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Extreme Miniaturization of a New Amniote Vertebrate and Insights Into the Evolution of Genital Size in Chameleons
www.nature.com/scientificreports OPEN Extreme miniaturization of a new amniote vertebrate and insights into the evolution of genital size in chameleons Frank Glaw1*, Jörn Köhler2, Oliver Hawlitschek3, Fanomezana M. Ratsoavina4, Andolalao Rakotoarison4, Mark D. Scherz5 & Miguel Vences6 Evolutionary reduction of adult body size (miniaturization) has profound consequences for organismal biology and is an important subject of evolutionary research. Based on two individuals we describe a new, extremely miniaturized chameleon, which may be the world’s smallest reptile species. The male holotype of Brookesia nana sp. nov. has a snout–vent length of 13.5 mm (total length 21.6 mm) and has large, apparently fully developed hemipenes, making it apparently the smallest mature male amniote ever recorded. The female paratype measures 19.2 mm snout–vent length (total length 28.9 mm) and a micro-CT scan revealed developing eggs in the body cavity, likewise indicating sexual maturity. The new chameleon is only known from a degraded montane rainforest in northern Madagascar and might be threatened by extinction. Molecular phylogenetic analyses place it as sister to B. karchei, the largest species in the clade of miniaturized Brookesia species, for which we resurrect Evoluticauda Angel, 1942 as subgenus name. The genetic divergence of B. nana sp. nov. is rather strong (9.9‒14.9% to all other Evoluticauda species in the 16S rRNA gene). A comparative study of genital length in Malagasy chameleons revealed a tendency for the smallest chameleons to have the relatively largest hemipenes, which might be a consequence of a reversed sexual size dimorphism with males substantially smaller than females in the smallest species. -
MADAGASCAR: the Wonders of the “8Th Continent” a Tropical Birding Custom Trip
MADAGASCAR: The Wonders of the “8th Continent” A Tropical Birding Custom Trip October 20—November 6, 2016 Guide: Ken Behrens All photos taken during this trip by Ken Behrens Annotated bird list by Jerry Connolly TOUR SUMMARY Madagascar has long been a core destination for Tropical Birding, and with the opening of a satellite office in the country several years ago, we further solidified our expertise in the “Eighth Continent.” This custom trip followed an itinerary similar to that of our main set-departure tour. Although this trip had a definite bird bias, it was really a general natural history tour. We took our time in observing and photographing whatever we could find, from lemurs to chameleons to bizarre invertebrates. Madagascar is rich in wonderful birds, and we enjoyed these to the fullest. But its mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and insects are just as wondrous and accessible, and a trip that ignored them would be sorely missing out. We also took time to enjoy the cultural riches of Madagascar, the small villages full of smiling children, the zebu carts which seem straight out of the Middle Ages, and the ingeniously engineered rice paddies. If you want to come to Madagascar and see it all… come with Tropical Birding! Madagascar is well known to pose some logistical challenges, especially in the form of the national airline Air Madagascar, but we enjoyed perfectly smooth sailing on this tour. We stayed in the most comfortable hotels available at each stop on the itinerary, including some that have just recently opened, and savored some remarkably good food, which many people rank as the best Madagascar Custom Tour October 20-November 6, 2016 they have ever had on any birding tour. -
Brooklyn, Cloudland, Melsonby (Gaarraay)
BUSH BLITZ SPECIES DISCOVERY PROGRAM Brooklyn, Cloudland, Melsonby (Gaarraay) Nature Refuges Eubenangee Swamp, Hann Tableland, Melsonby (Gaarraay) National Parks Upper Bridge Creek Queensland 29 April–27 May · 26–27 July 2010 Australian Biological Resources Study What is Contents Bush Blitz? Bush Blitz is a four-year, What is Bush Blitz? 