Groups Of Terrestrial Vertebrates Research Articles

Fluctuation and correlation analyses for spontaneous otoacoustic activity from three terrestrial vertebrate groups

Spontaneous otoacoustic emission (SOAE) is a telltale sign of an active ear that commonly manifest as a set of spectral peaks unique to a given individual. These sounds arise from a variety of species, despite dramatic morphological differences considered important for cochlear function. Furthermore, SOAE peaks exhibit amplitude (AM) and frequency modulations (FM), these fluctuations giving rise to their characteristic widths. There is, however, little consensus on how SOAE activity is generated. Here, we provide a systematic comparative study of SOAE peak fluctuations across three different groups: human, owl, and (anole) lizard. Specifically, we focus on analysis of correlative behavior in AM and FM fluctuations within a given peak (intra-peak, IrP) and across peaks (inter-peak, IPP) for SOAE waveforms measured from individual ears. In general, there were numerous similarities and differences across the three groups. To complement the empirical data, we also considered one model class (coupled limit cycle oscillators grouping into “frequency clusters”) to ascertain how well that model captures fluctuations and associated correlative relations. Initial results indicate the model shows some consistencies with data (e.g., IPP correlations strongest for nearest-neighboring peaks) but also inconsistencies (e.g., model commonly exhibits IPP-FM correlations and to a greater degree than AM).

Sound production by the short‐beaked echidna (Tachyglossus aculeatus)

AbstractAcoustic communication occurs in all major groups of terrestrial vertebrates, having evolved independently in early clades of mammals, birds, geckos, crocodilians and frogs, about 100–200 MYA. There is little doubt that acoustic communication was used by ancestral therian mammals, but it is ambiguous whether the reconstruction of the root of the mammalian acoustic evolutionary tree includes basal prototherian monotremes. We present here five first‐hand accounts of dove‐like cooing sounds and analyse the acoustics of three vocalization recordings for two observations of wild short‐beaked echidnas (Tachyglossus aculeatus) to quantitatively confirm acoustic communication by this species. The ‘cooing’ tones were quite distinctive from exhalations, wheezes and grunts, being ~0.044 s down‐sweeps from ~320 to 190 Hz, peaking at ~260 Hz, with at least one harmonic overtone. Tones occurred singly or as doublets, triplets (most common), quadruplets and quintuplets, with the leading tone typically the strongest and most broadband. We conclude that echidnas do produce vocalizations, but they are infrequent and acoustic communication is not their primary mode of communication. This unequivocal evidence for vocalization by short‐beaked echidnas resolves a long‐standing debate concerning the occurrence of acoustic communication by echidnas, which together with well‐documented vocalizations by platypus, support a very early evolution of acoustic communication amongst mammals, pre‐dating at least the common ancestor of monotremes and therian mammals.

Bewildering biogeography: Waves of dispersal and diversification across southern Wallacea by bent-toed geckos (genus: Cyrtodactylus)

Bent-toed Geckos, genus Cyrtodactylus, are one of the most diverse terrestrial vertebrate groups, and their range extends from South Asia into Australo-Papua and adjacent Pacific islands. Given the generally high faunal endemism on Wallacean islands, it is rather paradoxical that the diversity in these geckos appears to be so low (21 species in Wallacea, 15 in the Philippines) compared with continental shelf assemblages (>300 species on Sunda + Sahul Shelves + adjacent islands). To determine whether this shortfall was real or an artifact of historical undersampling, we analyzed mitochondrial DNA sequences of hundreds of southern Wallacean samples (Lesser Sundas + southern Maluku). After screening to guide sample selection for target capture data collection, we obtained a 1150-locus genomic dataset (1,476,505 bp) for 119 samples of southern Wallacean and closely related lineages. The results suggest that species diversity of Cyrtodactylus in southern Wallacea is vastly underestimated, with phylogenomic and clustering analyses suggesting as many as 25 candidate species, in contrast to the 8 currently described. Gene exchange between adjacent candidate species is absent or minimal across the archipelago with only one case of > 0.5 migrants per generation. Biogeographical analysis suggests that the hitherto unrecognized diversity is the result of at least three independent dispersals from Sulawesi or its offshore islands into southern Wallacea between 6 and 14 Ma, with one invasion producing small-bodied geckos and the other two or three producing larger-bodied geckos. The smaller-bodied laevigatus group appears to be able to coexist with members of either larger-bodied clade, but we have yet to find members of the two larger-bodied clades occurring in sympatry, suggesting that ecological partitioning or competitive exclusion may be shaping individual island assemblages.

