Natural History Notes on the Elusive Taylor's Burrowing Snake
Total Page:16
File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb
Load more
Recommended publications
-
Molecular Phylogenetic Estimates of Evolutionary Affinities and the First
PRIMARY RESEARCH PAPER | Philippine Journal of Systematic Biology DOI 10.26757/pjsb2020b14002 Molecular phylogenetic estimates of evolutionary affinities and the first reports of phenotypic variation in two secretive, endemic reptiles from the Romblon Island Group, central Philippines Camila G. Meneses1,2,*, Cameron D. Siler3,4, Juan Carlos T. Gonzalez1,2, Perry L. Wood, Jr.5,6, and Rafe M. Brown6 Abstract We report on the first molecular estimates of phylogenetic relationships of Brachymeles dalawangdaliri (Scincidae) and Pseudogekko isapa (Gekkonidae), and present new data on phenotypic variation in these two poorly known taxa, endemic to the Romblon Island Group of the central Philippines. Because both species were recently described on the basis of few, relatively older, museum specimens collected in the early 1970s (when preservation of genetic material was not yet standard practice in biodiversity field inventories), neither taxon has ever been included in modern molecular phylogenetic analyses. Likewise, because the original type series for each species consisted of only a few specimens, biologists have been unable to assess standard morphological variation in either taxon, or statistically assess the importance of characters contributing to their diagnoses and identification. Here we ameliorate both historical shortfalls. First, our new genetic data allowed us to perform novel molecular phylogenetic analyses aimed at elucidating the evolutionary relationships of these lineages; secondly, with population level phenotypic data, from the first statistical sample collected for either species, and including adults of both sexes. We reaffirm the distinctiveness of both named taxa as valid species, amend their diagnoses to facilitate the recognition of both, distinguish them from congeners, and consider the biogeographic affinities of both lineages. -
Ecological Assessments in the B+WISER Sites
Ecological Assessments in the B+WISER Sites (Northern Sierra Madre Natural Park, Upper Marikina-Kaliwa Forest Reserve, Bago River Watershed and Forest Reserve, Naujan Lake National Park and Subwatersheds, Mt. Kitanglad Range Natural Park and Mt. Apo Natural Park) Philippines Biodiversity & Watersheds Improved for Stronger Economy & Ecosystem Resilience (B+WISER) 23 March 2015 This publication was produced for review by the United States Agency for International Development. It was prepared by Chemonics International Inc. The Biodiversity and Watersheds Improved for Stronger Economy and Ecosystem Resilience Program is funded by the USAID, Contract No. AID-492-C-13-00002 and implemented by Chemonics International in association with: Fauna and Flora International (FFI) Haribon Foundation World Agroforestry Center (ICRAF) The author’s views expressed in this publication do not necessarily reflect the views of the United States Agency for International Development or the United States Government. Ecological Assessments in the B+WISER Sites Philippines Biodiversity and Watersheds Improved for Stronger Economy and Ecosystem Resilience (B+WISER) Program Implemented with: Department of Environment and Natural Resources Other National Government Agencies Local Government Units and Agencies Supported by: United States Agency for International Development Contract No.: AID-492-C-13-00002 Managed by: Chemonics International Inc. in partnership with Fauna and Flora International (FFI) Haribon Foundation World Agroforestry Center (ICRAF) 23 March -
Genus Lycodon)
