Herpetological diversity across intact and modified habitats of Nosy Komba Island,Madagascar

A six month herpetological survey was undertaken between March and September 2015 on Nosy Komba, an island off of the north-west coast of mainland Madagascar which has undergone considerable anthropogenic modification. A total of 14 species were found that have not been previously recorded on Nosy Komba, bringing the total island diversity to 52 (41 reptiles and 11 frogs). The species assemblage, richness and abundance of four distinct habitat types were compared: closed-canopy forest, disturbed-canopy forest, shade-grown coffee plantation and mixed open plantation. The anthropogenic habitats on Nosy Komba were found to be of high conservation value for reptile species, where species richness and abundance found during surveys was equal to or higher than closed-canopy forest. By contrast, the abundance and species richness for frogs was reduced in anthropogenic habitats, especially in sun-exposed plantations. The forested areas of Nosy Komba contain twelve IUCN threatened species (9 reptiles and 3 frogs). Of these, Uroplatus henkeli, Uroplatus ebenaui, Phelsuma seippi, Zonosaurus subuniclor, Stumpffia psologlossa and Stumpffia pygmaea were also found in shade-grown coffee plantations, demonstrating the conservation value of these anthropogenic environments. Five threatened species on Nosy Komba were found exclusively in forested areas: Brookesia minima, Brookesia ebenaui, Lygodactylus madagascariensis, Rhombophryne testudo and Thamnosophis stumpffi. Our surveys demonstrate the importance of Nosy Komba for conserving regionally endemic and threatened species, and the often under-appreciated value of anthropogenic environments in species conservation, when also coupled with the protection of primary forest.     

Terrestrial vertebrates of the Mono Lake islands, California

We compared vertebrate populations between the two major islands (paoha and Negit) in Mono Lake, California and the adjacent mainland to further elucidate the mechanisms underlying island colonization. Deer mice ( Peromyscus maniculatus ) and montane voles ( Microtus montanus ) were captured on Paoha, but only deer mice were captured on Negit. In contrast, eight species of rodents were captured on the mainland. Overall rodent abundance on Paoha and the mainland was similar, but on Negit it was about three times greater than on Paoha or the mainland. Adult deer mice from Paoha were significantly ( P Canis latrans ) and one or two species of lagomorphs were observed on the islands and the mainland. No amphibians or reptiles were found on the islands; both occurred in low numbers on the mainland. Rafting and human transport are probable means of colonization for mice and voles. The occurrence of coyotes on the islands may have modified historic predator-prey relationships, and thus the population of rodents and lagomorphs.     

Freshwater macroinvertebrates of Lord Howe Island

Studies on freshwater invertebrate fauna on islands are rare but a few suggest species richness can be high. A survey of the freshwater invertebrates of Lord Howe Island (LHI) yielded 38 taxa, bringing the total recorded from LHI to 54. The majority of the taxa from the survey were from the Insecta, with 15 Diptera (true flies), five hemipterans (true bugs) and five trichopterans (caddisflies). Two species of gastropods, three mites and eight other arthropods were also found. The total number of taxa on LHI, although smaller than other islands, is the highest per unit area ever recorded (3.9 taxa per km²). High levels of endemism were recorded for most taxonomic groups and two previously undescribed chironomid species were found. However, further taxonomic and genetic work is necessary in order to assess true levels of endemism by investigating the genetic similarities and differences of these taxa with nearby islands.     

A herpetological survey of the Kathmandu Valley,Nepal, and phylogenetic identification of Megophrys (Xenophrys) zhangi

