Ecology of Amphibians and Reptiles

Reproductively, South American Mabuya are among the most extraordinary of squamate reptiles.  Not only have these scincid lizards evolved a degree of placentotrophy that exceeds that of all other known squamates, but they have converged strongly on a pattern usually assumed to be confined to eutherian mammals.  Characteristics of this reproductive pattern include viviparity, a lengthy gestation period, ovulation of small ova, formation of chorioallantoic placentae with chorionic areolae and a placentome, and placental provision of virtually all of the nutrients for development.  The independent evolution of such features among mammals and lizards represents one of the most striking cases of evolutionary convergence in reproductive specializations to be documented among terrestrial vertebrates (Blackburn, 1991).



Aside from their similarities to eutherians, however, South American lizards of the genus Mabuya  are highly worthy of study in their own right.  These lizards represent an extreme in the spectrum of reptilian reproductive features, and their specializations appear to be of functional significance in the environments that they inhabit (Vitt and Blackburn, 1983, 1991; Vitt, in press).  The extent of intra-generic diversity in reproductive mode, placentation, and fetal nutritional mode suggests Mabuya to be a model taxon for inquiries into the evolution of viviparity and placentotrophy, as well as the evolution of structural – functional complexes, such as is represented by the placenta.



Unfortunately, survival of at least some of the South American species of Mabuya  is now threatened over wide portions of their ranges.  For example, during the past ten years of habitat destruction in Pernambuco, M. heathi has become increasingly scarce, and the range of M. bistriata undoubtedly is being diminished by devastation of the Amazonian rainforest.  Extinction of these remarkable species would be an incalculable loss, and protection and maintenance of the genus Mabuya throughout South America is of the utmost urgency.

Le Chott de Djendli (3700 ha) appartient au complexe des zones humides Sud-constantinoises. L’étude menée de février 2006 à mars 2007 nous a permis la caractérisation bioécologique des éléments tant biotiques qu’abiotiques du site. Elle nous a également permis d’avoir un aperçu sur son importance, en étudiant et en suivant plusieurs paramètres physico-chimiques du sol et de l’eau ainsi que la richesse floristique et faunistique. En effet, nous avons déterminé le…

ECOLOGICAL DIAGNOSIS AND EVALUATION OF BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES IN LAKE AYATA (OUED RIGH VALLEY: NORTHERN ALGERIAN SAHARA).
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ABSTRACT: Ayata Lake (155 ha) belongs to the complex of wetlands of Oued Righ Valley in Algerian Lower-Sahara. This study conducted between October 2009 and June 2010 has allowed a bioecological characterization of both biotic and abiotic elements of the site.
Flora and fauna Inventories have revealed existence of 13 plant species, 03 fish, 02 amphibians, 06 reptiles, 55 birds and 07 mammals. The flora of the site is mapped then the dynamics of dominant plant species is assessed by GIS software. Bio-ecological Statuses (faunal, trophic, phenological and protection) are attributed to the species surveyed and they are discussed. The spatiotemporal occupation of the lake by birds is mapped and detailed. Furthermore, this study includes a general review on wetlands ecosystems. Wetlands of the Lower-Sahara region (Ziban, Souf, valley of Oued Righ, and Ouargla) are inventoried, classified and mapped. This approach helped to highlight the biological resources of Ayata Lake and determine its actual ecological value. This can lead to propose suggestions for management and conservation close to its socioeconomic status in a sustainable development view.

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RÉSUMÉ: Le Lac Ayata (155 ha) appartient au complexe des zones humides de la Vallée d’Oued Righ au Bas-Sahara algérien. L’étude menée entre octobre 2009 et juin 2010 a permis une caractérisation bioécologique des éléments tant biotiques qu’abiotiques du site. Les inventaires de la flore et de la faune ont révélé l’existence de 13 espèces végétales, 03 poissons, 02 amphibiens, 06 reptiles, 55 oiseaux et 07 mammifères. La flore du site est cartographiée et la dynamique saisonnière des espèces dominantes est estimée par un logiciel de SIG. Des statuts bioécologiques (fauniques, trophiques, phénologiques et de protection) sont attribués aux espèces animales inventoriées puis ils sont discutés. L’occupation spatiotemporelle du lac par l’avifaune est cartographiée et détaillée. Par ailleurs, cette étude comporte des connaissances générales sur les des zones humides. Celles-ci sont inventoriées, classifiées puis cartographies dans la région du Bas-Sahara (Ziban, Souf, Vallée d’Oued Righ et Ouargla). Cette approche a permis de mettre en valeur les ressources biologiques du site et de déterminer son importance écologique. Ceci peut aboutir à des suggestions de gestion et de conservation étroites à son état socioéconomique dans une prospection d’un développement durable.

