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Graitson Eric - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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A 24 year survey of a northern Europe community of reptiles along a railway track in Belgium
Société herpétologique de France, 2012Co-Authors: Graitson Eric, Hussin José, Vacher Jean-pierreAbstract:peer reviewedaudience: researcher, professional, studentThe results of a 24 year survey of a community of reptiles typical of northern Europe along a 19 km long railway track in the South of Belgium suggests that: i) four among the six species (Anguis fragilis, Podarcis muralis, Zootoca vivipara, and Natrix natrix helvetica) exhibited stable abundance levels and distribution patterns; ii) Vipera berus strongly decreased and is now nearly extinct; iii) Coronella austriaca appeared in the course of the survey and its populations sharply increased. The decrease of Vipera berus can be explained by the degradation of some of its habitats. The causes of the increase of Coronella austriaca are unknown but might be linked to climate change.La synthèse de 24 années de suivi d’une communauté de reptiles typiques du nord de l’Europe sur un tronçon de 19 km de voie ferrée parmi les plus riches en lézards et serpents de Wallonie a permis de mettre en évidence les faits suivants: i) la stabilité de la répartition et de l’abondance de quatre des six espèces présentes (Anguis fragilis, Podarcis muralis, Zootoca vivipara et Natrix natrix helvetica), ii) la forte régression de la Vipère péliade (Vipera berus) actuellement au bord de l’extinction et iii) l’apparition en cours d’étude de la Coronelle lisse (Coronella austriaca) caractérisée par le développement rapide d’une population extrêmement abondante. Le déclin de Vipera berus s’explique avant tout par une dégradation de certains habitats de l’espèce. Les causes de l’augmentation rapide de la population de Coronella austriaca sont inconnues. L’hypothèse de l’influence des modifications climatiques est avancée
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A 24 year survey of a northern Europe community of reptiles along a railway track in Belgium
2012Co-Authors: Graitson Eric, Hussin José, Vacher Jean-pierreAbstract:The results of a 24 year survey of a community of reptiles typical of northern Europe along a 19 km long railway track in the South of Belgium suggests that: i) four among the six species (Anguis fragilis, Podarcis muralis, Zootoca vivipara, and Natrix natrix helvetica) exhibited stable abundance levels and distribution patterns; ii) Vipera berus strongly decreased and is now nearly extinct; iii) Coronella austriaca appeared in the course of the survey and its populations sharply increased. The decrease of Vipera berus can be explained by the degradation of some of its habitats. The causes of the increase of Coronella austriaca are unknown but might be linked to climate change.La synthèse de 24 années de suivi d’une communauté de reptiles typiques du nord de l’Europe sur un tronçon de 19 km de voie ferrée parmi les plus riches en lézards et serpents de Wallonie a permis de mettre en évidence les faits suivants: i) la stabilité de la répartition et de l’abondance de quatre des six espèces présentes (Anguis fragilis, Podarcis muralis, Zootoca vivipara et Natrix natrix helvetica), ii) la forte régression de la Vipère péliade (Vipera berus) actuellement au bord de l’extinction et iii) l’apparition en cours d’étude de la Coronelle lisse (Coronella austriaca) caractérisée par le développement rapide d’une population extrêmement abondante. Le déclin de Vipera berus s’explique avant tout par une dégradation de certains habitats de l’espèce. Les causes de l’augmentation rapide de la population de Coronella austriaca sont inconnues. L’hypothèse de l’influence des modifications climatiques est avancée.Peer reviewe
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The reptile fauna of the siliceous rock habitats of the central-eastern Ardenne (Belgium)
