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An analysis of geographic distribution areas of the 41 taxa of Reptiles sampled or observed in the Aures massif is provided at two levels. At the overall level, eight groups of biogeographic affinities have been set apart; the number of mediterranean species (49 %) about equals that of saharian ones (46 %). 95 % of the total number of Reptiles species are of palearctic origin. At the regional level, we have distinguished three distribution types: (1) insular areas, isolated from populations of the neighbouring regions, with a continuous or a fragmented pattern in the Aurcs massif ; (2) parapatric areas with juxtaposed or overlapped ecological habitat ranges; (3) sympatric areas of allotopic or syntopic species. Hypothesis about origin and settlement of the Aures herpetofauna are infered.

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Based on a literature review, as well as on our own data, 14 ixodid tick species belonging to 5 genera were registered for the lizard hosts of the genus Lacerta (L. agilis, L. media, and L. strigata) in the Caucasus and the adjacent territories: Haemaphysalis sulcata, Haem. punctata, Haem. parva, Haem. caucasica, Haem. concinna, Haem. inermis, Ixodes ricinus, I. redikorzevi, Dermacentor marginatus, D. reticulatus, Hyalomma marginatum, Rhipicephalus bursa, Rh. rossicum, and Rh. turanicum. Tick species Haem. caucasica were recorded from Armenia for the first time. Our findings of Haem. punctata represent the first record of this species for Chechnya, Ingushetia (Russia), Armenia, and Azerbaijan. Most of the parasite species are associated with L. agilis (13) and L. strigata (12); L. media is a host of 6 tick species. Data on the infestation of Lacerta spp. by four tick species from our material (I. ricinus, Haem. punctata, Haem. caucasica, and Hyal. marginatum) are presented in the article. In addition, our article contains information on the range of infections associated with the above tick species. Castor bean tick I. ricinus (236 specimens), the most represented species in our collection, parasitizes all available terrestrial vertebrates including humans and can be vector of many various pathogens, so our study provides significant epidemiological information.

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Studies on the herpetofauna of Tunisia’s numerous islands and islets began in 2000 thanks to targeted research programs. The data collected were compared and merged with others reported in the literature, thus obtaining an updated and detailed checklist of the Amphibians and Reptiles present on the Tunisian islands.

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Spatial and trophic resource partitioning among seven sympatric insectivorous lizard species was investigated in arid area in the central Jbilet mountains (Western Morocco) during spring 1995. Two foraging guilds are apparent: a specialist sit-and-wait (Agama impalearis, Tarentola mauritanica et Saurodaclylus brosseti) and a generalist one (Eumeces algeriensis, Chalcides polylepis, Acanthodaclylus erythrurus and Mesalina simoni). The studied lizard species differentiate from each other in substrate use relatively to their respective adaptive morphological traits. A. impalearis and T. mauritanica occur mainly in rocky areas, E. algeriensis and M. simoni appear mostly on rocky and pebbly-bare ground substrates, A. erythrurus and C. polylepis are found on sandy-pebbly substrates while S. brosseti occurs in pebbly soils. By contrast, there were large overlaps in the taxonomic composition of their diets which are numerically dominated by Formicidae, Isoptera, Coleoptera and Araneidae with different proportions according to lizard species. However, important prey-size differences between species allowed to reduce trophic overlap. A selectivity analysis of lizard diet revealed patterns of prey selection based on criteria inherent either to predator (foraging behaviour, morphological constraints) or prey (size, abundance and activity). Results suggest that spatial and trophic segregation along with taxonomic divergence make possible the coexistence of these lizard species.

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The critically endangered Eastern Green Lizard (Lacerta viridis) is a thermophilic species, which is distributed in Vienna mainly in wine growing areas in the North-West of the city. Based on previous studies since 2011 this survey investigated a subpopulation within the metapopulation system of Green Lizards on the Nußberg, a popular wine growing district, where the lizards inhabit linear dispersed uncultivated slopes between the vineyards. In the last years, connectivity structures between those slopes were established in cooperation with the local wine makers to improve the habitat connectivity in the area. The current capture-re-capture study worked with individual recognition of scale patterns on the lateral head sides of photographed Green lizards, which were surveyed in the activity season from March to October 2017. The results give an overview of the resident population including population structure, distribution and phenological parameters, and second show the movement patterns of the individuals within the survey area including the connectivity structures. It is determined, that the population shows clustered distributions along the slopes and the sex ratio of the collected data represents a surplus of male individuals. The males covered larger distances and used the connectivity structures to migrate between the habitat slopes. The biggest distance showed a three-year-old male, which moved more than 250 m within the connectivity matrix. Furthermore, was tested statistically if the distances covered by the males correlate with different population parameters. In particular, males´ covered distances correlated negatively with the availability of females in the initially inhabited territory. Thus, low female abundance can cause emigration of males from the habitat patch in other sections. This underlines the importance of the connectivity structures, which help to connect subpopulation clusters within the single habitat sections.

