Amphibians Research Articles

Axanthism in Pithecopus gonzagai Andrade et al., 2020 (Anura: Phyllomedusidae)

The coloration pattern in wild animals is an important characteristic for survival as well as forintra and interspecific communication, being aberrant colorations rarely observed in vertebrates.Axanthism is the lack of yellow pigmentation, and considered an infrequent anomaly, for whichcases have been described in amphibians. We describe herein a case in the frog Pithecopusgonzagai, a species characterized by predominantly arboreal habits and widely distributed innortheastern Brazil. This is the first report of an axanthic adult specimen of P. gonzagai, foundin the municipality of Juazeiro do Norte, Ceara, Brazil.

Contributions to the knowledge of parasitic nematodes of amphibians from the Dry Chaco ecoregion of Argentina

In the Argentinean Gran Chaco, numerous investigations have dealt with the diversity of vertebrates, including herps. As for the parasitofauna of these organisms, some groups, such as amphibians, have been more studied; however, from a biogeographic perspective, most of these studies were carried out in a different area, the Humid Chaco. The goal of this work is to present the nematofauna found in six species of amphibians, namely Rhinella diptycha , Chacophrys pierottii , Ceratophrys cranwelli , Scinax nasicus , Leptodactylus bufonius , and Odontophrynus lavillai , collected in different locations within the Dry Chaco, in the department of Matacos, Formosa, Argentina. In a total of 34 amphibians analyzed, we found 1,526 nematode parasites (total prevalence: 61.7%; total mean intensity: 72.6±90.3; total mean abundance: 46.2±79.7), belonging to 9 taxa: adults of Rhabdias sp., Oswaldocruzia sp., O. subauricularis , Schulzia travassossi , Aplectana hylambatis , Cosmocerca podicipinus , Oxyascaris caudacutus , Schrankiana formosula , and larvae of Physaloptera sp. These nematodes were collected from the lungs, small intestine, large intestine, gastric mucosa, and gallbladder of hosts. This work is the first record of helminths from C. pierottii and O. lavillai and the first record of nematodes from Ce. cranwelli throughout its geographical range. The species Oswaldocruzia subauricularis (Molineidae) and Schrankiana formosula (Atractidae) are recorded for the first time in Argentinean amphibians. Thus, we expand the knowledge of the biological diversity of helminth parasites of amphibians; this information, integrated into future and more comprehensive studies, will allow us to understand the factors that influence the patterns of host and geographic distribution, in an area with such extreme characteristics as the Dry Chaco.

Amphibian habitat network planning based on the graph theory: A case study of Pelophylax nigromaculata.

Both biodiversity conservation and the construction of biological habitat networks are key components of territorial spatial planning in China. Improving the landscape functional connectivity of biological habitat networks plays a vital role in biodiversity conservation. Although biological habitat network planning is a hot topic in literature, there is still lack of operable technological and methodological support in practical planning. According to the graph theory, the following three different aspects of biodiversity conservation and ecological network construction should be addressed in territorial spatial planning. First, the importance of biological habitat patches should be evaluated to determine the priority of patch protection. Second, the best locations for adding new elements should be identified to increase landscape functional connectivity of biological habitat network. Third, the impacts of construction projects should be judged and the potential impact of new construction projects according to the reduction of landscape function connectivity should be evaluated. We applied such framework to the network planning of amphibian (Pelophylax nigromaculata) habitat in Xiong'an New Area. The results showed that graph theory approach effectively met the requirements of those three aspects. The identification of the five optimal locations of new habitats of P. nigromaculata improved the overall landscape functional connectivity of habitat network by 19%. Four optimal locations of cross passage were identified to reduce the impacts of G45 expressway by assessing its impacts on functional connectivity of the amphibian habitat network.

Do captive golden mantella frogs recognise wild conspecifics calls? Responses to the playback of captive and wild calls

With so many species being threatened with extinction, captive breeding programmes are becoming an important aspect of ex-situ conservation. Captive populations are important for species conservation and for reintroduction back into the wild. Some of the most important wild behaviours to maintain in captive animals are those associated with sexual reproduction, such as courtship and mating. Amphibian reproductive behaviour is associated with call patterns, with studies demonstrating that male advertisement calls elicit positive behavioural responses from females. This study evaluated the response of captive golden mantella frogs Mantella aurantiaca to playback calls from different wild and captive populations (one generation in captivity and more than five generations in captivity). During the experiment, three different calls were used as treatments: one from wild populations, and two from captive populations. Generalised linear mixed models were used to evaluate the effects of the playback treatments on the behaviour of captive frogs: replicates and enclosures were used as random factors. The model showed that vocalisations from wild individuals led to an increase in movement and social behaviours while calls from captive frogs did not. This was especially true of frogs bred for more than five generations in captivity. This could have negative consequences on the reproduction of captive frogs if released to the wild.

