most suitable habitats for the species. The normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), annual precipitation (both with positive relationships), and altitude (with a negative relationship) were the most important environmental variables influencing the distribution of the species. NDVI was likely the most important variable because it is an indicator of plant productivity, which presumably influences the availability of food resources such as insects. We also tested the validity of an old distribution record for the species near Shiraz in southwestern Iran. The results show that southwestern Iran is not ecologically suitable for the species. As our results highlighted that the NDVI strongly affects distribution of the species, we suggest protection of vegetation cover in the habitat of the species for conservation of Lacerta strigata.

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Background: Borrelia burgdorferi (sensu lato) is a complex containing pathogenic bacteria of which some species, such as Borrelia lusitaniae, use birds, small mammals and reptiles as reservoirs. In Italy, the bacteria have been detected in reptilian and avian reservoirs in the northern and central regions. Results: Here, 211 reptiles from three orders [Squamata (Sauria with seven species in five families and Ophidia with 11 species in three families), Crocodylia (one family and two species), and Testudines (two families and two species)] were examined for ectoparasites and molecular detection of B. burgdorferi (s.l.) in three different sites of southern Italy, an area for which no information was previously available on the occurrence of borreliosis in animals and humans. Borrelia lusitaniae was molecularly detected in larvae and nymphs (11.6%) of Ixodes ricinus infesting lizards (i.e. Podarcis muralis, Podarcis siculus and Lacerta bilineata) and in 12.3% blood samples of P. siculus. Finally, B. lusitaniae and Borrelia garinii were detected in 5.1% (32/630) of questing I. ricinus. Conclusions: These results show the circulation of B. lusitaniae in southern Italy and suggest that P. siculus could play a role as a reservoir, representing a potential medical threat to humans living in or visiting these localities.

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Studies of reptile (nonavian reptiles) chromosomes began well over a century ago (1897) with the initial report on the description of sand lizard ( Lacerta agilis ) chromosomes. Since then, chromosome analysis in reptiles has contributed significantly to understanding chromosome evolution in vertebrates. Reptile karyotypes are also unique, as being the only vertebrate group where the majority of the species possess variable numbers of macro- and microchromosomes, which was first reported for iguanids and teiids in 1921. In addition, many reptiles have microchromosomes as sex chromosomes, highlighting their evolutionary significance, yet very little is known about their evolutionary origin and significance in shaping amniote genomes. Advances in genomic technologies in recent years have accelerated our capacity to understand how sequences are arranged within a genome. However, genomic and cytogenetic analyses have been combined for only 3 species to provide a deeper understanding of reptile chromosome evolution and sequence organization. In this review, we highlight how a combined approach of cytogenetic analysis and sequence analysis in reptiles can help us answer fundamental questions of chromosome evolution in reptiles, including evolution of microchromosomes and sex chromosomes.

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Body temperature is the most important physiological variable for ectotherms, because it directly affects their biological adequacy through the effect on the performance of variable behavioral and physiological variables (Huey 1982, Huey & Kingsolver 1989, Angilletta et al.2002). The behavior plays a preponderant role in the thermoregulation, allowing a quick and economic adaptation to the spatial and temporal variability of the availability of thermal resources, making it possible to increase / decrease the heat loss / gain by solar radiation, convection and / or conduction (Templeton 1970). The physiological thermoregulation is a mechanism that focuses mainly on variations in the cardiovascular system, where the rate of heat transfer between different parts of the body is modified by changes in heart rate, respiration, blood flow and redistribution (Bartholomew 1982, Seebacher 2000, Dzialowski & O´connor 2001). In this study we wanted to verify the effects produced in the Gallotia galloti by a controlled change of temperature on brain activity, heart rate, respiratory rate and, by means of a photothermal camera, the temperature difference between the head and body of the animal. The results obtained by the analysis in the time domain have been able to verify that the temperature affects the respiratory and cardiac frequency, producing a decrease in the amplitude between the RR and SS peaks. Also, by means of the photographs taken with the photothermal camera, it has been observed that these animals have a thermoregulation system by which they modify the body temperature, including a countercurrent system in the head area to regulate the cranial temperature.