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The species composition and daily activity of herpetofauna of Khosrov Reserve, where 21 species are noted, have been discussed. According to the character of dally activity three groups of reptiles have been separated: I — species, which are active in course of hot period of the day (Iranian group), 11—species with double-peak activity in the morning and in the evening (Mediterranean group). III -species, which are active In the evening (Autochthonal group). Analysis of dalily activity has shown that within the borders of general time and temperature are included species, characterised by the community of geographical origin and development.

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Faunal lists are important tools in ecology, biogeography, and conservation planning. Such lists can identify gaps in our knowledge of the distribution and taxonomy of regional faunas, and highlight issues needing further study. We present an up to date list of all land vertebrates occurring in Israel. We identify 786 species, of which 551 are birds, 130 are mammals, 97 are reptiles and eight are amphibians. Of these 369 species breed in Israel (including reintroductions), 199 (mostly birds) are regular visitors and 182 are accidental. Fourteen other species are invasive, and 22 species are extinct. We identify issues with the taxonomy and status of several species, and note recent developments in our understanding the Israeli land vertebrate fauna.

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In 2005, a new lizard species, the sharp-snouted rock lizard (Dalmatolacerta oxycephala) appeared on the island of Cres, probably due to anthropogenic transfer. Before that, only the Dalmatian wall lizard (Podarcis melisellensis) had inhabited the town of Osor, where the new species was discovered. In areas where the two species live sympatrically, P. melisellensis is competitively superior to D. oxycephala; however, in Osor, D. oxycephala appeared in parts of the town where P. melisellensis had been present before. Since 2005, there has been no systematic survey to assess how the distribution of the two species has changed in Osor and, the aim of this study is to investigate how far D. oxycephala has spread and what happened to the distribution of the native P. melisellensis after the new species appeared. Here we show that in 16 years, the native Dalmatian wall lizard was outcompeted by the sharp-snouted rock lizard, and there was no observation of the two species together at the same locations. Despite the new species preferring high stone walls, specimens were also found on shorter stone walls alongside the road towards Lošinj. According to our findings, the further spread of the sharp-snouted rock lizard cannot be excluded in the upcoming years in Cres, which could negatively affect the native Dalmatian wall lizard, but further research is needed to reveal the causes of our observations and to monitor the changes in the distribution of the two species.

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The daily activities of two isolated populations of endangered species of rock lizards Darevkia rostombekowi were studied. The main aim of our study was the show the competition among syntopic species of rock lizards. Our results have shown the similarity of patterns of daily activities for lizards belonging to different species and sharing the same territories and differences in peak of their activities, which allow them to avoid the competition.

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Sexual selection on fitness-determining traits should theoretically erode genetic variance and lead to low heritability. However, many sexually selected traits maintain significant phenotypic and additive genetic variance, with explanations for this “lek paradox”including genic capture due to condition-dependence, and breaks on directional selection due to environmental sources of variance including maternal effects. Here we investigate genetic and environmental sources of variance in the intrasexually selected green badge of the sand lizard (Lacerta agilis). The badge functions as a cue to male fighting ability in this species, and male–male interactions determine mate acquisition. Using animal models on a pedigree including three generations of males measured over an extensive 9-year field study, we partition phenotypic variance in both badge size and body condition into additive genetic, maternal, and permanent environmental effects experienced by an individual over its lifespan. Heritability of badge size was 0.33 with a significant estimate of underlying additive genetic variance. Body condition was strongly environmentally determined in this species and did not show either significant additive genetic variance or heritability. Neither badge size nor body condition was responsive to maternal effects. We propose that the lack of additive genetic variance and heritability of body condition makes it unlikely that genic capture mechanisms maintain additive genetic variance for badge size. That said, genic capture was originally proposed for male traits under female choice, not agonistic selection. If developmental pathways generating variance in body condition, and/or the covarying secondary sex trait, differ between inter- and intrasexual selection, or the rate at which their additive genetic variance or covariance is depleted, future work may show whether genic capture is largely restricted to intersexual selection processes.