ABSTRACT

The herpetofauna of Nepal have been historically understudied, and although previous studies have reported on bioinventory surveys of the Kathmandu Valley, few have surveyed widely during the peak monsoon season. In addition, past studies largely neglected to survey intact forest habitats. Here we conduct a comprehensive field survey of the herpetofauna of the Kathmandu Valley, Nepal, with an emphasis on the surrounding foothills containing intact forest habitat. We record natural history and distribution data for seven species of amphibians and four species of reptiles. We also use mitochondrial sequence data to confirm the phylogenetic placement of two frog species, Megophrys (Xenophrys) parva and Duttaphrynus melanostictus. Using phylogenetic and morphological data we assign Megophrys parva from the Kathmandu Valley to Megophrys zhangi. We find that while this species shares a haplotype with its sister species, Megophrys monticola, morphological data align the individuals from the Kathmandu Valley with M. zhangi from Tibet. We find that M. zhangi exhibits no phylogenetic structure within the Kathmandu Valley, and wider sampling is needed throughout the Himalayas to determine its full range. These findings support the hypothesis that molecular sequence data will lead to the discovery of cryptic species in Nepal and facilitate the revision of species taxonomy.     

Capture rates of reptiles and amphibians on black-tailed prairie dog ( Cynomys ludovicianus ) colonies and on uncolonized prairie in Colorado

Prairie dog eradication negatively affects dependent wildlife. Assessing the effects of prairie dog activities on reptiles and amphibians may depend upon the efficacy of trapping designs. We compared capture rates of reptiles and amphibians on black-tailed prairie dog ( Cynomys ludovicianus ) colonies and on adjacent uncolonized short-grass prairie, using funnel traps and pitfall traps with drift fences, as well as ground captures. We captured 152 reptiles and amphibians representing 10 species. We captured 51.3% of all reptiles and amphibians on colonies, compared to 48.7% from uncolonized sites. Overall, captures of reptiles and amphibians were similar on colonies and uncolonized sites for all capture methods combined. We achieved higher capture rates on uncolonized sites using funnel traps and pitfall traps but higher capture rates on colonies for ground captures. For all years on all sites combined, we captured significantly more animals in funnel traps (52.6%), surpassing pitfall trap captures (23.0%) and ground captures (24.3%). We recommend using multiple Y-shaped drift fence arrays ≥7.6 m in length, funnel traps with double-ended openings, and black-colored pitfall traps with opening diameters ≥30 cm.     

A biogeographical analysis of the tenebrionid beetles (Coleoptera,Tenebrionidae) of the island of Thasos in the context of the Aegean Islands (Greece)

This research aimed to study the origin and the biogeographical relationships of the tenebrionid beetle (Coleoptera, Tenebrionidae) fauna of the island of Thasos, with reference to the other Aegean Islands. A total of 32 Aegean Islands and 170 taxa (species and subspecies), 23 of which occur on Thasos, were included in this study. Nine tenebrionid species are here reported for the first time from Thasos, including the first records of Platydema europaeum and Nalassus plebejus from the Aegean Islands. Several models (linear, exponential, power, logistic, Gompertz, Weibull and Lomolino functions) were used to test the species–area relationship. The power function appeared to be the most appropriate model and the parameters of the curve suggest a possible relict character for this fauna. The proportion of Balkan taxa on the islands sharply decreases from west to east, whereas the Anatolian taxa follow an opposite trend. Multi‐dimensional scaling, Parsimony Analysis of Endemicity and discriminant function analysis revealed a clear faunal discontinuity between the western and central Aegean Islands on one side, and the islands close to the Anatolian coast on the other. This discontinuity, consistent with the persistence (from Messinian to Pleistocene) of a sea barrier between these two groups of islands, strongly supports the importance of Pleistocene island configurations in determining present distributional patterns. The comparative richness of the tenebrionid fauna on Thasos is enhanced by the proximity of the island to the mainland and the diversity of its surviving habitats.     

Vertebrate fauna of the Idaho National Environmental Research Park

The relative abundance, habitat use, and seasonal occurrence are reported for the 6 fish, 1 amphibian, 9 reptile, 164 bird, and 39 mammal species recorded on the Idaho National Environmental Research Park in southeastern Idaho.     

