Herpetological Highlights
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Hibernation is a pretty extreme biological process that shouldn’t be undertaken lightly. Bearded dragons are one of many beasts that have it perfected, and in this episode we look at how. Species of the Bi-week is back with a new strange skinned snake. Become a Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/herphighlights https://www.patreon.com/herphighlights Merch: https://www.redbubble.com/people/herphighlights/shop https://www.redbubble.com/people/herphighlights/shop Full reference list available here: http://www.herphighlights.podbean.com http://www.herphighlights.podbean.com Main Paper References: Capraro A, O’Meally D, Waters SA, Patel HR, Georges A, Waters PD. 2019. Waking the sleeping dragon: gene expression profiling reveals adaptive strategies of the hibernating reptile Pogona vitticeps. BMC Genomics 20:460. DOI: 10.1186/s12864-019-5750-x. Species of the Bi-Week: Li H, Zhu L-Q, Xiao B, Huang J, Wu S-W, Yang L-X, Zhang Z-Q, Mo X-Y. 2024. A new species of the genus Achalinus (Squamata, Xenodermatidae) from southwest Hunan Province, China. ZooKeys 1189:257–273. DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1189.112784. Other Mentioned Papers/Studies: Natusch D, Lyons J, Mears L, Shine R. 2021. Biting off more than you can chew: Attempted predation on a human by a giant snake (Simalia amethistina). Austral Ecology 46:159–162. DOI: 10.1111/aec.12956. Editing and Music: Podcast edited by Alex – https://www.fiverr.com/alexanderroses https://www.fiverr.com/alexanderroses Intro/outro – Treehouse by Ed Nelson Species Bi-week theme – Michael Timothy Other Music – The Passion HiFi, https://www.thepassionhifi.com http://www.thepassionhifi.com
Tortoises return to an island in the Galapagos and prove themselves to be solid ecosystem engineers. Become a Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/herphighlights https://www.patreon.com/herphighlights Merch: https://www.redbubble.com/people/herphighlights/shop https://www.redbubble.com/people/herphighlights/shop Full reference list available here: http://www.herphighlights.podbean.com http://www.herphighlights.podbean.com Main Paper References: Tapia Aguilera W, Gibbs JP. 2023. Rewilding giant tortoises engineers plant communities at local to landscape scales. Conservation Letters 16:e12968. DOI: 10.1111/conl.12968. Other Mentioned Papers/Studies: Loconsole M, Stancher G, Versace E. 2023. Crossmodal association between visual and acoustic cues in a tortoise (Testudo hermanni). Biology Letters 19:20230265. DOI: 10.1098/rsbl.2023.0265. Starck, J. M., Schrenk, F., Schröder, S., & Pees, M. (2022). Malformations of the sacculus and the semicircular canals in spider morph pythons. Plos one, 17(8), e0262788. Other Links/Mentions: Scinax crospedospilus by Mario Sacramento from https://amphibiaweb.org/cgi/amphib_query?where-genus=Scinax&where-species=crospedospilus Charles Darwin Foundation. Studying the ecology and distribution of the invasive treefrog Scinax quinquefasciatus https://www.darwinfoundation.org/en/research/projects/invasive-treefrog Editing and Music: Podcast edited by Emmy – https://www.fiverr.com/emmyk10 Intro/outro – Treehouse by Ed Nelson Species Bi-week theme – Michael Timothy Other Music – The Passion HiFi, https://www.thepassionhifi.com http://www.thepassionhifi.com
Caecilians, the strange underground amphibians, are known to let their babies eat their skin. But the full benefits of this practice are only now becoming clear. Become a Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/herphighlights https://www.patreon.com/herphighlights Merch: https://www.redbubble.com/people/herphighlights/shop https://www.redbubble.com/people/herphighlights/shop Full reference list available here: http://www.herphighlights.podbean.com http://www.herphighlights.podbean.com Main Paper References: Kouete MT, Bletz MC, LaBumbard BC, Woodhams DC, Blackburn DC. 2023. Parental care contributes to vertical transmission of microbes in a skin-feeding and direct-developing caecilian. Animal Microbiome 5:28. DOI: 10.1186/s42523-023-00243-x. Species of the Bi-Week: Li S-Z, Liu J, Ke X-C, Cheng G, Wang B. 2024. A new species of Amolops (Amphibia, Anura, Ranidae) from Guizhou Province, China. ZooKeys 1189:33–54. DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1189.115621. Other Mentioned Papers/Studies: Starck, J. M., Schrenk, F., Schröder, S., & Pees, M. (2022). Malformations of the sacculus and the semicircular canals in spider morph pythons. Plos one, 17(8), e0262788. Editing and Music: Podcast edited by Emmy – https://www.fiverr.com/emmyk10 Intro/outro – Treehouse by Ed Nelson Species Bi-week theme – Michael Timothy Other Music – The Passion HiFi, https://www.thepassionhifi.com http://www.thepassionhifi.com
A wildly ambitious study which fundamentally alters the ecology of islands? Count us in. Become a Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/herphighlights https://www.patreon.com/herphighlights Merch: https://www.redbubble.com/people/herphighlights/shop https://www.redbubble.com/people/herphighlights/shop Full reference list available here: http://www.herphighlights.podbean.com http://www.herphighlights.podbean.com Main Paper References: Lapiedra O, Morales N, Yang LH, Fernández‐Bellon D, Michaelides SN, Giery ST, Piovia‐Scott J, Schoener TW, Kolbe JJ, Losos JB. 2023. Predator‐driven behavioural shifts in a common lizard shape resource‐flow from marine to terrestrial ecosystems. Ecology Letters:ele.14335. DOI: 10.1111/ele.14335. Other Mentioned Papers/Studies: Kim KS, Lockley MG, Lim JD, Bae SM, Romilio A. 2020. Trackway evidence for large bipedal crocodylomorphs from the Cretaceous of Korea. Scientific Reports 10:8680. DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-66008-7. Other Links/Mentions: Amos J. 2020. Fossil tracks left by an ancient crocodile that “ran like an ostrich.” https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-53011567 Barbados frogs: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0LdK6JQUNyw Editing and Music: Podcast edited by Emmy – https://www.fiverr.com/emmyk10 Intro/outro – Treehouse by Ed Nelson Species Bi-week theme – Michael Timothy Other Music – The Passion HiFi, https://www.thepassionhifi.com http://www.thepassionhifi.com
