DOCSLIB.ORG

Ecology, Life-History, and Behavior in the Australian Scincid Genus Egernia, with Comments on the Evolution of Complex Sociality in Lizards

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Ecology, Life-History, and Behavior in the Australian Scincid Genus Egernia, with Comments on the Evolution of Complex Sociality in Lizards Herpetological Monographs, 17, 2003, 145–180 Ó 2003 by The Herpetologists’ League, Inc. ECOLOGY, LIFE-HISTORY, AND BEHAVIOR IN THE AUSTRALIAN SCINCID GENUS EGERNIA, WITH COMMENTS ON THE EVOLUTION OF COMPLEX SOCIALITY IN LIZARDS 1 DAVID G. CHAPPLE School of Botany and Zoology, Australian National University, Canberra ACT 0200, Australia ABSTRACT: Squamate reptiles generally have been ignored in the search for a unified theory for the evolution of sociality due to the perception that they exhibit little social behavior beyond territoriality and dominance hierarchies and display polygynous mating systems. However a growing body of research has revealed unsuspected levels of social complexity and diversity in mating systems within the squamate lineage, particularly among the members of the Australian Scincid genus Egernia. Several species of Egernia are amongst the most highly social of all squamate reptiles, exhibiting stable social aggregations and high levels of long-term social and genetic monogamy. Social complexity is widespread within the Egernia genus, with reports of social aggregations in 23 of the 30 described species. The purpose of this review was to examine the potential for the Egernia genus as a model system for study of the evolution of sociality and monogamy within squamate reptiles. Current evidence indicates there is substantial variability in social complexity both within and between species, with social organization covering the spectrum from solitary to highly social. Four highly social Egernia species are known to live in stable social aggregations consisting of closely related individuals (adults, subadults, juveniles; i.e., ‘family’ groups) that appear to utilize chemical cues to recognize group members (kin recognition). Enhanced vigilance against predators is one presumed benefit of group membership. Additionally, juveniles within social groupings appear to receive low levels of indirect parental care. Several Egernia species create scat piles that mark group territories. Three Egernia species exhibit long-term social and genetic monogamy and several inbreeding avoidance strategies have been documented. However, it is currently unknown whether monogamy is widespread within Egernia. Egernia species occupy a broad range of habitats, although most are terrestrial, saxicolous or semi-arboreal. Several species display an attachment to a permanent home site, generally a rock crevice, burrow or tree hollow. Egernia species take 2–5 years to mature, live for 5–25 years, and are viviparous with litter size positively correlated with body size. Several Egernia species are herbivorous, with the degree of herbivory increasing with body size and during ontogeny in larger species. Most smaller species are either insectivorous or omnivorous. Species of Egernia have a wide range of reptilian, avian, and mammalian predators. Several larger species possess several behavioral and morphological features to prevent their extraction from rock crevices, including highly modified keeled scales and numerous defensive behaviors. Color pattern polymorphism is present in five Egernia species. Potential ecological correlates of sociality and monogamy are discussed. The life-history hypothesis predicts long-lived, late-maturing species should evolve complex sociality. The habitat availability hypothesis relies on the assumption that refugia may be limited in some ecological settings, and group formation is a consequence of co-habitation of available refugia. These hypotheses are not mutually exclusive, and testable predictions are formulated and discussed. Specific future research directions are outlined to take advantage of Egernia as a model system for comparative research on a lineage that represents an independent origin of social organization comparable to that found in birds and mammals. Key words: Color pattern polymorphism; Egernia; Habitat use; Herbivory; Life-history; Mating systems; Scincidae; Sociality. THE Australian Scincid genus Egernia com- understanding of the evolution of complex prises some of Australia’s largest, more ubiq- sociality and monogamous mating systems uitous and easily identifiable lizards (Cogger, in reptiles. Complex sociality appears to be 2000; Greer, 1989). Several species of Egernia widespread within the Egernia lineage, with are among the most highly social of all anecdotal reports of social aggregations docu- squamate reptiles, and recent research has mented for 23 of the 30 currently recognised suggested that studies focused on this genus species. The size, complexity, and stability of could provide a valuable contribution to our these aggregations appear to vary noticeably both among species, and among populations of the same species, indicating diversity of social 1 CORRESPONDENCE:e-mail,[email protected] organization within the genus. 