2008Co-Authors: Graitson EricAbstract:audience: researcher, professional, popularizationLa faune des reptiles des milieux rocheux siliceux de l’Ardenne centro-orientale a été étudiée entre 2000 et 2007. Les inventaires ont porté sur 26 sites répartis dans les différents sous-bassins hydrographiques (à l’exception de l’Our) qui drainent la région : les Deux Ourthes, l’Amblève et la Sûre. Tous les milieux rocheux d’importance présents dans la région ont été parcourus : rochers et éboulis naturels, anciennes carrières et leurs déblais d’exploitation, talus ferroviaires et routiers. Cinq espèces sont présentes dans la dition : Anguis fragilis, Podarcis muralis, Zootoca vivipara, Coronella austriaca et Natrix natrix. Anguis fragilis et Zootoca vivipara sont les espèces les plus répandues. Podarcis muralis est uniquement présent dans le bassin de l’Ourthe. La population du Hérou constitue un isolat remarquable. La population présente sur la voie ferrée entre Stoumont et Coo est une des plus abondantes du Benelux. Coronella austriaca est redécouvert dans la vallée de l’Ourthe occidentale, 40 ans après son unique mention. Cette couleuvre n’est présente que dans les milieux les plus thermophiles ou ses populations semblent pour la plupart fort isolées. Natrix natrix est assez bien répandue dans les milieux parcourus mais ne s’y rencontre pas en abondance.The reptile fauna of the siliceous rock habitats of the central-eastern Ardenne was studied between 2000 and 2007. The investigations were carried out at 26 sites distributed in all the hydrographic watersheds draining the area, except one (the Our watershed): Eastern and Western Ourthes, Amblève and Sure. All the significant rocky habitats of the area were studied: rocks and landslides, abandoned quarries and exploitation dumps, rail and road embankments. Five species were recorded: Anguis fragilis, Podarcis muralis, Zootoca vivipara, Coronella austriaca and Natrix natrix, of which Anguis fragilis and Zootoca vivipara were the most widespread. Podarcis muralis was only found in the Ourthe basin. The population of the latter species at Hérou constitutes a remarkable isolate while the population along the Stoumont-Coo railway is one of the largest in numbers in the Benelux countries. Coronella austriaca is reported for the second time in the Western Ourthe valley. This snake is only present in the most thermophilous habitats, where the majority of the populations seemed extremely isolated. Natrix natrix was rather widespread but never abundant
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The reptile fauna of the siliceous rock habitats of the central-eastern Ardenne (Belgium)
2008Co-Authors: Graitson EricAbstract:La faune des reptiles des milieux rocheux siliceux de l’Ardenne centro-orientale a été étudiée entre 2000 et 2007. Les inventaires ont porté sur 26 sites répartis dans les différents sous-bassins hydrographiques (à l’exception de l’Our) qui drainent la région : les Deux Ourthes, l’Amblève et la Sûre. Tous les milieux rocheux d’importance présents dans la région ont été parcourus : rochers et éboulis naturels, anciennes carrières et leurs déblais d’exploitation, talus ferroviaires et routiers. Cinq espèces sont présentes dans la dition : Anguis fragilis, Podarcis muralis, Zootoca vivipara, Coronella austriaca et Natrix natrix. Anguis fragilis et Zootoca vivipara sont les espèces les plus répandues. Podarcis muralis est uniquement présent dans le bassin de l’Ourthe. La population du Hérou constitue un isolat remarquable. La population présente sur la voie ferrée entre Stoumont et Coo est une des plus abondantes du Benelux. Coronella austriaca est redécouvert dans la vallée de l’Ourthe occidentale, 40 ans après son unique mention. Cette couleuvre n’est présente que dans les milieux les plus thermophiles ou ses populations semblent pour la plupart fort isolées. Natrix natrix est assez bien répandue dans les milieux parcourus mais ne s’y rencontre pas en abondance.The reptile fauna of the siliceous rock habitats of the central-eastern Ardenne was studied between 2000 and 2007. The investigations were carried out at 26 sites distributed in all the hydrographic watersheds draining the area, except one (the Our watershed): Eastern and Western Ourthes, Amblève and Sure. All the significant rocky habitats of the area were studied: rocks and landslides, abandoned quarries and exploitation dumps, rail and road embankments. Five species were recorded: Anguis fragilis, Podarcis muralis, Zootoca vivipara, Coronella austriaca and Natrix natrix, of which Anguis fragilis and Zootoca vivipara were the most widespread. Podarcis muralis was only found in the Ourthe basin. The population of the latter species at Hérou constitutes a remarkable isolate while the population along the Stoumont-Coo railway is one of the largest in numbers in the Benelux countries. Coronella austriaca is reported for the second time in the Western Ourthe valley. This snake is only present in the most thermophilous habitats, where the majority of the populations seemed extremely isolated. Natrix natrix was rather widespread but never abundant
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The reptile fauna of the calacareous grassland in Belgium