More evidence of social behaviour in snakes, this time from snakes that live underwater. Then we chat about a new species of alligator-looking lizard. Become a Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/herphighlights https://www.patreon.com/herphighlights Merch: https://www.redbubble.com/people/herphighlights/shop https://www.redbubble.com/people/herphighlights/shop Full reference list available here: http://www.herphighlights.podbean.com http://www.herphighlights.podbean.com Main Paper References: Somaweera R, Udyawer V, Amarasinghe AAT, De Fresnes J, Catherall J, Molchanova G. 2023. Apparent coordinated and communal hunting behaviours by Erabu sea krait Laticauda semifactiata. Scientific Reports 13:21471. DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-48684-3. Species of the Bi-Week: Clause AG, Luna-Reyes R, Mendoza-Velázquez OM, Nieto-Montes De Oca A, Solano-Zavaleta I. 2024. Bridging the gap: A new species of arboreal Abronia (Squamata: Anguidae) from the Northern Highlands of Chiapas, Mexico. PLOS ONE 19:e0295230. DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0295230. Other Mentioned Papers/Studies: Shine, R., Shine, T., Shine, J. M. & Shine, B. G. Synchrony in capture dates suggests cryptic social organization in sea snakes (Emy docephalus annulatus, Hydrophiidae). Austral Ecol. 30, 805–811 (2005). Editing and Music: Podcast edited by Emmy – https://www.fiverr.com/emmyk10 Intro/outro – Treehouse by Ed Nelson Species Bi-week theme – Michael Timothy Other Music – The Passion HiFi, https://www.thepassionhifi.com http://www.thepassionhifi.com
Royal pythons, ball pythons, regardless of their name the colour morphs can be stunning. But have folk found what gene is responsible? And can that gene create the same patterns in other reptiles? Become a Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/herphighlights https://www.patreon.com/herphighlights Merch: https://www.redbubble.com/people/herphighlights/shop https://www.redbubble.com/people/herphighlights/shop Full reference list available here: http://www.herphighlights.podbean.com http://www.herphighlights.podbean.com Main Paper References: Garcia-Elfring A, Sabin CE, Iouchmanov AL, Roffey HL, Samudra SP, Alcala AJ, Osman RS, Lauderdale JD, Hendry AP, Menke DB, Barrett RDH. 2023. Piebaldism and chromatophore development in reptiles are linked to the tfec gene. Current Biology 33:755-763.e3. DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2023.01.004. Other Mentioned Papers/Studies: Chavan UM, Borkar MR. 2023. Observations on cooperative fishing, use of bait for hunting, propensity for marigold flowers and sentient behaviour in Mugger Crocodiles Crocodylus palustris (Lesson, 1831) of river Savitri at Mahad, Maharashtra, India. Journal of Threatened Taxa 15:23750–23762. DOI: 10.11609/jott.8551.15.8.23750-23762. Other Links/Mentions: Theloderma corticale call by Peter Janzen from AmphibiaWeb - https://amphibiaweb.org/cgi/amphib_query?where-genus=Theloderma&where-species=corticale Editing and Music: Podcast edited by Emmy – https://www.fiverr.com/emmyk10 Intro/outro – Treehouse by Ed Nelson Species Bi-week theme – Michael Timothy Other Music – The Passion HiFi, https://www.thepassionhifi.com http://www.thepassionhifi.com
Urban environments can be dramatically different from natural ones. New challenges face any animal finding themselves in the big city. This episode we look at some tiny chameleons adapting to urban life, and now differ from their country relatives. Become a Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/herphighlights https://www.patreon.com/herphighlights Merch: https://www.redbubble.com/people/herphighlights/shop https://www.redbubble.com/people/herphighlights/shop Full reference list available here: http://www.herphighlights.podbean.com http://www.herphighlights.podbean.com Main Paper References: Petford MA, Herrel A, Alexander GJ, Tolley KA. 2023. Differences between urban and natural populations of dwarf chameleons (Bradypodion damaranum): a case of urban warfare? Urban Ecosystems. DOI: 10.1007/s11252-023-01474-1. Species of the Bi-Week: Sitthivong S, Brakels P, Xayyasith S, Maury N, Idiiatullina S, Pawangkhanant P, Wang K, Van Nguyen T, A. Poyarkov N. 2023. Hiding on jagged karst pinnacles: A new microendemic genus and species of a limestone-dwelling agamid lizard (Squamata: Agamidae: Draconinae) from Khammouan Province, Laos. Zoological Research 44:1039–1051. DOI: 10.24272/j.issn.2095-8137.2023.062. Editing and Music: Podcast edited by Emmy – https://www.fiverr.com/emmyk10 Intro/outro – Treehouse by Ed Nelson Species Bi-week theme – Michael Timothy Other Music – The Passion HiFi, https://www.thepassionhifi.com http://www.thepassionhifi.com
