Distribution and ecology of lizards in the Greek province of Evros

1989 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 151-174 ◽  
Author(s):  
W. Helmer ◽  
H. Strijbosch ◽  
P.T. Scholte
Keyword(s):  
Food Source ◽  
Activity Patterns ◽  
Distribution Map ◽  
Lizard Species ◽  
Life History Data ◽  
Lacerta Viridis ◽  
Distribution And Ecology ◽  
Very High ◽  
Different Parts ◽  
Essential Food

AbstractDuring a field study in 1983-1984 in a 200 km 2 study area in the south of Evros province (Greece) the presence of 11 lizard species was established. For every species a distribution map within the area is supplied. In different parts of the area thc lizards formed different species combinations. Ophisops elegans appeared to vicariate in certain terrains with both Podarcis erhardii and P. taurica. By studying habitat selection and activity patterns of all species data on spatial and temporal niche segregation could be obtained. The activity patterns of all species were strongly influenced by exposition and altitude. In some species a strong altitude influence was also measured on growth and some other life history data. Some pairs of morphologically or ecologically related species are compared in more detail. Some species occurred in very high densities (Lacerta viridis up to 500, Ablepharus kitaibelii up to 1100 ind./ha). Tail loss frequencies of all species are given. For many birds of prey they formed an essential food source.

scholarly journals Vulnerability to climate change of a microendemic lizard species from the central Andes

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Laspiur ◽  
J. C. Santos ◽  
S. M. Medina ◽  
J. E. Pizarro ◽  
E. A. Sanabria ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Species Distribution Models ◽  
Activity Patterns ◽  
Geographic Range ◽  
Behavioral Thermoregulation ◽  
Rapid Loss ◽  
Distribution Models ◽  
Lizard Species ◽  
Vulnerability To Climate Change

AbstractGiven the rapid loss of biodiversity as consequence of climate change, greater knowledge of ecophysiological and natural history traits are crucial to determine which environmental factors induce stress and drive the decline of threatened species. Liolaemus montanezi (Liolaemidae), a xeric-adapted lizard occurring only in a small geographic range in west-central Argentina, constitutes an excellent model for studies on the threats of climate change on such microendemic species. We describe field data on activity patterns, use of microhabitat, behavioral thermoregulation, and physiology to produce species distribution models (SDMs) based on climate and ecophysiological data. Liolaemus montanezi inhabits a thermally harsh environment which remarkably impacts their activity and thermoregulation. The species shows a daily bimodal pattern of activity and mostly occupies shaded microenvironments. Although the individuals thermoregulate at body temperatures below their thermal preference they avoid high-temperature microenvironments probably to avoid overheating. The population currently persists because of the important role of the habitat physiognomy and not because of niche tracking, seemingly prevented by major rivers that form boundaries of their geographic range. We found evidence of habitat opportunities in the current range and adjacent areas that will likely remain suitable to the year 2070, reinforcing the relevance of the river floodplain for the species’ avoidance of extinction.

scholarly journals Experimental infection with Schistosoma mansoni of Biomphalaria straminea from different parts of the Northeast of Brazil

1986 ◽  
Vol 28 (3) ◽  
pp. 160-165 ◽  
Author(s):  
E. A. Malek ◽  
M. Z. Rouquayrol
Keyword(s):  
Schistosoma Mansoni ◽  
Puerto Rican ◽  
Experimental Infection ◽  
Snail Host ◽  
The State ◽  
Infection Rates ◽  
Biomphalaria Straminea ◽  
Albino Strain ◽  
Very High ◽  
Different Parts