Aquatic vertebrate assemblages of the Upper Clear Creek Watershed, California

We sampled streams in the Upper Clear Creek Watershed in northwestern California in fall 2004 and fall 2005 to document assemblages of aquatic vertebrates and to provide resource managers with information on the importance of these assemblages in terms of regional biodiversity. We used single-pass backpack electrofishing to sample 15 sites in fall 2004 and the same 15 sites plus 4 new sites in fall 2005. We captured 10 fish taxa and 2 species of larval amphibians. Seven of the fish taxa were native species. Of the exotic species, only brook trout ( Salvelinus fontinalis ) occurred at more than 1 site. Ordinations by nonmetric multidimensional scaling indicated a gradient from sites with rainbow trout ( Oncorhynchus mykiss ), Pacific giant salamander ( Dicamptodon tenebrosus ), and tailed frog ( Ascaphus truei ) to sites dominated by riffle sculpin ( Cottus gulosus ), California roach ( Hesperoleucas symmetricus ), and Sacramento sucker ( Catostomus occidentalis ). The gradient in species composition was associated with changes in elevation, gradient, discharge, and substrate. The Upper Clear Creek Watershed represents a unique area of overlap between the North Coast California amphibian fauna and the Central Valley fish fauna with a notable paucity of exotic fishes and amphibians. Preservation of the integrity of native aquatic assemblages is an important goal for aquatic resource management in the region; our results provide a critcial baseline to gauge future management actions.     

Terrestrial vertabrates of Scotts Bluff National Monument, Nebraska

A survey of terrestrial vertebrates was conducted at the Scotts Bluff National Monument (SBNM), Nebraska, to determine species composition, relative abundance, and distribution by habitat of the existing amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals. Various sampling methods were used to detect animal species richness and to estimate population densities. The seven major habitat types at SBNM contained 4 species of amphibians, 8 reptiles, 96 birds, and 28 mammals. The only endangered or threatened species observed was a dead bald eagle ( Haliaeetus leucocephalus ). The racer ( Coluber constrictor ) and prairie rattlesnake ( Crotalus viridis ) were the two most abundant snakes. The prairie falcon ( Falco mexicanus ) was a common raptor that nested in Scotts Bluff. Sympatric populations of mule deer ( Odocoileus hemionus ) and white-tailed deer ( Odocoileus virginianus ) appeared to be hybridizing. The riverine woodland contained the greatest number of fauna species with only 4% surface area of SBNM. Sharp-tailed grouse ( Tympanuchus phasianellus ) and pronghorn antelope ( Antilocapra americana ), absent from the Monument, are two potential native species for reintroduction.     

Amphibians of Western Chihuahua

This third report on the herpetofauna of Chihuahua deals exclusively with amphibians. The first plethodonid salamander is reported, species Ambystoma rosaceum is discussed in greater detail than before, and two subspecies are recognized. Spea is elevated from subgeneric to generic rank, and S. stagnalis Cope is removed from synonymy and is recognized as a subspecies of hammondii . The species listed include the following: 2 salamanders and 19 anurans (1 Scaphiopus , 2 Spea , 9 Bufo , 1 Eleutherodactylus , 2 Hyla , 3 Rana , and 1 Microhyla ). Reference is made to vaious habitats that are associated with elevations arising form lower deserts and extending into the western mountains. The role played by the dry and wet annual cycles is also noted.     

The non-marine Crustacea of Antarctica and the Islands of the Southern Ocean: biodiversity and biogeography

A total of 101 verified species and eight ordinal taxa represent the non-marine Crustacea on Antarctica and the islands of the Southern Ocean. The largely terrestrial Isopoda and Amphipoda are confined to some sub-Antarctic and cool temperate islands while the predominantly freshwater Anostraca, Anomopoda, Copepoda (=Calanoida, Cyclopoida, Harpacticoida) and Ostracoda (Podocopida) occur throughout the region. Holocene sea-level rises fragmented freshwater and terrestrial species ranges on New Zealand, Auckland, Campbell, and possibly other South Pacific islands, leaving a legacy of vicariant taxa. Tertiary species probably survived Pleistocene glaciation in aquatic refugia on the New Zealand/South Pacific, Falkland, Crozet and Kerguelen archipelagoes, but there are no valid records of Tertiary Antarctic Crustacea. All 40 Continental and Maritime Antarctic freshwater records can be ascribed to the historic introduction of anthropogenic aliens, Holocene immigration of colonists, returning re-colonists and marine species 'marooned' in epishelf and other coastal lakes.     