An arms race between newts and snakes means biological warfare. Become a Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/herphighlights https://www.patreon.com/herphighlights Merch: https://www.redbubble.com/people/herphighlights/shop https://www.redbubble.com/people/herphighlights/shop Full reference list available here: http://www.herphighlights.podbean.com http://www.herphighlights.podbean.com Main Paper References: Gilbert AL, Cabrera S, Hague MTJ, Stokes AN, Feldman CR, Hanifin CT, Brodie ED, Brodie ED. 2023. Phenotypic outcomes of predator–prey coevolution are predicted by landscape variation in climate and community composition. Functional Ecology 37:2170–2180. DOI: 10.1111/1365-2435.14360. Other Mentioned Papers/Studies: Calhoun, D. M., Bucciarelli, G. M., Kats, L. B., Zimmer, R. K., & Johnson, P. T. (2017). Noxious newts and their natural enemies: Experimental effects of tetrodotoxin exposure on trematode parasites and aquatic macroinvertebrates. Toxicon, 137, 120-127. Williams, B. L., Hanifin, C. T., Brodie, E. D., & Brodie III, E. D. (2010). Tetrodotoxin affects survival probability of rough-skinned newts (Taricha granulosa) faced with TTX-resistant garter snake predators (Thamnophis sirtalis). Chemoecology, 20, 285-290. Editing and Music: Podcast edited by Emmy – https://www.fiverr.com/emmyk10 Intro/outro – Treehouse by Ed Nelson Species Bi-week theme – Michael Timothy Other Music – The Passion HiFi, https://www.thepassionhifi.com http://www.thepassionhifi.com
New research sets out to work out what the meadow vipers like. Become a Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/herphighlights https://www.patreon.com/herphighlights Merch: https://www.redbubble.com/people/herphighlights/shop https://www.redbubble.com/people/herphighlights/shop Full reference list available here: http://www.herphighlights.podbean.com http://www.herphighlights.podbean.com Main Paper References: Mizsei E, Budai M, Móré A, Rák G, Radovics D, Bancsik B, Wenner B, Márton S, Korsós Z, Lengyel S, Vadász C. 2023. Management impacts on three reptile species ( Vipera ursinii , Lacerta agilis , Lacerta viridis ) in sandy grasslands in Hungary: Mowing should be avoided. Conservation Science and Practice:e13048. DOI: 10.1111/csp2.13048. Species of the Bi-Week: Jablonski D, Ribeiro-Júnior MA, Simonov E, Šoltys K, Meiri S. 2023. A new, rare, small-ranged, and endangered mountain snake of the genus Elaphe from the Southern Levant. Scientific Reports 13:4839. DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-30878-4. Other Mentioned Papers/Studies: Gould E, et al. 2023. Same data, different analysts: variation in effect sizes due to analytical decisions in ecology and evolutionary biology. EcoEvoRxiv. DOI: 10.32942/X2GG62. Editing and Music: Podcast edited by Emmy – https://www.fiverr.com/emmyk10 Intro/outro – Treehouse by Ed Nelson Species Bi-week theme – Michael Timothy Other Music – The Passion HiFi, https://www.thepassionhifi.com http://www.thepassionhifi.com
Gopher tortoises build wonderful and important burrows, but what happens when an invasive species decides to move in. Become a Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/herphighlights https://www.patreon.com/herphighlights Merch: https://www.redbubble.com/people/herphighlights/shop https://www.redbubble.com/people/herphighlights/shop Full reference list available here: http://www.herphighlights.podbean.com http://www.herphighlights.podbean.com Main Paper References: Durso A, Rivero J. 2023. Black spiny-tailed iguana (Ctenosaura similis) use of gopher tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus) burrows in Buckingham, Florida. Florida Field Naturalist 51:58–73. DOI: 10.6084/M9.FIGSHARE.24021423. Other Mentioned Papers/Studies: Lopes RJ, Pinho CJ, Santos B, Seguro M, Mata VA, Egeter B, Vasconcelos R. 2019. Intricate trophic links between threatened vertebrates confined to a small island in the Atlantic Ocean. Ecology and Evolution 9:4994–5002. DOI: 10.1002/ece3.5105. Other Links/Mentions: Cuban Treefrog sound from Ariel Rodríguez & Roberto Alonso via: AmphibiaWeb 2009 Osteopilus septentrionalis: Cuban Treefrog University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA. Accessed Nov 26, 2023. Also https://www.fonozoo.com/fnz_detalles_registro_amphibia.php?id=98045&tipo_registro=1 Editing and Music: Podcast edited by Emmy – https://www.fiverr.com/emmyk10 Intro/outro – Treehouse by Ed Nelson Species Bi-week theme – Michael Timothy Other Music – The Passion HiFi, https://www.thepassionhifi.com http://www.thepassionhifi.com
We are relatively familiar with modern snake bite advice, but what snakes did the ancient Egyptians deal with? Become a Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/herphighlights https://www.patreon.com/herphighlights Merch: https://www.redbubble.com/people/herphighlights/shop https://www.redbubble.com/people/herphighlights/shop Full reference list available here: http://www.herphighlights.podbean.com http://www.herphighlights.podbean.com Main Paper References: McBride E, Winder IC, Wüster W. 2023. What Bit the Ancient Egyptians? Niche Modelling to Identify the Snakes Described in the Brooklyn Medical Papyrus. Environmental Archaeology:1–14. DOI: 10.1080/14614103.2023.2266631. Species of the Bi-Week: Liedtke HC, Malonza PK, Wasonga DV, Müller H, Loader SP. 2023. A new genus and species of toad from Mount Kenya illuminates East African montane biogeography. Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society:zlad160. DOI: 10.1093/zoolinnean/zlad160. Other Links/Mentions: Ross Mcgibbon calendars https://rmrphotography.com.au/2024-fundraising-calendar/ Editing and Music: Podcast edited by Emmy – https://www.fiverr.com/emmyk10 Intro/outro – Treehouse by Ed Nelson Species Bi-week theme – Michael Timothy Other Music – The Passion HiFi, https://www.thepassionhifi.com http://www.thepassionhifi.com
