Amphibians and Reptiles of Cebu,Philippines:The Poorly Understood Herpetofauna of an Island with Very Little Remaining Natural Habitat

Despite its proximity to other well studied islands, Cebu has received little attention from herpetologists, most likely because of early deforestation and the perception very little natural habitat remains for amphibians and reptiles. In this study, we present a preliminary assessment of island's herpetofauna, focusing our field work on Cebu's last remaining forest fragments and synthesizing all available historical museum distribution data. We surveyed amphibians and reptile populations using standardized methods to allow for comparisons between sites and assess sufficiency of sampling effort. Fieldwork resulted in a total of 27 species recorded from five study sites, complementing the 58 species previously known from the island. Together, our data and historical museum records increase the known number of Cebu's resident species to 13 amphibians(frogs) and 63 reptiles(lizards, snakes, turtle, crocodile). We recorded the continued persistence Cebu's rare and endemic lizard(Brachymeles cebuensis) and secretive snakes such as Malayotyphlops hypogius, and Ramphotyhlops cumingii, which persist despite Cebu's long history of widespread and continuous habitat degradation. Most species encountered, including common and widespread taxa, appeared to persist at low population abundances. To facilitate the immediate recovery of the remaining forest fragments, and resident herpetofauna, conservation effort must be sustained. However, prior to any conservation interventions, ecological baselines must be established to inform the process of recovery.     

The amphibians and reptiles of Luzon Island,Philippines, VIII: the herpetofauna of Cagayan and Isabela Provinces,northern Sierra Madre Mountain Range

We provide the first report on the herpetological biodiversity (amphibians and reptiles) of the northern Sierra Madre Mountain Range (Cagayan and Isabela provinces), northeast Luzon Island, Philippines. New data from extensive previously unpublished surveys in the Municipalities of Gonzaga, Gattaran, Lasam, Santa Ana, and Baggao (Cagayan Province), as well as fieldwork in the Municipalities of Cabagan, San Mariano, and Palanan (Isabela Province), combined with all available historical museum records, suggest this region is quite diverse. Our new data indicate that at least 101 species are present (29 amphibians, 30 lizards, 35 snakes, two freshwater turtles, three marine turtles, and two crocodilians) and now represented with well-documented records and/or voucher specimens, confirmed in institutional biodiversity repositories. A high percentage of Philippine endemic species constitute the local fauna (approximately 70%). The results of this and other recent studies signify that the herpetological diversity of the northern Philippines is far more diverse than previously imagined. Thirty-eight percent of our recorded species are associated with unresolved taxonomic issues (suspected new species or species complexes in need of taxonomic partitioning). This suggests that despite past and present efforts to comprehensively characterize the fauna, the herpetological biodiversity of the northern Philippines is still substantially underestimated and warranting of further study.     

山东泰山两栖爬行动物物种多样性

泰山地区有两栖爬行动物18种,其中两栖动物1目3科3属6种,爬行动物2月4科7属12种。     

广西涠洲岛鸟类自然保护区的两栖爬行动物

2008年5～6月对广西涠洲岛鸟类自然保护区的两栖爬行动物进行调查,共记录到两栖类7种,爬行类16种,隶属于3目11科.与18年前的调查结果对比,生境的变化使岛上两栖爬行动物的分布范围和多度发生一些改变.2008年初的冰冻灾害使涠洲岛的两栖爬行类损失较大.涠洲岛与邻近大陆的两栖爬行动物物种相似,无特有种.     

A Revised Checklist of Amphibians and Reptiles in Camiguin Sur,Misamis Oriental,Mindaanao, Philippines

The Philippines is listed as one of the world's megadiverse countries despite its small size. Conversely,it is also on the list of global biodiversity conservation hotspots. With the threat of extinction at an alltime high, better understanding of the archipelago's biodiversity will provide invalua ble baseline information for proper conservation efforts. Here we provide an updated checklist on the herpetological biodiversity of Camiguin Sur, Misamis Oriental,Mindanao, Philippines. Field surveys and specimen collection from the municipality of Mambajao resulted in a total of 28 species(13 anurans, 11 lizards, and four snakes) – all well represented by voucher specimens.Our data provides seven additional species records,updating the island's total amphibian and reptile species count to 57, with about half Philippine-endemic.Included in the new records are three invasive alien species of amphibians: The Cane Toad Rhinella marina,the Greenhouse Frog Eleutherodactylus planirostris, and the Asiatic Painted Narrowmouth Toad Kaloula pulchra.     

