Pub Date : 2016-01-02DOI: 10.1080/21564574.2015.1136701
Nawal Hichami, M. Znari, M. Naimi, Salwa Namous
Abstract Clutch, egg and hatchling characteristics in the Souss Valley tortoises Testudo graeca soussensis (Testudinidae) from an arid steppe area of west-central Morocco were investigated in semi captivity in spring–early summer 2011. Mating activity occurs twice in the year, mainly in early spring and for a short period in mid-autumn. The egg laying period lasts from late May to early July. The mean clutch size, based on the first clutches, is 3.44±1.33 eggs per clutch (range: 1–5 eggs); the eggs are elongated in shape. The mean relative egg mass and relative clutch mass are 1.70±0.28% and 4.06±1.32%, respectively. No egg variable was significantly correlated with the female body size (carapace length and body weight). The mean incubation duration of artificially incubated eggs (at 31°C) is 70±5.7 days. The body mass at hatching is 12.8±0.6 g. The carapace is sub-circular and more domed than that of adults. The obtained data are compared to those reported for other populations and subspecies of T. graeca across its distribution range. The present study would, hopefully, help to assess the potential for tortoise captive breeding in the eco-climatic conditions of Marrakech, west-central Morocco, for the reinforcement of local declining populations.
2011年春夏初夏，对摩洛哥中西部干旱草原地区苏斯谷地龟(Testudo graeca soussensis)的卵、蛋和孵化特征进行了半人工饲养研究。一年有两次交配活动，主要是在早春和中秋的短时间。产蛋期为五月底至七月初。以第一次离合为基础，平均离合大小为3.44±1.33个蛋(范围:1-5个蛋);蛋的形状是细长的。平均相对卵重为1.70±0.28%，相对窝重为4.06±1.32%。没有卵变量与雌体大小(甲壳长度和体重)显著相关。人工孵卵(31℃)的平均孵育时间为70±5.7天。孵化时的体重为12.8±0.6 g。甲壳呈次圆形，比成虫的甲壳呈半球形。所得数据与其他种群和亚种在其分布范围内的报告数据进行了比较。本研究将有助于评估在摩洛哥中西部马拉喀什生态气候条件下圈养陆龟繁殖的潜力，以加强当地下降的种群。
{"title":"Clutch, egg and hatchling characteristics in the Souss Valley tortoises, Testudo graeca soussensis Pieh, 2001 (Testudines: Testudinidae) from an arid steppe-land of west-central Morocco","authors":"Nawal Hichami, M. Znari, M. Naimi, Salwa Namous","doi":"10.1080/21564574.2015.1136701","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/21564574.2015.1136701","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract Clutch, egg and hatchling characteristics in the Souss Valley tortoises Testudo graeca soussensis (Testudinidae) from an arid steppe area of west-central Morocco were investigated in semi captivity in spring–early summer 2011. Mating activity occurs twice in the year, mainly in early spring and for a short period in mid-autumn. The egg laying period lasts from late May to early July. The mean clutch size, based on the first clutches, is 3.44±1.33 eggs per clutch (range: 1–5 eggs); the eggs are elongated in shape. The mean relative egg mass and relative clutch mass are 1.70±0.28% and 4.06±1.32%, respectively. No egg variable was significantly correlated with the female body size (carapace length and body weight). The mean incubation duration of artificially incubated eggs (at 31°C) is 70±5.7 days. The body mass at hatching is 12.8±0.6 g. The carapace is sub-circular and more domed than that of adults. The obtained data are compared to those reported for other populations and subspecies of T. graeca across its distribution range. The present study would, hopefully, help to assess the potential for tortoise captive breeding in the eco-climatic conditions of Marrakech, west-central Morocco, for the reinforcement of local declining populations.","PeriodicalId":49247,"journal":{"name":"African Journal of Herpetology","volume":"65 1","pages":"21 - 32"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2016-01-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.1080/21564574.2015.1136701","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"60105761","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2016-01-02DOI: 10.1080/21564574.2015.1133722
R. M. Liniewski, S. Stanley, J. B. Andrade, P. Senter
Abstract Vestigial appendicular skeletons are present but have not previously been described and illustrated in the skink species Feylinia grandisquamis and Melanoseps ater. Vestigial appendicular skeletons have been described and illustrated in only one specimen of Grandidierina lineata and in a small sample of Voeltzkowia mira. Here we report a radiographic study of the appendicular skeletons of these four species. The pectoral girdle includes a vestigial clavicle in F. grandisquamis; a vestigial scapulocoracoid and sternum in M. ater; a vestigial scapulocoracoid, interclavicle and sternum, with or without a clavicle, in G. lineata; and a clavicle and scapulocoracoid in one specimen of V. mira. In all four species the pelvic girdle includes an ilium and a puboischium. No midline contact is present between the left and right puboischium, and visible forking into a distinct pubis and ischium is present only in V. mira. The only discernible limb vestiges are humeri in V. mira.