Amphibian traits database: A global database on morphological traits of amphibians

AbstractMotivationAmphibians are a diverse vertebrate group with more than 8,000 species, which is an important part of major terrestrial and freshwater ecosystems. Unfortunately, amphibians are experiencing a worldwide population decline. Trait information is important for understanding the causes of endangerment. Additionally, such information is essential for ecological and evolutionary studies using trait‐based approaches. However, such data are scarcer for amphibians than for any other terrestrial vertebrate groups. To fill this gap, we collected morphological traits of global amphibians available from the literature and compiled a database to facilitate future studies.Main types of variables containedForty‐two morphological traits of Anura, 27 morphological traits of Caudata and 37 morphological traits of Gymnophiona.Spatial location and grainGlobal.Major taxaAmphibia.Level of measurementSpecies.Software format.csv.

Skinks of Oceania, New Guinea, and Eastern Wallacea: an underexplored biodiversity hotspot

Context Skinks comprise the dominant component of the terrestrial vertebrate fauna in Oceania, New Guinea, and Eastern Wallacea (ONGEW). However, knowledge of their diversity is incomplete, and their conservation needs are poorly understood. Aims To explore the diversity and threat status of the skinks of ONGEW and identify knowledge gaps and conservation needs. Methods We compiled a list of all skink species occurring in the region and their threat categories designated by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. We used available genetic sequences deposited in the National Center for Biotechnology Information’s GenBank to generate a phylogeny of the region’s skinks. We then assessed their diversity within geographical sub-divisions and compared to other reptile taxa in the region. Key results Approximately 300 species of skinks occur in ONGEW, making it the second largest global hotspot of skink diversity following Australia. Many phylogenetic relationships remain unresolved, and many species and genera are in need of taxonomic revision. One in five species are threatened with extinction, a higher proportion than almost all reptile families in the region. Conclusions ONGEW contain a large proportion of global skink diversity on <1% of the Earth’s landmass. Many are endemic and face risks such as habitat loss and invasive predators. Yet, little is known about them, and many species require taxonomic revision and threat level re-assessment. Implications The skinks of ONGEW are a diverse yet underexplored group of terrestrial vertebrates, with many species likely facing extreme risks in the near future. Further research is needed to understand the threats they face and how to protect them.

Wildlife roadkill patterns on a major highway in Kashmir Himalaya

In the face of increasing road networks in the Western Himalayas, road-kills of wildlife are increasing. In order to generate a baseline data, we carried a preliminary study from March to August, 2019 on 45 km stretch of the Srinagar–Leh National Highway NH-1 in northern India which connects the newly formed union territories of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh. The highway traversing through Sindh Valley and passing adjacent to Thajwas-Baltal Wildlife Sanctuary was surveyed to describe the patterns of roadkill . The survey of six months recorded roadkill of 64 individuals (0.14 roadkill km −1 ) comprising 19 species from different terrestrial vertebrate groups, of which two species, house cat ( Felis catus ) and domestic dog ( Canis lupus ), were domesticated species. Mammals constituted 37.5% (0.055 roadkill km -1 ), followed by birds 24% (0.034 roadkill km -1 ), reptiles 21% (0.032 roadkill km -1 ) and amphibians 17% (0.025 roadkill km -1 ). Excluding amphibians and reptiles, there were significantly more roadkill on road sections adjacent to the protected areas (59%) than in sections adjacent to non-protected areas. The study besides being a baseline for future studies revealed that the roads act as potential threat to wildlife and animals killed by vehicles are driven possibly by the spatial resource arrangement.