四川北川县漩坪电站两栖爬行动物调查初报

经2005年初步调查证实,四川北川县漩坪电站库区有两栖动物13种(隶属于2目6科10属),其中中国特有种9种;爬行动物13种(隶属于1目5科11属),其中中国特有种3种.地理区系组成中喜马拉雅-横断山型4种,占15.4%;南中国型12种,占46.2%;东洋型5种,占19.2%;季风型5种,占19.2%.     

湖北崩尖子自然保护区两栖爬行动物多样性研究

2014年7月对湖北崩尖子省级自然保护区的两栖爬行动物资源进行实地考察,并结合文献,结果显示,保护区内两栖爬行动物共77种,隶属4目22科。其中两栖纲2目10科36种,爬行纲2目12科41种。两栖爬行动物区系组成以东洋种(79.22%)为主,广布种(14.29%)、古北种(6.49%)次之,呈现出南北混杂的局面。随着海拔升高,两栖爬行动物生物多样性呈先上升后下降的趋势,海拔801~1 100 m两栖爬行动物的多样性最高。通过与鄂西南其他4个自然保护区的G-F指数比较,结果表明:崩尖子自然保护区的F指数、G指数和G-F指数均最高,分别为12.03、4.04和0.66。根据保护区两栖爬行动物资源的现状,提出了相应的保护措施。     

Altitudinal Zonation of Pteridophytes on Mt. Banahaw de Lucban,Luzon Island,Philippines

Five altitudinal pteridophyte zones are established along the northeastern altitudinal slopes of Mt. Banahaw de Lucban, Quezon, Luzon Is., Philippines using cluster- and ordination analyses, namely: Zone 1, Cyathea contaminans – Dicranopteris–Nephrolepis–Diplazium patches at 700–800 m a.s.l.; Zone 2, Sphaerostephanos hirsutus var. hirsutus – Selaginella delicatula patches at 750–900 m a.s.l.; Zone 3, Cyathea philippinensis – Selaginella patches at 900–1200 m a.s.l.; Zone 4, Cyathea philippinensis – Cyathea callosa–Asplenium cymbifolium–Selaginella cumingiana patches at 1200–1550 m a.s.l. and; Zone 5 which is further divided into Sub-zone 5A, Cyathea callosa – Cyathea loheri-Hymenophyllaceae patches at 1550–1800 m a.s.l. and Sub-zone 5B, Cyathea loheri – Cephalomanes apiifolia patches at 1800–1875 m a.s.l. These pteridophyte zones coincide with the woody species zones of Mt. Banahaw de Lucban but differ significantly with the altitudinal fern zones of Mt. Makiling. Stepwise multiple regression analysis reveals that altitude exhibits a linear relationship with pteridophyte species distribution. Altitude and soil pH influence 65% of the variation in principal component 1 [PC1 = 0.0839 + 0.0010(altitude) − 0.2072(soil pH); r = 0.8058] and 27% of the variation in principal component 2 [PC2 = 2.0453 − 0.0005(altitude) − 0.2560(soil pH); r = 0.5206]. Thirty-three (33) species are preferential to specific microenvironments along the altitudinal gradient, making them effective altitudinal zone markers and biodiversity conservation indicators for the forest ecosystem of Mt. Banahaw de Lucban.     

