(Mabuya Spp.) from the Islands of the Gulf of Guinea Based on Mtdna Sequence Data
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Reproductive Traits of Two Sympatric Viviparous Skinks (Mabuya Macrorhyncha and Mabuya Ag/Lis) in a Brazilian Restinga Habitat
HERPETOLOGICAL JOURNAL, Vol. 9, pp. 43-53 (1999) REPRODUCTIVE TRAITS OF TWO SYMPATRIC VIVIPAROUS SKINKS (MABUYA MACRORHYNCHA AND MABUYA AG/LIS) IN A BRAZILIAN RESTINGA HABITAT CARLOS FREDERICO DUARTE ROCHA AND DAVOR VRCIBRADIC Setor de Ecologia, Instituto de Biologia, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Brazil The reproductive cycles, fat body cycles and some life-history traits of the sympatric viviparous skinks Mabuya macrorhyncha and M. agilis were compared in a seasonal "restinga" habitat of south-eastern Brazil. Both male and female reproductive and fatbody cycles are very similar between species, with gestation lasting 9-12 months and parturition occurring during the early wet season. Clutch size of M. macrorhyncha was smaller than that of M. ag ilis. Females mature at a larger size in M. macrorhyncha than in M. agilis, but males of both species appear to mature at similar sizes. In both species, females are larger than males, but the latter have proportionately larger heads. Reproductive traits ofM. ag ilis are typical ofNeotropical Mabuya, but those of M. macrorhyncha have some peculiarities, one of which (small clutch size) is believed to result from constraints imposed by its morphological adaptation (i.e. relatively flattened body plan) to bromelicolous habits. Key words: Reproduction, life history, Mabuya, Brazilian skink INTRODUCTION which present differences may highlight those histori The genus Mabuya is one of the most speciose and cal forces that may select for certain reproductive widely distributed genera of the Scincidae, with about characteristics. Indeed, differences in reproductive 90 species found over most of tropical Africa,Asia , and characteristics among sympatric and allopatric populations of congeners have been reported for this America (Shine, 1985; Nussbaum & Rax worthy, 1994). -
(2007) a Photographic Field Guide to the Reptiles and Amphibians Of
A Photographic Field Guide to the Reptiles and Amphibians of Dominica, West Indies Kristen Alexander Texas A&M University Dominica Study Abroad 2007 Dr. James Woolley Dr. Robert Wharton Abstract: A photographic reference is provided to the 21 reptiles and 4 amphibians reported from the island of Dominica. Descriptions and distribution data are provided for each species observed during this study. For those species that were not captured, a brief description compiled from various sources is included. Introduction: The island of Dominica is located in the Lesser Antilles and is one of the largest Eastern Caribbean islands at 45 km long and 16 km at its widest point (Malhotra and Thorpe, 1999). It is very mountainous which results in extremely varied distribution of habitats on the island ranging from elfin forest in the highest elevations, to rainforest in the mountains, to dry forest near the coast. The greatest density of reptiles is known to occur in these dry coastal areas (Evans and James, 1997). Dominica is home to 4 amphibian species and 21 (previously 20) reptile species. Five of these are endemic to the Lesser Antilles and 4 are endemic to the island of Dominica itself (Evans and James, 1997). The addition of Anolis cristatellus to species lists of Dominica has made many guides and species lists outdated. Evans and James (1997) provides a brief description of many of the species and their habitats, but this booklet is inadequate for easy, accurate identification. Previous student projects have documented the reptiles and amphibians of Dominica (Quick, 2001), but there is no good source for students to refer to for identification of these species. -
Malawi Trip Report 12Th to 28Th September 2014