145 146 HERPETOLOGICAL MONOGRAPHS [No. 17 Understandably, initial investigations of cases of convergent evolution of similar social sociality in Egernia have focused on species systems within phylogenetically independent that display the most apparent and complex lineages to search for ecological correlates social organizations. Although several species related to the evolution or loss of social organi- were generally found in small groups (adult zation (Cahan et al., 2002), thus identifying pair and/or their offspring; E. saxatilis, O’Con- factors important in the evolution of sociality nor and Shine, 2003; E. striolata, Bonnett, (e.g., Crespi, 1994; Danforth, 2002; Duffy et al., 1999), Egernia cunninghami and E. stokesii 2000; Schwarz et al., 1998; Soucy and Danforth, were found to live in groups of up to 17 2002). Consequently, for each independent individuals (Duffield and Bull, 2002; Gardner origin of complex sociality two vital compo- et al., 2001; Stow et al., 2001; A. Stow, un- nents are required: 1) a well-resolved phylog- published data). These long-term behavioral eny to trace the evolution (and loss) of sociality and molecular studies also demonstrated that within the lineage; and 2) detailed ecological, social groupings in each of these species were behavioral and life-history information with stable between seasons and were comprised of which to correlate to evolutionary origins and closely related individuals (‘family’ groups). As loses of complex social organization (Cahan a result of such temporal stability in group et al., 2002; Hughes, 1998). structure, adult pairs in several species (E. Although phylogenetic relationships among cunninghami, E. saxatilis, E. stokesii) appear Egernia species are to date unresolved (see to be socially monogamous, also exhibiting Evolution, Systematics and Taxonomy sec- a high degree of genetic monogamy (Gardner tion), this review summarizes the ecological, et al., 2002; O’Connor and Shine, 2003; behavioral and life-history information avail- A. Stow, unpublished data). However, social able for Egernia to highlight potential corre- organization within Egernia is likely to cover lates of sociality and monogamy within the the spectrum from these examples of highly genus and present hypotheses relating to the social species to those that remain predomi- evolution of sociality within Egernia. However, nately solitary throughout their lives. any synthesis presented is inevitably prelimi- Squamate reptiles have been assumed to nary as the study of complex sociality and exhibit little social behavior beyond territori- monogamy in Egernia is still in its infancy. ality and dominance hierarchies (e.g., Bratt- Detailed study has been completed on only strom, 1974; Stamps, 1977) and consequently four species: E. cunninghami (Stow et al., reptilian examples are severely lacking in the 2001; A. Stow, unpublished data), E. saxatilis sociality literature. The widespread incidence (O’Connor and Shine, 2003), E. stokesii (Duf- of complex sociality (and the diversity of social field and Bull, 2002; Gardner et al., 2001, organization) within the Egernia genus 2002), and E. striolata (Bonnett, 1999). provides a unique opportunity to study the This review builds upon Greer’s (1989) brief independent evolution of sociality within a summary of Egernia ecology and behavior (as reptilian lineage. Likewise, monogamy such as part of an overview of Australian lizards) and that observed in E. cunninghami, E. saxatilis the work of Hutchinson (1993) and Gardner and E. stokesii (Gardner et al., 2002; O’Connor (1999). Although the review is focused pri- and Shine, 2003; A. Stow, unpublished data) marily on social behavior and mating systems, is relatively rare in lizards, because most spe- several other interesting traits (herbivory, cies exhibit polygynous mating systems (Bull, ontogenetic dietary shifts, burrowing, scat 2000). Therefore, Egernia also may provide piling, color pattern polymorphism) within insight into the independent evolution of the Egernia genus also are examined. monogamy in squamate reptiles. The factors responsible for promoting the EVOLUTION,SYSTEMATICS AND TAXONOMY evolution and loss of complex sociality are an The evolution of Egernia species from an essential component in the broader search for ancestral immigrant from New Guinea and its a unified theory for the evolution of sociality subsequent radiation across Australia has been within both vertebrate and invertebrate taxa examined in detail (Heatwole and Taylor, (e.g., Cahan et al., 2002). Recent attempts to 1987; Horton, 1972). Horton (1972) suggested obtain such a unified theory have relied on that the ancestor of Egernia (presumed to be 2003] HERPETOLOGICAL
