Search

Populations of plants and animals at the edge of a species' range may exhibit lower genetic diversity due to a combination of historical (e.g., postglacial dispersal) and contemporary (e.g., low effective population size, strong genetic drift or bottlenecks) processes. In this study, we analysed the genetic structure of populations of the European pond turtle (Emys orbicularis) in the northern part of the Pannonian Basin (Slovakia, Hungary, Austria), which represents the edge of the species' range. Using mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) and microsatellite markers, we aimed to assign individuals and populations into phylogeographic lineages and to determine genetic variation and population structure. Our study revealed that most individuals from natural populations belong to mtDNA lineage II (widely distributed haplotype IIa, and likely endemic haplotypes IIl and IIo), which is typical for the whole Pannonian region. However, non-native haplotypes were detected in one Slovak population (haplotype Ib) and in the Austrian Donau Auen National Park (haplotype IVa). Microsatellite markers revealed high variability comparable to that in other parts of the range, suggesting that marginal populations may not necessarily have reduced genetic diversity. A genetically mixed population was found in the Donau Auen National Park, consisting of turtles belonging to mtDNA lineage II (taxonomically assessed as subspecies E. orbicularis orbicularis) and lineage IV (taxonomically assessed as E. orbicularis hellenica), which is native to the circum-Adriatic region. The admixture suggests intense hybridization and introgression between the two lineages (subspecies). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The 47 vertebrate type specimens held in the University of Otago Geology Department are catalogued in detail. A short history of the collection is followed by lists of the type specimens under the Classes Actinopterygii, Reptilia, Aves and Mammalia. A fish trace-fossil is included at the end of the Actinopterygii. Where appropriate, the name changes of the genus or species are given in chronological order. The specimens are briefly described, locality and geological age information is provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The egg tooth of squamates is a true tooth that allows them to break, tear, or cut the eggshell during hatching. In this clade there are some uncertainties concerning the egg tooth implantation geometry, the number of germs, and their fates during embryonic development. Here, we used X-ray microtomography and light microscopy, focusing on the egg tooth and remaining premaxillary teeth of the sand lizard (Lacerta agilis , Squamata: Unidentata). The developing egg tooth of this species passes through all the classic stages of tooth development. We did not find any evidence that the large size of the egg tooth is related to the merging of two egg tooth germs, which has recently been suggested to occur in snakes. Instead, this feature can be attributed to the delayed formation of the neighbouring regular premaxillary teeth. This might provide more resources to the developing egg tooth. At the last developmental stage, the egg tooth is a large, midline structure, bent forward as in most oviparous Unidentata. It is characterized by pleurodont implantation, and its base is attached to the pleura and a peculiar ridge of the alveolar bone. The attachment tissue contains periodontal ligament-like tissue, acellular cementum-like tissue, and alveolar bone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Knowledge of the spatial distribution of reptiles is essential for decision-making in conservation under future climate change scenarios. We present a new compilation of reptile records for Odesa Oblast (i.e. province), south-west Ukraine. We compiled 662 records: 200 from our own research during 2012–2022, 362 from the published literature, 73 from public databases and 27 from museum collections. Fourteen native species of reptile (one species of Emydidae, four of Lacertidae, one of Anguidae, six of Colubridae and two of Viperidae) have been recorded in Odesa Oblast but the distribution of several are poorly known and/or records have rarely been published. We also report four introduced reptile species (one each of Emydidae, Gekkonidae, Lacertidae and Anguidae). We present the data in a grid of 462 10 × 10 km cells covering the oblast. In this compilation we did not record any new species, but our records include previously unreported localities for some species. Species richness was highest in the areas along the Black Sea, in protected areas. The main threats to the reptiles in Odesa Oblast are the alteration and degradation of habitats, military action, uncontrolled pressure from infrastructure projects and the presence of invasive species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hard ticks (Acari: Ixodidae) are the economically and ecologically most important blood-sucking arthropod vectors that can transmit disease agents under temperate climate. In this group, the highest number of species (currently nearing 270) belongs to the genus Ixodes. For this review, more than 400 papers related to this genus in the context of Russia were checked for data on the host records, locations of collection, as well as ecology of assigned tick species. This monograph compensates for the lack of a similarly comprehensive English-language overview of Ixodes species in the region of Russia for nearly half century, and also makes a large set of data easily available for international readers, which is especially important if the original source is difficult to access from outside this country. In addition, the data from a significant number of papers on this topic available only in the Russian language are made accessible through this work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We evaluated and compared the effects of different environmental pollutants on haematological, microbiological and genotoxic characteristics of populations of the freshwater turtle Emys orbicularis from the Kavak Delta and Dardanos in Çanakkale (NW Türkiye). The haematocrit values of samples of E. orbicularis differed considerably between the two localities: they were higher in the Kavak Delta samples. The mean cell haemoglobin concentration was also significantly different between the two localities (higher in the samples of the Dardanos). The water samples of the two localities were within the limit (Class I-II) for all parameters, except Dardanos temperature (Class III). Although it was not statistically significant, the nuclear abnormality formation in the erythrocytes of the sample from Dardanos was numerically higher than that from the Kavak Delta. The study assessed the impact of pollutants on populations of Emys orbicularis and conducted on-site evaluations and monitoring of genotoxic pollution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Brucellosis is a neglected zoonotic disease with significant public health impacts. It is primarily associated with classic Brucella species in mammals, but recent research has shown atypical Brucella strains in various hosts, including reptiles. Despite the known physiological differences between reptiles and humans, the rise in invasive reptile populations and other factors make reptiles and the pathogens they carry a potential public health concern. This study collected 90 venomous snakes from different regions in Iran and examined their liver samples, buccal, and cloaca cavities for Brucella spp. The samples underwent bacteriological analysis and DNA extraction. PCR amplification of the Omp28 gene and IS711-based PCR were used for the molecular identification of Brucella species. Subsequently, the Omp28 gene sequences were determined, and a phylogenetic tree was created. Brucella abortus was detected in the liver tissue of two snake species, namely Pseudocerastes persicus and Vipera albicornuta, at a prevalence rate of 2.2%. This finding is exceptional, as it has not been previously