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Six species belonging to the genus Lacerta live in Türkiye. In this study, both present and future potential distribution maps were created based on occurrence data and climatic variables for these six species. Two scenarios for future projections (shared socioeconomic pathways, SSPs,: 245 and 585) and two timeframes (2041–2060 and 2081–2100) were used. The present and future potential distributions of these species were compared. As a result, it was predicted that the distribution ranges in the six species will expand in the future, and this expansion has revealed new environments.

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Ornamental traits such as ultraviolet (UV) fluorescence and reflectance can provide reliable signals indicating the bearer’s condition as a potential mate. UV fluorescence is widely found in nature and used for multiple functions, such as indicating female maturity in arachnids and acting as a signal enhancer in many insects. Lizards can display a broad range of colours, but the function of some of their ornamental traits remains unclear. Here, we report the presence of UV fluorescence in female Eremias argus specimens, a small lizard inhabiting Mongolia, China and the Korean Peninsula. Based on our observation, combined with the literature on the breeding behaviour of the species, we provide two hypotheses, assigning the use of UV fluorescence to: 1) an indicator of females’ body conditions and 2) signal efficacy backup. To verify our hypotheses, we suggest a protocol with three serial trials under low light and enhanced UV light conditions.

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The Large Psammodromus (Psammodromus algirus) is a lizard that has flexible antipredator behavior, with a considerable preference for finding shelter in the leaf litter under short scrub, and which rarely uses tree trunks to escape from predators. Nevertheless, few works have studied the microhabitat uses and the antipredator behavior of this species in more simplified landscapes, such as agricultural areas. In this work, we studied the microhabitat use (where they were observed and to where they escaped) of the lizard Psammodromus algirus in two types of olive groves located in southern Spain: with herbaceous ground cover and with bare ground. We found a large number of lizards in olive trees, which were their preferred destination after fleeing behavior in both types of olive groves, although the proportion of individuals fleeing towards the trees was greater in plots with bare ground. Moreover, a large proportion of the lizards observed on the ground fled towards the olive trees, suggesting that they actively seek the trees as a place of refuge. These results suggest that the lack of suitable microhabitats proving shelter on the ground forces these terrestrial lizards to use trees, which may allow them to colonize simplified landscapes such as olive groves in which there is no alternative shelter.

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Residual yolk is assumed to be an important source of energy and nutrients during early life in nonmammalian amniotes. Available data show that the mean size of residual yolk is far smaller in lizards than in turtles, snakes, crocodiles, and birds, raising a question of whether residual yolk is of functional significance in lizards. Here, we compared data from 26 lizard species with those from other nonmammalian amniotes to test the hypothesis that residual yolk is functionally less significant in species producing more fully developed offspring. In our sample, species mean offspring water contents ranged from 73% to 84% of body wet mass; species mean proportions of carcass dry mass, fat-body dry mass, and residual yolk dry mass to offspring dry mass ranged from 84% to 99%, 0% to 5.0%, and 0% to 14.4%, respectively. Lizards are, on average, more fully developed at hatching or birth than snakes, as revealed by the fact that the mean proportion of carcass dry mass to body dry mass and offspring water contents were both higher in lizards than in snakes. We conclude that the functional significance of residual yolk during early life is generally less evident in lizards. Even in the lizards where residual yolk is of potential functional significance, this portion of yolk contributes little, if any, to postembryonic growth. Future work could usefully collect data across a wider spectrum of reptile taxa to establish a precocial–altricial continuum and test the hypothesis that species with a smaller amount of residual yolk are closer to the precocial end of the continuum.

