Acta Herpetologica 

About: Acta Herpetologica is an academic journal published by Firenze University Press. The journal publishes majorly in the area(s): Population & Biology. It has an ISSN identifier of 1827-9635. It is also open access. Over the lifetime, 389 publications have been published receiving 2914 citations.

The Nguru mountains of Tanzania, an outstanding hotspot of herpetofaunal diversity

Abstract: Despite the vicinity of a major road, the rainforests of the South Nguru Mountains in eastern Tanzania were virtually unexplored until 2004, particularly from a herpetological point of view. Several surveys were conducted between 2004 and 2006 with the aim of providing a comprehensive list of the amphibian and reptile species of this overlooked hotspot of biological diversity. The surveys resulted in this assessment of the herpetofaunal diversity, with 92 species recorded, of which 15 represent new records for this area, and the discovery of 16 species new to science, all of which are likely to be strictly endemic to the Nguru Mountains. Pressure on the forests, particularly the lowland forests, remains high. A conservation planning process is now underway that is attempting to address the loss of these critically important forests. These results, documenting the high species richness and the outstanding number of putative endemics of the forests, strongly highlight the biological importance of the South Nguru Mountains and place them among the most important sites for the conservation of herpetofauna in Africa.

The Balearic herpetofauna: a species update and a review on the evidence

Abstract: th May. Abstract. Here, we update the current list of amphibian and reptile fauna present in the Balearic Islands, probably the most outstanding case in the Mediterranean and of the most in the world where massive species introduction is in conflict with the survi- vorship of highly restricted endemic taxa. Resulting of a long term evolution in insu- larity, endemic herpetofauna was already decimated during the Pleistocene but, after the human colonisation of the archipelago, the introduction of alien species, passive or deliberate, has been provoking new extinctions and range retractions in the native her - petofauna. Such process is not interrupted but has even intensified during the last years. The current species list is composed by five amphibians (one native) and 21 reptiles (2 native). A critical review of the evidence on extinctions and introductions is provided together with the conservation implications. Compared to the last review (Mayol, 1985) six new reptile species are now naturalised or are in process of naturalization, colubrid snakes constituting the most conflicting element due to their predator role.

Habitat features and distribution of Salamandra salamandra in underground springs

Abstract: Subterranean habitats are among the less known terrestrial habitats, but can reveal an unexpected biodiversity, and can play an underestimated role for amphibians. The fire salamander Salamandra salamandra is sometimes found in underground envi - ronments, but the factors affecting its distribution in subterranean spaces remain sub - stantially unexplored. We repeatedly surveyed some hypogeous springs, such as drain - ing galleries and "bottini" in NW Italy, in order to evaluate the relationship between environmental features and distribution of S. salamandra in these underground springs. We performed visual encounter surveys to assess the occurrence of larvae, juveniles or adults in springs. We also recorded four habitat variables: easy of access, isolation, mac - robenthos richness and forest cover of the surrounding landscape. We used generalized linear models to evaluate the relationships between habitat features and occurrence of larvae. We observed larvae of S. salamandra in 13 out of 22 springs; their presence was associated to springs with high easy of access and with relatively rich macrobenthos communities. In underground springs, larval development apparently required longer time than in nearby epigeous streams. Nevertheless, S. salamandra can attain metamor - phosis in this environment. The occurrence of S. salamandra in underground environ - ments was not accidental, but repeated in the time and interesting from an ecological point of view, confirming the high plasticity of the species.

Two new types of noose for capturing herps

Abstract: th July; Revised on 2010, 27 th October; Accepted on 2010, 15 th November. Abstract. We present two new types of noose for capturing herps, which allow adapt- ing the size of the loop to the size of prey rapidly. We use a plastic ring to make the loop: the thread moves perfectly without any impediment or friction, and remains in good conditions for a longer time. The plastic ring can be made during fieldwork. Both new types of noose increase capture effectiveness, as it is possible to noose dif - ferent types of preys with a simple and rapid adaptation of the loop. We have tested this methodology in different species of lacertids, some snakes under rocks, and also some amphibians.

Morphology of peripheral blood cells from various species of Turkish herpetofauna.

Abstract: In this study, measurements of morphological and size parameters of peripheral blood cells (erythrocyte, leucocyte, thrombocyte) on blood smear preparation devices stained with Wright’s stain were given for 87 species from Turkish herpetofauna (19 amphibian species including 7 urodeles and 12 anurans as well as 68 reptile species including 4 turtles, 30 lizards and 34 snake. It was determined that erythrocyte and nucleus sizes showed great variations among the species of herpetofauna and even among the preparations of the same species; the largest blood cells (erythrocyte, leucocyte, thrombocyte) were found in urodeles; aquatic and semiaquatic species had larger erythrocytes than terrestrials, and the largest erythrocytes were in turtles among the reptile species examined. Lymphocytes were determined as the predominant cells among the blood leucocytes in blood smears of all the examined species.