{"title":"Vestigial appendicular skeletons in the African and Malagasy skink species Feylinia grandisquamis, Melanoseps ater, Grandidierina lineata and Voeltzkowia mira","authors":"R. M. Liniewski, S. Stanley, J. B. Andrade, P. Senter","doi":"10.1080/21564574.2015.1133722","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/21564574.2015.1133722","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract Vestigial appendicular skeletons are present but have not previously been described and illustrated in the skink species Feylinia grandisquamis and Melanoseps ater. Vestigial appendicular skeletons have been described and illustrated in only one specimen of Grandidierina lineata and in a small sample of Voeltzkowia mira. Here we report a radiographic study of the appendicular skeletons of these four species. The pectoral girdle includes a vestigial clavicle in F. grandisquamis; a vestigial scapulocoracoid and sternum in M. ater; a vestigial scapulocoracoid, interclavicle and sternum, with or without a clavicle, in G. lineata; and a clavicle and scapulocoracoid in one specimen of V. mira. In all four species the pelvic girdle includes an ilium and a puboischium. No midline contact is present between the left and right puboischium, and visible forking into a distinct pubis and ischium is present only in V. mira. The only discernible limb vestiges are humeri in V. mira.","PeriodicalId":49247,"journal":{"name":"African Journal of Herpetology","volume":"65 1","pages":"39 - 46"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2016-01-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.1080/21564574.2015.1133722","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"60105981","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2016-01-02DOI: 10.1080/21564574.2016.1167783
Jihène Ben Hassine, D. Escoriza, Badis Bakhouche
Abstract Pleurodeles poireti is one of the lesser-known amphibians in the Mediterranean region. This species is strictly endemic to the Edough Peninsula in northeastern Algeria. Here we investigated the factors that determine the presence of P. poireti, by affecting its selection of both aquatic and terrestrial habitats. Aquatic habitats were characterised according to their morphology and the physicochemical parameters of the water. We also examined the topographical and substrate features, plant cover and climatic conditions at the occurrence sites. Our surveys indicated that P. poireti is widely-distributed on the Edough Peninsula. Pleurodeles poireti predominantly breeds in moderate to large water bodies densely covered with emergent vegetation. The water parameters are less influential in its selection of breeding sites, except dissolved oxygen and turbidity, which are usually high at the occupied sites. At the broad spatial scale, P. poireti is positively associated with lowlands in cultivated landscapes. However, the species has a relatively broad niche in the region, and also occurs in cork oak forests. The species tolerates some level of human alteration of the landscape, but some populations close to villages could disappear in response to the combined effects of habitat destruction and the presence of alien fish.