Zoologica Scripta Multilocus phylogeny reveals unexpected diversification patterns in Asian wolf snakes (genus Lycodon) CAMERON D. SILER,CARL H. OLIVEROS,ANSSI SANTANEN &RAFE M. BROWN Submitted: 6 September 2012 Siler, C. D., Oliveros, C. H., Santanen, A., Brown, R. M. (2013). Multilocus phylogeny Accepted: 8 December 2012 reveals unexpected diversification patterns in Asian wolf snakes (genus Lycodon). —Zoologica doi:10.1111/zsc.12007 Scripta, 42, 262–277. The diverse group of Asian wolf snakes of the genus Lycodon represents one of many poorly understood radiations of advanced snakes in the superfamily Colubroidea. Outside of three species having previously been represented in higher-level phylogenetic analyses, nothing is known of the relationships among species in this unique, moderately diverse, group. The genus occurs widely from central to Southeast Asia, and contains both widespread species to forms that are endemic to small islands. One-third of the diversity is found in the Philippine archipelago. Both morphological similarity and highly variable diagnostic characters have contributed to confusion over species-level diversity. Additionally, the placement of the genus among genera in the subfamily Colubrinae remains uncertain, although previous studies have supported a close relationship with the genus Dinodon. In this study, we provide the first estimate of phylogenetic relationships within the genus Lycodon using a new multi- locus data set. We provide statistical tests of monophyly based on biogeographic, morpho- logical and taxonomic hypotheses. With few exceptions, we are able to reject many of these hypotheses, indicating a need for taxonomic revisions and a reconsideration of the group's biogeography. Mapping of color patterns on our preferred phylogenetic tree suggests that banded and blotched types have evolved on multiple occasions in the history of the genus, whereas the solid-color (and possibly speckled) morphotype color patterns evolved only once. -
South Cotabato's Strategies to Tourism Development
South Cotabato’s Strategies to Tourism Development A Presentation by: Governor Daisy P. Avance Fuentes to the Japan Council of Local Authorities for International Relations (CLAIR) An international Forum of Philippine-Japan Administration on “ADVANCING LOCAL ECONOMY THROUGH TOURISM DEVELOPMENT: THE ROLE OF LOCAL GOVERNMENTS” PRESENTATION OUTLINE I. SOUTH COTABATO BRIEF PROFILE II. RATIONALE III. CHALLENGES IV. TOURISM PRODUCT PORTFOLIO V. DESTINATION IMAGE MANAGEMENT VI. OTHER STRATEGIES AND INITIATIVES VII. TOURISM IMPACTS VIII. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT LEARNINGS IN TOURISM DEVELOPMENT South Cotabato has a land area of 3,706 square kilometers and a population of 827,200 (2010 Census) The province is part of one of the country’s fastest development clusters known as SOCCSKSARGEN officially designated as Region XII which consists of 4 provinces: South Cotabato, Cotabato Province, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani together with 3 component cities: Koronadal City of South Cotabato, Tacurong City of Sultan Kudarat and Kidapawan City of Cotabato province, 2 independent cities/chartered cities: General Santos City and Cotabato City. SoCCSKSarGen Cluster 2 Blessed with almost even dry and rainy seasons (typhoon free) and fertile soil, picturesque landscapes, and very unique tri- people cultures which have been nurtured and preserved through generations we are greatly challenged with the negative peace and order perception of South-Central Mindanao that made our very own Filipino tourists shy away from including us as a tourist destination. 3 Great advantage – cultural endowments, which can be positioned to make us a premier tourist destination. It is our “sunshine” industry - Tourism will give us a greater economic stability, fund our environmental rehabilitation and protection programs, and provide us stimuli or incentives for our tenured migrants to sustain our conservation efforts. -
Literature Cited in Lizards Natural History Database
Literature Cited in Lizards Natural History database Abdala, C. S., A. S. Quinteros, and R. E. Espinoza. 2008. Two new species of Liolaemus (Iguania: Liolaemidae) from the puna of northwestern Argentina. Herpetologica 64:458-471. Abdala, C. S., D. Baldo, R. A. Juárez, and R. E. Espinoza. 2016. The first parthenogenetic pleurodont Iguanian: a new all-female Liolaemus (Squamata: Liolaemidae) from western Argentina. Copeia 104:487-497. Abdala, C. S., J. C. Acosta, M. R. Cabrera, H. J. Villaviciencio, and J. Marinero. 2009. A new Andean Liolaemus of the L. montanus series (Squamata: Iguania: Liolaemidae) from western Argentina. South American Journal of Herpetology 4:91-102. Abdala, C. S., J. L. Acosta, J. C. Acosta, B. B. Alvarez, F. Arias, L. J. Avila, . S. M. Zalba. 2012. Categorización del estado de conservación de las lagartijas y anfisbenas de la República Argentina. Cuadernos de Herpetologia 26 (Suppl. 