Showing papers in "Acta Herpetologica in 2015"

Age structure, growth and longevity in the common toad, Rhinella arenarum, from Argentina

Abstract: Age structure, growth and longevity was determined in the common toad, Rhinella arenarum, from a sub - urban pond located in the Pampa plains, central Argentina during two breeding seasons, in 2000 and 2008 by using skeletochronology, which relies on the analysis of the annual lines of arrested growth (LAGs) in bones. Both females and males were captured in 2008, while only males were recorded in 2000. Females were significantly larger than males. Mean population age was 2.4 ± 0.9 years in 2000. In 2008, the difference in age was not significant between the sexes (Males: 3.0 ± 0.7, n = 21; Females: 2.6 ± 0.9, n = 12), neither between males in 2000 and 2008. The longev - ity in males of 2000 was 6 LAGs and exceeded that of males (5 LAGs) and females (4 LAGs) in 2008. Von Bertalanffy curves showed that the growth coefficient in the males of 2000 (K = 2.97 ± 0.47) was almost double that of females (K = 1.21 ± 0.10) and males (K = 1.01 ± 0.14) of 2008. Males and females Rhinella arenarum show different morpho - logical and life history traits and the year of sampling can significantly influence the estimation of the studied param -

Helminth parasites in the toad Rhinella major (Bufonidae) from Chaco region, Argentina

Abstract: The present study describes the diversity of helminth parasites of Rhinella major (Anura: Bufonidae) in relation to their body size in 4 subhumid vs. semiarid sampling sites from the Argentine Chaco region. Helminths were found in 81% of the specimens examined (n = 85). Fifteen species (13 in subhumid and 7 in semiarid areas) of helminth parasites were found, and most of them were nematodes. Parasites were found in all the examined organs, with highest prevalence and intensity in the digestive tract. Parasite transmission to the toad host occurs by skin penetration or oral ingestion. Maximum helminth richness ranged between 2 and 4 species per infected toad. The most abundant species was Aplectana hylambatis . Body size of the host was the main factor in determining parasite richness. The helminth parasite fauna was rather different in hosts from subhumid vs. semiarid sites, but the dominant ( Aplectana hylambatis ) and codominant species ( Cylindrotaenia sp. and Rhabdias elegans ) were the same. Mean species richness and mean species diversity of helminths were significantly different between the zones. These results suggest that the amount of rainfall and associated humidity affects the distribution and development of the parasite fauna of this toad.

Eryx jaculus (Linnaeus, 1758): a new species for the Italian herpetofauna (Squamata: Erycidae)

Abstract: The presence of a population of the Javelin sand boa Eryx jaculus in Sicilia is here reported for the first time. Observations of live snakes and road-killed individuals have been obtained from the region of Licata (Province of Agrigento), in the southern part of Sicily. Data on the distribution and pholidosis from four specimens are presented. The large area of occurrence of the snake in Sicily, that bears also a local vernacular name suggests an ancient origin of the colonization. The presence of this species, increases the numbers of snakes living in Italy.

Body size, reproduction and feeding ecology of Pleurodema diplolister (Amphibia: Anura: Leiuperidae) from Caatinga, Pernambuco state, Northeastern Brazil

Abstract: We present data about body size, sexual dimorphism, reproductive traits and diet ecology of Pleurodoma diplolister. This species is sexually dimorphic with females larger than males, corroborating others Leiuperidae species. The number of eggs varied from 62 to 1241 and we found a positive relationship between SVL of females and number of mature ovarian eggs but there is no relationship between SVL and volume of eggs. The diet of P. diplolister was composed by 11 categories of which Formicidae, Coleoptera and Orthopterans were the most important items and showed generalist and oportunistic predator habits. Data presented here should be considered in the development of future conservation strategies of anurans from Caatinga biome and other semiarid/arid environments.

