×

Morphometric evaluation of limb proportions in five sympatric desert lacertas of the genus Eremias, namely E. velox, E. grammica, E. intermedia, E. lineolata, and E. scripta inhabiting southern Balkhash Lake region (Sary-Ishyk-Otrau desert), Kazakhstan, was made. Considerable species differences in proportions of some limb segments associated with locomotion adaptations (burrowing, climbing etc) of these lizards have been found as well as sexual dimorphism and age variability. Associations among morphometric peculiarities (limb proportions), locomotion activity, spatial, temporal, and trophic characteristics of ecological niches of sympatric species are discussed.

×

A complete catalogue is provided for the type specimens of amphibians and reptiles collected by Nikolay A. Zarudny and stored mostly in the herpetological collection of the Zoological Institute, Russian Academy of Sciences, St. Petersburg, Russia (ZISP), as of August 2018. The collection contains 270 type specimens, representing 51 taxa (species and/or subspecies) of one family of turtles, one amphisbaenia family, five lizard families and four snake families from 74 type localities. As a result of studying Zarudny’s collections, mainly from Iran, was the description by A. M. Nikolsky of two new genera, Microgecko and Diplometopon, and 42 species and subspecies (varieties). Twenty-two of these taxa are regarded currently as valid.

×

TERRA TYPICA. Karakum, Turkmenistan. DISTRIBUTION. Middle Asia within the plains of Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, middle and southern Kazakhstan. The northern border of the distribution range runs in Kazakhstan, in some places nearly attaining 49°N. Outside of Middle Asia it also occurs in the north-east of Iran (eastern Khorasan), in the adjacent plain regions of Afghanistan to the north of Hindu Kush, as well as in the east up to the western regions of the Xinjiang-Uyghur Autonomous Region, China. CONSERVATION STATUS. The number is stable and does not require special measures on its maintenance.

×

Acanthodactylus blanfordi, Acanthodactylus boskianus, Acanthodactylus grandis, Acanthodactylus micropholis, Acanthodactylus nilsoni, Acanthodactylus opheodurus, Acanthodactylus schmidti, Eremias acutirostris, Eremias andersoni, Eremias arguta, Eremias fasciata, Eremias grammica, Eremias intermedia, Eremias lalezharica, Eremias lineolata, Eremias nigrocellata, Eremias nigrolateralis, Eremias persica, Eremias pleskei, Eremias scripta, Eremias strauchi strauchi, Eremias strauchi kopetdaghica, Eremias velox velox, Lacerta brandtii, Lacerta cappadocica urmiana, Lacerta chlorogaster, Lacerta defilippii, Lacerta media media, Lacerta mostoufi, Lacerta praticola praticola, Lacerta princeps princeps, Lacerta princeps kurdistanica. Lacerta raddei raddei, Lacerta raddei vanensis, Lacerta steineri, Lacerta strigata, Lacerta valentini valentini, Lacerta zagrosica, Mesalina brevirostris brevirostris, Mesalina brevirostris fieldi, Mesalina watsonana, Ophisops elegans.

×

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.

×

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.

