Article

Diversity and Habitat Preferences of Herpetofauna at Kalabagh Game Reserve, District Mianwali, Punjab, Pakistan

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Abstract

During present survey extending from July, 2015 through March, 2016 six amphibian species representing 6 genera and 3 families and 24 reptilian species representing 23 genera and 13 families, were recorded from Kalabagh Game Reserve, district Mianwali, Pakistan. Among the five capture techniques i.e., hand picking, use of snake sticks, forceps, drag nets and noose traps, hand picking appeared the most effective one. The captured amphibian species included Bufo stomaticus, Microhyla ornata, Euphlyctis cyanophlyctis, Fejervarya limnocharis, Hoplobatrachus tigerinus, and Sphaeroteca breviceps. Single turtle species, Lissemys punctata andersoni was recorded from the study area. Among lizard species, Calotes versicolor, Laudakia nupta, Trapelus agilis pakistanensis, Eublepharis macularis, Cyrtopodion montiumsalsorum, Hemidactylus brookii, Hemidactylus flaviviridis, Ablepharus grayanus, Eutropis macularia, Lygosoma punctatum, Novoeumeces indothalensis, Uromastyx hardwickii, and Varanus bengalensis were recorded. Similarly, snake species included Leptotyphlops macrorhynchus, Ramphotyphlops braminus, Eryx johnii, Amphiesma stolatum, Platyceps rhodorachis, Lycodon aulicus, Ptyas mucosus, Bungarus caeruleus, Naja oxiana, and Echis carinatus. The venomous snake species of the study area included Naja oxiana, Bungarus caeruleus, and Echis carinatus.

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... TD (3.9±0.7mm) and ED (5.7±0.8mm) were measured during examination. Similar study conducted by Ali et al. (2017), and found the similar results as mentioned in the above study that is their HL was measured (1.82±0.266cm), TFL (2.06±0.487cm), ...
... mm) were measured during examination. Similar study conducted by Ali et al. (2017), and found the similar results as mentioned in the above study that is their ED (4.90±0.74mm), HL (28.10±5.92mm), ...
... SVL (56.3±8.1mm) and HnL (12.7±2.3mm) were measured during examination. Similar study conducted by Ali et al. (2017), and found the similar results as mentioned in the above study that June 2024 | Volume 39 | Issue 1 | Page 76 is their ED (3.47±0.458mm), TFL (22.77±0.909mm), ...
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Pakistan has reported twenty-four amphibian species, nine of which are endemic to the country. Amphibians in Pakistan are diverse, falling into four families: Dicroglossidae, Microhylidae, Bufonidae, and Megophryidae. The current study was carried out to investigate the amphibian fauna of several localities in District Abbottabad. From June 2019 to August 2020, a field survey was undertaken in District Abbottabad. Total dissolve solvent (TDS), Dissolve solvent (DO), Electrical Conductivity (EC), PH, Humidity, and Temperature (C) of several water bodies were also measured. A total of 100 specimens from the District were collected and stored in a 10% formalin solution. This study discovered that five species of anurans, i.e. Duttaphrynus stomaticus, Duttaphrynus melanostictus, Euphlyctis cyanophlyctis, Hoplobatrachus tigerinus, and Nanorana liebigii are members of the Bufonidae and Dicroglossidae families, respectively. Morphometric measurements were made using a non-digital vernier caliper with a resolution of 0.05 mm. HW, HL, SVL, TFL, THL, TBL, HnL, TD, END, IND, IOD, ED, LF, LH, FAL, LHU, UEW, PL, and PW were all measured. This research discovered that D. melanostictus and E. cyanophlyctis were also found but in lower numbers than D. stomaticus. The District had the lowest amount of H tigerinus as well as N. liebigii records. There is need to discovered more amphibians fauna in the District Abbottabad and all over Pakistan to update the identification keys of Amphibians.
... There are several publications regarding the herpetofauna diversity of Pakistan, and most of the studies are limited to Sindh, Baluchistan, and KPK provinces, or very few species have been explored extensively (Ali et al.,2017;Khan, 2010). Overall, 24 amphibians and 195 reptiles species have been reported so far. ...
... Amphibians and reptiles are considered fearsome animals in Pakistan and are poorly studied by the scientific community (Ali et al., 2016). The taxa remain to be explored in most parts of Pakistan, and data regarding diversity and distribution is outdated (Ali et al., 2017). The present study, therefore, plans to identify amphibians and reptiles of Punjab, Pakistan, using 16S rRNA, Cytb, and COI genes. ...
