Search

Taxonomic and functional diversity metrics have been used together to describe functional patterns through species richness in a given area or region. Many scientists have shown that these two metrics can be positively correlated; nevertheless, other studies have found the opposite. In either case, the usefulness of both metrics has helped to develop more reasoned conservation strategies in areas where biodiversity loss is occurring at an accelerated rate. In this study, we calculated metrics of both taxonomic and functional diversity in amphibian and reptile communities located in a variety of vegetation types (xeric scrub, pine forest, pine-oak forest, cloud forest, oak forest, and tropical dry forest) in the state of Durango. Using species richness (157 species: 36 amphibians and 121 reptiles) for the state of Durango, we found that the amphibian communities present in pine forest and pine-oak forest showed high values of taxonomic diversity (high Delta + values), meaning that the communities in these vegetation types are composed of a complex network of families and genera. The same result was true of reptiles present in oak forest, tropical dry forest, and xeric scrub. The communities formed by the snakes showed high values of functional richness, functional evenness, and functional dispersion in all vegetation types, as did the lizard communities present in xeric scrub. This indicates that the ecological functions of lizards and snakes (i.e., predators; pest controllers; links in the trophic chain) are an integral element of the functioning of these ecosystems. These results showed that vegetation types with greater taxonomic and functional diversity in amphibians and reptiles are sites that promote the sustainability of an ecosystem in particular ways, making them more suitable for conservation of these vertebrates. The information from this study can be useful in developing protection programs and implementing conservation strategies for several biological groups in particular areas of Durango and the Sierra Madre Occidental, helping to ensure the permanence of the remarkable biota of northern Mexico. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The growth in our knowledge of the diversity of the herpetofauna of Mexico has occurred over the period of approximately 445 years from the work of Francisco Hernández to that of a broad multinational array of present-day herpetologists. The work of this huge group of people has established Mexico as one of the most significant centers of herpetofaunal biodiversity in the world. This status is the result of a complex orography, in addition to diverse habitats and environments and the biogeographic history of Mexico. The current herpetofauna consists of 1,421 native and introduced species, allocated to 220 genera, and 61 families. This figure is comprised of 1,405 native species and 16 non-native species (as of April 2023). The non-native species include two anurans, 13 squamates, and one turtle. The level of endemism is very high, presently lying at 63%, with this level expected to increase with time. Species richness varies among the 32 federal entities in the country, from a low of 50 in Tlaxcala to a high of 492 in Oaxaca. Amphibian species richness by state-level can be envisioned as comprising three levels of low, medium, and high, with the lowest levels occurring in the Peninsula of Baja California, a group of seven states in north-central and central Mexico, and a group of three states in the Yucatan Peninsula, with the highest levels occupying the southern states of Guerrero, Puebla, Veracruz, Oaxaca, and Chiapas, and the medium level in the remaining states of the country. Reptile species richness also can be allocated to three categories, with the lowest level occupying Baja California Sur, a group of central states, and the states of the Yucatan Peninsula, and the highest level found in a cluster of the states of Veracruz, Guerrero, Oaxaca, and Chiapas. Knowledge of the Mexican herpetofauna will continue to grow with additional studies on systematics, conservation, and the construction of checklists at various levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses a comprehensive book on salamanders and newts, written by French herpetologist Jean Raffaëlli. The book covers the entire amphibian order Caudata and includes information on taxonomy, conservation, and husbandry. It contains detailed accounts of over 800 species, along with illustrations and maps. The author emphasizes the need for interdisciplinary approaches in studying and conserving salamanders. The article recommends the book as an essential resource for researchers and suggests the possibility of a two-volume set or an online version for wider accessibility. [Extracted from the article]

