Reptiles Research Articles

Analysis of the morpho-genetic features of the phylogenesis of the сlass Reptilia

Aim. The aim of the study was to establish the species composition of the extinct herpetofauna of reptiles in the European continent, identify plesiomorphic, apomorphic characteristics, autapomorphies, and idioadaptations, as well as to analyze the patterns of morphogenesis of the class Reptilia. Methods. Used methods of literature analysis, mapping of places of discovery of dinosaurian paleontological remains in Europe, comparative, mathematical-statistical, and correlation analysis methods of metric measurements of the detected species. Results. It was established that in the extinct fauna of the class Reptilia of the European continent, with taxonomic richness (equal to 27); the species composition consisted of seven species. A correlation dependence between ontogenetic growth parameters of animals was revealed. In particular, in the pair of absolute (length - mass) and relative (growth per year) growth parameters, a strong functional relationship is traced, while the correlation between growth (L) and age parameters is medium, and between body mass (M) and animal age is weak. Conclusions. According to the hypothesis of additive typogenesis, it has been confirmed that new morphological structures (apomorphies) do not arise as a result of simultaneous changes in all organ systems but are the result of individual gradual mutations that arise within narrow limits, possibly in separate populations of reptiles.

Congenital Anomalies in American Crocodile (Crocodylus acutus, Cuvier, 1807) Embryos from a Farm Breeder in Colombia.

The American crocodile (Crocodylus acutus, Cuvier, 1807) (Class Reptilia, Family Crocodylidae) is a crocodile species inhabiting the Neotropics. Congenital defects have been described in almost every vertebrate group. In crocodiles, teratology alterations have been described in captive animals (pets, zoos, farms) such as Crocodylus niloticus or Gavialis gangeticus. The present study aimed to characterize congenital malformations of C. acutus from a farm in Lomas de Matunilla, Ballestas, Bolívar, Colombia. A total of 550 unhatched eggs were examined after embryo death. A total of 61 embryos presented malformations, with 42 different types of anomalies observed. Limb and tail malformations (29%) were the most common malformations observed. Several malformations, such as cephalothoracopagus, thoracopagus, sternopagus, xiphopagus twins, campylorrachis scoliosa, and acrania, were documented in crocodiles for the first time. Research in teratology enhances our understanding of crocodile biology. It plays a role in their conservation and management, thus helping to ensure the long-term viability of these species in their natural habitats.

Identification of apolipoprotein E-derived amyloid within cholesterol granulomas of leopard geckos (Eublepharis macularius)

Apolipoprotein E (ApoE) is involved in cholesterol transport among cells and also plays an important role in amyloid formation, co-depositing with amyloid fibrils in various types of amyloidosis. Although the in vivo amyloidogenicity of ApoE has not been previously demonstrated, this study provides evidence of ApoE amyloidogenicity in leopard geckos (Eublepharis macularius), belonging to the class Reptilia. Histologically, amyloid deposits were localized within cholesterol granulomas and exhibited positive Congo red staining, with yellow to green birefringence under polarized light. On mass spectrometry-based proteomic analysis, ApoE was detected as a dominant component of amyloid; of the full length of the 274 amino acid residues, peptides derived from Leu185-Arg230 were frequently detected with non-tryptic truncations. Immunohistochemistry with anti-leopard gecko ApoE antibody showed positive reactions of amyloid deposits. These results show that ApoE is an amyloid precursor protein within the cholesterol granulomas of leopard geckos. Although further investigations are needed, the C-terminal region of ApoE involved in amyloid formation is a lipid-binding region, and there should be a relationship between amyloidogenesis and the development of cholesterol granulomas in leopard geckos. This study provides novel insights into the pathogenesis of ApoE-related diseases.

First report of melanophoroma in Salvator merianae

Cutaneous neoplasms have been described in the class Reptilia, and many of them are related to the inadequate management of these animals in captivity. In Brazil, there are few reports of cutaneous neoplasms in Iguana iguana, but no reported cases in Salvator merianae. Therefore, the objective of this work was to report a case of a melanophoroma diagnosed in a Salvator merianae. A tegu with a skin nodule located in the dorsal region, close to the right scapula, measuring 1 cm, in diameter, blackish, elevated, firm in consistency, well defined, non-ulcerated and non-adherent, was surgically removed and sent to histopathology analysis, witch revel melanophoroma. The animal in this report had a follow up for eight months after the procedure, and was discharged without signs of other skin nodules. The present report seeks to add to the literature on reptile medicine by describing a histopathological diagnosis of melanophoroma in Salvator merianae, in addition to the clinical-surgical treatment and its respective clinical follow-up.