2 multi-million dollar Abbreviations 2 partnership between the Summary 3 Australian Government, Introduction 4 BHP Billiton and Earthwatch Reserves Overview 6 Australia to document plants Methods 11 and animals in selected properties across Australia’s Results 14 National Reserve System. Discussion 17 Appendix A: Species Lists 31 Fauna 32 This innovative partnership Vertebrates 32 harnesses the expertise of many Invertebrates 50 of Australia’s top scientists from Flora 62 museums, herbaria, universities, Appendix B: Threatened Species 107 and other institutions and Fauna 108 organisations across the country. Flora 111 Appendix C: Exotic and Pest Species 113 Fauna 114 Flora 115 Glossary 119 Abbreviations ANHAT Australian Natural Heritage Assessment Tool EPBC Act Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (Commonwealth) NCA Nature Conservation Act 1992 (Queensland) NRS National Reserve System 2 Bush Blitz survey report Summary A Bush Blitz survey was conducted in the Cape Exotic vertebrate pests were not a focus York Peninsula, Einasleigh Uplands and Wet of this Bush Blitz, however the Cane Toad Tropics bioregions of Queensland during April, (Rhinella marina) was recorded in both Cloudland May and July 2010. Results include 1,186 species Nature Refuge and Hann Tableland National added to those known across the reserves. Of Park. Only one exotic invertebrate species was these, 36 are putative species new to science, recorded, the Spiked Awlsnail (Allopeas clavulinus) including 24 species of true bug, 9 species of in Cloudland Nature Refuge. -
Level 1 Fauna Survey of the Gruyere Gold Project Borefields (Harewood 2016)
GOLD ROAD RESOURCES LIMITED GRUYERE PROJECT EPA REFERRAL SUPPORTING DOCUMENT APPENDIX 5: LEVEL 1 FAUNA SURVEY OF THE GRUYERE GOLD PROJECT BOREFIELDS (HAREWOOD 2016) Gruyere EPA Ref Support Doc Final Rev 1.docx Fauna Assessment (Level 1) Gruyere Borefield Project Gold Road Resources Limited January 2016 Version 3 On behalf of: Gold Road Resources Limited C/- Botanica Consulting PO Box 2027 BOULDER WA 6432 T: 08 9093 0024 F: 08 9093 1381 Prepared by: Greg Harewood Zoologist PO Box 755 BUNBURY WA 6231 M: 0402 141 197 T/F: (08) 9725 0982 E: [email protected] GRUYERE BOREFIELD PROJECT –– GOLD ROAD RESOURCES LTD – FAUNA ASSESSMENT (L1) – JAN 2016 – V3 TABLE OF CONTENTS SUMMARY 1. INTRODUCTION .....................................................................................................1 2. SCOPE OF WORKS ...............................................................................................1 3. RELEVANT LEGISTALATION ................................................................................2 4. METHODS...............................................................................................................3 4.1 POTENTIAL VETEBRATE FAUNA INVENTORY - DESKTOP SURVEY ............. 3 4.1.1 Database Searches.......................................................................................3 4.1.2 Previous Fauna Surveys in the Area ............................................................3 4.1.3 Existing Publications .....................................................................................5 4.1.4 Fauna -
Draft Animal Keepers Species List
Revised NSW Native Animal Keepers’ Species List Draft © 2017 State of NSW and Office of Environment and Heritage With the exception of photographs, the State of NSW and Office of Environment and Heritage are pleased to allow this material to be reproduced in whole or in part for educational and non-commercial use, provided the meaning is unchanged and its source, publisher and authorship are acknowledged. Specific permission is required for the reproduction of photographs. The Office of Environment and Heritage (OEH) has compiled this report in good faith, exercising all due care and attention. No representation is made about the accuracy, completeness or suitability of the information in this publication for any particular purpose. OEH shall not be liable for any damage which may occur to any person or organisation taking action or not on the basis of this publication. Readers should seek appropriate advice when applying the information to their specific needs. All content in this publication is owned by OEH and is protected by Crown Copyright, unless credited otherwise. It is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0), subject to the exemptions contained in the licence. The legal code for the licence is available at Creative Commons. OEH asserts the right to be attributed as author of the original material in the following manner: © State of New South Wales and Office of Environment and Heritage 2017. Published by: Office of Environment and Heritage 59 Goulburn Street, Sydney NSW 2000 PO Box A290, -