Load more

Recommended publications
  • A New Species of <I>Leiolopisma</I> (Lacertilia: Scincidae) from Western
    AUSTRALIAN MUSEUM SCIENTIFIC PUBLICATIONS Greer, Allen E., 1982. A new species of Leiolopisma (Lacertilia: Scincidae) from Western Australia. Records of the Australian Museum 34(12): 549–573. [31 December 1982]. doi:10.3853/j.0067-1975.34.1982.242 ISSN 0067-1975 Published by the Australian Museum, Sydney naturenature cultureculture discover discover AustralianAustralian Museum Museum science science is is freely freely accessible accessible online online at at www.australianmuseum.net.au/publications/www.australianmuseum.net.au/publications/ 66 CollegeCollege Street,Street, SydneySydney NSWNSW 2010,2010, AustraliaAustralia A NEW SPECIES OF LElOLOPISMA (LACERTILlA: SCINClDAE) FROM WESTERN AUSTRALIA, WITH NOTES ON THE BIOLOGY AND RELATIONSHIPS OF OTHER AUSTRALIAN SPECIES ALLEN E. GREER The Australian Museum, Sydney SUMMARY Lei%pisma baudini n. sp. is described on the basis of a single specimen from the vicinity of Point Culver, Western Australia. The new species is quite distinct and relatively primitive. Its dosest living relative appears to be L. entrecasteauxij from southeastern Australia. Brief notes are provided on certain aspects of habitat, female reproduction and colour hues of most of the mainland Australian and Tasmanian species of Lei%pisma, and these data are used to support Rawlinson's (1974b and 1975) suggestion that the Australian species of the genus, at least, form two subgroups. A key is also provided to the described species of Lei%pisma from mainland Australia and Tasmania. INTRODUCTION During the course of a botanical survey in the area just west of Point Culver, Western Australia in October 1973, Mr Michael J. Brooker collected a number of reptiles which were subsequently lodged in the Western Australian Museum, Perth.
    [Show full text]
  • Guidelines for Keeping Venomous Snakes in the NT
    GUIDELINES FOR KEEPING VENOMOUS SNAKES IN THE NT Venomous snakes are potentially dangerous to humans, and for this reason extreme caution must be exercised when keeping or handling them in captivity. Prospective venomous snake owners should be well informed about the needs and requirements for keeping these animals in captivity. Permits The keeping of protected wildlife in the Northern Territory is regulated by a permit system under the Territory Parks and Wildlife Conservation Act 2006 (TPWC Act). Conditions are included on permits, and the Parks and Wildlife Commission of the Northern Territory (“PWCNT”) may issue infringement notices or cancel permits if conditions are breached. A Permit to Keep Protected Wildlife enables people to legally possess native vertebrate animals in captivity in the Northern Territory. The permit system assists the PWCNT to monitor wildlife kept in captivity and to detect any illegal activities associated with the keeping of, and trade in, native wildlife. Venomous snakes are protected throughout the Northern Territory and may not be removed from the wild without the appropriate licences and permits. People are required to hold a Keep Permit (Category 1–3) to legally keep venomous snakes in the Northern Territory. Premises will be inspected by PWCNT staff to evaluate their suitability prior to any Keep Permit (Category 1– 3) being granted. Approvals may also be required from local councils, the Northern Territory Planning Authority, and the Department of Health and Community Services. Consignment of venomous snakes between the Northern Territory and other States and Territories can only be undertaken with an appropriate import / export permit. There are three categories of venomous snake permitted to be kept in captivity in the Northern Territory: Keep Permit (Category 1) – Mildly Dangerous Venomous Keep Permit (Category 2) – Dangerous Venomous Keep Permit (Category 3) – Highly Dangerous Venomous Venomous snakes must be obtained from a legal source (i.e.