... A total of 10 specimens are collected from selected sites of Cholistan desert and Kalabagh Game Reserve, Punjab province. Each captured specimen was tagged with voucher number and morphometric measurements were taken following Ali et al.(2017). A few specimen of each sampling site (n=3) were euthanized and preserved in 75% ethanol for molecular characterization. ...
... The following morphometric measurement were taken SVL=snout vent length, TAL=tail length, HL=head length, HW=head width, BW=body width, IIL=interlimb length, FC=fore claw length, HC=hind claw length, HLS=hind limb Span, FLS=forelimb span, HLF=hind limb longest finger, FLF=forelimb longest finger, W=weight and TL=total length (Ali et al. 2017). ...
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During the present study, specimens were collected from selected sites of Cholistan desert and Kalabagh Game Reserve, Punjab province, Pakistan. Each captured specimen was tagged with voucher number and morphometric measurements were taken. The average snout to vent length was 172.559±1.40 mm and average weight was 92.1±1.30 g. The DNA of Uromastyx hardwickii was amplified and sequenced using 16S rRNA primer set. The obtained DNA sequence has shown reliable and clear species identification. After trimming ambiguous bases, the obtained 16S rRNA fragment was 520 bp while 16S rRNA fragments aligned with closely matched sequence from NCBI comprised of 510 bp. Closely matched sequences of genus Uromastyx were retrieved from NCBI in blast searches. Neighbour-joining tree of genus Uromastyx was constructed based on p-distance using MEGA X. The mean intraspecific variation was 0.095±0.01 while intraspecific variation was ranging from 0-1%. Similarly, interspecific variation of Uromastyx hardwikii with Saara asmussi, Uromastyx alfredschmidti, Uromastyx geyri, Uromastyx thomasi, Uromastyx alfredschmidti was 0-12%, 0-19%, 0-19%, 0-20%, 12-19% respectively. The newly produced DNA was submitted to NCBI and accession number was obtained (MW052563.1). Results of current study provided information about the molecular and morphological identification of Genus Uromastyx. In our recommendation, comprehensive molecular based identification of Pakistan's reptiles is required to report any new or subspecies from country.
... Pakistan is encompassing varieties of habitats supporting rich biodiversity of animals and plants. The fauna and flora of Pakistan is Oriental and Palearctic in nature with many endemic species (Ali et al., 2017). ...
... Relatively few surveys have been conducted on the herpetofuana of Pakistan. There is scanty of knowledge regarding diversity and distribution of various reptilian species as very few species and fewer areas have been comprehensively studied (Ali et al., 2017). Most of the species in Pakistan have been identified on the basis of morphology by Khan (2006) but there is ambiguity in the taxonomic position of many species due to lack of molecular based identification . ...
Article
The present study reports the existence of cliff racer, Platyceps rhodorachis from the plains of Punjab, Pakistan. A total of 10 specimens were captured during the field surveys from June to September, 2018 from different sites of Punjab. Platyceps rhodorachis was identify on the basis of morphology and confirmed through COI gene sequences. The obtained DNA sequences have shown reliable and exact species identification. Newly produced DNA sequences of Platyceps rhodorachis were submitted to GenBank and accession numbers were obtained (MK936174.1, MK941839.1 and MT790210.1). N-J tree based on COI sequences of Platyceps rhodorachis clearly separated as out-group with other members of family Colubridae based on p-distance. The intra-specific genetic variation ranges from 12% to 18%. The DNA sequences of Platyceps rhodorachis kashmirensis, Platyceps rhodorachis ladacensis, Platyceps ventromaculatus, Platyceps ventromaculatus bengalensis and Platyceps ventromaculatus indusai are not available at NCBI to validate their taxonomic positions. In our recommendations, a large scale molecular based identification of Pakistan's herpetofauna is required to report more new or subspecies from country.
... Pakistan is encompassing varieties of habitats supporting rich biodiversity of animals and plants. The fauna and flora of Pakistan is Oriental and Palearctic in nature with many endemic species (Ali et al., 2017). ...
... Relatively few surveys have been conducted on the herpetofuana of Pakistan. There is scanty of knowledge regarding diversity and distribution of various reptilian species as very few species and fewer areas have been comprehensively studied (Ali et al., 2017). Most of the species in Pakistan have been identified on the basis of morphology by Khan (2006) but there is ambiguity in the taxonomic position of many species due to lack of molecular based identification . ...
