Terrestrial Vertebrate Fauna Research Articles

Middle Miocene (Late Badenian) microvertebrates from Hidas, SW Hungary

Up to the present, no terrestrial vertebrate fauna has been published from the pre-Pannonian Miocene of SW Hungary. In 2022 a microvertebrate assemblage was unearthed from a lime mud bed of the Middle Miocene Hidas Formation, in an abandoned coal mining field close to Hidas in the Mecsek Mts. The herpetofauna and the rodent material are described here. Fossil findings point to the Late Badenian MN 7+8 Zone, which, together with the earlier results based on the marine mollusc fauna, narrows the age of the unit to ~13.5–13.3 Ma. The amphibians and reptiles are aquatic, semiaquatic or periaquatic forms. Sedimentary features and the accompanying freshwater gastropod fauna are indicative of a shallow pond or a paludal depositional environment. Crocodylian finds reported earlier from the Hidas Formation indicate a subtropical climate, just before the end of the Miocene warm period in Central Europe. Among the rodents, glirids and flying squirrels as well as Democricetodon and Megacricetodon indicate the presence of humid arboreal vegetation around the site. The rodent taxa are well known from the Middle Miocene faunas of northern Hungary, western Romania and from the Upper Freshwater Molasse of southern Germany and Switzerland. The rodent material does not show characteristics of an insular fauna, e.g. gigantism or endemism. Consequently, although the coeval palaeogeography of the region has been described as an archipelago in the Central Paratethys, with the Mecsek Mts. being one of the islands, the area must have had ecological connections towards the northern and eastern parts of the Pannonian Basin, and the marine areas within the archipelago did not form a barrier against the distribution of microvertebrates. The corridor could have been located towards the NE from the Mecsek Mts., across the elevated basement blocks of central Hungary.

Terrestrial vertebrate fauna in a multifunctional landscape in Gabaldon, Nueva Ecija, Philippines

Abstract. Gojo-Cruz PHP, Caldito JC, Catubig YDL, Cornes HM, Corpuz JS, Maniquiz SS, Matunan KGE, Pascual FJ, Miguel ESS, Siguancia GC, Turqueza DC, Madlao JP, Cruz CF, Merculio JG. 2024. Terrestrial vertebrate fauna in a multifunctional landscape in Gabaldon, Nueva Ecija, Philippines. Biodiversitas 25: 583-597. This study was done to document the vertebrate fauna in a multifunctional landscape at the foothills of Mt. Mingan, Gabaldon, Nueva Ecija. The inventory of wild vertebrate fauna associated with the different habitat types in the area will be valuable in creating suitable management programs to reduce the impact of human activities in the area without affecting local economic activities. Standard survey techniques, including day and night transect walks, opportunistic surveys, mist-netting, and cage trapping, were employed to document vertebrate fauna in the agro-forest, around built-up areas, forest edges, lowland forest, grassland, and riparian habitats. A total of 79 species of vertebrate fauna were recorded, including 7 species of mammals, 13 species of reptiles, 9 species of amphibians, and 50 species of birds. Thirty-three (33) species were endemic to the Philippines. Regarding conservation status, eight (8) species were listed in the higher threat status under DAO 2019-09. Species richness was observed to be highest in lowland dipterocarp forests. On the other hand, species composition varies between habitats, with endemic species being more common in complex habitats such as lowland dipterocarp forests than in simpler habitats like agricultural areas. The high species richness and the presence of endemic and threatened species in the multifunctional landscape of the area highlight the need for management plans considering habitat heterogeneity and connectivity.

