The British Herpetological Society

The Herpetological Journal is the Society's prestigious quarterly scientific journal. Articles are listed in Biological Abstracts, Current Awareness in Biological Sciences,Current Contents, Science Citation Index, and Zoological Record.

 ISSN 0268-0130

2021 Impact Factor from Clarivate for the Herpetological Journal is 1.194, an increase of 0.332 from 2020.


Volume 19, Number 1, January 2009 Volume 19, Number 1, January 2009


pdf 01. The paradoxical frog Pseudis paradoxa: larval anatomical characteristics, including gonadal maturation

1749 downloads

Open Access

Authors: Downie, J.R.; Sams, K. & Walsh, P.T.

Abstract: The genus Pseudis is unique amongst anuran amphibians in that body growth occurs mostly or entirely in the larval phase, with huge tadpoles metamorphosing into smaller but adult-sized frogs. Selected organ systems were studied in tadpoles of the paradoxical frog Pseudis paradoxa in order to determine whether they have any special features associated with their large size and unique life history. Testes of large tadpoles were well developed with spermatogenesis proceeding before metamorphosis; ovaries were also well developed in later stage tadpoles with large pre-vitellogenic oocytes. In later stage tadpoles, unusually for anuran larvae, the intestine had developed longitudinal internal ridges, increasing the internal surface area. Lungs of later stage tadpoles showed internal septation, again an unusual feature for anuran larvae. Finally, later stage tadpoles had a considerably thickened epidermis compared to earlier stages, though no sign of adult-type glands. Overall, these results suggest that as Pseudis tadpoles grow in size beyond the norm for conventional anuran larvae, a suite of features normally associated with adult anurans begins to develop before metamorphosis.

Keywords: ANURA, TRINIDAD, TADPOLE, AMPHIBIANS


pdf 02. The paradoxical frog Pseudis paradoxa: larval habitat, growth and metamorphosis

2414 downloads

Open Access

Authors: Downie, J.R.; Ramnarine, I.; Sams, K. & Walsh, P.T.

Abstract: The genus Pseudis is unique amongst anuran amphibians in that body growth occurs mostly or entirely in the larval phase, with huge tadpoles metamorphosing into adult-sized frogs. Tadpole growth rate, metamorphic duration and tadpole habitat were studied in the paradoxical frog Pseudis paradoxa in Trinidad, West Indies, in order to assess the factors which may have led to the evolution of this unique life history. Growth rate was shown to be similar to other tropical tadpoles: Pseudis simply continued to grow, rather than progress to metamorphosis. Metamorphic duration fitted well with a model based on tadpole size. Sexual dimorphism in tadpole size was apparent, with females larger than males at metamorphosis. Pseudis tadpoles initially possess highly cryptic patterning, which is lost as they grow larger. The costs and benefits of continued growth in the larval phase in a permanent tropical swamp habitat are discussed in terms of potential predators and food availability to both Pseudis larvae and adults.

Keywords: AMPHIBIAN TADPOLES, ANURANS, MATURATION, TRINIDAD


pdf 03. Description of the tadpoles of Telmatobius platycephalus and Telmatobius pinguiculus from montane regions of Argentina

1739 downloads

Open Access

pp. 21-27
Authors: Barrionuevo, J.S. & Baldo, D.

Abstract: The tadpoles of two species of the genus Telmatobius (T. platycephalus and T. pinguiculus) from montane regions of Argentina are described. The larvae of both species are characterized by bodies that are oval in dorsal view and depressed in lateral aspect. In each, the snout is rounded in dorsal and lateral profiles; the labial tooth row formula is 2(2)/3(1) and a short, sinistral spiracle is directed posterodorsally. The tadpoles of T. platycephalus are larger than those of T. pinguiculus; they also lack a row of mental submarginal papillae and the nares are dorsally oriented instead of dorsolaterally.

Keywords: EXTERNAL LARVAL MORPHOLOGY, ANURA, MONTANE FROGS, CERATOPHRYIDAE


pdf 04. Age at size and growth rates of early juvenile loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta) in the Mediterranean based on length frequency analysis

1628 downloads

Open Access

pp. 29-33
Authors: Casale, Paolo; d'Astore, Paola Pino & Argano, Roberto

Abstract: Growth rate is a fundamental parameter in understanding sea turtle population dynamics and is also important for the conservation of these threatened species. It can be influenced by both environmental and genetic factors, and thus it can vary according to the area. Growth rates and age at size of loggerhead turtles (Caretta caretta) are estimated for the first time in the Mediterranean sea and in particular for the elusive first period of life, through length frequency data from 88 turtles ranging from 6.4 to 30 cm curved carapace length found in Italian waters. A visual examination of the length distribution of small turtles found in pelagic habitats suggests a preliminary growth curve for early juveniles in the Mediterranean. Results indicate that this size range includes turtles in the first four years of life. Growth rates ranged from 11.8 cm/yr in the first six months of life to 3.6 cm/yr at the age of 2.5–3.5 years and are similar to those estimated from the Atlantic. Results also suggest a secondary increase in growth rates in larger turtles recruiting to neritic habitats, supporting a polyphasic growth pattern proposed for other populations and other sea turtle species.