2008Co-Authors: Graitson EricAbstract:Le peuplement herpétologique de 63 pelouses calcaires a été étudié en Belgique. Tous les reptiles indigènes sont présents sur ces milieux de grande valeur biologique. La présence et la fréquence des différentes espèces varient fortement suivant les régions naturelles et le type de pelouse. Les pelouses calcaires de la région Viroin-Hermeton et de la Haute Meuse possèdent pour la plupart un peuplement herpétologique diversifié. Il en va de même pour le site de Torgny à l’extrême sud du pays. Les pelouses du nord de la région ainsi que celles situées à l’extrémité occidentale de la Calestienne sont par contre plus pauvres en espèces. Anguis fragilis et Coronella austriaca sont les espèces les plus répandues sur les pelouses calcaires belges. Podarcis muralis est fréquent sur les milieux rocheux associés aux pelouses. Les espèces les moins répandues sur les pelouses calcaires sont aussi les plus rares régionalement et les plus menacées en Belgique : Vipera berus et Lacerta agilis. Les reptiles fréquentent tant les Mesobromions et les Xerobromions que leurs milieux associés : fourrés thermophiles et milieux rocheux. Les Mesobromions enfrichés, habituellement envahis par Brachypodium pinnatum, constituent de loin les faciès ou les reptiles sont les plus abondants. Les Mesobromions à végétation ouverte sont en revanche les faciès les plus pauvres. La problématique de la prise en compte des reptiles dans la gestion conservatoire de ces milieux est abordée
Vaclav Gvoždik - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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phylogeography and postglacial colonization of central europe by Anguis fragilis and Anguis colchica
Amphibia-reptilia, 2017Co-Authors: Daniel Jablonski, Bartlomiej Najbar, Renata Grochowalska, Vaclav Gvoždik, Tomasz StrzalaAbstract:Five slow-worm species are distributed in the Palearctic region. Two species, Anguis fragilis and A. colchica , are native to Central Europe, where only limited information on the phylogeography of the genus exists. Here, we examined the situation in Poland and surrounding regions, where a mitochondrial contact zone between the species is expected. We used new mitochondrial DNA sequences and available published data from Central Europe and the northern Balkans. Haplotypes of both species were recorded in the study area. Anguis fragilis is represented by a single haplogroup, while A. colchica by three haplogroups. This suggests four independent sources/refugia for postglacial colonization of northern Central Europe. The mitochondrial contact zone seems to mirror the borders between lowlands of the North European Plain and East European Plain, and the south-eastern Poland uplands, while the Vistula River does not constitute a barrier. The presence of both species, A. fragilis and A. colchica , in Poland should also be considered for protection by the Polish conservation legislation.
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slow worm Anguis fragilis reptilia anguidae as a species complex genetic structure reveals deep divergences
Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution, 2010Co-Authors: Daniel Jablonski, Vaclav Gvoždik, David Jandzik, Petros Lymberakis, Jiři MoravecAbstract:Phylogenetic relationships of the Western Palearctic legless lizard genus Anguis were inferred based on a fragment of mitochondrial DNA and two nuclear protein-coding loci, C-mos and PRLR. A. cephallonica from the Peloponnese was confirmed as a valid species. It is the sister taxon to a clade comprising all other evolutionary lineages, which were shown to represent three distinct species: (1) A. fragilis sensu stricto occurring in Western and Central Europe, the north-western Balkans, with possibly isolated populations in the eastern Balkans, and presumably also in western Scandinavia and Italy; (2) A. colchica distributed from the eastern Czech Republic and the Baltic region eastward to northern Iran, presumably also in eastern Scandinavia, and the north-eastern Balkans; (3) A. graeca restricted to the southern Balkans, and partially sympatric with A. cephallonica. According to the more variable mitochondrial marker, A. graeca appears to be the sister species to A. colchica, and these taxa together form a sister clade to A. fragilis, whereas the less variable nuclear markers show A. colchica to be closer to A. fragilis. The C-mos gene has not provided substantial variation within this species complex, while the PRLR gene, which was used for the first time in phylogeographic study in a reptile, distinguished all species successfully. Intra-specific differentiation of A. colchica is discussed, and subspecific status of the Caucasian and Caspian populations is proposed. The uncovered genetic differences should be taken into account in all future biogeographical, morphological and ecological studies, as well as in conservation.