A new armored dinosaur with double cheek horns from the early Late Cretaceous of southeastern China

Ankylosaurines are the iconic armoured dinosaurs that characterize terrestrial vertebrate faunas in the Late Cretaceous of Asia and Laramidia (western North America). The earliest members of this clade are known from the early Late Cretaceous (Cenomanian–Santonian) times of Asia, but little consensus has emerged as to how they are related to the anatomically derived and chronologically younger forms. In southeastern China, the Cretaceous red sand beds crop out across basins from Zhejiang to Guandong provinces. However, the horizons corresponding to the early Late Cretaceous stages remain poorly sampled. Here, we report the first definitive vertebrate skeleton ¾ let alone that of an armoured dinosaur ¾ from the Coniacian/Turonian Ganzhou Formation, Datai yinliangis gen. et sp. nov. Despite the immature ontogenetic status of the type materials, D. yingliangis can be diagnosed with autapomorphic traits in the cranial caputegulae (such as double horns on the quadratojugal) and extensive gular osteoderms. Morphologically, it is intermediate between the chronologically older ankylosaurids from Asia (e.g., Crichtonpelta and Jinyunpelta) and derived post-Cenomanian ankylosaurines (e.g., Pinacosaurus). Phylogenetic analyses broadly corroborate this assessment. The new taxon either falls in the grade of Asian ankylosaurines proximal to the lineages of derived forms or forms a sister lineage to Pinacosaurus. Based on these insights, Datai makes a significant addition to the early Late Cretaceous vertebrate fauna from southeastern China and highlights the future potential in this region for improved understanding of the origin and early evolution of ankylosaurines.

Systematic camera trapping survey for terrestrial vertebrates in Xuan Lien Nature Reserve, Vietnam.

Xuan Lien Nature Reserve was established in 1999 to protect important habitats and wildlife in the northern part of the Annamites in Vietnam. While Xuan Lien is home to many threatened species, it has experienced a high level of human disturbance over the last decades. To document and provide baseline data on the status and distribution of the terrestrial vertebrate fauna community in the region, we conducted a systematic camera trapping survey in Xuan Lien Nature Reserve in 2023. The data collected during the survey will help design proper conservation measures to better conserve the remaining species. Our study investigates and updates the species richness of mid- to large-sized terrestrial vertebrates, thus providing essential information for developing conservation strategies in Xuan Lien Nature Reserve, Vietnam. As camera traps were set up in a grid-based design, our survey also generated the first-ever systematic data for terrestrial vertebrate fauna in the area. The study covers approximately 21,000 hectares (about 77% of the area), using 35 camera trap stations; each station consists of two cameras. In total, the final dataset consists of 6,276 trap nights, recording at least 46 species in 39 genera. The results suggest that Xuan Lien is a key stronghold for small carnivores, based on the diversity of such species groups in the Reserve. We failed to detect the previously documented Roosevelt's muntjac (Muntiacusrooseveltorum Osgood, 1932) and we only documented a single record of the northern red muntjac (Muntiacusvaginalis Boddaert, 1785). Our survey confirms the severity of overhunting and other anthropogenic threats to the mammal fauna, especially ungulates, in the Reserve.

The late-Quaternary megafauna extinctions: Patterns, causes, ecological consequences and implications for ecosystem management in the Anthropocene

Abstract Across the last ~50,000 years (the late Quaternary) terrestrial vertebrate faunas have experienced severe losses of large species (megafauna), with most extinctions occurring in the Late Pleistocene and Early to Middle Holocene. Debate on the causes has been ongoing for over 200 years, intensifying from the 1960s onward. Here, we outline criteria that any causal hypothesis needs to account for. Importantly, this extinction event is unique relative to other Cenozoic (the last 66 million years) extinctions in its strong size bias. For example, only 11 out of 57 species of megaherbivores (body mass ≥1,000 kg) survived to the present. In addition to mammalian megafauna, certain other groups also experienced substantial extinctions, mainly large non-mammalian vertebrates and smaller but megafauna-associated taxa. Further, extinction severity and dates varied among continents, but severely affected all biomes, from the Arctic to the tropics. We synthesise the evidence for and against climatic or modern human (Homo sapiens) causation, the only existing tenable hypotheses. Our review shows that there is little support for any major influence of climate, neither in global extinction patterns nor in fine-scale spatiotemporal and mechanistic evidence. Conversely, there is strong and increasing support for human pressures as the key driver of these extinctions, with emerging evidence for an initial onset linked to pre-sapiens hominins prior to the Late Pleistocene. Subsequently, we synthesize the evidence for ecosystem consequences of megafauna extinctions and discuss the implications for conservation and restoration. A broad range of evidence indicates that the megafauna extinctions have elicited profound changes to ecosystem structure and functioning. The late-Quaternary megafauna extinctions thereby represent an early, large-scale human-driven environmental transformation, constituting a progenitor of the Anthropocene, where humans are now a major player in planetary functioning. Finally, we conclude that megafauna restoration via trophic rewilding can be expected to have positive effects on biodiversity across varied Anthropocene settings.