Molecular characterization of a reptarenavirus detected in a Colombian Red-Tailed Boa (Boa constrictor imperator)

The global decline in biodiversity is a matter of great concern for members of the class Reptilia. Reptarenaviruses infect snakes, and have been linked to various clinical conditions, such as Boid Inclusion Body Disease (BIBD) in snakes belonging to the families Boidae and Pythonidae. However, there is a scarcity of information regarding reptarenaviruses found in snakes in both the United States and globally. This study aimed to contribute to the understanding of reptarenavirus diversity by molecularly characterizing a reptarenavirus detected in a Colombian Red-Tailed Boa (Boa constrictor imperator). Using a metagenomics approach, we successfully identified, and de novo assembled the whole genomic sequences of a reptarenavirus in a Colombian Red-Tailed Boa manifesting clinically relevant symptoms consistent with BIBD. The analysis showed that the Colombian Red-Tailed Boa in this study carried the University of Giessen virus (UGV-1) S or S6 (UGV/S6) segment and L genotype 7. The prevalence of the UGV/S6 genotype, in line with prior research findings, implies that this genotype may possess specific advantageous characteristics or adaptations that give it a competitive edge over other genotypes in the host population. This research underscores the importance of monitoring and characterizing viral pathogens in captive and wild snake populations. Knowledge of such viruses is crucial for the development of effective diagnostic methods, potential intervention strategies, and the conservation of vulnerable reptilian species. Additionally, our study provides valuable insights for future studies focusing on the evolutionary history, molecular epidemiology, and biological properties of reptarenaviruses in boas and other snake species.

A Comparative Study on the Microstructures, Mineral Content, and Mechanical Properties of Non-Avian Reptilian Eggshells.

We analyze 214 freshly laid eggs belonging to 16 species across three orders of Class Reptilia. Using mechanical compression tests, we measure each egg's absolute stiffness (K, unit: N m-1) and relative stiffness (C number). The effective Young's modulus, E, was obtained by combining experimental and numerical methods. The mineral (CaCO3) content was measured by acid-base titration, the microstructures by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and the crystallography by electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD). We find that the C number of reptilian eggs is, on average, higher than that of bird eggs, indicating that reptilian eggs are stiffer with respect to the egg mass than birds. However, Young's moduli of the reptilian eggshells (32.85 ± 3.48 GPa) are similar to those of avian eggshells (32.07 ± 5.95 GPa), even though those eggshells have different crystal forms, microstructures, and crystallography. Titration measurement shows that the reptilian eggshells are highly mineralized (>89% for nine Testudines species and 96% for Caiman crocodilus). Comparing the species with aragonite and calcite crystals, we find that calcite shells, including those of the Kwangsi gecko (inner part) and spectacled caiman (outer part), generally have larger grains than the aragonite ones. However, the grain size is not correlated to the effective Young's modulus. Also, as measured by the C number, the aragonite shells are, on average, stiffer than the calcite ones (except for the Kwangsi gecko), primarily due to their thicker shells.

The use of myths and taboos in wildlife conservation: The case of Bayelsa-East Senatorial District of Nigeria

The use of myths and taboos in species conservation represent a sustainable in situ means to wildlife protection. This study examined the role of taboos (traditional laws) in wildlife conservation within Bayelsa-East Senatorial District. Data were collected using a combination of semi-structured open-ended questionnaire guide and field observations, as well as species-evidence left behind. Informants for the study were selected from fifteen communities across the Local Government Areas (LGAs) that constitute the district. Local abundance status of the species implicated in the myths and taboos was determined within the various ecological settings, and likert scale was used to evaluate the informants’ perceptions on the taboos in relation to their effectiveness at protecting the identified species. The punishments for non-compliance with the taboos, as well as hypothetical inferences for the species conservation were documented. Ten (10) animal species in nine families were implicated in Bayelsa-East myths and taboos. The taboo animals were in 5 classes within Kingdom Animalia; members of the Class Reptilia (Crocodylus niloticus, Python regius, Python sebae and Varanus niloticus) were the most implicated; followed by Aves (Haliaetus vocifer, Macropygia doreya, Strix nebulosa). Abundance scale revealed that periwinkle (Gastropoda) was very abundant in Nembe and Brass. The informants’ perception on the effectiveness of the taboos (e.g. forbidding of hunting or killing Ekekoru, Python regius) in relation to the species protection revealed that the taboos were strongly effective in protecting the species in Nembe. The taboos in the study area were species specific, hence animals forbidden in Nembe and Brass LGA were not exclusively forbidden in Ogbia communities, and vice versa. The informants confirmed their beliefs and awe in the taboos and forbade abusive use, thus substantiating the taboos’ potential as sustainable tool for wildlife conservation.

