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Die landgebundenen Wirbeltiere des festländischen Iberiens (Süßwasserfische, Amphibien, Reptilien mit Ausnahme der Meeresschildkröten, Säugetiere mit Ausnahme der Chiroptera, Pinnipedia und Cetacea) bilden, wie im einzelnen gezeigt wird, in ihrer Gesamtheit eine besondere faunistische Einheit: ungefähr die Hälfte der Formen (Spezies oder Subspezies) ist endemisch; das gilt für 73 % der echten Süßwasserfische, 47 % der Amphibien, 36 % der Reptilien und 53 % der Säugetiere. Die geographische Isolierung durch die Pyrenäen und das Mittelmeer ist gewiß die Hauptursache für die Entwicklung einer so eigenartigen Fauna, aber auch andere Faktoren (die sehr verschiedenen Klimate und Biotope innerhalb Iberiens, der im Vergleich mit anderen Gebieten Europas geringere Einfluß der Vereisungen usw. haben sicher ebenfalls eine sehr wichtige Rolle gespielt. Acanthodactylus erythrurus erythrurus, Algyroides hidalgoi, Algyroides marchi marchi, Algyroides marchi niethammeri, Lacerta agilis agilis, Lacerta hispanica hispanica, Lacerta hispanica bocagei, Lacerta hispanica vaucheri, Lacerta lepida lepida, Lacerta lepida nevadensis, Lacerta monticola monticola, Lacerta monticola cantabrica, Lacerta monticola cyreni, Lacerta schreiberi, Lacerta viridis viridis, Lacerta vivipara, Psammodromus algirus algirus, Psammodromus hispanicus hispanicus, Psammodromus hispanicus edwardsianus.

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We present the results of several field campaigns, realized from June 2007 to September 2008, and from March 2012 to May 2014 in different Algerian localities (Cap Djinet, Tigzirt, Boukhalfa, Ouadias, El Misser, Darna and Talaguilef). During this field work we have collected 488 specimens belonging to 35 species: 328 small mammals (11 species), 53 amphibians (6 species), 106 squamates (17 species) and one chelonian. The trapping success was highly variable (0.1 to 13.34 %). Genetic and morphometric analyses in progress will improve our knowledge of the evolutionary history of these small vertebrates at population and community scales.

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The phylogenetic relationships among the wall lizards of the Podarcis hispanicus complex that inhabit the south-east (SE) of the Iberian Peninsula and other lineages of the complex remain unclear. In this study, four mitochondrial and two nuclear mark-ers were used to study genetic relationships within this complex. The phylogenetic analyses based on mtDNA gene trees constructed with ML and BI, and a species tree using *BEAST support three divergent clades in this region: the Valencia, Galera and Albacete/Murcia lineages. These three lineages were also corroborated in spe-cies delimitation analyses based on mtDNA using bPTP, mPTP, GMYC, ABGD and BAPS. Bayesian inference species delimitation method (BPP) based on both nuclear data and a combined data set (mtDNA + nuclear) showed high posterior probabilities for these three SE lineages (≥0.94) and another Bayesian analysis (STACEY) based on combined data set recovered the same three groups in this region. Divergence time dating of the species tree provided an estimated divergence of the Galera line-age from the other SE group (Podarcis vaucheri, (Albacete/Murcia, Valencia)) at 12.48 Ma. During this period, the Betic–Rifian arc was isolated, which could have caused the isolation of the Galera form distributed to the south of the Betic Corridor. Although lizards from the Albacete/Murcia and Galera lineage are morphologically similar, they clearly represent distinct genetic lineages. The noteworthy separation of the Galera lineage enables us to conclude that this lineage must be considered as a new full species.