×

Population density of reptiles in four desert areas of southwestern Tajikistan was es- timated in spring 2018–2019. The structure of reptile communities in seven typical landscapes was described. The highest species diversity and population density were observed in sandy landscapes. Seven species of psammobionts formed the basis of these reptile communities. Among them Phrynocephalus interscapularis (56.4), Crossobamon eversmanni (27.8), Eremias lineolata (15.6), Eremias scripta (13.0) had the highest distribution and high population density (individuals/hectare). The relationship of cohabitating species was considered. The highest total population density of reptiles (89.0 ind./ha) was discovered on sandy ridges along the Amu Darya. On the loamy plain the population density of four species was 8.4 ind./ha, and on the foothill plain 2.4 ind./ha. Eremias nigrocellata (2.0 ind./ha) dominated in reptile communities on solid ground. In total, 25 species of reptiles inhabit the desert plains of Southwestern Tajiki- stan. 17 out of 25 (68%) species are included in the national Red Data Book. The level of en- demism and similarity of reptile fauna in desert areas were high. Fauna similarity indices calcu- lated according to Sørensen were 0.9–0.8. These values indicate close contact and connection between desert communities. The formation of the reptile fauna in southwestern Tajikistan oc- curred as a result of dispersal of Turanian species across the left bank of the Amu Darya River from Turkmenistan. They moved to the right bank due to the changes in the riverbed at the Pleistocene Epoch. The absence of some reptile species (Teratoscincus scincus, C. eversmanni, Phrynocephalus mystaceus, E. lineolata, Eremias grammica, E. scripta, etc.) in Northern Af- ghanistan along the border with Tajikistan is explained by the lack of herpetological study of this territory. Their habitat in the area is highly probable. Isolation and autonomy of desert are- as in the Amu Darya valley create the opportunity for formation of new taxonomic forms. Ex- amples are lizards E. scripta ladzinni and P. interscapularis sogdianus. The desert plains of Southwest Tajikistan have a small area and are subjected to significant anthropogenic pressure. Protection of small species, including lizards (Phrynocephalus raddei, P. mystaceus, Varanus griseus) and snakes (Eryx tataricus, Spalerosophis diadema, Boiga trigonatum, Naja oxiana, Echis carinatus) is needed. For widespread and numerous psammobiont species (P. interscapu- laris, E. lineolata, E. grammica, E. scripta, C. eversmanni) there is no threat of extermination at the moment.

×

Based on the Giemsa-dyeing karyotypes and silver-staining bands of 15 populations from different localities in China belonging to 6 species of the genus Eremias , We found all species studied have 19 pairs of chromosomes, the size of chromosomes reduces gradually and there are no marked differences between the arranged pairs of macrochromosomes except the last pair of microchromosome. There are the same karyotype formula as 2n=38=36I+2m with NF=38 in E. argus, E. multiocellata, E. velox, E. arguta and E. grammica; but the karyotype formula of E. vermiculata is different as 2n=38=12V+2sI+22I+2m with NF=50. The NOR are all located on one small pair in female of E. velox, and E. arguta , in male of E. grammica and E. vermiculata ,and in both male and female of E. multiocellata. We have not found two or more than two pairs of NOR. Having one pair of NOR may be common in Genus Eremias and also the trait of Eremias. We speculate that the derivation of the karyotype of E. vermiculata had two possible way: one experienced the stage of triploid, and later the Robertsonian transposal of chromosomes; the other way was through the inversions between the arms on the chromosome and the phenomenon of inversions might occur during or subsequently after the upheaval of the Tibet and Qinghai plateau and the founding of the Tianshan . With regard to the trend of the evolution of chromosomes in the lizards ([1]), the karyotype of E. vermiculata is more advanced. Making specialties of E. vermiculata will help in building the phylogenic tree of Eremias. In both male and female of the species studied, the heteromorphic sex-chromosomes were not found.

×

The reptile and mammals fauna of North-East of Iran were investigated and the contraction and fragmentation of some species due to climatic changes and human activities were analyzed. The sampling was carried out in selected stations throughout the Great Khorsan. The results showed that there are approximately 71 reptiles (including 39 species of lizards, 32 snakes and one turtle) and 83 species of mammals. The exact number of vulnerable and threatened reptile and mammal species in Khorasan provinces is not clear, but there are at least 33 reptiles and 10 mammals categorized as threatened species. The distribution and population size of some species has greatly changed during recent years, most probably as a result of recent global warming, i. e. temperature rise, decrease of precipitation, drought and human harmful activities. The human activity in this region, especially urbanization, agricultural activities and cutting of shrubs has caused fragmentation and serious decline of population size in some species and even elimination of some local endemic population of relict species. The conservation of mammals and reptiles in the North-East of Iran demands organized collaborations including education of native people for protection of valuable vertebrate faunae of the area.