A new Hypsiglena from Tiburon island, Sonora, Mexico

This third report on the herpetofauna of Chihuahua deals exclusively with amphibians. The first plethodonid salamander is reported, species Ambystoma rosaceum is discussed in greater detail than before, and two subspecies are recognized. Spea is elevated from subgeneric to generic rank, and S. stagnalis Cope is removed from synonymy and is recognized as a subspecies of hammondii . The species listed include the following: 2 salamanders and 19 anurans (1 Scaphiopus , 2 Spea , 9 Bufo , 1 Eleutherodactylus , 2 Hyla , 3 Rana , and 1 Microhyla ). Reference is made to vaious habitats that are associated with elevations arising form lower deserts and extending into the western mountains. The role played by the dry and wet annual cycles is also noted.     

First records of parasitoidism by Sarcophagidae flies (Diptera) on three amphibian species in Mexico

ABSTRACT

Myiasis of amphibians is one example of parasitoidism in which the body of these vertebrates is infested by fly larvae. Only four families of Diptera have species reported as myiasigenous of amphibians: Chloropidae, Muscidae, Calliphoridae and Sarcophagidae. The latter is the only family for which cases of myiasis have been reported for the Neotropics, with observations from Nicaragua to Argentina. As part of a project to evaluate the conservation status of amphibian species in Mexico, five cases of myiasis were recorded in three frog species belonging to the families Hylidae, Ranidae and Craugastoridae. This study presents the first records of myiasis by a sarcophagid in Mexico, expands the geographical distribution of Lepidodexia (Notochaeta) bufonivora, reports new amphibian hosts for this parasitoid fly, and provides new details of both sarcophagid larvae and females.     

Reptiles as principal prey? Adaptations for durophagy and prey selection by jaguar (Panthera onca)

We examined the evidence supporting the hypothesis that jaguars (Panthera onca) have morphological and behavioural adaptations to facilitate reptile predation. Jaguars’ head and bite features show adaptations to durophagy (consumption of hard-integumented prey) that are very unusual within the genus Panthera. These include: thick canines, well-developed head muscles and a fatal bite directed to braincase or nape. These characteristics have been previously considered an adaptation for the consumption of reptilian prey, whose thick integument poses a challenge to predation. Although causation of any trait as result of natural selection is hard to demonstrate with ecological evidence, its consequences can be suggested and predictions made. Here, through a review of the literature on jaguar predatory habits, we tallied the evidence for saurophagy against environmental characteristics correlated with jaguar predation on reptiles. We offer a new explanation for the presence of those traits, based on the selection patterns, prey abundances and main predation habits over the geographic range of the jaguar. We believe that these features allow jaguars to overcome dangerous and/or armoured prey by dispatching them rapidly through a bite to the head or nape. Reptile consumption is restricted to areas of high reptile abundance while dangerous or armoured prey is consistently preyed upon throughout the jaguar’s distribution, and selected even when their abundance is low. This questions the validity of the saurophagy hypothesis. We believe that these results are relevant to jaguar conservation and management, because some of the main prey species are severely threatened over their range, and because threatened reptiles are also consumed as prey.     

Taxonomy and geography of the blackflies of the Canary Islands (Diptera: Simuliidae)

The Canary Islands provide a difficult habitat for Simuliidae because of the scarcity of running water for the early stages, but the archipelago currently supports a fauna of six species (one other species formerly present is considered extinct). Breeding is confined to three of the seven islands (Gomera, La Palma, Tenerife), but once occurred also in Gran Canaria, an island that now lacks flowing streams. The taxonomic and faunal conclusions are based on a study of all available specimens, including material of early stages and reared adult flies collected by the author and aided by cytological data from the larval polytene chromosomes of several species. Twenty-one nominal species have at some time or another been reported from the Canaries, but, following this revision, only seven are recognized in the fauna (most past records being erroneous and based on misidentifications or false assumptions of endemicity); full synonymies clarify the old records in relation to modern nomenclature. All species belong to Simulium Latreille s.l., and keys are given to them in adult, pupal and larval stages. Three species are endemic (two newly described) and the other four common to the Palaearctic mainland. Some remarks are included on simuliid colonization and extinction in the islands.     