Article
Full-text available
The present study reports the existence of cliff racer, Platyceps rhodorachis from the plains of Punjab, Pakistan. A total of 10 specimens were captured during the field surveys from June to September, 2018 from different sites of Punjab. Platyceps rhodorachis was identify on the basis of morphology and confirmed through COI gene sequences. The obtained DNA sequences have shown reliable and exact species identification. Newly produced DNA sequences of Platyceps rhodorachis were submitted to GenBank and accession numbers were obtained (MK936174.1, MK941839.1 and MT790210.1). N-J tree based on COI sequences of Platyceps rhodorachis clearly separated as out-group with other members of family Colubridae based on p-distance. The intra-specific genetic variation ranges from 12% to 18%. The DNA sequences of Platyceps rhodorachis kashmirensis, Platyceps rhodorachis ladacensis, Platyceps ventromaculatus, Platyceps ventromaculatus bengalensis and Platyceps ventromaculatus indusai are not available at NCBI to validate their taxonomic positions. In our recommendations, a large scale molecular based identification of Pakistan's herpetofauna is required to report more new or subspecies from country.
... Herpetofauna has ecological, economic, cultural, aesthetic and religious value. Herpetofauna is also an important agent in the food chain and an environmental indicator for predicting climate change (Ali et al., 2017). The loss or decline of the herpetofauna population in an area can indicate a change in the quality of that place (Yuliany, 2021). ...
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Central Java is an area that has natural forests with quite high biodiversity potential, one of which is Mendolo Village, Lebakbarang, Pekalongan. The diversity of herpetofauna species is one of its potential biodiversity. Data collection on herpetofauna in Mendolo Village has not yet been carried out, even though this village is in direct contact with natural forests with great potential. The aim of this research is to reveal the diversity of herpetofauna types at this location. The method used is VES (Visual Encounter Survey). The data obtained was then analyzed using the Shannon-Wiener Diversity Index. There were 23 species of reptiles and 16 species of amphibians, with a Diversity Index value of 2.942 for reptile types and 2.28 for amphibians. The conclusion that can be drawn is that the diversity of herpetofauna species in Mendolo Village is in the quite high category.
... The hot and dry months of the year are May and June, and the humid monsoon season begins after the summer's downpour, and annual precipitation is approximately 424 mm (Peel et al., 2007;DDMP-Kasur, 2022 represented by Pakistan's largest thick forest, Changa Manga. The district lies in a sub-tropical belt and has many nurseries for floriculture and horticulture (Ali et al., 2017). ...
... This species is trapped and killed in large numbers by local black people either for eating or extracting oil purposes. In Punjab, it has been recorded throughout Bahawalnagar, Dera Ghazi Khan, and Mianwali Districts and Cholistan Desert Ali et al. (2017). It is also distributed in the Indus Valley and extends into Las Bela southern Baluchistan and Margala Hill National Park (Khan, 2004(Khan, , 2006Masroor, 2011;Adil et al., 2020a;Balouch et al., 2016). ...
... This species is trapped and killed in large numbers by local black people either for eating or extracting oil purposes. In Punjab, it has been recorded throughout Bahawalnagar, Dera Ghazi Khan, and Mianwali Districts and Cholistan Desert Ali et al. (2017). It is also distributed in the Indus Valley and extends into Las Bela southern Baluchistan and Margala Hill National Park (Khan, 2004(Khan, , 2006Masroor, 2011;Adil et al., 2020a;Balouch et al., 2016). ...
... This species is trapped and killed in large numbers by local black people either for eating or extracting oil purposes. In Punjab, it has been recorded throughout Bahawalnagar, Dera Ghazi Khan, and Mianwali Districts and Cholistan Desert Ali et al. (2017). It is also distributed in the Indus Valley and extends into Las Bela southern Baluchistan and Margala Hill National Park (Khan, 2004(Khan, , 2006Masroor, 2011;Adil et al., 2020a;Balouch et al., 2016). ...
... Hand capture was found to be most effective method to capture bufonids while the use of drag nets was more fruitful for ranids. These results confirm the findings of Ali et al. (2017). ...
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This one-year survey was conducted from February 2017 to January 2018 to assess the herpetofaunal diversity in Cholistan desert, Bahawalnagar district, Punjab, Pakistan. Field surveys were conducted during dawn and dusk for fifteen consecutive days in alternate months and five sub sampling sites were sampled at ten field visits. Specimens were collected through hand capture, using snake sticks, forceps, drag nets, noose traps, pitfall and funnel traps. Overall, two species of toads, two species of frogs, two species of turtles, ten lizards species and ten snake species belonging to 23 genera and 14 families were recorded. Simpson index was calculated as 0.933, evenness 0.733 and Shannon – Wiener index was 2.947 indicating moderate to high level of diversity. Bufo stomaticus (Pi = 0.1253), Uromastyx hardwickii (Pi = 0.0739) were the dominant amphibian and reptilian species, respectively while Uromastyx asmussi was recorded for the first time in the study area. Hand capture and pitfall traps appeared to be the most effective methods to capture the amphibian and reptiles. The distribution ranges of amphibians and reptiles have changed and such surveys are necessary to update baseline information in the country. We recommend further systematic survey work and molecular analysis of the native species be undertaken in the future to supplement our findings.
