Abstract Amphibians are the most endangered class of vertebrates globally, with approximately 40% of species threatened with extinction. Among them, the yellow-bellied toad ( Bombina variegata ) has experienced significant population declines due to habitat destruction, fragmentation, and the disappearance of dynamic aquatic environments. To provide effective insights for conservation practitioners, this study examines the ecological requirements of B. variegata by analysing habitat characteristics influencing the species presence and abundance across two spatial scales: pond clusters and ponds. Using generalized linear mixed models, we assessed the presence and abundance from 518 ponds spread across 33 pond clusters located in four regions of western Switzerland. Our results emphasize the importance of pond network density, with species presence and abundance increasing in pond clusters containing at least eight ponds. At the pond scale, occupancy was highest in sunlit ponds with sand/gravel or silt/clay substrates, while abundance was positively associated with populational connectivity and the availability of mineral shelters in the direct proximity of the breeding site. By integrating our finding with existing conservation guidelines, we recommend the creation of multiple small ponds within 150 m of occupied sites, ensuring high connectivity and maximising sun exposition. Terrestrial habitat management should incorporate structural refuges near breeding sites to enhance habitat suitability. Additionally, regular habitat renewal is crucial to sustaining dynamic breeding conditions. These insights reinforce the need for targeted habitat restoration to support B. variegata populations in human-dominated landscapes and, more generally, stress the importance of maintaining well-connected pond clusters with high-quality terrestrial habitat for spatially-structured populations of pond-breeding amphibians.

Abstract The antipredator behaviour of prey is assumed to be influenced by its locomotor performance. Differences in locomotor performance may influence the occurrence of different defences such as fleeing, bluffing (hissing and flattening the head) and complete immobility. To investigate this hypothesis, we measured sprint speed (escape speed from a researcher as a proxy predator) and tail pulling force (a proxy for muscular strength) of 383 dice snakes from three natural populations. We noted their antipredator response (escape, bluff or immobility) in two different situations: (i) when the snake is released and chased by a researcher, and (ii) when the snake’s tail is restrained. Relative pulling force and relative sprint speed differed among populations, with identical trends observed in absolute values of performance, pointing to local adaptations. Sprint speed had a significant association with behaviour during tests of pulling force. Slower dice snakes either try to escape or become immobile, while faster snakes display bluffing behaviour. Body size was also a significant predictor of absolute performance and antipredator behaviour. Smaller snakes prefer to flee, whereas bluffing becomes more frequent with increasing body size. Noted behaviours in the two settings were repeatable to some degree. Future studies should consider heritability of locomotor ability and antipredator behaviour in dice snakes.

Abstract Fossorial squamates possess unique morphological and physiological adaptations to subterranean life, but little is known about their evaporative water loss rates. In this study, we report measurements of total evaporative water loss (TEWL) and cutaneous evaporative water loss (CEWL) in Trogonophis wiegmanni elegans from a semi-arid region of Morocco. Our results show that T. wiegmanni has one of the lowest TEWL values recorded among amphisbaenians, suggesting a strong restriction of water loss in arid environments. In contrast, CEWL measurements reveal intermediate values, similar to those of some lizard families but higher than those of snakes. These results indicate that T. wiegmanni retains lizard-like skin characteristics while exhibiting low TEWL. This may reflect either a specific adaptation to the water constraints of semi-arid environments or a general feature of the fossorial lifestyle. Our findings highlight the need for further comparative studies to better understand the physiological adaptations of fossorial reptiles and their ability to regulate water loss under different climatic conditions and lifestyles.

Abstract Insular animals often display broader dietary niches than their mainland counterparts, driven by ecological release, as well as unpredictable or limited resource availability on islands. For instance, insular lizards are known to consume atypical prey, varying from fruits and seeds to dangerous prey, such as scorpions and centipedes. However, systematic comparisons of mainland and insular lizards’ feeding habits and preferences are scarce. In this study, we experimentally tested mainland, island, and islet Aegean wall lizards’ dietary flexibility and preferences. In two setups-sequential feeding and a simultaneous ‘cafeteria’ choice test-we offered lizards typical prey (mealworms, crickets), animal-based (eggs, fish) and plant-based (fruits, leaves, capers) foods, and dangerous arthropods (scorpions). We recorded their willingness to inspect and consume each item, along with their neophilic (latency to inspect) and stress-related behaviors (tail waving, foot shakes, and startles) upon encounter. As predicted, island and islet lizards incorporated a wider variety of food items in their diet but maintained the same preference for typical prey as the mainland ones. Nevertheless, island and islet lizards also showed an increased inclination toward fruit consumption, especially watermelon, probably due to its high water content. Interestingly, mainland lizards exhibited stronger stress responses, particularly when encountering dangerous prey (scorpions). These findings highlight how insularity shapes dietary flexibility and behavioral responses in lizards.

