Ablepharus Research Articles

A reinvestigation of phylogeny and divergence times of the Ablepharus kitaibelii species complex (Sauria, Scincidae) based on mtDNA and nuDNA genes

Morphological and DNA data support that the East Mediterranean snake-eyed skink Ablepharus kitaibelii represents a species complex that includes four species A. kitaibelii, A. budaki, A. chernovi, and A. rueppellii, highlighting the need of its taxonomic reevaluation. Here, we used Bayesian and Maximum Likelihood methods to estimate the phylogenetic relationships of all members of the complex based on two mitochondrial (cyt b, 16S rRNA) and two nuclear markers (MC1R, and NKTR) and using Chalcides, Eumeces, and Eutropis as outgroups. The biogeographic history of the complex was also investigated through the application of several phylogeographic (BEAST) and biogeographic (BBM) analyses. Paleogeographic and paleoclimatic data were used to support the inferred phylogeographic patterns. The A. kitaibelli species complex exhibits high genetic diversity, revealing cases of hidden diversity and cases of non-monophyletic species such as A. kitaibelii and A. budaki. Our results indicate that A. pannonicus branches off first and a group that comprises specimens of A. kitaibelli and A. budaki from Kastelorizo Island group (southeast Greece) and southwest Turkey, respectively is differentiated from the rest A. kitaibelli and A. budaki populations and may represent a new species. The estimated divergence times place the origin of the complex in the Middle Miocene (∼16Mya) and the divergence of most currently recognized species in the Late Miocene. The inferred ancestral distribution suggests that the complex originated in Anatolia, supposing that several vicariance and dispersal events that are related with the formation of the Mid-Aegean Trench, the Anatolian Diagonal and the orogenesis of the mountain chains in southern and eastern Anatolia have led to current distribution pattern of A. kitaibelii species complex in the Balkans and Middle East.

Molecular phylogeny of Panaspis and Afroablepharus skinks (Squamata: Scincidae) in the savannas of sub-Saharan Africa

African snake-eyed skinks are relatively small lizards of the genera Panaspis and Afroablepharus. Species allocation of these genera frequently changed during the 20th century based on morphology, ecology, and biogeography. Members of these genera occur primarily in savanna habitats throughout sub-Saharan Africa and include species whose highly conserved morphology poses challenges for taxonomic studies. We sequenced two mitochondrial (16S and cyt b) and two nuclear genes (PDC and RAG1) from 76 Panaspis and Afroablepharus samples from across eastern, central, and southern Africa. Concatenated gene-tree and divergence-dating analyses were conducted to infer phylogenies and biogeographic patterns. Molecular data sets revealed several cryptic lineages, with most radiations occurring during the mid-Miocene to Pliocene. We infer that rifting processes (including the formation of the East African Rift System) and climatic oscillations contributed to the expansion and contraction of savannas, and caused cladogenesis in snake-eyed skinks. Species in Panaspis and Afroablepharus used in this study, including type species for both genera, formed a monophyletic group. As a result, the latter genus should be synonymized with the former, which has priority. Conservatively, we continue to include the West African species P. breviceps and P. togoensis within an expanded Panaspis, but note that they occur in relatively divergent clades, and their taxonomic status may change with improved taxon sampling. Divergence estimates and cryptic speciation patterns of snake-eyed skinks were consistent with previous studies of other savanna vertebrate lineages from the same areas examined in this study.

Microhabitat use of different age groups of snake-eyed skink and Eastern green lizard

Although Ablepharus kitaibelii and its subspecies are wide-spread, being distributed from the Carpathian Basin through the Balkans to Iraq, their habitat and environmental niche is poorly known. Ablepharus kitaibelii fitzingeri is almost entirely limited to the Carpathian Basin, and is amongst the most strictly protected and least known reptiles of Central and Eastern Europe. The main aim of our study was to determine habitat use preferences of different age groups of A. kitaibelii fitzingeri and Lacerta viridis. The occurrence of green lizard was determined by the abundance of refugia rather than by the naturalness of grasslands. The snake-eyed skink prefers semi-natural grasslands with abundant tussock-forming grass or sedge species, avoiding densely shrubby places. For the first time, we show that woodland mosaics lacking shrubs and temporary grasslands next to forest edges are important for the species. Microhabitat use by snake-eyed skink varies with age group; adults preferring shady edge zones rich in leaf litter and shadier grassland spots provided by woodland mosaics, whereas juveniles were found in natural, more open grasslands far from forest edges and in woodland mosaics with dense shrubby understory. Our results contribute to a better understanding of the ecological needs of A. kitaibelii fitzingeri. Our methodology could be adapted to other species and subspecies of Ablepharus. Based on our results, it is important to reconsider habitat management activities, which should not be limited to shrub control: the main goal should be the development of a diverse habitat structure.