A Further Break-Up of the Australian Gecko Genus
Australasian Journal of Herpetology 3 Australasian Journal of Herpetology 34:3-35. ISSN 1836-5698 (Print) Published 20 July 2017. ISSN 1836-5779 (Online) A further break-up of the Australian gecko genus Oedura Gray, 1842 sensu lato as currently recognized, from four to seven genera, with two new subgenera defined, description of fourteen new species, four new subspecies and formalising of one tribe and five subtribes. RAYMOND T. HOSER 488 Park Road, Park Orchards, Victoria, 3134, Australia. Phone: +61 3 9812 3322 Fax: 9812 3355 E-mail: snakeman (at) snakeman.com.au Received 15 January 2017, Accepted 20 May 2017, Published 20 July 2017. ABSTRACT The genus Oedura Gray, 1842 sensu lato has been the subject of numerous taxonomic reviews in recent years. These have resulted in division of the genus into deeply divergent, but distantly related groups at the genus level as well as numerous new species being formally named. In light of the preceding and including results of molecular studies indicating significant divergence between species groups within Oedura as recognized in 2012 and 2016, the genus as recognized prior to 2012 is further divided to become seven (from four in 2016). These all have known divergences well in excess of 15 MYA, making genus-level subdivision inevitable. Divergent subgenera with divergences in the order of 13-15 MYA are also formally named for the first time. Within this new generic arrangement, fourteen new species are formally described for the first time in accordance with the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature (Ride et al. 1999) on the basis of obvious morphological differences from similar species, which they have been treated as until now and also based on the known genetic divergences ascertained from earlier cited literature, all of which are measured in the millions of years (2.5 MYA or more). -
Testing the Relevance of Binary, Mosaic and Continuous Landscape Conceptualisations to Reptiles in Regenerating Dryland Landscapes
Testing the relevance of binary, mosaic and continuous landscape conceptualisations to reptiles in regenerating dryland landscapes Melissa J. Bruton1, Martine Maron1,2, Noam Levin1,3, Clive A. McAlpine1,2 1The University of Queensland, Landscape Ecology and Conservation Group, School of Geography, Planning and Environmental Management, St Lucia, Australia 4067 2The University of Queensland, ARC Centre of Excellence for Environmental Decisions, St. Lucia, Australia 4067 3Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Department of Geography, Mt. Scopus, Jerusalem, Israel, 91905 Corresponding author: [email protected] Ph: (+61) 409 875 780 The final publication is available at Springer via http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10980-015-0157-9 Abstract: Context: Fauna distributions are assessed using discrete (binary and mosaic) or continuous conceptualisations of the landscape. The value of the information derived from these analyses depends on the relevance of the landscape representation (or model) used to the landscape and fauna of interest. Discrete representations dominate analyses of landscape context in disturbed and regenerating landscapes; however within-patch variation suggests that continuous representations may help explain the distribution of fauna in such landscapes. Objectives: We tested the relevance of binary, mosaic, and continuous conceptualisations of landscape context to reptiles in regenerating dryland landscapes. Methods: For each of thirteen reptile groups, we compared the fit of models consisting of one landscape composition and one landscape heterogeneity variable for each of six landscape representations (2 x binary, 2 x mosaic, and 2 x continuous), at three buffer distances. We used Akaike weights to assess the relative support for each model. Maps were created from Landsat satellite images. -
Survey of Reptiles and Amphibians at Bimblebox Nature Reserve - Queensland
