Showing papers in "Amphibia-reptilia in 1981"
TL;DR: Feeding periods, fat mobilization, reproductive effort, endocrine ectivity and adaptive value of the biennial reproduction are discussed and the adaptation to short season habitats is stressed.
Abstract: Studies of reproductive organs, fat body and liver in relation to different activity periods were made to describe the breeding biology of the female adder, Vipera berus, in SW Sweden. The female adder is a biennial breeder. Vitellogenesis and formation of preovulatory follicles start in autumn the non-reproductive year and continue to the end of May the following spring when ovulation takes place. Copulation precedes ovulation and sperm is found in uterus a month before ovulation. Primary oocytes were seen after ovulation in the reproductive year. Atresia were seen more frequently during reproductive years and in all classes of follicles. Clutch size (X=8.8) had a linear increase with female body size and juveniles were born in early August. Thecal gland cells increased in number and the epithelium of the uterus became hypertrophied late in the non-reproductive year and early in the reproductive year. The weight of the ovary, fat body and liver went through a cyclic pattern with the highest peak in the reproductive spring. Fat body and liver weights were lowest at the end of the gestation period. Feeding periods, fat mobilization, reproductive effort, endocrine ectivity and adaptive value of the biennial reproduction are discussed. The adaptation to short season habitats is stressed.
41 citations
TL;DR: In the summers of 1974 till 1979 microdistribution of Podarcis sicula saffti was examined and horizontal space, predators, parasites, interspecific competition, shelter and dew appear to be non important factors in the microdist distribution.
Abstract: In the summers of 1974 till 1979 microdistribution of Podarcis sicula saffti was examined. Areas without much vegetation and areas with dense vegetation have low densities. Horizontal space, predators, parasites, interspecific competition, shelter and dew appear to be non important factors in the microdistribution of P. s. safii. From 9 a. m. until 6 p. m. temperature in the sun is above PBT (preferred-body-temperature) in all zones. Shade temperature is different from one zone to another. In the most rocky zone without much vegetation, shade is provided by crevices. Shade temperature is under PBT. Food is mainly available outside crevices, in vegetation of Statice sinuatum. Food-size is small, so excursion-time will be long. Lizards are able to collect sufficient food if Statice-plants are close to crevices. The zone with vegetation of Erica arborea, on top of the island, is shaded all day. Shade temperature is under PBT. Only clearings are inhabited by lizards. All other zones have bushes and open areas. During the hot hours bushes provide shade, with shade temperature close to PBT. Food is mainly available in these bushes.
30 citations
TL;DR: The normal development of the newt, Triturus alpestris, is described and illustrated in photos of living embryos, compared to those of several other urodelean species.
Abstract: The normal development of the newt, Triturus alpestris, is described and illustrated in photos of living embryos. The embryonic development is divided into 37 stages, up to 300 hours. These stages are compared to those of several other urodelean species.
28 citations
TL;DR: This article shows what method is suitable for an accurate determination of the annual rhythmics of lizard species with the help of, amongst others, mating scars, presence of deep skin folds and the structure of the navel scars in juveniles.
Abstract: This article shows what method is suitable for an accurate determination of the annual rhythmics of lizard species. Such a determination can be reached with the help of, amongst others, mating scars, presence of deep skin folds and the structure of the navel scars in juveniles. This method was applied in a five year intensive poulation study on Lacerta vivipara and Lacerta agilis agilis in the south-east of the Netherlands. The data on rhythmics obtained thus are discussed.
28 citations
TL;DR: It is concluded that toads can use visual cues for feeding at very low light intensities, at lower intensities light seemed to be a limiting factor in the response.
Abstract: Field studies showed that toads may snap at prey at light intensities at which human beings can no longer see. Experiments in the laboratory showed that snapping towards black mealworm dummies moved on a white background was independent of light intensities, from 1000 mlux to about 30-280 μlux. At lower intensities light seemed to be a limiting factor in the response. The level at which no response could be elicited was below 10 μlux. The day before and during a moult the snapping intensity was often low. It is concluded that toads can use visual cues for feeding at very low light intensities.
27 citations
TL;DR: The taconomic status of Podarcis bocagei in the Iberian Peninsula is reviewed, and new localities for both subspecies are described, bringing to 76 a total of 76 localities known up to date.
Abstract: The taconomic status of Podarcis bocagei in the Iberian Peninsula is reviewed. Since no Holotype is known, a Lectotype from the species is given. P. bocagei carbonelli ssp. n. is also described; it inhabits the western area of the Sistema Central, in particular the "Sierras" of Francia and Gata, both in Spain and the Serra da Estrela in Portugal. Finally, new localities for both subspecies are described, that together with those reported in the previous paper sum a total of 76 localities known up to date.