{"title":"Factors determining the occurrence of Pleurodeles poireti (Caudata: Salamandridae) on Edough Peninsula, northeastern Algeria","authors":"Jihène Ben Hassine, D. Escoriza, Badis Bakhouche","doi":"10.1080/21564574.2016.1167783","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/21564574.2016.1167783","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract Pleurodeles poireti is one of the lesser-known amphibians in the Mediterranean region. This species is strictly endemic to the Edough Peninsula in northeastern Algeria. Here we investigated the factors that determine the presence of P. poireti, by affecting its selection of both aquatic and terrestrial habitats. Aquatic habitats were characterised according to their morphology and the physicochemical parameters of the water. We also examined the topographical and substrate features, plant cover and climatic conditions at the occurrence sites. Our surveys indicated that P. poireti is widely-distributed on the Edough Peninsula. Pleurodeles poireti predominantly breeds in moderate to large water bodies densely covered with emergent vegetation. The water parameters are less influential in its selection of breeding sites, except dissolved oxygen and turbidity, which are usually high at the occupied sites. At the broad spatial scale, P. poireti is positively associated with lowlands in cultivated landscapes. However, the species has a relatively broad niche in the region, and also occurs in cork oak forests. The species tolerates some level of human alteration of the landscape, but some populations close to villages could disappear in response to the combined effects of habitat destruction and the presence of alien fish.","PeriodicalId":49247,"journal":{"name":"African Journal of Herpetology","volume":"65 1","pages":"55 - 67"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2016-01-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.1080/21564574.2016.1167783","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"60106185","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2016-01-02DOI: 10.1080/21564574.2015.1130755
Cristina Rivero Suárez, M. Rodríguez-Domínguez, M. Molina-Borja
Abstract Lizards of the genus Gallotia, endemic to the Canary Islands, show morphological and colouration varieties that are related to within island variation in orographic and climatic characteristics. This study examines sexual size dimorphism (SSD) within and between population variation in morphological traits, and scaling relationships in G. sthelini from a southwestern locality (Tasartico) and from another (Gáldar) in the northwest of Gran Canaria. Both sites differ in climate and vegetation traits, and we hypothesised that SSD should be manifested by males having relatively larger body traits than females and that hind limb lengths should be relatively larger in individuals from the more open habitat. Results showed that one-third of the largest lizards from both populations did not differ significantly either in snout-to-vent length (SVL) nor in trunk length (TRL), but overall males had significantly larger SVL and TRL than females. Multivariate analysis showed that head width (HW) and hind limb length (HLL) were significantly larger in individuals from Tasartico than in those of Gáldar. Hind limb length was the trait that contributed most to differentiate between populations and head parameters between males and females. In both populations head and body traits scaled to TRL, head width (HW) and head depth (HD) of males having a positive allometry, and fore limb length (FLL) and hind limb length (HLL) a negative one. In relation to head length (HL), females had significantly larger TRL and smaller head depths than males; lizards from Gáldar had significantly larger trunk length (TRL), but smaller HW and HLL than those of Tasartico. We outline the multiple factors that could affect the evolution of morphometric traits of each sex, taking into account the ecological features of the two zones.
{"title":"Sexual dimorphism in morphological traits and scaling relationships in two populations of Gallotia stehlini (Fam. Lacertidae: Squamata) from Gran Canaria","authors":"Cristina Rivero Suárez, M. Rodríguez-Domínguez, M. Molina-Borja","doi":"10.1080/21564574.2015.1130755","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/21564574.2015.1130755","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract Lizards of the genus Gallotia, endemic to the Canary Islands, show morphological and colouration varieties that are related to within island variation in orographic and climatic characteristics. This study examines sexual size dimorphism (SSD) within and between population variation in morphological traits, and scaling relationships in G. sthelini from a southwestern locality (Tasartico) and from another (Gáldar) in the northwest of Gran Canaria. Both sites differ in climate and vegetation traits, and we hypothesised that SSD should be manifested by males having relatively larger body traits than females and that hind limb lengths should be relatively larger in individuals from the more open habitat. Results showed that one-third of the largest lizards from both populations did not differ significantly either in snout-to-vent length (SVL) nor in trunk length (TRL), but overall males had significantly larger SVL and TRL than females. Multivariate analysis showed that head width (HW) and hind limb length (HLL) were significantly larger in individuals from Tasartico than in those of Gáldar. Hind limb length was the trait that contributed most to differentiate between populations and head parameters between males and females. In both populations head and body traits scaled to TRL, head width (HW) and head depth (HD) of males having a positive allometry, and fore limb length (FLL) and hind limb length (HLL) a negative one. In relation to head length (HL), females had significantly larger TRL and smaller head depths than males; lizards from Gáldar had significantly larger trunk length (TRL), but smaller HW and HLL than those of Tasartico. We outline the multiple factors that could affect the evolution of morphometric traits of each sex, taking into account the ecological features of the two zones.","PeriodicalId":49247,"journal":{"name":"African Journal of Herpetology","volume":"65 1","pages":"1 - 20"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2016-01-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.1080/21564574.2015.1130755","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"60105811","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2016-01-02DOI: 10.1080/21564574.2016.1146168
V. Loehr
Abstract The arrangement of scutes on the carapaces of extant chelonians is very similar among species, but intraspecific deviations from typical scute patterns are common. Because intraspecific variation may relate to inbreeding depression, unfavourable egg incubation conditions and the presence of environmental pollutants, investigations of carapacial scute patterns in natural populations can enhance insight into the ecologies and survival challenges of chelonians. A population of the tortoise Homopus signatus, inhabiting an arid range with substantial annual rainfall variation, was sampled to record carapacial scute patterns. The typical pattern of H. signatus consisted of five vertebral scutes, four pairs of costal scutes, a cervical and a supracaudal scute, and 12 pairs of marginal scutes. Although it was expected that size classes (i.e. representing tortoises born in different years) and sexes would have different percentages deviations from the typical scute pattern as a result of different egg incubation conditions, percentages were similar among size classes and sexes. A high percentage of 44% (25% if counts of the relatively variable marginal scutes were excluded) of all tortoises had deviant carapacial scute patterns. Since the study population was situated in a relatively pristine area and supernumerary carapacial scutes appear related to egg incubation conditions in other chelonians, the wide variation in carapacial scute patterns in wild H. signatus may be the result of frequently challenging incubation conditions in the species’ harsh environment.