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A series of phylogeographic studies in the Maghreb identified a repeated pattern of deep genetic divergence between an eastern (Tunisia) and western (Morocco) lineage for several taxa but lack of sampling in Algeria made it difficult to know if the range limits between the eastern and western lineages were shared among taxa or not. To address this question, we designed a comparative phylogeographic study using 8 reptile and 3 amphibian species with wide distribution in the Maghreb as models.We selected species where previous studies had identified an East-West phylogeographic divide and collected sampled in Algeria to 1) examine whether the simple East-West divergence pattern still holds after filling the sampling gap in Algeria or if more complex diversity patterns emerge; 2) if the E-W pattern still holds, test whether the limits between the E and W clades are shared between species, suggesting that common historical process caused the E-W divergences; 3) if E-W limits are shared between species, use information on the age of the divergence to identify possible geological or climatic events that could have triggered these E-W differentiations. We found that the E-W pattern was generally maintained after additional sampling in Algeria and identified two common disjunction areas, one around the Algeria-Morocco border, the other one in Kabylia (central Algeria), suggesting that common historical mechanisms caused the E-W divergences in the Maghreb. Our estimates for the times to most common recent ancestors to the E and W clades span a wide range between the Messinian salinity crisis and the Plio-Pleistocene limit (except for one older split), suggesting different origins for the initial divergences and subsequent preservation of the E and W lineages in common climatic refugia in the west and the east of the Maghreb.

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Une prospection extensive a permis de préciser les aires de répartition et les habitats en Tunisie de L. hispanica et de L. lepida. Un examen des caractères d`écaillure et de coloration les plus utilisés en taxonomie a été réalisé sur un échantillon de 17 L. hispanica en raison des imperfections de la systématique de cette espèce.

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Cette note est destinée à faire le point sur le peuplement herpétologique du Maroc. Elle comprend: — Une liste des formes effectivement présentes au Maroc, avec les affinités biogéographiques des espèces, et éventuellement les travaux récents où ces formes sont étudiées. — Des commentaires sur les espèces africaines douteuses en Europe et européennes douteuses en Afrique. — Une liste des espèces à rechercher au Maroc. — Une discussion sommaire sur la systématique de certaines espèces marocaines.

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This thesis comprises part of a wider project that addresses the evolution of Mediterranean lizards of the genus Podarcis (Wagler, 1830), and is mainly focused on insular populations. This genus is widespread across the Mediterranean basin. They exhibit a great intraspecific variability in morphological traits. In particular, melanic and non-melanic populations (which are completely green or brown, and/or with intermediate coloration) are found on different islands. The causes for this variability remain unknown. The Podarcis genus contains various insular endemism such as Podarcis tiliguerta from Corsica and Sardinia islands, and P. lilfordi and P. pityusensis from the Balearic archipelago. The Mediterranean basin is considered a biodiversity hotspot due to the presence of an exceptional number of endemic species and Podarcis provides an important component of this biodiversity. It can provide information on the effects of fragmentation and/or degradation of habitat. Analyses of Podarcis also have important implications for conservation of the group itself: understanding the evolutionary framework provides a basis for future conservation actions. The present thesis is focused on the molecular study of the evolution of several Mediterranean Podarcis. It aims to build on and extend previous studies that made evolutionary inferences from just the mitochondrial DNA. This is achieved by analysing several nuclear markers (MC1R, RAG1, APOBE28, BLC9L, KIAA2018 and KIF24) in combination with mtDNA data. The main aim is to address two important evolutionary questions: i) Factors determining melanism in insular populations P. lilfordi and P. pityusensis present an important colour variation and polymorphism in the MC1R gene has been related to pigmentation in other species. Therefore, the relationship between DNA substitutions and melanism in different populations was studied. We did not detect any differences in the MC1R sequence that we analysed and so this sequence does not appear to be the basis of the colour variation in these Balearic Podarcis. Differences in gene expression were also compared between melanic and nonmelanic individuals, but no differences that were directly related to MC1R expression were detected. Nevertheless, the transcriptome profiles of melanic and non-melanic individuals from two populations of P. lilfordi did show some differences. The main differences found between the two groups were: non-melanic samples showed overexpression of stress-response genes, while melanic individuals had higher metabolic rates and an increased inflammatory response to exogenous antigens. Despite finding differences in expression, our study was unable to reveal major insights into the genetic basis of melanism in these island lizards. ii) Phylogeny and phylogeography of different endemic species. This work contributes important findings relevant to the systematics and evolution of the species P. tiliguerta endemic to Corsica and Sardina. Using Bayesian phylogenetic dating, we determined that this species originated ~11 Ma ago. Both markers (nuclear genes and mtDNA) showed a high level of intraspecific divergence, especially between Corsica and Sardinia. Ancient divergence (which was estimated at 9.5 Ma ago) and associated high levels of between-island lineage sorting in nuclear markers support the view that Corsican and Sardinian populations should be recognized as two different species. Podarcis were also studied from the Columbretes archipelago, a small island group off the coast east of Spain. Populations were previously recognized as a subspecies of P. hispanica or as P. atrata species. However, the suitability of this taxonomic designation has been made unclear by recent systematics studies of Podarcis that have led to major taxonomic changes. We used nuclear and mitochondrial genes to define their phylogenetic relationships. Columbretes populations were found to be most closely related to the new taxon P. liolepis.