The family Polychrotidae Fitzinger, 1843 is represented in Honduras by a single species, Polychrus gutturosus Berthold, 1845. This canopy dweller is distributed in the lowland moist forests and riparian forest within pine savannah of the northern and eastern regions of Honduras. Only 13 records and nine localities support the presence of the species in the country; therefore, the distribution and natural history of the species in Honduras is essentially unknown. Herein, we provide a new locality and natural history observations of a specimen captured in the core zone of the Reserva del Hombre y La Biosfera del Río Plátano. This record represents the north-western most occurrence of Polychrus gutturosus in a region known as the Mosquitia and fills an important distributional gap for this poorly known species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of ZooKeys is the property of Pensoft Publishers and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Due to their conserved morphology, cryptic species have long been problematic for taxonomists. When attempting to assess diversity and delimit species within these taxa, it has been recognized that an integrative approach can be very useful, whereby independent, yet complementary lines of evidence are utilized. New World microhylids (Anura: Microhylidae: Gastrophryninae) of the genera Gastrophryne and Hypopachus have been highly confounding to taxonomists, due to their extreme morphological conservatism, as well as their fossorial nature resulting in a lack of specimens and public genetic information. Currently, two microhylid species are recognized in Honduras: H. barberi and H. variolosus. Here, we integrate three independent lines of evidence (morphology, osteology, and genetics) to examine previously undescribed diversity among populations of H. barberi in the Lenca Highlands of south-western Honduras. Mitochondrial and nuclear DNA identify populations from the Lenca Highlands as being distinct from other populations previously allocated to H. barberi. This distinction is further supported by divergence dating estimates that place the split between these populations and others of H. barberi in the late-Miocene. We also find several significant morphological and osteological differences between H. barberi and Lenca Highlands populations, including extensively reduced ossification in the (especially cranial) skeleton of the Lenca Highland populations. As a result of these distinctions, we formally describe the Lenca sheep frog as a new species, Hypopachus guancasco sp. nov. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

"Frogs of Victoria: A Guide to Identification, Ecology and Conservation" by Nick Clemann and Michael Swan is a comprehensive field guide that explores the diverse frog species found in Victoria, Australia. The book provides detailed information on the 38 native frog species, one introduced frog species, and one introduced salamander species, including identification, distribution, habitat preferences, and conservation status. The authors also discuss the conservation threats facing these species and highlight ongoing initiatives to protect them. The guide includes high-quality photographs, range maps, a glossary, and a bibliography for further research. Overall, the book serves as both a practical field guide and an inspiring call to action for the preservation of Victoria's amphibian biodiversity. [Extracted from the article]

Copyright of Herpetological Monographs is the property of KnowledgeWorks Global, Ltd and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The article focuses on optimizing the design of artificial shelters for the Pygmy Alligator lizard (Gerrhonotus parvus) in captivity. It mentions that in an effort to understand the use of microhabitats by G. parvus authors conducted experiments using artificial refuges, and have documented the need to maintain and propagate many herpetofaunal species in their natural habitat or in captivity in an effort to protect populations of threatened and endangered species.

Single-locus molecular barcoding is a useful method for identifying overlooked and undescribed biodiversity, providing the groundwork for further systematic study and taxonomic investigation. A variety of methods for delimiting species from barcoding libraries have been developed and applied, allowing for rapid estimates of species diversity in a broad range of taxa. However, tree-based and distance-based analyses can infer different group assignments, potentially over- or underestimating the number of putative species groups. Here, we explore diversity of mainland species of anole lizards from the Chortís Block biogeographical province of northern Central America using a DNA barcoding approach, generating and analyzing cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) sequences for over 400 samples assignable to 33 of 38 (86.8%) native and one introduced mainland species. We subsequently tested the effects different models of nucleotide substitution, different species-delimitation algorithms, and reducing our dataset had on species delimitation estimates. We performed of two distance-based (ABGD, RESL) and three tree-based (bPTP, mPTP, GMYC) analyses on both the full dataset and a dataset consisting only of unique halotypes. From 34 nominal taxa, analyses of the full dataset recovered between 34 and 64 operational taxonomic units (OTUs), while analyses of the reduced dataset inferred between 36 and 59. Reassigning individuals to either mPTP-inferred or ABGD clustered (7.2% threshold) groups improved the detection of a barcoding gap across three different models of nucleotide substitution, removing overlap between intra- and interspecific distances. Our results highlight the underestimated diversity of mainland Chortís Block anoles, but the lack of congruence between analyses demonstrates the importance of considering multiple analytical methods when dealing with single-locus datasets. We recommend future studies consider the effects of different models of nucleotide substitution on proposed barcoding gaps, as well as the effect reducing a dataset to unique haplotypes may have on proposed diversity estimates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of ZooKeys is the property of Pensoft Publishers and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Integrative taxonomy seeks to approach the complex topic of species diagnosis using independent, complementary lines of evidence. Despite their ubiquity throughout North and Central America, taxonomy of the American leopard frogs (Anura: Ranidae: Rana: subgenus Pantherana) remains largely unresolved, and this is arguably nowhere truer than in the Central American country of Honduras, where there are two nominal species, the taxonomy of which remains unresolved. Leopard frogs from several mountainous areas along the continental divide in Honduras have previously been considered putative hybrids between Rana brownorum and R. cf. forreri, as opposed to two alternate hypotheses: one that they represent a high-altitude eco-morph of a single widespread species that included both lowland forms, or a second that there is an undescribed highland species distinct from either of the recognized lowland forms. We examine this set of hypotheses using three independent lines of evidence. First, we used species distribution modelling to examine potential geographic isolation of the highland form and the two putative parental lowland species, and found strong ecological separation between the highland and lowland forms. Second, mitochondrial and nuclear DNA supports the distinction of the highland form from both putative parental species, with mtDNA data refuting the hypothesis that representatives of either species may represent a matrilineal founder. Morphologically, the highland form is significantly smaller than, and otherwise readily differentiated from, both R. brownorum and R. cf. forreri, as well as all other Rana found in Honduras and adjacent areas. As a result, we formally describe the highland leopard frog as a new species. http://zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:BE53F587-3618-4433-9651-E495808E5474 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

