查看更多>>摘要:A new species of the genus Liurana is described from Medog,Xizang,China,based on morphological and molecular data.Molecular phylogenetic analysis based on the mitochondrial gene COI indicated that this new species represented an independent evolutionary lineage.In addition,the uncorrected genetic distance between the new species and its closest congener species,L.alpina,was 9.6%-9.8%for COI.The new species,Liurana namchabarwa sp.nov.Yu,Lin,Wang,Jiang and Xie,could be distinguished from its congeners by following characters:(1)relatively large body size in this genus,SVL=21.2-23.1 mm in adult males(n=3);(2)relatively narrow head(HL/HW=100.5%-104.8%(n=3));(3)digital disc not expanded;(4)relatively long hindlimbs,with tibiotarsal articulation reaching tip of snout when adpressed.
查看更多>>摘要:In anurans,advertisement calls(ACs)are an essential form of intraspecific communication.This study evaluates geographical variation in the ACs of Leptobrachella ventripunctata in the Guizhou Plateau,southwestern China,and explores correlations between call characteristics,body size,and environmental factors.ACs are simple calls of L.ventripunctata,and apparent differences were observed in the ACs among different geographical populations of L.ventripunctata.The Call duration(CD)revealed a significant positive correlation with altitude and a significant negative correlation with temperature and humidity.Moreover,the Dominant frequency(DF)exhibited a significant negative correlation with altitude and the habitat closure degree and a significant positive correlation with temperature.These variations in ACs between different geographical populations of L.ventripunctata may critically impact the adaptive evolution of species,and the calls may also be relevant for environmental selection.
查看更多>>摘要:Fossil remains of snakes in Quaternary localities are most often represented by vertebrae.Therefore,it is necessary to carry out a comparative study of the vertebrae of modern species in the areas of interest to identify fossil materials.In this study,we examined 52 specimens of viperids(7 specimens of Gloydius intermedius,12 specimens of Gloydius ussuriensis,6 specimens of Gloydius halys,4 specimens of Vipera sakhalinensis,16 specimens of Vipera berus,and 7 specimens of Vipera renardi).The features of the trunk,cervical,cloacal and caudal vertebrae of 6 species from 2 genera are described.The vertebrae of the Viperidae are highly similar across species,with variation along the vertebral column.Nevertheless,they can be distinguished if their exact position within the vertebral column is known.The most important diagnostic feature is the shape of the hypapophysis,especially when identifying the cervical vertebrae.Among other morphological features,it is important to consider the shape of the ventral surface of the vertebra,prezygapophyseal and parapophyseal processes,neurapophysis,and zygapophysis.For the epistropheus,the position of the anterior edge of the neurapophysis in relation to the anterior edge of the neural arch is also significant.The caudal vertebrae bear the greatest resemblance.There is a significant overlap between the ratios of different measurements(indices)in different species.However,if an index is out of the overlapping zone,it is possible to identify a vertebra more or less accurately,especially when considering it in conjunction with other indices and morphological characteristics.
查看更多>>摘要:The population of the green sea turtle(Chelonia mydas)is under decline,threatened by bycatch and illegal acquisition despite worldwide protection efforts.However,the confiscation of illegally acquired sea turtles could aid in tracking their origin and movement patterns,crucial for effective conservation strategies.Combining satellite tracking and genetic analysis offers an opportunity to investigate the relationship between the origins and migration directions of green sea turtles in the western Pacific.Here,we applied two methods to investigate the spatial ecology of 18 green turtles caught as bycatch in the South China Sea.Our results revealed the genetic origins and diverse movements of the turtles.Bayesian Mixed Stock Analysis(MSA)suggested that these turtles originated from the rookery of the Xisha Islands(49.6%),central Ryukyu(24.6%),NE Borneo(8%),and the Sulu Sea(5.2%),with other rookeries in meagre proportions(<2%each).Satellite tracking showed the ranges of their travel were smaller than the whole contributed rookery range,but diverse.The haplotype diversity of these turtles is high,and CmP19 stands out as both the most frequent and the most diverse haplotype in terms of swimming destinations.These results indicate that the South China Sea is likely an important transportation hub and mating spot for green turtles.Our findings provided evidence for the rehabilitation of these green turtles in the wild and illustrated the complexity of movement during the green turtle's life history,and the"mixed backgrounds"of the green turtles also highlight the need for joint conservation efforts of neighbouring countries in the South China Sea.
Manuel FERIA-ORTIZIsaías hazarmabeth SALGADO-UGARTE
183-193页
查看更多>>摘要:We studied the cycles of reproduction and fat bodies of a blue-tailed skink population of an undescribed species of the Plestiodon brevirostris group.Sexual maturity is attained by females and males as they both reach about 59 mm of SVL.Vitellogenesis started in June-July,with ovulation occurring during late-October to mid-November,and parturition in mid-spring.Litter size varied from two to six,with a mean of 3.86±0.15 embryos in uterus,and showed a positive correlation with female body mass and SVL.During gestation,a significant increase in the average wet mass of embryos in uterus was evident.In comparison,there were no notable changes in the average dry mass.Juvenile growth data suggest that sexual maturity,both males and females,is reached at 16-17 months of age.Testicles and epididymides exhibited maximal weight during August-September.Testicular regression occurred in September.Mating apparently takes place from mid-summer to early fall.Lipids stored in female fat bodies are used for vitellogenesis and for nutrition during the winter months.In males,the stored lipids appear to be used in reproductive activities during the mating season.