A new moradisaurine captorhinid reptile (Amniota: Eureptilia) from the upper Permian of India.

Upper Permian rocks of the former supercontinent Gondwana record climax late Paleozoic terrestrial vertebrate faunas that were dominated numerically and ecologically by therapsid synapsids. Older faunal elements of earlier Paleozoic faunas, such as captorhinid reptiles, are rare and scattered components of the first amniote faunas to inhabit high-latitude regions. Here we describe a new genus and species of moradisaurine captorhinid that represents an archaic faunal element of the high-fibre herbivore fauna of the late Permian of what is now peninsular India. The presence of a relatively broad parietal and three rows of conical teeth on the maxilla and the dentary distinguishes Indosauriscus kuttyi gen. et sp. nov. from other moradisaurines. The hypodigm of I. kuttyi comprises skulls that range in length from 39 mm to 54mm, and high ossification of the braincase elements and well developed skull-roof sutures, indicate that I. kuttyi adults were smaller than those of most moradisaurines. Results of our phylogenetic analyses suggest that moradisaurines, despite appearing first in the paleotropics, dispersed into temperate, high-latitude regions of Pangea early in their evolutionary history. Moradisaurines in dicynodont-dominated faunas, viz. Indosauriscus kuttyi and Gansurhinus naobaogouensis, were the smallest high-fibre herbivores in their respective faunas. This suggests that small body size may have evolved in these moradisaurines as they co-evolved with the more numerous and diverse dicynodont therapsids.

Fossil frogs (Eleutherodactylidae: Eleutherodactylus) from Florida suggest overwater dispersal from the Caribbean by the Late Oligocene

Abstract Establishment of extant terrestrial vertebrate faunas in North America was influenced by a set of factors associated with temporal changes in climate and ecology that operated at different geographic scales. While the biogeography of extant taxa can be inferred from phylogenies, these omit lineages that have gone regionally extinct and for which the only direct evidence is the fossil record. A comprehensive study of anurans from the Late Oligocene of Florida reveals an abundance of fossils referred to Eleutherodactylus. Time-calibrated molecular phylogenies have suggested that this genus originated in the Caribbean in the Early Oligocene and then colonized Central America in the Middle Miocene. Here, we describe the first records of pre-Quaternary fossils referred to Eleutherodactylus from Florida. Results from analysis of inter- and intraspecific variation in anatomy, size, and shape of isolated bones of fossil and extant species suggest that the fossils represent adult individuals with an estimated body size (snout–urostyle length) of 16.8–29.8 mm. We show that Eleutherodactylus was established by the Late Oligocene in North America well before colonizing Central America in the Miocene. We provide, for the first time, evidence of dispersal of amphibians from the Caribbean into North America during the Late Oligocene.

A Survey of Terrestrial Vertebrates of Tetepare Island, Solomon Islands, Including Six New Island Records1

The Solomon Islands host a diverse terrestrial vertebrate fauna which has played a formative role in the development of speciation theory. Yet, despite over a century of biological exploration in the region, there are many islands for which we have incomplete knowledge of the vertebrate fauna. In 2019, we spent 20 days on Tetepare Island in the Western Province, Solomon Islands. Tetepare has a long history of conservation action by local communities and it is now the largest uninhabited tropical island in the world. We recorded 57 species of birds, 13 mammals, 5 amphibians, and 21 reptiles. Of these, we documented six species for the first time on Tetepare by western scientists: one frog, three non-avian reptiles, and two mammals. These findings point to a continued need for basic biological inventory work to inform research, local conservation efforts, and to increase published knowledge of the biodiversity in the Solomon Islands.