Malawi Trip Report 12th to 28th September 2014 Bohm’s Bee-eater by Keith Valentine Trip Report compiled by Tour Leader: Keith Valentine RBT Malawi Trip Report September 2014 2 Top 10 Birds: 1. Scarlet-tufted Sunbird 2. Pel’s Fishing Owl 3. Lesser Seedcracker 4. Thyolo Alethe 5. White-winged Apalis 6. Racket-tailed Roller 7. Blue Swallow 8. Bohm’s Flycatcher 9. Babbling Starling 10. Bohm’s Bee-eater/Yellow-throated Apalis Top 5 Mammals: 1. African Civet 2. Four-toed Elephant Shrew 3. Sable Antelope 4. Bush Pig 5. Side-striped Jackal/Greater Galago/Roan Antelope/Blotched Genet Trip Summary This was our first ever fully comprehensive tour to Malawi and was quite simply a fantastic experience in all respects. For starters, many of the accommodations are of excellent quality and are also situated in prime birding locations with a large number of the area’s major birding targets found in close proximity. The food is generally very good and the stores and lodges are for the most part stocked with decent beer and a fair selection of South African wine. However, it is the habitat diversity that is largely what makes Malawi so good from a birding point of view. Even though it is a small country, this good variety of habitat, and infrastructure that allows access to these key zones, insures that the list of specials is long and attractive. Our tour was extremely successful in locating the vast majority of the region’s most wanted birds and highlights included Red-winged Francolin, White-backed Night Heron, African Cuckoo-Hawk, Western Banded Snake -
United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization
SC-20/CONF.232/8 Paris, 27 September 2020 Original: English UNITED NATIONS EDUCATIONAL, SCIENTIFIC AND CULTURAL ORGANIZATION International Co-ordinating Council of the Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme Thirty-second session Online session 27– 28 September 2020 ITEM 9 OF THE PROVISIONAL AGENDA: Proposals for New Biosphere Reserves and Extensions/ Modifications/ Renaming to Biosphere Reserves that are part of the World Network of Biosphere Reserves (WNBR) The Secretariat of the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) does not represent or endorse the accuracy or reliability of any advice, opinion, statement or other information or documentation provided by States to the Secretariat of UNESCO. The publication of any such advice, opinion, statement or other information or documentation on UNESCO’s website and/or on working documents also does not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the Secretariat of UNESCO concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area or of its boundaries. 1. Proposals for new biosphere reserves and extensions to biosphere reserves that are already part of the World Network of Biosphere Reserves (WNBR) were considered at the 26th meeting of the International Advisory Committee for Biosphere Reserves (IACBR), which met at UNESCO Headquarters from 17 to 20 February 2020. 2. The members of the Advisory Committee examined 30 proposals: 25 for new biosphere reserves including one transboundary site, two resubmissions and three requests for extensions/modification and/or renaming of already existing biosphere reserves. Five new counries submitted proposals: Andora, Cap verde, Comoros, Luxemburg an Trinidad and Tobago. -
Paleogeography of the Caribbean Region: Implications for Cenozoic Biogeography
PALEOGEOGRAPHY OF THE CARIBBEAN REGION: IMPLICATIONS FOR CENOZOIC BIOGEOGRAPHY MANUEL A. ITURRALDE-VINENT Research Associate, Department of Mammalogy American Museum of Natural History Curator, Geology and Paleontology Group Museo Nacional de Historia Natural Obispo #61, Plaza de Armas, CH-10100, Cuba R.D.E. MA~PHEE Chairman and Curator, Department of Mammalogy American Museum of Natural History BULLETIN OF THE AMERICAN MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY Number 238, 95 pages, 22 figures, 2 appendices Issued April 28, 1999 Price: $10.60 a copy Copyright O American Museum of Natural History 1999 ISSN 0003-0090 CONTENTS Abstract ....................................................................... 3 Resumen ....................................................................... 4 Resumo ........................................................................ 5 Introduction .................................................................... 6 Acknowledgments ............................................................ 8 Abbreviations ................................................................ 9 Statement of Problem and Methods ............................................... 9 Paleogeography of the Caribbean Region: Evidence and Analysis .................. 18 Early Middle Jurassic to Late Eocene Paleogeography .......................... 18 Latest Eocene to Middle Miocene Paleogeography .............................. 27 Eocene-Oligocene Transition (35±33 Ma) .................................... 27 Late Oligocene (27±25 Ma) ............................................... -
