Articles tagged with Reptiles
Scientists have described a new species of earth snake from the mountains of Puebla and Veracruz in east-central Mexico. Genetic data and anatomical examination reveal that these snakes are remarkably similar to each other, but molecular analyses and rigorous specimen examination have come close to understanding their diversity.
A study of 100 species found that over 90% were affected by the forest edge effect, with the majority declining in abundance. The negative impact extended far into the forest interior, making conservation efforts crucial to protect biodiversity.
The European pet trade is putting rare reptile species at risk of extinction due to high demand and lack of effective regulation. Conservation efforts are being undermined by the lucrative black market for exotic animals, with smugglers using creative tactics to evade laws.
Scientists reveal new insights into a crocodile-sized sea-dwelling reptile that lived 242 million years ago in southern China. The 'hammerhead' creature, Atopodentatus unicus, used its unique jaw to scrape and filter-feed on plants from the ocean floor.
A study in GENETICS identifies the first gene associated with temperature-dependent sex determination in reptiles, highlighting the role of genetic variation and climate change. The research found that a specific DNA sequence variation at the CIRBP gene influences sex ratio in snapping turtles.
The study found that venomous and endangered species, as well as those with higher body mass or posing a threat to humans, tend to be more interesting overall. The top 10 reptiles accessed on Wikipedia in 2014 were dominated by fearsome species like the Komodo dragon, saltwater crocodile, and king cobra.
A new study reveals that reptiles, like mammals and birds, experience REM and slow-wave sleep patterns. This discovery suggests a common ancestor for these sleep states, evolving over 300 million years ago in amniotes.
A University of Kansas researcher is questioning traditional methods for defining species by studying the genetic basis for species differences in lizards. He found that variation in dewlap colors and patterns, previously used to separate subspecies, were not a reliable sign of underlying genetic differences.
A new species of blue-tailed monitor lizard unique to Mussau Island has been described, with distinct features including a pale yellow tongue and turquoise pigmentation. The lizard plays a crucial ecological role in the island ecosystem as a top-predator and scavenger.
Researchers discovered a new species of extinct worm lizard in Texas, dubbed the 'Lone Star' lizard. The discovery sheds light on how certain animal groups responded to climate change in the past and provides insight into potential future adaptations.
Researchers found reptiles and amphibians to be a crucial high-value food source for whooping cranes, particularly during spring nesting season. This adaptability suggests the birds have an increased chance for survival in human-modified environments.
Researchers have found that temperature-dependent sex determination (TSD) in American alligators is linked to the thermosensor protein TRPV4. The study shows that warm temperatures activate cell signaling, influencing gene expression and leading to partial feminization at male-producing temperatures.
Researchers use CT scans and 3D models to study a 90-million-year-old skull, revealing that snakes evolved to live in burrows and lost their limbs as a result. The discovery confirms Dinilysia patagonica as the largest burrowing snake ever known.
The corn snake genome has been sequenced for the first time, providing valuable insights into reptile evolution and genetic diversity. The study aims to understand how snakes lost their limbs and developed various skin colorations, shedding light on the evolutionary processes that shaped these animals.
A recent study reveals that reptile pets can shuttle grasshopper allergy and asthma into homes. Researchers found that insects used as reptile food can cause allergic reactions, even after exposure has ceased. Experts recommend keeping reptile food outside of homes to prevent this issue.
Researchers found high mercury levels in Amazonian reptiles, with liver concentrations above recommended limits for pregnant women and children. The study suggests using reptiles as indicators of environmental mercury concentrations, shedding light on the region's mercury cycling.
A 260-million-year-old fossil species, Eunotosaurus africanus, provides crucial information into the origins of turtles. The study reveals that early turtles had a quicker bite than modern ones, with the skull of Eunotosaurus showing diapsid characteristics, challenging the long-held notion of turtles being an ancient reptile lineage.
Researchers analyze 260-million-year-old skull of Eunotosaurus africanus to understand turtle origins. They find evidence of diapsid condition, a characteristic shared with modern reptiles and birds.
A study found that island-dwelling Balkan green lizards have a longer small intestine and hindgut compared to their mainland counterparts. They also possess cecal valves, which slow down food passage and provide fermenting chambers, allowing them to digest more plant material.