In the western part of the State of Bahia Biomphalaria straminea and B. glabrata both occur, but in the majority of cases they do not share the same habitat. In the State of Ceará, however, B. straminea is the sole snail host of Schistosoma mansoni. In this survey, no naturally infected B. straminea was found among snails collected from Bahia and Ceará, evidently because of the very low infection rates. The susceptibility of laboratory-reared specimens to infection with a Puerto Rican strain of S. mansoni was then tested experimentally. In general, the snails showed very low susceptibility. The infection rates were 1.1% among snails from Redenção (Ceará); 2.3% in those from Pentecoste (Ceará); 2.9% in snails from São Desidério (Bahia), while they were very high among an albino strain (NIH) of B. glabrata used as control. Another group of B. straminea from São Desidério was exposed to a Bahian strain of S. mansoni and the infection rate was still very low (3.6%) Apparently, the very low susceptibility of B. straminea, despite high snail density, is correlated with moderate infection rates with S. mansoni among humans, as shown by the results of stool examinations conducted by SUCAM in the municipalities of Redenção and Pentecoste, in Ceará.

scholarly journals Flood risk spatial index analysis in the coastal Pekalongan, Central Java, Indonesia

2020 ◽  
Vol 202 ◽  
pp. 06028
Author(s):  
Ratna Mustika Anindita ◽  
Indah Susilowati ◽  
Fuad Muhammad
Keyword(s):  
Spatial Distribution ◽  
Flood Risk ◽  
Risk Index ◽  
Spatial Index ◽  
North Coast ◽  
Distribution Map ◽  
High Level ◽  
Spatial Distribution Map ◽  
Very High ◽  
Level Of Risk

The North coast of Java is increasingly exposed to flood risks due to land subsidence and climate change, resulting in sea-level rise. This paper developed a flood risk spatial index model in the coastal Pekalongan. The model was systematically arranged from various flood risk indicators related to the social, economic, and environment of coastal Pekalongan based on surveys and interviews with the communities and regional governments. These indicators are then integrated into hazard and vulnerability as components of risk. Using the index system method and ArcGIS, the risk index is classified into five levels (very high, high, medium, low, very low) and generated into a flood risk spatial distribution map. We found that the risk in the study area varies between a medium to a very high level of risk. The very high level of risk was located in Tratebang, Pecakaran, and Tegaldowo Village. A risk spatial distribution map can be used to evaluate potential risks and flood mitigation.

Spot on: using camera traps to individually monitor one of the world’s largest lizards

2020 ◽  
Vol 47 (4) ◽  
pp. 326 ◽  
Author(s):  
Harry A. Moore ◽  
Jacob L. Champney ◽  
Judy A. Dunlop ◽  
Leonie E. Valentine ◽  
Dale G. Nimmo
Keyword(s):  
Activity Patterns ◽  
Image Data ◽  
Dorsal Surface ◽  
Camera Trap ◽  
Camera Traps ◽  
Identification Accuracy ◽  
Individual Identification ◽  
Lizard Species ◽  
Late Afternoon ◽  
Large Animals

Abstract ContextEstimating animal abundance often relies on being able to identify individuals; however, this can be challenging, especially when applied to large animals that are difficult to trap and handle. Camera traps have provided a non-invasive alternative by using natural markings to individually identify animals within image data. Although camera traps have been used to individually identify mammals, they are yet to be widely applied to other taxa, such as reptiles. AimsWe assessed the capacity of camera traps to provide images that allow for individual identification of the world’s fourth-largest lizard species, the perentie (Varanus giganteus), and demonstrate other basic morphological and behavioural data that can be gleaned from camera-trap images. MethodsVertically orientated cameras were deployed at 115 sites across a 10000km2 area in north-western Australia for an average of 216 days. We used spot patterning located on the dorsal surface of perenties to identify individuals from camera-trap imagery, with the assistance of freely available spot ID software. We also measured snout-to-vent length (SVL) by using image-analysis software, and collected image time-stamp data to analyse temporal activity patterns. ResultsNinety-two individuals were identified, and individuals were recorded moving distances of up to 1975m. Confidence in identification accuracy was generally high (91%), and estimated SVL measurements varied by an average of 6.7% (min=1.8%, max=21.3%) of individual SVL averages. Larger perenties (SVL of >45cm) were detected mostly between dawn and noon, and in the late afternoon and early evening, whereas small perenties (SVL of <30cm) were rarely recorded in the evening. ConclusionsCamera traps can be used to individually identify large reptiles with unique markings, and can also provide data on movement, morphology and temporal activity. Accounting for uneven substrates under cameras could improve the accuracy of morphological estimates. Given that camera traps struggle to detect small, nocturnal reptiles, further research is required to examine whether cameras miss smaller individuals in the late afternoon and evening. ImplicationsCamera traps are increasingly being used to monitor reptile species. The ability to individually identify animals provides another tool for herpetological research worldwide.

