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Arabia, including the arid lowland regions of Jordan, Syria, Iraq and southwest Iran, has approximately 128 species of terrestrial reptiles and about 7 of amphibians. Endemicity is high, 55% of species being largely or entirely confined to the area. Abrupt faunal discontinuities are present between Arabia and neighbouring regions, namely the Horn of Africa, the Sahara desert and the relatively mesic areas to the north. However, there must have been substantial interchange with these areas in the past. Within Arabia, the main Zoogeographie division is between the arid regions occupying most of the peninsula and much smaller, often more mesic areas of endemicity in the south. The former are mainly occupied by Saharo-Sindian taxa and have rather more affinities with the Sahara than to arid regions east of Arabia. Southern areas of endemicity include: 1. The southwestern coast, with affinities to the Horn of Africa and the inland deserts of Arabia. 2. The southwest and southern highlands which share a number of forms with northeast African relationships but differ significantly, the former having more, often endemic species with African affinities and a number with relatives in the Mediterranean and other northern mesic regions. The drier southern mountains have their own endemics, some of which have representatives in the öiddat al-HaräsIs area to the east. 3. The north Oman mountains also possess distinctive species and populations, some of which are related to forms in the less arid parts of the Iranian area. Finally there are a number of mesic forms distributed around the periphery of Arabia, and populations at oasis sites in the arid region which are probably relicts of forms more widespread in Quaternary pluvial phases.

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Differences in surface structure (ober- hautchen) of body scales of lacertid lizards involve cell size, shape and surface profile, presence or absence of fine pitting, form of cell margins, and the occurrence of longitudinal ridges and pustular projections. Phylogenetic information indicates that the primitive pattern involved narrow strap-shaped cells, with low posteriorly overlapping edges and relatively smooth surfaces. Deviations from this condition produce a more sculptured surface and have developed many times, although subsequent overt reversals are uncommon. Like variations in scale shape, different patterns of dorsal body microornamentation appear to confer different and conflicting performance advantages. The primitive pattern may reduce friction during locomotion and also enhances dirt shedding, especially in ground-dwelling forms from moist habitats. However, this smooth microornamentation generates shine that may compromise cryptic coloration, especially when scales are large. Many derived features show correlation with such large scales and appear to suppress shine. They occur most frequently in forms from dry habitats or forms that climb in vegetation away from the ground, situations where dirt adhesion is less of a problem. Microornamentation differences involving other parts of the body and other squamate groups tend to corroborate this functional interpretation. Microornamentation features can develop on lineages in different orders and appear to act additively in reducing shine. In some cases different combinations may be optimal solutions in particular environments, but lineage effects, such as limited reversibility and different developmental proclivities, may also be important in their genesis. The fine pits often found on cell surfaces are unconnected with shine reduction, as they are smaller than the wavelengths of most visible light.

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This study reports the observations of 54 species of amphibians and reptiles obtained during four field surveys to Morocco, including the southern and southeastern regions. Our records reveal a notable expansion of the current distribution range for several species especially in the eastern part of the country, highlighting the need for more intensive sampling within this region.

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A complete catalogue is provided for the type specimens of lacertid lizards in the herpetological collection of the Zoological Museum, Berlin, as of December, 1993. The collection contains a total of 514 type specimens, representing 63 taxa, of which 42 are currently regarded as valid at the specific or subspecific level. Types representing an additional four taxa appear to have been lost from the collection. The collections are especially rich in African lacertid types and in historically significant specimens collected early in the Nineteenth Century by Pallas, Eversmann, and Hemprich & Ehrenberg. Also present are the type series of many subspecies of Podarcis lilfordi and P. pityusensis described by Eisentraut.

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The study of colouring and scale pattern of 20 specimens of each of the 4 species represented in Tunisia: A. boskianus (Aud.), A. pardalis (Licht.), A. savignyi (Aud.) and A. inornatus Gray reveals the reasons for difficulties and uncertainties in the classification of this genera. These reasons are the existence of undependant, gradual and progressive variations, which may also be ontological, of the morphological particularities used as specific criteria. The mathematical analysis of 25 types of scale formation showing 71 variables allows us to estimate the interspecific distances which divide the 4 species into 2 groups each of 2 species. It is also possible to establish a dichotomic key based upon various elements of proved validity.

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The four species of the g. Acanthodactylus Wieg., 1834 occuring in Tunisia are quite indidualized by their biomedical relations which, moreover, allow to bring out their relationships. The size of the upper quarter in our sampling oppose two goups of two species each one. The distribution of the ratio between the lenght of the body and that of the tail place apart A. boskianus from the three other species in a more marked way for adults of both sexes than for juveniles.

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Extensive field investigations have determined the geographic distribution of four species of Acanthodactylus in Tunisia: A. inornatus, A. pardalis, A. boskianus and A. savignyi blanci. Important changes of the ranges, in comparison to those given in the literature, are available for the last three species. The ranges of these species are here related to bioclimatic zones and habitats.

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The herpetological populations in the islands of Zembra and Zembretta -- An extensive research of the Reptilian fauna on these two islands was conducted through three expéditions by the Tunis Science Faculty. The islands of Zembra is populated by three species of lizards Psammodromus algirus (Lacertids), Chalcides ocellatus (Scincids) and Hemidactylus turcicus (Gekkonids) and the three species of Colubrid snakes: Malpolon monspessulanus, Macroprotodon cucullatus, Coluber hippocrepis. On the Island of Zembretta only the three species of lizards mentioned above were found. Their distribution and biotope were precised. Two sea turtles visit their costal waters: Caretta caretta (Chelonids) and Dermochelys coriacea (Dermochelyids). The terrestrial herpetofauna on Zembra and Zembretta displays the fundamental characteristics of an insular environment — spécific poorness: the western slopes of the Cap Bon tip include 11 Lacertids, 7 Ophids, 3 Chelonids and 6 Batrachian species. — individual abundance in the Zembra Lacertid populations and even more on Zembretta. — composition unbalance: some species would not find convenient biotops or preys on these two islands but the absence of a few others species cannot be ecologically explained.

