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In 1955, Friedrich Johann Graf von Medem published a report on the worrying status of crocodile populations in his home of choice, the country of Colombia. Heinz Wermuth at the Zoological Museum in Berlin was so alarmed by this wellfounded analysis of the systematic overexploitation of crocodiles that he sent it to Paulus Edward Pieris Deraniyagala at the National Museums in Colombo, Sri Lanka, for translation into English. At the same time, he asked Deraniyagala to support him in formulating a petition for the International Protection of Crocodiles at the International Union for the Protection of Nature (IUPN)2, based in Brussels. Wermuth was also able to convice Robert Mertens of the Senckenberg Museum in Frankfurt to support his idea. Together they formulated the "Reference to the Urgency of the Protection of Crocodiles throughout the World, 1956" (the memorandum). Heinz Wermuth took over the worldwide mailing to around 180 herpetologists and leading personalities, 140 of whom signed it. Considering the world situation at this time only ten years after World War Two, this was an extremely unique and remarkable international demonstration of solidarity for species conservation in general and the conservation of crocodiles in particular. For some inexplicable reason, the petition did not reach the IUPN or was not welcomed. The IUPN's efforts at this time primarily aimed at protecting mammals and birds, and landscapes. Endangered amphibians and reptiles (in the Mediterranean region) were first mentioned in 1959. In 1965, the drafts for eleven data sheets of reptiles, including a single crocodilian (but no amphibian species) were available for the IUCN Red Data Book "Amphibia-Reptilia." In 1968 and 1970, revised versions were published in ring binder format for easy updating, and 1982 as a book, containing detailed data on threatened species, including several crocodiles. In contrast to the conservationists and museum zoologists interested in crocodile protection, the European leather industry already had detailed morphologic data on crocodile leather as a luxury product before 1968. The leather industry was concerned about the uncontrolled exploitation of the crocodile populations. After 1971, and under the leadership of the IUCN-SSC Crocodile Specialist Group, conservation organizations worldwide developed a better understanding of crocodiles and their protection. Experience with the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) has shown that the exploitation of wild populations of crocodiles, combined with strict controls, promotes conservation efforts and has even led to a recovery. Through legal trade, money for conservation measures becomes available and illegal trade is no longer a major threat. The animals are no longer seen as "pests" or competitors, but rather as valuable resources. A result that the four authors of the 1956 petition could not have wished for better. After the individual crocodile populations had recovered, the tourism industry also began to take an interest in crocodiles, similar as for the "Big Five" in Africa. However, human activities in crocodile habitats also lead to conflicts (e.g., with the American Crocodile, Crocodylus acutus, in Costa Rica). In addition, the increasing pollution of water bodies by environmental toxins threatens these long-living armored creatures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article describes the experiences of a person who participated in a volunteer service at a turtle breeding station on the Galápagos Islands. The person had a long-standing interest in reptiles and wanted to contribute to the reintroduction of endangered turtle species. They found the project through the website volunteerworld.com and successfully applied for the program "Assistant in a Giant Tortoise Breeding Center" run by the organization IOI. The journey to the main island of Santa Cruz was made via Amsterdam and Guayaquil, and the person spent two weeks at the turtle breeding station, where they discovered many Galápagos giant tortoises. The island of Santa Cruz is the second largest island in the archipelago and is home to the city of Puerto Ayora and the Charles Darwin Research Station. The Galápagos Islands are known for their unique wildlife, especially the turtles, whose species diversity was threatened by extinction. The article describes the importance of giant tortoises on the Galapagos Islands and the efforts to protect endangered species. The Charles Darwin Research Station breeds various species of turtles, including the species C. porteri and C. donfaustoi found on Santa Cruz, as well as the already extinct species C. abingdonii from the island of Pinta. The station is also dedicated to other animal protection projects. In the highlands of Santa Cruz, there is a reserve where wild giant tortoises can be observed. There are also private ranches like "El Chato" that can be visited to see the animals in their natural habitat. The article describes the visit to the ranches "El Chato" and "Terramar" on the island of Isabela in the Galapagos Archipelago. Visitors can see various species of turtles at the ranches, including larger specimens at "Terramar". The ranches are privately owned but border the national park, allowing the animals to freely roam between the ranch and the national park. The island of Isabela is the largest island in the archipelago and is home to five main volcanoes. Each volcano has its own species of tortoise. There are various ways to travel between the islands, either by plane or ferry. During the project period, volunteers can work at the "Centro de Crianza Tortugas Gigantes Arnaldo Tupiza Chamaidan", where two species of turtles are kept and bred. The work of the volunteers is closely monitored and documented. The article focuses on the tasks of the volunteers at a turtle station on the Galapagos Islands. These tasks include feeding and providing water for the animals, monitoring the enclosures, searching for and counting turtle nests, as well as transferring and incubating the eggs. The volunteers also have the opportunity to experience the native turtle species in the wild, for example, during a hike to the "Wall of Tears". The author describes their experiences on the Galapagos Islands as a unique and unforgettable experience and emphasizes the importance of local species conservation. [Extracted from the article]

