Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Michelle N. Lindsay, David B. Lewis, Neal Halstead, Alison M. Gainsbury
Summary: The study aimed to understand the impacts of fire severity on the herpetofaunal communities of the Florida scrub. Field-based research found that herpetofaunal diversity was associated with fire severity, with the highest diversity occurring at intermediate fire severity plots. Additionally, leaf litter was found to be significantly associated with species diversity. The study highlights the importance of fine-scale microhabitat variables, such as leaf litter, for biodiversity conservation.
BIODIVERSITY AND CONSERVATION
(2023)
Article
Zoology
Aurelio Ramirez-Bautista, Lizzeth A. Torres-Hernandez, Raciel Cruz-Elizalde, Christian Berriozabal-Islas, Uriel Hernandez-Salinas, Larry David Wilson, Jerry D. Johnson, Louis W. Porras, Carlos Jesus Balderas-Valdivia, Adriana J. X. Gonzalez-Hernandez, Vicente Mata-Silva
Summary: The research on the diversity of herpetofauna in Mexico has been ongoing for approximately 445 years, starting from Francisco Hernan-dez's work to the contributions of present-day herpetologists from various countries. This extensive research has established Mexico as one of the most important centers of herpetofaunal biodiversity globally, attributed to its complex geography, diverse habitats and environments, and biogeographic history. Currently, there are 1,421 native and introduced herpetofauna species in Mexico, belonging to 220 genera and 61 families. The knowledge of Mexican herpetofauna will continue to expand through studies on systematics, conservation, and the development of checklists at different levels.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Jong Yoon Jeon, Dong Kun Lee, Jae Hyun Kim
Summary: This study visualized the richness, taxonomic and functional diversity indices of South Korean herpetofauna by using a nationwide dataset and trait information, and compared their geographic distributions. The results showed that the reptile community had more local diversity and overlapping patterns among groups compared to amphibians, while amphibians had wider distributions and higher occurrence ratios within grids. The functional diversity indices of reptiles also exhibited more randomized geographic patterns with higher levels in Jejudo Island compared to amphibians. The findings of this study can help identify biodiversity hot spots and understand ecosystem health. Increasing survey data and trait information will improve the assessment.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Jigme Tshelthrim Wangyal, Deborah Bower, Karl Vernes, Phuntsho Thinley
Summary: Due to the lack of research institutions and cultural restrictions on lethal sampling of animals, scientific collections in Bhutan are scarce, particularly in regards to reptiles and amphibians. This study utilized citizen science through a dedicated Facebook group to gather species records and improve understanding of the occupancy and distribution of these animals in Bhutan.
GLOBAL ECOLOGY AND CONSERVATION
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Tadeas Necas, Gabriel Badjedjea, Michal Vopalensky, Vaclav Gvozdik
Summary: The reed frog genus Hyperolius is a diverse genus of small to medium-sized frogs found in sub-Saharan Africa, containing over 140 species. The species, known for high colour polymorphism and rare sexual dichromatism, makes systematic studies difficult. H. robustus, one of the least known species, has been placed in a new genus, Congolius, through molecular phylogenetic analysis. The analysis suggests that the new genus is endemic to the central Congolian lowland rain forests and shares morphological similarities with some Hyperolius species.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2021)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Muhammad Rais, Jamal Ahmed, Aiman Naveed, Arooj Batool, Aqsa Shahzad, Razia Bibi, Anum Sajjad
Summary: The study conducted in Margalla Hills National Park, Pakistan, found differences in the herpetofaunal assemblage among hiking trails, undisturbed forest, and urban areas. The biodiversity integrity of the Park was rated as good to excellent, despite facing threats such as livestock grazing, invasive vegetation, and human disturbance. Management improvements, particularly in regulating tourism, are needed for the Park's conservation.