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Herpetologic fauna of Kerkennah islands: check list, geographic distribution and zoogeography. -- During a survey of Kerkennah islands, the check-list of Reptiles and Amphibians has been established to eleven species belonging to two classes, to seven families and to eleven genera. Geographic distribution on the islands and habitats of most species has been reported All species have a large distribution area in continental Tunisia and zoogeographic affinities are mainly with Mediterranean region.

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Acanthodactylus pardalis, a small lizard whose morphological variation is high, is found in sandy areas. The species is widespread in Tunisia, from the Saharan zone in deep south to the northern coast with strong variations in population density. Genetic variability of Acanthodactylus pardalis has been estimated from analysis of 22 protein loci in samples of five populations, including an insular population and a coastal isolate. Rate of polymorphism and heterozygosity are high; the insular sample (Kerkennah Island) is one of the two most variable genetically, along with one continental sample. While theses samples were collected in areas where Acanthodactylus densities were highest, including on Kerkennah island, species numbers of diurnal lizards were lowest in the same areas, including the continental area concerned.

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Allozymic variation at 22 loci was analyzed in four species of the lacertid Acanthodactylus occurring in Tunisia. Only two loci were strictly monomorphic in all samples. Five loci are highly polymorphic and contribute largely to the total variability. Mean heterozygosity ranks from 14% to 25%. No obvious relation was found between this level of variability and habitat, environment requirements or territoriality of these species.

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Acanthodactylus is a widespread lacertid genus including about thirthy species whose systematics remains much debated. The present study is aimed at improving the taxonomic status of the Tunisian species whose geographical distribution and ecological requirements have been studied elsewhere. Allozymic variation at 22 loci was scored in 14 populations for a total of 249 individuals. High genetic variability is confirmed in all samples; it is higher in species displaying a wide bioclimatic habitat range. No reduction of genetic variability was observed in two insular populations. Any interspecific hybrid could be detected from our genetic data, even in sympatric areas arguing in favor of specific status of four taxons in Northern, Central and Southern Tunisia. Phylogenetic relationships are discussed on the basis of UPGMA and Fitch-Margoliash procedures applied to the genetic distances matrix and centered data analysis of allozyme frequencies.

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Electrophoretic analysis of allozymes encoded by 22 loci supports the specific status of four lizard taxa in the genus Acanthodactylus. LDH-2 appears as a diagnostic locus for the four species. Measures of genetic distance suggest two groups: A. inornatus- A. savignyi and A. pardalis- A. boskianus. A. boskianus relationships might yet be modified when intraspecific variability is more extensively known.

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Cette note est destinée à faire le point sur le peuplement herpétologique du Maroc. Elle comprend: — Une liste des formes effectivement présentes au Maroc, avec les affinités biogéographiques des espèces, et éventuellement les travaux récents où ces formes sont étudiées. — Des commentaires sur les espèces africaines douteuses en Europe et européennes douteuses en Afrique. — Une liste des espèces à rechercher au Maroc. — Une discussion sommaire sur la systématique de certaines espèces marocaines.

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We discuss three aspects of the thermal biology of lacertid lizards. First, we provide an overview of the available data on field body temperatures (Tb), the thermal sensitivity of various performance functions and selected body temperatures in different species of lacertid lizards. We also briefly summarise information on the mechanisms of thermoregulation. Second, we discuss recent developments to estimate the »precision« of thermoregulation, and the contribution of distinct behavioural mechanisms. Finally, we revise available evidence for the existence of evolutionary adjustments of thermal characteristics in lacertid lizards. Existing studies have mainly dealt with within- and among-species differences in thermoregulatory behaviour (selected temperatures) and thermal physiology of adults (optimal temperatures, heating rates). Available data provide only limited evidence for clear-cut evolutionary shifts in thermal physiology characteristics along climatic gradients.

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Zoogeographically, the Jordanian herpetofauna is heterogeneous, originating from four biogeographical regions (Oriental, Palearctic, Saharo-Sindian, and Afrotropical) and occupying four different ecozones. Ninetythree species and subspecies of amphibians and reptiles are recorded from Jordan, showing different distribution patterns. The Mediterranean ecozone harbours the highest number (35) of recorded species, followed by the Sudanian Tropical penetration zone (16), and the Badyiah ecozone (12), respectively. Jordan is not separated by natural boundaries from the surrounding countries, which prevents the operation of isolation mechanisms, and seems to result in the absence of endemism. There are, however, three areas of endemism within the Eastern Mediterranean region taken as one whole unit: the Badyiah shared by Syria, Iraq, Saudi Arabia and Jordan, the northern part of the Mediterranean ecozone shared by Lebanon, Israel, Syria and Jordan, and southwest Jordan, Israel and Sinai. Some Palearctic species such as Coluber schmidti and C. ravergieri are relicts of the postglacial period and continue to survive in refugal enclaves with delicate ecological patterns. The distribution of some species, such as Bufo viridis, Mauremys caspica rivulata, Natrix tessellata, Coluber ventromaculatus, C. jugularis asianus, Walterinnesia aegyptia, and Vipera palaestinae, has been greatly influenced by climatic as well as anthropogenic changes.

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Zoogeographically, the Syrian herpetofauna is heterogeneous, originating from four biogeographical regions (Oriental, Palearctic, Saharo-Sindian and Afrotropical) and is characterized by the presence of five ecozones. 50% of the terrestrial herpetofaunal species are of palaearetic affinity while 32.3%, 14.6% and 3.1% are of Saharo-Sindian, Arabian and Afrotropical affinities, respectively. Five records of reptiles are new to the Syrian fauna: Emys orbicularis, Acanthodactylus opheodurus, Acanthodactylus schreiben syriacus, Pseudotrapelus sinaitus, Uromastyx aegyptia microlepis, and Lepto- typhlops macrorhynchus; Coluber rogersi is reported for the second time. An updated list of the herpetofauna of Syria is given.