{"title":"Wide variation in carapacial scute patterns in a natural population of speckled tortoises, Homopus signatus","authors":"V. Loehr","doi":"10.1080/21564574.2016.1146168","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/21564574.2016.1146168","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract The arrangement of scutes on the carapaces of extant chelonians is very similar among species, but intraspecific deviations from typical scute patterns are common. Because intraspecific variation may relate to inbreeding depression, unfavourable egg incubation conditions and the presence of environmental pollutants, investigations of carapacial scute patterns in natural populations can enhance insight into the ecologies and survival challenges of chelonians. A population of the tortoise Homopus signatus, inhabiting an arid range with substantial annual rainfall variation, was sampled to record carapacial scute patterns. The typical pattern of H. signatus consisted of five vertebral scutes, four pairs of costal scutes, a cervical and a supracaudal scute, and 12 pairs of marginal scutes. Although it was expected that size classes (i.e. representing tortoises born in different years) and sexes would have different percentages deviations from the typical scute pattern as a result of different egg incubation conditions, percentages were similar among size classes and sexes. A high percentage of 44% (25% if counts of the relatively variable marginal scutes were excluded) of all tortoises had deviant carapacial scute patterns. Since the study population was situated in a relatively pristine area and supernumerary carapacial scutes appear related to egg incubation conditions in other chelonians, the wide variation in carapacial scute patterns in wild H. signatus may be the result of frequently challenging incubation conditions in the species’ harsh environment.","PeriodicalId":49247,"journal":{"name":"African Journal of Herpetology","volume":"43 1","pages":"47 - 54"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2016-01-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.1080/21564574.2016.1146168","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"60106529","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2015-07-03DOI: 10.1080/21564574.2015.1121930
Jeanneney Rabearivony, L. Brady, R. Jenkins, R. Griffiths, A. P. Raselimanana, Michel Bisoa, Rasoamampionona N. Raminosoa
Abstract The spatial and seasonal distribution of chameleon species along ecological gradients within six riparian areas in Parc National de Ranomafana was studied using transects. Eight species of chameleons were recorded (Palleon nasus, Brookesia superciliaris, B. thieli, Calumma gastrotaenia, C. glawi, C. nasutum, C. crypticum and C. oshaughnessyi), of which four showed significant association to the riparian edge: P. nasus, C. gastrotaenia, C. glawi and C. nasutum. These distribution patterns may be related to interspecific differences in roosting ecology, demography structure and feeding behaviour.