A new $20,000 grant from the National Geographic Society will support Chan Kin Onn's research on revealing the hidden diversity and riverscape genetics of reptiles and amphibians in Malaysia. Through genetic analysis and ecological niche modeling, Chan aims to catalog and conserve species threatened by habitat destruction.
The $670,797 grant will support research on biodiversity in West and Central Africa, with a focus on amphibian and reptile wildlife. The project aims to identify the processes driving high species diversity in the region and develop efficient approaches for maintaining biodiversity.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that fence failures can negate the effectiveness of ecopassages in reducing reptile road mortality. Despite the use of ecopassages, turtle abundance on roads remained unchanged, and dead snakes and turtles increased after mitigation measures were implemented.
George Mason University researchers have discovered peptides in alligator blood that can effectively fight bacterial infections. These peptides, part of the innate immunity system, could potentially be developed into new treatments for wound infections and biothreat agents.
A new species of short-necked marine reptile, Eohupehsuchus brevicollis, has been discovered in Hubei Province, China. The specimen features a short neck with six cervical vertebrae and broken digits, suggesting the break occurred prior to death.
A Tel Aviv University study found that reptiles with reduced reproductive rates and plant-rich diets lived longer than those with faster growth and early reproduction. Herbivorous reptiles consumed fewer calories and took a more leisurely pace, leading to increased longevity.
Researchers analyzed Madagascar's lizard, snake, frog, and tortoise populations to understand how biodiversity hotspots come to be. Climate change and land use affect different species differently, with some doing better while others decline.
Researchers use fossils to reconstruct ancient ecosystems on the Bahamian island of Abaco, where megafauna like crocodiles and tortoises once flourished. The study's findings suggest that reptiles played a dominant role in these ecosystems, providing vital clues for conservation efforts.
Researchers have discovered a novel virus in ball pythons that could be the source of severe respiratory disease, with implications for public health and animal care. The virus, named ball python nidovirus, has been sequenced and found to be similar to toroviruses, which infect mammals and fish.
Researchers at McGill University studied a living fish, Polypterus, to understand the evolution of tetrapods. The fish showed significant anatomical changes, including modified fins and increased support during walking.
Researchers found Giant South American river turtles have a repertoire of vocalizations for different behavioral situations, including caring for young. The study reveals unique insights into their behavior, with female turtles using specific sounds to call to their newly hatched offspring and synchronize movements.
A team of scientists discovered the bones of 49 ancient flying reptiles from a new species of pterosaur, Caiuajara dobruskii, in southern Brazil. The bones revealed features such as a bony expansion and rounded depressions on the skull, suggesting this species may have been gregarious and able to fly at a young age.
The Reptile Database has recorded over 10,000 known species, making it the most diverse vertebrate group after fish and bird species. The 10,000th species, Cyrtodactylus vilaphongi, is a tiny gecko discovered in Laos.
Researchers have found the first three-dimensionally preserved pterosaur eggs in China, providing new insights into the flying reptiles' reproductive strategy, development, and social behavior. The discovery suggests that pterosaurs lived together in gregarious colonies, with males and females having distinct head crest features.
A Dartmouth-led study suggests that turtles share a more recent common ancestor with birds and crocodilians than with lizards and snakes. The research resolves a long-standing evolutionary debate, providing new insights into the relationships among reptile groups.
Climate change is forecasted to alter the distribution of southwestern bird and reptile species in the Western United States. The study predicts that nearly half of all reptile species will experience significant distribution losses, including the iconic chuckwalla. In contrast, black-throated sparrows and gray vireos are projected to ...
Peru's Manu National Park has been recorded with 287 species of reptiles and amphibians, surpassing the previous record in Yasuní National Park. The park's high species diversity is attributed to its large area and steep topographic variation, despite being only 0.01 percent of the planet's land area.
Research shows that orangutans and gorillas can form concepts beyond perceptual similarity, matching images by taxonomic class. This finding suggests a shared conceptual process with humans and refutes the notion that biological categories depend on scientific knowledge or labels.
Scientists have discovered a remarkable diversity of flying reptiles, including 30 species and five genera, from the Cretaceous period in England. The fossils show varying head crests and teeth sizes, suggesting different feeding preferences.
Paleoanthropologist Russell Ciochon and colleagues discover a new species of plant-eating lizard, Barbaturex morrisoni, which lived in Southeast Asia 40 million years ago. The giant lizard was one of the largest of its kind, with some specimens reaching six feet in length.