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Mean body temperature (MBT) at activity in outdoor cages was measured in small lizards of four species of Acanthodactylus (Lacertidae). All species were found to be thermophilic; the MBT of A. schreiberi is 40.6 C, A. boskianus 39.2 C, A. scutellatus-39.3 C, and that of A. pardalis-37.8 C. No significant differences in MBT were found between A. boskianus and A. scutellatus. Statistically significant to highly significant differences were found comparing other pairs of species. Significant differences in MBT between A. schreiberi and A. scutellatus may allow sympatry in some places. Heat absorption by lizards in outdoor cages was mainly from the substratum. Cloacal temperatures adjust to changes in substratum temperature within 5 minutes even when the lizards are exposed to direct sunlight. These lizards can be regarded as primarily thigmothermic species that occasionally bask.

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Fezzan province (Libya) is a segment of true Sahara, is characterized by diverse habitats that are utilized as shelters and feeding ground for many desert wildlife species. Oases with water table near the surface are the most prominent feature in the Libyan desert. The diversity in habitats resulted in diversity in wildlife, as well as the plant cover (trees and bushes) is the most effective factor for the existence and the abundance of wild animals, in particular bird species. This study observed many species of reptiles, birds and mammals. In the study is also reported the rock hyrax Procavia capensis Pallas, 1766 (Hyracoidea Procaviidae) a rare and endemic species at the area.

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he systematics of the genus Acanthodactylus was classically based on external morphological traits, osteological characters and morphology of the hemipenes. Although the identification of sepcies complexes is relatively easy, the destinction within some groups is difficult due to a high variability of the external morphology. Partial mitochondrial (12S and 16S rRNA) sequences (371 and 499 base pairs, respectively) were analysed from 32 specimens of the A. pardalis group from northern Africa including the described species A. busacki, A. maculatus, A. mechriguensis and A. pardalis. Several highly distinct genetic units were resolved, but with little support for relationships between them. These units did not coincide with current taxonomic units, but showed geographic structuring. Although the A. pardalis group displays significant variation, the present taxonomy of the group must be considered unsatisfactory since it is not supported by genetic evidence. For some forms, such as A. mechriguensis there is no support and it is suggested that it should by synonymized with A. maculatus. More data are clearly needed for other forms. Complex microevolutionary patterns due to the recent contraction/expansion phases of the Sahara Desert probably are related with the phylogenetiv patterns observed.

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Running inevitably causes the animal trunk to undulate. The consequential head rotations have to be stabilised in space for a steady gaze and an accurate sense of self-motion for balance. The ecology and anatomy of the species determine the necessity to stabilise the head in yaw, pitch, and roll direction. Terrestrial lizards, running with a sprawled body posture, are especially prone to undulations in the horizontal (yaw) plane. Measurements on an experimental oscillation platform show that Acanthodactylus pardalis lizards stabilise their head less in pitch direction (54% stabilisation) than in yaw and roll direction (66% and 64% stabilisation, respectively). Because we performed these experiments in darkness, the lizards based their head stabilisation on vestibular information. Hence, we hypothesised that their vestibular system is less sensitive in pitch direction than in yaw and roll direction. Yet, this was not confirmed by a detailed Fluid-Structure Interaction model of the membranous labyrinth, which showed that not pitch sensitivity (88% of yaw sensitivity), but roll sensitivity (73% of yaw sensitivity) is the lowest. So why is the head stabilisation in darkness almost as good in roll direction as in yaw direction? While this may be due to neurological nonlinearities, it seems worth noticing that the moment of inertia is lowest in roll direction due to the elongated head shape. Hence, less torque is needed to stabilise a head rotation in roll direction than in the other two directions.

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Plusieurs séjours au Maroc entre 1974 et 1978 effectués soit dans le cadre de la RCP 249 du C.N.R.S. soit à l`occasion de voyages touristiques ont permis de rassembler des informations complémentaires sur l`herpétofaune marocaine. Captures, observations de spécimens écrasés sur les routes, mues et déterminations visuelles ont permis d`établir le texte qui suit. Il nous a paru intéressant de rassembler les observations ainsi obtenues avant leur Intégration dans un atlas des Reptiles du Maroc qui devrait voir le jour sous peu. Le découpage régional qui a été retenu est celui qui a été proposé par J. BONS (1967). Les observations les plus originales sont marquées d`un astérisque (*) et certaines sont commentées dans la conclusion.

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Mitochondrial DNA sequences consisting of 645 sites from the 12S rRNA and 16S rRNA genes were used to estimate the phylogeny of 15 of the 32 species of spiny-footed lizards Acanthodactylus. The resultant tree has similarities to that produced from a differentially weighted data set of 32 morphological characters but there are also significant differences. However, combined analysis of molecular and morphological data sets produces the same tree topology as DNA sequence alone. The molecular data confirm that there are distinct eastern and western clades within Acanthodactylus, but place A. boskianus in the former while the A. scutellatus group constitutes a third clade. Species for which only morphological information is available were integrated with the combined tree to give a provisional phylogeny for 31 species. This phylogeny indicates that the ancestor of existing Acanthodactylus probably originated in south-west Asia and that North Africa was invaded by more than one lineage of the genus. It also suggests that soft aeolian sand habitats may have been independently occupied more than once. Molecular data provide independent evidence that the differential weighting of morphological characters in past analyses was appropriate.