scholarly journals DNA extraction technique for different rice varieties grown in Sri Lanka

2015 ◽  
Vol 3 (3) ◽  
pp. 398-401
Author(s):  
Ranganathan Kapilan
Keyword(s):  
Sri Lanka ◽  
Dna Extraction ◽  
Extraction Method ◽  
Extraction Methods ◽  
Rice Varieties ◽  
Modified Method ◽  
Dna Extraction Methods ◽  
Very High ◽  
Different Parts

Extraction of DNA is very important nowadays in bio-molecular researches. Extracted DNA should be purified and the quality of DNA should also be very high. The objective of the study was to develop a simple efficient method to isolate DNA from the rice varieties in an open laboratory environment, and to eliminate the usage of expensive chemicals and tools. The DNA extraction methods developed by the DNeasy plant kit method supplied by QIAGEN, Cheng et al., Doyle et al. and Michiels et al. were applied to five different rice varieties grown in different parts of Sri Lanka. Based on the quantity and quality of the extracted DNA tested by measuring the absorbance of DNA at 260 nm using Nanodrop® ND-1000 spectrophotometer and measuring the ratio of A260 / A280 and gel running on agarose, the efficiency of the extraction method chosen varied among rice varieties. Among the methods used, the methods introduced by DNeasy plant kit method supplied by QIAGEN and Cheng et al, yielded good and amplifiable quality DNA with satisfactory concentration for all the rice varieties tested. Therefore the modified method of Cheng et al, 1987 could be used to extract DNA from rice varieties instead of the commercially available expensive and hazardous DNeasy plant kit method supplied by QIAGEN.Int J Appl Sci Biotechnol, Vol 3(3): 398-401

Geographic variation in foraging patterns of pre-incubating female Mallards

2000 ◽  
Vol 78 (12) ◽  
pp. 2240-2243 ◽  
Author(s):  
B D Dugger ◽  
M J Petrie
Keyword(s):  
New Brunswick ◽  
Prairie Pothole Region ◽  
Activity Patterns ◽  
Prairie Pothole ◽  
Eastern Canada ◽  
Foraging Patterns ◽  
Time Activity ◽  
Breeding Range ◽  
Lower Productivity ◽  
Different Parts

Differences in productivity between habitats in different parts of a duck's breeding range may influence how birds allocate time to meet the exogenous nutritional requirements of clutch formation. However, no study has compared activity patterns between birds in different portions of their breeding range. We used focal-bird observations to compare the time-activity patterns of pre-incubating female Mallards (Anas platyrhynchos) in the prairie pothole region of Manitoba and North Dakota with those in eastern forested New Brunswick. Birds in eastern Canada had higher foraging effort (63.7 vs. 41.6%, P < 0.01) and spent less time in comfort (12.2 vs. 7.6%, P = 0.01) and locomotion (12.7 vs. 4.1%) activities than birds on the prairies. Females responded to lower productivity by devoting more time to foraging, which may be why Mallards in eastern Canada are able to lay first clutches that are equal in size to those of prairie Mallards.