These species accounts are preceded by a key to species identification accompanied by several line drawings that illustrate key characteristics, and an explanation of the organization of the species accounts and the symbols used in discussing activity period and diet. This herpetofauna consists of 10 species of anurans (frogs and toads), four species of lizards, 14 species of snakes, and two turtles. The species accounts are followed by a section on several species that can be expected to occur with the natural protected area (NPA) and an appendix summarizing data on vegetational and elevational distribution. [Extracted from the article]

Amphibian species composition from arid and semiarid environments is different from that in tropical and temperate environments. Extensive areas of desert occur in the Chihuahuan Desert Region in protected areas, where the diversity of amphibians has not been analyzed. In this study, we analyzed anuran species richness of the protected area Real de Guadalcázar State Reserve. We also provide data on native species abundance during the dry and wet seasons. The area contained 37% of the amphibian species recorded from the entire Chihuahuan Desert Region. Various species of Anaxyrus occurred in different vegetation types, in addition to having high abundances during dry and wet seasons and low vulnerability scores. This study contributes to the knowledge of the diversity of anurans from arid and semiarid environments in the natural protected areas of northern Mexico. We also address possible conservation measures for these species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study assesses the effectiveness of three Protected Natural Areas (PAs) in central Mexico (Parque Nacional El Chico, PNCH, Parque Nacional Los Mármoles, PNLM, and Reserva de La Biosfera Barranca de Metztitlán, RBBM), for the conservation of amphibians and reptiles. We also evaluate the conservation status of the concerned species assigned by the Mexican list for plants and animals, IUCN, as well as the species' Environmental Vulnerability Score. PNLM shows the highest richness and taxonomic diversity of both groups compared to those of PNCH and RBBM. We recorded a high number of endemic species, a high percentage of species (up to 88%) under risk categories, and a threat by environmental vulnerability for all species. We suggest that such analyses need to be expanded across a higher number of PAs in Mexico to determine their effectiveness in the protecting species of amphibians and reptiles and other biological groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista Mexicana de Biodiversidad is the property of Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico, Instituto de Biologia and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of ZooKeys is the property of Pensoft Publishers and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Journal of Herpetology is the property of Society for the Study of Amphibians & Reptiles and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The article describes the discovery of Plectrohyla chrysopleura in Refugio de Vida Silvestre Texiguat, Honduras. It is a large endangered spikethumb frog known from the vicinity in Parque Nacional Pico Bonito. It was last documented in May 1996 when two metamorphs and two tadpoles were collected along Quebrada de Oro, one of the most remarkable sites of amphibian endemism. The first herpetological survey was conducted in June 2010 where Plectrohyla species are characterized by enlarged prepollex, uniform pale brown ground coloration and large size.

Copyright of Copeia is the property of American Society of Ichthyologists & Herpetologists and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Bak Funeral Home is based on a real situation occurring at a family-owned funeral home in the northern United States. Following the founder's death, his family must decide what to do with the business and tangible assets. Students assume the role of a CPA called upon to advise the client on how to pass the business to the next generation. They encounter an ambiguous situation in which both monetary and nonmonetary factors must be carefully considered. The case is suitable for use in: an undergraduate cost accounting course; an entrepreneurial course in family business issues; or an introductory cost accounting class at the M.B.A. level. Additional topics covered include: the pro forma cash flow statement; business valuation; cash flow return on investment; and business risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article examines that Drymarchon melanurus is considered the largest snake in northern Mexico, reaching a total length of 2630 mm. Topics include reports that on 9 May 2020, while driving along the highway Monterrey-Reynosa in the Municipality of Guadalupe, Nuevo León, Mexico encountered a freshly road-killed female D. melanurus.