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The Aeolian wall lizard, Podarcis raffonei, is an endangered species endemic to the Aeolian archipelago, Italy, where it is present only in 3 tiny islets and a narrow promontory of a larger island. Because of the extremely limited area of occupancy, severe population fragmentation and observed decline, it has been classified as Critically Endangered by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Using Pacific Biosciences (PacBio) High Fidelity (HiFi) long-read sequencing, Bionano optical mapping and Arima chromatin conformation capture sequencing (Hi-C), we produced a high-quality, chromosome-scale reference genome for the Aeolian wall lizard, including Z and W sexual chromosomes.The final assembly spans 1.51 Gb across 28 scaffolds with a contig N50 of 61.4 Mb, a scaffold N50 of 93.6 Mb, and a BUSCO completeness score of 97.3%.This genome constitutes a valuable resource for the species to guide potential conservation efforts and more generally for the squamate reptiles that are underrepresented in terms of available high-quality genomic resources.

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The evolution of chemical signals is subject to environmental constraints. A multicomponent signal may combine semiochemical molecules with supporting compounds able to enhance communication efficacy. Carbonic anhydrases (CAs) are ubiquitous enzymes catalysing the reversible hydration of carbon dioxide, a reaction involved in a variety of physiological processes as it controls the chemical environment of the different tissues or cellular compartments, thus contributing to the overall system homeostasis. CA-IV isoform has been recently identified by mass spectrometry in the femoral gland secretions (FG) of the marine iguana, where it has been hypothesized to contribute to the chemical stability of the signal, by regulating blend pH. Lizards, indeed, use FG to communicate by delivering the waxy secretion on bare substrate, where it is exposed to environmental stressors. Therefore, we expect that some molecules in the mixture may play supporting functions, enhancing the stability of the chemical environment, or even conferring homeostatic properties to the blend. CA-IV may well represent an important candidate to this hypothesized supporting/homeostatic function, and, therefore, we can expect it to be common in FG secretions of other lizard species. To evaluate this prediction and definitely validate CA identity, we analysed FG secretions of eight species of wall lizards (genus Podarcis), combining mass spectrometry, immunoblotting, immunocytochemistry, and transmission electron microscopy. We demonstrate CA-IV to actually occur in the FG of seven out of the eight considered species, providing an immunochemistry validation of mass-spectrometry identifications, and localizing the enzyme within the secretion mass. The predicted structure of the identified CA is compatible with the known enzymatic activity of CA-IV, supporting the hypothesis that CA play a signal homeostasis function and opening to new perspective about the role of proteins in vertebrate chemical communication.

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DNA barcoding remains a recognized and widely used method for taxon identification in biodi- versity inventory and monitoring. In this publication, we present information about the results of using this method in the study of green lizards of the genus Lacerta. A total of 67 sequences of the COI gene fragment of three species (L. agilis, L. media, and L. strigata) were analyzed. For the first time, all subspecies of L. agilis known in the Caucasus were studied using DNA barcoding, and a phylogeographic hypothesis for L. strigata in the Caucasian part of the range was proposed. Genetic identification has been successful at the species level. In the composition of L. agilis within the Caucasus, we can diagnose only the subspecies L. a. boemica and L. a. exigua, while L. a. brevicaudata, L. a. grusinica, and L. a. mzymtensis do not differ in this marker from L. a. exigua and L. a. ioriensis from L. a. boemica.

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A new species of rock lizards of the genus Darevskia Arribas, 1999 — Darevskia arribasi sp. nov. is described from vicinity of Ertso Lake in South Ossetia. In comparison of Darevskia arribasi sp. nov. with other species of the “saxicola-brauneri” complex [D. lindholmi (Szczerbak, 1962), D. saxicola (Eversmann, 1834), D. brauneri (Mehely, 1909) (including D. b. brauneri, D. b. myusserica Doronin, 2011, D. b. darevskyi (Szczerbak, 1962), and D. szczerbaki (Lukina, 1963)], the new species is characterized by the smallest body size among all representa- tives of this complex Lxx — 55 – 62 mm; }} — 58 – 63 mm. The number of scales around the middle of the body (Sq.) in D. arribasi sp. nov. (52 – 58, more often 54 – 56) also significantly less than for D. saxicola sensu lato in generally. Along the throat from ear to ear fold there are 36 – 42 scales, less than in D. saxicola sensu lato. Two large preanal shields present in front of the anal shield in half of the individuals examined; in a quarter of in- dividuals on both sides of the small central preanal there are by one enlarged lateral preanal shield, in another quarter all preanal shields are of the same size. Central temporal (Massetericum) always developed; always six pair of mandibulars, three in contact; collar straight, extremely rarely slightly serrated; ribs on the caudal scales are expressed to some extent; rostral usually separated from frontonasal by nasal shields. The coloration of adult males is olive-lettuce, or olive-brown from above; adult females are grey-brown; juvenile coloration coffee-brown with the blue and black spots on the edge of the outer ventral shields at the middle of trunk. Taxonomical status of new species is well supported with result of analysis of the mitochondrial cytochrome b data.