Sexual Size Dimorphism and Feeding Ecology of Eutropis Multifasciata (Reptilia: Squamata: Scincidae) in the Central Highlands of Vietnam
Herpetological Conservation and Biology 9(2):322−333. Submitted: 8 March 2014; Accepted: 2 May 2014; Published: 12 October 2014. SEXUAL SIZE DIMORPHISM AND FEEDING ECOLOGY OF EUTROPIS MULTIFASCIATA (REPTILIA: SQUAMATA: SCINCIDAE) IN THE CENTRAL HIGHLANDS OF VIETNAM 1, 5 2 3 4 CHUNG D. NGO , BINH V. NGO , PHONG B. TRUONG , AND LOI D. DUONG 1Faculty of Biology, College of Education, Hue University, Hue, Thua Thien Hue 47000, Vietnam, 2Department of Life Sciences, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Tainan 70101, Taiwan, e-mail: [email protected] 3Faculty of Natural Sciences and Technology, Tay Nguyen University, Buon Ma Thuot, Dak Lak 55000, Vietnam 4College of Education, Hue University, Hue, Thua Thien Hue 47000, Vietnam 5Corresponding author, e-mail:[email protected] Abstract.—Little is known about many aspects of the ecology of the Common Sun Skink, Eutropis multifasciata (Kuhl, 1820), a terrestrial viviparous lizard found in the Central Highlands of Vietnam. We measured males and females to determine whether this species exhibits sexual size dimorphism and whether there was a correlation between feeding ecology and body size. We also examined spatiotemporal and sexual variations in dietary composition and prey diversity index. We used these data to examine whether the foraging pattern of these skinks corresponded to the pattern of a sit-and-wait predator or a widely foraging predator. The average snout-vent length (SVL) was significantly larger in adult males than in adult females. When SVL was taken into account as a covariate, head length and width and mouth width were larger in adult males than in adult females. -
Arrival and Diversification of Mabuyine Skinks (Squamata: Scincidae) in the Neotropics Based on a Fossil-Calibrated Timetree
Arrival and diversification of mabuyine skinks (Squamata: Scincidae) in the Neotropics based on a fossil-calibrated timetree Anieli Guirro Pereira and Carlos G. Schrago Department of Genetics, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil ABSTRACT Background. The evolution of South American Mabuyinae skinks holds significant biogeographic interest because its sister lineage is distributed across the African continent and adjacent islands. Moreover, at least one insular species, Trachylepis atlantica, has independently reached the New World through transoceanic dispersal. To clarify the evolutionary history of both Neotropical lineages, this study aimed to infer an updated timescale using the largest species and gene sampling dataset ever assembled for this group. By extending the analysis to the Scincidae family, we could employ fossil information to estimate mabuyinae divergence times and carried out a formal statistical biogeography analysis. To unveil macroevolutionary patterns, we also inferred diversification rates for this lineage and evaluated whether the colonization of South American continent significantly altered the mode of Mabuyinae evolution. Methods. A time-calibrated phylogeny was inferred under the Bayesian framework employing fossil information. This timetree was used to (i) evaluate the historical biogeography of mabuiyines using the statistical approach implemented in Bio- GeoBEARS; (ii) estimate macroevolutionary diversification rates of the South American Mabuyinae lineages and the patterns of evolution of selected traits, namely, the mode of reproduction, body mass and snout–vent length; (iii) test the hypothesis of differential macroevolutionary patterns in South American lineages in BAMM and GeoSSE; and Submitted 21 November 2016 (iv) re-evaluate the ancestral state of the mode of reproduction of mabuyines. -
Chioninia Fogoensis) Introduction to the Island of Madeira