Wildlife roadkill patterns on a major highway in Kashmir Himalaya

In the face of increasing road networks in the Western Himalayas, road-kills of wildlife are increasing. In order to generate a baseline data, we carried a preliminary study from March to August, 2019 on 45 km stretch of the Srinagar–Leh National Highway NH-1 in northern India which connects the newly formed union territories of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh. The highway traversing through Sindh Valley and passing adjacent to Thajwas-Baltal Wildlife Sanctuary was surveyed to describe the patterns of roadkill . The survey of six months recorded roadkill of 64 individuals (0.14 roadkill km −1 ) comprising 19 species from different terrestrial vertebrate groups, of which two species, house cat ( Felis catus ) and domestic dog ( Canis lupus ), were domesticated species. Mammals constituted 37.5% (0.055 roadkill km -1 ), followed by birds 24% (0.034 roadkill km -1 ), reptiles 21% (0.032 roadkill km -1 ) and amphibians 17% (0.025 roadkill km -1 ). Excluding amphibians and reptiles, there were significantly more roadkill on road sections adjacent to the protected areas (59%) than in sections adjacent to non-protected areas. The study besides being a baseline for future studies revealed that the roads act as potential threat to wildlife and animals killed by vehicles are driven possibly by the spatial resource arrangement.

A new genus and two new species of chigger mites (Trombidiformes: Leeuwenhoekiidae) from Brazilian caves with notes about the genus Whartonia Ewing, 1944

ABSTRACT The family Leeuwenhoekiidae has a worldwide distribution. In Brazil, it is represented by five genera and 10 species parasitising all groups of terrestrial vertebrates. Examination of material housed in the Acari Collection of the Instituto Butantan revealed undescribed species belonging to this family. In the present study, we describe a new genus, Caramuruacarus gen. nov., with the type species Caramuruacarus carnavalesca sp. nov. from the Minas Gerais State and a new species for the genus Whartonia, Whartonia parauapebensis sp. nov., from Pará State, both from the soil of Brazilian caves. In addition, a discussion of the genus Whartonia and its subgenera is provided. http://www.zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:B4D09A27-D163-4772-B4FA-79949D5FEC9F http://www.zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:F3533B72-8643-467F-A348-63534EB67AAA http://www.zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:3BC85F16-1E6D-4FFB-9B71-465A2689D9EE

TERRESTRIAL VERTEBRATES IN THE AREA OF INFLUENCE OF THE SIERRA LA MOJONERA IN SAN LUIS POTOSÍ AND ZACATECAS, MEXICO

Knowledge of the diversity of terrestrial vertebrates in the Sierra La Mojonera Natural Protected Area and its surroundings is quite limited. Therefore, the objectives of this study were to update the list of terrestrial vertebrate species that inhabit the area of influence of the Sierra La Mojonera, to investigate the subspecies, and to highlight the conservation status of the species in terms of national and international regulations. We sampled 30 locations in 850 km2 of the area of influence of the Sierra La Mojonera between 2010 and 2013. We recorded amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals by observation, capture (by hand or with mist nets), or trace evidence (footprints, scats, or ecdysis). We recorded 51 species: 3 amphibians, 9 reptiles, 14 birds, and 25 mammals. We recorded 29 species (3 amphibians, 8 reptiles, 8 birds, and 10 mammals) for the first time in the area, including Anaxyrus debilis, Anaxyrus punctatus, Hypsiglena jani, Cophosaurus texanus, Caracara cheriway, Charadrius vociferus, Myotis yumanensis, and Notiosorex crawfordi. The subspecies of seven species have distribution boundaries in the study area. Other species are remarkable because of their protection category, such as Crotalus molossus, Cynomys mexicanus, and Leptonycteris nivalis. The area of influence of Sierra La Mojonera contains numerous important charismatic species in need of conservation. We strongly recommend that scientists specialized in each group of terrestrial vertebrates conduct a complete and detailed inventory of the species that inhabit the protected natural area and its surroundings. As part of these investigations, it is important to ensure scientific collection obtains reference specimens (vouchers) and that collectors deposit these specimens in recognized scientific collections in order to contribute to the knowledge of the biodiversity of the region and to increase the information on the vertebrates in this report.

