The Experts below are selected from a list of 360 Experts worldwide ranked by ideXlab platform

Krystal A. Tolley - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • cryptic diversity in rhampholeon boulengeri sauria Chamaeleonidae a pygmy chameleon from the albertine rift biodiversity hotspot
    Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution, 2018
    Co-Authors: Daniel F Hughes, Colin R. Tilbury, Krystal A. Tolley, Michele Menegon, Mathias Behangana, Wilber Lukwago, Maximilian J Dehling, Jan Stipala, Arshad M Khan, Chifundera Kusamba
    Abstract:

    Several biogeographic barriers in the Central African highlands have reduced gene flow among populations of many terrestrial species in predictable ways. Yet, a comprehensive understanding of mechanisms underlying species divergence in the Afrotropics can be obscured by unrecognized levels of cryptic diversity, particularly in widespread species. We implemented a multilocus phylogeographic approach to examine diversity within the widely distributed Central African pygmy chameleon, Rhampholeon boulengeri. Gene-tree analyses coupled with a comparative coalescent-based species delimitation framework revealed R. boulengeri as a complex of at least six genetically distinct species. The spatiotemporal speciation patterns for these cryptic species conform to general biogeographic hypotheses supporting vicariance as the main factor behind patterns of divergence in the Albertine Rift, a biodiversity hotspot in Central Africa. However, we found that parapatric species and sister species inhabited adjacent habitats, but were found in largely non-overlapping elevational ranges in the Albertine Rift, suggesting that differentiation in elevation was also an important mode of divergence. The phylogeographic patterns recovered for the genus-level phylogeny provide additional evidence for speciation by isolation in forest refugia, and dating estimates indicated that the Miocene was a significant period for this diversification. Our results highlight the importance of investigating cryptic diversity in widespread species to improve understanding of diversification patterns in environmentally diverse regions such as the montane Afrotropics.

  • evolutionary relationships species delimitation and biogeography of eastern afromontane horned chameleons Chamaeleonidae trioceros
    Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution, 2014
    Co-Authors: Sara F Ceccarelli, Colin R. Tilbury, Krystal A. Tolley, Michele Menegon, David J Gower, Maiti H Laserna, Roman Kasahun, Ana Rodriguezprieto, Reto Hagmann, Simon P Loader
    Abstract:

    Abstract The Eastern Afromontane Region (EAR) contains numerous endemic species, yet its reptile diversity remains relatively poorly understood. We used molecular data to examine species diversity of the Sub-Saharan chameleon genus Trioceros. In particular, we focus on establishing species boundaries for taxa with disjunct distributions across the fragmented mountains of the EAR, including T. affinis, T. balebicornutus, T. deremensis, T. harennae, T. tempeli and T. werneri. We applied three species-delimiting approaches, General Mixed Yule-Coalescent (GMYC), a Bayesian implementation of the GMYC, and Bayes Factor Delimitation to estimate species diversity. Using a dated phylogeny, we also examined spatial and temporal diversification patterns in Trioceros. We found strong congruence between different species delimitation approaches, with all methods suggesting that species diversity is currently underestimated. In particular, T. werneri consists of at least four candidate species (i.e. species awaiting description) with some mountain ranges (Uluguru and Udzungwa) having potentially more than one species. Most interspecific divergences between extant Trioceros lineages are estimated to be >5 Mya, consistent with a Pliocene origin of the endemic montane fauna, as exhibited in other taxonomic groups. Multiple, overlapping geographic events (climate and/or geomorphological changes) might account for speciation patterns in Trioceros given the dating results.

  • a new species of chameleon sauria Chamaeleonidae kinyongia from the northern albertine rift central africa
    Herpetologica, 2012
    Co-Authors: Eli Greenbaum, Krystal A. Tolley, Abdulmeneem M A Joma, Chifundera Kusamba
    Abstract:

    Abstract The recently erected chameleon genus Kinyongia currently includes 17 species, with the majority of this diversity occurring in montane regions of East Africa. Kinyongia adolfifriderici is one of only three species in the genus to occur in Central Africa, with numerous populations occurring from low- to high-elevation forests of the Albertine Rift. Recent fieldwork in the Lendu Plateau in northeastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) led to the discovery of a population of chameleons that is significantly larger than and morphologically distinct from the closely related species K. adolfifriderici, which was described from the lowland Ituri forest, DRC. Analyses of mitochondrial (16S and ND2) and nuclear (RAG1) DNA sequence data revealed that K. adolfifriderici is a complex of cryptic species. Herein, we describe the Lendu population as a new species, underscoring the endemism and conservation importance of this poorly known, unprotected montane region.