Summary of an Observational Survey of Reptiles and Amphibians at Bimblebox Nature Reserve - Queensland Graham Armstrong – May, 2016 Objective - to provide an updated and more complete list of the herpetofauna recorded from Bimblebox Nature Refuge. Approach - 1. Review available data and records pertaining to the herpetofauna at Bimblebox Nature Refuge. 2. Visit Bimblebox Nature Refuge during Spring, Summer and Autumn seasons to make observational and photographic records of the herpetofauna observed. Methodology - In order to maximise the number of species recorded, 3 successive 2.5 day visits were made to BNR, one in September 2015, Jan 2016 and the end of April 2016. This approach potentially broadens the range of weather conditions experienced and hence variety of reptiles and amphibians encountered when compared to a single field visit. Survey methodology involved walking and driving around the nature refuge during the day and after dark (with the aid of a head torch to detect eye-shine). Active reptiles including those that ran for or from cover while passing by were recorded. Frequently, in situ photographic evidence of individuals was obtained and the photographs are available for the purpose of corroborating identification. To avoid any double counting of individual animals the Refuge was traversed progressively and the locations of animals were recorded using a GPS. During any one visit no area was traversed twice and when driving along tracks, reptiles were only recorded the first time a track was traversed unless a new species was detected at a later time. Available Records The most detailed list of reptiles and amphibians recorded as occurring on Bimblebox Nature Reserve comes from the standardised trapping program of Eric Vanderduys of CSIRO in Townsville. -
Australian Society of Herpetologists
1 THE AUSTRALIAN SOCIETY OF HERPETOLOGISTS INCORPORATED NEWSLETTER 48 Published 29 October 2014 2 Letter from the editor This letter finds itself far removed from last year’s ASH conference, held in Point Wolstoncroft, New South Wales. Run by Frank Lemckert and Michael Mahony and their team of froglab strong, the conference featured some new additions including the hospitality suite (as inspired by the Turtle Survival Alliance conference in Tuscon, Arizona though sadly lacking of the naked basketball), egg and goon race and bouncing castle (Simon’s was a deprived childhood), as well as the more traditional elements of ASH such as the cricket match and Glenn Shea’s trivia quiz. May I just add that Glenn Shea wowed everyone with his delightful skin tight, anatomically correct, and multi-coloured, leggings! To the joy of everybody in the world, the conference was opened by our very own Hal Cogger (I love you Hal). Plenary speeches were given by Dale Roberts, Lin Schwarzkopf and Gordon Grigg and concurrent sessions were run about all that is cutting edge in science and herpetology. Of note, award winning speeches were given by Kate Hodges (Ph.D) and Grant Webster (Honours) and the poster prize was awarded to Claire Treilibs. Thank you to everyone who contributed towards an update and Jacquie Herbert for all the fantastic photos. By now I trust you are all preparing for the fast approaching ASH 2014, the 50 year reunion and set to have many treats in store. I am sad to not be able to join you all in celebrating what is sure to be, an informative and fun spectacle. -
Limb Length and Microhabitat Use in Lizards with Toe Pads
RESEARCH ARTICLE There's more than one way to climb a tree: Limb length and microhabitat use in lizards with toe pads Travis J. Hagey1*, Scott Harte2, Mathew Vickers2,3, Luke J. Harmon4, Lin Schwarzkopf2 1 BEACON Center for Evolution in Action, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, United States of America, 2 School of Marine and Tropical Biology, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, Australia, 3 Centre for Tropical Biology and Climate Change, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial a1111111111 Research Organization, Townsville, Queensland, Australia, 4 Department of Biological Sciences, University a1111111111 of Idaho, Moscow, Idaho, United States of America a1111111111 * [email protected] a1111111111 a1111111111 Abstract Ecomorphology links microhabitat and morphology. By comparing ecomorphological asso- OPEN ACCESS ciations across clades, we can investigate the extent to which evolution can produce similar Citation: Hagey TJ, Harte S, Vickers M, Harmon solutions in response to similar challenges. While Anolis lizards represent a well-studied LJ, Schwarzkopf L (2017) There's more than one example of repeated convergent evolution, very few studies have investigated the ecomor- way to climb a tree: Limb length and microhabitat phology of geckos. Similar to anoles, gekkonid lizards have independently evolved adhesive use in lizards with toe pads. PLoS ONE 12(9): e0184641. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal. toe pads and many species are scansorial. We quantified gecko and anole limb length and pone.0184641 microhabitat use, finding that geckos tend to have shorter limbs than anoles. Combining Editor: Sharon Swartz, Brown University, UNITED these measurements with microhabitat observations of geckos in Queensland, Australia, STATES we observed geckos using similar microhabitats as reported for anoles, but geckos with rel- Received: December 16, 2016 atively longer limbs were using narrower perches, differing from patterns observed in anoles and other lizards. -