A new Eocene species of presbyornithid (Aves, Anseriformes) from Murgon, Australia

The taxa found in an Eocene deposit, near Murgon, Queensland, the only pre-Oligocene Paleogene site recording a terrestrial vertebrate fauna from Australia, are very significant for the insight they provide concerning the evolution of the Australian biota. Here we resolve the identity of fossils previously referred to the Graculavidae, waterbirds of then unresolved affinities. We taxonomically describe the first bird to be named from this fauna, Murgonornis archeri gen. et sp. nov., Presbyornithidae. Our findings reveal that presbyornithids were widespread globally in the earliest Eocene, and that this family had a history on Australia from at least 55 Ma until ca. 24 Ma, when they disappear from the fossil record.Trevor H. Worthy [trevor.worthy@flinders.edu.au], College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, GPO Box 2100, Adelaide 5001, SA, Australia; Vanesa L. De Pietri [vanesa.depietri@canterbury.ac.nz], University of Canterbury, School of Earth and Environment, Private Bag 4800, Christchurch 8140, New Zealand; R. Paul Scofield [pscofield@canterburymuseum.com], Canterbury Museum, 11 Rolleston Avenue, Christchurch 8013, New Zealand; Suzanne J. Hand [s.hand@unsw.edu.au], Earth and Sustainability Science Research Centre, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia.

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.

Study on Terrestrial Wild Vertebrate Diversity and Geographical Fauna in Qinghai Area of Qilian Mountain National Park, China

To gain an in-depth understanding of the resource status of terrestrial wild vertebrates in the Qinghai Area of Qilian Mountain National Park, a total of 10 field surveys were conducted in the reserve from May 2019 to May 2022, and the diversity and geographical fauna of terrestrial wild vertebrates in the study area were studied combined with literature. The results show that in the Qinghai Area of the Qilian Mountain National Park, there are 265 species of terrestrial vertebrates in 4 classes, 30 orders, 71 families and 167 genera. Among them, Amphibia has 1 order, 2 families, 2 genera and 3 species; Reptilia has 2 orders, 4 families, 5 genera and 5 species; Aves has 21 orders, 51 families, 131 genera and 214 species; Mammalia has 6 orders, 15 families, 29 genera and 43 species. The composition of terrestrial wild vertebrate species in the study area shows that Aves account for 80.75%, Mammalia account for 16.23%; Reptilia account for 1.89% and Amphibia account for only 1.13%. The geographical fauna is dominated by Cosmopolitan species (218), followed by Palaearctic species (48) and a few Oriental species (3). Data from the G-F analysis shows that birds are more diverse at both family and genus levels, followed by mammals, with amphibians lower and reptiles lowest.

Biodiversity monitoring informs forest management in south-west Western Australia: Ten-year findings of Forestcheck

Long-term monitoring is an important element of ecologically sustainable forest management and provides the foundation for adaptive management under conditions of uncertainty and change. Management of the jarrah (Eucalyptus marginata) forest in south-west Western Australia is supported by an integrated monitoring program (Forestcheck) established to inform forest managers about trends in key elements of biodiversity associated with management activities. Forty-eight monitoring grids were established across four jarrah forest ecosystems following timber harvesting and silvicultural treatment, as well as in nearby forest that was unharvested or harvested >40 years previously. Biota monitored includes terrestrial vertebrates (mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians), vascular plants, epigeous macrofungi, cryptogams (lichens, mosses, and liverworts) and macro-invertebrates. Initial findings from a first round of monitoring between 2001 and 2006 were published previously. Here we report on a second round of monitoring undertaken between 2007 and 2012 and compare findings with the previous round for taxonomic richness, community structure, and response to silvicultural treatment and time since fire. We tested two hypotheses for each of the groups studied: (1) that silvicultural treatment or (2) time since fire had no effect on (a) richness or (b) assemblage composition.A total of 3787 taxa were recorded. Dominant factors influencing total species richness and composition were forest ecosystem type, time of monitoring, time since harvesting and time since fire. Silvicultural treatment had no significant effect on mean richness of invertebrates, macrofungi, vascular plants and birds for either monitoring period but cryptogam richness was higher in unharvested forest and species richness of terrestrial vertebrate fauna was higher in harvested forest. Time since harvest had a significant influence on all species assemblages except terrestrial vertebrates but over time effects were ameliorated other than for cryptogams and birds. Time since fire had no effect on taxonomic richness for any of the groups examined, but significant differences in assemblage composition were detected between three categories of time since fire for all the groups except terrestrial vertebrates.Knowledge of the distribution of individual organisms and the composition of taxon assemblages in jarrah forest has been significantly improved as a result of monitoring, particularly for invertebrates, macrofungi and cryptogams. Some taxa across all groups were only recorded in forest subject to specific management including unharvested reference forest and forest subject to different intensities of timber harvesting, demonstrating that disturbance associated with timber harvesting and post-harvest burning can create conditions favourable for some organisms that are otherwise encountered rarely in mature forest.These results demonstrate the critical role of well-designed, systematic and multi-taxon ecological monitoring programs for evaluating biological responses to often contentious forest management practices.