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Patterns of differentiation in morphology, mitochondrial DNA and allozymes in amphibians and reptiles inhabiting northern and southern shores of the Strait of Gibraltar are not concordant, suggesting that each taxon was affected differently by events preceding or following the formation of the Strait of Gibraltar. Mitochondrial DNA and allozyme differentiation between Discoglossus jeanneae and Discoglossus scovazzi (Anura, Discoglossidae), Rana perezi and Rana saharica (Anura, Ranidae), and Blanus cinereus and Blanus tingitanus (Squamata, Amphisbaenia, Amphisbaenidae) is substantial, whereas morphological differentiation is moderate in Rana and Blanus, but is substantial in Discoglossus. Differentiation in mitochondrial DNA and morphology between Timon (Lacerta) lepidus and Timon (Lacerta) tangitanus (Squamata, Lacertoidea, Lacertidae) is considerable, but allozyme differentiation is low. In members of type-I and -II Podarcis vaucheri (Squamata, Lacertoidea, Lacertidae), morphology and mitochondrial DNA are moderately differentiated, but allozyme differentiation is low. Spanish and Moroccan populations of Hyla meridionalis (Anura, Hylidae), Mauremys leprosa (Testudines, Geoemydidae), and Macroprotodon brevis (Squamata, Serpentes, Colubridae) demonstrate little allozyme and mitochondrial DNA differentiation, but whereas morphological differentiation between Mauremys and Macroprotodon populations is moderate, Hyla demonstrate substantial morphological differentiation between continental populations. These data suggest that sex-limited mitochondrial markers are reflective of ancient phylogenetic history, whereas biparentally inherited allozyme markers and morphological characteristics reflect more recent population structure and movement.

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Mitochondrial DNA analysis indicates that Podarcis vaucheri is a species complex with one clade inhabiting both north and south shores of the Strait of Gibraltar and one clade restricted to North Africa. While each clade exhibits differing morphology, allozyme analysis suggests varying degrees of reproductive contact among populations within clades. Ancestral P. vaucheri appears to have been restricted to insular areas of the Betic-Rif Massif and mainland Africa during Miocene, with major lineage differentiation occurring during Pliocene. Our analysis further confirms that Podarcis atrata warrants species status and suggests that it may be more widely distributed than previously reported.

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Relationships among representatives of five genera of lacertid lizards from Iberia, Morocco, and South Africa were studied using quantitative micro-complement fixation analysis of serum albumin evolution. Using the albumin molecular clock to establish divergence times we suggest (1) South African Ichnotropis and North African Psammodromus diverged from the lineage representing Lacerta lepida-L. monticola during the Oligocene, (2) South African Pedioplanis and Heliobolus diverged from this lineage during the late Miocene, and (3) ancestral representatives of L. andreanszkyi, L. perspicillata and Podarcis hispanica diverged from lineages leading to L. monticola and L. lepida during the mid-Miocene. Radiation within the Palearctic Lacertidae has clearly been extensive, yet fewer than twenty percent of the species in this radiation have been examined biochemically. Until additional data can be gathered, the current classification of the Palearctic Lacertidae cannot be much improved and we recommend adherence to the taxonomy proposed by Arnold (1973).