An exciting new study suggests turtles might be social creatures. Main Paper References: McKnight DT, Serano JC, Thompson DM, Ligon DB. 2023. They really do move in herds: evidence of group living in an aquatic turtle. Animal Behaviour:S0003347223002142. DOI: 10.1016/j.anbehav.2023.08.015. Other Mentioned Papers/Studies: Fernandes IY, Koch ED, Mônico AT. 2023. First record of a snake call in South America: the unusual sound of an ornate snail-eater Dipsas catesbyi. Acta Amazonica 53:243–245. DOI: 10.1590/1809-4392202300431. Other Links/Mentions: Code review preprint: https://ecoevorxiv.org/repository/view/5393/ https://ecoevorxiv.org/repository/view/5393/ Editing and Music: Podcast edited by Emmy – https://www.fiverr.com/emmyk10 Intro/outro – Treehouse by Ed Nelson Species Bi-week theme – Michael Timothy Other Music – The Passion HiFi, https://www.thepassionhifi.com http://www.thepassionhifi.com
Fire salamanders are the focus of this episode. Like humans, they have been facing a pandemic recently, and new research delves into how populations have been coping. We top it off with a brand new snake species from Vietnam. Become a Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/herphighlights https://www.patreon.com/herphighlights Merch: https://www.redbubble.com/people/herphighlights/shop https://www.redbubble.com/people/herphighlights/shop Full reference list available here: http://www.herphighlights.podbean.com http://www.herphighlights.podbean.com Main Paper References: Erens J, Preissler K, Speybroeck J, Beukema W, Spitzen-van Der Sluijs A, Stark T, Laudelout A, Kinet T, Schmidt BR, Martel A, Steinfartz S, Pasmans F. 2023. Divergent population responses following salamander mass mortalities and declines driven by the emerging pathogen Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans. Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences 290:20230510. DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2023.0510. Species of the Bi-Week: Kane D, Tapley B, La TV, Nguyen LT. 2023. A new species of the genus Rhabdophis Fitzinger, 1843 (Squamata: Colubridae) from the Hoang Lien range, northwest Vietnam. Zootaxa 5343:101–125. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5343.2.1. Other Mentioned Papers/Studies: Ivimey‐Cook ER, Pick JL, Bairos‐Novak KR, Culina A, Gould E, Grainger M, Marshall BM, Moreau D, Paquet M, Royauté R, Sánchez‐Tójar A, Silva I, Windecker SM. 2023. Implementing code review in the scientific workflow: Insights from ecology and evolutionary biology. Journal of Evolutionary Biology 36:1347–1356. DOI: 10.1111/jeb.14230. Other Links/Mentions: Adder conservation genetics preprint: https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.09.19.557540v1.full https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.09.19.557540v1.full Editing and Music: Podcast edited by Emmy – https://www.fiverr.com/emmyk10 Intro/outro – Treehouse by Ed Nelson Species Bi-week theme – Michael Timothy Other Music – The Passion HiFi, https://www.thepassionhifi.com http://www.thepassionhifi.com
Crocodiles leave their mouths open for long periods of time, and we don’t really know why. We also take a long tangent on the swiftlet nest business and what wee reptiles are cashing in themselves. Become a Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/herphighlights https://www.patreon.com/herphighlights Merch: https://www.redbubble.com/people/herphighlights/shop https://www.redbubble.com/people/herphighlights/shop Full reference list available here: http://www.herphighlights.podbean.com http://www.herphighlights.podbean.com Main Paper References: Price C, Ezat MA, Hanzen C, Downs CT. 2022. Never smile at a crocodile: Gaping behaviour in the Nile crocodile at Ndumo Game Reserve, South Africa. Behavioural Processes 203:104772. DOI: 10.1016/j.beproc.2022.104772. Other Mentioned Papers/Studies: Quah ESH, Chong JL. 2022. Reptile predators of swiftlets (genus Aerodramus) with a focus on their impact on the swiftlet farming industry. Herpetology Notes. Wüster, W., & Tillack, F. 2023. On the importance of types and the perils of “en passant” taxonomy: a brief history of the typification of Coluber naja Linnaeus, 1758 (Serpentes: Elapidae) and its implications, with the designation of a lectotype. Zootaxa, 5346(4), 403-419. Other Links/Mentions: AmphibiaWeb. 2023. University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA. Accessed 28 Sep 2023. https://amphibiaweb.org/cgi/amphib_query?where-scientific_name=Hyperolius+tuberilinguis&rel-scientific_name=contains&include_synonymies=Yes Audio from flamelily via iNaturalist: https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/152630015 Editing and Music: Podcast edited by Emmy – https://www.fiverr.com/emmyk10 Intro/outro – Treehouse by Ed Nelson Species Bi-week theme – Michael Timothy Other Music – The Passion HiFi, https://www.thepassionhifi.com http://www.thepassionhifi.com