  • a new species of chameleon sauria Chamaeleonidae nadzikambia from mount mabu central mozambique original article
    African Journal of Herpetology, 2010
    Co-Authors: William R Branch, Krystal A. Tolley
    Abstract:

    Nadzikambia is a monotypic genus described to accommodate the Mulanje chameleon, N. mlanjensis. During herpetological surveys of isolated mountains in Mozambique a population of chameleons was discovered on Mount Mabu. It is referable to the genus Nadzikambia, but features of scalation, colouration and genetic divergence distinguish this population from N. mlanjensis. It is described as a new species, Nadzikambia baylissi, and represents the second species in the genus and the first record of the genus in Mozambique. Notes on reproduction in N. mlanjensis are appended. The discovery of the new species in a mid-altitude evergreen forest remnant on Mount Mabu emphasises the high conservation importance of the region, previously signalled by the discovery of a new species of forest viper (Atheris mabuensis), and a number of undescribed butterflies and freshwater crab species in the region.

  • A re-appraisal of the systematics of the African genus Chamaeleo (Reptilia: Chamaeleonidae)
    Zootaxa, 2009
    Co-Authors: Colin R. Tilbury, Krystal A. Tolley
    Abstract:

    The genus Chamaeleo, currently subdivided into two sub-genera, Chamaeleo (Chamaeleo) and Chamaeleo (Trioceros) (Klaver & Bohme 1986), is reviewed from both a morphological and genetic basis and it is concluded that the two subgenera are sufficiently distinct as to warrant their formal elevation to seperate and distinct genera. Evaluation of the soft anatomy and several other characters provide sufficient basis for making this distinction. The proposed change is supported by the demonstration of monophyletic groupings (based on two mitochondrial and one nuclear gene) consistent with distinct genera.

Colin R. Tilbury - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • cryptic diversity in rhampholeon boulengeri sauria Chamaeleonidae a pygmy chameleon from the albertine rift biodiversity hotspot
    Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution, 2018
    Co-Authors: Daniel F Hughes, Colin R. Tilbury, Krystal A. Tolley, Michele Menegon, Mathias Behangana, Wilber Lukwago, Maximilian J Dehling, Jan Stipala, Arshad M Khan, Chifundera Kusamba
    Abstract:

    Several biogeographic barriers in the Central African highlands have reduced gene flow among populations of many terrestrial species in predictable ways. Yet, a comprehensive understanding of mechanisms underlying species divergence in the Afrotropics can be obscured by unrecognized levels of cryptic diversity, particularly in widespread species. We implemented a multilocus phylogeographic approach to examine diversity within the widely distributed Central African pygmy chameleon, Rhampholeon boulengeri. Gene-tree analyses coupled with a comparative coalescent-based species delimitation framework revealed R. boulengeri as a complex of at least six genetically distinct species. The spatiotemporal speciation patterns for these cryptic species conform to general biogeographic hypotheses supporting vicariance as the main factor behind patterns of divergence in the Albertine Rift, a biodiversity hotspot in Central Africa. However, we found that parapatric species and sister species inhabited adjacent habitats, but were found in largely non-overlapping elevational ranges in the Albertine Rift, suggesting that differentiation in elevation was also an important mode of divergence. The phylogeographic patterns recovered for the genus-level phylogeny provide additional evidence for speciation by isolation in forest refugia, and dating estimates indicated that the Miocene was a significant period for this diversification. Our results highlight the importance of investigating cryptic diversity in widespread species to improve understanding of diversification patterns in environmentally diverse regions such as the montane Afrotropics.

