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
Zoology
Javier Nori, Romina Semhan, Cristian Simon Abdala, Octavio Rojas-Soto
Summary: The unique case of Argentinian reptiles, particularly the genus Liolaemus, is experiencing a significant increase in known species due to a high species description rate of 3.25 spp./year. This recent evolutionary radiation in Liolaemus has led to spatial changes in richness and endemism patterns, particularly in the Patagonian steppe and Monte ecoregions of Argentina. The decrease in average extent of occurrence (EOO) of Liolaemus species also poses an increased extinction risk, with 80% of species today having an EOO smaller than 20,000 km(2).
ZOOLOGICAL JOURNAL OF THE LINNEAN SOCIETY
(2022)
Article
Zoology
Krystal A. Tolley, Nicolas S. Telford, Buyisile G. Makhubo, R. John Power, Graham J. Alexander
Summary: The North West Province in South Africa has varying climates and poor herpetofauna survey coverage. A two-year survey added 578 new records and expanded geographic coverage, resulting in a total of 102 reptiles and 23 amphibians with accurate records in the Province. This increase in biodiversity data offers a better foundation for spatial planning.
ZOOSYSTEMATICS AND EVOLUTION
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Sonia Llorente-Culebras, Rafael Molina-Venegas, A. Marcia Barbosa, Silvia B. Carvalho, Miguel A. Rodriguez, Ana M. C. Santos
Summary: Protected areas are created to preserve biodiversity and act as refuges from human activities. This study focused on evaluating the representation of functional, phylogenetic, and taxonomic diversity of tetrapod assemblages in national and natural parks of the Iberian Peninsula. The results suggest that these parks effectively capture the diversity components of most tetrapod assemblages present at the regional level.
FRONTIERS IN ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2021)
Article
Ecology
Jason M. M. Gleditsch, Jocelyn E. E. Behm, Jacintha Ellers, Wendy A. M. Jesse, Matthew R. R. Helmus
Summary: Island biogeography theory is updated to incorporate the effects of land development and economic trade on species richness patterns in the Caribbean. The study built a database of native and introduced reptiles and amphibians for Caribbean islands and evaluated the relationships between species richness and habitat diversity and isolation. The contemporized theory explains the current patterns of biodiversity and will continue to predict the island biogeography of the Anthropocene.
GLOBAL ECOLOGY AND BIOGEOGRAPHY
(2023)
Article
Zoology
Jiri Smid, Tatiana Aghova, Doubravka Velenska, Jiri Moravec, Petr Balej, Borislav Naumov, Georgi Popgeorgiev, Nazan Uzum, Aziz Avci, Daniel Jablonski
Summary: The geological and geographical settings of the Eastern Mediterranean have complex patterns of intraspecific diversifications and phylogeographical histories in squamates. This study investigated genetic differentiation of the Collared dwarf racer and identified two distinct clades with different distribution patterns and historical refugia. The revised subspecific taxonomy of P. collaris is based on genetic data and distribution models.
ZOOLOGICAL JOURNAL OF THE LINNEAN SOCIETY
(2021)
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
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
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
Abigail K. Parker, Johannes Mueller, Jean-Renaud Boisserie, Jason J. Head
Summary: Understanding the relationship between functional traits and the environment is crucial for assessing ecosystem health and predicting biotic responses to future environmental changes. Taxon-free analyses of functional traits allow for evaluating the performance of these traits using both the fossil record and paleoenvironmental proxies. In this study, turtles were used as a model system to investigate the role of body size as a functional trait with respect to climate. The results suggest that metabolism is not the primary driver of size for most turtle species, and body size as an ecometric has better predictive power at continental scales.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Joe M. Bellis, Joyce Maschinski, Noemie Bonnin, Jon Bielby, Sarah E. Dalrymple
Summary: The dynamic nature of climate change necessitates considering climate change factors in nature conservation, such as translocation.
DIVERSITY AND DISTRIBUTIONS
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Patricia Marques do A. Oliveira, Anna Albano de Mello, Marcos J. Matias Dubeux, Sergio Bruno de A. Oliveira, Gabrielly Felix Lourenco, Pedro M. Sales Nunes
Summary: The RVSMAA in the Serra do Mascarenhas mountain range of northeastern Pernambuco, Brazil, is one of the largest forest remnants in the northern Atlantic Forest, with a high diversity of amphibians and reptiles. The survey recorded a total of 43 amphibian species and 40 reptile species, including several threatened species, indicating the importance of the area for conservation efforts.
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
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
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
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
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Kin O. Chan, Carl R. Hutter, Perry L. Wood, L. L. Grismer, Indraneil Das, Rafe M. Brown
Article
Biology
Kin Onn Chan, Carl R. Hutter, Perry L. Wood, L. Lee Grismer, Rafe M. Brown
PROCEEDINGS OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY B-BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
(2020)
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
Ecology
Mae Responte, Yi-Fan Chiu, Po Peng, Rafe M. Brown, Chia-Yen Dai, Yong-Chao Su
Summary: Oceanic islands serve as unique geographic systems promoting local adaptations and allopatric speciation. This study investigated the biogeographical structure of a kleptoparasitic spider species in the Philippines, revealing extensive distribution and limited genetic variation. Behavioral phenomena such as foraging behavior were identified as essential contributors to species diversification, contrasting with traditional geographic drivers of divergence.
ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2021)
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
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Camila G. Meneses, Cameron D. Siler, Phillip A. Alviola, Juan Carlos T. Gonzalez, Juancho B. Balatibat, Cheryl A. Natividad, Rafe M. Brown
Summary: Despite previous field studies, the herpetological species diversity of the Romblon Island Group in the central Philippines, especially Sibuyan Island, has been underestimated. Recent research reveals new island records and an increase in the diversity of amphibians and reptiles in Sibuyan Island. Updating the taxonomy and identification of endemic species is crucial for conservation assessments.
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)