Keywords: ITALY, GROWTH PATTERN, MEDITERRANEAN SEA, POPULATION DYNAMICS


pdf 05. Abundance, activity patterns and microhabitat of Rhinella macrorhina, an endemic toad from the cloud forests of the Colombian Central Andes

1308 downloads

Open Access

pp. 35-40
Authors: Urbina G., Jenny C. & Galeano, Sandra P.

Abstract: The high proportion of declining amphibian populations and species without ecological information makes it imperative to conduct research on their population biology, natural history and habitat requirements. We describe the abundance, age structure, activity patterns and microhabitat of four populations of Rhinella macrorhina, a threatened toad from the cloud forests of the Andes of Colombia. We found similar abundances in all populations, despite differences in the level of alteration of the forest patches studied. Abundance of the species was higher during the rainy season and was related to leaf litter depth and leaf litter humidity. We found similar proportions of adults and juveniles among seasons in all populations, and we suggest that daily activity of R. macrorhina varies by age class, exhibiting a temporal and spatial segregation. We present insight into habitat alteration which may threaten the species, principally in the Amalfi locality where we report the largest documented population of the species.

Keywords: HABITAT ALTERATION, THREATENED SPECIES, AGE STRUCTURE, ANURANS


pdf 06. Phylogenetic relationships of African green snakes (genera Philothamnus and Hapsidophrys) from São Tomé, Príncipe and Annobon islands based on mtDNA sequences, and comments on their colonization and taxonomy

1374 downloads

Open Access

pp. 41-48
Authors: Jesus, José; Nagy, Zoltán T.; Branch, William R.; Wink, Michael; Brehm, Antonio & Harris, D. James

Abstract: Mitochondrial sequences (16S rRNA and cytochrome b) of the colubrine snake genera Philothamnus and Hapsidophrys were analysed. Samples were obtained from three volcanic islands in the Gulf of Guinea. The main objective was to infer phylogenetic relationships between the taxa and to trace back the colonization patterns of the group. Both insular species, Philothamnus girardi and Philothamnus thomensis, form a monophyletic unit indicating a single colonization event of one island (probably São Tomé) followed by dispersal to Annobon. Genetic divergence was found to be relatively low when compared with other Philothamnus species from the African mainland, but sufficient to consider the two taxa as distinct sister species. Here we also present evidence on the distinct phylogenetic position of Hapsidophrys sp. from the island of Príncipe, which should be considered as a distinct species, Hapsidophrys principis, a sister taxon of H. smaragdina.

Keywords: 16S RRNA, PHILOTHAMNUS GIRARDI, CYTOCHROME B, HAPSIDOPHRYS PRINCIPIS, GULF OF GUINEA ISLANDS, PHILOTHAMNUS THOMENSIS


pdf 07. Diet and parasite communities of two lizard species, Plica plica and Plica umbra from Brazil and Ecuador

1723 downloads

Open Access

pp. 49-52
Authors: Goldberg, Stephen R.; Bursey, Charles R. & Vitt, Laurie J.

Abstract: Plica plica and Plica umbra from Brazil and Ecuador were examined for endoparasites. Plica plica harboured one species of Digenea, Mesocoelium monas, four species of Nematoda, Oswaldocruzia vitti, Physalopteroides venancioi, Strongyluris oscari and Physaloptera retusa; P. umbra harboured five species of Nematoda, Oswaldocruzia bainae, Oswaldocruzia vitti, Physaloptera retusa, Strongyluris oscari and Piratuba digiticauda. Three new host records are reported for P. plica and three for P. umbra. Both lizard species are ant specialists but do eat other types of prey. We speculate on sources of endoparasites based on the diets of these two arboreal tropical lizards.

Keywords: SQUAMATA, TROPIDURIDAE, HELMINTH COMMUNITIES

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IMPORTANT NOTE - JUNE 2020

Please note that as from Volume 31 Number 1 (January 2021) on, the Herpetological Journal will be available as an online publication only - the last print edition will be Volume 30 Number 4.   

Aligning with this change, it is now no longer possible to purchase a subscription that includes a print copy of the HJ.  All members who have existing HJ print subscriptions that remain active as at end June 2020 will receive the full four 2020 print editions.  New subscribers or renewals after this time will only have option to subscribe to the online only subscription package.  Subscription pricing has been amended to reflect the content changes.

 

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