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The herpetologic fauna of the Torricchio Mountain Nature Reserve includes the following species: Salamandra s. gigliolii, Salamandrina terdigitata, Triturus vulgaris meridionalis, Hydromantes i. italicus, Bufo bufo, Bufo v. viridis, Bombina variegata pachypus, Hyla a. arborea, Rana graeca, Rana cfr. esculenta, Podarcis muralis, Podarcis sicula campestris, Lacerta v. viridis, Chalcides c. chalcides, Anguis f. fragilis, Coluber viridiflavus, Coronella austriaca, Elaphe l. longissima, Elaphe q. quatuorlineata, Natrix natrix cfr. lanzai and Vipera aspis francisciredi. This Reserve (about 300 ha.) is owned by the University of Camerino and it lies on the county of Macerata, in Marche Region. It extends from 750 m to 1440 m asl, on the Umbria-Marche Apennines, west of the Sibillini mountains. The climax zone of Quercus pubescens characterises the vegetation of the hill level, whereas the climax zone of Fagus silvatica characterises that of the mountain level. The grass vegetation belongs to the phytosociologic Cynosurion and Xenobromion alliance; shrubs and trees belong to Orno-Ostryon and Eu-Fagion. The following herpetologic species are the most representative of the area: Salamandrina terdigitata, Hydromantes italicus and Elaphe quatuorlineata.

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Enantioselective toxicokinetics, accumulation, and toxicity of myclobutanil were investigated by oral exposure of myclobutanil enantiomers to lizards. After a single oral administration, the absorption half-lives () and elimination half-lives () were in the range of 0.133–14.828 and 3.641–17.682 h, respectively. The absorption and elimination half-lives of (+)-myclobutanil showed no significant differences from those of (-)-myclobutanil in lizard blood, whereas preferential enrichment of (-)-enantiomer was observed in the liver, fat, skin, intestine, lung and kidney. In the bioaccumulation experiments, the residue of (-)-myclobutanil was detected in most tissues at 7, 14, and 28 days, while (+)-myclobutanil was found only in lizard skin, at a concentration lower than that of (-)-myclobutanil. Thus, (-)-myclobutanil was preferentially accumulated in lizards. The transcriptional responses of metabolic enzyme genes indicated that cytochrome P450 1a1 (cyp1a1), cyp2d3, cyp2d6, cyp3a4 and cyp3a7 played a crucial role in the metabolism of (+)-myclobutanil, whereas cyp1a1, cyp2d3, cyp2d6, cyp2c8, and cyp3a4 contributed to the metabolism of (-)-myclobutanil. The difference in metabolism pathways may be a reason for the enantioselectivity of myclobutanil in lizard. Myclobutanil also affected the expression of antioxidant enzyme genes, and the (+)-myclobutanil treatment might produce higher oxidative stress in lizard liver when compared with its antipode. Hepatic histopathological changes such as hepatocellular hypertrophy, nuclear pyknosis, vacuolation, and non-zonal macrovesicular lipid accumulation were observed in the liver of lizards for both (+)-myclobutanil and (-)-myclobutanil treatments. Thus, myclobutanil could affect lizard liver upon multiple exposure. The findings of this study provide specific insights into the enantioselective metabolism and toxicity of chiral triazole fungicides in lizards.

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Im Untersuchungsgebiet des Neckartales, des südlichen Odenwaldes und der angrenzenden Bergstraße treten insgesamt 7 Reptilienarten auf. Für die drei Schlangenarten Elaphe longissima. Coronella austriaca und Natrix natrix und für die Blindschleiche Anguis fragilis werden anhand äußerer morphologischer Merkmale (Längenmaße, Gewichte und Pholidosemerkmale) Geschlechtsunterschiede und Altersstrukturen dargestellt. Während sowohl für die Äskulapnatter als auch für die Ringelnatter signifikante Geschlechtsunterschiede in den Längen- und Gewichtsdaten ermittelt wurden, konnten für die Schlingnatter hinsichtlich der Längenmaße keine Unterschiede zwischen den männlichen und weiblichen Tieren statistische erfaßt werden. Da in die Auswertungen aber auch trächtige Weibchen einbezogen wurden, treten signifikante Unterschiede in den Gewichtsdaten auch bei der Schlingnatter auf. Für alle drei Schlangenarten kann die Anzahl der Subcaudalschildpaare als sicherstes Unterscheidungsmerkmal zwischen den Geschlechtern gelten, wobei stets die männlichen Exemplare die größere Anzahl von Subcaudalia aufweisen. Die Anzahl der Ventralia wurde ausschließlich bei der Äskulapnatter ermittelt, in bezug auf dieses Merkmal weisen die weiblichen Tiere signifikant größere Werte auf. Signifikante Unterschiede in den Längen- und Gewichtsmaßen wurden auch für die Blindschleiche statistische belegt.