documented in venomous snake populations in the wild. The study confirms the presence of Brucella spp. in venomous snakes, suggesting the potential for zoonotic transmission. This discovery raises questions about the evolutionary forces shaping Brucella populations in reptiles. Understanding the prevalence and impact of Brucella in snakes is essential for wildlife conservation and assessing zoonotic risks. Proper safety measures are crucial when handling reptiles that may carry Brucella. Further research is needed to fill knowledge gaps regarding Brucella in these snake species and its potential zoonotic implications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The genomes of many eukaryotes contain DNA repeats in the form of both tandem and interspersed elements with distinct structure, evolutionary histories, and mechanisms of emergence and amplification. Although there is considerable knowledge regarding their diversity, there is little evidence directly linking these two types. Results: Different tandem repeats derived from portions of short interspersed elements (SINEs) belonging to different families were identified in 56 genomes of squamate reptiles. All loci of SINE-derived satellites (sSats) were thoroughly analyzed. Snake sSats exhibited high similarity in both structure and copy number, while other taxa may have highly diverse (geckos), rare (Darevskia lizards), or missing sSats (agamid lizards). Similar to most satellites associated with heterochromatin, sSats are likely linked to subtelomeric chromosomal regions. Conclusions: Discovered tandem repeats derived from SINEs exhibit satellite-like properties, although they have not amplified to the same degree as typical satellites. The autonomous emergence of distinct sSats from diverse SINE families in numerous squamate species suggests a nonrandom process of satellite genesis originating from repetitive SINEs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reptilia exploit a large diversity of food resources from plant materials to living mobile prey. They are among the first tetrapods that needed to drink to maintain their water homeostasis. Here were compare the feeding and drinking mechanisms in Reptilia through an empirical approach based on the available data to open perspectives in our understanding of the evolution of the various mechanisms determined in these Tetrapoda for exploiting solid and liquid food resources. This article is part of the theme issue 'Food processing and nutritional assimilation in animals'. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Educa is the property of Dzemal Bijedic University of Mostar, Teacher Training Faculty and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The relationship between the thyroid gland and reproduction in amphibians and reptiles has been studied for more than 100 years. Most studies suggest a positive involvement of thyroid hormones with some aspects of reproduction, but some studies support a negative role for thyroid hormones at certain life stages. Comprehensive studies of gene activation/suppression by thyroid hormones and their absence at various levels of the hypothalamo–pituitary–gonadal axis coupled with observations of adrenocorticoid activity, reproductive performance, and metabolic involvement are needed to understand this complex relationship. Highlights: Most amphibian and reptilian populations are declining in the face of climate changes, pollution, and habitat destruction. Although the hypothalamo–pituitary–thyroid axis often is positively associated with reproduction in amphibians and reptiles, negative interactions also occur at some life stages and in some species. Comprehensive studies involving thyroid and adrenal activity and gene activation/repression linked with reproductive events are needed [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Predators must contend with numerous challenges to successfully find and subjugate prey. Complex traits related to hunting are partially controlled by a large number of co‐evolved genes, which may be disrupted in hybrids. Accordingly, research on the feeding ecology of animals in hybrid zones has shown that hybrids sometimes exhibit transgressive or novel behaviors, yet for many taxa, empirical studies of predation and diet across hybrid zones are lacking. We undertook the first such field study for a hybrid zone between two snake species, the Mojave rattlesnake (Crotalus scutulatus) and the prairie rattlesnake (Crotalus viridis). Specifically, we leveraged established field methods to quantify the hunting behaviors of animals, their prey communities, and the diet of individuals across the hybrid zone in southwestern New Mexico, USA. We found that, even though hybrids had significantly lower body condition indices than snakes from either parental group, hybrids were generally similar to non‐hybrids in hunting behavior, prey encounter rates, and predatory attack and success. We also found that, compared to C. scutulatus, C. viridis was significantly more active while hunting at night and abandoned ambush sites earlier in the morning, and hybrids tended to be more viridis‐like in this respect. Prey availability was similar across the study sites, including within the hybrid zone, with kangaroo rats (Dipodomys spp.) as the most common small mammal, both in habitat surveys and the frequency of encounters with hunting rattlesnakes. Analysis of prey remains in stomachs and feces also showed broad similarity in diets, with all snakes preying primarily on small mammals and secondarily on lizards. Taken together, our results suggest that the significantly lower body condition of hybrids does not appear to be driven by differences in their hunting behavior or diet and may instead relate to metabolic efficiency or other physiological traits we have not yet identified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper describes the preparation of flow-sorted chromosome paints from the Iberian Rock lizard Iberolacerta monticola, exemplifying their subsequent use in cross-species comparisons of chromosome painting. We carried out comparative analyses of chromosome evolution in the congeneric species I. galani and I. bonnali, as well as in two other species of Lacertini (Lacerta schreiberi and Timon lepidus) whose sex chromosomes were also studied through comparative genomic hybridization. Most species of Lacertini possess a diplod number of 2n = 38, with 36 acrocentric macrochromosomes and 2 microchromosomes. However, the nine species included in the genus Iberolacerta do not possess microchromosomes. Furthermore, very conspicuous differences from the standard Lacertini karyotype were observed in the three Pyrenean species of this genus, which included several biarmed metacentrics and a Z1Z2W multiple sex-chromosome system. With the possible exception of L. schreiberi, all the species of the family Lacertidae described to date appear to share homologous Z chromosomes, which date back to the last common ancestor of the whole group. We provide conclusive evidence that L. schreiberi should no longer be considered an exception to this rule, and demonstrate that the loss of microchromosomes in Iberolacerta was produced by their fusion to a middle-sized chromosome. Furthermore, we show that the multiple sex-chromosome system of the Pyrenean species of Iberolacerta originated from the fusion of the ancestral W chromosome with one of the shortest autosomes, and provide additional evidence of the fast evolution of DNA sequences linked to the W chromosome in Lacertini. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The adrenal gland plays a fundamental role in the physiology of vertebrates, regulating hydrosaline balance, carbohydrate and lipid metabolism, and stress response. This enables living vertebrates to deal with both internal and environmental stress stimuli. The adrenal gland consists of steroidogenic tissue, which synthesizes steroid hormones, and chromaffin tissue, which mainly produces catecholamines, norepinephrine, and epinephrine. The degree of separation between the two types of tissue, the compactness of the adrenal gland, and its topographical relationships with the kidney have changed over the course of evolutionary history. In most reptiles, the glands have close relationships with the gonads and genital ducts. In the main order of Reptilia called Squamata (e.g., lizards and snakes), the gland shows extreme variability in the organization between chromaffin and steroidogenic tissues and in the numerical ratio between norepinephrine and epinephrine cells. This variability reflects the relationship between the two adrenal tissues, which, in turn, could be related to the phylogenetic history of the species. This overview examines the general characteristics of the adrenal glands of the squamates and the different structural patterns in the different species belonging to this order. The adrenal gland is a complex endocrine organ composed of two components: a steroidogenic tissue, which produces steroid hormones, and a chromaffin tissue, which mainly produces norepinephrine and epinephrine. Through evolution, their relationships with each other changed. They begin as isolated chromaffin and steroidogenic cell aggregates, typical of fish, and end with the advanced compact gland, typical of mammals, which consists of an external steroidogenic cortical zone and an internal chromaffin medullary zone. The adrenal gland of reptiles is unique because, with few exceptions, it is near the gonads and genital ducts, and the chromaffin and steroidogenic tissues are closely associated. However, the degree of mixing is variable. For example, in Squamata, the mixing degree of chromaffin and steroidogenic tissues, their reciprocal position in the gland, and the relative quantities of norepinephrine and epinephrine secreted by the chromaffin cells are extremely variable. This variability could be related to the phylogenetic history of the species. After a brief discussion of the adrenal gland and its main functions in vertebrates, this overview will examine the general characteristics of the adrenal gland of squamates, the differences in morphology of the gland, and the possible relationships with the phylogeny of the different species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Sardinian grass snake, Natrix helvetica cetti, is an endangered endemic snake subspecies with a restricted and highly fragmented geographic distribution. Information on its ecology and detailed geographic distribution are scarce and may negatively impact on its conservation status. Therefore, a literature review on its taxonomy, morphology, ecology, and conservation is presented here. Moreover, field records from the authors, citizen science and the existing literature provide an updated geographic distribution highlighting its presence within 13 new and 7 historic 10 × 10 km cells. Bioclimatic niche modelling was then applied to explore patterns of habitat suitability and phenotypic variation within N. h. cetti. The geographic distribution of the species was found to be positively correlated with altitude and precipitation values, whereas temperature showed a negative correlation. Taken together, these outcomes may explain the snake's presence, particularly in eastern Sardinia. In addition, analysis of distribution overlap with the competing viperine snake (N. maura) and the urodeles as possible overlooked trophic resources (Speleomantes spp. and Euproctus platycephalus) showed overlaps of 66% and 79%, respectively. Finally, geographical or bioclimatic correlations did not explain phenotypic variation patterns observed in this highly polymorphic taxon. Perspectives on future research to investigate N. h. cetti's decline and support effective conservation measures are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Extant amniotes show remarkable postural diversity. Broadly speaking, limbs with erect (strongly adducted, more vertically oriented) posture are found in mammals that are particularly heavy (graviportal) or show good running skills (cursorial), while crouched (highly flexed) limbs are found in taxa with more generalized locomotion. In Reptilia, crocodylians have a "semi‐erect" (somewhat adducted) posture, birds have more crouched limbs and lepidosaurs have sprawling (well‐abducted) limbs. Both synapsids and reptiles underwent a postural transition from sprawling to more erect limbs during the Mesozoic Era. In Reptilia, this postural change is prominent among archosauriforms in the Triassic Period. However, limb posture in many key Triassic taxa remains poorly known. In Synapsida, the chronology of this transition is less clear, and competing hypotheses exist. On land, the limb bones are subject to various stresses related to body support that partly shape their external and internal morphology. Indeed, bone trabeculae (lattice‐like bony struts that form the spongy bone tissue) tend to orient themselves along lines of force. Here, we study the link between femoral posture and the femoral trabecular architecture using phylogenetic generalized least squares. We show that microanatomical parameters measured on bone cubes extracted from the femoral head of a sample of amniote femora depend strongly on body mass, but not on femoral posture or lifestyle. We reconstruct ancestral states of femoral posture and various microanatomical parameters to study the "sprawling‐to‐erect" transition in reptiles and synapsids, and obtain conflicting results. We tentatively infer femoral posture in several hypothetical ancestors using phylogenetic flexible discriminant analysis from maximum likelihood estimates of the microanatomical parameters. In general, the trabecular network of the femoral head is not a good indicator of femoral posture. However, ancestral state reconstruction methods hold great promise for advancing our understanding of the evolution of posture in amniotes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Prolacerta broomi is one of the most important of fossil reptiles. First considered as one of the earliest members of squamates, this basal archosauromorph has been used as a model for diapsid morphological evolution ever since its discovery, playing a pivotal role in hypotheses on the origin of diapsid reptiles. The holotype of Prolacerta broomi (UCMZ 2003.41R) is known from a mostly complete skull, but the original description is limited to the superficial features of the skull roof and palate. Since then, many other specimens of Prolacerta broomi have been recovered that potentially account for this limited access to anatomical information, but it remains unclear whether these aspects correspond well to the known material of the holotype. Here, the skull morphology of the holotype of Prolacerta broomi is revisited through the use of µCT scans. The identifications of some cranial elements have been corrected, such as the left prefrontal and lacrimal, and several new elements are revealed, including the epi- and ectopterygoids, prearticular, coronoid, and braincase bones. The orbitonasal region is described in detail and significantly shows a contribution of the lacrimal to the dorsal alveolar canal. Finally, the addition of the holotype as an independent OTU in recently published analyses indicate conflicts with the current knowledge on Prolacerta broomi phylogenetic affinity and taxonomy. First, it points to potential taxonomic inconsistency since the holotype does not form a monophyletic group with other Prolacerta broomi OTUs in any of the analyses and, second, it suggests a more basal position for the holotype than that recovered in some studies, more basal than rhynchosaurs and close to the origin of Crocopoda. Together, these findings indicate areas of future research interest in the study of early evolving archosauromorphs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To resist forward displacement of their body during non-locomotor behaviors such as feeding, American alligators (Alligator mississippiensis) hold their hindfeet vertical, then push the foot into the substrate so that the dorsum of the foot forms a contact area with the