    [Show full text]
  • 93 REPTILES of the ALDERMEN ISLANDS By
    93 REPTILES OF THE ALDERMEN ISLANDS by D.R. Towns* and B.W. Haywardt SUMMARY Six species of reptile are recorded from the Aldermen Islands after a visit to all of the islands in the group in May, 1972. They are: the geckos Hoplodactylus pacificus and H, duvauceli; the skinks Leiolopisma oliveri, L. smithi and L. suteri, and the tuatara, Sphenodon punctatus. No reptiles were found on Middle, Half and Hernia Islands but they were abundant on the three largest rat-free islands (Ruamahua-iti, Ruamahua-nui and Hongiora). INTRODUCTION One of us (B.W.H.) collected and noted reptiles seen on the islands during a visit in May, 1972, whilst the senior author (D.R.T.) identified specimens and commented on their occurrence and taxonomy. The party was based on Ruamahua-iti (Fig. I.) and consequently the most detailed collection and observation was made on this island. Two day-trips were made to Middle Island, and one day visits to each of Hongiora, Ruamahua-nui, Half and Hernia Islands were also made. PREVIOUS WORK In 1843, Rev. Wade was shipwrecked on Ruamahua-iti. He commented on the "iguana-like lizards" (no doubt tuataras), and since then there has only been one published report of reptiles on these islands. This was included in a survey by Sladden and Falla (1928), who recorded a skink species {"Lygosoma Smithii"), geckos ("Dactylocnemis" sp.) and tuataras (Sphenodon punctatus). Over the past twenty-five years a number of parties of Internal Affairs Dept. Officers have visited the group and recorded tuataras seen, though no specific study of the reptiles has been attempted.
    [Show full text]
  • Environment and Communications Legislation Committee Answers to Questions on Notice Environment Portfolio
    Senate Standing Committee on Environment and Communications Legislation Committee Answers to questions on notice Environment portfolio Question No: 3 Hearing: Additional Estimates Outcome: Outcome 1 Programme: Biodiversity Conservation Division (BCD) Topic: Threatened Species Commissioner Hansard Page: N/A Question Date: 24 February 2016 Question Type: Written Senator Waters asked: The department has noted that more than $131 million has been committed to projects in support of threatened species – identifying 273 Green Army Projects, 88 20 Million Trees projects, 92 Landcare Grants (http://www.environment.gov.au/system/files/resources/3be28db4-0b66-4aef-9991- 2a2f83d4ab22/files/tsc-report-dec2015.pdf) 1. Can the department provide an itemised list of these projects, including title, location, description and amount funded? Answer: Please refer to below table for itemised lists of projects addressing threatened species outcomes, including title, location, description and amount funded. INFORMATION ON PROJECTS WITH THREATENED SPECIES OUTCOMES The following projects were identified by the funding applicant as having threatened species outcomes and were assessed against the criteria for the respective programme round. Funding is for a broad range of activities, not only threatened species conservation activities. Figures provided for the Green Army are approximate and are calculated on the 2015-16 indexed figure of $176,732. Some of the funding is provided in partnership with State & Territory Governments. Additional projects may be approved under the Natinoal Environmental Science programme and the Nest to Ocean turtle Protection Programme up to the value of the programme allocation These project lists reflect projects and funding originally approved. Not all projects will proceed to completion.
    [Show full text]
  • Husbandry Manual for the Shingleback Lizard Tiliqua Rugosa
    Husbandry Manual for The Shingleback Lizard Tiliqua rugosa GRAY, 1825 Reptilia:Scincidae Compiler: Andrew Titmuss Date of Preparation: 2007 University of Western Sydney, Hawkesbury © Andrew Titmuss 2007 1 A Husbandry Manual template has been developed to standardise information on captive management needs in a concise, accessible and usable form. Currently there is no Husbandry Manual for the Shingleback Lizard. As these lizards are commonly kept in zoological and private collections in Australia and internationally, a Husbandry Manual could be widely used. This Husbandry Manual is set out as per the husbandry manual template designed by Stephen Jackson and Graeme Phipps. The template is a document that was created to maintain husbandry manual uniformity and thus its effectiveness and ease of use. It is intended as a working document. It is designed to be used by any institution, as well as private collections, holding this species. Although these lizards are easy to keep in captivity they do have some special requirements. The aim of the Husbandry Manual is to summarise and consolidate information regarding OHS, natural history, captive management and ethical husbandry techniques and conservation from a variety of sources. It should provide information on appropriate husbandry with scope for improved health and welfare and captive breeding if required. The University of Western Sydney, Hawkesbury Campus, is planning on keeping Shingleback Lizards amongst other species in their reptile unit. This manual can be used by the University of
    [Show full text]
  • Fowlers Gap Biodiversity Checklist Reptiles