СТРУКТУРА СІЛЬСЬКОГОСПОДАРСЬКИХ ЛАНДШАФТІВ ЯК ОСНОВА ФОРМУВАННЯ ЗООЦЕНОЗІВ СЕРЕДНЬОГО ПРИДНІСТЕР'Я

Agricultural landscapes are the most common class of anthropogenic landscapes. In the structure of agricultural landscapes, there are subclasses of field, garden and meadow-pasture landscapes, which collectively make up to 80% of the area of the study area. To establish the influence of agricultural landscapes on the territorial distribution of zoocenoses of terrestrial vertebrates within Middle Transnistria. In the research process, landscape science, ecological and biogeocenotic approaches and principles of complexity and systematicity, natural-anthropogenic coexistence, constructivism, etc. were applied. The study of zoocenoses of anthropogenic landscapes was based on a system of general scientific and specific scientific methods: observation, analysis and synthesis, induction and deduction, comparison and analogy, abstraction and generalization, and the bibliographic method were also used. Records of terrestrial vertebrates, and capture of amphibians, reptiles and small mammals were carried out by faunal methods, taking into account the specifics of individual groups of animals. The share of field landscapes corresponds to an average of 65%, of which the main part is located on watersheds and floodplain terraces. It was found that the zoocenotic composition of field landscapes is relatively impoverished, but the growth of zoodiversity is provided by “migrant animals” and animals that use fields to find food. Garden landscapes of Middle Transnistria occupy up to 5 %. The timeliness of certain groups of terrestrial vertebrates to garden landscapes was studied, a significant part of which belongs to dendrophilous species of birds and mammals. The reduction of anthropogenic load (compared to field landscapes) affected the growth of the species composition of all settled animal species, as well as nesting birds in garden landscapes. It was determined that meadow-pasture landscapes of Middle Transnistria occupy an average of about 9.5 % and are localized, as a rule, on the slopes of river valleys. In separate areas, they enter the plakors and river floodplains. A wider range of terrain types (increasing the number of ecological niches) influenced the growth of the overall species diversity of animals of this subclass of agricultural landscapes. We consider the need for systematic monitoring of zoocenoses in different classes of anthropogenic landscapes to be a generalization of our research. This will make it possible to trace their dynamics and form scientifically based recommendations regarding the protection and rational use of local areas of animal concentration.

A global ecological signal of extinction risk in terrestrial vertebrates.

To determine the distribution and causes of extinction threat across functional groups of terrestrial vertebrates, we assembled an ecological trait data set for 18,016 species of terrestrial vertebrates and utilized phylogenetic comparative methods to test which categories of habitat association, mode of locomotion, and feeding mode best predicted extinction risk. We also examined the individual categories of the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List extinction drivers (e.g., agriculture and logging) threatening each species and determined the greatest threats for each of the four terrestrial vertebrate groups. We then quantified the sum of extinction drivers threatening each species to provide a multistressor perspective on threat. Cave dwelling amphibians (p < 0.01), arboreal quadrupedal mammals (all of which are primates) (p < 0.01), aerial and scavenging birds (p < 0.01), and pedal (i.e., walking) squamates (p < 0.01) were all disproportionately threatened with extinction in comparison with the other assessed ecological traits. Across all threatened vertebrate species in the study, the most common risk factors were agriculture, threatening 4491 species, followed by logging, threatening 3187 species, and then invasive species and disease, threatening 2053 species. Species at higher risk of extinction were simultaneously at risk from a greater number of threat types. If left unabated, the disproportionate loss of species with certain functional traits and increasing anthropogenic pressures are likely to disrupt ecosystem functions globally. A shift in focus from species‐ to trait‐centric conservation practices will allow for protection of at‐risk functional diversity from regional to global scales.