... Overall, 30% amphibians of the globe are threatened within extinction (Ali et al. 2018). Morphological keys are considered authentic to identify amphibians but molecular identification should also take into consideration for exact species identification to resolve cryptic species ambiguities (Becker et al. 2007;Ali et al. 2017). ...
Article
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The Indus valley toad and common Asian toad are widely distributed toads in Pakistan. There is doubt in the taxonomic position of species within the genus Duttaphrynus in Pakistan as most of the species identified on morphology. Previously, Bufo melanostictus hazarensis identified on morphology but during the present study, it is confirmed as Duttaphrynus melanostictus-based COI sequences (MK941836). The interspecific divergence between Duttaphrynus stomaticus and D. melanostictus was 16%. The intra-specific divergence of D. stomaticus (MK947909.1) was ranging from 0% to 1% while the intraspecific divergence of D. melanostictus (MK941836) was high ranging from 10% to 11%. Overall, genetic variation between the species of genus Duttaphrynus based on p-distance was 14%. In our recommendation , a large-scale molecular identification of amphibians should take into consideration for exact species identification to report any new species from Pakistan. ARTICLE HISTORY
... The locals are mostly exploiting U. hardwickii for its fat ( Figure 8). (Ali et al., 2017). During this survey, it was observed that U. hardwickii used self-digging burrows and male-female sex ratio for one active burrow was 1: 1. However hatchlings share the burrows with mother for 1-3 months. ...
Article
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This study was conducted in selected sites of District Bahawalnagar namely, Shaheed Chowk, Chak40/F, Chak 163/7R and Fareedkot Tiba between March 2019 and August 2019. Sampling techniques included recording of burrows, flooding, burrow exaction, noose traps and pit fall traps were used to capture Uromast yx hardwickii. During this survey 150 individuals were captured from study area for morphological measurement and population estimation. Te average snout to vent length (SVL) of male, female and juveniles were (172.50 ± 19.71) mm, (155.50 ± 18.72) mm and (86.25 ± 11.72) mm respectively. The average weight of male, female and juvenile was (93.06 ± 8.56) g, (88.16 ± 7.95) g and (40.16 ± 4.30) g respectively. The relative abundance (Pi) of males, females and juveniles were 0.53, 0.33 and 0.13. Indian spiny tailed lizard (U. hardwickii) has been listed in the IUCN Red list and CITES. Major threats to the species in the study area are increase in urbanization, habitat fragmentation, illegal hunting for meat and fat. In this regard strict implementation of the Wildlife act is needed to protect the wildlife of Punjab. Furthermore, comprehensive surveys are required in throughout Punjab to declare conservation status of U. hardwickii.
... Overall, 30% amphibians of the globe are threatened within extinction (Ali et al. 2018). Morphological keys are considered authentic to identify amphibians but molecular identification should also take into consideration for exact species identification to resolve cryptic species ambiguities (Becker et al. 2007;Ali et al. 2017). ...
Article
Full-text available
The Indus valley toad and common Asian toad are widely distributed toads in Pakistan. There is doubt in the taxonomic position of species within the genus Duttaphrynus in Pakistan as most of the species identified on morphology. Previously, Bufo melanostictus hazarensis identified on morphology but during the present study, it is confirmed as Duttaphrynus melanostictus-based COI sequences (MK941836). The interspecific divergence between Duttaphrynus stomaticus and D. melanostictus was 16%. The intra-specific divergence of D. stomaticus (MK947909.1) was ranging from 0% to 1% while the intraspecific divergence of D. melanostictus (MK941836) was high ranging from 10% to 11%. Overall, genetic variation between the species of genus Duttaphrynus based on p-distance was 14%. In our recommendation , a large-scale molecular identification of amphibians should take into consideration for exact species identification to report any new species from Pakistan. ARTICLE HISTORY
... Overall, 30% amphibians of the globe are threatened within extinction (Ali et al. 2018). Morphological keys are considered authentic to identify amphibians but molecular identification should also take into consideration for exact species identification to resolve cryptic species ambiguities (Becker et al. 2007;Ali et al. 2017). ...