    Fowlers Gap Biodiversity Checklist ow if there are so many lizards then they should make tasty N meals for someone. Many of the lizard-eaters come from their Reptiles own kind, especially the snake-like legless lizards and the snakes themselves. The former are completely harmless to people but the latter should be left alone and assumed to be venomous. Even so it odern reptiles are at the most diverse in the tropics and the is quite safe to watch a snake from a distance but some like the Md rylands of the world. The Australian arid zone has some of the Mulga Snake can be curious and this could get a little most diverse reptile communities found anywhere. In and around a disconcerting! single tussock of spinifex in the western deserts you could find 18 species of lizards. Fowlers Gap does not have any spinifex but even he most common lizards that you will encounter are the large so you do not have to go far to see reptiles in the warmer weather. Tand ubiquitous Shingleback and Central Bearded Dragon. The diversity here is as astonishing as anywhere. Imagine finding six They both have a tendency to use roads for passage, warming up or species of geckos ranging from 50-85 mm long, all within the same for display. So please slow your vehicle down and then take evasive genus. Or think about a similar diversity of striped skinks from 45-75 action to spare them from becoming a road casualty. The mm long! How do all these lizards make a living in such a dry and Shingleback is often seen alone but actually is monogamous and seemingly unproductive landscape? pairs for life.
    [Show full text]
  • Australia's Biodiversity and Climate Change
    Australia’s Biodiversity and Climate Change A strategic assessment of the vulnerability of Australia’s biodiversity to climate change A report to the Natural Resource Management Ministerial Council commissioned by the Australian Government. Prepared by the Biodiversity and Climate Change Expert Advisory Group: Will Steffen, Andrew A Burbidge, Lesley Hughes, Roger Kitching, David Lindenmayer, Warren Musgrave, Mark Stafford Smith and Patricia A Werner © Commonwealth of Australia 2009 ISBN 978-1-921298-67-7 Published in pre-publication form as a non-printable PDF at www.climatechange.gov.au by the Department of Climate Change. It will be published in hard copy by CSIRO publishing. For more information please email [email protected] This work is copyright. Apart from any use as permitted under the Copyright Act 1968, no part may be reproduced by any process without prior written permission from the Commonwealth. Requests and inquiries concerning reproduction and rights should be addressed to the: Commonwealth Copyright Administration Attorney-General's Department 3-5 National Circuit BARTON ACT 2600 Email: [email protected] Or online at: http://www.ag.gov.au Disclaimer The views and opinions expressed in this publication are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of the Australian Government or the Minister for Climate Change and Water and the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and the Arts. Citation The book should be cited as: Steffen W, Burbidge AA, Hughes L, Kitching R, Lindenmayer D, Musgrave W, Stafford Smith M and Werner PA (2009) Australia’s biodiversity and climate change: a strategic assessment of the vulnerability of Australia’s biodiversity to climate change.
    [Show full text]
  • Geometric Morphometric Analysis of Cranial Variation in the Egernia Depressa (Reptilia: Squamata: Scincidae) Species Complex Marci G
    RECORDS OF THE WESTERN AUSTRALIAN MUSEUM 26 138–153 (2011) Geometric morphometric analysis of cranial variation in the Egernia depressa (Reptilia: Squamata: Scincidae) species complex Marci G. Hollenshead Department of Biological Sciences, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, Arizona 86011, U.S.A. Email: [email protected] ABSTRACT – Few studies have attempted to simultaneously examine geographic, ontogenetic and sexual variation of lizard crania. This study does so with a focus on the Egernia depressa species complex (Pygmy Spiny-tailed Skinks), which occur throughout much of arid Western Australia and inhabits fallen trees in the southern part of its range and rock crevices in disjunct boulder outcrops in the northern part of its range in the Pilbara. Geometric (i.e. landmark-based) morphometrics were used to examine variation in cranial shape in E. depressa, E. cygnitos and E. epsisolus. Cranial differences were evident among the different species; however, the differences depended on which aspect of the cranium was being analysed. A comparison also was made between E. depressa which inhabits tree hollows v. E. cygnitos and E. epsisolus which use rock crevices. The lateral aspect of the cranium of the rock-inhabiting species differs from the log-inhabiting species in having dorsal-ventral compression of the postorbital region. Egernia cygnitos which lives western portion of the Pilbara differs from other species in having a wider cranium with a correspondingly broader palatal region. Sexual dimorphism was not evident, but ontogenetic changes in cranial form were present. KEYWORDS: Australian skinks, Pygmy Spiny-tailed Skinks, Western Australia, landmark-based methods. INTRODUCTION social groups, several individuals will occupy the same The Australian scincid genus Egernia includes some crevice, bask in close proximity and share the same scat of the continent’s largest and most ubiquitous lizards pile (Duffi eld and Bull 2002).