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The process of speciation is often equated to the acquisition of reproductive isolation. This is a process typically envisioned as being correlated to divergence time: as time progresses the more likely it will be for diverging taxa to experience restrictions to gene exchange. This correlation has been tested and verified in a wide range of taxa; however, other aspects of differentiation, such as ecological divergence, have also been shown to correlate with reproductive isolation independently of divergence time or genomic differentiation. Characterizing reproductive isolation in multiple pairs of closely related taxa that are in different stages of the divergence process is a way of addressing these questions and disentangling the factors are more importante as engines of reproductive isolation. Wall lizards of genus Podarcis, particularly those belonging to the Iberian and North African group, are an appropriate model for this type of evaluations since they comprise various differentiated species with that establish a variety of natural contact zones. In this study we sampled and characterized patterns of hybridization in 9 contact zones between different species pairs using RADseq data. We found a generally low proportion of hybrids and contact zones were strongly bimodal in all cases, but with measurable differences in levels of gene flow among contact zones. Using data available from previous studies on this complex and in a multivariate statistical framework, we compared the level of hybridisation in each contact zone with several predictor variables: nuclear and mitochondrial genetic divergence, distribution overlap, and morphological, ecological and physiological distances between species. Our results show that, despite the general trend in other taxa, the level of hybridization in Podarcis contact zones does not seem to be correlated to divergence time. We discuss how other mechanisms may have influenced this pattern.

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Niche divergence among closely related lineages can be informative on the ecological and evolutionary processes involved in differentiation, particularly in the case of cryptic species complexes. Here we compared phylogenetic relationships and niche similarity between pairs of lineages included in the Podarcis hispanicus complex to examine patterns of niche divergence and its role in the organization of current diversity patterns, as allopatric, parapatric, and sympatric lineages occur in the Western Mediterranean Basin. First, we used ecological niche models to characterize the realized climatic niche of each Podarcis hispanicus complex lineage based on topographic and climatic variables, to identify important variables, and to test for niche conservatism or divergence between pairs of lineages. Variables related to precipitation generally exhibited the highest contribution to niche models, highlighting the importance of rainfall levels in shaping distributions of Podarcis wall lizards. We found that most forms have significant differences in realized climatic niches that do not follow the pattern of mitochondrial divergence. These results lend support to the hypothesis that genetic divergence across Podarcis hispanicus complex most likely occurred in allopatric conditions, mostly with significant niche divergence. Competition after secondary contact is also suggested by the common occurrence of niche overlap between lineages that exhibit strictly parapatric distribution. The almost continuous distribution of Podarcis lizards in the study area appears to be a result of a combination of complementary suitable niches and competition, which seem two important mechanisms limiting geographic distributions and restricting the existence of extensive contact zones.

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The study that we present has two objectives: to expand our knowledge of the herpetofauna in the region of Tiaret and bordering areas, with a primary focus on distribution and update the threats that will affect this group, to propose solutions to protect and conserve the species of these areas. In spring 2014, we identified in this study, 6 species of amphibians and 22 species of reptiles. In some cases, we collected biological samples for later analysis. The majority of locations where prospected between May 22 and June 7, has a high biodiversity of herpetofauna, which shows how important it is, to preserve this species.

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A critical review of the evolutionary biology of Iberian and North African lizard members of the genus Podarcis (Lacertidae) based on phylogeny, phylogeography, morphometrics, behavior, ecology and physiology is presented. The Iberomaghrebian region is inhabited by at least 12 different evolutionary lineages that group into a monophyl- etic clade (except Podarcis muralis). In contrast to the current taxonomy, the saxicolous ‘Podarcis hispanica’ is paraphyletic with respect to Podarcis bocagei and Podarcis carbonelli, two currently recognized species. Nodes in the phylogenetic tree are deep, resulting from old divergences, clearly preceding the Pleistocene. Nevertheless, more recent range changes as a result of glaciations are also evident. The most plausible evolutionary scenario for this group indicates both vicariant and dispersal events. Although parapatry between lineages is the rule, sympatry and even syntopy are frequent, but usually between ground-dwelling and saxicolous forms. Contacts between forms with similar habitat use are rare and local. Morphological distinctiveness between lineages has been demonstrated, indicating historical constraints. However, other characters have repeatedly evolved under similar environmental pressures independently of the evolutionary lineage. Strong sexual dimorphism derives from sexual selection and is attained before sexual maturity, although developmental restrictions exist. Variation between popu- lations is also important and derives from local variation in both natural (habitat, climate) and sexual (density) selective pressures. Evidence for short-term changes has already been found, particularly in insular populations. Reproductive isolation between syntopic forms and partner recognition are based on male–male competition and on visual and chemical recognition of females by conspecific males. Despite this ancient diversification, most forms maintain a degree of reproductive compatibility. Hybridisation may occur, but is limited, and there is evidence of selection against hybrids. The ecological analysis presented here does not support exploitative competition, but rather behavioral interference between forms. Ecomorph classification of lineages suggests character displacement between those with extensive range overlap. Finally, a critical assessment of the specific status of all lineages is provided and directions for further research are suggested.