Article
Full-text available
The Indus valley toad and common Asian toad are widely distributed toads in Pakistan. There is doubt in the taxonomic position of species within the genus Duttaphrynus in Pakistan as most of the species identified on morphology. Previously, Bufo melanostictus hazarensis identified on morphology but during the present study, it is confirmed as Duttaphrynus melanostictus-based COI sequences (MK941836). The interspecific divergence between Duttaphrynus stomaticus and D. melanostictus was 16%. The intraspecific divergence of D. stomaticus (MK947909.1) was ranging from 0% to 1% while the intraspecific divergence of D. melanostictus (MK941836) was high ranging from 10% to 11%. Overall, genetic variation between the species of genus Duttaphrynus based on p-distance was 14%. In our recommendation, a large-scale molecular identification of amphibians should take into consideration for exact species identification to report any new species from Pakistan.
... Turtles and tortoises are keystone species, playing major roles in the environment and food web as co-dependent species, whilst freshwater turtles play a significant role in the health of aquatic ecosystem due to their scavenger nature, being herbivores and carnivores, transferring nutrients from aquatic to terrestrial ecosystems, maintaining food webs and feeding on dead animals and purifying water. Turtles and tortoises play an invaluable role in balancing ecosystems and providing ecosystem services, which are also critically important for human-welfare (Ali et al. 2017). ...
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Broadly speaking, turtles are represented by five families, 13 genera and 15 species in Pakistan, with freshwater turtles belonging to two families, six genera and eight species. Hardshell species include black pond turtle (Geoclemys hamiltonii), crowned river turtle (Hardella thurjii), brown roofed turtle (Pangshura smithii) and Indian roofed turtle (Pangshura tectum), while softshell species include Indian narrow-headed softshell turtle (Chitra indica), Ganges softshell turtle (Nilssonia gangeticus), Indian peacock softshell turtle (Nilssonia hurum) and Indian flapshell turtle (Lissemys punctata andersonii). Major threats to turtle populations in Pakistan include weak law enforcement, illegal trade, lack of awareness about the ecological role of the taxa, fishing activities and environmental pollution. As a result, three species are particularly vulnerable, namely Geoclemys hamiltonii, Hardella thurjii and Aspideretes gangeticus whereas Chitra indica is endangered and Kachuga smithii is near threatened. For successful conservation of turtles in Pakistan, it is essential that databases on diversity, distribution and the current status of various species in the country are developed and updated. In addition, conservation campaigns must be launched to raise awareness within local communities and school children regarding the important role turtles play within ecosystems. Establishing rescue and information centres at specific sites is also an absolute must for the protection of these environmentally friendly creatures.
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Five years of field observations suggest that amphibians inhabiting a sandhills community are able to circumvent a drift fence-pitfall trap enclosure as they move toward and away from an ephemeral pond. Trespass rates varied depending on species and showed no tendency to increase or decrease as the study progressed. Laboratory trials confirmed that frogs easily crossed the fence by walking up the side or hopping over it. Frogs crossed the fence readily regardless of sex or whether the frog was an adult or juvenile. Although striped newts did not climb over the fence in the laboratory, they may use tunnels to go under fences under field conditions. Other species may burrow directly under the fence. A priori assumptions about a species' ability to climb a fence, or that trespass rates do not vary temporally or among sites, are unwarranted and may lead to misinterpretations of the results from studies using drift fences and pitfall traps.
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Present study is based on more than two expeditions conducted from 1998 to 2000, to carry out ecological studies in the Chagai district, Balochistan, Pakistan. The studies were aimed to make an ecological assessment and document the herpetofauna of the area, for the reasons that the area was subjected to severe drought for the last several years, It was observed that drought very badly affected not only the composition of fauna and flora of the area but also forced the nomads to abandon their desert houses and migrate to the nearby cities and towns. Zoogeographic affinities with particular reference to reptiles have also been discussed.
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The fourth edition of the textbook Herpetology covers the basic biology of amphibians and reptiles, with updates in nearly every conceptual area. Not only does it serve as a solid foundation for modern herpetology courses, but it is also relevant to courses in ecology, behavior, evolution, systematics, and morphology. Examples taken from amphibians and reptiles throughout the world make this book a useful herpetology textbook in several countries. Naturalists, amateur herpetologists, herpetoculturists, zoo professionals, and many others will find this book readable and full of relevant natural history and distributional information. Amphibians and reptiles have assumed a central role in research because of the diversity of ecological, physiological, morphological, behavioral, and evolutionary patterns they exhibit. This fully revised edition brings the latest research to the reader, ranging over topics in evolution, reproduction, behavior and more, allowing students and professionals to keep current with a quickly moving field.