Osteology of Dashanpusaurus dongi (Sauropoda: Macronaria) and new evolutionary evidence from Middle Jurassic Chinese sauropods

The Middle Jurassic lower Shaximiao Formation in Sichuan Province of south-western China has yielded a diverse terrestrial vertebrate fauna dominated by sauropod dinosaurs. However, many of these sauropods lack detailed descriptions or explicit phylogenetic diagnoses. Here, we present a comprehensive redescription of Dashanpusaurus dongi, a species of sauropod found only in the lower Shaximiao Formation. We define the revised autapomorphies of the species as follows: neural canals are sub-square in anterior dorsal vertebrae; the presence of a thin accessory lamina that contacts the prezygodiapophyseal and paradiapophyseal laminae of the middle dorsals, forming an angle of 75° to the horizontal; and four ridges on the anterodistal edge of the humerus. Often considered part of the epipophyseal-prezygapophyseal lamina, a strut invades the spinodiapophyseal fossa in the cervical and anterior dorsal vertebrae. Anatomical comparisons indicate that this feature was widespread among early-diverging Middle Jurassic eusauropod lineages. This comparative anatomical data provides an opportunity to revisit the phylogenetic position of Dashanpusaurus and the relationships of the neosauropod clade. Recovered as a macronarian, a better understanding of Dashanpusaurus dongi will allow for clarification of the origin, early evolution, and palaeogeographical distribution of neosauropods. This study also suggests that the diversity and dispersity of the neosauropod clade occurred much earlier than previously realized.

Environmental DNA metabarcoding is a promising method for assaying fish diversity in cenotes of the Yucatán Peninsula, Mexico

The karst aquifer of the Yucatán Peninsula (YP) in southeastern Mexico is a unique ecosystem in which water-filled sinkholes, locally known as cenotes, connect subterranean waters with the surface. This system is home to around 20 species of freshwater fishes, including several that are endemic and/or threatened. Studies on this unique ichthyofauna have been partially hampered by the technical difficulties associated with sampling these habitats, particularly submerged caves. In this proof-of-concept study, we use environmental DNA (eDNA) metabarcoding to survey the diversity of freshwater fishes associated with the YP karst aquifer by sampling six cenotes from across the Ring of Cenotes region in northwestern Yucatán, a 180-km-diameter semicircular band of abundant karst sinkholes. Through a combination of conventional sampling (direct observation, fishing) and eDNA metabarcoding, we detected eight species of freshwater fishes across the six sampled cenotes. Overall, our eDNA metabarcoding approach was effective at detecting the presence of fishes from cenote water samples, including one of the two endemic cave-dwelling fish species restricted to the subterranean section of the aquifer. Although our study was focused on detecting fishes via eDNA, we also recovered DNA from several other vertebrate groups, particularly bats. These results suggest that the eDNA metabarcoding approach represents a promising and largely noninvasive method to assay aquatic biodiversity in these vulnerable habitats, allowing more effective, frequent, and wide-ranging surveys. Our detection of DNA from aerial and terrestrial vertebrate fauna implies that eDNA from cenotes, besides being a means to survey aquatic fauna, may also offer an effective way to quickly survey non-aquatic biodiversity associated with these persistent water bodies.