26 citations
TL;DR: 10 species of the genus Lacerta were examined by employing protein electrophoretic data for 16 genloci and results provide the possibility of a classification of the examined species into groups at the subgenus level corresponding to those valid before BOHME and ARNOLD (1973).
Abstract: 10 species (peloponnesiaca, muralis, melisellensis, graeca, oxycephala, horvathi, bedriagae, vivipara, viridis, agilis) of the genus Lacerta were examined by employing protein electrophoretic data for 16 genloci Gene frequencies are given and genetic distances calculated according to NEI (1971, 1972) These and former attempts to subdivide the genus Lacerta are discussed The electrophoretic results provide the possibility of a classification of the examined species into groups at the subgenus level corresponding to those valid before BOHME (1971) and ARNOLD (1973): genus Lacerta subgenus Lacerta s str subgenus Podarcis subgenus Archaeolacerta subgenus Zootoca
25 citations
TL;DR: The eggs and gastromyzophorous tadpole of Atelopus flavescens have been found in a small river in French Guiana and the tadpole is described.
Abstract: The eggs and gastromyzophorous tadpole of Atelopus flavescens have been found in a small river in French Guiana. The egg-string was fixed under a water-bathed stone below a small cascad, the tadpoles were fixed to stones by their ventral sucker in shallow and oxygeneus (7,5 mg/l O 2 ) water. The tadpole is described.
23 citations
TL;DR: A telemetric system suitable for radio tracking anuran species is described and its characteristics are given in detail, which will enable electrical engineers to construct the various elements.
Abstract: A telemetric system suitable for radio tracking anuran species is described. Its characteristics are given in detail, which will enable electrical engineers to construct the various elements. The system proved to be successful in field tests with Bufo bufo bufo L.
17 citations
TL;DR: There were significant correlations between the number of eggs and the Weight of the litter and between the length and weight of the females, and the weight of hatchings does not depend, or only to a small extent, on the length or on theWeight of the female, but is negatively correlated with thenumber of eggs.
Abstract: We studied 36 pregnant females and 70 litters of Vipera aspis Vipers were either recently caught, living in outdoor terrariums (semi-natural conditions), or living in the laboratory (artificial conditions) Following results were obtained: 1 There were significant correlations between the number of eggs and the weight of the litter and between the length and weight of the females 2 The weight of hatchings does not depend, or only to a small extent, on the length or on the weight of the female, but is negatively correlated with the number of eggs Hatching weight is generally higher in semi-natural and artificial conditions than in natural conditions On the other hand, litter size was independent of the rearing conditions 3 The weight of a litter at birth represents an average of 44 and 47% of the female's weight, respectively in natural and semi-natural conditions, where vipers breed generally once every two years; and only 34% in artificial conditions, where females breed once or twice a year In all cases, this proportion is independent of the female's weight
15 citations
TL;DR: Gonadal regression in autumn is the result of low temperature and short photoperiod together with an endogenous readiness from June to August low temperature (5 °C) and constant darkness did not induce gonadal regression.
Abstract: Testudo hermanni hermanni shows a post-nuptial testicular cycle with the peak of spermiogenesis in July and August. Endogenous factors as well as the rising temperature initiate the beginning of spermatocytogenesis in spring. The temperature threshold for the initiation of complete spermiogenesis lies between 21 and 26 °C of constant environmental temperature. Gonadal regression in autumn is the result of low temperature and short photoperiod together with an endogenous readiness. From June to August low temperature (5 °C) and constant darkness did not induce gonadal regression.
TL;DR: The leptodactylid frog Lithodytes lineatus is associated with the leaf cutting ant Atta cephalotes in Peru and was heard calling and was recorded by lowering a microphone into the ant nest.
Abstract: The leptodactylid frog Lithodytes lineatus is associated with the leaf cutting ant Atta cephalotes in Peru All specimens found in the investigated area were observed sitting near the entrances of nests of leaf cutting ants One, found sitting in a nest at a depth of 60 cm, was heard calling and was recorded by lowering a microphone into the ant nest All investigated leaf cutting ant nests were occupied by ants involved in normal foraging activities
TL;DR: P. pityusensis, roughly speaking, manifest several characteristics of the behavioral thermoregulation and pattern of activity similar to those described for other lizards such as Psammodromos algirus, inhabitants of the mediterranean region which is characterized by its hot, dry summers.