Novitates Gabonenses 88: additions to the flora of Gabon and new records of little-known species

2018 ◽  
Vol 151 (3) ◽  
pp. 393-422
Author(s):  
Olivier Lachenaud ◽  
Tariq Stévart ◽  
Archange Boupoya ◽  
Nicolas Texier ◽  
Gilles Dauby ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Vascular Plants ◽  
New Records ◽  
Conservation Status ◽  
Equatorial Guinea ◽  
Herbarium Specimens ◽  
Distribution Map ◽  
Tropical Africa ◽  
Distribution And Ecology ◽  
New Distribution ◽  
Made In

Background and aims – The intensive botanical prospections carried out in Gabon since the publication of the national checklist in 2006 have resulted in c. 34 300 new specimens (amounting to 30% of all collections made in the country) and an annual increase of 25 species in average. As a result, 5175 species of vascular plants are now recorded from Gabon, of which 650 are considered endemic. However, most of the recent discoveries have not yet been published. This paper is the first of a series documenting additions to the flora of Gabon, and new records of poorly known species. It concerns specifically new records from the Lower Ogooué Ramsar site, the third largest delta of Africa, and certainly the most intact, which includes 80% of the country’s wetlands and a wide variety of other habitats.Methods – The new records presented here come essentially from fieldwork conducted in Gabon between 2008 and 2016 by the authors and colleagues. Further information comes from the study of herbarium specimens in BR, BRLU, K, LBV, MO, P and WAG. For each species, information on distribution and ecology is given, and the studied Gabonese collections listed. In case of rare or range-restricted species, collections from other countries are also listed, and a distribution map is provided, as well as an evaluation of the conservation status based on the categories and criteria of the IUCN Red List.Key results – We report 18 additions to the flora of Gabon, including four genera new to the country (Capparis, Gisekia, Hoffmanniella and Leptochloa) and the first records of the neotropical Justicia secunda being naturalised in tropical Africa. New distribution records are also provided for 16 rare Gabonese endemics or near-endemics. Some species are also newly reported from Cameroon (Cissus leemansii, Salacia coronata) and Equatorial Guinea (Cissus leemansii, C. louisii, Lychnodiscus grandifolius, Placodiscus resendeanus, Rutidea gabonensis, Uvaria bipindensis). Two species, which were reported in the 2006 checklist based on misidentifications, are excluded from the Gabonese flora.

Lipophilic Compounds from the Femoral Gland Secretions of Male Hungarian Green Lizards, Lacerta viridis

2009 ◽  
Vol 64 (5-6) ◽  
pp. 434-440 ◽  
Author(s):  
Renata Kopena ◽  
Pilar López ◽  
José Martín
Keyword(s):  
Mass Spectra ◽  
Chemical Compounds ◽  
Reproductive Behaviour ◽  
Sexual Signals ◽  
Lizard Species ◽  
Specific Chemical ◽  
Lipophilic Compounds ◽  
Lacerta Viridis ◽  
Femoral Gland Secretions

In spite of the importance of chemical signals (pheromones) in the reproductive behaviour of lizards, only a few studies have examined the role of specific chemical compounds as sexual signals. The secreted chemicals vary widely between species but whether this variation reflects phylogenetic or environmental differences remains unclear. Based on mass spectra, obtained by GC-MS, we found 40 lipophilic compounds in femoral gland secretions of male green lizards (Lacerta viridis), including several steroids, α-tocopherol, and esters of n-C16 to n-C20 carboxylic acids, and minor components such as alcohols between C12 and C20, squalene, three lactones and one ketone. We compared these chemicals with those previously found in other closely related green lizard species, and discussed how phylogenetical differences and/or environmental conditions could be responsible for the differential presence of chemicals in different lizard species.

scholarly journals Use of microhabitat and activity patterns of two lizard species from a seasonal dry forest in northern Colombia

2020 ◽  
Vol 15 (2) ◽  
pp. 153-164
Author(s):  
Pedro Luis Atencia ◽  
Cristian José Castillo ◽  
Luis Fernando Montes
Keyword(s):  
Activity Patterns ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Spatial Dimension ◽  
Forest Edge ◽  
Dry Forest ◽  
Physical Parameters ◽  
Microhabitat Use ◽  
Forest Fragment ◽  
Lizard Species ◽  
Sympatric Distribution