The Dynamics of Water on the Skin of Australian Carphodactyline and Diplodactyline Geckos
This file is part of the following reference: Vucko, Matthew John (2008) The dynamics of water on the skin of Australian carphodactyline and diplodactyline geckos. Masters (Research) thesis, James Cook University. Access to this file is available from: http://eprints.jcu.edu.au/3249 The Dynamics of Water on the Skin of Australian Carphodactyline and Diplodactyline Geckos M.Sc. thesis submitted by Matthew John Vucko B.Sc. McGill University Grad. Dip. Res. Meth. James Cook University April 2008 For the degree of Masters by Research School of Marine and Tropical Biology James Cook University Townsville, Queensland 4811 Australia Title page photo Top – Strophurus krysalis (juvenile); spine from the dorsal surface of Phyllurus ossa; Oedura marmorata (Winton population) Middle – Hair sensor with bottlebrush-shaped bristles from Carphodactylus laevis; three drops on the dorsal surface of Lucasium steindachneri; primary scale from Phyllurus nepthys Bottom – Saltuarius cornutus (juvenile); spinules from the primary scale of Phyllurus ossa; Carphodactylus laevis in a defense posture Photo credit: Matthew J. Vucko Statement of access I, the undersigned, author of this work, understand that James Cook University will make this thesis available for use within the university library, via the Australian Theses Network, or by other means allow access to users in other approved libraries. I understand that as an unpublished work, a thesis has significant protection under the Copyright Act and beyond this. I do not wish to place any restriction on access to this thesis. ............................................... ......................................... Signature Date i Statement of sources Declaration I declare that this thesis is my own work and has not been submitted in any form for another degree or diploma at any university or other institution of tertiary education. -
No Longer Single! Description of Female Calumma Vatosoa (Squamata, Chamaeleonidae) Including a Review of the Species and Its Systematic Position
Zoosyst. Evol. 92 (1) 2016, 13–21 | DOI 10.3897/zse.92.6464 museum für naturkunde No longer single! Description of female Calumma vatosoa (Squamata, Chamaeleonidae) including a review of the species and its systematic position David Prötzel1, Bernhard Ruthensteiner1, Frank Glaw1 1 Zoologische Staatssammlung München (ZSM-SNSB), Münchhausenstr. 21, 81247 München, Germany http://zoobank.org/CFD64DFB-D085-4D1A-9AA9-1916DB6B4043 Corresponding author: David Prötzel ([email protected]) Abstract Received 3 September 2015 Calumma vatosoa is a Malagasy chameleon species that has until now been known only Accepted 26 November 2015 from the male holotype and a photograph of an additional male specimen. In this paper Published 8 January 2016 we describe females of the chameleon Calumma vatosoa for the first time, as well as the skull osteology of this species. The analysed females were collected many years before Academic editor: the description of C. vatosoa, and were originally described as female C. linotum. Ac- Johannes Penner cording to external morphology, osteology, and distribution these specimens are assigned to C. vatosoa. Furthermore we discuss the species group assignment of C. vatosoa and transfer it from the C. furcifer group to the C. nasutum group. A comparison of the exter- Key Words nal morphology of species of both groups revealed that C. vatosoa has a relatively shorter distance from the anterior margin of the orbit to the snout tip, more heterogeneous scala- Madagascar tion at the lower arm, a significantly lower number of supralabial and infralabial scales, chameleon and a relatively longer tail than the members of the C. furcifer group.