Abstract: The behavioral thermoregulation of P. pityusensis was studied for a period of one week during August, 1980. The cloacal temperatures and the ground and air temperatures were recorded by means of thermistors. P. pityusensis behaves like a heliotermic species with a temperature range between 28.5 and 41.5 ° C. Very significant correlations were found to exist between the Tc (Body temperatures) and the Ta (Air temperatures) or between the Tc and the Ts (Ground temperatures) in all ofthe specimens analyzed. There are also significant statistical differences between te mean Tc in individuals during thermoregulation and the Tc of individuals active on the ground or inactive underneath stones. The daily pattern of activity is bimodal; the variations in body temperatures, being as a whole relatively independent of the fluctuations in the ambient temperature, adjust themselves to this pattern. P. pityusensis, roughly speaking, manifest several characteristics of the behavioral thermoregulation and pattern of activity similar to those described for other lizards such as Psammodromos algirus, inhabitants of the mediterranean region which is characterized by its hot, dry summers.
TL;DR: Microcomplement fixation analysis of albumin relationship shows that the Balearic green toad is not an original, autochthonous member of the basically Miocene fauna of these western Mediterranean islands, but a quite recent newcomer.
Abstract: Microcomplement fixation analysis of albumin relationship shows that the Balearic green toad (Bufo viridis balearicus) is not an original, autochthonous member of the basically Miocene fauna of these western Mediterranean islands, but a quite recent newcomer. The plasma protein pattern clearly points to its close populational relationship to the Tyrrhenian islands' conspecifics. The male and female release vocalization shows the same, and this is in accordance with the external morphology too. There has been no possibility for toads to reach the Balearic Islands in Pleistocene or Holocene via land bridges, nor are they candidates for any sea drifting. Anthropogenic introduction must be assumed. This corresponds to its clear subfossil documentation beginning in the bronze age Talayot culture that shows connexions to the Sardinian one. Deliberate introduction for mythological reasons is discussed. The Balearic amphibian fauna has been greatly changed by human activities, to which can be attributed the existence ofthree of the four species actually living there. Studies on the origin of members of the herpetofauna in any Mediterranean island system or coastal region must pay more attention to this possibility in future.
TL;DR: The status of the population is still critical and the danger of its extinction is strong, some recent plans to modify the area, building industrial facilities nearby, may have, of course, very bad effects on this lizard.
Abstract: This paper presents the first data on the ecology of the Giant Hierro Lizard (Gallotia simonyi simonyi) from Canary Islands; this animal was believed to be extinct until its recent finding, in 1975. The biotope, a very steep rocky cliff, almost inaccessible in many places, is described; the climate of the area is subdesertic and the plant cover, very sparse, is xerophytic; the vertebrate fauna is poor, but insects are abundant and diverse. The colour of this lizard is almost black, with large dull grey patches at the sides in the adults, while in the youngs the colour is earthly brown with whitish dorsal stripes. The largest specimen we measured was near 70 cm from snout to tail's end. Daily activity begins in young specimens when the sun reaches the area, while in the adult ones activity begins somewhat later, even at noon for the oldest animals. The diet consists entirely of plants, and includes lignified stems and other non-nourishing parts from several species (Kleinia neriifolia, Lavandula abrotanoides, etc.). Obviously there exists a strong intraspecific competition for food. The number of animals was very low in September 1975, about 200 specimens, half of them or more being young. This number might have been increased by now through protective measures recently adopted. Nevertheless, the status of the population is still critical and the danger of its extinction is strong. Some recent plans to modify the area, building industrial facilities nearby, may have, of course, very bad effects on this lizard.
TL;DR: Hyla elkejungingerae, a new species ofhylid frogs from El Boqueron/Peru, is highly adapted to an arboreal life and is placed in a species group of its own.
Abstract: Hyla elkejungingerae, a new species ofhylid frogs from El Boqueron/Peru, is highly adapted to an arboreal life. As H. elkejungingerae has tadpoles of a moderately adapted stream-type - a feature which is very rare among South American hylids-and does not resemble morphologically any of them, it is placed in a species group of its own. Tadpoles in the last developmental stages are able to climb on upright plantstems out of the water.
TL;DR: Eco-ethological data corroborate the affinities between Phrynodon and Petropedetes.
Abstract: Ecology and behaviour of the adults and tadpoles of Phrynodon sandersoni, (Ranidae, Phrynobatrachinae), an endemic species from south Cameroon. Eggs are incubated, only during night, by the mother. Tadpoles do not feed and are probably partly terrestrial. Eco-ethological data corroborate the affinities between Phrynodon and Petropedetes.
TL;DR: The usefulness of this dimorphic character to distinguish between the sexes in juvenile Lacerta vivipara in field studies is demonstrated.