New data and syntheses for the zooarchaeological record from the Lower Murray River Gorge, South Australia: Applying a ngatji lens

This article provides new data and syntheses for the zooarchaeological record of the Lower Murray River Gorge region in South Australia. The contribution of original data from Murrawong, Kangerung and Pomberuk provides rigorous and complementary records for the region. In particular, we supply new and detailed identifications for terrestrial vertebrate fauna and comment on prior published taxonomic identifications and methods. Using the Ngarrindjeri concept of ngatji we have also created a new lens with which to view the faunal assemblages. This new reading includes considerations of Lower Murray River Gorge diets in the Mid to Late Holocene, the presence/absence of certain species (inclusive of potential cultural influences) as well as the effects of European colonisation on animals (some now extinct or threatened) and the concomitant impacts for Ngarrindjeri people.

The dinosaur tracks of Tyrants Aisle: An Upper Cretaceous ichnofauna from Unit 4 of the Wapiti Formation (upper Campanian), Alberta, Canada.

The Wapiti Formation of northwest Alberta and northeast British Columbia, Canada, preserves an Upper Cretaceous terrestrial vertebrate fauna that is latitudinally situated between those documented further north in Alaska and those from southern Alberta and the contiguous U.S.A. Therefore, the Wapiti Formation is important for identifying broad patterns in vertebrate ecology, diversity, and distribution across Laramidia during the latest Cretaceous. Tracksites are especially useful as they provide a range of palaeoecological, palaeoenvironmental, and behavioural data that are complementary to the skeletal record. Here, we describe the Tyrants Aisle locality, the largest in-situ tracksite known from the Wapiti Formation. The site occurs in the lower part of Unit 4 of the formation (~72.5 Ma, upper Campanian), exposed along the southern bank of the Redwillow River. More than 100 tracks are documented across at least three distinct track-bearing layers, which were deposited on an alluvial floodplain. Hadrosaurid tracks are most abundant, and are referable to Hadrosauropodus based on track width exceeding track length, broad digits, and rounded or bilobed heel margins. We suggest the hadrosaurid trackmaker was Edmontosaurus regalis based on stratigraphic context. Tyrannosaurids, probable troodontids, possible ornithomimids, and possible azhdarchid pterosaurs represent minor but notable elements of the ichnofauna, as the latter is unknown from skeletal remains within the Wapiti Formation, and all others are poorly represented. Possible social behaviour is inferred for some of the hadrosaurid and small theropod-like trackmakers based on trackway alignment, suitable spacing and consistent preservation. On a broad taxonomic level (i.e., family or above), ichnofaunal compositions indicate that hadrosaurids were palaeoecologically dominant across Laramidia during the late Campanian within both high-and low-latitude deposits, although the role of depositional environment requires further testing.

Distribution, Morphometric and Meristic Study of The Agamid Lizard Laudakia tuberculata Gray, 1827 in The North-Western Himalaya

The Agamidae family, which includes 52 genera and over 350 species, is a monophyletic group of acrodont lizards that evolved in eastern Asia during the late Cretaceous period. These are essential components of the arid terrestrial vertebrate fauna found at low to high altitudes. Among the four species of the prominent genus Laudakia, species Laudakia tuberculata (Gray, 1827) dominates the Garhwal region of the Indian Himalayas. The current study documents the distribution, morphometric and meristic study of Laudakia tuberculata in the Garhwal region, ranging from 350 to 2200 m asl altitude. The species prefers mountainous habitats, such as holes, cliffs, and rocky structures with deep crevices near streams and rivers, old houses, stony walls, and highways. The male individuals are bigger in size and show magnificent blue shades during the breeding season, an abdominal and pre-anal callous patch of scale, indicating noticeable sexual dimorphism. The morphometric analysis revealed substantial (p<0.05) variations in body weight (Wt), snout-vent length (SVL), head length (HL), head width (HW), forelimb length (FLL), hindlimb length (HLL), and tail width (TW) except tail length (TL) and total body length (TBDL) between both sexes at different elevations. The subtropical population have significantly (p<0.05) larger TL and TBDL compared to temperate populations indicating altitude governing the morphology of Laudakia tuberculata.