{"title":"Influence of riparian habitats on the distribution of rainforest chameleons in Parc National de Ranomafana, Madagascar","authors":"Jeanneney Rabearivony, L. Brady, R. Jenkins, R. Griffiths, A. P. Raselimanana, Michel Bisoa, Rasoamampionona N. Raminosoa","doi":"10.1080/21564574.2015.1121930","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/21564574.2015.1121930","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract The spatial and seasonal distribution of chameleon species along ecological gradients within six riparian areas in Parc National de Ranomafana was studied using transects. Eight species of chameleons were recorded (Palleon nasus, Brookesia superciliaris, B. thieli, Calumma gastrotaenia, C. glawi, C. nasutum, C. crypticum and C. oshaughnessyi), of which four showed significant association to the riparian edge: P. nasus, C. gastrotaenia, C. glawi and C. nasutum. These distribution patterns may be related to interspecific differences in roosting ecology, demography structure and feeding behaviour.","PeriodicalId":49247,"journal":{"name":"African Journal of Herpetology","volume":"64 1","pages":"148 - 159"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2015-07-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.1080/21564574.2015.1121930","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"60105717","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2015-07-03DOI: 10.1080/21564574.2015.1103787
Michel Raquet, G. Measey, J. Exbrayat
Abstract The Kenyan caecilian, Boulengerula taitanus inhabits a climate characterised by two distinct dry and wet seasons, and a single thermal minimum in June. It is oviparous with direct development and a remarkable dermatophagous maternal care, but the female reproductive cycle until now remains unknown. The purpose of this work was to complete the knowledge about the reproductive modes of this species, using anatomical and histological studies of the ovaries. Quantitative variations of follicle categories showed a continuous folliculogenesis. Yet, young corpora lutea were only detected between November and February during the short rain season and the short dry season, indicating ovulation occurred during these four months during the thermal maximum. Oestrogen and progesterone detection allowed determination of three reproductive periods during the year: preparation in September and October, ovulation from November until February and quiescence from March until August. So, the female reproductive cycle of B. taitanus appears to be annual and synchronised with testicular evolution. Because the ovulation was observed following the second peak of follicle production (beginning of June), temperature is supposed to be the main regulating factor of reproductive pattern in this caecilian.
{"title":"Annual variation of ovarian structures of Boulengerula taitana (Loveridge 1935), a Kenyan caecilian","authors":"Michel Raquet, G. Measey, J. Exbrayat","doi":"10.1080/21564574.2015.1103787","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/21564574.2015.1103787","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract The Kenyan caecilian, Boulengerula taitanus inhabits a climate characterised by two distinct dry and wet seasons, and a single thermal minimum in June. It is oviparous with direct development and a remarkable dermatophagous maternal care, but the female reproductive cycle until now remains unknown. The purpose of this work was to complete the knowledge about the reproductive modes of this species, using anatomical and histological studies of the ovaries. Quantitative variations of follicle categories showed a continuous folliculogenesis. Yet, young corpora lutea were only detected between November and February during the short rain season and the short dry season, indicating ovulation occurred during these four months during the thermal maximum. Oestrogen and progesterone detection allowed determination of three reproductive periods during the year: preparation in September and October, ovulation from November until February and quiescence from March until August. So, the female reproductive cycle of B. taitanus appears to be annual and synchronised with testicular evolution. Because the ovulation was observed following the second peak of follicle production (beginning of June), temperature is supposed to be the main regulating factor of reproductive pattern in this caecilian.","PeriodicalId":49247,"journal":{"name":"African Journal of Herpetology","volume":"64 1","pages":"116 - 134"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2015-07-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.1080/21564574.2015.1103787","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"60106036","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2015-07-03DOI: 10.1080/21564574.2015.1103786
I. Nasri, A. Hammouda, F. Hamza, S. Selmi
Abstract Investigating how patterns of sexual size dimorphism vary among local populations may be useful for understanding size evolution in lizards. We investigated patterns of sexual size dimorphism in a Tunisian population of Bosk's fringe-toed lizards Acanthodactylus boskianus asper, in relation to a Middle-eastern population of the same subspecies. Our results showed an overall male-biased size dimorphism, consistent with general sexual size dimorphism trends in lacertids, and provide support for both the fecundity advantage hypothesis and the intra-sexual selection hypothesis. Indeed, for similarly-sized heads, females had longer trunks than males, and for similarly-sized trunks, males showed larger heads than females. Using the discriminant function approach, we investigated whether the power of discrimination between sexes varied when morphometric measures were expressed relative to head length vs. trunk length. We found that the two methods agreed in the classification of individuals as males or females, although the discrimination power was slightly higher when data were expressed relative to head length. Our results also showed that when using trunk length-adjusted data the power of discriminating the sexes was higher when the analysis was restricted to the largest individuals, which gives support to the idea that for morphological investigations small subsamples of the largest individuals should be used. Overall, the results of our work support the conclusions of a recent study on sexual size dimorphism in a Middle-eastern population of the same subspecies, suggesting that patterns of sexual size dimorphism are geographically stable in this widely distributed subspecies.