×

The Cadastre of the Genetical Fund is the of cial directory on biodiversity – the annotated check-list of living creatures registered on the territory of the country, re ecting the current state of the biotic inventory. The present volume IV is devoted to the chordates and contains general distributional data about representatives of ve classes of vertebrate animals: ray- nned shes (Actinopterygii), amphibians (Amphibia), reptiles (Reptilia), birds (Aves), and mammals (Mammalia). This volume completes the national faunal inventory (the check-list of all invertebrate animals is presented in volumes II and III). In total, there are listed 602 species (with all local subspecies) represents 325 genera belongs to 119 families. There are also included 14 species doubtfully recorded in Kyrgyzstan, and 36 species names are expunged from faunal list. Each taxon name is supplied with the main synonymy, most accepted Russian, Kyrgyz, and English names. Data on current distribution within Kyrgyzstan and endemicity level are provided for each species (subspecies), as well as main references. The guide book also contains 74 color photographs in the annex. It is destined for experts in ecology, zoologists, specialists and employers of the institutions for the management of the natural resources, nature conservation and biological education.

×

A reptile catalogue of the Zoological Museum, Stavropol State University, is presented. 1,019 specimens of 88 species collected within the territories of Russian Federation, Ukraine, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, and some other areas are listed. The history of the Museum and the formation of its collection are given.

×

In this article, a list of lizards of fauna of Kazakhstan, compiled according to the latest taxonomic revisions with the aim of unifying the taxonomy is presented, and a short outline of the history of views on the composition of fauna of Kazakhstan lizards are presented. The tasks of this work are explained by a significant increase in the number of special publications and frequent changes in views on the phylogenetic position and taxonomic status of species.

×

Este trabajo tuvo como objetivo comparar las comunida- des de lagartijas de habitats similares: dunas de la Reserva de la Biosfera de Mapimí, México y dunas semimóviies de la Reserva de la Biosfera de Repetek, URSS, a través del análisis de la riqueza específica, diversidad, abundancia y ciclos de actividad. Mapimí resultó ser una comunidad más diversa (2.38) y con mayor abundancia de lagartijas (16.9 ind/ha) que Repetek (1.62 y 9.07 ind/ha respectivamente). En relación a los ciclos de actividad se encontraron dos tipos en ambas zonas; el continuo y el discontinuo. los valores más altos en amplitud de nichos para especies de ciclo continuo fueron para Urna exsul (Ds = 0.704) y Phrynocephalus interscapularis (Ds = 0.647), mientras que para especies de ciclo discontinuo fueron para Cnemidophorus tigris (Ds = 0.404) y Eremias grammica (0.368). la sobreposición del nicho temporal en Mapimí fue entre Uta stansburiana y C. tigris (R = 0.86) y en Repetek P. interscapularis y E. grammica (R=0.65). Se identificaron como equivalentes ecológicos y otológicos, en las comunidades de Mapimí y Repetek a: Urna exsul con Phrynocephalus interscapularis y Cnemidophorus tigris con Eremias grammica.

×

Eremias, or racerunners, is a widespread lacertid genus occurring in China, Mongolia, Korea, Central Asia, Southwest Asia and Southeast Europe. It has been through a series of taxonomic revisions, but the phylogenetic relationships among the species and subgenera remain unclear. In this study, a frequently studied region of the mitochondrial 16S rRNA was used to (i) reassess the phylogenetic relationships of some Eremias species, (ii) test if the viviparous species form a monophyletic group, and (iii) estimate divergence time among lineages using a Bayesian relaxed molecular-clock approach. The resulting phylogeny supports monophyly of Eremias sensu Szczerbak and a clade comprising Eremias, Acanthodactylus and Latastia. An earlier finding demonstrating monophyly of the subgenus Pareremias is corroborated, with Eremias argus being the sister taxon to Eremias brenchleyi. We present the first evidence that viviparous species form a monophyletic group. In addition, Eremias przewalskii is nested within Eremias multiocellata, suggesting that the latter is likely a paraphyletic species or a species complex. Eremias acutirostris and Eremias persica form a clade that is closely related to the subgenus Pareremias. However, the subgenera Aspidorhinus, Scapteira, and Rhabderemias seem not to be monophyletic, respectively. The Bayesian divergence-time estimation suggests that Eremias originated at about 9.9 million years ago (with the 95% confidence interval ranging from 7.6 to 12 Ma), and diversified from Late Miocene to Pleistocene. Specifically, the divergence time of the subgenus Pareremias was dated to about 6.3 million years ago (with the 95% confidence interval ranging from 5.3 to 8.5 Ma), which suggests that the diversification of this subgenus might be correlated with the evolution of an East Asian monsoon climate triggered by the rapid uplift of the Tibetan Plateau approximately 8 Ma.