A new study reveals that Southeast Asian monitor lizard species are being harvested and traded in unsustainable volumes, threatening their survival. The trade, particularly for pet owners, has led to over-exploitation and extinction, with many species facing critical threats.
Researchers studied an extinct South African reptile, Eunotosaurus, to understand the evolution of the turtle shell. The findings revealed that the shell is made up of approximately 50 bones and was gradually modified over millions of years.
A new study reveals that nearly 1 in 5 reptiles are struggling to survive, with many species highly specialized and sensitive to environmental changes. The findings highlight the urgent need for conservation action to address habitat loss, hunting, and other threats, particularly in tropical regions.
A recent study documents more than 100 species of amphibians and reptiles in Luzon's Sierra Madre Mountain Range. The region's unique biodiversity includes 32 endemic amphibian species and 76 native reptile species.
A total of 42 reptile species were found in Lenáois Maranhenses National Park, with approximately 80% living in restinga habitats. The park's ecosystems are threatened by human activities such as off-road vehicle use and path creation, which could harm the environment and potentially endangered species like sea turtles.
Scientists have identified the genetic building blocks behind the human heart's subtle control system, which shares similarities with birds and reptiles. The study reveals that a spongy inner tissue in fetal hearts stretches out to form a fine network of conductive tissue in adult animals.
Scientists discovered a 5-foot-long fossil turtle with an extremely circular shell in Colombia. The shell may have discouraged predators and helped the cold-blooded turtle regulate its body temperature. This new species adds to evidence that tropical reptiles were larger than they are now after the dinosaurs' extinction.
A recent study has identified 24 new species of skinks, a type of lizard, on Caribbean islands. The newly discovered species are threatened with extinction due to the introduction of invasive mongooses that have been responsible for their decline.
Four new species of miniaturized lizards have been identified in Madagascar, with some species as small as match heads. The discovery highlights the importance of conservation efforts for microendemic species threatened by deforestation.
A new study led by a University of Florida researcher verifies that the pet trade is the No. 1 cause of invasive amphibian and reptile introductions in Florida. The study documents 137 non-native species, with about 25% traced to one animal importer.
Researchers at Duke University found that tropical anoles can solve novel problems and remember solutions, demonstrating advanced cognitive abilities. The study's results challenge the notion that reptiles have limited cognitive capabilities and highlight the complexity of animal cognition.
A DNA-based test can identify whether a cryptosporidium is of mammalian or snake origin, with prevalence figures revealing widespread infection in popular pets like corn snakes and leopard geckos. Reptile owners must be aware of the risk of cross-species infection and the importance of regular testing to prevent the spread of disease.
Scientists and volunteers are working together to track the spread of a deadly amphibian fungus across the UK. The survey aims to identify the most at-risk species and develop strategies for conservation.
Research reveals a pattern of reptile extinctions on Greek islands, with habitat specialists and northern species most affected. The study suggests that preserving habitat corridors will enable plants and animals to migrate in response to climate change.
Researchers found that humidity helps geckos grip tighter by softening the surface of their feet, not through microscopic water bridges. The setae's increased softness strengthens contact with surfaces and makes it easier for geckos to peel their feet off.
Researchers found that lizards change their diet from ants to other prey when threatened by predators, as they move less and catch less mobile prey. The species' diet data showed a significant reduction in seed consumption and an increase in diverse food sources.
Researchers in Spain found that artificial refuges significantly improved reptile populations and diversity in Doñana National Park. The study suggests that landscape rehabilitation programs should prioritize the availability of refuges for wildlife.
Female reptiles lay eggs in communal nests, defying their solitary nature. The behavior is common among 255 lizard species and many snake and alligator species, with potential advantages including reduced nesting costs.
A decade of research in the Eastern Himalayas has uncovered over 350 new species, including a prehistoric 100-million-year-old gecko and the world's smallest deer. Climate change threatens this biological treasure trove, putting cultural and biological diversity at risk.
A new species of stinkhorn mushroom, Phallus drewesii, has been discovered on the African island of Sao Tome. The mushroom is notable for its small size, white net-like stem, and brown spore-covered head.
Researchers found that tree-dwelling lizards have a unique escape mechanism: dropping their tails to distract predators. Without their tails, the lizards tumble backwards uncontrollably, suggesting a significant ecological cost for this life-saving adaptation.