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Melanin-based dorsal pattern polymorphisms are common in reptiles and generally evolve under the interaction between opposite selective pressures, notably thermal advantage in cold environments and background matching to avoid predation. When those pressures change over space and time, the relative frequencies of morphs can vary across the species range. However, no previous study has analysed the spatial patterns of variation of morphs under a phylogenetic perspective in addition to the adaptive responses to natural selection. In this study, we focused on the distributional patterns of the three dorsal morphs of Podarcis muralis at wide-range scale to assess how they associate with geography, climate, microhabitat, phylogeny and sexual dimorphism. By using open access data from iNaturalist, we assembled a dataset of 4096 georeferenced points with information on sex and morph. Data were analysed through Bayesian GLMs, and four alternative models were formulated depending on the specific factors affecting morphs’ frequency. The dorsal morphs are not randomly distributed in Europe, but follow clear geographic patterns, vary with altitude and habitats, show sex-specific trends, and correlate with the phylogenetic history of the species. When comparing models, the phylogenetic model always obtained the best performance, and no overlap with other models occurred, thus best explaining the distributional patterns of dorsal morphs. The evolutionary processes, in addition to present environmental pressures, can significantly affect local-scale microevolutionary adaptations, influencing the current distribution of dorsal phenotypes across the species range. More generally, results point out the importance of considering the evolutionary processes when analysing distributional patterns of polymorphisms.

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In this study, we evaluated predation of the ocellated lizard on red-legged partridge nests in an olive grove in southern Spain over three consecutive years. The microhabitat characteristics of prey nests are analysed through comparison with successful nests. We found only 13 nests predated by lizards during the study period. This number was three times lower than that of nests that failed due to causes related to agricultural practices or human activity in the same period and study area. A few of the nests were predated by mammals more than they were preyed upon by lizards. The nests preyed on by lizards were associated with proximity to their refuge areas (e.g. stone piles, old buildings with holes, or rabbit burrows). The characteristics of the olive grove (e.g. drip irrigation and absence of vegetation under the olive trees) may favour the ocellated lizards’ search-and-hunt strategy, which allows a lizard to readily find a nest if it is inside the lizard’s territory and close to its refuge. We propose management strategies for reducing lizard-related nest losses. However, we argue that olive grove intensification is a major cause of partridge nest failure rather than predation by lizards and other predators.

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Animal communication depends on signals conveying information to a receiver who must perceive and decode them. Signals involved in territoriality are usually complex stimuli that should be correctly interpreted to avoid unnecessary conflicts. Lacertids use both visual and chemical stimuli in modulating their aggressive response against conspecifics and the rival’s size is one of the most important information, affecting the success probability in combat. To assess the actual ability of decoding information about a rival’s size based on its chemical stimulus alone, 60 males of Podarcis muralis were tested for three consecutive days in an arena bearing a mirror (to simulate an equal-sized intruder), and the chemical cues (femoral secretions) from an unknown individual of different size. Significant differences were observed in tongue-flicks number, which grew as the size difference between the focal lizard and the secretion donor decreased. This can be interpreted as the need for the lizard to better evaluate the potential competitor’s characteristics. The size difference also affected the number of bites against the mirror. They increased when the size of the focal lizard was larger than the donor triggering the aggressive response with a higher probability of winning the contest. This confirms that the focal lizard had correctly decoded the information about the opponent’s size by chemical stimulus. Although previous studies have shown that some components of the chemical signals are potentially informative about the signaler’s size, this is the first demonstration that male P. muralis is actually able to decode and use such information.