Insect herbivores and their natural enemies in the mangals of the Andaman and Nicobar islands

The mangroves of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands were extensively surveyed for their insect herbivore—natural enemy complex. A total of 197 species of herbivores, 43 species of hymenopterous parasitoids and 36 species of predators were found in the mangals of these islands. This forms the most extensive listing of herbivorous insects definitely associated with mangroves in the Indian region. In addition to some species that are probably mangrove specialists we have found some serious pests of crop plants which utilise various species of mangroves as alternative host plants. We also present consolidated lists of the insect phytophages so far recorded from the mangals of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and mainland India.     

Terrestrial vertebrate fauna of the Kaiparowits Basin

This report includes data collected during an investigation by Brigham Young University personnel from 1971 to 1976, as well as a literature review. The fauna of the Kaiparowits Basin is represented by 7 species of amphibians (1 salamander, 5 toads, and 1 tree frog), 29 species of reptiles (1 turtle, 16 lizards, and 12 snakes), 183 species of birds (plus 2 hypothetical), and 74 species of mammals. Geographic distribution of the various species within the basin are discussed. Birds are categorized according to their population and seasonal status. Avian habitat relationships are discussed, and extensions of range are reported for 5 species of birds. Three threatened or endangered avian species occur in the basin. Four avian species seem to have declined significantly in numbers in recent years.     

The diet of the Eleonora’s falcon (Falco eleonorae) in the Aegean archipelago (Greece)

ABSTRACT

In the present study we investigated the diet of Eleonora’s falcons in Greece and assessed the regional dietary pattern of 16 breeding colonies of the Aegean. Overall 224 nests were visited and a total of 8067 prey items were collected which contained two mollusca classes, seven insect orders, one reptile family, two mammalian taxa and at least 54 avian species. Cicadas were the most common insects found in pellets (45.1%) followed by flying ants (34.8%) and beetles (15.8%) while just 20 species (33.3%) accounted for over 90% of the avian prey items identified in bird remains dominated (>50%) by the Willow Warbler (Phylloscopus trochilus), the Red-backed Shrike (Lanius collurio) and the Whitethroat (Sylvia communis). Insect feeding peaked in late August (39.8%) and late September (20.8%), whereas bird remains built up in falcon nests from mid-August onwards, culminating in late September (57.2%) and declined abruptly afterwards. Overall the falcons’ diet diversity increased as the breeding season progressed and from the north towards the south Aegean. The avian prey species richness was negatively influenced by the distance of the colonies from the mainland and the weather conditions during September which coincides with the fledgling period of the young and the autumn peak of passerine migration.     

Year-round activity patterns in a hyperdiverse community of rainforest amphibians in Madagascar

Madagascar hosts a high diversity of amphibians estimated at over 500 species, nearly all of them endemic. Surprisingly few data are available on the activity cycles of this fauna, despite its importance for ecological, evolutionary and conservation research. Here we report the results of a year-round survey of amphibians along a transect bordering the Analamazaotra forest near Andasibe in central eastern Madagascar. During 120 transect walks evenly spaced through the year, a total of 2530 individuals of 40 species of anurans was observed. Abundance was higher during the warm/rainy season (December to April) and peaked in February. Of the five climatic predictors measured, only mean temperature and relative humidity showed high importance values, and multi-model averages indicate that these two variables have a strong effect on amphibian abundance along the transect. Species richness showed no evident peak during the study period and was best explained by a model including average temperature and rainfall. Canonical correspondence analysis indicates that Boophis sibilans, B. tephraeomystax, B. boehmei and Plethodontohyla notosticta were more frequently encountered along the transect on cold and humid days while Plethodontohyla mihanika, Gephyromantis boulengeri and Spinomantis aglavei were distinctly more abundant on cold and dry days, and Paradoxophyla palmata on warm and dry days. The results of our study flag a number of species as suitable candidates for future monitoring initiatives and suggest that a simple combination of visual and acoustic surveys can estimate amphibian activity with high sample sizes in Madagascar’s rainforests.