  • evolutionary relationships species delimitation and biogeography of eastern afromontane horned chameleons Chamaeleonidae trioceros
    Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution, 2014
    Co-Authors: Sara F Ceccarelli, Colin R. Tilbury, Krystal A. Tolley, Michele Menegon, David J Gower, Maiti H Laserna, Roman Kasahun, Ana Rodriguezprieto, Reto Hagmann, Simon P Loader
    Abstract:

    Abstract The Eastern Afromontane Region (EAR) contains numerous endemic species, yet its reptile diversity remains relatively poorly understood. We used molecular data to examine species diversity of the Sub-Saharan chameleon genus Trioceros. In particular, we focus on establishing species boundaries for taxa with disjunct distributions across the fragmented mountains of the EAR, including T. affinis, T. balebicornutus, T. deremensis, T. harennae, T. tempeli and T. werneri. We applied three species-delimiting approaches, General Mixed Yule-Coalescent (GMYC), a Bayesian implementation of the GMYC, and Bayes Factor Delimitation to estimate species diversity. Using a dated phylogeny, we also examined spatial and temporal diversification patterns in Trioceros. We found strong congruence between different species delimitation approaches, with all methods suggesting that species diversity is currently underestimated. In particular, T. werneri consists of at least four candidate species (i.e. species awaiting description) with some mountain ranges (Uluguru and Udzungwa) having potentially more than one species. Most interspecific divergences between extant Trioceros lineages are estimated to be >5 Mya, consistent with a Pliocene origin of the endemic montane fauna, as exhibited in other taxonomic groups. Multiple, overlapping geographic events (climate and/or geomorphological changes) might account for speciation patterns in Trioceros given the dating results.

  • A re-appraisal of the systematics of the African genus Chamaeleo (Reptilia: Chamaeleonidae)
    Zootaxa, 2009
    Co-Authors: Colin R. Tilbury, Krystal A. Tolley
    Abstract:

    The genus Chamaeleo, currently subdivided into two sub-genera, Chamaeleo (Chamaeleo) and Chamaeleo (Trioceros) (Klaver & Bohme 1986), is reviewed from both a morphological and genetic basis and it is concluded that the two subgenera are sufficiently distinct as to warrant their formal elevation to seperate and distinct genera. Evaluation of the soft anatomy and several other characters provide sufficient basis for making this distinction. The proposed change is supported by the demonstration of monophyletic groupings (based on two mitochondrial and one nuclear gene) consistent with distinct genera.

  • corrections to species names recently placed in kinyongia and nadzikambia reptilia Chamaeleonidae
    Zootaxa, 2007
    Co-Authors: Colin R. Tilbury, Krystal A. Tolley, William R Branch
    Abstract:

    In accordance with the rules of the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature (International Commission on Zoological Nomenclature, 1999) , the gender of the species names must be the same as that of the genus name.

  • a review of the systematics of the genus bradypodion sauria Chamaeleonidae with the description of two new genera
    Zootaxa, 2006
    Co-Authors: Colin R. Tilbury, Krystal A. Tolley, William R Branch
    Abstract:

    The taxonomic history and composition of the genus Bradypodion as construed by Klaver & Bohme (1986) and new morphological and molecular data relevant to the taxonomy of the group is reviewed. The combined evidence strongly supports a formal rearrangement of the group into three distinct genera. Bradypodion, type species Chamaeleo pumilus Daudin 1802, is retained for the southern African species. Two new genera are erected to accommodate additional well-diagnosed clades within central and east African species previously referred to Bradypodion. Species of the “fischeri complex” are assigned to Kinyongia gen. nova, whilst the endemic Mulanje chameleon is placed in the monotypic genus Nadzikambia gen. nova.

Tolley, Krystal A. - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

David Modrý - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • Results of Herpetofaunal Inventory of Wadi Ramm Protected Area, with Notes on Some Relict Species
    Russian Journal of Herpetology, 2013
    Co-Authors: Mohammad A. Abu Baker, Mayas Qarqaz, Lina Rifai, Nashat Hamidan, Khaldoun Al Omari, David Modrý
    Abstract:

    In the course of the faunistic inventory in Wadi Ramm Protected Area, a total of 34 species of reptiles representing nine families (Gekkonidae, Chamaeleonidae, Agamidae, Lacertidae, Scincidae, Varanidae, Leptotyphlopidae, Colubridae, and Viperidae) were recorded from different habitats in Wadi Ramm and its closest vicinity. Three species ( Lacerta cf. kulzeri , Chamaeleo chamaeleon , and Ablepharus rueppellii ) are considered to represent relicts from earlier, more humid periods. Habitat preferences for collected species are included.