The Herpetological Bulletin 152, 2020: 40-41 NATURAL HISTORY NOTE https://doi.org/10.33256/hb152.4041 First evidence of Fogo Island skink (Chioninia fogoensis) introduction to the island of Madeira DAVID J. CLEMENS* & STEVEN J. R. ALLAIN Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Amphibian and Reptile Group *Corresponding author e-mail: [email protected] he Madeiran wall lizard (Teira dugesii) is the only native Treptile species found on Madeira, although other species such as the Tenerife lizard (Gallotia galloti) and moorish gecko (Tarentola mauritanica) have been introduced to the island and become established (Arnold & Burton, 2002; Jesus et al., 2013). Madeira lacks any native snakes however the flower pot snake (Indotyphlops braminus) has been accidentally introduced to the island, likely by the movement of horticulture products from the Canary Islands (Jesus et al., 2013). There are a number of other reptile (and amphibian) species recorded from Madeira, however these likely represent single individuals that may have escaped captivity and therefore do not represent self-sustaining breeding populations (Malkmus, 2004). Madeira’s depauperate herpetofauna assemblage is probably due to its relative isolation in the Atlantic Ocean, being 700 km off the west coast of Africa and about 900 km from the Iberian Peninsula (Jesus et al., 2013). In mid-December 2019, an elderly couple returned to Britain from a holiday in Madeira to find a skink in their suitcase. Upon discovering the emaciated lizard they contacted the RSPCA (Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) who rehomed the skink with an exotic pet dealer. From here the lizard found a permanent home with DJC (in mid-January 2020) and it has been in his care Figure 1. -
A New Skink Fauna from Caribbean Islands (Squamata, Mabuyidae, Mabuyinae)
Zootaxa 3288: 1–244 (2012) ISSN 1175-5326 (print edition) www.mapress.com/zootaxa/ Monograph ZOOTAXA Copyright © 2012 · Magnolia Press ISSN 1175-5334 (online edition) ZOOTAXA 3288 A new skink fauna from Caribbean islands (Squamata, Mabuyidae, Mabuyinae) S. BLAIR HEDGES1 & CAITLIN E. CONN Department of Biology, 208 Mueller Lab, University Park, PA 16802, USA 1Corresponding author. E-mail: [email protected] Magnolia Press Auckland, New Zealand Accepted by L.L. Grismer: 17 Feb. 2012; published: 30 Apr. 2012 S. BLAIR HEDGES & CAITLIN E. CONN A new skink fauna from Caribbean islands (Squamata, Mabuyidae, Mabuyinae) (Zootaxa 3288) 244 pp.; 30 cm. 30 Apr. 2012 ISBN 978-1-86977-893-4 (paperback) ISBN 978-1-86977-894-1 (Online edition) FIRST PUBLISHED IN 2012 BY Magnolia Press P.O. Box 41-383 Auckland 1346 New Zealand e-mail: [email protected] http://www.mapress.com/zootaxa/ © 2012 Magnolia Press All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored, transmitted or disseminated, in any form, or by any means, without prior written permission from the publisher, to whom all requests to reproduce copyright material should be directed in writing. This authorization does not extend to any other kind of copying, by any means, in any form, and for any purpose other than private research use. ISSN 1175-5326 (Print edition) ISSN 1175-5334 (Online edition) 2 · Zootaxa 3288 © 2012 Magnolia Press HEDGES & CONN Table of Contents Abstract . 4 Introduction . 5 Materials and methods. 8 Molecular analyses . 8 Morphological analyses . 9 Systematic accounts. 16 Results . 16 Molecular analyses . 16 Systematic Accounts . -
First Records of the Rainbow Mabuya Trachylepis Quinquetaeniata (Lichtenstein, 1823) (Squamata: Scincidae) in Algeria
Herpetology Notes, volume 9: 167-169 (2016) (published online on 24 August 2016) First records of the Rainbow Mabuya Trachylepis quinquetaeniata (Lichtenstein, 1823) (Squamata: Scincidae) in Algeria Rouag Rachid1,*, Dahel Ramdane2, Rahmouni Salima2, Benkacimi Sara2 and Ziane Nadia3 The genus Mabuya represents a species-rich group of arboreal but several species (e.g. T. planifrons, T. mostly medium sized lizards of the family Scincidae, maculilabris) spend much of their time in trees (Spawls subfamily Lygosominae. It was one of the largest genera et al., 2002). of the family Scincidae, and the only skink genus with a The Five-lined Mabuya (T. quinquetaeniata), also circumtropical distribution (Greer and Broadley, 2000; called Rainbow Mabuya or blue-tailed Skink (due to the Greer and Nussbaum, 2000). Phylogenetic studies blue tail) Trachylepis quinquetaeniata is a medium sized published during the last decade led to the