substrate. Herein this form of bracing is termed pedal anchoring. The purpose of the present study was to describe pedal anchoring and to demonstrate whether it entailed interaction between the hindfoot (pes) of Alligator and the substrate that differed from the interactions seen during locomotion. Alligator tracks were studied in the wild, during controlled field trials, and on a mud trackway in the laboratory; in each setting locomotor and pedal anchoring tracks were photographed, cast in Plaster of Paris, then features of the casts quantified. Statistical analysis demonstrated greater variation in the wild tracks, presumably reflecting the larger size and velocity ranges of the alligators involved, and suggested that the mud trackway used during the locomotor trials did not create significant artifact. Tracks produced during locomotion and pedal anchoring by the same alligators, on the same substrate, yielded significantly different quantitative features, different matrices of Pearson correlation coefficients, and different patterns of character distribution following Principal Component Analysis. These results all support the conclusion that pedal anchoring involves fundamentally different interaction between the pes and the substrate than occurs during locomotion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Prolacerta broomi is one of the most important of fossil reptiles. First considered as one of the earliest members of squamates, this basal archosauromorph has been used as a model for diapsid morphological evolution ever since its discovery, playing a pivotal role in hypotheses on the origin of diapsid reptiles. The holotype of Prolacerta broomi (UCMZ 2003.41R) is known from a mostly complete skull, but the original description is limited to the superficial features of the skull roof and palate. Since then, many other specimens of Prolacerta broomi have been recovered that potentially account for this limited access to anatomical information, but it remains unclear whether these aspects correspond well to the known material of the holotype. Here, the skull morphology of the holotype of Prolacerta broomi is revisited through the use of μCT scans. The identifications of some cranial elements have been corrected, such as the left prefrontal and lacrimal, and several new elements are revealed, including the epi- and ectopterygoids, prearticular, coronoid, and braincase bones. The orbitonasal region is described in detail and significantly shows a contribution of the lacrimal to the dorsal alveolar canal. Finally, the addition of the holotype as an independent OTU in recently published analyses indicate conflicts with the current knowledge on Prolacerta broomi phylogenetic affinity and taxonomy. First, it points to potential taxonomic inconsistency since the holotype does not form a monophyletic group with other Prolacerta broomi OTUs in any of the analyses and, second, it suggests a more basal position for the holotype than that recovered in some studies, more basal than rhynchosaurs and close to the origin of Crocopoda. Together, these findings indicate areas of future research interest in the study of early evolving archosauromorphs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Methodological and technological improvements are continually revolutionizing the field of ancient DNA. Most ancient DNA extraction methods require the partial (or complete) destruction of finite museum specimens, which disproportionately impacts small or fragmentary subfossil remains, and future analyses. We present a minimally destructive ancient DNA extraction method optimized for small vertebrate remains. We applied this method to detect lost mainland genetic diversity in the large New Zealand diplodactylid gecko genus Hoplodactylus, which is presently restricted to predator‐free island and mainland sanctuaries. We present the first mitochondrial genomes for New Zealand diplodactylid geckos, recovered from 19 modern, six historical/archival (1898–2011) and 16 Holocene Hoplodactylus duvaucelii sensu latu specimens, and one modern Woodworthia sp. specimen. No obvious damage was observed in post‐extraction micro‐computed tomography reconstructions. All "large gecko" specimens examined from extinct populations were found to be conspecific with extant Hoplodactylus species, suggesting their large relative size evolved only once in the New Zealand diplodactylid radiation. Phylogenetic analyses of Hoplodactylus samples recovered two genetically (and morphologically) distinct North and South Island clades, probably corresponding to distinct species. Finer phylogeographical structuring within Hoplodactylus spp. highlighted the impacts of Late Cenozoic biogeographical barriers, including the opening and closure of Pliocene marine straits, fluctuations in the size and suitability of glacial refugia, and eustatic sea‐level change. Recent mainland extinction obscured these signals from the modern tissue‐derived data. These results highlight the utility of minimally destructive DNA extraction in genomic analyses of less well studied small vertebrate taxa, and the conservation of natural history collections. see also the Perspective by Michael Bunce [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For the ongoing range shifts under climate change, it is essential to have reference information on the current presence of the species. In recent years, there has been an increase in observations of thermophilic reptiles outside their historical range in Ukraine. Th e distribution of the Caspian whipsnake, a common snake in southern Ukraine, appeared to be poorly documented at the northern edge of its range due to low density under sub-optimal conditions at the edge of the range. Here we provide verified observations of the Caspian whipsnake from the Mohyliv-Podilsky (formerly Yampil) District of the Vinnytsia Region. Th ese data considerably extend and specify the northwestern limit of the range and, together with accompanying data on the frequency of species observations, support the hypothesis of a northward shift in the range of the species and/or a strong recent increase in the abundance of the species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Caldasia is the property of Universidad Nacional de Colombia and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

We provide a diversity assessment of the agamid genus Phrynocephalus Kaup, 1825. We analyze COI mtDNA barcodes from 385 individuals sampled all over Phrynocephalus range. We apply the ABGD, ASAP, bGMYC, mlPTP and hsPTP species delimitation algorithms to analyze the COI gene fragment variation and assess the species diversity in Phrynocephalus. Nine species groups are revealed in Phrynocephalus in agreement with earlier studies on the phylogenetic relationships of the genus. We demonstrate that the present taxonomy likely underestimates the actual diversity of the genus. Alternative species delimitation algorithms provide a confusingly wide range of possible number of Phrynocephalus species—from 54 to 103 MOTUs (molecular operational taxonomic units). The ASAP species delimitation scheme recognizing 63 MOTUs likely most closely fits the currently recognized taxonomic framework of Phrynocephalus. We also report on 13 previously unknown Phrynocephalus lineages as unverified candidate species. We demonstrate that the ASAP and the ABGD algorithms likely most closely reflect the actual diversity of Phrynocephalus, while the mlPTP and hsPTP largely overestimate it. We argue that species delimitation in these lizards based exclusively on mtDNA markers is insufficient, and call for further integrative taxonomic studies joining the data from morphology, mtDNA and nuDNA markers to fully stabilize the taxonomy of Phrynocephalus lizards. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rhynchosaurs were key herbivores over much of the world in the Middle and Late Triassic, often dominating their faunas ecologically. The anatomy of the Middle Triassic forms is debated in certain phylogenetically important details. Among several genera from the Anisian of England, Bentonyx sidensis is represented by a near-complete skull. New CT scanning of the holotype skull reveals previously concealed details of the palate and braincase in particular, and this allows comparison with other Middle Triassic rhynchosaurs and confirmation that Bentonyx is a distinct taxon from others of similar age including Fodonyx, Rhynchosaurus, Langeronyx, and Stenaulorhynchus. These are part of the first wave of rhynchosaur diversification in the Middle Triassic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We introduce the new vertebrate site of La Piquera (Duero Basin, central Iberian Peninsula), provide a detailed description of the lithostratigraphy and present a preliminary faunal list. The fossil vertebrate association includes amphibians (with representatives of the families Salamandridae, Alytidae, Pelodytidae, and Bufonidae), squamate reptiles (with members of the families Agamidae, Lacertidae, Anguidae, Scincidae, Blanidae, ?Erycidae, and Colubridae/Psammophiidae), and mammals (with representatives of the families Soricidae, Erinaceidae, Muridae, Cricetidae, Gerbillidae, Gliridae, Sciuridae, Vespertilionidae, Rhinolophidae, Miniopteridae, Megadermatidae, Leporidae, Prolagidae, and Bovidae). The association indicates an intermediate biostratigraphic position between the southern Iberian sites of Sifón-413 (at about 5.33-5.23 Ma) and Botardo-D (between 4.79 and 4.63 Ma), the new locality being correlated with the earliest Ruscinian (lower part of the MN14 unit). The ecological affinities of the identified small vertebrates suggest the presence of a landscape dominated by open herbaceous meadows in the surroundings of the fossil-site during the earliest Pliocene, with the occasional presence of woodland patches and stable water bodies under relatively dry and warm environmental conditions. La Piquera therefore enhances our knowledge on the vertebrate community recorded in central Iberian Peninsula during the earliest Pliocene. With more than 1200 remains, La Piquera becomes a key locality for the Early Pliocene of southwestern Europe, central Spain, where this time-span is poorly represented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rhynchosaurs were key herbivores over much of the world in the Middle and Late Triassic, often dominating their faunas ecologically. The anatomy of the Middle Triassic forms is debated in certain phylogenetically important details. Among several genera from the Anisian of England, Bentonyx sidensis is represented by a near-complete skull. New CT scanning of the holotype skull reveals previously concealed details of the palate and braincase in particular, and this allows comparison with other Middle Triassic rhynchosaurs and confirmation that Bentonyx is a distinct taxon from others of similar age including Fodonyx, Rhynchosaurus, Langeronyx, and Stenaulorhynchus. These are part of the first wave of rhynchosaur diversification in the Middle Triassic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We introduce the new vertebrate site of La Piquera (Duero Basin, central Iberian Peninsula), provide a detailed description of the lithostratigraphy and present a preliminary faunal list. The fossil vertebrate association includes amphibians (with representatives of the families Salamandridae, Alytidae, Pelodytidae, and Bufonidae), squamate reptiles (with members of the families Agamidae, Lacertidae, Anguidae, Scincidae, Blanidae, 'Erycidae, and Colubridae/Psammophiidae), and mammals (with representatives of the families Soricidae, Erinaceidae, Muridae, Cricetidae, Gerbillidae, Gliridae, Sciuridae, Vespertilionidae, Rhinolophidae, Miniopteridae, Megadermatidae, Leporidae, Prolagidae, and Bovidae). The association indicates an intermediate biostratigraphic position between the southern Iberian sites of Sifón-413 (at about 5.33-5.23 Ma) and Botardo-D (between 4.79 and 4.63 Ma), the new locality being correlated with the earliest Ruscinian (lower part of the MN14 unit). The ecological affinities of the identified small vertebrates suggest the presence of a landscape dominated by open herbaceous meadows in the surroundings of the fossil-site during the earliest Pliocene, with the occasional presence of woodland patches and stable water bodies under relatively dry and warm environmental conditions. La Piquera therefore enhances our knowledge on the vertebrate community recorded in central Iberian Peninsula during the earliest Pliocene. With more than 1200 remains, La Piquera becomes a key locality for the Early Pliocene of southwestern Europe, central Spain, where this time-span is poorly represented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Bulletin of the Natural History Museum in Belgrade is the property of Natural History Museum in Belgrade and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

In the year 2023, a white-coloured snake was caught near town of Brumov-Bylnice in the White Carpathians (Zlín Region, Czech Republic). Detailed examination of the specimen showed that it was an adult male of Aeskulapian snake Zamenis longissimus (Laurenti, 1768), 101 cm long and weighing 179 g. This is the first record of a white coloured individual of this species in the Czech Republic. Eye colouration showed that it is not an albino but a leucistic individual. The specimen had blood taken for DNA isolation, was marked with patches on the abdominal scales and was tagged with a chip. The individual was subsequently released back at the point of discovery. The discovery site is located within the international grid mapping square 6974, in the cadastre of Brumov. A year earlier, another white-coloured specimen of this species was found nearby. It was a juvenile of about 40 cm long, which later died. This finding is only documented by a photograph. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We summarise the distribution of the two species of the genus Natrix occurring in Bulgaria, based on records from 147 peer-reviewed publications, grey literature, and data repositories, combined with unpublished data. This is the first extensive mapping for N. natrix; records fall in 560 cells of the 10-km MGRS/UTM grid, of which 102 cells (18.2%) were with published information we could not confirm with new data, 175 (31.2%) were with published and confirmed, and 283 (50.5%) were with new localities. For N. tessellata we increased the number of cells with records by 64% compared to the 2011 mapping, by identifying 445 cells with localities: 162 cells (36.4%) were previously published and unconfirmed, 152 (34.1%) were published and confirmed, and 131 (29.4%) were with new data. Gross climatic conditions for records with exact locations were assigned following the Köppen-Geiger classification; the distribution for both species does not seem to be highly correlated to climate as they were found in 9 of the 12 Köppen-Geiger classes present, only missing from the 3 classes that are limited to high elevations in Bulgaria and account for less than 1% of the area. The vertical distribution of the observations supports our knowledge that the species are most numerous at lower elevations (92.4% of records were <1000 m above sea level for N. natrix and 92.6% were <500 m for N. tessellata). Higher elevations and some lowlands remain relatively understudied and future sampling will likely reveal new localities for both species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Very large specimens of T. graeca ibera were found in Bulgaria, but mostly in the 20th century. Presently, such tortoises are almost absent in the country. Here we summarise data about the largest spur-thighed tortoises registered in Bulgaria and provide information about five new large-sized individuals. We also draw attention to the fact that large specimens can hardly be found in the country today and discuss some possible negative effects of the extinction of these specimens on the existing populations. The maximum straight carapace length of the largest T. graeca ibera ever found in Bulgaria was ≈ 389 mm, but the maximum