×

The aim of this study is to detect areas of endemism in lizards in Iran. This is the first study of its kind focusing on this subject. Areas of endemism for two families of lizards (Lacertidae and Gekkonidae) that have the highest number of endemic species than other lizard families in Iran were identified by Parsimony Analysis of Endemicity (PAE). Distribution data were collected from previous studies on the Iranian lizards and also from the recent literature on the descriptions of new endemic species. A total of 81 species of lizards were available for analysis. The study area was divided into a 2° × 2° grid of 63 Operational Geographic Units (OGUs). PAE was applied to the data matrix to detect areas of endemism and detected eight areas of endemism in southwestern Iran and near the Persian Gulf. Southern Iran is the main region where most species from Arabia came into Iran and were stopped in their dispersal. Two grids in southern and northeastern Iran were recognized as the areas with the highest density of species in the studied families. Lacertidae and Gekkonidae did not have a shared endemic species in the region (cells 59 and 60) but the area of endemism identified by PAE in the Persian Gulf region suggests that exchange between Iranian and Arabian herpetofauna was very high during interglacial periods. The distribution pattern of the endemic species of these families is concentrated in the region of the Alborz and the Zagros Mountains, but the single area of endemism in southern Iran has an important role in the historical biogeography of the Iranian herpetofauna. During interglacial periods, the Persian Gulf acted as a corridor between the herpetofauna of the two sides and this suggests the importance of this area of endemism for the Gekkonidae family. Also, the OGUs with the highest density of species are located around the country and, the lowest density is in the Central Plateau. PAE detected eight areas of endemism in southwestern Iran, but according to the number of species per units, two OGUs can be identified as high density in northeastern and southern Iran.

×

In Iran Eremias grammica is a critically endangered lacertid lizard only known from a single population in the east of Khorasan Razavi province. During a new survey of this area (September 2011) it has become clear that this population of Eremias grammica no longer exists, due to habitat destruction. However, a new population of Eremias grammica was found in similar sand dunes around Jangal city, and habitat protection is suggested.

×

Several recent papers have reviewed the life and work of French herpetologist Louis Amédée Lantz. They have detailed the composition of his collections deposited in several museums. However, since then, several other im- portant specimens from his collections have come to light. We here identify the syntypes of Eremias zarudnyi Lantz, 1928, which were located in Russia. We provide data on the type series, an English translation of the French description of E. zarudnyi and designate and describe a lectotype for the species.

×

Little is known about altitudinal distribution of lizards in Iran. In the present study we studied distribution pattern of members of family Lacertidae along the eleveatinal gradient in Iran. To determine environmental drivers of distribution pattern of 48 lizard species, all known valid members of family Lacertidae, along elevational gradient in Iran. Firstly, we classified Iran digital elevation model (DEM) based on 100m intervals, that resulted in 56 altitudinal bands and number of species in each band was recorded. Secondly, we extracted mean value of following variables; altitude, slop, area, solar radiation index (SRI), normalized differences vegetation index (NDVI), annual precipitation, precipitation of wettest month, precipitation of driest month precipitation, precipitation of wettest quarter, precipitation of driest quarter, and precipitation of warmest quarter, and using VIF measure correlated variables were removed. Finally, we performed a multiple regression and found that area and precipitation of warmest quarter are the most important drivers of distribution pattern of family Lacertidae along elevational gradient in Iran. General distribution pattern of family Lacertidae was unimodal and maximum number of species living from 1475 m to 1675 m.

×

This paper comprises, the collections made in four northern provinces of Afghanistan (Mazar-i-Sharif, Herat, Malmana, Kataghan) and In the eastern Afghan province of Nangarhar which is separated from the Central Asiatic Subregions by the mountain range of Hindu-Kush. In all, 135 Individuals belonging to 34 species were determined. The herpetofauna of the northern provinces was compared with that of Nangahar. In this province 9 species, [Gmnodactylus sp. (kachhensis ssp. nov.?), Calores versicolor, Uromastyx hardwicki, Varanus bengalensis, Oligodon arnensis, Fowleya piscator, Psammophis leithiand Bungarus coeruleus], typical of the Oriental Region, were fund but the forms typical of the Turanian zone are missing here. This specific structure of the herpetofauna arranges the -Nangahar provinces [the drainage area of the Kabul River in the environs of Jalad-Abad] to the Oriental Region. In the Nangarhar province a new form belonging to Gymnodactylus kachhensis was found. Its taxonomy was not solved.