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The life and work of the Alsatian Louis Amédée Lantz (1886-1953), a pioneer of European herpetology. A trained and professional research-chemist, the Alsatian Louis Amédée Lantz was an active and particularly dynamic herpetologist. His residence of nearly twelve years in Russia enabled him to make several field trips to regions such as the Caucasus and Iran. He always carried with him a home made telescopic net that he used to catch lizards. That net became symbolic of Lantz for most people around him. He realized significant herpetological collections mainly deposited in the Museum of the Zoology Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences in St. Petersburg. Soon after the Russian Revolution in 1917, he had to leave the country and stayed for a few years in France before joining England. During this period, Lantz visited the French Pyrenees and the Mediterranean border (Hyeres Islands, Bandol), enabling him to discover for the first time oviparous populations of common lizard and also to describe a new species of lizard from the French Pyrenees. Lantz is also at the origin of the discovery of unisexual reproduction by parthenogenesis in reptiles. His collaboration with the Swedish amateur herpetologist Otto Cyrén, whom he met through the German herpetologist Willy Wolterstorff, was particularly successful throughout his career. Lantz died at the age of 66 years, in Switzerland, as he was about to join the team of herpetologists at the Natural History Museum in Paris.

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Aim To map and assess the richness patterns of reptiles (and included groups: amphisbaenians, crocodiles, lizards, snakes and turtles) in Africa, quantify the overlap in species richness of reptiles (and included groups) with the other terrestrial vertebrate classes, investigate the environmental correlates underlying these patterns, and evaluate the role of range size on richness patterns. Location Africa. Methods We assembled a data set of distributions of all African reptile species. We tested the spatial congruence of reptile richness with that of amphibians, birds and mammals. We further tested the relative importance of temperature, precipitation, elevation range and net primary productivity for species richness over two spatial scales (ecoregions and 1° grids). We arranged reptile and vertebrate groups into range-size quartiles in order to evaluate the role of range size in producing richness patterns. Results Reptile, amphibian, bird and mammal richness are largely congruent (r = 0.79–0.86) and respond similarly to environmental variables (mainly productivity and precipitation). Ecoregion size accounts for more variation in the richness of reptiles than in that of other groups. Lizard distributions are distinct with several areas of high species richness where other vertebrate groups (including snakes) are species-poor, especially in arid ecoregions. Habitat heterogeneity is the best predictor of narrow-ranging species, but remains relatively important in explaining lizard richness even for species with large range sizes. Main conclusions Reptile richness varies with similar environmental variables as the other vertebrates in Africa, reflecting the disproportionate influence of snakes on reptile richness, a result of their large ranges. Richness gradients of narrow-ranged vertebrates differ from those of widespread taxa, which may demonstrate different centres of endemism for reptile subclades in Africa. Lizard richness varies mostly with habitat heterogeneity independent of range size, which suggests that the difference in response of lizards is due to their ecological characteristics. These results, over two spatial scales and multiple range-size quartiles, allow us to reliably interpret the influence of environmental variables on patterns of reptile richness and congruency.

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The checklist is based primarily on extensive collections made by the United States Naval Medical Research Unit No. 3 (NAMRU-3) in Egypt. Forms listed are those that are known or expected to occur in Egypt (including Sinai), and those that have been reported from Egypt without further verification. The systematic lists contain original citations, references to major faunal works, and the most recent reviews of each particular group. From the 3.424 specimens obtained, adequate distributional data are now available for most forms in Egypt. Maps showing collecting localities for each species are also presented for use in future sympatric and ecological studies.

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Der Verfasser besuchte Tunesien Anfang April 1978 und berichtet von den Arten, die er da vorfand. Chalcides ocellatus und Tarentola mauritanica wurden häufig beobachtet, besonders in Sousse. Ertaunliche Mengen von mMauremys caspica leprosa wurden in dem kleinen Fluss ´Oued Hamdoun`bei Sousse gesehen, sie wurden aber auch in Kairouan und Gabès anagetroffen. Natrix maura wurde in Sousse und Kairouan immer im oder beim Wasser gesehen, oft ist dieses Wasser hier brackig. Zum Schluss gibt der Verfasser einen Determinationsschlüssel zu den tunesischen Amphibien-, Eidechsen- und Schildkrötenarten mit wissenscjaftlichen, französischen, niederländischen und manchmal auch arabischen Namen.

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Aim Body size is instrumental in influencing animal physiology, morphology, ecology and evolution, as well as extinction risk. I examine several hypotheses regarding the influence of body size on lizard evolution and extinction risk, assessing whether body size influences, or is influenced by, species richness, herbivory, island dwelling and extinction risk. Location World-wide. Methods I used literature data and measurements of museum and live specimens to estimate lizard body size distributions. Results I obtained body size data for 99% of the world`s lizard species. The body size–frequency distribution is highly modal and right skewed and similar distributions characterize most lizard families and lizard assemblages across biogeographical realms. There is a strong negative correlation between mean body size within families and species richness. Herbivorous lizards are larger than omnivorous and carnivorous ones, and aquatic lizards are larger than non-aquatic species. Diurnal activity is associated with small body size. Insular lizards tend towards both extremes of the size spectrum. Extinction risk increases with body size of species for which risk has been assessed. Main conclusions Small size seems to promote fast diversification of disparate body plans. The absence of mammalian predators allows insular lizards to attain larger body sizes by means of release from predation and allows them to evolve into the top predator niche. Island living also promotes a high frequency of herbivory, which is also associated with large size. Aquatic and nocturnal lizards probably evolve large size because of thermal constraints. The association between large size and high extinction risk, however, probably reflects a bias in the species in which risk has been studied.