安徽沱湖自然保护区两栖爬行动物资源调查

2005年对安徽五河县沱湖自然保护区两栖爬行动物进行了调查。结果表明:沱湖自然保护区共发现两栖爬行动物17种。其中两栖纲7种,隶属1目3科4属;爬行纲10种,隶属2目7科8属;其区系组成为东洋界3种,古北界6种,广布种8种。动物区系呈现古北界特征。结合调查情况对加强该区两栖爬行类动物资源保护和合理利用提出建议。     

四川省草坡和包座自然保护区的两栖爬行动物

采用编目法调查了四川省汶川县草坡自然保护区和若尔盖县包座自然保护区的两栖爬行动物概况.调查表明,草坡自然保护区有两栖爬行动物17种,隶7科3目;包座自然保护区有两栖爬行动物5种,隶5科3目.     

Circadian Rhythms in Amphibians and Reptiles: Ecological Implications

Circadian rhythms of amphibians and reptiles in the field and under semi-natural conditions and the underlying mechanisms, including the ways of entrainment to environmental cues and the oscillators driving the rhythms, have been reviewed. Studies on the behavioral rhythms in the field are meager in both amphibians and reptiles. In anuran amphibians, Xenopus adults showed more robust nocturnal locomotor activity than did tadpoles. This indicates the ecological significance of the differences in activity pattern shown by amphibians at different life stages, because differences between adults and young in the same environment may serve to isolate partially the young from the adults' cannibalism. In reptiles, free-running rhythms are more robust and continue for a longer time compared to amphibians. In both amphibians and reptiles, multi-photoreceptors are involved in photo-entrainment of circadian rhythms. The eyes, pineal complex and deep brain comprise a multi-oscillator system as well as a multi-photoreceptor system.     

A new species of Rhabdias (Nematoda: Rhabdiasidae) from agamid lizards on Luzon Island, Philippines

Rhabdias odilebaini n. sp. is described on the basis of specimens found in the lungs of 2 species of agamid lizards: the Philippine flying lizard Draco spilopterus and the marbled bloodsucker Bronchocela marmorata . Specimens were collected in Aurora Province, Luzon Island, Philippines. The new species of Rhabdias is characterized by presence of 4 submedian lips, inconspicuous lateral lips, rounded cross-shaped oral opening, and tail end bent dorsally. This species is morphologically distinct from other Rhabdias spp. that parasitize reptilian and amphibian hosts, including 3 other species known to parasitize lizards of the Agamidae.     

Studies on the Endocrine Pancreas of Amphibians and Reptiles

At this time, it can be said that the available data obtainedfrom amphibians and reptiles as regards the endocrine pancreasis consistent with the much more extensive data known for themetabolic effects of insuilin and glucagon in mammals. Thereremain, however, many unexplored facets of the specific responsesof the pancreas and the target tissues in lower animals.     

Species composition and length‐weight relationship of fishes in the Candaba wetland on Luzon Island,Philippines

The length‐weight relationships or LWR (W = aL^b) of 18 of the 21 fish species caught in 2007–2008 from the Candaba wetland in central Luzon, Philippines are reported. These species belong to 14 families and the LWR of six species are first documented in this paper. Cyprinids comprised the greatest number of species. The high significance of the LWR parameters indicate that fish weight may be predicted from length, at least within the range of the fish lengths recorded. This first reference to the LWR of fishes from the Candaba wetland provides baseline data for the conservation management of fish biota in this threatened ecological resource.     

江西武功山两栖爬行动物资源调查及评价

2001年7月中旬～8月上旬,对江西武功山国家森林公园进行了20多天的野生动植物资源野外考察.公园内现已记录两栖类2目7科25种和爬行类3目9科37种,本次调查增加安福县爬行动物新记录7种：多疣壁虎、中国石龙子、黑背白环蛇、铅色水蛇、灰鼠蛇、乌梢蛇、银环蛇;增加武功山爬行动物新记录23种.动物地理区划属东洋界华中区东部丘陵平原亚区,动物区系组成以东洋界华中区与华南区共有种为主.两栖类东洋界种类占92.00%;生态类型以流水型9种和陆栖-静水型7种占优势.数量优势种为黑斑蛙、中华蟾蜍、黑斑肥螈、泽蛙、棘胸蛙、花臭蛙、华南湍蛙、三港树蟾、镇海林蛙和饰纹姬蛙.爬行类东洋界种类占75.68%,广布种占24.32%.数量优势种有石龙子、蓝尾石龙子、铜蜓蜥、赤链华游蛇、王锦蛇、虎斑颈槽蛇、赤链蛇、红点锦蛇、乌梢蛇、灰鼠蛇、尖吻蝮、竹叶青蛇等.公园内野生动物及其生境受人类干扰破坏大,当地群众保护意识有待增强,就此提出了保护对策.     