Elmar and Ingrid Meier were awarded the Federal Cross of Merit for their contribution to the conservation of endangered turtle species through the establishment of the International Center for Turtle Conservation (IZS) at the Allwetterzoo Münster. A subspecies of the Vietnamese Three-striped Box Turtle was named in honor of Elmar Meier. The IZS is a collaboration between private animal husbandry, a zoo, and the conservation organization Zoological Society for Species and Population Conservation (ZGAP). The "Meier Symposium for Endangered Turtles" took place at the Allwetterzoo Münster and included lectures on various turtle species and their conservation. [Extracted from the article]

The article describes the author's visit to the Turtle Conservancy in Ojai, California. The Turtle Conservancy is an organization that advocates for the protection of endangered turtle species. The founder of the organization, Eric Goode, also operates two hotels and a nightclub in New York. The Turtle Conservancy funds conservation projects worldwide and operates a Conservation Center in Southern California where ex situ breeding programs are conducted. The facility houses 500 turtles and many young animals that are cared for by animal keepers and volunteers. [Extracted from the article]

The Wadi Rum Reserve in Jordan is home to at least 34 reptile species, including the endangered lizard species Phoenicolacerta kulzeri. During a four-day stay in the reserve, the author was able to identify ten lizard species, including Phoenicolacerta kulzeri khazaliensis, whose presence was observed for the first time outside its typical habitat. Further field studies should be conducted to obtain accurate data on the distribution of this lizard species. [Extracted from the article]

The article describes the keeping and breeding of the rare turtle species Cuora mouhotii. In 2009, the author acquired two females and one male of this species and kept them in terrariums with coconut humus, beech leaves, and moss. The animals were fed with various foods, and after some time, the females started laying eggs. The author observed the reproductive cycle and reports on various methods of rearing the offspring. In conclusion, he appeals for the protection and conservation of this species. [Extracted from the article]

The Karoo dwarf tortoise (Chersobius boulengeri) is a rare species of tortoise that occurs in South Africa. The article describes how these tortoises can be successfully acclimated, kept, and bred. It is pointed out that the trade of Karoo dwarf tortoises is illegal and that the relevant CITES authority should be informed in case of corresponding offers. The text also includes a list of literature references to various publications about tortoise species in South Africa. [Extracted from the article]

The article describes the behavior and breeding of the island climbing snake Elaphe climacophora. The species was popular in terrariums for a long time but lost popularity with the emergence of Asian climbing snakes. The island climbing snake is a monotypic species of the genus Elaphe and has specific characteristics such as keeled dorsals and ventral keels. It inhabits the Japanese archipelago and is adaptable to different habitats. The species is diurnal and feeds on birds, mice, and rats. The island climbing snake hibernates for about 2-5 months and lays its eggs in decaying wood or compost heaps. In terrariums, they are relatively peaceful but can suddenly bite. There are different color and pattern variations of the species. The author of the article keeps two females and one male of this endangered species and regularly breeds them. The animals are kept in terrariums and fed thawed rats. During hibernation, they are kept in plastic boxes with moist moss. The mating season begins in March, and the male attempts to fertilize the female. After mating, the male's hemipenis swells and there is a thickening of the female's cloacal region. During this time, the animals should not be disturbed. After about 40 days, the female lays the eggs and defends them against disturbances. The eggs are incubated in a moist and warm wet box, and the hatchlings emerge after approximately 80 days. The island climbing snake is a recommended and beautiful snake that adapts well to terrarium keeping. [Extracted from the article]