Pilar López - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Detection and Discrimination of Conspecific Scents by the Anguid Slow-Worm Anguis fragilis
Journal of Chemical Ecology, 2004Co-Authors: Adega Gonzalo, Carlos Cabido, José Martín, Pilar LópezAbstract:We tested the ability of male slow-worms, Anguis fragilis , a limbless anguid lizard with secretive, semifossorial habits, to detect chemical associated with conspecifics by using a T-maze in the laboratory. Male slow-worms discriminated conspecific male and female scent deposits. Males selected the arm with female scent, suggesting that scent deposits may be used to locate potential mates. Also, male slow-worms did not avoid the chemicals of other males, suggesting that they are not territorial. However, males discriminated their own scent from those of other males, and spent more time exploring the arm with other male scent, which suggests that scent marks may bear information that could be used in future intrasexual social contexts. We conclude that discrimination of conspecifics based on scents may be more widespread than previously expected among lizards inhabiting visually restricted environments.
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chemosensory predator recognition induces defensive behavior in the slow worm Anguis fragilis
Canadian Journal of Zoology, 2004Co-Authors: Carlos Cabido, Adega Gonzalo, José Martín, Pedro Galan, Pilar LópezAbstract:Many antipredator adaptations are induced or mediated by the ability of the prey to recognize chemical cues from the predator. This ability is particularly advantageous for organisms whose environment precludes the effective use of other sensory systems, such as fossorial lizards. We tested the ability of the slow-worm, Anguis fragilis Linnaeus, 1758, a semifossorial legless lizard, to detect and discriminate chemical stimuli arising from potential predators. We compared rates of tongue-flicks to swabs impregnated with scents from the smooth snake (Coronella austriaca Laurenti, 1768), a sympatric predator, the grass snake (Natrix natrix (Linnaeus, 1758)), a sympatric but non-saurophagous predator, and the three-toed skink (Chalcides striatus (Cuvier, 1829)), a sympatric insectivorous, and thus innocuous, skink. Differential tongue-flick rates suggest that scents of smooth snakes were recognized by slow-worms. Moreover, scents of smooth snakes were quickly avoided and elicited defensive behaviors much more...