  • kinyongia asheorum sp n a new montane chameleon from the nyiro range northern kenya squamata Chamaeleonidae
    Zootaxa, 2009
    Co-Authors: Petr Necas, Roberto Sindaco, Luděk Kořený, Jana Kopecna, Patrick K Malonza, David Modrý
    Abstract:

    A new species of chameleon is described from the humid montane forests on Mt. Nyiro in northern Kenya. The new species is clearly distinct from its congeners by external morphology, especially the gular field with long pointed appendicular scales, and geographical isolation. Based on both the morphology and molecular phylogenetic data, we place the new species into the recently described genus Kinyongia.

  • new species of choleoeimeria apicomplexa eimeriidae from the veiled chameleon chamaeleo calyptratus sauria Chamaeleonidae with taxonomic revision of eimerian coccidia from chameleons
    Folia Parasitologica, 2006
    Co-Authors: Michal Sloboda, David Modrý
    Abstract:

    Coprological examination of 71 samples from a breeding colony of veiled chameleons, Chamaeleo calyptratus Dumeril et Dumeril, 1851, revealed a presence of two species of coccidia. In 100% of the samples examined, oocysts of Isospora jaracimrmani Modrý et Koudela, 1995 were detected. A new coccidian species, Choleoeimeria hirbayah sp. n., was discovered in 32.4% of samples from the colony. Its oocysts are tetrasporocystic, cylindrical, 28.3 (25-30) × 14.8 (13.5-17.5) µm, with smooth, bilayered, ~1 µm thick wall. Sporocysts are dizoic, ovoidal to ellipsoidal, 10.1 (9-11) × 6.9 (6-7.5) µm, sporocyst wall is composed of two plates joined by a meridional suture. Endogenous development is confined to the epithelium of the gall blad- der, with infected cells being typically displaced from the epithelium layer towards lumen. A taxonomic revision of tetrasporo- cystic coccidia in the Chamaeleonidae is provided.

  • RESULTS OF HERPETOFAUNAL INVENTORY OF WADI RAMM PROTECTED AREA, WITH NOTES ON SOME RELICT SPECIES Mohammad Abu Baker, 1
    2003
    Co-Authors: Mayas Qarqaz, Lina Rifai, Nashat Hamidan, Khaldoun Al Omari, David Modrý, Zuhair Amr
    Abstract:

    In the course of the faunistic inventory in Wadi Ramm Protected Area, a total of 34 species of reptiles represent-ing nine families (Gekkonidae, Chamaeleonidae, Agamidae, Lacertidae, Scincidae, Varanidae, Leptotyphlopi-dae, Colubridae, and Viperidae) were recorded from different habitats in Wadi Ramm and its closest vicinity. Three species (Lacerta cf. kulzeri, Chamaeleo chamaeleon, and Ablepharus rueppellii) are considered to repre-sent relicts from earlier, more humid periods. Habitat preferences for collected species are included

  • five new species of coccidia apicomplexa eimeriidae from madagascan chameleons sauria Chamaeleonidae
    Systematic Parasitology, 2001
    Co-Authors: David Modrý, Peter Daszak, Jiři Volf, Milan Veselý, Stanley J Ball, Břetislav Koudela
    Abstract:

    Coprological examination of 19 Madagascan chameleons of the genera Furcifer and Brookesia revealed the presence of five new coccidian species. Isospora brygooi n. sp. from Furcifer pardalis has spherical to subspherical oocysts with a slightly pitted wall, 20.7 (17–24.5) × 19.3 (16–23) μm and broadly ellipsoidal sporocysts, 12.2 (11.5–13) × 8.1 (8–8.5) μm, with Stieda and substieda bodies. Oocysts of Eimeria glawi n. sp. from Furcifer pardalis are cylindrical to ellipsoidal, 27.7 (26–29.5) × 18.4 (17–19) μm, with ellipsoidal sporocysts, 7.3 (6.5–8) × 5.2 (5–5.5) μm. E. vencesi n. sp. described from F. pardalis has spherical to subspherical oocysts, 14.3 (13–15.5) × 13.0 (12–13) μm, with small granules, one to three globular polar granules and ellipsoidal sporocysts, 7.3 (6.5–8) × 5.2 (5–5.5) μm. E. worthi n. sp., described from Furcifer oustaleti has spherical oocysts, 17.9 (17.5–19.0) × 15.0 (14.5–16.0) μm without a polar granule and ellipsoidal to cylindroidal sporocysts, 8.2 (7.0–9.5) × 5.8 (5.0–6.5) μm. Oocysts of E. brookesiae n. sp. from Brookesia decaryi are cylindrical, 25.6 (23–27) × 15.0 (13–16) μm with ellipsoidal sporocysts, 10.1 (9–11) × 6.9 (6–7) μm. Endogenous development of E. vencesi is confined to the intestine, while that of E. glawi occurs in the gall-bladder.