Tracking and understanding invasive species is difficult, but even more so when the invasive can interbreed with the endangered native species creating a more powerful hybrid. This episode we look at a hybridising salamander. We also have a very special Species of the Bi-week. Become a Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/herphighlights https://www.patreon.com/herphighlights Merch: https://www.redbubble.com/people/herphighlights/shop https://www.redbubble.com/people/herphighlights/shop Full reference list available here: http://www.herphighlights.podbean.com http://www.herphighlights.podbean.com Main Paper References: Cooper RD, Shaffer HB. 2023. Managing invasive hybrids with pond hydroperiod manipulation in an endangered salamander system. Conservation Biology:cobi.14167. DOI: 10.1111/cobi.14167. Species of the Bi-Week: Major T, Renk P, Reissig J, Paijmans JLA, Morris E, Hofreiter M, Barlow A, Broadley DG, Wüster W. 2023. Museum DNA reveals a new, potentially extinct species of rinkhals (Serpentes: Elapidae: Hemachatus) from the Eastern Highlands of Zimbabwe. PLOS ONE 18:e0291432. DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0291432. Other Links/Mentions: Conversation article about the Nyanga rinkhals: https://shorturl.at/ouvyL Editing and Music: Podcast edited by Emmy – https://www.fiverr.com/emmyk10 Intro/outro – Treehouse by Ed Nelson Species Bi-week theme – Michael Timothy Other Music – The Passion HiFi, https://www.thepassionhifi.com http://www.thepassionhifi.com
Chameleons have evolved a diversity of weaponry. New research determines what these weapons are, and which chameleon groups are the most heavily-armed. Become a Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/herphighlights https://www.patreon.com/herphighlights Merch: https://www.redbubble.com/people/herphighlights/shop https://www.redbubble.com/people/herphighlights/shop Full reference list available here: http://www.herphighlights.podbean.com http://www.herphighlights.podbean.com Main Paper References: Van Kleeck-Hann M, Wiens JJ. 2023. Macroevolution of sexually selected weapons: weapon evolution in chameleons. Evolution:qpad138. DOI: 10.1093/evolut/qpad138. Other Mentioned Papers/Studies: Kang, C., Kim, Y. E., & Jang, Y. 2016. Colour and pattern change against visually heterogeneous backgrounds in the tree frog Hyla japonica. Scientific reports, 6(1), 22601. Editing and Music: Podcast edited by Emmy – https://www.fiverr.com/emmyk10 Intro/outro – Treehouse by Ed Nelson Species Bi-week theme – Michael Timothy Other Music – The Passion HiFi, https://www.thepassionhifi.com http://www.thepassionhifi.com
They call them mamushi, or the Japanese pitviper. New research determines whether these snakes operate in chilly weather, or if their prey are safe to relax. Become a Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/herphighlights https://www.patreon.com/herphighlights Merch: https://www.redbubble.com/people/herphighlights/shop https://www.redbubble.com/people/herphighlights/shop Full reference list available here: http://www.herphighlights.podbean.com http://www.herphighlights.podbean.com Main Paper References: Kodama T, Mori A. 2023. How important is temperature for strike success of ectotherms? Thermal effects on predator–prey interactions of free‐ranging pit vipers (Gloydius blomhoffii). Ethology:eth.13400. DOI: 10.1111/eth.13400. Species of the Bi-Week: Lawson LP, Loader SP, Lyakurwa JV, Liedtke HC. 2023. Diversification of spiny-throated reed frogs (Anura: Hyperoliidae) with the description of a new, range-restricted species from the Ukaguru Mountains, Tanzania. PLOS ONE 18:e0277535. DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0277535. Other Mentioned Papers/Studies: Kimbrough L. 2023.No croak: New silent frog species described from Tanzania’s ‘sky island’ forests. Available at https://news.mongabay.com/2023/02/no-croak-new-silent-frog-species-described-from-tanzanias-sky-island-forests/ (accessed April 12, 2023). Editing and Music: Podcast edited by Emmy – https://www.fiverr.com/emmyk10 Intro/outro – Treehouse by Ed Nelson Species Bi-week theme – Michael Timothy Other Music – The Passion HiFi, https://www.thepassionhifi.com http://www.thepassionhifi.com
Vocal plasticity is the topic for this episode. Can tokay geckos modify their call? Do young turtle vocalisations help them coordinate their movements? Become a Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/herphighlights https://www.patreon.com/herphighlights Merch: https://www.redbubble.com/people/herphighlights/shop https://www.redbubble.com/people/herphighlights/shop Full reference list available here: http://www.herphighlights.podbean.com http://www.herphighlights.podbean.com Main Paper References: Brumm H, Zollinger SA. 2017. Vocal plasticity in a reptile. Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences 284:20170451. DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2017.0451. Lacroix C, Davy CM, Rollinson N. 2022. Hatchling vocalizations and beneficial social interactions in subterranean nests of a widespread reptile. Animal Behaviour 187:233–244. DOI: 10.1016/j.anbehav.2022.03.006. Other Mentioned Papers/Studies: Goutte S, Mason MJ, Antoniazzi MM, Jared C, Merle D, Cazes L, Toledo LF, el-Hafci H, Pallu S, Portier H, Schramm S, Gueriau P, Thoury M. 2019. Intense bone fluorescence reveals hidden patterns in pumpkin toadlets. Scientific Reports 9:5388. DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-41959-8. Goutte S, Mason MJ, Christensen-Dalsgaard J, Montealegre-Z F, Chivers BD, Sarria-S FA, Antoniazzi MM, Jared C, Almeida Sato L, Felipe Toledo L. 2017. Evidence of auditory insensitivity to vocalization frequencies in two frogs. Scientific Reports 7:12121. DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-12145-5. Bornschein MR, Jr MMR, Pie MR, Confetti AE, Ribeiro LF. 2018. Redescription of the advertisement call of Brachycephalus tridactylus (Anura: Brachycephalidae). PeerJ Inc. DOI: 10.7287/peerj.preprints.27243v1. Editing and Music: Podcast edited by Emmy – https://www.fiverr.com/emmyk10 Intro/outro – Treehouse by Ed Nelson Species Bi-week theme – Michael Timothy Other Music – The Passion HiFi, https://www.thepassionhifi.com http://www.thepassionhifi.com