×

he chromosomes of eight lacertid species were studied by standard and banding techniques (C- and NOR-banding, telomeric sequences) and chromosomal interlocation during mitosis and meiosis was investigated. The data obtained are discussed in the light of modern ideas of the interrelation between DNA changes, karyotype evolution, and speciation. The assumption is voiced on the optimal number of arms and, consequently, the “optimal” number of functional telomeres in the Lacertidae, which in its turn may be associated with the structure of the nucleus and with canalization of the genome as a whole.

×

Lizard toe fringes are composed of laterally projecting elongated scales and have arisen independently at least 26 times in seven families of lizards. Four different fringe types are identified: triangular, projectional, conical and rectangular. To determine if variation in fringe morphology can be attributed to environmental differences, each independent evolution of a fringe type is identified; correlation of substrate types with evolutionarily independent fringe morphologies are thrn studied. Variation in fringe morphology shows a strong association with substrate type: triangular, projectional and conical fringes with windblown sand; and rectangular fringes with watcr. Some aspects of fringe morphology may result from differences in functional requirements, and others may have no adaptive significance. This example of convergent evolution points out difficulties inherent to comparative studies of adaptation and underscores the value of broad comparative surveys which provide an alternative to ad hor adaptive explanations of similarity.

×

The diverse habitats of central Uzbekistan support a rich herpetofaunal community, but distributions and relative abundances of the species comprising this community remain poorly known. Here, we present an annotated species inventory of this under-explored area, with detailed notes on distributions and population statuses. Fieldwork was concentrated in southern Navoi and western Samarkand provinces, although some records were also made in the far north of Navoi province, near the city of Uchkuduk. Data were collected between March and May/June in 2011, 2012, and 2013, with herpetofaunal records being made opportunistically throughout this period. Survey effort was concentrated in semi-desert steppe area located to the south of the city of Navoi and an expanse of unnamed steppe located to the north of Navoi. Further records were made in a range of other habitat types, notably wetlands, sand dune fields, and low rocky mountains. Total fieldwork equated to approximately 8,680 person-hours of opportunistic survey effort. In total, we detected two amphibian and 26 reptile species in our study area, including one species classified as Globally Vulnerable by the IUCN. We present distributional data supporting the first record of regional range extensions of five species from within our study area. Our results represent the most detailed data concerning reptile and amphibian diversity and distributions produced from Uzbekistan in recent years. We conclude by recommending that further, systemized survey work needs to be conducted within the area to supplement our findings with more robust estimates of species abundances supported by more detailed information on specieshabitat relationships.

×

The albumins from 41 species of the family Lacertidae representing a substantial part of genera as well as infrageneric groups of the collective genus Lacerta s.l. were investigated by means of the MCF technique. The data allow a chronological estimation of the most important radiation events and their correlation with paleogeographical facts. Our results are in remarkable contradiction to the phylogeny presented by ARNOLD (1989a) based mainly on morphological characters. The most important phylogenetic relationships are: 1. The genera Gallona and Psammodromus are already isolated from the other taxa since the Oligocene. We assess these main branches as subfamilies Gallotiinae and Lacertinae. 2. Lacerta s.str. and Lacerta subgenus Zootoca form the sister group of the remaining Lacertinae. 3. A colonization of Africa in the Lower Miocene has led to a separation in two lines, with mainly Eurasian and African members respectively. 4. ARNOLD`S (I.e.) `Ethiopian and advanced Saharo-Eurasian clade` proved to be a paraphyletic unit, one group of genera being more closely related to European taxa. All techniques applied to the systematics of Lacertidae hitherto are critically discussed. An area-time- hypothesis concerning the phylogeny of Lacertidae is presented. Key words: Lacertidae, phylogeny of; Gallotiinae subfam. nov.; Lacertinae subfam. nov.; micro complement fixation; albumin evolution.

×

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.