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In the present study, species richness of mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians was studied from June, 2006 to June, 2009 at Chotiari Reservoir, Sanghar, Sindh Province. Data were collected through standard direct as well as indirect methods. A total of 203 species including 32 mammals, 136 birds, 32 reptiles and three amphibians belonging to 29 orders and 78 families were recorded during the study. Significant wildlife species included Red fox, Bengal fox, Indian desert cat, Caracal, Fishing cat, Smooth-coated Otter, Indian Civet, Pallas's fishing eagle, Houbara bustard, Cinereous Vulture, Great White-fronted Goose, Marsh Crocodile and Rock Python. Comparison with previous studies revealed that wildlife species composition in the study area had changed. It was found that Indian wolf, striped hyena and Hog deer have been disappeared from the area. Existence of Caracal and Sindh babbler was not ascertained despite of best efforts. Marbled teal was not found during the present study period. Changes in land use practices, habitat modification, hunting, unregulated fishing, overexploitation, community-wildlife conflict and trapping of wildlife species were major issues affecting wildlife composition and population of various species of the area.
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Nineteen species of snakes representing four families were simultaneously studied in a caatinga habitat of northeastern Brazil. Of these, 10 are terrestrial, 3 are terrestrial-aquatic, 1 is arboreal-terrestrial, 4 are arboreal, and 1 is terrestrial-fossorial. Four species are nocturnal, 5 species are nocturnal and diurnal, and 10 are strictly diurnal. Diets include mammals, birds, bird eggs, lizards, snakes, frogs, toads, and reptile eggs, with some snake species being food specialists and others being food generalists. Surprisingly, none of the species of snakes at the study site feed on invertebrates. A diversity of reproductive tactics is evident among the species in this snake community. There are oviparous and viviparous species, and clutch/brood size may be large or small depending upon the species. Both clutch/brood size and neonate (or egg) size were correlated with body size of female snakes. A principal components analysis (PCA) of morphological data revealed that two axes, one representing variation in body size and one representing variation in tail length and head size, explained 95% ofthe variation in the data. Portions of the morphological results corresponded well with ecological data. However, in some instances the morphological results were discordant with ecological results. Certain patterns, for example appear to have a phylogenetic basis. It is concluded that morphological analyses of snake communities cannot be adequately interpreted in the absence of ecological data.
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Embryonic development time has been of long-standing interest to physiologists and ecologists because of its importance in understanding the behaviour and ecology of reproduction, and the evolution of reproductive strategies in animals. Yet, the relationship of embryonic development time to both neonate mass and incubation temperature remains poorly understood for most taxonomic groups. Here we define the relationship of embryonic development time to neonate mass (embryo mass at birth) and incubation temperature for a broad range of animals, ectothermic and endothermic, invertebrate and vertebrate, microscopic and gigantic. We begin by establishing the relationship of embryonic development time to neonate mass for a broad array of zooplankton, fishes and amphibians for temperatures from 5 to 20°C. Next, we compare the relationships of embryonic development time to neonate mass in these aquatic ectotherms to those for terrestrial ectotherms (reptiles) and endotherms (birds and mammals) in terms of degree-days. The similar nature of these relationships allows us to define embryonic development time as a function of neonate mass for many of the species considered here with a single equation in terms of degree-days for incubation temperatures ranging from 5 to 38°C. This relationship establishes a basis by which to compare differences in embryonic development time among species.
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General activity and swimming performance (i.e., sprint speed and distance) of plains leopard frog tadpoles (Rana blairi) were examined after acute exposure to three sublethal concentrations of carbaryl (3.5, 5.0, and 7.2 mg/L). Both swimming performance and spontaneous swimming activity are important for carrying out life history functions (e.g., growth and development) and for escaping from predators. Measured tadpole activity diminished by nearly 90% at 3.5 mg/L carbaryl and completely ceased at 7.2 mg/L. Sprint speed and sprint distance also decreased significantly following exposure. Carbaryl affected both swimming performance and activity after just 24 h, suggesting that 24 h may be an adequate length of exposure to determine behavioral effects on tadpoles. Slight recovery of activity levels was noted at 24 and 48 h post-exposure; no recovery of swimming performance was observed. Reduction in activity and swimming performance may result in increased predation rates and, because activity is closely associated with feeding, may result in slowed growth leading to a failure to emerge before pond drying or an indirect reduction in adult fitness. Acute exposure to sublethal toxicants such as carbaryl may not only affect immediate survival of tadpoles but also impact critical life history functions and generate changes at the local population level.