Snake diets are difficult to study, but are deeply interesting. This episode we look at a paper that has gathered together records (paper and digital) to examine whether rat snakes and cobras compete for food. We also have a tiny hopping Species of the Bi-week. Become a Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/herphighlights https://www.patreon.com/herphighlights Merch: https://www.redbubble.com/people/herphighlights/shop https://www.redbubble.com/people/herphighlights/shop Full reference list available here: http://www.herphighlights.podbean.com http://www.herphighlights.podbean.com Main Paper References: Weiss M, Kalki Y. 2023. Trophic Niche Partitioning between Sympatric Naja naja and Ptyas mucosa: Crowdsourced Data in Application to Community Ecology. Journal of Herpetology 57. DOI: 10.1670/22-013. Species of the Bi-Week: Mângia S, Santana DJ, De Oliveira Drummond L, Sabagh LT, Ugioni L, Costa PN, Wachlevski M. 2023. A new species of Brachycephalus (Anura: Brachycephalidae) from Serra do Tabuleiro, Southern Brazil. Vertebrate Zoology 73:575–597. DOI: 10.3897/vz.73.e102098. Other Mentioned Papers/Studies: Essner RL, Pereira REE, Blackburn DC, Singh AL, Stanley EL, Moura MO, Confetti AE, Pie MR. 2022. Semicircular canal size constrains vestibular function in miniaturized frogs. Science Advances 8:eabn1104. DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abn1104. Other Links/Mentions: Davey M. 2023. ‘Oh my god’: live worm found in Australian woman’s brain in world-first discovery. The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2023/aug/28/live-worm-living-womans-brain-australia-depression-forgetfulness Editing and Music: Podcast edited by Emmy – https://www.fiverr.com/emmyk10 Intro/outro – Treehouse by Ed Nelson Species Bi-week theme – Michael Timothy Other Music – The Passion HiFi, https://www.thepassionhifi.com http://www.thepassionhifi.com
Caecilians are well adapted to a life underground, but a serious threat lives under there with them. All over the world, they have evolved the same means to fight this subterranean threat. Become a Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/herphighlights https://www.patreon.com/herphighlights Merch: https://www.redbubble.com/people/herphighlights/shop https://www.redbubble.com/people/herphighlights/shop Full reference list available here: http://www.herphighlights.podbean.com http://www.herphighlights.podbean.com Main Paper References: Mancuso M, Zaman S, Maddock ST, Kamei RG, Salazar-Valenzuela D, Wilkinson M, Roelants K, Fry BG. 2023. Resistance Is Not Futile: Widespread Convergent Evolution of Resistance to Alpha-Neurotoxic Snake Venoms in Caecilians (Amphibia: Gymnophiona). International Journal of Molecular Sciences 24:11353. DOI: 10.3390/ijms241411353. Other Links/Mentions: https://www.threatenedtaxa.org/index.php/JoTT/article/view/8336/9359 https://asianturtleprogram.org/healthy-big-headed-turtles-found-in-the-wild-four-years-after-release-into-the-wild-highlights-the-importance-of-conservation-activities/?fbclid=IwAR1lTt0zpuf8n5VardZeXQHaVWJ4iCtxI9fe6Elm78ZxOFiZHNuW2lp07Ps Editing and Music: Podcast edited by Emmy – https://www.fiverr.com/emmyk10 Intro/outro – Treehouse by Ed Nelson Species Bi-week theme – Michael Timothy Other Music – The Passion HiFi, https://www.thepassionhifi.com http://www.thepassionhifi.com
We chat about some new research on the social behaviour of rattlesnakes. Plus a brand new snake species just described from Australia. Become a Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/herphighlights https://www.patreon.com/herphighlights Merch: https://www.redbubble.com/people/herphighlights/shop https://www.redbubble.com/people/herphighlights/shop Full reference list available here: http://www.herphighlights.podbean.com http://www.herphighlights.podbean.com Main Paper References: Martin CE, Fox GA, Putman BJ, Hayes WK. 2023. Social security: can rattlesnakes reduce acute stress through social buffering? Frontiers in Ethology 2:1181774. DOI: 10.3389/fetho.2023.1181774. Species of the Bi-Week: Nankivell JH, Maryan B, Bush BG, Hutchinson MN. 2023. Whip it into shape: Revision of the Demansia psammophis (Schlegel, 1837) complex (Squamata: Elapidae), with a description of a new species from central Australia. Zootaxa 5311:301–339. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5311.3.1. Other Mentioned Papers/Studies: Tian, L., Preisser, E. L., Haynes, K. F., & Zhou, X. 2017. Social buffering in a eusocial invertebrate: termite soldiers reduce the lethal impact of competitor cues on workers. Ecology, 98(4), 952-960. Editing and Music: Podcast edited by Emmy – https://www.fiverr.com/emmyk10 Intro/outro – Treehouse by Ed Nelson Species Bi-week theme – Michael Timothy Other Music – The Passion HiFi, https://www.thepassionhifi.com http://www.thepassionhifi.com
Two toad species are wreaking havoc as invaders, but which is worse - and why? Become a Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/herphighlights https://www.patreon.com/herphighlights Merch: https://www.redbubble.com/people/herphighlights/shop https://www.redbubble.com/people/herphighlights/shop Full reference list available here: http://www.herphighlights.podbean.com http://www.herphighlights.podbean.com Main Paper References: Kelly, C. L., Schwarzkopf, L., Christy, T. M., & Kennedy, M. S. (2023). The toad less travelled: Comparing life histories, ecological niches, and potential habitat of Asian black-spined toads and cane toads. Wildlife Research. doi: 10.1071/WR22111 Other Links/Mentions: Ingerophrynus parvus call by Zaharil Dzulkafly from: http://bitly.ws/LcAv Editing and Music: Podcast edited by Emmy – https://www.fiverr.com/emmyk10 Intro/outro – Treehouse by Ed Nelson Species Bi-week theme – Michael Timothy Other Music – The Passion HiFi, https://www.thepassionhifi.com http://www.thepassionhifi.com