Where to "Rock"? Choice of retreat sites by a gecko in a semi-arid habitat

Abstract: The Selvagens gecko (arentola boettgeri bischoffi Joger, 1984) is a medium sized gecko endemic to the Sel - vagens archipelago, Madeira, Portugal. The biology of this gecko is poorly known and in this study we present the first evidence regarding its habitat use. In 2010 (spring and autumn) and 2011 (spring), we collected data on the charac - teristics of the habitat surrounding 168 rocks used by these geckos as retreat sites, as well as on 75 randomly selected rocks. We also recorded body measurements of the individuals caught under each rock. In both seasons retreat site occupancy was found to be related to rock area, with geckos being found mainly under large rocks. Interestingly, we found that in spring heavier males, in better body condition, occupied the largest rocks and larger geckos occupied rocks closer to creek beds. Our results shed some light upon the behavioural ecology of this nocturnally active ecto -

One scute ring per year in Testudo graeca ? A novel method to identify ring deposition patterns in tortoises

Abstract: A reliable estimation of individuals’ age is helpful to conduct demographic studies on wildlife populations. In tortoises, many studies have estimated individuals’ age by counting growth rings on their scutes, assuming one ring per year (1:1 ratio). However, the accuracy of this method is controversial. The ring deposition pattern can vary depending on species, or even populations, and should be studied comprehensively. We studied the ring deposition pattern of Testudo graeca in southeastern Iberian Peninsula, using recaptures of 156 individuals between 2004 and 2010. We used a novel approach to explore the ring deposition pattern and to test possible differences between localities and individuals. Our results revealed that most analysed individuals (57.4%) showed a 1:1 ratio, in which rings were deposited during months of activity (spring to autumn). However, we found a trend to count less rings than years, which underestimated 1 year every 3 or 4 years. No differences in the deposition patterns were found among sites, sizes or sexes because the halt in growth during hibernation equally affects all tortoises in all sites. Our results support that the assumed 1:1 ratio in the assignment of individuals’ age is too simplistic. Since ring deposition patterns are complex, the use of statistical approaches capable of handling deviations from the assumed deposition ratios can help to better depict population age structures.

A new species of Chameleon (Sauria: Chamaeleonidae: Kinyongia ) highlights the biological affinities between the Southern Highlands and Eastern Arc Mountains of Tanzania

Abstract: A new species of chameleon is described from the Livingstone and Udzungwa Mountains of Tanzania. The new species is morphologically most similar to Kinyongia vanheygeni . Furthermore, a single, short rostral appendage shows the species similarity to other Eastern Arc endemic Kinyongia species (e.g. K. uthmoelleri, K. oxyrhina, K. magomberae and K. tenuis ). Females of all these species lack any rostral ornamentation and are all very similar morphologically. Males of the new species, on which the morphological diagnosis is based, can be distinguished from other Kinyongia by a shorter rostral appendage that bifurcates at the tip. They are easily distinguished from K. vanheygeni , otherwise the most similar species, by differences in head scalation and the length and shape of the rostral appendage. The new species is associated with montane rainforest and is known from only four forest fragments of which two are in the Udzungwa and two in the Livingstone Mountains. Phylogenetically, the new species is sister to K. tenuis and K. magomberae, which together, form a clade that also contains K. oxyrhina . The disjunct distribution of the new species, in the Livingstone and Udzungwa mountains, stretches across the ‘Makambako Gap’ which is a putative biogeographical barrier separating the distinct faunas of the Southern highlands and Eastern Arc Mountains. Evidence from this species however, points to potentially closer biological affinities between the Livingstone and Udzungwa mountains.

Where to look when identifying roadkilled amphibians

Abstract: Special thanks to all respondents (Suppl. Mat. Appendix A3-Contributors / Respondents) and to all who have contributed to diffusion and promotion of the Roadkills survey: Road Ecology Group on Facebook, Asociacion Herpetologica Granadina, Asociacion Herpetologica Espanola (AHE), Herpnet and all individuals who have also believed appropriate the disclosure of the survey. Thanks to an anonymous reviewer for English linguistic advising and for the comments and suggestions that greatly improved the last version of the manuscript. M. Franch and C. Silva are funded by a grant (UMINHO/ BI/175/2013, UMINHO/BI/172/2013) (from the Foundation for Science and Technology Portugal (FCT) and cofinanced by FEDER through COMPETE –POFC (“Intelligent systems for mapping amphibian mortality on Portuguese roads”, PTDC/BIA-BIC/4296/2012). N. Sillero is supported by an FCT contract IF/01526/2013.