As part of the module "Species Knowledge and Taxonomy" of the Master's program in Integrative Zoology at the University of Rostock, field work was conducted on the coast and its hinterland of the southern Lübeck Bay in northwestern Mecklenburg-West Pomerania and on the Priwall peninsula (Schleswig-Holstein), from July 10 to 14, 2023. Species from different arthropod groups were recorded in the field or caught using different collecting methods and then identified with the help of experts in the respective species groups. A total of 379 arthropod species were identified and listed in this report, and the locations examined are briefly presented using characteristic species. Occurrences of some faunistically particularly interesting and endangered species of insects have been encountered, especially of ground and rove beetles (Carabidae, Staphylinidae), aculeates (Aculeta) and nocturnal butterflies (Lepidoptera). The results show that a teaching excursion focusing on species knowledge and biodiversity recording can provide valuable contributions to an exploration of local fauna. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Records of 108 species of rove beetles in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania (MV) from 2005 to 2022 are documented. The findings focus on the south-eastern part of the state, the Löcknitz-Pekun district, which has only been marginally studied so far. Myrmecophilous species as well as Phyllodrepa melis Hansen, 1940, which is bound to badger's burrows, are described in more detail. Furthermore, the following species are reported for the first time to occur in MV and are treated in more detail: Tychus normandi Jeanell, 1950, Bledius spectabilis Kraatz, 1857, Paederus balcanicus Koch, 1938 and Erichsonius subopacus (Hochhuth, 1851). Especially nutrient-poor sandy pioneer sites in MV need to be comprehensively protected. Regardless of whether the sites are dry (heath, gravel pit, steep banks) or moist to wet (lakeshore, gravel pit, seashore), they harbour a number of rare species or species worthy of protection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Copyright of Zeitschrift für Internationale Bildungsforschung und Entwicklungspädagogik is the property of Waxmann Verlag GmbH 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.)