“No es necesario realizar grandes proyectos de conservación, ni hacer uso de muchos
recursos para ayudar a estas especies. Con una serie de medidas muy sencillas,
económicas y eficaces es posible favorecer a las poblaciones de estos animales”
Ortega-Guerrero et al. 2007.
Los anfibios y reptiles poseen un papel funcional clave en los ecosistemas y son
importantes, de manera directa o indirecta, para el ser humano. Este grupo indica y
sostiene la salud del ecosistema a través de diferentes procesos: ayudan a mantener las
aguas limpias, soportan las cadenas tróficas (son excelentes controladores de plagas de
cultivos y de vectores de enfermedades humanas); influencian la producción primaria y
el ciclaje de nutrientes, polinizan los órganos florales y dispersan (y viabilizan) semillas,
incrementan la dinámica de sedimentos en los cuerpos de agua (bioturbación) y, en
general, mantienen el flujo de materia y energía entre ambientes acuáticos y terrestres,
así como entre el dosel de los bosques y el suelo (Galindo-Uribe y Hoyos-Hoyos 2007,
Whiles et al. 2013, Valencia-Aguilar et al. 2013). En este sentido, es un grupo que
requiere la conservación y manejo integrado de ambientes acuáticos, terrestres para
lograr la conectividad en los procesos ecosistémicos.

Review of data on all amphibian species from the territory of the former Soviet Union. The book is supplied with a CD with interactive maps of all localities for each species. Here the book is available for download. The CD may be downloaded from
https://yadi.sk/d/SRimWnN44NUI2

The study was conducted on the occurrence of bird species in northern part of Alaungdaw Kathapa National Park during the study period from September 2012 to August 2015 with the objectives to identify the avifauna and to examine the species composition and relative abundance of bird species. Sampling sites were stratified based on the vegetation type and fixed radius point count technique was employed. A total of 109 species belonging to 76 genera, 38 families under 13 orders were recorded. The maximum percentage of family composition was observed in Picidae. Black-crested bulbul Pycnonotus flaviventris was found as very common species although Great Hornbill Buceros bicornis, Oriental-scops Owl Otus sunia and Daurian Redstart Phoenicurus auroreus were recorded as uncommon species. The species composition of bird in dry season was significantly different with other seasons. Globally threatened species such as Great Hornbill Buceros bicornis and Red-breasted Parakeet Psittacula alexandri as Near-threatened species, and Great Slaty Woodpecker Mulleripicus pulverulentus as vulnerable according to IUCN Redlist (2015) were recorded. This result is hoped to provide some data to attract more ecotourism in future.

Autino, A. G. y Montero, R. 2012. Guía de Vertebrados de Bajo La Alumbrera, Catamarca, Argentina. Minera Alumbrera Limited, 224 pp.  Edición rústica: ISBN 978-987-28792-0-4; Edición cartoné: ISBN 978-987-28792-1-1.

Contiene información sobre las 93 especies más conspicuas de los Vertebrados de la región de Bajo De La Alumbrera (Catamarca, Argentina), incluyendo fotografías, dibujos, su descripción, distribución, biología y estado de conservación.

The Chinese giant salamander (Andrias davidianus) is the world’s largest amphibian and is endemic to China. The species was once widely distributed in all three major river systems in central and southern China and has been found in various water bodies including streams, rivers, and underground waterways in karst caves (Wang et al., 2004). Due to habitat destruction, water pollution, and over-exploitation for its flesh, the species has suffered an 80% population decline since the 1950s (Liang et al., 2004). In 2004, it was listed as critically endangered by the IUCN Red List, making it one of the most threatened amphibians in the world. In China, it was listed as a Class II Protected Species in 1989, which prohibits by law the collection of wild salamanders. However, wild populations do not appear to be rebounding due to continued threats and without restocking efforts the recovery of salamander populations might be slow, given their rarity and long generation intervals (sexual maturity occurs at 6-8 years or longer). Thus, captive breeding and reintroduction are possible conservation strategies for restoration and recovery of wild populations and down-listing from its current threat level. To test this theory, our team released 31 salamanders into two head-water streams in Shaanxi Province in central China and monitored their survival and movement for one year using radio-telemetry and passive integrated transponder (PIT) tags.

Co-authored chapters:

Johnson, Jerry D., Larry David Wilson, and Josiah H. Townsend. Summary of recent changes in higher taxonomic categories of Mesoamerican amphibians and reptiles. Pp. 18–27.

Townsend, Josiah H., and Larry David Wilson. Conservation of the Honduran herpetofauna: Issues and imperatives. Pp. 460–487.

Townsend, Josiah H., and Larry David Wilson. Biogeography and conservation of the Honduran subhumid forest herpetofauna. Pp. 686–705.

Wilson, Larry David, and Josiah H. Townsend. The Herpetofauna of Mesoamerica: Biodiversity significance, conservation status, and future challenges. Pp. 760–812.

This study was carried out in Pyukan lake, Tada-U Township from June 2015 to May 2016, emphasized on the occurrence of waterbirds and assessed the relative abundance of waterbird species. Direct count method was employed. Among total of 25 birds, as migratory status 12 winter visitors and 13 residents of waterbird species were found. Pyukan lake is one of the important wetlands in central Myanmar because two threatened species such as Aythya baeri Baer's Pochard as critically endangered and A.nyroca Ferruginous Pochard as near threatened were observed. This lake is an important ecosystem for both migratory and resident waterbird species. It could be an ideal site to enhance the ecotourism that can provide benefits for local people as income sources. Thus, this lake should be more conserved and managed.