Basal frequency of micronuclei and hematological parameters in the side-necked turtle, Phrynops hilarii (Duméril & Bibron, 1835).

Abstract: The present study aimed to evaluate basal frequency of micronuclei (MN) and hematological values in adult Phrynops hilarii in order to propose this aquatic turtle, broadly distributed in our region, as a biological monitor for future studies of environmental pollution assessment. Thirty-two adult turtles from a semi-natural environment located at the Zoological Experimental Station (Santa Fe, Argentina) were used. Blood samples were taken and the following parameters were determined: basal frequency of MN (BFMN), total red blood cells (RBC) count, hematocrit (Ht), hemoglobin (Hb), total and differential white blood cells (WBC). The BFMN determined for the species was 3.56 ± 1.39, while hematological parameters showed the following reference values: 0.937 ± 0.12 x10 6 RBC/µl, 27062.50 ± 4565.43 WBC/mm 3 , hematocrit 18 ± 1.81% and Hb concentration 4.80 ± 0.45 g/dl. Differential WBC counts were: 76 ± 2.90% for lymphocytes, 20.12 ± 2.56% for heterophils, 1.5 ± 0.19% for monocytes, and 2.12 ± 0.61% for eosinophils, while no basophils were observed in any of the samples analyzed. No differences were observed between males and females in any of the variables analyzed. Data provided in this work could be useful as reference values for future studies of natural regions where P. hilarii occurs, employing this species as a sentinel organism for genotoxic and immunotoxic evaluation of environmental pollutants.

Variation of growth rate and survival in embryos and larvae of Rana temporaria populations from the Pyrenees

Abstract: Variations on embryonic and larval life history traits of ectotherm organisms are strongly affected by temperature conditions. However, these effects can vary between species and populations depending on the mechanisms that act in a determinate local habitat. In the present study, we analysed the effects of temperature on several embryonic and larval traits (survival, development and growth rate until the metamorphosis) of Rana temporaria in two populations living at different altitude (1540 and 2100 m) in the Pyrenees. Five spawns from each population were distributed in a common garden experiment at different temperature treatments according to the normal temperature range that tadpoles might experience in the field and also considering a high treatment (24 °C) to test a possible effect of global warming. Like in other studies of the same species in a latitudinal gradient, the temperature effects depended on the analysed trait. Our results support the general rule that the rate of development is faster at higher temperatures, although survival was significantly affected by the highest temperature in the highland population. Size varied at embryonic and larval stages and was largest at metamorphosis in the highland population. In concordance, the growth rate was higher in the highland population suggesting a countergradient variation in response to the short growing season. However, this possible adaptation can be altered in a global warming scenario with an increase of mortality and limited growth.

Into a box interiors: clutch size variation and resource allocation in the European pond turtle

Abstract: In order to highlight the temporal dynamics of different stages of follicula distribution on reproductive output, we analysed the female size and the reproductive frequency of the European pond turtle, Emys orbicularis , using 191 ultrasonographic and 67 x-ray images (collected from 2000 to 2011 in two different localities of a coastal plain area of NorthWestern Italy). To compare digital image results we also used anatomical topography of autopsied females. Although reproductive females were significantly longer in one locality and larger in the second one, clutch size did not differ between localities. Two main clutches were produced during a year, with occasionally a third one. Shelled eggs were frequent in May, June and July, while follicula were present till August, with a decrease in follicular size especially in July and August. Despite the presence of a number of follicles in late summer and in autumn, a third expected clutch was only an exceptional event, differently from what happens in other sites of the species’ distribution range. The permanence of follicles after the last deposition is interpreted as a possible extra energy source during the very hot and dry summers of coastal central Italy and for the hibernating phase.

Malformations and body injuries in a hybrid zone of crested newts (Caudata: Salamandridae: Triturus cristatus superspecies)

Abstract: Morphological abnormalities occur frequently in wild amphibian populations. We analysed malformation and injuries in the hybrid zone of three crested newt species, in the Czech Republic. In total, 274 individuals from 35 localities in South Moravia (Czech Republic) were examined during the period 2010-2014. Malformations were found in eight newts (2.9%) from seven localities. Injuries were recorded on 59 newts (21.5%). Proportions of tail crest injuries was significantly higher (P ˂ 0.1) in males than in females and the probability of being injured was significantly higher (P ˂ 0.01) for adult individuals. We discuss gene mutation, parasitism and predation as possible explanations for our observations.