Morphology of the Cutaneous Poison and Mucous Glands in Amphibians with Particular Emphasis on Caecilians (Siphonops annulatus).

Caecilians (order Gymnophiona) are apodan, snake-like amphibians, usually with fossorial habits, constituting one of the most unknown groups of terrestrial vertebrates. As in orders Anura (frogs, tree frogs and toads) and Caudata (salamanders and newts), the caecilian skin is rich in mucous glands, responsible for body lubrication, and poison glands, producing varied toxins used in defence against predators and microorganisms. Whereas in anurans and caudatans skin gland morphology has been well studied, caecilian poison glands remain poorly elucidated. Here we characterised the skin gland morphology of the caecilian Siphonops annulatus, emphasising the poison glands in comparison to those of anurans and salamanders. We showed that S. annulatus glands are similar to those of salamanders, consisting of several syncytial compartments full of granules composed of protein material but showing some differentiated apical compartments containing mucus. An unusual structure resembling a mucous gland is frequently observed in lateral/apical position, apparently connected to the main duct. We conclude that the morphology of skin poison glands in caecilians is more similar to salamander glands when compared to anuran glands that show a much-simplified structure.

The evolution of species abundances in terrestrial vertebrates

Interspecific differences in species abundances are one of the oldest and most universal patterns in ecology, yet little is known about how these differences are generated over evolutionary time. In this study, we test whether there is evidence for phylogenetic signal in population densities of four large groups of terrestrial vertebrates, namely birds, mammals, amphibians, and squamates. In addition, we test the hypothesis that the relative number of species in a clade might be a predictor of the abundance of its constituent species. However, given that the number of species in a clade is the outcome of both its age and diversification rate, and each of these factors was tested separately. Our results provide strong support for phylogenetic signal in species densities for all clades, regardless of differences in how species density was computed, or phylogenetic uncertainty. On the other hand, there was no evidence for a relationship between species abundance and the diversity of its encompassing clade. The implications of phylogenetic signal are discussed in the context of models of species abundance distributions, including Hubbell's neutral theory of biodiversity and biogeography.

Phylogenomics Based on Transcriptome Data Provides Evidence for the Internal Phylogenetic Relationships and Potential Terrestrial Evolutionary Genes of Lungfish

The evolutionary relationships of lungfish can provide crucial information on the transition from Sarcopterygii to tetrapods. Phylogenomics is necessary to explore accurate internal phylogenetic relationships among all lungfish species. In the context of the lack of genome-wide genetic information for Protopterus amphibious, we are the first to systematically report the transcriptome of P. amphibius and these sequences can be used to enrich the genome-wide genetic information of lungfish. Meanwhile, we also found significant differences in the expression levels of 3,189 genes between the lung and heart of P. amphibious. Based on phylogenomics, 1,094 shared orthologous genes were identified and then applied to reconstruct the internal phylogenetic structure of lungfish species. The reconstructed phylogenetic relationships provide evidence that lungfish is the sister group of terrestrial vertebrates and that Neoceratodus forsteri is the most primitive lungfish. Moreover, the divergence time between the most primitive lungfish and other lungfish species is between 186.11 and 195.36 MYA. Finally, 43 protein metabolism-related, stress response-related, and skeletogenesis-related genes were found to have undergone positive selection and fast evolution in N. forsteri. We suspected that these genes possibly helped ancient fish adapt to the new terrestrial environment and ultimately contributed to its spreading to land.