BIODIVERSITY DATA JOURNAL
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Yadong Zhang, Zongkun Li, Wei Ge, Xudong Chen, Hongyin Xu, Hongyan Guan
Summary: The study highlights the significant impact of extreme floods on terrestrial animal biodiversity, proposing four influencing factors and a calculation method for assessment. It analyzes the biodiversity impact of different animals and land use types, concluding that the proposed method and indices are suitable for assessing biodiversity impact on any organism in any area.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Muhammad Rais, Muhammad Ali Nawaz, Russell J. Gray, Waqas Qadir, Syeda Maria Ali, Muhammad Saeed, Ayesha Akram, Waseem Ahmed, Anum Sajjad, Lionel Leston
Summary: The lack of information regarding biodiversity status hampers designing and implementing conservation strategies and achieving future targets. Northern Pakistan consists of a unique ecoregion mosaic which supports a myriad of environmental niches for anuran diversity in comparison to the deserts and xeric shrublands throughout the rest of the country. In order to study the niche suitability, species overlap and distribution patterns in Pakistan, we collected observational data for nine anuran species across several distinct ecoregions by surveying 87 randomly selected locations from 2016 to 2018 in Rawalpindi District and Islamabad Capital Territory.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Evy Arida, Hidayat Ashari, Hadi Dahruddin, Yuli Sulistya Fitriana, Amir Hamidy, Mohammad Irham, Kadarusman, Awal Riyanto, Sigit Wiantoro, Moch Syamsul Arifin Zein, Renny K. Hadiaty, Apandi, Frengky Krey, Kurnianingsih, Edy H. P. Melmambessy, Mulyadi, Henderite L. Ohee, Saidin, Ayub Salamuk, Sopian Sauri, Suparno, Nanang Supriatna, Amir M. Suruwaky, Wahyudi Tri Laksono, Evie L. Warikar, Hadi Wikanta, Aksamina M. Yohanita, Jacques Slembrouck, Marc Legendre, Philippe Gaucher, Christophe Cochet, Erwan Delrieu-Trottin, Christophe Thebaud, Borja Mila, Antoine Fouquet, Alex Borisenko, Dirk Steinke, Regis Hocde, Gono Semiadi, Laurent Pouyaud, Nicolas Hubert
Summary: Biodiversity knowledge varies greatly across different biomes on Earth, with some remote areas experiencing large taxonomic knowledge gaps. Tropical biodiversity hotspots are of high concern due to rapid development of anthropogenic activities. The study in the Bird's Head Peninsula suggests that vertebrate diversity in the area is underestimated, highlighting the importance of further exploration and discussion on evolutionary origins and taxonomic knowledge.
MOLECULAR ECOLOGY RESOURCES
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Thomas G. G. Bean, Elizabeth A. A. Chadwick, Marta Herrero-Villar, Rafael Mateo, Vinny Naidoo, Barnett A. A. Ratter
Summary: The majority of knowledge on the risk of pharmaceuticals to wildlife comes from the Asian vulture crisis, where the use of diclofenac led to a severe decline in vulture populations. NSAIDs like diclofenac have been found to be hazardous to vultures and other avian species. While research on pharmaceutical exposure in birds is extensive, there are still knowledge gaps for amphibians, reptiles, and mammals.
ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Entomology
Filipe Dantas-Torres, Amanda Maria Picelli, Kamila Gaudencio da Silva Sales, Lucas Christian De Sousa-Paula, Paulo Mejia, Igor Luis Kaefer, Lucio Andre Viana, Felipe Arley Costa Pessoa
Summary: Reptiles and amphibians in Central Amazonia were found to be significantly impacted by tick infestations, with varying relationships between hosts and tick species such as Amblyomma humerale and Amblyomma nodosum. The study also revealed the presence of Rickettsia amblyommatis in collected ticks, indicating a potential common relationship between A. humerale and R. amblyommatis.
EXPERIMENTAL AND APPLIED ACAROLOGY
(2022)
Review
Ecology
Laura W. Ploughe, Lauchlan H. Fraser
Summary: The global use of off-road vehicles (ORVs) in natural environments has increased rapidly in recent decades, leading to significant social and environmental consequences. Research shows that ORV activities may have important impacts on a variety of ecosystem structures and functions, necessitating further studies to support real-time management and conservation efforts.
FRONTIERS IN ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
James S. Cash, Donald C. Ruthven, Lee A. Fitzgerald
Summary: The study evaluated a herpetofaunal monitoring program in Texas to determine if the current dataset is complete enough to meet monitoring objectives. The analysis revealed shortcomings in sample completeness and design, recommending improvements in sampling effort and methodology to achieve all monitoring goals.
ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT
(2021)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Ashutosh Verma, LaRoy Brandt, Samantha Runser, Karen Gruszynski, Kenneth Gallatin, Joey Morgan, Hanna Barnhart, Conner Duke, Scott Brovarney, Allison Geer, Emily Willems, Raeshelle Strobel, Christian Bryant, Emma Pawlowski, Ashana Thaker
Summary: This study investigated the presence of Leptospira spp. infection in reptiles and amphibians in the Cumberland Gap Region of the Central Appalachia. It found that 15 out of 116 tested animals were positive for Leptospira spp. The results suggest that while reptiles and amphibians may have a lower proportion of infection compared to rodents, they still play a role in maintaining baseline infection in the environment.
ZOONOSES AND PUBLIC HEALTH
(2022)
Review
Ecology
Tania Marisol Gonzalez, Juan David Gonzalez-Trujillo, Alberto Munoz, Dolors Armenteras
Summary: Fire plays a key role in ecosystem functioning and biodiversity maintenance, but its impact on animal communities varies depending on severity, history, and frequency. Research suggests that fire history is a significant modulator of animal richness and abundance, highlighting the need for long-term studies to inform fire management strategies.