    [Show full text]
  • The Direct and Indirect Effects of Predation in a Terrestrial Trophic Web
    This file is part of the following reference: Manicom, Carryn (2010) Beyond abundance: the direct and indirect effects of predation in a terrestrial trophic web. PhD thesis, James Cook University. Access to this file is available from: http://eprints.jcu.edu.au/19007 Beyond Abundance: The direct and indirect effects of predation in a terrestrial trophic web Thesis submitted by Carryn Manicom BSc (Hons) University of Cape Town March 2010 for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in the School of Marine and Tropical Biology James Cook University Clockwise from top: The study site at Ramsey Bay, Hinchinbrook Island, picture taken from Nina Peak towards north; juvenile Carlia storri; varanid access study plot in Melaleuca woodland; spider Argiope aethera wrapping a march fly; mating pair of Carlia rubrigularis; male Carlia rostralis eating huntsman spider (Family Sparassidae). C. Manicom i Abstract We need to understand the mechanism by which species interact in food webs to predict how natural ecosystems will respond to disturbances that affect species abundance, such as the loss of top predators. The study of predator-prey interactions and trophic cascades has a long tradition in ecology, and classical views have focused on the importance of lethal predator effects on prey populations (direct effects on density), and the indirect transmission of effects that may cascade through the system (density-mediated indirect interactions). However, trophic cascades can also occur without changes in the density of interacting species, due to non-lethal predator effects on prey traits, such as behaviour (trait-mediated indirect interactions). Studies of direct and indirect predation effects have traditionally considered predator control of herbivore populations; however, top predators may also control smaller predators.
    [Show full text]
  • GREAT DESERT SKINK TJAKURA Egernia Kintorei
    Threatened Species of the Northern Territory GREAT DESERT SKINK TJAKURA Egernia kintorei Conservation status Australia: Vulnerable Northern Territory: Vulnerable Photo: Steve McAlpin Description southern sections of the Great Sandy Desert of Western The great desert skink is a large, smooth bodied lizard with an average snout-vent length of 200 mm (maximum of 440 mm) and a body mass of up to 350 g. Males are heavier and have broader heads than females. The tail is slightly longer than the snout-vent length. The upperbody varies in colour between individuals and can be bright orange- brown or dull brown or light grey. The underbody colour ranges from bright lemon- yellow to cream or grey. Adult males often have blue-grey flanks, whereas those of females and juveniles are either plain brown or vertically barred with orange and cream. Known locations of great desert skink. Distribution The great desert skink is endemic to the Australia. Its former range included the Great Australian arid zone. In the Northern Territory Victoria Desert, as far west as Wiluna, and the (NT), most recent records (post 1980) come Northern Great Sandy Desert. from the western deserts region from Uluru- Conservation reserves where reported: Kata Tjuta National Park north to Rabbit Flat in the Tanami Desert. The Tanami Desert and Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, Watarrka Uluru populations are both global strongholds National Park and Newhaven Reserve for the species. (managed for conservation by the Australian Wildlife Conservancy). Outside the NT it occurs in North West South Australia and in the Gibson Desert and For more information visit www.denr.nt.gov.au Ecology qualifies as Vulnerable (under criteria C2a(i)) due to: The great desert skink occupies a range of • population <10,000 mature individuals; vegetation types with the major habitat being • continuing decline, observed, projected or sandplain and adjacent swales that support inferred, in numbers; and hummock grassland and scattered shrubs.