Genetic characterisation of Tanqua (von Linstow, 1879) (Nematoda: Gnathostomatidae) larval forms including new host and locality records.

In an unrelated study of spotted snakehead fish Channa punctata (Bloch) of family Channidae (N = 103) from Bangladesh, ten fish had taupe and clear coloured cysts attached to the intestinal mesentery. Investigation of the cysts revealed larval nematodes. The larvae were damaged and not suitable for detailed morphological study, however, key features such as tooth like projections of the pseudolabia and lateral pseudolabium were observed in specimens with undamaged cephalic regions. Molecular characterisation was undertaken and although the parasite genetic material was poor, five of the twelve nematode larvae through sequencing of the 18S ribosomal RNA gene, showed 98.17% match with sequences assigned for Tanqua tiara (accession number JF934728) deposited in GenBank. The prevalence of infection was 9.7% and the mean intensity 2.70. Tanqua has not previously been identified in fish, or from the definitive host, the Asian water monitor Varanus salvator (Laurenti, 1768) of family Varanidae (class Reptilia), in Bangladesh. Therefore, this study represents a new host and locality record for this nematode species. In many previous reports from this region, nematode larvae have been identified morphologically and assigned to a diverse range of nematode genera. Some confusion therefore exists regarding their accuracy and further investigations are required using molecular methodology to clarify the species of larval nematodes which infect edible fish in Bangladesh.

Ophidian Diversity in Tumkur District, Karnataka, India

Snakes are the most diverse successful group of animals belonging to the Class Reptilia, which are completely dependent upon the natural environment for their sustenance. They are highly significant as they are an important part of food chain and food webs of almost all the ecosystems, due to which their presence and absence depicts the status of their ecosystem. These crawlers are predators on rodents and insects which are harmful in agricultural fields, due to which they are considered to be the farmer’s friend. Also, snakes play a vital role in controlling the population of harmful rodents which functions as vectors of deadly diseases. Such beneficial species are at the verge of threat which may even lead towards their local extinction. The major threats to these limbless reptiles are as far identified as, the habitat loss, accidents such as road kills and also being slayed when sighted in residential areas. This is mainly due to the lack of adequate knowledge about their status and their significance. Hence the conservation of the herpetofauna at the region is very much needed. Therefore, this study is carried out by obtaining the data from interaction with the local farmers ’and volunteers from snake rescue teams. The study resulted in 29 snake species belonging to 9 different families. Out of which 21 non-venomous, 03 semi-venomous and 05 venomous species were recorded. This study provides the primary information about the Ophidian diversity to educate and bring in awareness among the people and further leading to put up strategies for their natural conservation. Whether these species is medically significant to humans needs further study.

Additional locality records of the Nagarjunasagar Racer, Platyceps bholanathi (Reptilia: Squamata: Colubridae), from Karnataka, India

Additional locality records of the Nagarjunasagar Racer, Platyceps bholanathi (Reptilia: Squamata: Colubridae), from Karnataka, India

Distribusi Herpetofauna di Kawasan Hutan Lindung Gambut Sungai Buluh Tanjung Jabung Timur

Hutan Lindung Gambut (HLG) Sungai Buluh is one of the village forests in East Tanjung Jabung. Peat soil has high water content and is herpetofauna habitat. Herpetofauna acts as a prey and predator in the peat ecosystem. Some of them occupy the position of top predators on food networks in the peat ecosystem. The existence of this group of animals also acts as an environmental bioindicator which can be indicated by its species richness and individual count. This research was conducted on two habitat conditions (terrestrial and aquatic) with the aim of this study were the distribution and habitat characteristics of herpetofauna in the HLG Sungai Buluh. This study used the Visual Encounter Survey (VES) method which was combined by transect lines in each habitat. Sampling was done nocturnal and diurnal. The specimens obtained then preserved in 70% alcohol. The results showed total of 105 individual herpetofauna consisting of 4 Anura families (Bufonidae 1 species, Dicroglossidae 3 species, Rhacophoridae 3 species, and Ranidae 4 species) and 4 Reptile families (Agamidae 3 species, Scincidae 2 species, Gekkonidae 1 species, and Natricidae 1 species). Eleven species were found in the terrestrial habitat transect while eleven species were found in aquatic habitat transects. Furthermore, four species were found in both habitat transects. From these results it can be concluded that the HLG Sungai Buluh has a suitable habitat for herpetofauna. However, further research needs to be carried out covering the entire are of HLG Sungai Buluh

FRACTAL REP TILES OF ℝ2 AND ℝ3 USING INTEGER MATRICES

This paper is devoted to the study of self-similar fractal rep tiles of the Euclidean planes [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] using integer matrices. We construct many examples appearing in the literature, as well as new examples by integer matrices. Several exotic and radially symmetric self-similar rep tiles and their variations are obtained with change of bases extending the work by Bandt and others. We also present a few examples of polyhedral self-similar rep tiles including variations.