TERRESTRIAL VERTEBRATE FAUNA OF ASSIS’ STATE FOREST: A CERRADO REMNANT IN THE STATE OF SÃO PAULO, BRAZIL

In the current scenario of environmental changes, anthropic pressures on biodiversity are in constant increase, stressing the importance of assessing the distribution and occurrence of organisms in natural regions, especially in protected areas. Here we surveyed the terrestrial vertebrate fauna of Assis State Forest and updated the existing species list. Reptiles were sampled using pitfall traps and active search, birds by transects and listening points, while terrestrial mammals were sampled using camera traps, linear transect census, active search, pitfall and live traps. Four samplings were conducted, totaling 28 days of sampling effort. We recorded a total richness of 230 terrestrial vertebrate species: 21 amphibians, 17 reptiles, 164 birds, 23 medium and large-sized mammals and 25 small mammals. Of these, seven species are considered endangered at the state and / or federal level. Our results led to the inclusion of 78 bird species and six medium- and large-sized mammals to the species list of ASF’s Management Plan, in addition to three new species of herpetofauna that were not reported by other fauna surveys carried out in the region. Our data shows that the area is highly diverse, with some differences in species composition between sampled phytophysiognomies. These data can also be used to update the management plan for the area, as well as for the zoning of the unit.

Ecological values of intermittent rivers for terrestrial vertebrate fauna

Rivers are generally considered critical habitats for biodiversity; however, this often ignores the fact that many rivers may run dry and support terrestrial as well as aquatic fauna. Here, we investigated the ecological value of intermittent rivers for terrestrial vertebrates by installing camera traps along rivers subject to varying dry periods in two contrasting European climatic zones. We then analysed i) species presence and behaviours (as a proxy of ecological functions) on perennial and intermittent streams; ii) environmental (hydrological and geomorphological) and anthropogenic factors affecting the frequency of occurrence and number of species recorded; and iii) the importance of hydrological factors as regards ecological functioning. In both study areas, we recorded a higher number of species and individuals along intermittent streams than perennial streams, with highest values in intermittent reaches exhibiting shorter dry periods. Both abundance and species richness were strongly affected by hydrological factors in both study areas, including not only the occurrence but also the duration of the dry period. Dry channels played a key role as migration corridors and as a source of food, being used more frequently than riparian habitats when the river ran dry. Our findings indicate that terrestrial vertebrate fauna benefit from dry phases in rivers. Intermittent rivers, supporting a high abundance and diversity of fauna, should be considered as target ecosystems for wildlife conservation. Not doing so will jeopardise urgently needed conservation strategies in the face of accelerating global climate change.

The Role of Citizen Science and Deep Learning in Camera Trapping

Camera traps are increasingly one of the fundamental pillars of environmental monitoring and management. Even outside the scientific community, thousands of camera traps in the hands of citizens may offer valuable data on terrestrial vertebrate fauna, bycatch data in particular, when guided according to already employed standards. This provides a promising setting for Citizen Science initiatives. Here, we suggest a possible pathway for isolated observations to be aggregated into a single database that respects the existing standards (with a proposed extension). Our approach aims to show a new perspective and to update the recent progress in engaging the enthusiasm of citizen scientists and in including machine learning processes into image classification in camera trap research. This approach (combining machine learning and the input from citizen scientists) may significantly assist in streamlining the processing of camera trap data while simultaneously raising public environmental awareness. We have thus developed a conceptual framework and analytical concept for a web-based camera trap database, incorporating the above-mentioned aspects that respect a combination of the roles of experts’ and citizens’ evaluations, the way of training a neural network and adding a taxon complexity index. This initiative could well serve scientists and the general public, as well as assisting public authorities to efficiently set spatially and temporarily well-targeted conservation policies.