×

The etymology of the reptiles, especially the lizards of Iran has not been completely presented in other published works. Iran is a very active geographic area for any animals, and more especially for lizards, due to its wide range deserts and ecology. We have attempted to ascertain, as much as possible, the construction of the Latin binomials of all Iranian lizard species. We believe that a review of these names is instructive, not only in codifying many aspects of the biology of the lizards, but in presenting a historical overview of collectors and taxonomic work in Iran and Middle East region. We have listed all recorded lizards of Iran according to the order of the scientific names in the book of Anderson, The Lizards of Iran. All lizard species and types have been grouped under their proper Families, and then they have been alphabetically ordered based on their scientific binominal nomenclature. We also examined numerous published works in addition to those included in the original papers presenting each binomial.

×

The global struggle to conserve as many species as possible with limited resources requires an improvement of our knowledge on the distribution of biodiversity. In Iran, the state of knowledge is poor for most groups of organisms, except few vertebrate groups and vascular plants. Reptiles are one of the best known, most diverse vertebrate groups in Iran, with a high rate of endemism (ca. 29%), but distribution patterns and related environmental drivers remain poorly understood. In the present study, based on a large publicly available dataset, we use general additive modelling (GAM) to identify explanatory variables for species richness of reptiles in Iran. Results indicate heterogeneity parameters (range +entropy) as the variables with the highest explanatory values. Based on the grid cells of the predicted environmental richness, using hotspot analysis, we suggest seven hotspots of reptile diversity (HRDs) across the country. Our results corroborate the previously recognized HRDs and detect three additional ones, located alongside the major mountain ranges around the central deserts plateau, particularly in the Zagros Mountains. Four of the largest HRDs (ca. 90%) situate within the Irano-Anatolian and Caucasus global biodiversity hotspot. In addition, our results reveal a large gap between identified HRDs and the current network of protected areas (PAs) in the country. While three of the detected HRDs in this study are partially touched (ca. 18%) by the PA network, overall, these areas are only covered by less than 10%. Therefore, the effectiveness of the current PAs for the protection of the reptile diversity of Iran is questionable.

×

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.

×

An updated checklist of the herpetofauna of Iran is presented based on records of amphibian and reptile species whose presence has been confirmed in Iran as a result of extensive field expeditions, examination of herpetological collections, literature review, and personal communications from researchers. The herpetofauna of Iran consists of 13 species and five subspecies of frogs and toads belonging to five genera and four families, eight species of salamanders belonging to four genera and two families, nine species and six subspecies of turtles, terrapins and tortoises belonging to nine genera and six families, one species of crocodile, one species of amphisbaenian, more than 125 species of lizards belonging to 36 genera and eight families as well as 79 species of snakes belonging to 37 genera and six families

×

Fifty-three species of reptiles occur in Turkmenistan, of which 25 inhabit lowlands and 28 occur in plains and mountains. The species composition of reptiles in seven natural regions of Turkmenistan is discussed; the fauna of the sandy and clay desert is the richest. Seven species of reptiles`-occur in high density (from 10 to 71 per hectare), 30 species are frequent (1 to 10 per ha.) and 16 species are rare (0.2 to 1 per ha.). The fauna i3 subjected to a zoogeographical analysis.

×

We present an annotated checklist for a total 241 reptiles and 22 amphibians including 5 frogs, 9 toads, 7 newts and salamanders, 1 crocodile, 1 worm lizard, 148 lizards, 79 snakes and 12 turtles and tortoises, includes the most scientific literature up to August 2014 and also based on several field surveys conducted in different Provinces of Iran from 2009 to 2014. We present an up-to-dated checklist of reptiles and amphibians in Iran. We provide a comprehensive listing of taxonomy, names, distribution and conservation status of all amphibians and reptiles of Iran. This checklist includes all recognized named taxa, English names for classes, orders, families, species, subspecies along with Persian names for species, including indication of native and introduced species. For the first time we report two non-native introduced reptiles from natural habitats of Iran. Of the total 22 species of amphibians in Iran, 6 (27.2%) are endemic and of the total 241 species of reptiles, 55 (22.8%) are endemic. Of the 22 amphibians species in Iran, 3 (13%) are Critically Endangered, 2 (9%) are Vulnerable and of the 241 reptile species 3 (1.2%) are Critically Endangered, 4 (1.6%) are Endangered and 10 (4.1%) are Vulnerable. Accordingly, this paper combines significant aspects of taxonomy, common names, conservation status and distribution of the Iranian herpetofauna.