Using Amphibians and Reptiles to learn the Process of Science

The National Research Council's document, Inquiry and the National Science Education Standards (2000) describes an elementary science classroom as one that is composed of learners who are engaged in scientific processes. In such a setting, children ask real-world questions and seek real-world solutions. As students pursue their inquiries, they often move away from science textbooks, and they implement mathematical skills, read literature, conduct research in electronic databases, write stories, and so forth in a larger context. What was originally a regular science lesson becomes an opportunity for integration across the curriculum. This article describes an integrated unit on bats and specifically addresses the National Science Education Standards.     

北京松山国家级自然保护区两栖爬行动物资源调查

2009～2010年对北京松山国家级自然保护区两栖爬行类进行了4次调查,调查到两栖爬行类11种,隶属于2目7科。古北界10种,东洋界1种。对比1991年的调查结果,此次调查未发现丽斑麻蜥、赤链蛇、红点锦蛇、团花锦蛇、双斑锦蛇、虎斑颈槽蛇6种爬行类。草地生境两栖爬行类物种多样性最高。中国林蛙(主要分布于溪流)和山地麻蜥(主要分布于岩壁)分别是种群数量最多的两栖类和爬行类物种。在保护实践中可优先保护两栖爬行类物种多样性较高的关键区域,以提高保护成效。     

Temperature Effects on Locomotion and Activity Bioenergetics of Amphibians, Reptiles, and Birds

1) Large temperature differences have a measurable effect onectothermic power consumption both at rest and during locomotion,yet this question remains to be satisfactorily addressed inecological studies looking at optimal foraging strategy andperformance. 2) Acclimation may influence the enzyme complementpresent in ectotherms and this could influence the energeticcost and efficiency of locomotion for ectotherms. 3) There maybe an optimal temperature for ectothermic locomotion and thismay vary from species to species, yet we measure power consumptionduring locomotion uniformly at 30°C. 4) Endothermic locomotionas demonstrated by birds is temperature sensitive, as was shownby Paladino and King (1984). Although the locomotory cost maynot change, thermoregulatory adaptations allow the bird to usethe heat produced during locomotion in the cold to reduce thermoregulatorypower requirements. 5) Avian hypothermia and inactivity is nota last ditch effort to save energy, but a strategy that allowsendotherms to conserve energy reserves during inactivity orstressful environmental conditions.     

Paoay Lake,northern Luzon,the Philippines: a record of Holocene environmental change

The last 7000 years of environmental history for Paoay Lake and its surrounding landscape is examined through the analysis of pollen, diatoms, charcoal, mineral magnetics and AMS dating. Basal sediments contain shells of Cerithiidae and the saline‐tolerant diatom Diploneis indicating that this was an estuarine environment before becoming a freshwater lake after 6000 bp . Pollen analysis shows that submontane forests, characterized by Pinus pollen, underwent a major disturbance around 5000 years ago, recovering to previous levels by 1000 years ago. Charcoal as an indicator of fire is abundant throughout record, although the highest levels occur in the earlier part of the record, between 6500 and 5000 years ago. An aspect of the project was to examine whether there is evidence of land clearance and agricultural development in the region during the late Holocene. While a clear signal of human impact in the record remains equivocal, there appears to be a correspondence between submontane forest decline and mid‐Holocene ocean data that depict warmer and possibly drier conditions for the region. The study highlights the vulnerability of these montane forests to forecasts of a warmer and drier climate in the near future.