Correlation between development and increase of number of labial tooth rows in ghost frog tadpoles (Anura: Heleophrynidae)

Abstract: The family Heleophrynidae is restricted to Southern Africa and comprises two genera with seven species. Tadpoles are well adapted, with huge sucker mouths, to live in the fast flowing headwaters of mountain streams. The unique sucker-like mouth has numerous transverse rows of labial teeth, which are used to attach themselves to the rock surface and to scrape algae from the rocks. In this paper data on the ontogenetic increase of labial tooth rows in tadpoles of four species of ghost frog are presented. Notes on the development of tadpoles and mouthparts are also presented.

Notes on the reproductive ecology of the Oaxaca Mud Turtle (Kinosternon oaxacae) in the vicinity of Mazunte, Mexico

Abstract: Kinosternon oaxacae is one of the least known species of Mexican turtles. We conducted a preliminary survey from August to November 2013 in three localities on the coast of Oaxaca with the objective to increase and complement the knowledge of the reproductive ecology of Kinosternon oaxacae , including field data on nesting season, clutch size, egg size, and relative clutch mass. We found 21 females with eggs in their oviducts. With this sample we determined that the reproductive season extends from early May to early November. Clutch size averaged two eggs (± 1), and egg size averaged 30.61 (± 1.89) mm in length, 17.11 (± 0.69) mm in width, and 7.64 (± 0.57) g in mass. Relative clutch mass (clutch mass/gravid body mass) was 0.046 (± 0.023), and the smallest gravid female was 118.8 mm carapace length. No correlations of reproductive traits were found with body size, and no variation in reproductive traits or body size was detected among localities. Comparisons with related ( scorpioides group) species were made.

Toxic effects of carbaryl on the histology of testes of Bufotes variabilis (Anura: Bufonidae)

Abstract: This study was designed to investigate histopathologic effects of carbaryl on the testes of adult toad, Bufotes variabilis . To that end, animals were exposed to carbaryl once by oral gavage (low dose: 50 µg/g, medium dose: 100 µg/g and high dose: 200 µg/g). After 96 h, toads were euthanized. In low-dose group, some seminiferous tubules lost their regular shape. Also, the enlargement of interstitial spaces among tubules and germ cell necrosis were determined. A weak hemorrhage was observed among some tubules. In medium-dose group, germ cell necrosis was detected in many seminiferous tubules. This time, a weak hemorrhage was detected within tubules. In the high dose group, an increase in the number of disorganized tubules were observed. Vacuolization and necrosis in germ cells of seminiferous tubules were frequently seen. According to these findings, carbaryl caused dose-related histopathological damage in testis of B. variabilis . Based on these findings, this study clearly shows that carbaryl affects male fertility in B. variabilis .

Re-description of the external morphology of Phyllomedusa iheringii Boulenger, 1885 larvae (Anura: Hylidae), with comments on the external morphology of tadpoles of the P. burmeisteri group

Abstract: Phyllomedusa iheringii is a leaf frog endemic to the Uruguayan Savanna, which reproduces in water bodies in open areas. Here, based on the lack of some informative characteristics observed on the first description of this species, we re-describe the larval external morphology of P. iheringii from localities in Brazil and Uruguay, and compared them with other species from the P. burmeisteri group. The tadpoles of P. iheringii belong to the suspension-rasper guild. The body length corresponds to approximately one-third of the total length. The body is pyriform in dorsal view and laterally triangular. The snout is rounded in a dorsolateral view. The spiracle is single and almost ventral, not forming a free tube, and sinistral. The opening of vent tube is dextral. The oral disc is anteroventral and anteriorly directed, with single ventral emargination. Marginal papillae uniseriate, interrupted in a wide dorsal gap, and with pointed tips. The labial tooth row formula is 2(2)/3(1). The third lower row is four times shorter than the others. Furthermore, the tadpoles of P. iheringii showed morphological differences in relation to other species of the P. burmeisteri group, this species seems to be smaller in average and have fewer marginal papillae in the oral discs.