Arboreal Cover Boards: Using Artificial Bark to Sample Cryptic Arboreal Lizards

Abstract: Arboreal reptiles are often difficult to capture because of their cryptic nature and propensity to flee out of reach when approached. In addition, arboreal lizards often seek refuge under loose or peeling tree bark; therefore researchers often remove it to catch them, thereby potentially damaging habitat. Using arboreal cover boards, or “artificial bark,” might reduce damage to natural shelter sites, allowing repeated surveys. We compared capture success and population structure of samples obtained by two capture methods—active searches (visual encounter surveys [VES]) and arboreal cover boards used as artificial bark—on two species of arboreal lizards, Inland Snake-eyed Skinks (Cryptoblepharus australis) and Dubious Dtellas (Gehyra dubia). Two types of arboreal cover boards (cardboard and closed-cell foam) were strapped around the main trunks of trees with elastic straps. Systematic VES during the day (for Cryptoblepharus) and at night (for Gehyra) were conducted in conjunction with monitoring...

Verification of the Minor Snake-eyed Skink, Ablepharus grayanus (Stoliczka, 1872) (Sauria: Scincidae), from Iran

The rediscovery of the Minor Snake-eyed Skink, Ablepharus grayanus, from two different localities in Sistan and Baluchestan and Kerman Provinces, southeastern Iran is reported. A total of 24 specimens was examined based on morphometrics, colour pattern and pholidotic characters. One-way analyses of variance (ANOVA) based on morphometric measurements revealed significant differences in terms of the snoutvent length (SVL) and fore- and hind limb distances (GA) between eastern and western populations of Ablepharus pannonicus. The most distinguishing characters of Ablepharus grayanus are morphological features, especially ear opening status and scales around the midbody (18-20 versus 20-22). Based on morphological grounds, Ablepharus grayanus is clearly distinguished from A. pannonicus occurring in the eastern and western regions of the Iranian Plateau.

FILLING IN THE GAPS IN DISTRIBUTION DATA OF THE SNAKE-EYED SKINK ABLEPHARUS KITAIBELII BIBRON AND BORY, 1833 (SQUAMATA: SCINCIDAE) IN SERBIA

The distribution of Ablepharus kitaibelii (Snake-eyed skink) in Serbia was reviewed, based on the collection of 183 records comprised of the authors’ unpublished data, observations of colleague researchers and of literature data. Roughly 68% of these records have not been published previously. Apparent distribution gaps in western and southern parts of the country were largely filled in by new findings. The absence of the Snake-eyed skink in the northern parts of our country is most likely caused by large-scale alteration and destruction of suitable habitats. Presented data provide the basis for further research and conservation assessments of this species.

Functional morphology of a highly specialised pivot joint in the cranio-cervical complex of the minute lizard Ablepharus kitaibelii in relation to feeding ecology and behaviour

The snake-eyed skink Ablepharus kitaibelii is one of the smallest European lizards, but despite its minute size it is able to feed on comparatively large prey. Here we investigate the diet of A. kitaibelii and the mechanisms that allow the skink to overpower relatively large and even noxious prey. High-speed cinematography showed that A. kitaibelii uses a series of shaking and battering movements to immobilise and kill prey prior to swallowing. During this process, the skinks rises up on the hind limbs and then whacks the prey sidewise on the substrate by twisting the trunk, neck and head laterally. Our analysis showed that the shaking kinematics is very uniform among the investigated specimens. The morphological investigation of the cranio-cervical system revealed that A. kitaibelii possesses a well-developed synovial joint between the odontoid process of the axis, the atlas, and the basioccipital. The odontoid process is cylindrical and slim and together with the atlas and the basioccipital it forms a highly specialised pivot joint for lateral head rotation. We propose that the occipito-atlanto-axial complex of A. kitaibelii represents a functional adaptation for additional stabilisation of the cranio-cervical complex during prey shaking. Digital data from morphological databases showed that specialised joints of this type are very rare, but do also occur in other squamate groups. Thus we hypothesise that specialised cranio-cervical joints have evolved parallel as functional adaptations to different feeding and locomotion patterns. Future studies that link feeding kinematics and locomotion to cranio-cervical morphology might elucidate the function of various specialised occipito-atlanto-axial systems of squamates.

Distribution of Ablepharus kitaibelii fitzingeri Mertens, 1952 (Squamata: Scincidae) in Hungary

Ablepharus kitaibelii fitzingeri is the northernmost subspecies of the snake-eyed skink (the only representative of the genus in Europe), and an endemic species of the Carpathian Basin. Despite of its unique status in the Hungarian herpetofauna and its strict protection, no recent summary has been provided on its distribution in the country. In the last attempt, Dely (1978) presented 40 localities of the subspecies. Here we give an updated distribution of the subspecies (100 localities), based on records from the literature, collection of the Hungarian Natural History Museum (HNHM), field surveys made by the authors and observations of field researchers. The current conservation status of A. k. fitzingeri in Hungary is discussed and an updated distribution map is provided.