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Aim Temperature influences most components of animal ecology and life history – but what kind of temperature? Physiologists usually examine the influence of body temperatures, while biogeographers and macroecologists tend to focus on environmental temperatures. We aim to examine the relationship between these two measures, to determine the factors that affect lizard body temperatures and to test the effect of both temperature measures on lizard life history. Location World-wide. Methods We used a large (861 species) global dataset of lizard body temperatures, and the mean annual temperatures across their geographic ranges to examine the relationships between body and mean annual temperatures.We then examined factors influencing body temperatures, and tested for the influence of both on ecological and life-history traits while accounting for the influence of shared ancestry. Results Body temperatures and mean annual temperatures are uncorrelated. However, accounting for activity time (nocturnal species have low body temperatures), use of space (fossorial and semi-aquatic species are ‘colder’), insularity (mainland species are ‘hotter’) and phylogeny, the two temperatures are positively correlated. High body temperatures are only associated with larger hatchlings and increased rates of biomass production. Annual temperatures are positively correlated with clutch frequency and annual longevity, and negatively correlated with clutch size, age at first reproduction and longevity. Main conclusions Lizards with low body temperatures do not seem to have ‘slower’ life-history attributes than species with high body temperatures. The longer seasons prevalent in warm regions, and physiological processes that operate while lizards are inactive (but warm enough), make environmental temperatures better predictors of lizard life-history variation than body temperatures. This surprisingly greater effect of environmental temperatures on lizard life histories hints that global warming may have a profound influence on lizard ecology and evolution.

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This note describes general patterns of winter activity in lizard populations along a latitudinal gradient with an approximate range of twelve degrees (26 to 38°N) in southern Europe and North Africa. We make use of qualitative data gathered through the last ten years in the area, as well as much more accurate quantitative data obtained from periodic censuses covering the whole year cicle in certain populations. Results allow us to impute a great importance to the activity observed in the unfavourable season. This activity seems to be an attribute at the population level and shows a great variability between and within species and populations.

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Small samples of Acanthodactylus lizards were collected throughout the range of both A. pardalis and A. scutellatus species groups in Morocco. A selected set of external characters was analyzed in an attempt to discriminate the species currently recognized within these groups. The analysis shows that there are severe difficulties in accurately identifying different species in the A. pardalis complex, and only A. aureus and, perhaps, A. dumerili can be clearly separated in the A. scutellatus complex. Trends of changes in the character states involved sugest a pattern of irregular (non-clinal) variation at the micro and macrogeographic scales, precluding the accurate identification of most populations and obscuring the phylogenetic relationships within species groups in this area.

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Patterns of space use in the four sand lizard (Acanthodactylus) species groups living in Morocco (A. erythrurus, A. boskianus, A. pardalis and A. scutellatus) have been analysed. The use of space has been described using 16 environmental variables recorded in 82 plots situated throughout the study area. A principal component analysis was used to report the relationships between variables and plots. Univariate and multivariate (discriminant) analyses were used to describe specific patterns of space use and interspecific differences among lizards. The species richness observed was much lower than expected from the distribution ranges on a regional scale

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Jordan has a very diversified morphology, which is reflected also in the diversity of its herpetofauna. A total 90 amphibian and reptilian species is known to inhabit Jordan. Of those three are amphibians, with the fourth species most probably already extinct, 47 are lizard species, 35 are snake species and five turtle species. The amphibians are represented by three different families, lizards and snakes both by seven families and turtles by four families. The distribution, ecology and systematics for most species are given.

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Examination of 385 specimens of the Acanthodactylus pardalis group from eastern Libya, Egypt and Israel confirmed the occurrence of two allopatric species in this area: Acan-thodactylus pardalis (Lichtenstein, 1823) distributed in Egypt and eastern Libya and a hitherto undescribed species endemic to the Negev (Israel). The species differ most markedly in body size, hemipenial structure, colouration and details of sexual dichromatism. Other significant dif-ferences involve scalation and biometrics. A simple method for artefact-free use of discriminant analysis in multivariate classification is presented. Redescription of A. pardalis (Lichtenstein, 1823), description of a new species Acanthodactylus beershebensis sp.n. and corrected geo-graphical ranges of the two species are provided. Both species, each endemic to a small area, appear to be markedly endangered by habitat destruction.

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In the present investigation, macroscopic sarcocysts of Sarcocystis acanthocolubri were observed in muscles of 42 (4.3%) out of 975 Acanthodactylus sp. lizards collected from different geographical areas in Egypt. The infection rate was 6.4% in Acanthodactylus boskianus, 2.1% in Acanthodactylus sculentus, and 5% in Acanthodactylus paradalis. The highest infection rate was recorded in the lizards captured from Baltem (10% in A. boskianus and 8% in A. paradalis). The infection rate was usually higher in females (7.4%) than in males (3.8%). Moreover, the highest infection rate was recorded in summer (7.53%), autumn (3.57%), and spring (3.11%), and the lowest was recorded in winter (0.91%). Also, old animals had higher infection rates (10.8%) than young ones (0–2.7%). Macrocysts measured 0.95×10.12 mm. Both macroscopic and microscopic sarcocysts were enclosed only by a primary cyst wall, which had many finger-like, stalkless, and nonbranched protrusions giving it a striated appearance. The primary cyst wall measured 3.9 μm. A dark granulated ground substance was found directly underneath the protrusions and is extended interiorly dividing the cyst cavity into many compartments containing the parasites (metrocytes and merozoites). Metrocytes were found directly under the ground substance and usually multiply asexually by endodyogeny producing two merozoites from each metrocyte. Both metrocytes and merozoites had the apical complex structures characteristic to the genus Sarcocystis. Transmission experiments with three snake species indicated that the snake Spalerosophis diadema is the proper final host belonging to the family Colubridae. The prepatent period was 16 days, while the patent period was 35 days. The results obtained from the present investigation revealed that this is a new species which was named Sarcocystis acanthocolubri.

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Etude du régime alimentaire et de ses variations spatiotemporelles chez ces deux lézards qui sont tous deux opportunistes. Le recouvrement global des niches écologiques est élevé, en particulier en juillet. La variabilité et l`hétérogénéité des conditions de milieu pourraient favoriser alternativement chacune des deux populations de telle sorte que l`exclusion compétitive ne puisse jamais se produire

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Twenty species of Reptiles divided into 14 genus and 7 families have been identified from 21 samples of the south of Chott El Djerid. The specific richness seems to decrease on the surroundings of the Chott. The log-normal model shows best the abundance of the distribution observed. In the relation with the pedologic caracteristics of the environment, Reptiles share out themselves between four unities.