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The article discusses the cases of finding pregnant females and eggs of the Pontic lizard (Darevskia pontica) in Northwest Caucasus in July and August. In the spring and early summer in 2017 in the region there were the temperatures below climate normal. The Pontic lizard began to lay eggs only in late July and in August. Along the Black sea coast of the Caucasus (Tuapse, Krasnodar Krai) there was egg laying in late July, and hatching took place from early August to early September. The Pontic lizards’ hatching in the North Caucasus (valley of the Malaya Laba River, the settlement Burniy, Krasnodar Krai) took place in July – August, and the young lizards hatched out in September. The authors believe that the cases of late laying in nature prove the changes in the reproductive season rather than some repeated parturiating.

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This study represents a contribution to our knowledge of amphibian and reptile fauna of the Bosilegrad region. The distribution of amphibians and reptiles in the area surrounding Bosilegrad is almost unknown; there are only a few published reports for this region. Over a period of four consecutive years, basic faunistic research was conducted on wide area of the region: 12 species of amphibians and 11 species of reptiles were recorded.

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Some insular lizards show a high degree of differentiation from their conspecific mainland populations, like Licosa island lizards, which are described as affected by Reversed Island Syndrome (RIS). In previous works, we demonstrated that some traits of RIS, as melanization, depend on a differential expression of gene encoding melanocortin receptors. To better understand the basis of syndrome, and providing raw data for future investigations, we generate the first de novo transcriptome of the Italian wall lizard. Comparing mainland and island transcriptomes, we link differences in life-traits to differential gene expression. Our results, taking together testis and brain sequences, generated 275,310 and 269,885 transcripts, 18,434 and 21,606 proteins in Gene Ontology annotation, for mainland and island respectively. Variant calling analysis identified about the same number of SNPs in island and mainland population. Instead, through a differential gene expression analysis we found some putative genes involved in syndrome more expressed in insular samples like Major Histocompatibility Complex class I, Immunoglobulins, Melanocortin 4 receptor, Neuropeptide Y and Proliferating Cell Nuclear Antigen.

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According to the synthesis of 30 years of multidisciplinary studies parthenogenetic species of rock lizards of genus Darevskia were formed as a result of different combination patterns of interspecific hybridization of the four bisexual parental species: D. raddei, D. mixta, D. valentini, and D. portschinskii. In particular D. portschinskii and D. raddei are considered as the parental species for the parthenogenetic species D. rostombekowi. Here for the first time we present the result of comparative immunocytochemical study of primary spermatocyte nuclei spreads from the leptotene to diplotene stages of meiotic prophase I in two species: D. portschinskii and D. raddei. We observed similar chromosome lengths for both synaptonemal complex (SC) karyotypes as well as similar number of crossing over sites. However, unexpected differences in the number and distribution of anti-centromere antibody (ACA) foci were detected in the SC structure of bivalents of the two species. In all examined D. portschinskii spermatocyte nuclei, one immunostained centromere focus was detected per SC bivalent. In contrast, in almost every studied D. raddei nuclei we identified three – nine SCs with additional immunostained ACA foci per SC bivalent. Thus, the obtained results allow us to identify species-specific karyotype features, previously not been detected using conventional mitotic chromosome analysis. Presumably the additional centromere foci are result of epigenetic chromatin modifications. We assume that this characteristic of the D. raddei karyotype could represent useful marker for the future studies of parthenogenetic species hybrid karyotypes related to D. raddei.