straight carapace length of the newly measured tortoises was 298 mm. Considering the rarity of such tortoises in the country today, the genes that determine the potential to reach larger sizes may gradually disappear. Thus, the institutions responsible for the conservation of nature should pay attention to areas where the presence of large-sized individuals has been established. This might help preserve the natural genome of T. graeca ibera in the country and therefore the existence of large individuals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The veiled chameleon (Chamaeleo calyptratus) is a typical member of the family Chamaeleonidae and a promising object for comparative cytogenetics and genomics. The karyotype of C. calyptratus differs from the putative ancestral chameleon karyotype (2n = 36) due to a smaller chromosome number (2n = 24) resulting from multiple chromosome fusions. The homomorphic sex chromosomes of an XX/XY system were described recently using male-specific RADseq markers. However, the chromosomal pair carrying these markers was not identified. Here we obtained chromosome-specific DNA libraries of C. calyptratus by chromosome flow sorting that were assigned by FISH and sequenced. Sequence comparison with three squamate reptiles reference genomes revealed the ancestral syntenic regions in the C. calyptratus chromosomes. We demonstrated that reducing the chromosome number in the C. calyptratus karyotype occurred through two fusions between microchromosomes and four fusions between micro-and macrochromosomes. PCR-assisted mapping of a previously described Y-specific marker indicates that chromosome 5 may be the sex chromosome pair. One of the chromosome 5 conserved synteny blocks shares homology with the ancestral pleurodont X chromosome, assuming parallelism in the evolution of sex chromosomes from two basal Iguania clades (pleurodonts and acrodonts). The comparative chromosome map produced here can serve as the foundation for future genome assembly of chameleons and vertebrate-wide comparative genomic studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We here describe a new species of feather-tailed leaf-toed gecko, Kolekanos, from southern Benguela Province, Angola, based on morphological and osteological evidence, supported by phylogenetic analysis of mitochondrial data. The new species adds to the rapidly growing and newly-recognised endemic biodiversity of Angola, doubling the number of Kolekanos species, breaking the pattern observed within other closely-related African members of a clade of circum-Indian Ocean leaf-toed geckos -- Ramigekko, Cryptactites and Afrogecko -- all of which are presently monotypic. The new species is easily distinguished from K. plumicaudus, based on spine-like (as opposed to feather-like) scales on the margins of the original tail. Phylogenetic analyses also recovered the new taxon as monophyletic, with a well-supported sister relationship to K. plumicaudus, from which it differs by a substantial 24.1% NADH-dehydrogenase subunit 2 mitochondrial gene uncorrected p-distance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Differences in habitat complexity and structure can directly influence the composition, diversity, and structure of species assemblages. Measurements of functional and phylogenetic diversity complement the commonly used measurements of taxonomic diversity, elucidating the relationships between species, their traits, and their evolutionary history. In this study, we evaluated how the mosaic of open and forested formations in a federal conservation unit in the western portion of the Brazilian Cerrado savanna influences the taxonomic, functional, and phylogenetic structure of lizard assemblages. Lizards were sampled for 15 months using pitfall traps set in open and forested formations. We recorded 292 lizards distributed among 16 species from eight families, with species composition differing among the formations. Richness was greater in the assemblages from open formations, while functional diversity and phylogenetic variability were greater in those of forested formations. Lizard assemblages in open formations were functionally and phylogenetically clustered, probably as a result of environmental filters acting on species, while the assemblages from forested formations were randomly structured. Different environmental and historical mechanisms have apparently shaped the current diversity of lizards in the region. This study shows that Cerrado vegetation mosaics can promote wide variation in different aspects of the taxonomic, functional, and phylogenetic structure from the lizard assemblages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Dahomey Gap is a human-derived savannah zone, interspersed by patches of moist tropical forest, that separates the forest zone into two blocks, the Upper Guinean and the Lower Guinean forests. Community ecology aspects of amphibians and reptiles are still relatively unexplored in this ecological zone of West Africa. Here, the overall species richness and the variation of the diversity metrics (dominance, evenness) of a whole herpetofaunal community in Togo was studied, with emphasis on the effects of the seasons (wet and dry) on the population structure. Overall, we observed 998 amphibian individuals from 27 species: 148 individuals belonging to 11 species during the dry season and 849 individuals belonging to 25 species during the wet season. For reptiles, we observed 517 individuals belonging to 44 species: 323 individuals belonging to 41 species during the dry season and 194 individuals belonging to 28 species during the wet season. The analyses on the diversity metrics showed opposite patterns between amphibians and reptiles in each season. Indeed, the dry season rank–abundance curve was systematically higher in reptiles than in amphibians for each rank of abundance, while the opposite pattern occurred in the wet season rank–abundance curve. Singletons and doubletons were much more numerous in the reptiles. Concerning the diversity indices, the Dominance index was significantly higher in amphibians during the dry season than in all other pairwise comparisons, whereas the Shannon's index was significantly lower in dry season amphibians and significantly higher in wet season reptiles. Evenness index was significantly lower in reptiles than in amphibians and the mean number of individuals was significantly higher in amphibians by wet season compared to dry season amphibians or reptiles during both seasons. The ecological implications of these data are discussed. Most species were of minor conservation concern. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The proximate ecological and evolutionary processes underlying the high biodiversity of neotropical montane cloud forests are still very poorly understood. Climatic oscillations may have contributed to vicariance and cladogenesis, but also promoted secondary contact and erosion of genetic divergence. Here we tested whether geographical diversification – or its lack thereof – in a complex of arboreal alligator lizards is explained by range shifts during Quaternary climatic oscillations. Location: Pine–oak and cloud forests, central Mexico. Taxon: Abronia taeniata–graminea species complex (Squamata: Anguidae: Gerrhonotinae). Methods: We generated genomic data (ddRADseq) to infer patterns of geographical diversification in the complex, reconstruct its demographic history, estimate the timing of lineage split, and test for the presence of contemporary and/or historical hybridization. We evaluated whether the tempo and mode of diversification (i.e. strict isolation vs. secondary contact with introgression) are explained by the contemporary distribution of suitable habitats and/or range shifts experienced by the complex since the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM), as inferred from environmental niche modelling (ENM). Results: Genomic data supported a marked genetic structure within the complex, and phylogenomic and dating analyses revealed cryptic lineage diversification starting at the onset of the Pleistocene followed by secondary contact with limited introgression. ENM pointed to considerable range expansions of the complex during the LGM and a marked fragmentation and scarce connectivity among contemporary populations, which was supported by genomic‐based demographic reconstructions. Main Conclusions: The geographical diversification of the complex has been moulded by vicariant events promoted by Pleistocene geologic and climatic changes impacting the distribution of their pine–oak and cloud forest habitats. Our data supported a model of divergence with introgression, indicating that pulses of population fragmentation and expansion during the Quaternary have led to multiple opportunities for both allopatric isolation and secondary contact. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: In light of emerging pathogenic threats affecting wildlife, it is important to broaden the current understanding of immune system function, development, and evolution. The relation of descent of immune traits is critical to understand the ability of organisms to handle pathogens. Here, we explore the evolution of toll-like receptors (TLRs), a series of receptors crucial to the initial immune response in reptiles. Our analysis revealed that the common ancestor may have had an immune system that lacked two receptors: TLR 15, a receptor uniquely present in Reptilia, and TLR 13, a receptor important in the recognition of pathogens. Additionally, our analysis showed a dynamic evolution for various TLRs, likely attributed to redundancies in function. Among vertebrates, some of the most vulnerable taxa to emergent fungal pathogens are members of Reptilia. In light of the growing threat of emergent fungal pathogens affecting wildlife, it is important to broaden the current understanding of immune system function, development, and evolution. The homologous condition of a trait is necessary in order to study its evolution, as such, homology is necessary in the study of immunological evolution. Here, we explore the evolution of toll-like receptors (TLRs), a series of homologous receptors crucial to the initial immune response. The homologous condition of TLR genes provides a unique system in which to explore the evolution of the TLR; using a Reptilian phylogeny, we elucidate the immune condition of the basal diapsid. Our analysis revealed that the basal diapsid may have had an immune system that lacked two receptors: TLR 15, a receptor uniquely present in Reptilia, and TLR 13, a receptor important in the recognition of nucleic acid motifs. Additionally, our analysis showed multiple losses and convergences for various TLRs, likely attributed to redundancies in receptor function. Further exploration into the immune condition of extinct taxa may shed light on the evolution of the reptilian immune system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Veterinarians' perceptions regarding anesthetics and pain management in reptiles are understudied. We conducted an internet-based survey of Brazilian practitioners to assess their knowledge and attitudes towards the use of anesthetics, as well as recognition and treatment of pain, in reptiles. The most commonly cited anesthesia-related complications were prolonged recovery periods and respiratory depression. Difficulty in recognizing pain was the main impeding factor for providing analgesics. Tramadol (88.2%) and meloxicam (97%) were the most commonly used analgesics, and ketamine (88.2%), midazolam (88.2%), and isoflurane (94.5%) were the most common anesthetic agents. In conscious patients, the assessment of pain was performed mainly by observation of behavioral changes. Only 32.7% of the respondents considered their knowledge of anesthesia and analgesia in reptiles to be adequate. More women than men considered their knowledge to be insufficient (P < 0.0068), whereas age of the practitioner had no effect. Nevertheless, all respondents believe that reptiles can feel pain, and 82% provide analgesia to most of their patients. Understanding the criteria, choice, and timing of drug administration, as well as opinions on pain and anesthesia, provides information on the current practices and might assist in targeting areas where more research and development is needed to ensure reptile welfare. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The chorioallantoic membrane of oviparous reptiles forms a vascular interface with the eggshell. The eggshell contains calcium, primarily as calcium carbonate. Extraction and mobilization of this calcium by the chorioallantoic membrane contributes importantly to embryonic nutrition. Development of the chorioallantoic membrane is primarily known from studies of squamates and birds. Although there are pronounced differences in eggshell structure, squamate and bird embryos each mobilize calcium from eggshells. Specialized cells in the chicken chorionic epithelium transport calcium from the eggshell aided by a second population of cells that secrete protons generated by the enzyme carbonic anhydrase. Calcium transporting cells also are present in the chorioallantoic membrane of corn snakes, although these cells function differently than those of chickens. We used histology and immunohistology to characterize the morphology and functional attributes of the chorioallantoic membrane of corn snakes. We identified two populations of cells in the outer layer of the chorionic epithelium. Calbindin‐D28K, a cellular marker for calcium transport expressed in squamate chorioallantoic membranes, is localized in large, flattened cells that predominate in the chorionic epithelium. Smaller cells, interspersed among the large cells, express carbonic anhydrase 2, an enzyme not previously localized in the chorionic epithelium of an oviparous squamate. These findings indicate that differentiation of chorionic epithelial cells contributes to extraction and transport of calcium from the eggshell. The presence of specializations of chorioallantoic membranes for calcium uptake from eggshells in chickens and corn snakes suggests that eggshell calcium was a source of embryonic nutrition early in the evolution of Sauropsida. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: The outer epithelium of the chorioallantoic membrane of oviparous corn snakes is differentiated into two distinct populations of cells. Small secretory cells promote calcium erosion from the eggshell; large flattened cells facilitate calcium uptake. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Commercial routes are reported as the main cause of biological invasions. Particularly, naval trade may accidentally bring several species to new areas where they are not native. This is particularly evident for coastal areas, where most biological invasions occur. In our work, we reported, for the first time, the presence of the ocellated skink, native to the largest Italian islands (Sardinia, Sicily and surrounding islets in a port area of continental Central Italy). We collected several individuals of this alien population and we sampled them for molecular analyses, comparing them with those naturally occurring in Sardinia, Sicily and the Mediterranean basin, including individuals accidentally introduced to peninsular Southern Italy. Differently from what previously suggested, the nucleus in Portici (Southern Italy) may have originated from Sardinia. The intense cork trade and touristic traffic between Sardinia and Southern Tuscany may have been responsible for the introduction of this lizard also to Central Italy. The ocellated skink (Chalcides ocellatus) is a widespread lizard, naturally distributed between the Maghreb and coastal Pakistan, with few insular populations in the Mediterranean coastal area. Some populations of this species have also been recorded in peninsular Italy, Campania and Southern Tuscany due to accidental introductions via touristic and commercial routes. In this work, we conducted genetic analyses on mitochondrial DNA COXI, cytb and 16S mtDNA genes on a sample of Italian insular and peninsular