Díaz Gómez, Juan Manuel - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Anatomía visceral de Feylinia grandisquamis (Squamata: scincidae) : Comparaciones con otros escamados de patrón corporal semejante
2008Co-Authors: Díaz Gómez, Juan ManuelAbstract:Feylinia grandisquamis es un síncido africano caracterizado por contar con el cuerpo alargado y las extremidades ausentes. En el presente trabajo se describe en detalle la anatomía de las vísceras de Feylinia grandisquamis, y algunos aspectos de su variación intraespecífica. Los resultados se comparan con otro género de Scincidae (Anomalopus) y representantes de grandes grupos de escamados que exhiben patrones corporales semejantes (Lialis burtonis, Amphisbaena darwinii, Boa constrictor, Ophiodes striatus, Anguis fragilis). Los objetivos de este trabajo fueron: a) determinar la morfología de las vísceras de Feylinia; b) los aspectos de su variación intraespecífica; c) discutir convergencias y paralelismos con Saurios, Anfisbénidos y Ofidios.Feylinia grandisquamis is an African Scincid characterized for a snakeshaped body and total absence of limbs. In this work the visceral anatomy of Feylinia grandisquamis is described, as well as aspects of its intraspecific variation. The results are compared with another scincid (Anomalopus) and representatives of other Squamate groups with similar body plans (Lialis burtonis, Amphisbaena darwinii, Boa constrictor, Ophiodes striatus, Anguis fragilis). The objectives were: a) To determine the visceral anatomy of Feylinia; b) The aspects of its intraespecific variation; and c) Discuss convergences and parallelisms with possible occurrence in Lizards, Amphisbaenids and Ophidia.Asociación Herpetológica Argentina (AHA
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Anatomía visceral de Feylinia grandisquamis (Squamata: Scincidae). Comparaciones con otros escamados de patrón corporal semejante
Asociación Herpetológica Argentina, 2003Co-Authors: Díaz Gómez, Juan ManuelAbstract:Feylinia grandisquamis es un síncido africano caracterizado por contar con el cuerpo alargado y las extremidades ausentes. En el presente trabajo se describe en detalle la anatomía de las vísceras de Feylinia grandisquamis, y algunos aspectos de su variación intraespecífica. Los resultados se comparan con otro género de Scincidae (Anomalopus) y representantes de grandes grupos de escamados que exhiben patrones corporales semejantes (Lialis burtonis, Amphisbaena darwinii, Boa constrictor, Ophiodes striatus, Anguis fragilis). Los objetivos de este trabajo fueron: a) determinar la morfología de las vísceras de Feylinia; b) los aspectos de su variación intraespecífica; c) discutir convergencias y paralelismos con Saurios, Anfisbénidos y Ofidios. Feylinia grandisquamis is an African Scincid characterized for a snakeshaped body and total absence of limbs. In this work the visceral anatomy of Feylinia grandisquamis is described, as well as aspects of its intraspecific variation. The results are compared with another scincid (Anomalopus) and representatives of other Squamate groups with similar body plans (Lialis burtonis, Amphisbaena darwinii, Boa constrictor, Ophiodes striatus, Anguis fragilis). The objectives were: a) To determine the visceral anatomy of Feylinia; b) The aspects of its intraespecific variation; and c) Discuss convergences and parallelisms with possible occurrence in Lizards, Amphisbaenids and Ophidia
Jiři Moravec - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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slow worm Anguis fragilis reptilia anguidae as a species complex genetic structure reveals deep divergences
Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution, 2010Co-Authors: Daniel Jablonski, Vaclav Gvoždik, David Jandzik, Petros Lymberakis, Jiři MoravecAbstract:Phylogenetic relationships of the Western Palearctic legless lizard genus Anguis were inferred based on a fragment of mitochondrial DNA and two nuclear protein-coding loci, C-mos and PRLR. A. cephallonica from the Peloponnese was confirmed as a valid species. It is the sister taxon to a clade comprising all other evolutionary lineages, which were shown to represent three distinct species: (1) A. fragilis sensu stricto occurring in Western and Central Europe, the north-western Balkans, with possibly isolated populations in the eastern Balkans, and presumably also in western Scandinavia and Italy; (2) A. colchica distributed from the eastern Czech Republic and the Baltic region eastward to northern Iran, presumably also in eastern Scandinavia, and the north-eastern Balkans; (3) A. graeca restricted to the southern Balkans, and partially sympatric with A. cephallonica. According to the more variable mitochondrial marker, A. graeca appears to be the sister species to A. colchica, and these taxa together form a sister clade to A. fragilis, whereas the less variable nuclear markers show A. colchica to be closer to A. fragilis. The C-mos gene has not provided substantial variation within this species complex, while the PRLR gene, which was used for the first time in phylogeographic study in a reptile, distinguished all species successfully. Intra-specific differentiation of A. colchica is discussed, and subspecific status of the Caucasian and Caspian populations is proposed. The uncovered genetic differences should be taken into account in all future biogeographical, morphological and ecological studies, as well as in conservation.