    [Show full text]
  • The Spectacular Sea Anemone 438 by U
    THE AUSTRAL IAN MUSEUM will be 150 years old in March 1977. TAMS has its 5th birthday at the same time. Like all healthy five year olds, TAMS is full of fun, eager to learn about the world and constantly on the go! 1977 is a celebration year. Members enjoy a full and varied programme, are entitled to a discount at the Museum bookshop and have reciprocal rights with many other Societies in Australia and overseas. Join the Society today. THE AUSTRALIAN MUSEUM SOCIETY 6-8 College Street, Sydney 2000 Telephone: 33-5525 from 1st February, 1977 AUSTRAliAN NATURAl HISTORY DECEMBER 1976 VOLUME 18 NUMBER 12 PUBLISHED QUARTERLY BY THE AUSTRALIAN MUSEUM, 6-8 COLLEGE STREET, SYDNEY PRESIDENT, MICHAEL PITMAN DIRECTOR, DESMOND GRIFFIN A SATELLITE VIEW OF AUSTRALIA 422 BY J.F . HUNTINGTON A MOST SUCCESSFUL INVASION 428 THE DIVERSITY OF AUSTRALIA'S SKINKS BY ALLEN E. GREER BOTANAVITI 434 TH E ELUSIVE FIJIAN FROGS BY JOHN C. PERNETTA AND BARRY GOLDMAN THE SPECTACULAR SEA ANEMONE 438 BY U. ERICH FRIESE PEOPLE, PIGS AND PUNISHMENT 444 BY O.K . FElL COVER: The sea anemone, Adamsia pal/iata, lives ·com­ IN REVIEW mensally with the hermit crab, Pagurus prideauxi. (Photo: AUSTRALIAN BIRDS AND OTHER ANIMALS 448 U. E. Friese) A nnual Subscriptio n : $4 .50-Australia; $A5-Papua New Guinea; $A6-other E DITOR/DESIGNE R countr ies. Single copies : $1 ($1.40 posted Australia); $A 1.45-Papua New NANCY SMITH Guinea; $A 1.70-other countries. Cheque or money order p ayable to The ASSISTANT EDITOR Australian Museum should be sent to The Secretary, The Australian Museum, ROBERT STEWART PO Box A285, Sydney South 2000.
    [Show full text]
  • Frogs & Reptiles NE Vic 2018 Online
    Reptiles and Frogs of North East Victoria An Identication and Conservation Guide Victorian Conservation Status (DELWP Advisory List) cr critically endangered en endangered Reptiles & Frogs vu vulnerable nt near threatened dd data deficient L Listed under the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act (FFG, 1988) Size: of North East Victoria Lizards, Dragons & Skinks: Snout-vent length (cm) Snakes, Goannas: Total length (cm) An Identification and Conservation Guide Lowland Copperhead Highland Copperhead Carpet Python Gray's Blind Snake Nobbi Dragon Bearded Dragon Ragged Snake-eyed Skink Large Striped Skink Frogs: Snout-vent length male - M (mm) Snout-vent length female - F (mm) Austrelaps superbus 170 (NC) Austrelaps ramsayi 115 (PR) Morelia spilota metcalfei – en L 240 (DM) Ramphotyphlops nigrescens 38 (PR) Diporiphora nobbi 8.4 (PR) Pogona barbata – vu 25 (DM) Cryptoblepharus pannosus Snout-Vent 3.5 (DM) Ctenotus robustus Snout-Vent 12 (DM) Guide to symbols Venomous Lifeform F Fossorial (burrows underground) T Terrestrial Reptiles & Frogs SA Semi Arboreal R Rock-dwelling Habitat Type Alpine Bog Montane Forests Alpine Grassland/Woodland Lowland Grassland/Woodland White-lipped Snake Tiger Snake Woodland Blind Snake Olive Legless Lizard Mountain Dragon Marbled Gecko Copper-tailed Skink Alpine She-oak Skink Drysdalia coronoides 40 (PR) Notechis scutatus 200 (NC) Ramphotyphlops proximus – nt 50 (DM) Delma inornata 13 (DM) Rankinia diemensis Snout-Vent 7.5 (NC) Christinus marmoratus Snout-Vent 7 (PR) Ctenotus taeniolatus Snout-Vent 8 (DM) Cyclodomorphus praealtus
    [Show full text]