Abstract: The number of transverse rows ofventral scales differs between male and female Lacerta vivipara JACQUIN. The number of scale rows is fixed in individual lizards. We demonstrate the usefulness of this dimorphic character to distinguish between the sexes in juvenile Lacerta vivipara in field studies.
TL;DR: Mating male Aldabra tortoises (Geochelone gigantea) emit loud, deep-pitched calls or "groans" while mounted, and there is an excellent chance that the sounds are perceived by the female, possibly intimidating her and facilitating mounting.
Abstract: Mating male Aldabra tortoises (Geochelone gigantea) emit loud, deep-pitched calls or "groans" while mounted. A bout of 34 groans was recorded and analyzed oscillographically and spectrographically. The sound energy occurs in periodic waves and there is no evidence of regularly pulsed energy. Calls are relatively stereotyped, with at least seven partial tones that range from 0.26 to 0.80 kHz. Only three tones occur throughout each call and in all calls, and these three have a harmonic relationship. More than half of the duration of the call, averaging 64 %, consists of a steady decrease in frequency, which occurs at the end. The beginnings of calls have the most energy, especially in the deepest tone, but there is considerable variation in the pattern of amplitude modulation. Call length and duration of the pauses between calls are relatively stereotyped, averaging 0.47 and 3.86 seconds, respectively. Movements made during "groan-thrusting" may be related to sound production, but the structures involved in the production, modulation, and resonance of the call are unknown. As the majority of the groan is apparently within the frequency range of highest auditory sensitivity for tortoises, there is an excellent chance that the sounds are perceived by the female, possibly intimidating her and facilitating mounting. Sounds are made by mating tortoises of a variety of species, and it would be interesting to know how these behaviors evolved.
TL;DR: Salamanders (Salamandra salamandra) from semi-arid and moist habitat maintained their body weight constant on 40% and 50% field capacity respectively and the blood plasma concentration of salamanders from semi -arid habitats was higher than the blood Plasma concentration of Salamander from moist habitats when they were found, in water balance, on soil with a low moisture content.
Abstract: Salamanders (Salamandra salamandra) from semi-arid and moist habitat maintained their body weight constant on 40% and 50% field capacity respectively. The water turnover of salamanders from moist habitats (50 % field capacity) was 93 μl.g -1 .day -1 and the water turnover of salamanders from semi-arid habitats (40% field capacity) was 47 μl.g -1 .day -1 and 49 μl.g -1 .day -1 . The blood plasma concentration of salamanders from semi-arid habitats was higher than the blood plasma concentration of salamanders from moist habitats when they were found, in water balance, on soil with a low moisture content.
TL;DR: The colour morphs of preserved material as well as of live specimens of the Malgasy frog genus Mantella are described and the discussion of their variability shows that two of the names accepted by GUIBE (1964,1978) are synonyms of the oldest name available.
Abstract: The colour morphs of preserved material as well as of live specimens of the Malgasy frog genus Mantella are described. The discussion of their variability shows that two of the names accepted by GUIBE (1964,1978) are synonyms of the oldest name available, a third, synonymized by him (op. cit.) is revalidated. The proposed taxonomic changes are: Mantella cowani (part., sensu GUIBE)=M. laevigata ; M. cowani (part.) and M. pulchra (sensu GUIBE) = M. madagascariensis. The latter is divided into three subspecies, one of which is described as M. madagascariensis haraldmeierissp. n. An identification key to all taxa of the genus Mantella is presented.
TL;DR: Back crossing experiments revealed a strongly reduced fertility of the hybrids and demonstrated that the degree of genetic incompatibility by far exceeds the subspecific, i.
Abstract: Ocellated lizards from Tunisia and Spain respectivelywere hybridized. The hybrids proved to be much more aggressive than normal specimens but did not show any sexual activity among each other. Back crossing experiments revealed a strongly reduced fertility of the hybrids and demonstrated that the degree of genetic incompatibility by far exceeds the subspecific, i. e. infraspecific level. The two forms are, thus, ranked here as allospecies: Lacerta pater LATASTE, 1880, and Lacerta lepida DAUDIN, 1802.
TL;DR: The ovarian cycle of AgamaStellio stellio was investigated and oocytes present in the ovary are largest in May, and the number of clutces produced per year is 1 and rarely 2.
Abstract: The ovarian cycle of Agama stellio stellio was investigated. Oocytes present in the ovary are largest in May. Yolk deposition is completed in 5-6 weeks. Oviducal females were present over a 40 days period. The mean clutch size is 8.1 eggs. The number of clutces produced per year is 1 and rarely 2. There is no interuterine migration of eggs.