{"title":"Sexual size dimorphism in a Tunisian population of Bosk's fringe-toed lizards Acanthodactylus boskianus asper","authors":"I. Nasri, A. Hammouda, F. Hamza, S. Selmi","doi":"10.1080/21564574.2015.1103786","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/21564574.2015.1103786","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract Investigating how patterns of sexual size dimorphism vary among local populations may be useful for understanding size evolution in lizards. We investigated patterns of sexual size dimorphism in a Tunisian population of Bosk's fringe-toed lizards Acanthodactylus boskianus asper, in relation to a Middle-eastern population of the same subspecies. Our results showed an overall male-biased size dimorphism, consistent with general sexual size dimorphism trends in lacertids, and provide support for both the fecundity advantage hypothesis and the intra-sexual selection hypothesis. Indeed, for similarly-sized heads, females had longer trunks than males, and for similarly-sized trunks, males showed larger heads than females. Using the discriminant function approach, we investigated whether the power of discrimination between sexes varied when morphometric measures were expressed relative to head length vs. trunk length. We found that the two methods agreed in the classification of individuals as males or females, although the discrimination power was slightly higher when data were expressed relative to head length. Our results also showed that when using trunk length-adjusted data the power of discriminating the sexes was higher when the analysis was restricted to the largest individuals, which gives support to the idea that for morphological investigations small subsamples of the largest individuals should be used. Overall, the results of our work support the conclusions of a recent study on sexual size dimorphism in a Middle-eastern population of the same subspecies, suggesting that patterns of sexual size dimorphism are geographically stable in this widely distributed subspecies.","PeriodicalId":49247,"journal":{"name":"African Journal of Herpetology","volume":"64 1","pages":"103 - 115"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2015-07-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.1080/21564574.2015.1103786","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"60105989","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2015-07-03DOI: 10.1080/21564574.2015.1052102
Mareike Hirschfeld, D. Blackburn, M. Burger, E. Greenbaum, Ange-Ghislain Zassi-Boulou, Mark‐Oliver Rödel
Abstract We describe two new frog species of Cardioglossa (Family Arthroleptidae) from Central Africa. The new species are found in the rainforests of western-central Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Republic of the Congo near the Gabonese border, respectively. We demonstrate that these species are morphologically and genetically distinct from each other and all other species of Cardioglossa. Both new species lack the dorsal hour-glass pattern present in many species of the genus, but they can be distinguished from each other and related species by distinctive colour patterns on their lateral surfaces and extremities. Both new species most closely resemble C. gratiosa, which occurs in the Atlantic coastal forests extending from Cameroon through Gabon. The new species can be differentiated from C. gratiosa by the absence of black transverse bars on all limbs or by distinctive lateral colouration. Analysis of mitochondrial ribosomal 16S DNA sequences reveals low to moderate levels (1.9–7.5%) of divergence between these new species and closely related species of Cardioglossa. The floodplains of the Congo and Ubangi Rivers may be important geographic barriers for many of these species. The occurrence of these two new lowland species in the Congo Basin reveals that the distribution and diversity of Cardioglossa in this region was underestimated. In addition, we elevate C. nigromaculata inornata to species-level status, based in part on newly available colour photographs from 1950 of specimens from the only known locality.