Reptiles and Amphibians among the Wildlife Surviving in and between the Developed Landscapes of Hong Kong

Reptiles and Amphibians among the Wildlife Surviving in and between the Developed Landscapes of Hong Kong

First record of Eustrongylides sp. (Nematoda: Dioctophymatidae) larvae parasitizing snakes in Neotropical region

Eustrongylides uses piscivorous birds as definitive hosts, oligoquets as intermediate hosts and fish as second intermediate hosts, however amphibians and reptiles can act as secondary or paratenic hosts. The following work presents the first record of Eustrongylides larvae in snakes in the Neotropics. The coelomic cavity of 101 snakes belonging to Helicops infrataeniatus , Philodryas aestiva, Philodryas olfersii, Philodryas patagoniensis, Erythrolamprus poecilogyrus , Erythrolamprus jaegeri, Atractus reticulatus, Dipsas ventrimaculatus, Thamnodynastes strigatus, Phalotris lemniscatus and Bothrops alternatus from southern Brazil were examined. Six H. infrataeniatus were parasitized with larvae of Eustrongylides sp. The encounter of these larvae only in this specie can be related to the aquatic habit of the snake, which allows ecological interactions with the definitive and intermediate hosts of the Eustrongylides cycle. This occurrence is registered for the first time, contributing to the knowledge of the helminth diversity associated to the specie in Brazil.

Herpetofauna of the Environmental Protection Area Delta do Parnaíba, Northeastern Brazil

Recent studies on Brazilian coastal zones and restinga environments revealed a high richness ofamphibian and reptile species. However, there is still a lack of information about herpetofaunadiversity in coastal zones of Northeastern Brazil. This study provides a checklist of amphibiansand reptiles inhabiting the Environmental Protection Area (EPA) Delta do Parnaiba, NortheasternBrazil, suggesting conservation actions. To elaborate the checklist, we searched in sevenelectronic databases and check the following scientific collections: Zoological collection ofUniversidade Federal do Piaui (UFPI) and Herpetological collection of Universidade Regionaldo Cariri (URCA). In addition, we sampled 16 areas along the EPA Delta do Parnaiba close tothe river branches and temporary ponds that compose the Parnaiba River Delta (December 2015to April 2017) to fill gaps of information about herpetofauna in some regions from the EPA. Werecorded 86 species (34 amphibians and 52 reptiles), including four anurans, one crocodilian,14 snakes, 12 lizards and two amphisbaenians reported for the first time for the EPA Delta doParnaiba. In addition, we added the first record of the snake Oxybelis fulgidus in Piaui state. TheEPA Delta do Parnaiba shows high herpetofaunal richness; thus, we suggest that conservationactions should be taken to preserve the restingas environments in the Parnaiba River Delta andits high diversity of amphibians and reptiles.

Natural history of Xenodon matogrossensis (Scrocchi and Cruz, 1993) (Serpentes, Dipsadidae) in the Brazilian Pantanal

Xenodon mattogrossensis is a neotropical snake restricted to the central part of South America, in the Pantanal wetlands and a few neighbouring areas. The available information about this specie in the literature is restricted to geographical distribution, morphological variation and anecdotal information on habitat use. Here we present data on diet, sexual dimorphism and reproduction of X. matogrossensis . We gathered information on diet and reproduction from 72 specimens of X. matogrossensis deposited in scientific collections. This species feeds mainly on amphibians, but also consumes squamate eggs and other small vertebrates. Mature females are generally bigger than mature males considering body size and head width, but males have longer tail than females. The number of follicles and eggs is not related with body size in females of X. matogrossensis . Females showed larger follicle sizes from October to April, suggesting that reproduction is seasonal, even though individuals may be active through the year. The information provided here, associated with others available in the literature can contribute to the assessment of the conservation status of this species and even to design conservation actions in case they are needed in the future.