TL;DR: Uromacer catesbyi and U. oxyrhynchus are diurnal, arboreal colubrids endemic to Hispaniola that are morphologically and behaviorally adapted to prey on active lizards, and it feeds exlusively on them.
Abstract: Uromacer catesbyi and U. oxyrhynchus are diurnal, arboreal colubrids endemic to Hispaniola. Uromacer oxyrhynchus is an attenuate-snouted, slender ambush predator that is morphologically and behaviorally adapted to prey on active lizards (primarily Anolis, but also Ameiva), and it feeds exlusively on them. U. catesbyi is blunt-snouted and heavier-bodied than U. oxyrhynchus and exploits branches of wider diameter. The diet of U. catesbyi is composed of diurnally sedentary hylid frogs (ca. 96% by vol. and 71 % by frequency) and active lizards (Anolis). Trophic niche overlap between catesbyi and oxyrhynchus on Isla Saona is low (0.37). U. catesbyi was encountered with food in its stomach less frequently than U. oxyrhynchus (22.4% vs. 42.8%), but mean prey size (vol.) was 2.8 times larger for U. catesbyi.
TL;DR: Observations on the reproductive behaviour of captive Sardinian Brook Salamanders (Euproctus platycephalus) suggest that eggs were preferentially deposited between stones of various sizes or burried in the sand.
Abstract: This paper reports some observations on the reproductive behaviour of captive Sardinian Brook Salamanders (Euproctus platycephalus). Amplexus was observed frequently from October to May; eggs were preferentially deposited between stones ofvarious sizes or burried in the sand; egg-laying was spread over several months and had a maximum in spring; clutch size was hight (maximum: 221) as compared to that of the closely related species E. montanus and E. asper.
TL;DR: The results support the hypothesis according which hibernation in the tortoise is the result of a metabolic preparation in autumn and cannot be induced artificially during spring and summer.
Abstract: Tortoises (Testudo hermanni hermanni) which are cooled down to 5 °C show a considerable higher oxygen consumption during the first week at this temperature in June and August than in November, which is the time when hibernation normally starts. Prolonging the low temperature conditions in spring leads to an increase in oxygen consumption. The blood glucose concentration is reduced during normal hibernation, but can rise quickly when the animals are disturbed. During cold torpor induced in June and August the blood glucose concentration is drastically increased. The results support the hypothesis according which hibernation in the tortoise is the result of a metabolic preparation in autumn and cannot be induced artificially during spring and summer. Endogenous factors are involved in the termination of the physiological phenomena of hibernation in spring.
TL;DR: In this experiment it is tried to determine the connections between temperature and time of hatching for an egg-laying species: Lacerta agilis L.
Abstract: In connection with descriptions of incubation of reptile eggs it is often stated that the time of incubation depends on the temperature (ex. PORTER 1972). BLANCHARD and BLANCHARD (1941) inform about the connection between temperature and time of birth for garter snake (Thamnopsis sirtalis), but most other information is of more general character. In this experiment it is tried to determine the connections between temperature and time of hatching for an egg-laying species: Lacerta agilis L.
TL;DR: The larval filter apparatus cannot be used to support any subordinal arrangement, but its potential value at lower systematic levels is affirmed, which supports recognition of a separate monogeneric family Pelodytidae.
Abstract: Parts of the larval filter apparatus (ventral velum, branchial food traps, filter plates) were studied, using scanning electron microscopy. The primary species studied was Pelodytes punctatus, but Alytes obstetricans, Pelobates cultripes, Scaphiopus holbrooki, Telmatobius culeus, Hyla cinerea and Rana sphenocephala were also examined. Other data were taken from literature. Previous authors, in similar studies, maintained that variations in larval filter apparatus morphology supported the anuran suborders Archeo- and Neobatrachia. The present study concludes that the larval filter apparatus cannot be used to support any subordinal arrangement, but affirms its potential value at lower systematic levels. Pelobatoids tend to have modified filter apparatuses. Four types are recognizeable: 1) Pelodytes; 2) Scaphiopus; 3) Megophrys; 4)Pelobates, Leptobrachium, Oreolalax. Although other beaked Asian genera remain unstudied, these groups are enough to indicate that current pelobatoid systematics is erroneous. Pelodytes has the most primitive pelobatoid filter apparatus. This, the moderately derived larval chondrocranium and the peculiar mixture of certain primitive and derived character states in the adult frog (none shared with other pelobatoids), indicate a long independent phylogeny for Pelodytes. This in turn, supports recognition of a separate monogeneric family Pelodytidae.