populations. Differently from what previously suggested, the nucleus in Portici (Southern Italy) may have originated from Sardinia. The intense trade and touristic traffic between Sardinia and Southern Tuscany may have been responsible for the introduction of this lizard also to Central Italy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We provide a detailed description of the poorly known reptile Eifelosaurus triadicus Jaekel, 1904 from the Upper Buntsandstein (Triassic: early Anisian) of Oberbettingen in the southwestern Eifel region of Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany. The holotype and only known specimen is a partial postcranial skeleton exposed in ventral view. Since its original description Eifelosaurus triadicus has been almost completely ignored in the literature. Our phylogenetic analysis recovered this taxon within Rhynchosauria and Rhynchosauridae, as the sister taxon to the clade comprising Stenaulorhynchinae and hyperodapedontine-line rhynchosaurids. A unique combination of character states allows distinguishing Eifelosaurus triadicus from other rhynchosaur species with preserved matching postcranial bones. Thus, we tentatively consider this taxon valid until more information about the postcrania of other Early to Middle Triassic rhynchosaurs becomes available. Eifelosaurus triadicus represents a paleobiogeographically important record, showing that rhynchosaurs had already attained a broad paleolatitudinal distribution by the early Middle Triassic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A checklist of herpetofauna of Telangana, India including accepted English name, scientific name along with authority, Telugu and vernacular name, IUCN, Indian Wildlife Protection Act and CITES status, and endemicity is presented in this paper. The herpetofauna diversity of Telangana is represented by 98 species including 16 species of amphibians belonging to four families, one species of crocodile, six species of testudines, 35 species of saurians and 40 species of snakes. Three species-Hemidactylus flavicaudus, H. xericolus, and H. aemulus-are endemic to Telangana. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Annalen des Naturhistorischen Museums in Wien. Serie A is the property of Naturhistorisches Museum in Wien and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The anurognathids are peculiar pterosaurs characterized by broad skulls with very short rostra and broadly arched jaws. The presence of distinct or confluent external naris and antorbital fenestra in these pterosaurs has been debated in the last years. The relatively well-preserved specimens of Batrachognathus volans show that the antorbital fenestra was confluent with the orbit forming an enormous orbitoantorbital fenestra. This feature is evident also in Jeholopterus ningchengensis. The consequent modification of the matrices of two recently published phylogenetic analyses about the in-group pterosaur relationships shows that the Anurognathidae are a derived clade of non-monofenestratan pterosaurs. Anurognathidae (including also 'Dimorphodon' weintraubi according to the definition by Hone 2020) are still a scarcely known clade because only a few specimens have been adequately described in the literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report the first record of Sikkim grass lizard, Takydromus sikkimensis Günther, 1888 in Nepal based on morphological characters such as the presence of four pairs of femoral pores, 12 rows of ventral scales, tail more than 3.6 times longer than snout-vent length. Our record of T. sikkimensis at Miklajung, Morang district represents the western-most observation of the species, ca. 94 km west of its type locality, Sikkim, India and is the first in Nepal for this species, genus, and family. This record is from Chure/Siwalik hill range which lies outside of Nepal's protected area network. This species is listed as Endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources and warrants detailed inventory and immediate conservation interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We describe a new subspecies of Amyda ornata (Gray, 1861) from the southeastern parts of Bangladesh (Chittagong hill tracts), adjacent regions of north-eastern India (Mizoram, Assam and Tripura) and Myanmar, based on morphological characteristics. The holotype comprises some skeletal elements held by the Natural History Museum of Vienna; the five paratypes consist of living specimens in the private collection of PP "Turtle Island" (a turtle conservation zoo in Graz, Austria). After the genetic identity had been determined in a previous investigation, the morphological description was carried out by examining living specimens and photo documents; and additionally, by evaluating the computed tomography of further living animals with exact location data. Amyda ornata jongli ssp. nov. differs from the other Amyda ornata subspecies mainly by its relatively compact and stout head in subadults and adults, its paler, greyish and less contrasting colouration missing distinct bright yellow pigments, ochre-coloured irises, and the existence of more distinct tubercles in the neck region and in the posterior section of the carapace than both other subspecies of Amyda ornata. The tubercles along the front of the carapace protrude clearly in subadult and adult specimens. This softshell turtle is heavily exploited within its limited distribution. Therefore, special comments on conservation aspects are given together with a final discussion on distribution and systematics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fluorescence is a poorly documented phenomenon in vertebrates and has been suggested to play several biological roles. With increased study, the number of species in which biofluorescence has been identified is increasing steadily. We conducted a UV light survey for biofluorescence in the herpetofauna in Lawachara National Park, Bangladesh and found biofluorescence in one amphibian (Microhyla berdmorei) and three reptile species (Boiga cyanea, Cyrtodactylus tripuraensis and Hemidactylus platyurus). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background The increasing number of chromosome-level genome assemblies has advanced our knowledge and understanding of macroevolutionary processes. Here, we introduce the genome of the desert horned lizard, Phrynosoma platyrhinos , an iguanid lizard occupying extreme desert conditions of the American southwest. We conduct analysis of the chromosomal structure and composition of this species and compare these features across genomes of 12 other reptiles (5 species of lizards, 3 snakes, 3 turtles, and 1 bird). Findings The desert horned lizard genome was sequenced using Illumina paired-end reads and assembled and scaffolded using Dovetail Genomics Hi-C and Chicago long-range contact data. The resulting genome assembly has a total length of 1,901.85 Mb, scaffold N50 length of 273.213 Mb, and includes 5,294 scaffolds. The chromosome-level assembly is composed of 6 macrochromosomes and 11 microchromosomes. A total of 20,764 genes were annotated in the assembly. GC content and gene density are higher for microchromosomes than macrochromosomes, while repeat element distributions show the opposite trend. Pathway analyses provide preliminary evidence that microchromosome and macrochromosome gene content are functionally distinct. Synteny analysis indicates that large microchromosome blocks are conserved among closely related species, whereas macrochromosomes show evidence of frequent fusion and fission events among reptiles, even between closely related species. Conclusions Our results demonstrate dynamic karyotypic evolution across Reptilia, with frequent inferred splits, fusions, and rearrangements that have resulted in shuffling of chromosomal blocks between macrochromosomes and microchromosomes. Our analyses also provide new evidence for distinct gene content and chromosomal structure between microchromosomes and macrochromosomes within reptiles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]