We look at the utility of flow cytometry in large- and small-scale population surveys of amphibians, work done to that point, and the implications for conservation projects ranging from the discovery of cryptic species to hybrid zones and toxicological impacts.

La distribución geográfca de los anfibios anuros obedece a factores históricos,
rasgos de historia de vida y mecanismos eco􀈴siológicos que les permiten mantener
su balance hídrico en ambientes deshidratantes (Urbina-Cardona et al. 2014) y
habitar ambientes tan heterogéneos como los páramos, las sabanas y los bosques
secos. Estas características son las que se conocen en ecología funcional como
rasgos funcionales, los cuales son definidos como las características morfológicas,
fisiológicas o fenológicas medidas a nivel individual, sin referencia al ambiente o
cualquier otro nivel de organización (Violle et al. 2007). Las definiciones de rasgo
funcional en fauna han incluido rasgos comportamentales y se reconoce que
algunos están asociados con el ambiente –p. ej. uso del hábitat– (Luck et al. 2012).

Descripción y modelado del microhábitat de los anfibios y reptiles que habitan la Selva Alta Perennifolia de Los Tuxtlas Descripción y modelado del microhábitat de los anfibios y reptiles que habitan la Selva Alta Perennifolia de Los Tuxtlas

The Common Viper has seen quite a few problems in the peripheral areas of its distribution within the North-Central and South-Veluwe. The overall numbers of it’s former distribution compared with the 1990’s situation have declined seriously .Problems like heavy disturbances ,droughts ,fragmented areas and severe damage done by forest works are a serious threat to this vulnerable species . Fieldwork done by  Anura workgroup since 2000,now is the next step to conserve and protect the last strongholds of the common Adder on the edges on the Veluwe nature reserve .

The viviparous lizard Mabuya heathi was studied in two lowland tropical forest sites in Amazonian Brazil with additional data taken on museum specimens. These diurnal lizards are active primarily during mid- to late morning on fallen logs or low on tree trunks. They are heliothermic, averaging 32.9 +/- 0.98 C in body temperatures. Prey include orthopterans, spiders, eruciform larvae, termites, and other invertebrates. Prey differences between the two sites most likely reflect differences in prey availability associated with tropical seasonality in rainfall.

Mabuya bistriata reach sexual maturity by the end of the first year of life, and females produce their first brood at an age of one yr. Females have larger body size than males, and males have larger head sizes than females. Females ovulate ova 1 mm in diameter and 0.47 mg dry mass. A chorioallantoic placenta forms through apposition of the chorioallantois to the uterine mucosa. During gestation, dry and wet mass increase by over 47,400% and 74,700%, respectively, with virtually all nutrients for development supplied by the female. Gestation lasts 9-12 months. Brood size varies from 2-9, and females with near-term embryos are heavier and wider than nongravid females, suggesting a potential cost to reproduction related to the effect of clutch mass and volume on locomotor abilities.

Cleopatra's Needle Mountain Range, in northern Palawan, holds some of the last naturally forested habitat, supporting a significant number of locally endemic amphibians. As preparation for a new conservation program focused on this remote mountain range, a preliminary visual herpetological survey was undertaken to gather initial data on amphibian populations from this biogeographically distinct region.

Eleven frog species were documented during this study including the Palawan Toadlet, Pelophryne albotaeniata (Barbour, 1938). To date, Cleopatra’s Needle is the fourth published locality for this species and the first record for the species in northern Palawan thereby extending the range of the species significantly.

Other endemic amphibians recorded during our survey include; Barbourula busuangensis, Ingerophrynus philippinicus, Limnonectes acanthi, Hylarana moellendorffi, Sanguirana sanguinea, Leptobrachium tagbanorum, Megrophrys ligayae, Philautus longicrus, Staurois nubilus and the widespread Asian tree frog Polypedates macrotis.

Using data gathered over a 4-year period from a large population of the A. laterale-jeffersonianum complex from Haliburton, Ontario, I examined four areas of reproductive ecology that may contribute to ecological partitioning: (1) fluctuating sex, hybrid, and ploidy ratios; (2) differential migratory response by triploid and tetraploid genomotypes; (3) ontogenetic differences among triploid and tetraploid genomotypes; and (4) genotypic differences within unisexual genomotypes. For each case I was able to reject a null hypothesis ascribing ecological equivalency to those biotypes involved. The most germane ecological differences among unisexuals were imbedded in the broad syndrome of delays in larval development, metamorphosis, and sexual maturity displayed by tetraploids. These findings parallel those reported in a large body of literature generated from laboratory studies of polyploid salamanders. Using these corresponding data, I conducted a broad review of potential developmental, physiological, and biotypic causes and consequences of the observed delays. The results indicated that several effects of polyploidy and hybridity directly influence community ecology and contribute to stable coexistence of bisexuals and unisexuals. Based on these findings, a strategic model summarizing interaction in these communities was constructed, from which testable hypotheses may be derived for future research. The findings of this study confirmed the ontological status of the biotypic distinctions (genomotype versus genotype) advanced here.