×

The herpetological map presented in this paper shows the distribution and abundance of the reptiles in Turkmenistan. The country is divided into 17 complexes and the 84 species and subspecies found in Turmkmeistan are listed as occurring in mountains, plains, or both.

×

The latest changes in the taxonomy of amphibians and reptiles are analyzed in the work, among them, in particular, toads, frogs, tortoises, geckoes, agamas, lacertids, boas and colubrids. A new list is published, which provides information for 100 species and subspecies: 6 species of amphibians and 94 species of reptiles (6 turtles, 58 lizards, 30 snakes). The conservation status of reptiles in Turkmenistan was revised according to the IUCN assessments.

×

The work provides new information on the distribution and abundance of reptiles in some landscapes of Turkmenistan. The results of the study are following: the registration of new records to clarify the distribution; the discovery of the Afghan awl-headed snake (Lythorhynchus ridgewyi) on the Kaplankyr chink, which moves the boundary of the species distribution from the previously known nearest places (in the vicinity of the village of Kukurtli (former Sulfur Plant) and from the solonchak hollows of Unguz (Shestopal, Akgaev, 2013) to 220 km to the north-west; sunwatcher living in the north of Turkmenistan is identified as nominate subspecies — Phrynocephalus helioscopus helioscopus. Data on the number of reptiles are provided, the most interesting of them are observations in the southern part of the Sarykamysh depression. The density of desert species such as Trapelus sanguinolentus aralensis) and (Eremias intermedia) is twice higher and for Eremias lineolata is 20-times higher in comparison with adjoining territories.

×

Taxonomy dependent, four amphibian (three toads and a frog) and 57 reptile species (a tortoise, 36 lizards and 20 snakes) appear confirmed as occurring within the Republic of Uzbekistan. One of these species, Szczerbak’s even-fingered gecko Alsophylax szczerbaki, has perhaps been extirpated. The presence of a further two taxa, i.e., long-legged bent-toed gecko Tenuidactylus longipes and multi-ocellated racerunner Eremias multiocellata is unclear (but both probably absent), whilst the standing of Turkestan salamander Hynobius turkestanicus remains an enigma. Species distributions in Uzbekistan are summarised based on a literature review supplemented by recent field observations.

×

This book shows a comprehensive picture of the reptiles, excluding snakes, living in Europe, North Africa, Middle and Near East and Central Asia. The bulk of the book is an annotated checklist and a distributional atlas of approx 500 species of lizards, crocodiles, turtles and terrapins, and amphisbaenians, living in the Western Palearctic. Information on distribution, subspecies, chorotype and main references are provided for each species, as well as 226 colour maps showing the global distribution of the species on a grid of one degree. For each species map the bibliographic and original sources (more than 850 sources are listed) are indicated. A further 83 maps show the distribution of all genera and main species groups of Palearctic reptiles. Beside the checklist and the atlas, in some additional chapters the following arguments are treated: Materials and methods; status of knowledge on the Palearctic fauna; composition of the Western Palearctic reptile fauna (including a statement on biodiversity and species richness); descriptive biogeography (including a discussion on the Palearctic region boundaries based on reptile distribution and the herpeto-geographic sectors of the Western Palearctic); conservation status. A list of more than 730 references quoted in the text and high quality colour plates including photos of the most of the supraspecific taxa living in the study area completes the book.

×

We present a comprehensive summary of the distribution of the lizards of Iran accompanied by an annotated checklist. The updated maps of distribution of all 146 species of 41 genera of 11 families are based on all available bibliographic records, catalogues of museum collections and our own field observations. The final dataset used for the distribution maps contains 8525 georeferenced records and cover 41% of the country when plotted on a grid of 0.25° × 0.25° resolution. The dataset is publicly accessible through GBIF portal (http://www.gbif.org/dataset/7db4f705-61ae-4c6e-9de2-06674e7d46b2). Following the latest biogeographic division of the country, ~53% of the species (76 species) inhabit the Iranian Province, ~41% (60 species) the Western Asian mountain transition zone, ~9% (13 species) the Turanian Province, and ~18% (27 species) the Arabian Province. In addition, ~2% (3 species) reach Iran from the Indo-Malay biogeographic region and ~2% (3 species) are believed to have been introduced to Iran by humans. Endemic species (46) represent ~32% of the known species diversity. The most species-rich family of lizards in Iran is Lacertidae with 47 species, followed by Gekkonidae (41), Agamidae (18), Scincidae (15), Phyllodactylidae (10), Sphaerodactylidae (4), Eublepharidae and Uromastycidae (3), Anguidae and Varanidae (2), and Trogonophidae with one representative.