Distribution of Ablepharus kitaibelii fitzingeri Mertens, 1952 (Squamata: Scincidae) in Hungary

Ablepharus kitaibelii fitzingeri is the northernmost subspecies of the snake-eyed skink (the only representative of the genus in Europe), and an endemic species of the Carpathian Basin. Despite of its unique status in the Hungarian herpetofauna and its strict protection, no recent summary has been provided on its distribution in the country. In the last attempt, Dely (1978) presented 40 localities of the subspecies. Here we give an updated distribution of the subspecies (100 localities), based on records from the literature, collection of the Hungarian Natural History Museum (HNHM), field surveys made by the authors and observations of field researchers. The current conservation status of A. k. fitzingeri in Hungary is discussed and an updated distribution map is provided.

Rueppel’s Snake-eyed Skink, Ablepharus rueppellii (Gray, 1839) (Reptilia: Squamata: Scincidae): distribution extension and geographic range in Israel

We report a new locality for Rueppel’s Snake-eyed skink (Ablepharus rueppellii) in Southern Israel – near Shivta Junction. This record extends the known distribution of this species in Israel by ~25km. We examined all known localities of this species in Israel and the adjacent Sinai Peninsula (Egypt), and discuss some discrepancies between them and currently published range maps, including the one produced by the IUCN.

A new species of chigger of the genus Schoengastia Oudemans (Acari: Trombiculidae) from Cryptoblepharus boutonii africanus (Sternfeld) (Reptilia: Scincidae) on the Tanzanian coast

The chigger, Schoengastia cryptoblepharsia n. sp. (Acari: Trombiculidae), is described from the snake-eyed skink, Cryptoblepharus boutonii africanus (Sternfeld, 1918) (Reptilia: Scincidae). Host skinks were captured on the sea coast along Oyster Bay, near Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Habitat notes and taxonomic data are provided.

Microhabitat use, seasonal activity and diet of the snake-eyed skink (Ablepharus kitaibelii fitzingeri) in comparison with sympatric lacertids in Hungary

Microhabitat selection and seasonal activity of the snake-eyed skink, Ablephaus kitaibelii fitzingeri, are compared to the two lacertid lizards (Lacerta viridis and Podarcis muralis) that co-occur in many of its habitats. The food composition of A. k. fitzingeri is also described. Significant differences in microhabitat selection and seasonal activity among the three species were found. The snake-eyed skink was associated with open grasslands, and with a low level of scrub, bare soil and rock cover. The microhabitat preference of L. viridis was quite similar to that of the skink, but with a higher preference for scrub. P. muralis occurred in places with greater rock and bare soil cover, and more scrub than A. k. fitzingeri. Activity of the snake-eyed skink decreased dramatically in summer, probably because of the reduced thermal inertia originating from the extremely small size of this species, but its seasonal activity overlapped with those of the lacertids. Stomach content analysis of the snake-eyed skink suggests that it is a generalist predator of small, mainly flightless arthropod prey. Competition with juvenile lacertids and predation by adult L. viridis are conceivable for the snake-eyed skink.

Phylogenetic relationships and evolutionary history of snake-eyed skink Ablepharus kitaibelii (Sauria: Scincidae)

Sequence data derived from two mitochondrial markers, 16S rRNA and cytochrome b genes, were used to infer the phylogenetic relationships of 38 populations of the snake-eyed skinks of the genus Ablepharus with emphasis on A. kitaibelii from Greece and Turkey. The partition-homogeneity tests indicated that the combined data set was homogeneous, and maximum-parsimony, maximum-likelihood, and Bayesian analyses produced topologically identical trees that revealed a well-resolved phylogeny. All species except A. kitaibelii form monophyletic units. The latter species appears paraphyletic with respect to A. budaki and A. chernovi with populations clustering into two distinct clades. A. chernovi and A. budaki, which have recently been raised to species status, were confirmed as genetically distinct forms. We used sequence divergence and paleogeographic history of the Aegean region to reconstruct a biogeographic evolutionary scenario for A. kitaibelii.

Variation in population size of Bouton’s snake-eyed skink (Reptilia: Scincidae) at Black Rock in northern KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Bouton’s snake-eyed skink Cryptoblepharus boutonii sp. occurs in scattered island or coastal populations in the Indian Ocean. The most southern known population occurs on Black Rock on the northern coast of KwaZulu-Natal. This tiny population was monitored over a period of 14 summer seasons and a final check was made 10 seasons later. This population consisted of an average of about 58 individuals, but has fluctuated by more than 100 %, suggesting that its existence is very tenuous. The re-check during October 2001 produced very positive figures, indicating that this population, observed over 23 years, is doing very well, is maintaining its numbers within acceptable parameters and is in a good position to survive without special precautions.

Re-description of an Ablepharus from Australia

Re-description of an Ablepharus from Australia