scholarly journals Lizards (Reptilia: Squamata) of the Corn Islands, Caribbean Nicaragua

Check List ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 9 (6) ◽  
pp. 1383 ◽  
Author(s):  
Javier Sunyer ◽  
Kirsten Elizabeth Nicholson ◽  
John Gerhardt Phillips ◽  
Jenny Ann Gubler ◽  
Lenin Alexander Obando
Keyword(s):  
Protected Areas ◽  
Human Population ◽  
Habitat Alteration ◽  
Lizard Species ◽  
Iguana Iguana ◽  
Caribbean Islands ◽  
Lepidodactylus Lugubris ◽  
Ctenosaura Similis ◽  
Hemidactylus Frenatus

The Corn Islands are two small Caribbean islands with the richest collection of endemic herpetofaunal taxa in Nicaragua. Despite increasing human population and associated habitat alteration, both islands lack protected areas. The lizard fauna of Great Corn Island consists of 14 species corresponding to nine families, and includes three endemic taxa. We collected three lizard species (Corytophanes cristatus, Gonatodes albogularis, and Hemidactylus frenatus) that were not previously recorded from that island. On Little Corn Island, where there were no previous records of lizards, we found seven species (Ctenosaura similis, Gonatodes albogularis, Hemidactylus frenatus, Holcosus undulatus, Iguana iguana, Lepidodactylus lugubris, and Norops unilobatus), all of which are also present on Great Corn Island.

scholarly journals Trans-marine dispersal inferred from the saltwater tolerance of lizards from Taiwan

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (2) ◽  
pp. e0247009
Author(s):  
Min-Hao Hsu ◽  
Jhan-Wei Lin ◽  
Chen-Pan Liao ◽  
Jung-Ya Hsu ◽  
Wen-San Huang
Keyword(s):  
Species Distribution ◽  
Current Distribution ◽  
Water Loss ◽  
Physiological Responses ◽  
Lizard Species ◽  
Terrestrial Vertebrates ◽  
Marine Dispersal ◽  
Historical Geology ◽  
Saltwater Tolerance ◽  
Hemidactylus Frenatus

Dehydration and hypersalinity challenge non-marine organisms crossing the ocean. The rate of water loss and saltwater tolerance thus determine the ability to disperse over sea and further influence species distribution. Surprisingly, this association between physiology and ecology is rarely investigated in terrestrial vertebrates. Here we conducted immersion experiments to individuals and eggs of six lizard species differently distributed across Taiwan and the adjacent islands to understand if the physiological responses reflect the geographical distribution. We found that Plestiodon elegans had the highest rate of water loss and the lowest saltwater tolerance, whereas Eutropis longicaudata and E. multifasciata showed the lowest rate of water loss and the highest saltwater tolerance. Diploderma swinhonis, Hemidactylus frenatus, and Anolis sagrei had medium measurements. For the eggs, only the rigid-shelled eggs of H. frenatus were incubated successfully after treatments. While, the parchment-shelled eggs of E. longicaudata and D. swinhonis lost or gained water dramatically in the immersions without any successful incubation. Combined with the historical geology of the islands and the origin areas of each species, the inferences of the results largely explain the current distribution of these lizards across Taiwan and the adjacent islands, pioneerly showing the association between physiological capability and species distribution.

scholarly journals Herpetofauna of protected areas in the Caatinga I: Raso da Catarina Ecological Station (Bahia, Brazil)

Check List ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 405 ◽  
Author(s):  
Adrian Antonio Garda ◽  
Taís Borges Costa ◽  
Carlos Roberto dos Santos-Silva ◽  
Daniel Oliveira Mesquita ◽  
Renato Gomes Faria ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Protected Areas ◽  
Atlantic Forest ◽  
Protected Area ◽  
New Records ◽  
Pitfall Trap ◽  
Temporary Ponds ◽  
Potential Influence ◽  
Lizard Species ◽  
Forest Habitats

We provide a list of amphibian and squamate species collected in the Raso da Catarina Ecological Station, Bahia state, Brazil, during two distinct periods. An initial visual inventory of amphibians was conducted monthly from March 2010 to February 2011, using transects in a forest and temporary ponds. The second inventory was conducted over a 30-day period between March and April, 2012, when 37 pitfall trap arrays, each consisting of four buckets and supplementary glue traps, were set in low scrub and forest, complemented by opportunistic searches. A total of 19 lizard species, two amphisbaenians, 21 frogs, and 11 snakes were recorded during the study. New records for the protected area include 10 lizards, one amphisbaenian, 15 amphibians, and 11 snakes (36 species in total). Several species typical of the Atlantic Forest were collected, reflecting the potential influence of this biome, especially in the sampled forest habitats (Mata da Pororoca).

scholarly journals Changes in Human Population Density and Protected Areas in Terrestrial Global Biodiversity Hotspots, 1995–2015