On a putative type specimen of Pleurodema bibroni Tschudi, 1838 from Chile (Anura: Leptodactylidae)

Abstract: The original description of the Neotropical frog Pleurodema bibroni was based on material collected at “Monte-Video” [Montevideo, Uruguay], but no type specimen was originally designated. In several publications, a specimen deposited at the National Museum of Natural History of Leiden (The Netherlands, RMNH 2277) and collected at Valparaiso, Chile, has been referred as type specimen of P. bibroni . Herein, it is argued that RMNH 2277 is not a type specimen of P. bibroni ; nor can it be assigned to P. bibroni , but probably to Pleurodema thaul , a species with which P. bibroni was long confused.

Reproductive ecology of Sichuan digging frogs (Microhylidae: Kaloula rugifera )

Abstract: . We investigated the reproductive ecology of Sichuan digging frogs (Microhylidae: Kaloula rugifera ) in Mianyang, China during the wet season of 2013. Male Sichuan digging frogs first appear at temporary ponds following the first heavy rain of the wet season and initiate calling. Females arrive at ponds shortly after males. Male frogs chorus extensively throughout the wet season during the evenings and nights following rainstorms. Female frogs leave the pond after laying eggs, and likely only lay one clutch annually. Amplexus lasted up to three hours. Females were larger than males in terms of body size, but we found no evidence of size-assortative mating. Clutch size varied from 920 to 2200 eggs, with egg diameter ranging from 1.33 to 1.93 mm. Larger female frogs laid more eggs, and there was no correlation between egg number and egg size. Tadpoles hatched from eggs within 18-20 hours of oviposition, and grew for 30-40 days before complete metamorphosis occurred. The initial body length of tadpoles ranged from 3-5 mm snout-vent length. Growth was fastest immediately after hatching, and declined asymptotically with increasing tadpole body size. Overall, Sichuan digging frogs have a breeding biology characterized by strong male-male competition with prolonged breeding coinciding with the annual wet season. Key w ords . Breeding ecology; Kaloula rugifera ; life history; mating system

Haplotype variation in founders of the Mauremys annamensis population kept in European Zoos

Abstract: The critically endangered Annam leaf turtle Mauremys annamensis faces extinction in nature. Because of that, the conservation value of the population kept in European zoos becomes substantial for reintroduction programmes. We sampled 39 specimens of M. annamensis from European zoos and other collections (mainly founders, imports and putatively unrelated individuals), and also four specimens of Mauremys mutica for comparison. In each animal, we sequenced 817 bp of the mitochondrial ND4 gene and 940 bp of the nuclear R35 intron that were used as phylogenetic markers for Mauremys mutica-annamensis group by previous authors. The sequences of the R35 intron, which are characteristic for M. annamensis and which clearly differ from those characteristic for M. mutica and/or other Mauremys species, were mutually shared by all of the examined M. annamensis. They also possessed mitochondrial haplotypes belonging to the annamensis subclades I and II, distinctness of which was clearly confirmed by phylogenetic analyses . Thus, both nuclear and mitochondrial markers agreed in the unequivocal assignment of the examined individuals to M. annamensis . Although no obvious hybrids were detected within the founders of the captive population, further careful genetic evaluation using genom-wide markers is required to unequivocally confirm this result.

On the taxonomic status of Liolaemus filiorum Pincheira-Donoso & Ramirez, 2005 (Iguania: Liolaemidae): A response to Pincheira-Donoso

Abstract: I discuss the arguments put forth recently by Pincheira-Donoso, in which the author attempts to revalidate Liolaemus filiorum Pincheira-Donoso & Ramirez, 2005, a species which I had previously considered a junior synonym of L. puritamensis . The author of this revalidation omitted important information including: 1) the description was published without peer review, 2) one of the two types was deposited in a personal collection, 3) the diagnosis is weak and unclear, 4) the holotype was not explicitly described or illustrated. Additionally, the author did not discuss key aspects of my paper, most particularly, the incorrect designation of the holotype of L. filiorum .