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Based on conducting long-term excursions and carrying out extensive field work in various parts of the Iranian Plateau and studying preserved (museum) material including the syntypes of Olivier's Agama agilis, and paralectotypes of Boulenger's Agama isolepis, two new subspecies of the wide-ranging Asian ground agamid Trapelus agilis complex are described from the lowland southwestern Iran and southeastern Pakistan (and adjoining northwestern India) respectively. The former of the new subspecies has conventionally been considered as belonging to T. a. agilis, and the latter to T. a. isolepis. They are distinguishable from the other subspecies of T. agilis complex by having several distinctive morphological characteristics. The distinctiveness of both subspecies is confirmed according to the author's previous extensive studies on this complex using uni-and multivariate analyses of morphological characters. Both subspecies mainly occur as geographical isolates in the periphery of the main range of the complex, and both have mainly been separated from the central continuum (= T. a. agilis) by eco-geographical barriers and are almost entirely restricted in distribution to the lowlands, desert and semi-desert regions with high annual temperature. A taxonomic and biogeographic account as well as a key to subspecies of T. agilis complex are presented.
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As part of an overall 'biodiversity crisis', many amphibian populations are in decline throughout the world. Numerous factors have contributed to these declines, including habitat destruction, pathogens, increasing ultraviolet (UV) radiation, introduced non-native species and contaminants. In this paper we review the contribution of increasing UV radiation and environmental contamination to the global decline of amphibian populations. Both UV radiation and environmental contaminants can affect amphibians at all life stages. Exposure to UV radiation and to certain contaminants can kill amphibians and induce sublethal affects in embryos, larvae and adults. Moreover, UV radi-ation and contaminants may interact with one another synergistically. Synergistic interactions of UV radiation with contaminants can enhance the detrimental effects of the contaminant and UV radiation.
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Reports of malformed amphibians and global amphibian declines have led to public concern, particularly because amphibians are thought to be indicator species of overall environmental health. The topic also draws scientific attention because there is no obvious, simple answer to the question of what is causing amphibian declines? Complex interactions of several anthropogenic factors are probably at work, and understanding amphibian declines may thus serve as a model for understanding species declines in general. While we have fewer answers than we would like, there are six leading hypotheses that we sort into two classes. For class I hypotheses, alien species, over-exploitation and land use change, we have a good understanding of the ecological mechanisms underlying declines; these causes have affected amphibian populations negatively for more than a century. However, the question remains as to whether the magnitude of these negative effects increased in the 1980s, as scientists began to notice a global decline of amphibians. Further, remedies for these problems are not simple. For class II hypotheses, global change (including UV radiation and global climate change), contaminants and emerging infectious diseases we have a poor, but improving understanding of how each might cause declines. Class II factors involve complex and subtle mechanistic underpinnings, with probable interactions among multiple ecological and evolutionary variables. They may also interact with class I hypotheses. Suspected mechanisms associated with class II hypotheses are relatively recent, dating from at least the middle of the 20th century. Did these causes act independently or in concert with pre-existing negative forces of class I hypotheses to increase the rate of amphibian declines to a level that drew global attention? We need more studies that connect the suspected mechanisms underlying both classes of hypotheses with quantitative changes in amphibian population sizes and species numbers. An important step forward in this task is clarifying the hypotheses and conditions under which the various causes operate alone or together.
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The presence of environmental contaminants may alter predator-prey interactions among aquatic species by altering activity levels of predators or prey, or by altering predator avoidance behavior. The outcome of a predatory encounter may be dependent upon whether both species are exposed to a contaminant simultaneously, or whether exposure occurs only in one of the species. In a laboratory experiment, I used the insecticide carbaryl to examine predation of southern leopard frog tadpoles (Rana sphenocephala) by adult red-spotted newts (Notophthalmus viridescens) under four conditions: both tadpoles and newts exposed, neither tadpoles nor newts exposed, and either newts or tadpoles only exposed. After one hour, exposed newts consumed half as many tadpoles as non-exposed newts. Carbaryl potentially affected newt activity enough to reduce time spent searching for prey, or may have altered the speed and coordination necessary to capture tadpoles. After six hours, non-exposed and exposed newts consumed similar numbers of tadpoles, most likely indicating recovery from exposure. After 24 h, predation rates were lowest when both newts and tadpoles were simultaneously either exposed or not exposed, and were greatest when newts and tadpoles were not exposed simultaneously. This study suggests that when tadpoles and newts are exposed to a sublethal level of a contaminant simultaneously, that predation rates do not differ from those observed under natural conditions, but exposure of either predator or prey at different times can disrupt predator-prey dynamics.