1):215-248. Abell, A. J. 1999. Male-female spacing patterns in the lizard, Sceloporus virgatus. Amphibia-Reptilia 20:185-194. Abts, M. L. 1987. Environment and variation in life history traits of the Chuckwalla, Sauromalus obesus. Ecological Monographs 57:215-232. Achaval, F., and A. Olmos. 2003. Anfibios y reptiles del Uruguay. Montevideo, Uruguay: Facultad de Ciencias. Achaval, F., and A. Olmos. 2007. Anfibio y reptiles del Uruguay, 3rd edn. Montevideo, Uruguay: Serie Fauna 1. Ackermann, T. 2006. Schreibers Glatkopfleguan Leiocephalus schreibersii. Munich, Germany: Natur und Tier. Ackley, J. W., P. J. Muelleman, R. E. Carter, R. W. Henderson, and R. Powell. 2009. A rapid assessment of herpetofaunal diversity in variously altered habitats on Dominica. -
Genus Sphenomorphus): Three New Species from the Mountains of Luzon and Clarification of the Status of the Poorly Knowns
Scientific Papers Natural History Museum The University of Kansas 13 october 2010 number 42:1–27 Species boundaries in Philippine montane forest skinks (Genus Sphenomorphus): three new species from the mountains of Luzon and clarification of the status of the poorly knownS. beyeri, S. knollmanae, and S. laterimaculatus By RAFe.m..BROwN1,2,6,.CHARleS.w..lINkem1,.ARvIN.C..DIeSmOS2,.DANIlO.S..BAleTe3,.melIzAR.v..DUyA4,. AND.JOHN.w..FeRNeR5 1 Natural History Museum, Biodiversity Institute, and Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, The University of Kansas, 1345 Jayhawk Boulevard, Lawrence, KS 66045-7561, U.S.A.; E-mail: (RMB) [email protected]; (CWL) [email protected] 2 Herpetology Section, Zoology Division, National Museum of the Philippines, Executive House, P. Burgos Street, Rizal Park, Metro Manila, Philippines; E-mail: (ACD) [email protected] 3 Field Museum of Natural History, 1400 S Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, IL 60605; E-mail: [email protected] 4 Conservation International Philippines, No. 6 Maalalahanin Street, Teachers Village, Diliman 1101 Quezon City; Philippines. Cur- rent Address: 188 Francisco St., Guinhawa Subd., Malolos, Bulacan 3000 Philippines; E-mail: [email protected] 5 Department of Biology, Thomas More College, Crestview Hills, Kentucky, 41017, U.S.A.; E-mail: [email protected] 6 Corresponding author Contents ABSTRACT...............................................................................................................2 INTRODUCTION....................................................................................................2 -
Reptilia: Squamata: Scincidae), from the Philippines
Journal of Herpetology, Vol. 45, No. 3, pp. 355–369, 2011 Copyright 2011 Society for the Study of Amphibians and Reptiles Redescriptions of Two Poorly Known Slender Skinks, Brachymeles bicolor and Brachymeles pathfinderi (Reptilia: Squamata: Scincidae), from the Philippines 1,2 3 4 1,5 CAMERON D. SILER, RONALD I. CROMBIE, ARVIN C. DIESMOS, AND RAFE M. BROWN 1Natural History Museum and Biodiversity Institute, Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas 66045-756 USA 3Department of Vertebrate Zoology, National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, DC 20560 USA 4Herpetology Section, Zoology Division, National Museum of the Philippines, Rizal Park, Burgos Street, Manila, Philippines ABSTRACT.—Brachymeles bicolor (Gray 1845), from the Sierra Madre Mountain Range of Luzon Island, and Brachymeles pathfinderi Taylor 1925, from southern Mindanao Island, are among the most distinctive species in the genus, representing the largest species and one of only two known nonpentadactyl species with unequal digit numbers respectively. However, both species are inadequately diagnosed, based on a total of only five specimens. Here we provide brief taxonomic histories, discuss and clarify type localities, and redescribe each species using larger sample sizes and specimens well documented and collected during our recent biodiversity surveys. We include new information on morphological variation, distribution, ecology, and microhabitat. Scincid lizards of the genus Brachymeles are a predominately between 22 and 25 September 2009 at sea level (Fig. 1). In this Philippine radiation (25 recognized species currently) with paper, we redescribe both species and report new information only a single extralimital species (Brachymeles apus from on their natural history, ecology, and habitat. -