ГИГИЕНА СОДЕРЖАНИЯ АМФИБИЙ

ГИГИЕНА СОДЕРЖАНИЯ АМФИБИЙ

Prey items of some amphibians and reptiles in Phu Khieo–Nam Nao Forest Complex, northeastern Thailand

Abstract. Thongproh P, Chunskul J, Rongchapho P, Chuaynkern C, Chuaynkern Y, Srisonchai R, Saengsri C, Aonpime P, Phochayavanich R, Kanishthajata P, Phusaensri S, Prompalad S, Tongpun S, Arkajag J, Duengkae P. 2020. Prey items of some amphibians and reptiles in Phu Khieo–Nam Nao Forest Complex, Northeastern Thailand. Biodiversitas 21: 4124-4130. We reported prey items for two amphibians (Fejervarya limnocharis and Sylvirana nigrovittata) and three reptiles (Hebius sp., Bungarus candidus and Xenopeltis unicolor) from several areas of Phu Khieo–Nam Nao Forest Complex (northeastern Thailand) based on direct observation method. Fejervarya limnocharis (Anura: Dicroglossidae) consumed Amynthas sp. (Clitellata: Megascolecidae) in Nam Nao National Park (Phetchabun Province), while Sylvirana nigrovittata (Anura: Ranidae) consumed Megaustenia sp. (Gastropoda: Ariophantidae) in Phu Long Forest (Chaiyaphum Province). Consumption of snails in Sylvirana nigrovittata was documented as the first report on this prey item for the species. In Phu Luang Wildlife Sanctuary (Loei Province), Hebius sp. (Serpentes: Colubridae) consumed Fejervarya limnocharis while Bungarus candidus (Serpentes: Elapidae) consumed Argyrophis muelleri (Serpentes: Typhlopidae). Xenopeltis unicolor (Serpentes: Xenopeltidae) consumed Glyphoglossus molossus (Anura: Microhylidae) in Phu Wiang National Park (Khon Kaen Province).

Q-LEARNING NOVEL ROUTING ALGORITHM IN WIRELESS SENSOR NETWORKS

Wireless sensor Network (WSNs) have become a hot research point in view of their different amphibian applications. As the submerged sensor hubs are controlled by worked in batteries which are difficult to supplant, expanding the system lifetime is a most pressing need. Because of the low and variable transmission speed of sound, the structure of solid steering calculations for UWSNs is testing. Right now, propose a Q-learning based Novel Routing calculation to expand the lifetime of submerged sensor systems. In Q-learning based Novel Routing, an information assortment stage is intended to adjust to the dynamic condition. With the utilization of the Q-learning procedure, Novel Routing can decide a worldwide ideal next jump as opposed to an avaricious one. We define an activity utility capacity where leftover vitality and proliferation delay are both considered for satisfactory directing choices. In this way, the Novel Routing calculation can broaden the system lifetime by consistently conveying the leftover vitality and give lower start to finish delay. The reenactment results show that our convention can yield almost a similar system lifetime, and can diminish the start to finish delay by 20–25% compared with classic lifetime extending protocol.

"The Field Herping Guide: Finding Amphibians and Reptiles in the Wild" by Mike Pingleton and Joshua Holbrook, 2019. [book review

"The Field Herping Guide: Finding Amphibians and Reptiles in the Wild" by Mike Pingleton and Joshua Holbrook, 2019. [book review

Amphibians of Agro-Climatic Zones of Maharashtra with Updated Checklist for the State

So far, 52 species of Amphibia are known from Maharashtra. Considering the subsequent findings and eliminating the inaccuracies found in that checklist, the current checklist proposes 43 species of Amphibia for the State with the categorization of the amphibian species according to agro-climatic zones of the state to facilitate the future conservation strategies and inventorization.

Structure of the helminth community in Dermatonotus muelleri (Anura: Microhylidae) from the driest area of the American Chaco

The present study describes the helminth community collected from juveniles of Dermatonotus muelleri (Anura: Microhylidae) from the Chaco Seco Ecoregion. Helminths were found in 80.0% of specimens examined (n = 16). The helminth community of this microhylid presented very low species richness; a total of 1,339 specimens belonging four helminth species were found; three adult nematodes, Aplectana hylambatis, Cosmocerca podicipinus and Parapharyngodon sp., and an adult cestode, Ophiotaenia sp. Parasites were found in the large and small intestines. Maximum helminth richness was 2 species per infected frog. The nematode A. hylambatis presented the highest prevalence and was the most abundant (d = 0.97) indicating that it is the dominant species in the community (I = 63.0). Host snout-vent length did not influence the intensity of infection or the richness of helminth species at the community component level. Two species showed significant co-variation (A. hylambatis and Parapharyngodon sp.). The high prevalence of infection and number of parasites found for A. hylambatis could be related to the characteristics of their life cycles; the possession of the infective stage (L3) protected inside the egg membrane would have benefits against extreme drought in the area in which the study was conducted. The studies of helminths in the Chaco Seco Ecoregion, an area seriously threatened in terms of its biodiversity, are incipient. This is the second study that has been carried out to determine the structure of the parasite community in amphibians of this ecoregion.