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The harmful effects of close inbreeding have been recognized for centuries and, with the rise of Mendelian genetics, was realized to be an effect of homozygosis. This historical background led to great interest in ways to quantify inbreeding, its depression effects on the phenotype and flow-on effects on mate choice and other aspects of behavioral ecology. The mechanisms and cues used to avoid inbreeding are varied and include major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules and the peptides they transport as predictors of the degree of genetic relatedness. Here, we revisit and complement data from a Swedish population of sand lizards (Lacerta agilis) showing signs of inbreeding depression to assess the effects of genetic relatedness on pair formation in the wild. Parental pairs were less similar at the MHC than expected under random mating but mated at random with respect to microsatellite relatedness. MHC clustered in groups of RFLP bands but no partner preference was observed with respect to partner MHC cluster genotype. Male MHC band patterns were unrelated to their fertilization success in clutches selected for analysis on the basis of showing mixed paternity. Thus, our data suggest that MHC plays a role in pre-copulatory, but not post-copulatory partner association, suggesting that MHC is not the driver of fertilization bias and gamete recognition in sand lizards.

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In 2013, an allochthonous green-backed common wall lizard was recorded in Saarland near Beckingen. In 2014, at least two comparable individuals were documented near Mendig in the Rhineland-Palatinate. Then in 2022 in a basalt open pit mine in the eastern Eifel, the lead author found a green-backed individual as well as an autochthonous wall lizard with a striking turquoise ground colouration. The green-backed individuals can be phenotypically referred to as of the subspecies Podarcis muralis maculiventris-East / P m. nigrivenfris (central Italian lineage), which is allochthonous in Germany. However, since no genetic analyses were performed in these three areas, the allocation of subspecies status to the records is not certain and therefore can only be referred to as of the phenotypic type. In all three areas, the occurrences are presumably due to accidental importation or deliberate release.

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The successful keeping and breeding of the Zagros Mountains Lacerta (Iranolacerta zagrosica) is reported. It is a strong rock lizard with a total length of approx. 18 cm, which is characterized by a flattened body and long limbs. The animals are kept in terrariums measuring 35 x 5o x 6o cm (length x width x height), the rear wall of which was designed as a rock wall. Steppe crickets serve as the main food, zophobas, mealworms and wax maggots are also given, which are supplemented with vitamins and minerals before feeding. In addition, the drinking water is always enriched with vitamin D3 and different multivitamin preparations. In this way, the lizards can be kept successfully without UV lighting. Due to its origin, Iranolacerta zagrosica is hibernated in tlie refrigerator for four months, from November to February.The females lay two clutches per year with up to 5 eggs, but mostly 3 to 4 eggs. At an incubation temperature of 26°C, the young hatch after about two months. The rearing of the young animals does not cause any problems.

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Observations on the occurrence, ecology, and protection of the two native lizards Zootoca vivipara and Lacerta agilis, as well as of the allochthonous Podarcis muralis in the west and north of the city of Munich, especially in the years 2017-2023. While the viviparous lizard is currently only known from a near-natural moor biotope in the west of Munich, the sand lizard is widespread from humid to rather dry locations. The invasive wall lizard shows a clear expansive tendency, especially along railway lines that are often extremely dry and unnatural; it also benefits from the now numerous protective measures in favor of the sand lizard. Observations of other reptiles are shortly added.

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Expanding the trade of tropical fruits in an increasingly globalized world increases the likelihood of unintentional importation of viable herpetofauna and their parasites from other countries and even continents, since the conditions for growing and transportation of fruits (humidity, temperature) can often be tolerated by exotic amphibians and reptiles. Here we describe our findings of two reptiles, Podarcis siculus campestris and P. ionicus (formerly P. tauricus ionicus), and an amphibian, Scinax ruber, in boxes of tropical fruits in Daugavpils city, Latvia, European Union. In our parasitological survey of S. ruber, we found two groups of endoparasites: nematoda (Physaloptera sp.) and trematoda (Travtrema aff. stenocotyle mtc.). In P. ionicus intestine we found acanthocephalan Centrorhynchus sp. larvae. All these parasites were detected in Latvia for the first time. The estimated minimal direct distance of the trans-oceanic relocation of S. ruber and its parasites from its natural distribution centre in Suriname to its finding place in Latvia exceeds 10 600 km

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The concolor morph in the Common Lizard (Zootoca vivipara) We report on the discovery of a (nearly) patternless Common or Viviparous Lizard (Zootoca vivipara) from Lower Saxony (not far away from Hannover). Its appearance corresponded to the so called concolor morph which is known from other lizards (especially Lacerta and Podarcis species, Kramer 1941). Our research revealed further records of (nearly) patternless Viviparous Lizards. In patternless Z. vivipara, the occipital line on the middle of the back might be faintly recognisable, whereas the other typical drawing elements are missing. A description using the term concolor did not seem to exist for Z. vivipara until now. We propose this name for the colour variant presented here.