Article
Declines in amphibian populations and the loss of some species has spurred research into the causes of declines. Little research has been done on what the loss of amphibian species may mean to ecosystem function. I describe a field experiment where the number of Plethodon cinereus (the red-backed salamander) was manipulated in enclosures buried in the forest floor. I determined the composition of the forest floor invertebrate community and the rate of decomposition of leaf litter in enclosures with and without salamanders over 4.5 months. Salamander predation in enclosures significantly reduced invertebrate numbers compared to control enclosures. Salamander predation also indirectly reduced rate of decomposition by between 11 and 17%. This was probably due to salamanders consuming a significant number of leaf fragmenters (e.g. Coleoptera and Diptera larvae). Predation on leaf litter fragmenters may alter carbon dynamics in forested ecosystems.
Article
The majority of ectotherms grow slower but mature at a larger body size in colder environments. This phenomenon has puzzled biologists because classic theories of life-history evolution predict smaller sizes at maturity in environments that retard growth. During the last decade, intensive theoretical and empirical research has generated some plausible explanations based on nonadaptive or adaptive plasticity. Nonadaptive plasticity of body size is hypothesized to result from thermal constraints on cellular growth that cause smaller cells at higher temperatures, but the generality of this theory is poorly supported. Adaptive plasticity is hypothesized to result from greater benefits or lesser costs of delayed maturation in colder environments. These theories seem to apply well to some species but not others. Thus, no single theory has been able to explain the generality of temperature-size relationships in ectotherms. We recommend a multivariate theory that focuses on the coevolution of thermal reaction norms for growth rate and size at maturity. Such a theory should incorporate functional constraints on thermal reaction norms, as well as the natural covariation between temperature and other environmental variables.
Article
Incidence and prevalence data for common fears and phobia based on a probability sample of the general population show the frequency of mild phobia to be 76:9/1000 and of severe phobia to be 2.2/1000. Clinical samples are not representative of the distribution of phobia in the general population, agoraphobia being over-represented. The most frequent reason for consulting a physician is for him to minimize a severe fear or phobia of a medical procedure. Psychiatrists tend to see only the more severe phobics, although only a quarter of this group were found to be in treatment.
Article
Amphibian larvae are commonly exposed to low levels of pesticides during their development. Chronic studies generally examine the effects of long-term exposure, but they often disregard the importance of the individual life stage at which tadpoles are exposed. I determined the point during development at which carbaryl effects are manifested by exposing southern leopard frog tadpoles (Rana sphenocephala) to the pesticide carbaryl at five different times during development. Metamorphs exposed throughout the tadpole stage and throughout development (egg, embryo, tadpole) experienced significant mortality at all chemical levels. Although the length of the larval period was the same for all experimental groups, metamorphs exposed during the egg stage were smaller than their corresponding controls, independent of whether they were exposed at any other stage. Nearly 18% of individuals exposed to carbaryl during development exhibited some type of developmental deformity (including both visceral and limb malformities), compared to a single deformed (< 1%) control tadpole, demonstrating that a chemical hypothesis for amphibian deformities remains viable. Because exposure to nonpersistent chemicals may last for only a short period of time, it is important to examine the long-term effects that short-term exposure has on larval amphibians and the existence of any sensitive life stage. Any delay in metamorphosis or decrease in size at metamorphosis can impact demographic processes of the population, potentially leading to declines or local extinction.
Conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity in Pakistan e A
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Anwar M, Jasra AW, Sultani MI. 2005. Conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity in Pakistan e A Review. Pakistan Agriculture 1 (1):56e65.
New record of Agama nuristanica (Sauria: Agamidae) from Pakistan
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Baig KJ. 1988. New record of Agama nuristanica (Sauria: Agamidae) from Pakistan. Biologia 34:199e200.
A new species of Agama (Sauria, Agamidae) from northern Pakistan
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Baig KJ. 1989. A new species of Agama (Sauria, Agamidae) from northern Pakistan. Bulletin Kitakyushu Museum Natural History 9:117e122.
A new species of Tenuidactylus (Sauria: Geckonidae) from Balochistan
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Baig KJ. 1998. A new species of Tenuidactylus (Sauria: Geckonidae) from Balochistan, Pakistan. Hamadryad 23 (2):127e132.