Abstract Amphibians exhibit a wide range of sperm morphologies due to their diverse habitats and reproductive strategies. This study provides the first comprehensive morphological and ultrastructural analysis of the spermatozoon and spermatophore in the yellow-spotted mountain newt (Neurergus derjugini). After collecting sperm samples, we used Giemsa, Eosin 5%, and Diff-Quick stains for morphological examination, and electron microscopy for ultrastructural analysis. The results revealed that N. derjugini sperm have a relatively long head, a midpiece, and a tail with a wavy membrane; however, the end of the tail is short and lacks a membrane. The sperm head comprises distinct structures such as an acrosome, acrosomal barb, perforatorium, nucleus, and nuclear ridge. The tail is surrounded by a wavy membrane and contains an axoneme connected to an axial fibre by an undulating membrane with a half-moon-shaped marginal strand. The axial fibre’s shape changes from horseshoe-shaped near the head to crescentic distally. Additionally, the spermatophore is characterized by a conical cap of spermatozoa on a short stalk. The study highlights the adaptive diversity in sperm structure and function, influenced by reproductive strategies, mating systems, and environmental conditions. Understanding these characteristics is crucial for insights into fertilization and potential reproductive barriers. The findings also lay the groundwork for future research on related newt species, offering valuable insights into their evolutionary and phylogenetic relationships.

Abstract The activity of snakes is affected by several ecological factors, being light-dark cycle the most important of them. Bothrops alcatraz and B. jararaca are nocturnal in situ. However, the critically endangered Golden Lancehead, B. insularis, was described as diurnal in Queimada Grande Island, where adults rely mainly on migratory, diurnal birds preyed when they are active. Herein, we present comparative data on the activity of these representatives of the Bothrops jararaca group, testing the following hypotheses: (1) B. alcatraz and B. jararaca are nocturnal even in captivity, and (2) B. insularis is also nocturnal in the absence of birds. Data on the activity of these pitvipers in captivity were obtained using closed circuit television. Daily activity of captive B. insularis was compared to that from the island, where its seasonal pattern was also investigated. Our results show that all three species are intrinsically nocturnal but B. insularis hunts during the day in the wild, being more active in the dry season. We also show that B. jararaca extends its activity through daytime in colder periods. Caudal luring was displayed by all species in captivity, mostly at night in B. alcatraz and B. jararaca, and during the day in B. insularis, even though such differences were not always significant. In summary, we demonstrate that activity may be plastic and influenced by other biotic and abiotic variables apart from the light-dark cycle.

Abstract Climate change poses a significant threat to ectothermic, dispersal-limited reptiles such as Zamenis snakes in the western Palearctic. This study used ensemble ecological models to assess the potential distribution of six Zamenis species under climate change scenarios (SSP1-2.6 and SSP5-8.5). In addition, we examined niche dynamics through overlap, equivalency, and similarity analyses. Results reveal distinct ecological niches for each species, primarily influenced by temperature and precipitation. Projected distribution shifts vary across species, with some species like Z. persicus and Z. situla showing potential for range expansion, while others such as Z. lineatus and Z. scalaris face significant habitat loss. Z. hohenackeri and Z. longissimus exhibit complex patterns of both expansion and contraction. Niche analyses indicate varying degrees of overlap among species, with a trend toward niche conservatism. This study underscores the importance of niche ecology in understanding climate change impacts and highlights the need for species-specific conservation strategies.

Abstract Studies in the Neotropical region consistently highlight high levels of endemism and biodiversity. However, challenges persist, particularly in uncovering the cryptic diversity among species. Various approaches are needed to address this, including morphological, genetic, and environmental data. This study focused on genetic and morphological variation in three endemic, sympatric lizard species: Tropidurus hygomi, Glaucomastix abaetensis, and Glaucomastix itabaianensis in the coastal sand dunes of Northeastern Brazil. These lizards are confined to sandy Pleistocene-formed environments with limited distribution. While earlier research revealed substantial genetic diversity, gaps remained in distribution sampling, morphological data, and understanding the correlation between this variation and environmental factors. We aimed to identify genetic clusters to assess the alignment of phenotypic differences with these clusters and explore potential relationships between climatic and geographical factors and morphometric variations. We utilized mtDNA data to assess population clusters. Geometric and linear morphometrics were employed to analyze morphological data, which was then correlated with climatic information. Results unveiled genetic and morphological variations signifying the presence of cryptic diversity. Our analyses also highlighted the influence of geography and climate on morphometric variations. These findings underscore hidden diversity and a complex evolutionary history within the confined Pleistocene sand dunes. Further genomic analyses could contribute to comprehending these patterns and enhancing the conservation strategies for these endangered species.

The present pdf is the author postprint version of an editorial report published in Amphibia-Reptilia. The paginated published pdf is archived in an institutional repository (http://hdl.handle.net/2268/107247) and in the publisher website (http://dx.doi.org/10.1163/156853811X612715) (Brill). Amphibia-Reptilia 32 (2011): 575-576 122 manuscripts were submitted in 2010 a similar number than in 2008 but less than in 2009, the year with the highest number of submissions. The manuscripts originated from all the continents with Europe (45%) and South America (23%) coming first; which is respectively much more and less than in 2009. Asia and North America are also well represented (17 and 14%, respectively).