From Luzon Island, Philippines
30 ARTICLES Herpetological Review, 2013, 44(1), 30–33. © 2013 by Society for the Study of Amphibians and Reptiles Population Genetic Structure and Revised Geographic Range for the Tridactyl Skink (Brachymeles muntingkamay) from Luzon Island, Philippines The genus Brachymeles represents a unique radiation of the Caraballo Mountain Range of central Luzon. During a recent semi-fossorial (burrowing) lizards, all but two of which are en- survey around the caldera of Mt. Cagua in the extreme north- demic to the Philippines in Southeast Asia (Siler et al. 2011a, eastern portion of Luzon Island, a second montane population 2012b). Although all species can be described as slender, brown, of this species was discovered. and small- to medium-sized, this radiation represents one of the From 7–23 July 2011, seven adults and one juvenile of best systems for studying the evolution of limb reduction and Brachymeles muntingkamay were collected during herpetolog- loss; body forms within the genus range from pentadactyl to ex- ical field surveys in mid- to high-elevation forest on Mt. Cagua, ternally limbless (Siler and Brown 2011). Over the last decade, a in extreme northeast Luzon Island, Philippines (Fig. 1). Here we renewed effort at understanding evolutionary patterns within report on this newly discovered population of B. muntingkamay Brachymeles has resulted in the discovery of 21 new species pre- from Mt. Cagua, located in the northern extreme of the Sierra viously unknown to science or masquerading within the range Madre Mountain Range. The new population is not only geo- of a previously recognized, widespread, and morphologically di- graphically disjunct from the type locality of B. -
A Phylogeny and Revised Classification of Squamata, Including 4161 Species of Lizards and Snakes
BMC Evolutionary Biology This Provisional PDF corresponds to the article as it appeared upon acceptance. Fully formatted PDF and full text (HTML) versions will be made available soon. A phylogeny and revised classification of Squamata, including 4161 species of lizards and snakes BMC Evolutionary Biology 2013, 13:93 doi:10.1186/1471-2148-13-93 Robert Alexander Pyron ([email protected]) Frank T Burbrink ([email protected]) John J Wiens ([email protected]) ISSN 1471-2148 Article type Research article Submission date 30 January 2013 Acceptance date 19 March 2013 Publication date 29 April 2013 Article URL http://www.biomedcentral.com/1471-2148/13/93 Like all articles in BMC journals, this peer-reviewed article can be downloaded, printed and distributed freely for any purposes (see copyright notice below). Articles in BMC journals are listed in PubMed and archived at PubMed Central. For information about publishing your research in BMC journals or any BioMed Central journal, go to http://www.biomedcentral.com/info/authors/ © 2013 Pyron et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. A phylogeny and revised classification of Squamata, including 4161 species of lizards and snakes Robert Alexander Pyron 1* * Corresponding author Email: [email protected] Frank T Burbrink 2,3 Email: [email protected] John J Wiens 4 Email: [email protected] 1 Department of Biological Sciences, The George Washington University, 2023 G St. -
Gekkotan Lizard Taxonomy
3% 5% 2% 4% 3% 5% H 2% 4% A M A D R Y 3% 5% A GEKKOTAN LIZARD TAXONOMY 2% 4% D ARNOLD G. KLUGE V O 3% 5% L 2% 4% 26 NO.1 3% 5% 2% 4% 3% 5% 2% 4% J A 3% 5% N 2% 4% U A R Y 3% 5% 2 2% 4% 0 0 1 VOL. 26 NO. 1 JANUARY, 2001 3% 5% 2% 4% INSTRUCTIONS TO CONTRIBUTORS Hamadryad publishes original papers dealing with, but not necessarily restricted to, the herpetology of Asia. Re- views of books and major papers are also published. Manuscripts should be only in English and submitted in triplicate (one original and two copies, along with three cop- ies of all tables and figures), printed or typewritten on one side of the paper. Manuscripts can also be submitted as email file attachments. Papers previously published or submitted for publication elsewhere should not be submitted. Final submissions of accepted papers on disks (IBM-compatible only) are desirable. For general style, contributors are requested to examine the current issue of Hamadryad. Authors with access to publication funds are requested to pay US$ 5 or equivalent per printed page of their papers to help defray production costs. Reprints cost Rs. 2.00 or 10 US cents per page inclusive of postage charges, and should be ordered at the time the paper is accepted. Major papers exceeding four pages (double spaced typescript) should contain the following headings: Title, name and address of author (but not titles and affiliations), Abstract, Key Words (five to 10 words), Introduction, Material and Methods, Results, Discussion, Acknowledgements, Literature Cited (only the references cited in the paper). -