Humans get in the way of snakes finding love over long distances, and then we talk about a cool new gecko that glides, or does it paraglide? Become a Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/herphighlights https://www.patreon.com/herphighlights Merch: https://www.redbubble.com/people/herphighlights/shop https://www.redbubble.com/people/herphighlights/shop Full reference list available here: http://www.herphighlights.podbean.com http://www.herphighlights.podbean.com Main Paper References: Bauder, J. M., Peterman, W. E., Spear, S. F., Jenkins, C. L., Whiteley, A. R., & McGarigal, K. (2021). Multiscale assessment of functional connectivity: Landscape genetics of eastern indigo snakes in an anthropogenically fragmented landscape in central Florida. Molecular Ecology, 30(14), 3422–3438. doi: 10.1111/mec.15979 Species of the Bi-Week: Lalremsanga, H. T., Muansanga, L., Vabeiryureilai, M., & Mirza, Z. A. (2023). A new species of Parachute Gecko of the subgenus Ptychozoon (Sauria: Gekkonidae: Gekko) from the Indo-Burma region. Salamandra, 59(2). Editing and Music: Podcast edited by Emmy – https://www.fiverr.com/emmyk10 Intro/outro – Treehouse by Ed Nelson Species Bi-week theme – Michael Timothy Other Music – The Passion HiFi, https://www.thepassionhifi.com http://www.thepassionhifi.com
When surviving in the wilds, maximising all your senses is wise. When you can’t see a threat, maybe you’ll hear one… or smell one? We look at a wonderfully smart gecko looking to dodge snakes using the power of smell. Become a Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/herphighlights https://www.patreon.com/herphighlights Merch: https://www.redbubble.com/people/herphighlights/shop https://www.redbubble.com/people/herphighlights/shop Full reference list available here: http://www.herphighlights.podbean.com http://www.herphighlights.podbean.com Main Paper References: Hammond, J. E., Witkowski, S., Wilson, T., Zouvi, C. A., Goetz, N. L., Eck, N. F., & Clark, R. W. (2020). Know Thine Enemy: Predator Identity Influences the Response of Western Banded Geckos (Coleonyx variegatus) to Chemosensory Cues. Journal of Herpetology, 54(4). doi: 10.1670/19-131 Editing and Music: Podcast edited by Emmy – https://www.fiverr.com/emmyk10 Intro/outro – Treehouse by Ed Nelson Species Bi-week theme – Michael Timothy Other Music – The Passion HiFi, https://www.thepassionhifi.com http://www.thepassionhifi.com
Animals make all sorts of noises for all sorts of reasons. Working out what they mean is difficult, especially if the animal is less than honest. This episode is all about the truthfulness of the screams of a little lacertid. Our Species of the Bi-week is a delicate frog. Become a Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/herphighlights https://www.patreon.com/herphighlights Merch: https://www.redbubble.com/people/herphighlights/shop https://www.redbubble.com/people/herphighlights/shop Full reference list available here: http://www.herphighlights.podbean.com http://www.herphighlights.podbean.com Main Paper References: Baeckens, S., Llusia, D., García-Roa, R., & Martín, J. (2019). Lizard calls convey honest information on body size and bite performance: A role in predator deterrence? Behavioral Ecology and Sociobiology, 73(6), 87. doi: 10.1007/s00265-019-2695-7 Species of the Bi-Week: Köhler, J., Venegas, P. J., Castillo-Urbina, E., Glaw, F., Aguilar-Puntriano, C., & Vences, M. (2023). A third species of glassfrog in the genus Chimerella (Anura, Centrolenidae) from central Peru, discovered by an integrative taxonomic approach. Evolutionary Systematics, 7(2), 195–209. doi: 10.3897/evolsyst.7.102950 Other Links/Mentions: Salam, E. (2023, May 12). Chonk the snapping turtle delights locals with Chicago River appearance. The Guardian. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/may/12/chonk-snapping-turtle-chicago-river Editing and Music: Podcast edited by Emmy – https://www.fiverr.com/emmyk10 Intro/outro – Treehouse by Ed Nelson Species Bi-week theme – Michael Timothy Other Music – The Passion HiFi, https://www.thepassionhifi.com http://www.thepassionhifi.com
Colour morphs exist in many species, but are those colours linked to differences in behaviour or success? We look at a polymorphic lizard and whether combat success is linked to three different colour morphs, and maybe why. Become a Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/herphighlights https://www.patreon.com/herphighlights Merch: https://www.redbubble.com/people/herphighlights/shop https://www.redbubble.com/people/herphighlights/shop Full reference list available here: http://www.herphighlights.podbean.com http://www.herphighlights.podbean.com Main Paper References: Brock KM, Chelini M-C, Ayton C, Madden IE, Ramos C, Blois JL, Pafilis P, Edwards DL. 2022. Colour morph predicts social behaviour and contest outcomes in a polymorphic lizard (Podarcis erhardii). Animal Behaviour 191:91–103. DOI: 10.1016/j.anbehav.2022.06.017. Other Mentioned Papers/Studies: Boruah B, Raj P, Dutta SK, Das A. 2018. Redescription and geographic distribution of Raorchestes shillongensis (Anura: Rhacophoridae) from Meghalaya, Northeast India. Phyllomedusa: Journal of Herpetology 17:3. DOI: 10.11606/issn.2316-9079.v17i1p3-20. Other Links/Mentions: Raorchestes shillongensis call from ti_lamare: https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/92667238 Editing and Music: Podcast edited by Emmy – https://www.fiverr.com/emmyk10 Intro/outro – Treehouse by Ed Nelson Species Bi-week theme – Michael Timothy Other Music – The Passion HiFi, https://www.thepassionhifi.com http://www.thepassionhifi.com