×

Principal trends and methods of investigating the postnatal growth in reptiles are discussed. Particular attention is paid to the development of the method of skeletochronology, which enables age determination of individuals, back-calculation of their body length in years before the capture, and reconstruction of growth curves based on such data.

×

This article gives a complete overview about the reptiles of western Turkmenistan and their zoogeographical relation. The data were obtained by several expeditions during the last years and completed by compilation of the specific herpetological literature about this area. Ten general landscape units are described along a profile from the Central Karakum desert throughout the Malyi Balkhan chains, the Kyurendag Corridor, the Western Kopetdagh to the state border of Iran. The mountain and plain reptile fauna is analyzed. After discussing the faunal element composition of various landscapes, the Western Kopetdagh was included into the South-West Asian province while the Turanian plain and the Malyi Balkhan were included into the Turanian province of the Palearctic.

×

The composition and distribution of the vertebrate fauna of Afghanistan remain poorly documented and in recent decades little new data have become available due to a series of wars and the resulting unstable security conditions. As Afghanistan returns to some semblance of normalcy, baseline faunistic data will be particularly important for establishing national conservation priorities as well as for placing Afghan taxa into their broader phylogenetic and zoogeographic contexts. We here provide an updated checklist of the herpetofauna of Afghanistan based in part upon biodiversity archives of specimen records from several museum and private collec- tions as well as literature references and field research. The herpetofauna of Afghanistan consists of 118 species and subspecies belonging to 58 genera and 21 families. Seven species are endemic to the country, whereas 18 taxa have to be delet- ed from previous lists of the Afghan herpetofauna. Afghanistan’s primary zoogeo- graphic relationship to the Palearctic Region is reaffirmed but with secondary influ- ence from the Oriental Region. Immediately following the checklist, two sections provide information about species probably occurring in Afghanistan and previous- ly mentioned species that are now recognized as absent.

×

The karyotype of Eremias przewalskii from Minqin county,Gansu province was examined using medulla cells and the colchicines-hypotonic air dry technique.Result showed that the karyotype formula of E.przewalskii is 2n=38=36I+2m with NF=38,belonging to type of Eremias argus,consistent with the karyotypes of genus Eremias and family Lacertidae. On the basis of reviewing the reported karyological data of Eremias, the evolution of karyotypes in this genus is discussed.

×

In the present study, relationships among all Chinese species of lacertids in the genus Eremias, E. velox, E. grammica, E. vermiculata, E. przewalskii, E. multiocellata, E. arguta, E. brenchleyi, and E. argus, were assessed using 574 aligned base positions of 16S rRNA mitochondrial DNA sequences from 103 individuals collected from 28 populations. Three kinds of phylogenetic tree (MP, ME, and NJ) were reconstructed and were found to be concordant. All eight species well form a monophyletic group. The resulting genetic distance between E. przewalskii and E. multiocellata is surprisingly low, only 0.008. The result could be due to introgression of the mtDNA molecule. All Eastern-Asia lacertids except E. vermiculata grouped together and formed a monophyletic clade. E. vermiculata are closely related to E. arguta, a Central-Asia species. E. brenchleyi and E. argus formed a monophyletic clade as the sister group of E. multiocellata. The Central-Asia species (E. arguta, E. grammica and E. velox) originated from Central-Asia and Eastern-Asia species (the rest) from China. The phylogenetic relationships among E. grammica, E. velox, E. arguta-vermiculata, E. argus-brenchleyi, and E. multiocellata-przewalskii are unclear in the study, which needs more comprehensive taxonomic sampling from Western Asia and Europe, and additional genetic evidence to resolve it.