Fred Kraus - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • diet of the invasive lizard chamaeleo jacksonii squamata Chamaeleonidae at a wet forest site in hawai i
    Pacific Science, 2012
    Co-Authors: Fred Kraus, David Preston
    Abstract:

    Abstract: We assessed diet from a sample of Jackson's chameleons inhabiting wet forest in Volcano Village, Hawai‘i Island, Hawai‘i. Most lizards contained food in their gastrointestinal tract, diet was broad, and large numbers of invertebrates, mostly insects, were consumed. Native insects composed the largest component of dietary items, and these spanned most of the body-size range found in the native invertebrate community. Taxonomic composition of diets does not conform to expectations for iguanian lizards inasmuch as hymenopterans form only a small portion of consumed items. Insect chemical or stinging defenses did not preclude consumption by lizards. The study site is a mixture of native and alien vegetation. Chameleons collected from alien plants contained larger numbers of native prey items than did those lizards removed from native plants, suggesting that lizard residency on non-native plants will not reduce their predation impact on native invertebrates in mixed forest. Our results confirm the fi...

  • Diet and conservation implications of an invasive chameleon, Chamaeleo jacksonii (Squamata: Chamaeleonidae) in Hawaii
    Biological Invasions, 2012
    Co-Authors: Fred Kraus, Arthur Medeiros, David Preston, Catherine S. Jarnevich, Gordon H. Rodda
    Abstract:

    We summarize information on current distribution of the invasive lizard Chamaeleo jacksonii and predict its potential distribution in the Hawaiian Islands. Potential distribution maps are based on climate models developed from known localities in its native range and its Hawaiian range. We also present results of analysis of stomach contents of a sample of 34 chameleons collected from native, predominantly dryland, forest on Maui. These data are the first summarizing prey range of this non-native species in an invaded native-forest setting. Potential distribution models predict that the species can occur throughout most of Hawaii from sea level to >2,100 m elevation. Important features of this data set are that approximately one-third of the diet of these lizards is native insects, and the lizards are consuming large numbers of arthropods each day. Prey sizes span virtually the entire gamut of native Hawaiian arthropod diversity, thereby placing a large number of native species at risk of predation. Our dietary results contrast with expectations for most iguanian lizards and support suggestions that chameleons comprise a third distinct foraging-mode category among saurians. The combination of expanding distribution, large potential range size, broad diet, high predation rates, and high densities of these chameleons imply that they may well become a serious threat to some of the Hawaiian fauna.

  • Notes on reproduction of Jackson's chameleon Chamaeleo jacksonii (Squamata, Chamaeleonidae), from Hawaii
    The Herpetological Bulletin, 2011
    Co-Authors: Stephen R. Goldberg, Fred Kraus
    Abstract:

    Histological examination of gonads from invasive Chamaeleo jacksonii collected in oahu, Hawaii revealed both male and female populations were reproductively active in December and February. Litter sizes of 12.2 ± 4.4 sD (range 7-21) are within limits reported for C. jacksonii in previous studies. Linear regression analysis revealed a significant positive relationship between C. jacksonii female body size and clutch size. The smallest reproductively mature females measured 94 mm sVL. adult males were significantly larger than females. The smallest reproductively mature C. jacksonii male from Hawaii measured 70 mm sVL as opposed to 90 mm in kenya (Lin & Nelson, 1981). This indicates Hawaiian C. jacksonii males join the breeding population at an earlier age compared to those in native populations and this may suggest that C. jacksonii has a higher reproductive potential in Hawaii compared with kenya.