This episode we explore the weird world of glowing salamanders and speculate about the possible reasons behind this adaptation. Species of the Bi-week returns with a small seepage specialist. Become a Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/herphighlights https://www.patreon.com/herphighlights Merch: https://www.redbubble.com/people/herphighlights/shop https://www.redbubble.com/people/herphighlights/shop Full reference list available here: http://www.herphighlights.podbean.com http://www.herphighlights.podbean.com Main Paper References: Cox JL, Fitzpatrick BM. 2023. Biofluorescent sexual dimorphism revealed in a southern Appalachian endemic salamander, Plethodon metcalfi. Scientific Reports 13:3588. DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-29051-8. Species of the Bi-Week: Fedler MT, Enge KM, Moler PE. 2023. Unraveling Siren (Caudata: Sirenidae) systematics and description of a small, seepage specialist. Zootaxa 5258:351–378. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5258.4.1. Editing and Music: Podcast edited by Emmy – https://www.fiverr.com/emmyk10 Intro/outro – Treehouse by Ed Nelson Species Bi-week theme – Michael Timothy Other Music – The Passion HiFi, https://www.thepassionhifi.com http://www.thepassionhifi.com
Everyone thinks turtles are chill, but they aren't always. They can be competitive when they need to be. Become a Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/herphighlights https://www.patreon.com/herphighlights Merch: https://www.redbubble.com/people/herphighlights/shop https://www.redbubble.com/people/herphighlights/shop Full reference list available here: http://www.herphighlights.podbean.com http://www.herphighlights.podbean.com Main Paper References: Schofield G, Papafitsoros K, Chapman C, Shah A, Westover L, Dickson LCD, Katselidis KA. 2022. More aggressive sea turtles win fights over foraging resources independent of body size and years of presence. Animal Behaviour 190:209–219. DOI: 10.1016/j.anbehav.2022.05.006. Other Links/Mentions: Kuta S.Lizard Remains Found Inside 2,500-Year-Old Coffins from Ancient Egypt. Available at https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/lizard-remains-found-inside-2500-year-old-coffins-from-ancient-egypt-180982032/ (accessed April 25, 2023). Editing and Music: Podcast edited by Emmy – https://www.fiverr.com/emmyk10 Intro/outro – Treehouse by Ed Nelson Species Bi-week theme – Michael Timothy Other Music – The Passion HiFi, https://www.thepassionhifi.com http://www.thepassionhifi.com
New research on crocodiles sheds light on how these massive beasts interact with each other. Become a Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/herphighlights https://www.patreon.com/herphighlights Merch: https://www.redbubble.com/people/herphighlights/shop https://www.redbubble.com/people/herphighlights/shop Full reference list available here: http://www.herphighlights.podbean.com http://www.herphighlights.podbean.com Main Paper References: Barham KE, Baker CJ, Franklin CE, Campbell HA, Frére CH, Irwin TR, Dwyer RG. 2023. Conditional alternative movement tactics in male crocodiles. Behavioral Ecology and Sociobiology 77:31. DOI: 10.1007/s00265-023-03303-z. Species of the Bi-Week: Richards SJ, Donnellan SC, Oliver PM. 2023. Five new species of the pelodryadid genus Litoria Tschudi from the southern versant of Papua New Guinea’s Central Cordillera, with observations on the diversification of reproductive strategies in Melanesian treefrogs. Zootaxa 5263:151–190. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5263.2.1. Editing and Music: Podcast edited by Emmy – https://www.fiverr.com/emmyk10 Intro/outro – Treehouse by Ed Nelson Species Bi-week theme – Michael Timothy
Bushmasters are massive vipers that remain somewhat of a mystery. This episode we look at a paper investigating their spatial ecology and habitat preferences. Become a Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/herphighlights https://www.patreon.com/herphighlights Merch: https://www.redbubble.com/people/herphighlights/shop https://www.redbubble.com/people/herphighlights/shop Full reference list available here: http://www.herphighlights.podbean.com http://www.herphighlights.podbean.com Main Paper References: Padrón DF, Mebert K, Pareja-Mejía D, Bauer A, Fernandes Vasconcelos LD, Correia D, Fernandez Giné GA, Solé M. 2022. Living in a mosaic of Brazilian Atlantic Forest and plantations: spatial ecology of five bushmaster Lachesis muta (Viperidae Crotalinae). Ethology Ecology & Evolution:1–21. DOI: 10.1080/03949370.2022.2123860. Other Mentioned Papers/Studies: Guedes P, Alves-Martins F, Arribas JM, Chatterjee S, Santos AMC, Lewin A, Bako L, Webala PW, Correia RA, Rocha R, Ladle RJ. 2023. Eponyms have no place in 21st-century biological nomenclature. Nature Ecology & Evolution. DOI: 10.1038/s41559-023-02022-y. Quah ESH, Grismer LL, Anuar MSS. 2023. Observations and description of a rare escape mechanism in a snake: Cartwheeling in Pseudorabdion longiceps (Cantor, 1847) (Squamata, Colubridea). Biotropica n/a. DOI: 10.1111/btp.13213. Other Links/Mentions: Pipa parva call from - https://amphibiaweb.org/cgi/amphib_query?where-genus=Pipa&where-species=parva Editing and Music: Podcast edited by Emmy – https://www.fiverr.com/emmyk10 Intro/outro – Treehouse by Ed Nelson Species Bi-week theme – Michael Timothy Other Music – The Passion HiFi, https://www.thepassionhifi.com http://www.thepassionhifi.com