Land ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 7 (4) ◽  
pp. 136 ◽  
Author(s):  
Caitlin Cunningham ◽  
Karen Beazley
Keyword(s):  
Population Density ◽  
Protected Areas ◽  
Protected Area ◽  
Human Population ◽  
Area Coverage ◽  
Biodiversity Hotspots ◽  
Population Densities ◽  
Human Population Density ◽  
Global Average ◽  
Global Biodiversity

Biodiversity hotspots are rich in endemic species and threatened by anthropogenic influences and, thus, considered priorities for conservation. In this study, conservation achievements in 36 global biodiversity hotspots (25 identified in 1988, 10 added in 2011, and one in 2016) were evaluated in relation to changes in human population density and protected area coverage between 1995 and 2015. Population densities were compared against 1995 global averages, and percentages of protected area coverage were compared against area-based targets outlined in Aichi target 11 of the Convention on Biological Diversity (17% by 2020) and calls for half Earth (50%). The two factors (average population density and percent protected area coverage) for each hotspot were then plotted to evaluate relative levels of threat to biodiversity conservation. Average population densities in biodiversity hotspots increased by 36% over the 20-year period, and were double the global average. The protected area target of 17% is achieved in 19 of the 36 hotspots; the 17 hotspots where this target has not been met are economically disadvantaged areas as defined by Gross Domestic Product. In 2015, there are seven fewer hotspots (22 in 1995; 15 in 2015) in the highest threat category (i.e., population density exceeding global average, and protected area coverage less than 17%). In the lowest threat category (i.e., population density below the global average, and a protected area coverage of 17% or more), there are two additional hotspots in 2015 as compared to 1995, attributable to gains in protected area. Only two hotspots achieve a target of 50% protection. Although conservation progress has been made in most global biodiversity hotspots, additional efforts are needed to slow and/or reduce population density and achieve protected area targets. Such conservation efforts are likely to require more coordinated and collaborative initiatives, attention to biodiversity objectives beyond protected areas, and support from the global community.

scholarly journals Global correlates of terrestrial and marine coverage by protected areas on islands

2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
David Mouillot ◽  
Laure Velez ◽  
Eva Maire ◽  
Alizée Masson ◽  
Christina C. Hicks ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Protected Areas ◽  
Protected Area ◽  
Human Population ◽  
Marine Protected Area ◽  
Habitat Diversity ◽  
Area Coverage ◽  
Biodiversity Hotspots ◽  
Human Footprint ◽  
Cultural Connections ◽  
Resource Capacity

Abstract Many islands are biodiversity hotspots but also extinction epicenters. In addition to strong cultural connections to nature, islanders derive a significant part of their economy and broader wellbeing from this biodiversity. Islands are thus considered as the socio-ecosystems most vulnerable to species and habitat loss. Yet, the extent and key correlates of protected area coverage on islands is still unknown. Here we assess the relative influence of climate, geography, habitat diversity, culture, resource capacity, and human footprint on terrestrial and marine protected area coverage across 2323 inhabited islands globally. We show that, on average, 22% of terrestrial and 13% of marine island areas are under protection status, but that half of all islands have no protected areas. Climate, diversity of languages, human population density and development are strongly associated with differences observed in protected area coverage among islands. Our study suggests that economic development and population growth may critically limit the amount of protection on islands.

Human population density explains alien species richness in protected areas

2013 ◽  
Vol 159 ◽  
pp. 137-147 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dian Spear ◽  
Llewellyn C. Foxcroft ◽  
Hugo Bezuidenhout ◽  
Melodie A. McGeoch
Keyword(s):  
Species Richness ◽  
Population Density ◽  
Protected Areas ◽  
Alien Species ◽  
Human Population ◽  
Human Population Density

scholarly journals Conflict between humans and elephants on private land in northern Kenya

Oryx ◽  
1994 ◽  
Vol 28 (2) ◽  
pp. 119-127 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chris R. Thouless
Keyword(s):  
Land Use ◽  
Protected Areas ◽  
Human Population ◽  
Water Sources ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Private Land ◽  
Northern Kenya ◽  
Small Scale Farmers

About 3000 elephants live in the Laikipia/Sambnru region of northern Kenya – the largest remaining population outside the country's formal protected areas. The elephants occasionally kill or injure people, damage the crops of small-scale farmers, drive cattle away from water sources and cause a range of other problems for the human population. As a result, a number of elephants have been shot for control purposes in recent years and others have died as a result of poisoning, snares or spearing. The author examines the conflict between elephants and humans in areas of differing land use and makes suggestions for resolving at least some of the problems.