Background: DBA/2J (D2) mice develop an age-related form of glaucoma. Their eyes progressively develop iris pigment dispersion and iris atrophy followed by increased intraocular pressure (IOP) and glaucomatous optic nerve damage. Mutant alleles of the Gpnmb and Tyrp1 genes are necessary for the iris disease, but it is unknown whether alleles of other D2 gene(s) are necessary for the distinct later stages of disease. We initiated a study of congenic strains to further define the genetic requirements and disease mechanisms of the D2 glaucoma. Results: To further understand D2 glaucoma, we created congenic strains of mice on the C57BL/6J (B6) genetic background. B6 double-congenic mice carrying D2-derived Gpnmb and Tyrp1 mutations develop a D2-like iris disease. B6 single-congenics with only the Gpnmb and Tyrp1 mutations develop milder forms of iris disease. Genetic epistasis experiments introducing a B6 tyrosinase mutation into the congenic strains demonstrated that both the single and double-congenic iris diseases are rescued by interruption of melanin synthesis. Importantly, our experiments analyzing mice at ages up to 27 months indicate that the B6 double-congenic mice are much less prone to IOP elevation and glaucoma than are D2 mice. Conclusion: As demonstrated here, the Gpnmb and Tyrp1 iris phenotypes are both individually dependent on tyrosinase function. These results support involvement of abnormal melanosomal events in the diseases caused by each gene. In the context of the inbred D2 mouse strain, the glaucoma phenotype is clearly influenced by more genes than just Gpnmb and Tyrp1. Despite the outward similarity of pigment-dispersing iris disease between D2 and the B6 double-congenic mice, the congenic mice are much less susceptible to developing high IOP and glaucoma. These new congenic strains provide a valuable new resource for further studying the genetic and mechanistic complexity of this form of glaucoma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new species of Bolitoglossa of the Bolitoglossa dunni group is described from an isolated mountaintop in western Honduras. Color and pattern are the most distinctive features of the new species. Less than 1 ha of forest remains on the isolated mountain peak at the type locality, making the new species the most endangered salamander species known in Honduras. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of our paper is to assess the evolution of the government-owned, contractor-operated (GOCO) system as a market-based management form, focusing specifically on recent changes in contract reform. What is the institutional context in which the GOCO system is embedded, and how does it affect success of the GOCO system? What are the lessons of the GOCO system for designing and adopting market-based structures for managing government institutions? Our paper (and the two companion papers published in this volume) is based in part on a much larger study (Bozeman, Kingsley, Rainey, Youtie, & Wilson, 2001) that included interviews and intensive case studies of three national laboratories. The ensuing sections of this paper provide a descriptive backdrop for understanding the problems of contracting and contractor competition at the national laboratories. The conclusions, analysis, and recommendations provided are based on the extensive case studies provided in the larger study (Bozeman et al, 2001), but, with the exception of a few examples, the case data are not presented here. (However these data can be examined in the full report, which is available at www.rvm.gatech.edu/reports.htm.) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents optimal algorithms for the multiple query problem on reconfigurable meshes. Benefits of consolidating isolated algorithms and techniques into general computational paradigms in computer science; Definition of the multiple query problem; Discussion of a generic algorithm for solving a large class of multiple query problems.

The relationship of recent stressful life events with impulsiveness in triggering suicide attempts and how impulsiveness changes from one suicide attempt to another is unclear. This study used structured-interview tools and standardized measurements to examine the relationship between life stress and impulsiveness in a sample of patients who required hospitalization for a medically serious suicide attempt. After controlling for potentially confounding variables, the number of disrupted interpersonal relationships in the preceding year was a significant predictor of the impulsiveness of the suicide attempt, with three or more losses (but not other life stresses) associated with less impulsive attempts (T = 2.4, p = .02). Female gender (T = -1.98, p = .05) and lifetime DMS-III-R diagnoses (T = -2.45, p = .02) were significantly associated with more impulsive attempts. In 55 patients with at least two suicide attempts, impulsiveness, lethal intent, and communication of intent were significantly greater for the present compared to the prior attempt (p = 0.000). Certain stressful life events, gender, and total lifetime DSM-III-R diagnoses are associated with impulsiveness of failed suicide attempts; yet, impulsiveness is not necessarily consistent from one suicide attempt to another. This evidence supports and amplifies a stress-diathesis model of suicide behavior. Accordingly, efforts to increase personal resilience in individuals who have "failed suicide" may be more effective at preventing suicide morbidity than simple stress-reduction measures alone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents a method to combine passive microwave remote-sensing measurements within a spatially distributed snow hydrolyzer. Methodology of the study; Results and discussion; Conclusions.

Two new species of anoles of the Norops crassulus group are described from Honduras. Both are distinguished from all other species of the genus Norops by unique characteristics of scale morphology and meristics, limb proportions, and male dewlap coloration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]