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Background: The parthenogenetic Caucasian rock lizard Darevskia armeniaca, like most other parthenogenetic vertebrate species, originated through interspecific hybridization between the closely related sexual Darevskia mixta and Darevskia valentini. Darevskia armeniaca was shown to consist of one widespread allozyme clone and a few rare ones, but notwithstanding the origin of clonal diversity remains unclear. We conduct genomic analysis of D. armeniaca and its parental sexual species using microsatellite and SNP markers to identify the origin of parthenogenetic clonal lineages. Results: Four microsatellite-containing loci were genotyped for 111 specimens of D. armeniaca, 17 D. valentini, and four D. mixta. For these species, a total of 47 alleles were isolated and sequenced. Analysis of the data revealed 13 genotypes or presumptive clones in parthenogenetic D. armeniaca, including one widespread clone, two apparently geographically restricted clones, and ten rare clones. Comparisons of genotype-specific markers in D. armeniaca with those of its parental species revealed three founder-events including a common and two rare clones. All other clones appeared to have originated via post-formation microsatellite mutations in the course of evolutionary history of D. armeniaca. Conclusion: Our new approach to microsatellite genotyping reveals allele-specific microsatellite and SNP markers for each locus studied. Interspecies comparison of these markers identifies alleles inherited by parthenospecies from parental species, and provides new information on origin and evolution of clonal diversity in D. armeniaca. SNP analyses reveal at least three interspecific origins of D. armeniaca, and microsatellite mutations in these initial clones give rise to new clones. Thus, we first establish multiple origins of D. armeniaca. Our study identifies the most effective molecular markers for elucidating the origins of clonal diversity in other unisexual species that arose via interspecific hybridization.

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The aim of the study is to predict the gender of Darevskia bithynica by using a feed-forward back-propagation artificial neural network (ANN). Nine morphological characters were used as an input parameters of the mo¬del. The gender type male or female is the output parameter. The total number of data is 115. In order to train, validate and test the ANN model 70%, 15% and 15% of the total data are randomly selected, respectively. The regression coefficient (R) values are evaluated as prediction performance. The network’s layer with tangent sigmoid activation functions predicts the lizard gender with R values as 0.98, 0.97 and 0.96 for training, tes¬ting and all data, respectively. The mean square error (MSE) values for training and testing data are calculated as 0.0145 and 0.0161, respectively. The obtained results satisfactorily confirm the high ability of the ANNs in predicting the gender of Darevskia bithynica.

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Since 1993 the Museo Civico di Scienze Naturali of Induno Olona coordinates the Amphibians and Reptiles` census in the Province of Varese, to improve the knowledge of its herpetofauna, the distribution of the various species, as well as the number of their populations. At present three species of Urodela, seven of Anura, one of Testudines, five of Sauria and five of Serpentes have been catalogued, Podarcis sicula and Zootoca vivipara are new to Varese Province.

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The understanding of developmental patterns of body coloration is challenging because of the multicomponent nature of color signals and the multiple selective pressures acting upon them, which further depend on the sex of the bearer and area of display. Pigmentary colors are thought to be strongly involved in sexual selection, while structural colors are thought to generally associate with conspecifics interactions and improve the discrimination of pigmentary colors. Yet, it remains unclear whether age dependency in each color component is consistent with their potential function. Here, we address lifelong ontogenetic variation in three color components (i.e. UV, pigmentary, and skin background colors) in a birth cohort of common lizards Zootoca vivipara across three ventral body regions (i.e. throat, chest, and belly). All three color components developed sexual dichromatism, with males displaying stronger pigmentary and UV colors but weaker skin background coloration than females. The development of color components led to a stronger sexual dichromatism on the concealed ventral region than on the throat. No consistent signs of latelife decay in color components were found except for a deceleration of UV reflectance increase with age on the throat of males. These results suggest that body color components in common lizards are primarily nonsenescent sexual signals, but that the balance between natural and sexual selection may be altered by the conspicuousness of the area of display. These results further support the view that skin coloration is a composite trait constituted of multiple color components conveying multiple signals depending on age, sex, and body location.

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During field survey in 2018, we recorded in Armenia the occurrences of the parthenogenetic lizard Darevskia arme¬niaca and its “paternal” bisexual species D. valentini. Based on our new data and records taken from publications and museums, we update the distribution maps of these species. The new records expand the geographical boundaries of sympatric habitats of these species and provide additional data for understanding the mechanisms of reticulate evolution and hybrid speciation.