Major gain for the hoverfly species in the Hainberg: In the course of new surveys, 32 additional hoverfly species could be detected for the Hainberg. This was possible through a combination of conventional (yellow bowl, Malaise trap, landing net) and modern (metabarcoding) methods. Among the eight differently endangered species, there is also Myolepta dubia, which was presumed extinct in Bavaria since the last century. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent decades considerable changes in agricultural practices (especially increased fertilisation, early and increased cutting) have led to the decline of many characteristic grassland species. Formerly widespread species have become rare, and many grassland species are considered to be nowadays threatened and are on Red Lists. The continuous loss of species-rich grassland habitats remains unabated and affects even species that are still relatively widespread and abundant. The associated fragmentation and reduced gene flow will therefore impact the genetic diversity of local populations also of these species. The present study concerns a formerly common grassland species that has experienced a sharp decline in large parts of the study area (Saar-Lor-Lux) within the last decades. Alopecurus rendlei, is an annual grass occurring in fragmented and sometimes very small populations on periodically humid to wet grassland sites with moderate nutrient supply. The aims of the study were to analyse genetic diversity and population genetic structure to study the potential consequences of habitat fragmentation and to determine if there is a relationship between genetic differentiation and geographical distance (IBD pattern). Leaf samples were collected along 25 meter transects and genotyped after DNA extraction using 13 newly designed microsatellite markers. Genetic variation within populations was assessed as NP (private alleles), NAP (alleles per population), NE (effective alleles), HO (observed heterozygosity), uHE (unbiased expected heterozygosity) and FIS (fixation index). Population structure was analysed by principal coordinate analysis (PCoA), AMOVA and STRUCTURE and a Mantel test was performed to analyse the relationship between geographic distance and genetic differentiation. The studied populations showed a high genetic diversity (mean NP = 0.026, NAP = 5.16, NE = 3.17, HO = 0.52, uHE = 0.65) and a weak genetic structure (STRUCTURE analysis). The assumption that at least some effects of genetic drift were already detectable in the studied populations could be confirmed, particularly in the highly isolated and very small population D11 in Germany (uHe = 0.56). Weak genetic differentiation among regions (1%) and a low differentiation of populations within regions (5%) strongly suggest that the populations were only recently fragmented, and that genetic drift remains largely unnoticeable mostly due to very large population sizes. Another non-exclusive explanation for the high genetic diversity and the weak genetic structure could be that there is ongoing gene flow between the extant populations, as shown by the significant isolation by distance pattern. Conservation measures will be necessary to counteract a further decline of A. rendlei and the generally strong species loss in grassland. Ensuring extensive agricultural practices adapted to the species' habitat requirements plays an important role. Likewise, measures to counteract further fragmentation and decline of current population sizes to prevent a reduction of gene flow are needed to assure the long-term conservation of the species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, 80 species of rove beetles were recorded between 1992 and 2020. Distribution and abundance of various species are discussed. Five species are new to the fauna of the federal state: Atheta aquatilis (Thomson, 1867), A. clientula (Erichson, 1839), A. sodermani Bernhauer, 1931, Paederus caligatus (Erichson, 1840) and Xantholinus elegans (Olivier, 1795). For selected rare species, the community of accompanying species is characterized from sieve samples of most varied habitats or structures. A comparison of the species inventory proves the ecological value of wet to dry habitats, and shows the effort that needs to be made to register both the current species inventory of the area and its changes in time. The complexity of this task lies, on the one hand, in an expansion of the range of species and, on the other hand, in a simultaneous disappearance of species, mainly caused by the loss of various habitat types. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Julius-Kühn-Archiv is the property of Julius Kuehn Institut 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 Ibiza wall lizard, Podarcis pityusensis is the only endemic land vertebrate of the Pityusic Islands. It inhabits the two main islands Ibiza and Formentera as well as the vast majority of the offshore small islands. When humans first arrived at the islands, they brought with them a handful of foreign predators, such as genets, beech martens, rats, and feral cats - all lizard predators. Podarcis pityusensis is fully protected by national and international legislation and listed in Annex II of the Bern Convention and in Appendix II of CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora). It is declared as „Near Threatened" by the IUCN (2009). However, some of the populations are very much reduced, endangered or on the verge of extinction as they are threatened by illegal collection, disturbance by visitors, introduction of cats and rats to the islands, and accidental poisoning with bait left for seagulls. The recent introductions of three snake species on Ibiza and Formentera are of particular concern. The Montpellier snake has not been caught on the islands since 2010. The horseshoe whip snake (Hemorrhois hippocrepis) has shifted its diet towards lizards, with the native Ibiza wall lizard, representing 55.4% of the observed prey. A similar dietary shift is probably occurring with the ladder snake (Rhinechis scalaris) in Formentera, as a preliminary study shows that more than half of its prey is constituted by Podarcis pityusensis (Hinckley et al. 2017). The effect of predation may seriously threaten the lizards in the main islands and the arrival of snakes in the surrounding islands may produce a catastrophic and irrecoverable event for lizard populations as they would be the only available prey. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heathlands can provide refuge for many stenotopic and endangered arthropods, if habitat management practices are applied. A management measure that is rarely being used today, but which has the potential to support diversity of arthropod communities, is prescribed burning. In this study we investigated the effects of prescribed burning on spider assemblages on a burned site with Calluna vulgaris in the nature reserve Lueneburg Heath, northwest Germany. We used pitfall trapping with a sampling design of 39 traps over a period of one year and 17 sampling intervals on a burned and a control site. We compared overall species richness, activity abundance patterns and community composition of the two sites, with a particular focus on stenotopic and endangered species. We collected 5116 adult spiders and 99 species altogether in a relatively small sampling area. This number of species represents nearly one third of the regional species pool of heathland spider species. Twelve species occurred exclusively on the burned site in contrast to 28 species exclusively found on the unburned site. Although we found more than twice as many spider individuals and higher mean species richness on the control site than on the burned site, the species richness of red-listed spiders was higher on the burned site. Especially the fact that we found 24 endangered species on the burned site and only 20 on the control site indicates that the applied measure of prescribed burning can foster certain endangered spider species and contribute to preserving the overall biodiversity of heathland ecosystems.

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Competing Interests: Die Autorinnen/Autoren geben an, dass kein Interessenkonflikt besteht.

Short note on the successful hibernation of young Podarcis muralis maculiventris. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]