The resilient frugivorous fauna of an urban forest fragment and its potential role in vegetation enrichment.

Anthropocentric defaunation affects critical ecological processes, such as seed dispersal, putting ecosystems and biomes at risk, and leading to habitat impoverishment. Diverse restoration techniques could reverse the process of habitat impoverishment. However, in most of the restoration efforts, only vegetation cover is targeted. Fauna and flora are treated as isolated components, neglecting a key component of ecosystems’ functioning, the ecological interactions. We tested whether the resilient frugivorous generalist fauna can improve habitat quality by dispersing native plant species through the use of fruit feeders as in a semideciduous seasonal urban forest fragment. A total of 32 sampling points was selected at a heavily degraded 251-ha urban forest fragment, with feeders installed at two heights monitored by camera-traps. Variable quantities of native fruits of 27 zoochorous species were offered alternately in the feeders. Based on more than 36,000 h of video records, Turdus leucomelas (Class Aves), Sapajus nigritus (Class Mammalia), and Salvator merianae (Class Reptilia) were recorded ingesting the highest fruit species richness. Didelphis albiventris (Class Mammalia) was the most frequent visitor but consumed only pulp in most of the visits. The frugivorous birds were recorded at a high visitation rate and consumed a wider variety of fruits. Our study opens a new avenue to combine the traditional approach of ecosystems recovery and ecological interactions restauration in an urban forest fragment.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s11252-020-01080-5.

Reptiles, sleep, and the claustrum

Reptiles, sleep, and the claustrum

The mystery of an ancient reptile with a ridiculously long neck

The mystery of an ancient reptile with a ridiculously long neck

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.

Correlation between the granulosa cell layer and active caspase-3 expression in ovarian follicles of Tropidurus hispidus and T. semitaeniatus (Squamata, Tropiduridae): immunohistochemical approach

The greatest threats to terrestrial reptiles are urban development and habitat modification. In this sense, a better understanding of folliculogenesis in these animals would be important to knowledge of reproductive biology. The aim of this study was to analyze the correlation between the thickness of the granulosa cell layer and the expression of the active caspase-3 protein in the previtellogenic and vitellogenic follicles of T. hispidus and T. semitaeniatus . Ovaries were used for histological (morphology and morphometry: thickness of granulosa layer) and immunohistochemical (active caspase-3 expression) analyses. The previtellogenic follicles of T. hispidus and T. semitaeniatus showed a thicker granulosa layer, with pyriform and small cells. The vitellogenic follicles had a monolayer of cuboid cells, and a thicker thecal layer. The thickness of the granulosa layer was significantly higher in the previtellogenic compared to the vitellogenic phase for both species. However, no differences were observed between the species. Active caspase-3 was observed in the pyriform and intermediate cells in previtellogenesis of T. hispidus and T. semitaeniatus . Nevertheless, no immunostaining was observed in the vitellogenic phase in both species. In conclusion, this study shows that the thickness of the granulosa cell layer is higher in the previtellogenic follicles compared to the vitellogenic follicles in the two Tropidurus species. Pyriform and intermediate cells from previtellogenic follicles show high expression of the protein, indicating that remodeling of the epithelium is associated with apoptosis. Finally, our results provide a scientific basis for assisted reproductive techniques and conservation actions to the reptiles in the future.

A Review of the Taxonomy and Palaeoecology of the Anurognathidae (Reptilia, Pterosauria)

AbstractThe anurognathids are an enigmatic and distinctive clade of small, non‐pterodactyloid pterosaurs with an unusual combination of anatomical traits in the head, neck, wings and tail. They are known from very limited remains and few have been described in detail, and as a result, much of their biology remains uncertain. This is despite their importance as potentially one of the earliest branches of pterosaur evolution or even lying close to the origins of pterodactyloids. This review covers the taxonomy and palaeoecology of the anurognathids, which remain an interesting branch of pterosaurian evolution.