2000 01 Web High.Pdf
Decentralization and Devolution of Forest Management in Asia and the Pacific The designations employed and the presentation of material in this publication do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations concerning the legal status of any country, territory or any area or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries. ISBN: 974-7946-02-5 Citation: Enters, T., Durst, P.B., and M. Victor (eds). 2000. Decentralization and Devolution of Forest Management in Asia and the Pacific . RECOFTC Report N.18 and RAP Publication 2000/1. Bangkok, Thailand. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means - electronic, mechanical, photocopying or otherwise - without the prior permission of the copyright owner. Applications for such permission, with a statement of the purpose and extent of the reproduction, should be addressed to the Senior Forestry Officer, FAO Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific, 39 Phra Athit Road Bangkok 10200, Thailand and to the Executive Director, Regional Community Forestry Training Center, Kasetsart University, P.O. Box 1111, Bangkok 10903, Thailand. FAO and RECOFTC 2000 Foreword Governments throughout Asia and the Pacific region are creating exciting and innovative opportunities for achieving sustainable forest management and biodiversity conservation goals by decentralizing authority and responsibility for resource management. The trend to decentralize is driven by a range of factors, including efforts to reduce central bureaucracies and cut budgets, a history of government forest management failures, increased economic liberalization and market orientation, and growing commitment to more equitable forest management. -
Reptilia: Squamata: Scincidae: Brachymeles): Taxonomic Revision of Pentadactyl Species Groups and Description of Three New Species
Herpetological Monographs, 24, 2010, 1–54 E 2010 by The Herpetologists’ League, Inc. PHYLOGENY-BASED SPECIES DELIMITATION IN PHILIPPINE SLENDER SKINKS (REPTILIA: SQUAMATA: SCINCIDAE: BRACHYMELES): TAXONOMIC REVISION OF PENTADACTYL SPECIES GROUPS AND DESCRIPTION OF THREE NEW SPECIES 1 CAMERON D. SILER AND RAFE M. BROWN Biodiversity Institute and Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Kansas, 1345 Jayhawk Boulevard, Lawrence, KS 66045-7593, USA ABSTRACT: We use data from external morphology and mitochondrial gene sequences to provide the basis for a taxonomic revision of two polytypic, pentadactyl Philippine species of scincid lizards of the genus Brachymeles. Although previous studies have noted significant morphological variation among island populations, the similarities in body size and scale pigmentation and pattern have led to the continued recognition of these two ‘‘widespread species.’’ A third, widespread, pentadactyl species, Brachymeles talinis, is known from Jolo Island and the central and northern Philippine islands. We evaluate both morphological and genetic data to define species limits in B. boulengeri, B. schadenbergi, and B. talinis. Our molecular and morphological data indicate each of the four subspecies of B. boulengeri, and both subspecies of B. schadenbergi, are genetically distinct, with ranges biogeographically circumscribed, differ from their congeners by numerous external morphological features, and therefore should be recognized as full species. Our morphological and genetic data necessitate the recognition of northern populations of B. talinis (from Luzon Island) as a new species and also reveal an unanticipated new species from Masbate Island. Finally, morphological data require the recognition of the B. talinis population from Jolo Island as a unique, new species.