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Southern tunisian herpetofauna includes 24 sampled species of Reptiles : 18 of lizards, in 12 genera and 6 families and 6 of snakes, in 5 genera and 2 families. Almost 62 percent of sampled items are related to Acanthodactylus of the southern group (A. inornatus - A. longipes). Highest biodiversities were found close to the Chotts (wetter areas) and in Louara and Dhahars regions (high substratum heterogeneity). Each species occurs only in one or two geomorphologicaly closely related environments. Aridity constraints induce a decreasing in biodiversity : most of the genera having here only one species. Major zoogeographical affinities are Saharo-sindian.

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The distribution areas of the 14 species of Lacertids in Tunisia are mapped, using our 265 field survey stations scattered all over the country and surveyed from 1974 to 1995. Biotops characteristics are reported. The respective contributions of ecological factors, such as climate, substrate, vegetation overlapping level, interactions between species (competitive exclusion or, on the reverse, syntopic coexistence) are analyzed and graded.

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Many animals display complex colour patterns that comprise several adjacent, often contrasting colour patches. Combining patches of complementary colours increases the overall conspicuousness of the complex pattern, enhancing signal detection. Therefore, selection for conspicuousness may act not only on the design of single colour patches, but also on their combination. Contrasting long- and short-wavelength colour patches are located on the ventral and lateral surfaces of many lacertid lizards. As the combination of long- and short-wavelength-based colours generates local chromatic contrast, we hypothesized that selection may favour the co-occurrence of lateral and ventral contrasting patches, resulting in complex colour patterns that maximize the overall conspicuousness of the signal. To test this hypothesis we performed a comparative phylogenetic study using a categorical colour classification based on spectral data and descriptive information on lacertid coloration collected from the literature. Our results demonstrate that conspicuous ventral (long wavelength-based) and lateral (short wavelength-based) colour patches co-occur throughout the lacertid phylogeny more often than expected by chance, especially in the subfamily Lacertini. These results suggest that selection promotes the evolution of the complex pattern rather than the acquisition of a single conspicuous colour patch, possibly due to the increased conspicuousness caused by the combination of colours with contrasting spectral properties.

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In addition to direct classical methods for assessing diet in wildlife, non-invasive techniques are a suitable alternative, especially in the case of endangered species. As in forensic investigations, a faecal parasitological examination could be a useful approach for a diet assessment in threatened wild birds, such as the Northern Bald Ibis (Geronticus eremita). Seven faecal samples were collected from birds from the remaining wild population of Bald Ibis in the Souss Massa region (southwest Morocco). The samples were microscopically analysed, and two of them showed the presence of Pharyngodon spp. eggs, which is a ubiquitous intestinal parasite of saurian reptiles. By compiling our findings and the local bibliographic data, we were able to confirm that small endemic Moroccan lizards, especially of the Acanthodactylus pardalis group, are among the elements that compose the diet of the Northern Bald Ibis.

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Die vorliegende Revision betrifft die Gattung Acanthodactylus (Damilie Lacertidae), die die Trocken- und Wüstengebiete des nördlichen Afrika und des südwestlichen Asiens bewohnt, mit Randpopulationen auf der Iberischen Halbinsel und auf Zypern. Mehr als 6000 Exemplare der Gattung, aus den bedeutendsten europäischen und amerikanischen Sammlungen, wurden untersucht. Zusätzlich wurden über 450 Röntgenaufnahmen für osteologische Untersuchungen ausgewertet. Die historische Übersicht behandelt in chronologischer Reihenfolge alle Arbeiten, die sich mit der Gattung Acanthodactylus beschäftigen, mit besonderer Berücksichtigung taxonomischer Studien. Ein beigegebener Bestimmungsschlüssel ermöglicht die Determination aller Arten der Gattung. Eine Reihe äußerer (Größe und Proportionen, Pholidose, Färbung und Zeichnung) und innerer (d.h. osteologischer) Merkmale wurde im Hinblick auf ihre Variabilität untersucht. Dann wurde ein Land ausgesucht, z.B. Ägypten, aus dem eine gute Materialbasis zur Verfügung stand. Für einen bestimmten Fundort in diesem Lande wurden sodann einige Kombinationen von Merkmalszuständen ermittelt, die sich aus dem Auftreten verschiedener Arten ergaben. Derselbe Vorgang wurde sodann auf den Rest Ägyptens übertragen, und die Merkmalskombinationen stellten sich als übereinstimmend heraus; sie erlaubten dadurch eine sichere Zuordnung von Tieren zu folgen Arten: A. boskianus, A. scutellatus und A. pardalis. Durch die Ausdehnung der Untersuchung nach Westen und Osten kamen weitere Taxa hinzu. Besonderer Aufmerksamkeit wurde diesen Merkmalskombinationen im Hinblick auf sympatrisches oder allopatrisches Auftreten der betroffenen Arten gezollt, mit dem Ergebnis, daß es in einigen Fällen möglich war, abzusichern, daß es sich um Populationen derselben Art handelt. Die Gattung Acanthodactylus wurde in mehrere Artengruppen gegliedert, die sich durch engere Beziehungen ihrer Arten untereinander auszeichnen. Die erste ist die micropholis-Gruppe mit der einzigen Art A. micropholis. Sie wird als die ursprünglichste der gesamten Gattung angesehen. Eine weitere Gruppe ist die boskianus-Gruppe, mit den Arten A. boskianus und A. schreiberi. Erstere wird ausführlich analysiert im Hinblick auf ihre außerordentlich große geographische Variabilität. Die yemenicus-Gruppe besiedelt die Arabische Halbinsel und besteht aus A. yemenicus sp.n., A. masirae, A. opheodurus und A. felicis. Eine weitere Gruppe ist die tristrami-Gruppe mit den Arten A. tristrami und A. robustus. Für erstere wird die Validität der Unterart orientalis verneint, die für iracensis dagegen bejaht. In die grandis-Gruppe wird hier nur A. grandis gestellt, während A. fraseri als dessen Synonym aufgefaßt wird. Die erythrurus-Gruppe enthält A. erythrurus, A. savignyi, A. blanci, A. boueti und A. guineensis. Letzterer rangierte bislang in der Gattung Eremias, gehört aber nach den hier vorgelegten Befunden in die erythrurus-Gruppe von Acanthodactylus. In der pardalis-Gruppe sind enthalten: A. pardalis, A. bedriagai, A. maculatus, A. spinicauda und A. busacki sp.n. aus Marokko. Die scutellatus-Gruppe besteht aus A. scutellatus, A. aureus, A. dumerili und A. longipes. Die letzte Gruppe ist die cantoris-Gruppe mit den Arten A. cantoris, A. arabicus, A. schmidti, A. blanfordi, A. gongrorhynchatus und A. haasi. Eine Bibliographie über die Gattung beschließt die Arbeit. Für jede Art werden Diagnosen, Verbreitungskarten, Synonymien, Beschreibungen und Materiallisten der untersuchten Tiere sowie auch Strichzeichnungen gegeben.