Early life history of barramundi, Lates calcarifer (Bloch), in north-eastern Queensland

1985 ◽  
Vol 36 (2) ◽  
pp. 191 ◽  
Author(s):  
DJ Russell ◽  
RN Garrett
Keyword(s):  
Human Population ◽  
Size Range ◽  
Early Life History ◽  
Habitat Alteration ◽  
Insect Larvae ◽  
Tidal Creeks ◽  
Lates Calcarifer ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
North Eastern ◽  
History Of

Larval barramundi in the size range 2.8-5.2 mm were collected from plankton in two estuaries in north-eastern Queensland from 31 October 1979 until 13 February 1980. After leaving the plankton, barramundi moved into nearby brackish and freshwater swamps. These areas acted as nursery grounds, offering both protection from predators, and abundant prey in the form of insect larvae, other fish and crustaceans. These habitats exhibit a wide range of salinities (fresh water-44 × 103 mg l-1) and surface water temperatures (23-36�C). Juvenile barramundi commenced migration from these swamps into permanent tidal creeks around April where they remained for up to 9 months before dispersal into the estuary, up rivers or along coastal foreshores. The diet of the barramundi in these tidal creeks was exclusively fish and crustaceans. Juvenile barramundi were resident in tidal creeks that had been subjected to substantial human interference through habitat alteration. Destruction of nursery swamps may pose a serious threat to local barramundi stocks near centres of human population on the eastern Queensland coast.

scholarly journals Definition of the Caribbean Islands biogeographic region, with checklist and recommendations for standardized common names of amphibians and reptiles

2019 ◽  
pp. 1-53
Author(s):  
S. Blair Hedges ◽  
Robert Powell ◽  
Robert W. Henderson ◽  
Sarah Hanson ◽  
John C. Murphy
Keyword(s):  
South America ◽  
Human Population ◽  
Biological Study ◽  
Population Densities ◽  
The Bahamas ◽  
Caribbean Islands ◽  
Biogeographic Region ◽  
The Caribbean ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
Conservation Threats

To facilitate biological study we define “Caribbean Islands” as a biogeographic region that includes the Antilles, the Bahamas, and islands bordering Central and South America separated from mainland areas by at least 20 meters of water depth. The advantages of this definition are that it captures nearly all islands with endemic species and with at least some Antillean-derived species, and still circumscribes a region of high biodiversity and biogeographic significance. We argue that Caribbean islands, in this expanded sense, are also cohesive from a conservation standpoint in that they share high human population densities and similar conservation threats. A disadvantage of this definition, strictly applied, is that it includes some islands (e.g., Trinidad) that have mostly mainland species. However, we propose that researchers can increase the stringency of the definition so that it is less inclusive, and make comparisons between different definitions as needed. We provide an updated checklist with standardized common English names for the 1,013 species of amphibians and reptiles occurring in the region, along with principles for constructing common names.

scholarly journals Over-ocean dispersal inferred from the saltwater tolerance of lizards from Taiwan

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Min-Hao Hsu ◽  
Jhan-Wei Lin ◽  
Chen-Pan Liao ◽  
Jung-Ya Hsu ◽  
Wen-san Huang
Keyword(s):  
Water Loss ◽  
Native Species ◽  
Water Immersion ◽  
Experimental Treatment ◽  
Dispersal Ability ◽  
Lizard Species ◽  
Terrestrial Vertebrates ◽  
Historical Geology ◽  
Saltwater Tolerance ◽  
Hemidactylus Frenatus

Abstract BackgroundFor non-marine organisms, crossing the sea requires the challenges of dehydration and hypersalinity to be faced. Thus, the rate of water loss and saltwater tolerance determine the ability of species to disperse over sea and further influence species distribution. However, this association between physiology and ecology has rarely been investigated in terrestrial vertebrates. In this study, we examined the lizard species differently distributed across Taiwan and the adjacent islands to determine whether these physiological responses reflect the geographical distribution. We performed immersion experiments on individuals and eggs to test the rate of water loss and the saltwater tolerance in the six chosen species, that is, four native species (Plestiodon elegans, Eutropis longicaudata, Diploderma swinhonis, and Hemidactylus frenatus) and two introduced species (E. multifasciata and Anolis sagrei). Results For the individuals, the results showed that P. elegans had the highest rate of water loss and the lowest saltwater tolerance, whereas E. longicaudata and E. multifasciata showed the lowest rate of water loss and the highest saltwater tolerance. D. swinhonis, H. frenatus, and A. sagrei had medium measurements compared with the aforementioned species. On the other hand, for the eggs, only the rigid-shelled eggs of H. frenatus were not influenced by the water immersion and were incubated successfully after experimental treatment. In contrast, the parchment-shelled eggs of E. longicaudata and D. swinhonis lost or gained water dramatically in the experiments, and none of them hatched after immersion. ConclusionsThese interspecies differences in water loss and saltwater tolerance strongly suggest the heterogeneity of over-ocean dispersal ability among these lizards. Combined with the historical geology and the origin areas of each species, the inferences of the results largely explain the current distribution of these lizards across Taiwan and the adjacent islands. Furthermore, this study also helps to elucidate the potential dispersal of two invasive species, E. multifasciata and A. sagrei, for conservation purposes.

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