ECOLOGICAL PROCESSES
(2022)
Letter
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Prashant P. Sharma, Jill T. Oberski, Marc A. Santiago, Ricardo Kriebel, Savana M. Lipps, Perry A. C. Buenavente, Arvin C. Diesmos, Milan Janda, Sarah L. Boyer, Ronald M. Clouse, Ward C. Wheeler
MOLECULAR PHYLOGENETICS AND EVOLUTION
(2018)
Article
Ecology
Vhon Oliver S. Garcia, Catherine Ivy, Jinzhong Fu
ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2017)
Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
Arman N. Pili, Emerson Y. Sy, Mae Lowe L. Diesmos, Arvin C. Diesmos
Article
Parasitology
Arvin Jet B. Marcaida, Misako Urabe, Jonathan Carlo A. Briones, Mae Lowe L. Diesmos, Marisa Tellez, Arvin C. Diesmos
PARASITOLOGY INTERNATIONAL
(2019)
Article
Zoology
Hannah E. Som, L. Lee Grismer, Jesse L. Grismer, Perry L. Wood, Evan S. H. Quah, Rafe M. Brown, Arvin C. Diesmos, Jeffrey L. Weinell, Bryan L. Stuart
Article
Zoology
Christian E. Supsup, Augusto A. Asis, Uldarico V. Carestia, Arvin C. Diesmos, Neil Aldrin D. Mallari, Rafe M. Brown
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Arman N. Pili, Reid Tingley, Emerson Y. Sy, Mae Lowe L. Diesmos, Arvin C. Diesmos
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2020)
Article
Zoology
Arvin C. Diesmos, Brett R. Scheffers, Neil Aldrin D. Mallari, Cameron D. Siler, Rafe M. Brown
Article
Ecology
Terry J. Ord, Danielle A. Klomp, Thomas C. Summers, Arvin Diesmos, Norhayati Ahmad, Indraneil Das
Summary: Research has shown that Southeast Asian Draco and Caribbean Anolis lizards have deep-time convergence in territorial communication, which is adaptive and improves signal detection. Further analysis of literature data samples also indicates that convergent adaptation among highly divergent animal groups is widespread in nature.
Article
Zoology
Erl Pfian T. Maglangit, Riza Jane C. Tapdasan, Rico C. Medija, Maria Fe P. De Alba, Liza A. Adamat, Olive A. Amparado, Olga M. Nuneza, Mae Lowe L. Diesmos
Summary: This study highlights the ecology, natural history, and a new distribution record of the endemic Mamanwa Bent-toed Gecko Cyrtodactylus mamanwa in the province of Dinagat, by providing a unique habitat occurrence record in karst ecosystem. The detection of a new population on Unib Island in the southwestern Dinagat extends the previously known distribution of this gekkonid by approximately 100 km south.
Article
Zoology
Erl Pfian T. Maglangit, Jason Jon Joshua B. Paraguya, Rae Mar T. Maglangit, Olga M. Nuneza, Mae Lowe L. Diesmos, Arvin C. Diesmos
Review
Biodiversity Conservation
Jeffrey A. Harvey, Priyanka Ambavane, Mark Williamson, Arvin Diesmos
Summary: The negative ecological impacts of invasive species can have more pronounced effects on islands than on the mainland due to the high endemism, small geographic distributions, rarity, and low genetic diversity of island species. The cane toad is a notorious invasive species that was intentionally introduced to various warm regions and islands to control crop pests, and its ecological impacts on islands like the Philippines may be more serious due to its 'top-down' and 'bottom-up' effects.
PACIFIC CONSERVATION BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Zoology
Justin M. Bernstein, Joward Bautista, Arvin C. Diesmos, Michael A. Clores, Michael Cuesta, Marites B. Sanguila, Rafe M. Brown
Summary: The endemic elapid genus Hemibungarus in the Philippines consists of three species mainly differentiated by color patterns. The geographic distributions of these species have been suggested based on previous studies, but a comprehensive understanding is lacking due to limited specimens and misidentifications. A reevaluation of morphological variation using 98 specimens revealed distinctive ranges for each species, with H. calligaster in central and northern Luzon, H. gemianulis in central Philippines, and a wider distribution of H. mcclungi than previously thought. More research is needed on populations showing intermediate morphology and the importance of accurate species occurrence data from museum specimens is highlighted.
ICHTHYOLOGY AND HERPETOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Zoology
Russell Evan L. Venturina, Ynigo Luis C. Del Prado, Rhim Ayyah C. Kamir, Marlon N. Balmores, Arvin C. Diesmos
ASIAN HERPETOLOGICAL RESEARCH
(2020)
Article
Evolutionary Biology
Stephanie M. Schmidt, Perry A. C. Buenavente, Darrell D. Blatchley, Arvin C. Diesmos, Mae L. Diesmos, David Emmanuel M. General, Alma B. Mohagan, Dale Joy Mohagan, Ronald M. Clouse, Prashant P. Sharma
INVERTEBRATE SYSTEMATICS
(2019)