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Herpetological surveys were carried out by RESETAR (1981) between September 25, 1981 and December 12, 1981 and by myself from April 1, 1983 to August 30, 1983. In this final report all species of amphibians and reptiles collected in Kouf National Park and its adjacent areas are mentioned and the data, descriptions and wildlife observations, together with the distributional maps of the herptiles of the park area, are compiled. - In the proposed 100,000 ha park area 2 amphibian, 3 turtle, 10 lizard and 7 snake species were found and described. For the adjacent areas, surrounding the region of the watershed, 1 further turtle species (Testudo [P.] kleinmanni), 2 further lizard species (Stenodactylus sthenodactylus sthenodactylus, Eumeces schneideri algeriensis) und 2 further snake species (Spalerosophis diadema, Cerastes sp.) could be added. General descriptions and information on the park are given, and ecological data summarize the information on the biology of the species mentioned.

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In this paper, the evolution and ecology of directional asymmetry (DA) during the developmental trajectory (DT) is compared with that of its product, morphological DA (MDA). DT and MDA are calculated for two bilateral morphological scale characters of lizards, the number of subdigital lamellae beneath the fourth toe in 10 agamid and 28 lacertid taxa, and the number of rows of ventral scales in 12 lacertid taxa. MDA, the subtraction between left and right sides (classical measure of DA), is functional in adult animals. Results confirm the hypodiesis that, in DT, the regression parameters a (constant) and b (regression slope) of counts on the right side with those on the left describe a developmental process. No phylogenetic or environmental effects were observed on a and b, but analyses considering both a and b together show non-random phyletic patterns. Independent analyses deduced the same ancestral DT in Agamidae and Lacertidae. In Lacertidae, distance between pairs of taxa in a + b (standardized values) correlates positively with die phylogenetic distance between taxa. Phyletic trends in MDA are indirect, and due to the link of MDA with a + b. The MDA of species is more dissimilar in sympatry than in allopatry. The phyletic trends suggest evolution of DT, while die association of MDA witii sympatry suggests that ecological pressures shape MDA in adult animals. Evolution of DT is independent from tiiat of its product, MDA–adaptive determinism defines the result of, but not the mechanistic process of, development. Deterministic environmental processes define MDA, and deterministic evolutionary processes define the interactive result of a and b, but not each separately. According to circumstances, different DTs produce similar or different MDA, and a particular DT can produce different MDAs.

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Acanthodactylus lizards are among the most diverse and widespread diurnal reptiles in the arid regions spanning from North Africa across to western India. Acanthodactylus constitutes the most species-rich genus in the family Lacertidae, with over 40 recognized species inhabiting a wide variety of dry habitats. The genus has seldom undergone taxonomic revisions, and although there are a number of described species and species-groups, their boundaries as well as their interspecific relationships are largely unresolved. We constructed a multilocus phylogeny, combining data from two mitochondrial (12S, cytb) and three nuclear (MC1R, ACM4, c-mos) markers for 302 individuals belonging to 36 known species, providing the first large-scale time-calibrated molecular phylogeny of the genus. We evaluated phylogenetic relationships between and within species-groups, and assessed Acanthodactylus biogeography across its known range. Acanthodactylus cladogenesis is estimated to have originated in Africa due to vicariance and dispersal events from the Oligocene onwards. Radiation started with the separation into three clades: the Western and scutellatus clades largely distributed in North Africa, and the Eastern clade occurring mostly from Arabia to south-west Asia. Most Acanthodactylus species diverged during the Miocene, possibly as a result of regional geological instability and climatic changes. We support most of the current taxonomic classifications and phylogenetic relationships, and provide genetic validity for most species. We reveal a new distinct blanfordii species-group, suggest new phylogenetic positions (A. hardyi, A. masirae), and synonymize several species and subspecies (A. lineomaculatus, A. boskianus khattensis and A. b. nigeriensis) with their phylogenetically closely-related species. We recommend a thorough systematic revision of taxa exhibiting high levels of intraspecific variability as well as clear evidence of phylogenetic complexity such as A. guineensis, A. grandis, A. dumerilii, and A. senegalensis and the pardalis and erythrurus species-groups.