In this work, the microhabitat use and activity patterns of two lizard species with sympatric distribution were evaluated in a dry forest fragment within the department of Sucre, northern Colombia. Data was collected in May, June, September and October of 2017, using the active search method limited by time (7:00 and 19:00 hours). Substrates used, spatial distribution and time of capture were recorded for individuals of the species Loxopholis rugiceps (Cope 1869) and Lepidoblepharis sanctaemartae (Ruthven 1916). Complementarily, environmental and physical parameters were recorded, which allowed us to characterise the microhabitats of the species. A total of 276 lizards were recorded, 177 belonging to the species Loxopholis rugiceps and 99 to Lepidoblepharis sanctaemartae. The results showed similar resource use by the two species for the spatial dimension, with both exploiting different terrestrial elements mainly from the interior forest, followed by the riverbed stream and forest edge. Differences were found in the daily activity patterns between species, with individuals of L. sanctaemartae more frequently recorded in the morning hours and L. rugiceps in the afternoon hours. The activity patterns did not differ by age groups: juveniles and adults. Both species were more frequently found in the litter substrate within the forest, followed by rocks and bare ground. Our results indicate that both species are tolerant to matrix conditions, however, they require internal forest conditions to exploit food resources and refuge.

scholarly journals Novel Predators and Naïve Prey: How Introduced Mammals Shape Behaviours and Populations of New Zealand Lizards

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Joanne Marie Hoare
Keyword(s):  
New Zealand ◽  
Synergistic Effects ◽  
Activity Patterns ◽  
Major Influence ◽  
Population Declines ◽  
Lizard Species ◽  
Predator Detection ◽  
Term Survival ◽  
Mammalian Predators ◽  
Invasive Mammals

<p>Biotas that evolved in isolation from mammalian predators are susceptible to degradation due to recent human-mediated introductions of mammals. However, behavioural, morphological and life historical adaptations of prey to novel mammalian predators can allow prey to persist in mammal-invaded areas. Lizards in New Zealand are an ideal group for exploring the effects of invasive mammals on vertebrate prey because: (1) the ca. 80 endemic species evolved without mammals as a major influence for 80 my, (2) mammalian introductions during the past 2000 y have differentially affected lizard species, and (3) some species coexist with mammals on the mainland as well as occurring on mammal-free offshore islands. I tested three hypotheses: (1) lizard populations that have persisted on New Zealand’s mainland are no longer declining in the presence of introduced mammalian predators, (2) introduced mammals induce behavioural shifts in native lizards, and (3) lizard behavioural patterns and chemosensory predator detection abilities vary according to exposure to introduced mammals. Trends in capture rates of five sympatric native lizard populations over a 23 year (1984-2006) period demonstrate that not all lizard populations that have persisted thus far on New Zealand’s mainland have stabilised in numbers. Large, nocturnal and terrestrial species remain highly vulnerable at mainland sites. Introduced kiore, Rattus exulans, induce behavioural changes in Duvaucel’s geckos, Hoplodactylus duvaucelii. A radio telemetric study demonstrated that geckos start reverting to natural use of habitats within six months of kiore eradication. Activity patterns of common geckos, H. maculatus, and common skinks, Oligosoma nigriplantare polychroma, in laboratory trials are also correlated with their exposure to mammalian predators. Lizard activity (time spent moving) increases relative to freeze behaviour with greater exposure to mammals. However, specific antipredator behaviours are not elicited by chemical cues of either native (tuatara, Sphenodon spp) or introduced (ship rat, R. rattus) predators. Lizard populations may persist by changing their behaviours in the presence of invasive mammals. However, the continued declines of particularly vulnerable mainland lizard taxa suggest that mammal-induced behavioural shifts may only slow population declines rather than enabling long-term survival. Eradicating pest mammals from offshore islands has proven effective at restoring both populations and behaviours of native lizards, but lizard populations on the mainland also deserve conservation priority. Research directed at understanding the synergistic effects of invasive species that are causing continued lizard population declines and mammal-proof fencing to protect the most vulnerable mainland populations from extinction are both urgently required.</p>

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