Authors: Ignacio De La Riva, Jaime Bosch And Rafael Márquez

Authors: Masafumi Matsui

Authors: Geoffrey R. Smith

Authors: Lorenzo Rugeiro And Luca Luiselli

Authors: Jonathan S. Denton And Trevor J.C. Beebee

Abstract: Habitat utilization by natterjack toads (Bufo calamita) during their first two years of life was investigated using a series of replicated 20 x 20 metre squares demarcated on several distinctive habitat types on a heathland in southern England. Two sets of squares, one on ungrazed heathland and one in an area grazed at low density by domestic cattle, were employed and the fate of toadlets released on the squares monitored over three successive years. Habitat use by resident adult natterjacks, and common toads B. bufo, was also recorded as was habitat selection over the site as a whole outside the experimental squares. Although toadlet survival was apparently low (though it was not possible to distinguish mortality from emigration), this and habitat selection by adults were unaffected by the presence of livestock. Juvenile natterjacks utilised the same range of habitats as adults, but the former showed greater preference for damp pond basins and rather less for dry bryophytes compared with mature animals. Common toads were rare in all habitats favoured by natterjacks, but were more often found in ungrazed rather than in grazed terrain.

Authors: José C. Brito, Fausto Brito E Abreu, Octávio S. Paulo, Humberto D. Rosa And Eduardo G. Crespo

Abstract: The geographic distribution of the endemic Iberian lizard Lacerta schreiberi in Portugal was determined through extensive field surveys. Subsequently, a logistic regression model which predicts the probability of occurrence, based on environmental variables, was developed. We found that L. schreiberi is more widely distributed than previously thought, through most of central/northern Portugal, including the coastal zone and extending into low altitude zones. New isolated populations were also detected and the area occupied by three previously known southern isolates was enlarged. The model indicates that the distribution of L. schreiberi is largely explained by environmental parameters such as insolation, evapotranspiration, rain, humidity and soil-drainage. Values of probability of occurrence greater than 0.50, as determined by our model, correspond with the actual presence of the species.

Authors: J. Gerlach And K. L. Canning

Abstract: A new species of gecko of the genus Ailuronyx is described from the Seychelles islands of Mahe and Praslin. This species, Ailuronyx tachyscopaeus, differs from previously described species in being smaller, having fewer femoro-anal pores in the males and distinct squamation. Some ecological observations are made concluding that the species is locally abundant in native palm forest.