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Anthropogenic activities are threatening global biodiversity and resulting in the need for conservation interventions. Comprehensive assessment of these interventions is often hindered by a lack of understanding of the focal species’ behaviour. This study used sand lizards (Lacerta agilis) as a model species to investigate behavioural variation within a single population and determine the requirements for reintroduction success and population stability. This was achieved by profiling individual behaviour, social dynamics and fitness through behavioural observations and measurements of morphological traits and locomotor performance. The study found marked behavioural variation within the captive population, indicating that individuals within the group consistently differed in their behaviour. Contrary to predictions, morphological traits had minimal influence on the behaviour and locomotor performance of sand lizards. Therefore, individual success and survival cannot be attributed to phenotypic variance in physical characteristics alone, but rather due to a complex interaction between an individual’s personality, genetics and the environmental context. Maintenance of behavioural variation within captive and wild populations is vital to reintroduction success. Behavioural variation ensures population resilience and persistence through the ‘portfolio’ and ‘insurance’ effects that increase a population’s adaptability to changing environments. Overall, this study highlights the importance of integrating behavioural ecology with conservation biology when conducting and assessing conservation interventions. Further studies are required to assess the long-term consequences of personality in sand lizards to expand current knowledge of the drivers of individual reintroduction success.

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During the last 24 years, the mutualistic interaction between the dead horse arum, Helicodiceros muscivorus, and the Balearic lizard, Podarcis lilfordi, was studied on Aire Island (Balearic Islands, Spain). From a small population of a hundred plants, the dead horse arum expanded extraordinarily throughout the island, reaching the highest known densities of the species and occupying areas of the island where it was not previously present. The current abundance of plants is a direct effect of the frugivorous activity of the Balearic lizard, which is the main, if not the only, effective seed disperser of the plant on Aire Island. However, abiotic factors predominated over biotic factors in driving abundance of plants. Over the years, plant densities varied significantly depending on the aridity of the island, with higher densities recorded in drier years. Lizards’ frugivorous activity and dispersal intensity was inversely correlated with annual rainfall. We found higher dispersal intensity in years with lower rainfall. We propose that the years of lower rainfall are those in which there is a lower prey availability. In such years, lizards compensate the shortage of other trophic resources with a more intense consumption of dead horse arum fruits. The mutualistic interaction is therefore asymmetric, since there is a greater influence of the frugivorous activity of the lizards on the plants than of the plants on lizards. It is, in short, a system chronically out of balance.

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Traffic intensification, often in conjunction with habitat fragmentation, has caused frequent roadkill incidents, particularly among reptiles, amphibians, and other taxa. Herpetofauna species, which are slow moving and habitat dependent, are particularly susceptible to these incidents because they often use roads during thermoregulation. Lesvos, the eighth-largest Mediterranean island, boasts a biodiversity that surpasses most other Mediterranean islands of similar or larger size, with a plethora of herpetofauna species inhabiting its terrain. In recent years, new roads were constructed on Lesvos, which are considered to be one of the most important factors that negatively affect the island’s wildlife as they increase the non-natural mortality of animals, are obstacles to their mobility, and reduce the connectivity of populations by limiting their dynamics. In the present study, we examined the road mortality of amphibians and reptiles by analyzing (a) the temporal and seasonal patterns of such incidents, (b) the relationship between roadside habitats and road network characteristics with the roadkilled herpetofauna species, and (c) their spatial distribution on Lesvos during the years 2009–2012 and 2016–2019. To identify significant clusters of reptile and amphibian roadkills, we performed hotspot analysis by utilizing kernel density estimation and Getis Ord Gi* statistics. We recorded a total of 330 roadkills among 20 species, with the highest rates emerging among the European green toad (Bufotes viridis), the European glass lizard (Pseudopus apodus), the Rhodos green lizard (Lacerta diplochondrodes), and the snake-eyed lizard (Ophisops elegans). Spatial statistical analysis revealed that roads close to herpetofauna habitats exhibit statistically significant clusters of roadkills that intensify during the spring season. Regular monitoring and mapping of herpetofauna road mortality will enable the implementation of management strategies to mitigate the negative impact of this phenomenon.