splitting of lizard reaching a total length of about 20 centimeters. The the genus Mabuya sensu lato into four geographically coloration of this species is quite variable, depending distinct monophyletic genera (Eutropis in Asia, Mabuya on the gender and the age. The scales are glossy, with sensu stricto in the Neotropics and Chioninia in the Cape metallic reflections. The basic colour is usually olive- Verde archipelago (Mausfeld et al., 2002; Carranza and brown or dark brown, sometimes with pearly whitish Arnold, 2003), with the African skinks placed in the spots and with three light olive or dark brown stripes genus Trachylepis (Mausfeld et al., 2002; Bauer et al., running from the head to the electric blue tail. These 2003). -
Zimbabwe Zambia Malawi Species Checklist Africa Vegetation Map
ZIMBABWE ZAMBIA MALAWI SPECIES CHECKLIST AFRICA VEGETATION MAP BIOMES DeserT (Namib; Sahara; Danakil) Semi-deserT (Karoo; Sahel; Chalbi) Arid SAvannah (Kalahari; Masai Steppe; Ogaden) Grassland (Highveld; Abyssinian) SEYCHELLES Mediterranean SCruB / Fynbos East AFrican Coastal FOrest & SCruB DrY Woodland (including Mopane) Moist woodland (including Miombo) Tropical Rainforest (Congo Basin; upper Guinea) AFrO-Montane FOrest & Grassland (Drakensberg; Nyika; Albertine rift; Abyssinian Highlands) Granitic Indian Ocean IslandS (Seychelles) INTRODUCTION The idea of this booklet is to enable you, as a Wilderness guest, to keep a detailed record of the mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians that you observe during your travels. It also serves as a compact record of your African journey for future reference that hopefully sparks interest in other wildlife spheres when you return home or when travelling elsewhere on our fragile planet. Although always exciting to see, especially for the first-time Africa visitor, once you move beyond the cliché of the ‘Big Five’ you will soon realise that our wilderness areas offer much more than certain flagship animal species. Africa’s large mammals are certainly a big attraction that one never tires of, but it’s often the smaller mammals, diverse birdlife and incredible reptiles that draw one back again and again for another unparalleled visit. Seeing a breeding herd of elephant for instance will always be special but there is a certain thrill in seeing a Lichtenstein’s hartebeest, cheetah or a Lilian’s lovebird – to name but a few. As a globally discerning traveller, look beyond the obvious, and challenge yourself to learn as much about all wildlife aspects and the ecosystems through which you will travel on your safari. -
Notes on Some Dietary Items of Eutropis Longicaudata
Herpetology Notes, volume 5: 453-456 (2012) (published online on 7 October 2012) Notes on some dietary items of Eutropis longicaudata (Hallowell, 1857), Japalura polygonata xanthostoma Ota, 1991, Plestiodon elegans (Boulenger, 1887), and Sphenomorphus indicus (Gray, 1853) from Taiwan Gerrut Norval 1,*, Shao-Chang Huang 2, Jean-Jay Mao 3, and Stephen R. Goldberg 4 An understanding of the natural history and ecology of length (SVL) and tail length (TL) were measured to the reptile and amphibian species is essential for successful nearest mm with a transparent plastic ruler; and the tail conservation and management programs (Bury, 2006). A was scored as complete or broken. The E. longicaudata crucial part of the natural history of an animal is its diet, were weighed (body mass) to the nearest 0.1g with a because not only does it reveal the source of the animal’s digital scale, but since the specimens from northern energy for growth, maintenance, and/or reproduction Taiwan were partially dissected and not intact, their (Dunham, Grant and Overall, 1989; Zug et al., 2001), it body masses were not recorded. All the lizards were also indicates part of the ecological roles of the animal. dissected by making a mid-ventral incision, and the Since there may be temporal and spatial variations stomach was removed and slit longitudinally, after in the diet of a species (e.g. Lahti and Beck, 2008; which the stomach content was removed. The stomach Rodríguez et al., 2008; Goodyear and Pianka, 2011), contents were spread in a petri dish and examined under there is a need for dietary descriptions from different a dissection microscope, and all the prey items were localities.