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We tested the hypothesis that an evolutionary trade-off exists between the capacity to run on level terrain and the ability to climb inclined structures in lacertid lizards. Biomechanical and physiological models of lizard locomotor performance suggest that the morphological design requirements of a ground-dwelling vs. scansorial life style are difficult to reconcile. This conflict is thought to preclude simultaneous evolution of maximal locomotor performance on level and inclined terrain. This notion has been corroborated by comparative studies on lizard species from other groups (Anolis, Chamaeleo, Sceloporus), but is not supported by our data on 13 species from the family Lacertidae. We found no indication of a negative association between maximal sprint speed of lizards over a level racetrack (indicative of ground-dwelling locomotor performance), on an inclined stony surface (indicative of climbing performance over rock faces) and inclined mesh surface (indicative of clambering performance among vegetation). Moreover, morphological characteristics associated with fast sprinting capacities (e.g. long hind limbs) apparently enhance, rather than hinder climbing and clambering performance. We conclude that in our sample of lacertid lizards, the evolution of fast sprinting capacity on level terrain has not inflicted major restrictions on climbing and clambering performance.

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The aim of this study was to determine if divergence in habitat use among lacertid lizards is paralleled by morphological differentiation. For 35 lacertid species, we measured body, head and limb dimensions. Habitat use was inferred from the literature: ground-dwelling on open terrain, ground-dwelling in vegetated areas, shrub-climbing, tree-climbing, saxicolous (i.e. rock-climbing). Traditional (i.e. non-phylogenetic) statistical analyses suggest morphological differences among species groups with different habitat use. Ground-dwelling species from open habitats tend to have longer femurs, tibiae and humeri (relative to body length) than other groups. Cursorial (i.e. level-running) species have relatively high heads and trunks compared to climbing species. These differences follow biomechanical predictions and it is tempting to consider tham as adaptations to habitat use. However, phylogenetic analyses of the data fail to establish a clear relationship between habitat use and morphology in the data set considered. There is a weak indication that the differences in head and trunk height have evolved as an adaptation to different habitat use, but the differences in relative limb dimensions among species groups with different habitat use vanish. Either adaptation of limb dimensions to habitat use has not occurred in lacertid lizards, or our methods are unable to demonstrate such an adaptation. We show that uncertainties in the topology of the phylogenetic tree used are unlikely to influence the outcome of our study. We also address the fact that habitat use is often similar in different branches of the phylogenetic tree, and the consequences this may have for the power of our statistical analyses.

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Microhabitat use and antipredator behaviour (i.e. behavioural response to a bird model and refuge microhabitat) was measured in an experimental set-up for 11 lacertid lizard species. Additionally, locomotor performance (sprint speed, climbing and clambering speed, manoeuvrability and endurance) of the same species was quantified. The results showed considerable interspecific variation in microhabitat use, behavioural response and choice of refuge microhabitat. Part of that variation could be linked to differences in locomotor capacity. Species that frequently made use of open microhabitats tended to be fast sprinters, but had limited endurance. The behavioural data suggest these species will not start running before the predator is close at hand, and thus having high sprint capacities might be more beneficial than great endurance. Species that spent most of their time on vertical elements appeared to be fast climbers. As such microhabitats tend to be quite exposed, lizards living there are conspicuous to predators and being able to escape fast seems relevant. Contrary to our expectations, species mostly observed in the vegetated microhabitats did not excel in clambering capacity or manoeuvrability. Possibly, dense vegetation constitutes a safe harbour and species may no longer be under selection for locomotor speed. Behavioural response when confronted with an aerial predator was context-dependent in most species: most lizards fled more when in open or vertical microhabitats than when in densely vegetated ones. Moreover, when fleeing most species sought refuge in the vegetation. These findings support our idea that vegetated patches may constitute a safe harbour for lacertids.

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Morphological and physiological considerations suggest that sprinting ability and endurance capacity put conflicting demands on the design of an animal`s locomotor apparatus and therefore cannot be maximized simultaneously. To test this hypothesis, we correlated size-corrected maximal sprint speed and stamina of 12 species of lacertid lizards. Phylogenetically independent contrasts of sprint speed and stamina showed a significant negative relationship, giving support to the idea of an evolutionary trade-off between the two performance measures. To test the hypothesis that the trade-off is mediated by a conflict in morphological requirements, we correlated both performance traits with snout-vent length, size-corrected estimates of body mass and limb length, and relative hindlimb length (the residuals of the relationship between hind- and forelimb length). Fast-running species had hindlimbs that were long compared to their forelimbs. None of the other size or shape variables showed a significant relationship with speed or endurance. We conclude that the evolution of sprint capacity may be constrained by the need for endurance capacity and vice versa, but the design conflict underlying this trade-off has yet to be identified.

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The Yale University Prehistoric Expedition to Nubia collected zoological specimens and archeological artifacts from Egypt and the surrounding region from 1962 to 1965. A total of 2486 herpetological specimens were collected during this time, representing 51 species and 13 families. Among the herpetological specimens is a series of 1232 Chalcides ocellatus and a recently described species of spitting cobra (Naja nubiae). Because most of the collection sites are now under Lake Nasser, most specimens represent extirpated populations. Some specimens are of taxa now considered endangered species in Egypt. Although the primary purpose of the YUPEN expedition was to preserve the rich anthropological history south of Aswan, the herpetological specimens that were preserved provide a valuable temporal snapshot into the historical ecosystems that were present in Lower Egypt.

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From material in the Hebrew University, Cyrtodactylus scaber (Gekkonidae) is reported for the first time from Jordan, and the occurrence there of Bunopus blanfordii (Gekkonidae) and Acanthodactylus pardalis (Lacertidae) is confirmed. Coluber elegantissimus (Colubridae) is re-instated in Jordan’s herpetofaunal list.

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A new species of the Acanthodactylus pardalis group, A. ahmaddisii sp.n., is described from Jordan, from a single specimen which differs from A. pardalis (Lichtenstein, 1823) of east- ern Libya and Egypt, and A. beershebensis Moravec et al., 1999 from Israel. Compared to the lat- ter two populations, A. ahmaddisii is larger with smaller head and shorter appendages and fewer (larger) dorsals. It also differs in qualitative pholidotic characters, especially by having tricarinate subdigitals, and in colour pattern.