{"title":"Two new species of long-fingered frogs of the genus Cardioglossa (Anura: Arthroleptidae) from Central African rainforests","authors":"Mareike Hirschfeld, D. Blackburn, M. Burger, E. Greenbaum, Ange-Ghislain Zassi-Boulou, Mark‐Oliver Rödel","doi":"10.1080/21564574.2015.1052102","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/21564574.2015.1052102","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract We describe two new frog species of Cardioglossa (Family Arthroleptidae) from Central Africa. The new species are found in the rainforests of western-central Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Republic of the Congo near the Gabonese border, respectively. We demonstrate that these species are morphologically and genetically distinct from each other and all other species of Cardioglossa. Both new species lack the dorsal hour-glass pattern present in many species of the genus, but they can be distinguished from each other and related species by distinctive colour patterns on their lateral surfaces and extremities. Both new species most closely resemble C. gratiosa, which occurs in the Atlantic coastal forests extending from Cameroon through Gabon. The new species can be differentiated from C. gratiosa by the absence of black transverse bars on all limbs or by distinctive lateral colouration. Analysis of mitochondrial ribosomal 16S DNA sequences reveals low to moderate levels (1.9–7.5%) of divergence between these new species and closely related species of Cardioglossa. The floodplains of the Congo and Ubangi Rivers may be important geographic barriers for many of these species. The occurrence of these two new lowland species in the Congo Basin reveals that the distribution and diversity of Cardioglossa in this region was underestimated. In addition, we elevate C. nigromaculata inornata to species-level status, based in part on newly available colour photographs from 1950 of specimens from the only known locality.","PeriodicalId":49247,"journal":{"name":"African Journal of Herpetology","volume":"64 1","pages":"102 - 81"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2015-07-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.1080/21564574.2015.1052102","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"60105941","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2015-07-03DOI: 10.1080/21564574.2015.1114530
Heidi Rockney, Caleb OFORI-BOATENG, Natsuko Porcino, A. Leaché
Abstract DNA barcoding has been proposed as a means of quick species identification using a short standardised segment of DNA. The established barcode gene for animals—the mitochondrial gene cytochrome oxidase one (CO1)—has been plagued by primer failure and low species identification success in amphibians. We investigate the accuracy of CO1 barcoding with a new dataset of West African frogs using the universal CO1 primers and new amphibian-specific CO1 primers in comparison to a proposed alternative DNA barcode for amphibians—the mitochondrial ribosomal 16s gene (16s). Research was performed using 134 specimens, comprising 21 species collected in Ghana, a global biodiversity hotspot with a deficiency of amphibian barcoding resources. These species represent 55% of amphibian species (58% of amphibian families) that are known in the area from surveys from 1988 to 2009. We found nearly a 50% increase in PCR amplification success using the amphibian-specific CO1 primers compared to the universal CO1 primers. However, the overall amplification and sequencing success of the amphibian-specific CO1 primers was low (78%) compared to the 16s gene (100%). Neither marker has a clear advantage in terms of barcoding gap; comparisons of intraspecific and interspecific variation for these markers were similar for the species we examined. Considering the qualities a barcoding gene should possess, 16s outperformed CO1 in terms of ease of obtaining sequences, and given that 16s sequences are better represented for African frogs on GenBank, this marker had higher success in BLAST searches. With amphibian species in fast decline, more consideration should be given to the appropriateness of collecting CO1 barcodes for amphibians, especially as an extensive genetic database for 16s already exists that can accurately identify amphibians.
{"title":"A comparison of DNA barcoding markers in West African frogs","authors":"Heidi Rockney, Caleb OFORI-BOATENG, Natsuko Porcino, A. Leaché","doi":"10.1080/21564574.2015.1114530","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/21564574.2015.1114530","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract DNA barcoding has been proposed as a means of quick species identification using a short standardised segment of DNA. The established barcode gene for animals—the mitochondrial gene cytochrome oxidase one (CO1)—has been plagued by primer failure and low species identification success in amphibians. We investigate the accuracy of CO1 barcoding with a new dataset of West African frogs using the universal CO1 primers and new amphibian-specific CO1 primers in comparison to a proposed alternative DNA barcode for amphibians—the mitochondrial ribosomal 16s gene (16s). Research was performed using 134 specimens, comprising 21 species collected in Ghana, a global biodiversity hotspot with a deficiency of amphibian barcoding resources. These species represent 55% of amphibian species (58% of amphibian families) that are known in the area from surveys from 1988 to 2009. We found nearly a 50% increase in PCR amplification success using the amphibian-specific CO1 primers compared to the universal CO1 primers. However, the overall amplification and sequencing success of the amphibian-specific CO1 primers was low (78%) compared to the 16s gene (100%). Neither marker has a clear advantage in terms of barcoding gap; comparisons of intraspecific and interspecific variation for these markers were similar for the species we examined. Considering the qualities a barcoding gene should possess, 16s outperformed CO1 in terms of ease of obtaining sequences, and given that 16s sequences are better represented for African frogs on GenBank, this marker had higher success in BLAST searches. With amphibian species in fast decline, more consideration should be given to the appropriateness of collecting CO1 barcodes for amphibians, especially as an extensive genetic database for 16s already exists that can accurately identify amphibians.","PeriodicalId":49247,"journal":{"name":"African Journal of Herpetology","volume":"64 1","pages":"135 - 147"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2015-07-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.1080/21564574.2015.1114530","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"60106049","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
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