칠보산 一帶의 兩棲 · 爬蟲類棲息相및 復元對策

칠보산 一帶의 兩棲 · 爬蟲類棲息相및 復元對策

OCORRÊNCIA DE Cephalotes atratus (HYMNOPTERA: FORMICIDAE) EM CARCAÇA DE Leptodactylus vastus NO NORDESTE DO BRASIL

Poucos estudos evidenciam a fauna de insetos colonizadora de cadáveres de animais silvestres, todavia, as formigas são consideradas um importante táxon na colonização cadavérica. Apresentamos o primeiro registro de indivíduos de Cephalotes atratus se alimentando de um cadáver recém morto de Leptodactylus vastus, anfíbio anuro endêmico da América do Sul.

Bioacoustics of Sri Lankan Amphibians: a Review of Current Knowledge and Conservation Significance

Acoustic inventory of Sri Lankan amphibians is still in a primitive stage. So far, only 20 amphibian species are known acoustically and are about 16% of the island amphibian fauna. Altogether, twelve publications provide primary acoustic characters, yet the majority of them are not quantitative. Bioacoustics is a powerful tool that can use in many disciplines, including taxonomy and conservation. This work emphasises that the current knowledge on the vocalisation of Sri Lankan amphibians is not adequate and highlighted its applications towards conservation and planning.

Local-scale Seasonality Shapes Anuran Community Abundance in a Cloud Forest of the Tropical Andes.

Analysing how seasonality shapes abundance patterns fosters understanding of the processes related to amphibian community assemblies. In this study we analyse the relationship between local seasonal patterns of abundance within the anuran community of the Monte Zerpa Cloud Forest, Mérida Mountain Range (Cordillera de Mérida), in the Venezuelan Andes. We hypothesized that variation in precipitation, temperature, and relative humidity affects the temporal abundance patterns of anurans. Data collection was performed through nocturnal biweekly inspections from 2002 to 2003. Air temperature, relative humidity, and monthly precipitation were considered as variables of climatic seasonality. Generalized linear models were used to evaluate the effect of climatic variables on anuran abundance across seasons. Overall, 542 individuals and four anuran species were recorded in stream tributaries only. The local anuran community was comprised of Hyalinobatrachium duranti, Hyloscirtus platydactylus, Hyloscirtus jahni, and Pristimantis vanadisae. The most abundant species were H. duranti (288 individuals) and H. platydactylus (145 individuals), representing 53% and 27% of the total anuran abundance, respectively. Differences in abundance between species were observed. Although the total abundance of anurans was higher during the low precipitation season, no significant differences between the two seasons were detected. The variation in anuran abundance was explained by relative humidity and temperature. Our results suggest that the highest abundance of anurans can be expected when temperatures reach favourable levels (15- 17°C), relative humidity increases, and precipitation remains constant.

Twice as many plants have gone extinct than birds, mammals, and amphibians combined

Twice as many plants have gone extinct than birds, mammals, and amphibians combined

Relationships between seasonal (spring, summer, autumnal) thermal variations and cell proliferation in heterothermic vertebrates, as revealed by PCNA expression in the brain of adult Triturus carnifex

Inspired both by the literature reports and our previous findings on the question if a seasonal cycle alone, consisting of temperature and photoperiod variations, might impact on or activate natural proliferative fluctuations or unmask a latent spontaneous proliferative power in adult brain of poikilothermal Anamnia (fresh water, earth-dwelling) and Amniota (terrestrial), consequently allowing for encephalic reparative and even regenerative potentialities, an investigation has been carried on in normal adult brain of Triturus carnifex caught in nature in spring, summer, autumn. Cells immunostained for PCNA, i.e. cycling cells, were found scattered (“matrix cells”) in the olfactory territories, where they appeared scarce in spring, more frequent in summer, noticeable in autumn; also, immunostained cells were found clustered in “matrix areas”, also named zonae germinativae dorsales and ventrales, in the telencephalic hemispheres: few clusters in spring, an intermediate condition in summer, frequent cell groups in autumn. These results reveal an increasing trend in proliferation from spring, through summer, to autumn. This scenario was appreciable in the forebrain, mainly in the olfactory and telencephalic districts, which is the typical site of stem cells. Signs of potential proliferative activity are well appreciable in the urodele Amphibians, which are the best provided among vertebrates with reparative and regenerative power and possess the richest endowment of dormant cells susceptible to be recruited to proliferation.