Projected climatic changes lead to biome changes in areas of previously constant biome

AbstractAimRecent studies in southern Africa identified past biome stability as an important predictor of biodiversity. We aimed to assess the extent to which past biome stability predicts present global biodiversity patterns, and the extent to which projected climatic changes may lead to eventual biome changes in areas with constant past biome.LocationGlobal.TaxonSpermatophyta; terrestrial vertebrates.MethodsBiome constancy was assessed and mapped using results from 89 dynamic global vegetation model simulations, driven by outputs of palaeoclimate experiments spanning the past 140 ka. We tested the hypothesis that terrestrial vertebrate diversity is predicted by biome constancy. We also simulated potential future vegetation, and hence potential future biome patterns, and quantified and mapped the extent of projected eventual future biome change in areas of past constant biome.ResultsApproximately 11% of global ice‐free land had a constant biome since 140 ka. Apart from areas of constant Desert, many areas with constant biome support high species diversity. All terrestrial vertebrate groups show a strong positive relationship between biome constancy and vertebrate diversity in areas of greater diversity, but no relationship in less diverse areas. Climatic change projected by 2100 commits 46%–66% of global ice‐free land, and 34%–52% of areas of past constant biome (excluding areas of constant Desert) to eventual biome change.Main conclusionsPast biome stability strongly predicts vertebrate diversity in areas of higher diversity. Future climatic changes will lead to biome changes in many areas of past constant biome, with profound implications for biodiversity conservation. Some projected biome changes will result in substantial reductions in biospheric carbon sequestration and other ecosystem services.

A non-invasive assessment of essential trace element utilization at different trophic levels in African wildlife

The complex relationships that exist between terrestrial mammals and their habitats make African ecosystems highly interactive environments. Anthropogenic activities including climate change have altered geochemical cycles, which influence nutrient availability and deficiency at local, regional and global scales. As synergistic and antagonistic interactions occur between essential elements at both deficiency and excess concentrations, the differences in feeding strategy between trophically distinct groups of terrestrial vertebrates are likely to influence the degree to which overall nutrient needs are met or may be deficient. The overall aim of this study was to investigate and compare quantitative differences of nine essential elements in terrestrial vertebrates occupying different trophic levels within two protected areas; Tswalu Kalahari Reserve (TKR) and Manyeleti Nature Reserve (MNR) South Africa, using faeces as an analytical matrix. Results from linear mixed effects models highlight that concentrations varied widely between individuals. Overall, measured concentrations above their respective means were evident for B and Mn in herbivores, Fe in omnivores and Cu, Co, Fe, Se and Zn in carnivores. Measured concentrations of Mo and Ni did not differ significantly between trophic groups. Although site-specific differences were evident for specific elements, measured mean concentrations of B, Co, Cu, Fe, Mo, Ni, Se and Zn were significantly higher overall at the MNR study site compared to the TKR site. This is the first study to non-invasively assess essential element concentrations across trophic levels in free ranging African wildlife species within protected areas of the savannah biome. Combined with the assessment of environmental matrices, this approach can be used as an effective diagnostic tool for the assessment of animal welfare and the management of protected areas globally.

Rickettsia spp. in bats of Romania: high prevalence of Rickettsia monacensis in two insectivorous bat species

BackgroundSpotted fever group rickettsiae represent one of the most diverse groups of vector-borne bacteria, with several human pathogenic species showing an emerging trend worldwide. Most species are vectored by ticks (Ixodidae), with many zoonotic reservoir species among most terrestrial vertebrate groups. While the reservoir competence of many different vertebrate species is well known (e.g. birds, rodents and dogs), studies on insectivorous bats have been rarely performed despite their high species diversity, ubiquitous urban presence and importance in harboring zoonotic disease agents. Romania has a high diversity and ubiquity of bats. Moreover, seven out of eight SFG rickettsiae species with zoonotic potential were previously reported in Romania. Based on this, the aim of this study was to detect Rickettsia species in tissue samples in bats.MethodsHere we report a large-scale study (322 bats belonging to 20 species) on the presence of Rickettsia spp. in Romanian bat species. Tissue samples from insectivorous bats were tested for the presence of Rickettsia DNA using PCR detection amplifying a 381 bp fragment of the gltA gene. Positive results were sequenced to confirm the results. The obtained results were statistically analyzed by chi-squared independence test.ResultsPositive results were obtained in 14.6% of bat samples. Sequence analysis confirmed the presence of R. monacensis in two bat species (Nyctalus noctula and Pipistrellus pipistrellus) in two locations.ConclusionThis study provides the first evidence of a possible involvement of these bat species in the epidemiology of Rickettsia spp., highlighting the importance of bats in natural cycles of these vector-borne pathogens.Graphical

Two new species of Crocidura (Mammalia: Soricidae) from Ethiopia and updates on the Ethiopian shrew fauna

We describe two new species of white-toothed shrews from south-western and central Ethiopia, based on recent collections and an application of morphological and genetic methods, Crocidura similiturba sp. nov. and Crocidura makeda sp. nov. Comparisons are provided with other Crocidura species known to occur in the country. Both new species are currently known only from the Ethiopian Highlands. Furthermore, we provide new geographical records and discuss biogeographical patterns in the country. New molecular data, even if based primarily on mitochondrial cytochrome b, suggests substantial divergence within afrotropical Suncus megalura, suggesting that the East African lineage might be considered separated at the species level – Suncus sorella (Thomas, 1897), stat. nov. Molecular data support a monophyly of the clade, grouping most Crocidura species endemic to Ethiopia (the East African subclade of the Old World clade), but also indicates additional colonisations of Ethiopian Plateau from East and Central Africa in the past. The remarkable number of endemics shows that Ethiopia is an important centre for the Crocidura radiation, as is the case for other groups of non-flying terrestrial vertebrates.

A continental assessment of diurnality in frog calling behaviour

AbstractAcoustic signalling is evolutionarily important, influencing sexual selection and serving as a premating isolation mechanism. There is a strong evolutionary basis for acoustic signalling to occur nocturnally across many terrestrial vertebrate groups including mammals, reptiles and amphibians. Within some of these groups, there is a general assumption that ‘most taxa are nocturnal’ in their acoustic signalling, and this is a particularly strongly held view for most frogs. Here we challenge this well‐accepted notion by quantifying diurnal calling behaviour in Australian frogs, leveraging a continental‐wide citizen science dataset. Of 196 species present in the citizen science dataset, 140 (71%) were recorded at least once during the day. Of the most commonly observed species (i.e. species with at least 150 calls recorded in the database), there were surprisingly high rates of diurnal calling: 14 species had &gt;25% of their calls recorded during the day. We also found that the relative rate of diurnal calling in frogs showed a strong phylogenetic signal, suggesting that the plasticity in calling behaviour as it relates to time of the day is strongly evolutionarily conserved. Our results highlight a suite of ecological and evolutionary questions that are worthy of further investigation.

Relationships between the distribution of wildlife and livestock diversity

AbstractAimWild biodiversity and agrobiodiversity are affected by challenges such as agricultural intensification. However, it is unknown whether or not both components of biodiversity respond similarly to environmental factors and to these challenges. Here, we examine the spatial relationships between the distributions of wild biodiversity and agrobiodiversity, to quantify how and where they covary across the geography.LocationMainland Spain, a European region that harbours high values of both wild and agro‐ biodiversity.MethodsWe used geographically weighted regression models to analyse the spatial variation in the relationships between the distribution of wild vertebrates and environmental and agrobiodiversity variables. We modelled the spatial gradients in species richness of native terrestrial vertebrates—that is, specific groups of amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals—as a function of local livestock breed richness—that is, bovine, ovine, caprine, asinine, equine and porcine—climate variables and human footprint.ResultsWe found significant covariation between the distribution of native vertebrate species richness and climate, human footprint and livestock diversity. Overall, the association between species richness of the four wild terrestrial vertebrate groups and local livestock breed richness is positive across most of the studied area. However, local breed richness of cattle and sheep breed displays contrasting patterns, where cattle breeds associate positively to most wildlife vertebrates and sheep breeds show negative associations.Main conclusionWildlife diversity distributions are significantly associated with livestock agrobiodiversity. These spatial relationships are mediated by large‐scale environmental gradients. Since both, wildlife and livestock agrobiodiversity, tend to co‐occur spatially, future strategies for conservation in agricultural landscapes could benefit from integrated approaches.