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Lacertids are considered conservative in terms of their thermal physiology. Namely, whereas their temperatures in the field vary according to the environment, their preferred body temperatures (Tp) when free of thermal constraints remain similar within species even if under different climate regimes. In contrast, phylogenetically distant lacertid lineages sharing the same habitats may display distinct Tps more related with their biogeographic origins. The evolutionary limits of this so-called thermal rigidity remain, nevertheless, undefined. Here, the variation of Tp is analysed across the Iberomaghrebian Podarcis clade (P. bocagei, P. carbonelli, P. vaucheri and P. hispanica sensu lato). For this monophyletic group of closely related forms, some still not formally described, the knowledge of their phylogenetic relationships, divergence times and palaeoecological scenarios is now considerably robust. A total of 229 adult lizards belonging to 11 lineages were exposed to a thermal gradient and temperatures were recorded at 9 time intervals within the period of activity. Once the effects of diel rhythms, size and pregnancy were excluded, variation in Tp was recorded between some of the forms. Lineages diverging during the Pleistocene displayed similar Tps whereas sister taxa separated since the Pliocene show significant differences even if current ranges overlap. The most basal lineages in the phylogeny selected for different temperatures even if sister taxa but approached others not directly related to them. Apparently, divergence times higher than 3 mya are able to promote Tp shifts in this species complex. Such results are discussed in relation with the evolutionary history of this group.

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Oukaiemeden Plateau is a herpetologically rich locality in the High Atlas (Morocco) where four lizard species coexist in strict sympatry: three lacertids (Lacerta perspicillata chabanaudi, L. andreanszkyi and Podarcis vaucheri - formerly P. hispanica vaucheri) and one gekkonid (Quedenfeldtia trachyblepharus). The diet composition of this lizard community during the early spring was analysed based on 132 faecal pellets which could be individually assigned to a species and a size and sex class. Quedenfeldtia trachyblepharus had the highest prey number and the most specialized prey composition based mainly on small Coleoptera (62.5%) which were consumed in aggregates. All three lacertids displayed higher but similar levels of populational prey diversity. Lacerta p. chabanaudi mainly fed on flying insects, whereas L. andreanszkyi and P. vaucheri had diets based on terrestrial prey. Larger lizards ate larger prey at both inter- and intraspecific levels. Species overlap was medium-high (48-84%). Within species, P. vaucheri showed moderate segregation between males and females (74% overlap) whereas the other species did not (> 94%). Pseudocommunity analyses revealed community structure based on segregation due to prey not consumed (species) and to the restriction of niche breadth (classes). The influences of species interactions on habitat use, restrictions in trophic availability and evolutionary history as determinant factors are discussed.

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A parasitological survey was carried out to determine the relationships between the helminth fauna and biological traits of the hosts in three Algerian populations of Podarcis lizards belonging to two different evolutionary lineages. Size, sex, and locality of collection, as well as the infracommunities and component communities, were analyzed. Very low values of parasite infection parameters and diversity were found in all three populations. This is in accordance with the feeding habits of these lizard hosts, which only eat animal prey and no plant matter. Spauligodon saxicolae (Nematoda: Pharyngodonidae), a specialist in lizards, is reported here for the first time in Africa. This nematode was the dominant parasite species for the three populations of lizards regardless their phylogenetic lineage, size, sex, and environmental conditions.

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This study was carried out to evaluate the diversity in reptile communities in wetland landscapes located in the Mediterranean region. For this, the status of the reptile populations linked to different Mediterranean wetlands in relation to the different types of land use established in the nearby drainage basins (500 m around the wetlands perimeter) was determined. The different types of land use were determined together with the presence/absence, abundance and size class of the different reptile species. The results showed that areas with high anthropic pressure had a lower diversity of species, as well as a less balanced community structure, that could put at risk the effective recruitment and hence the maintenance of the reptile populations in these areas. The reasons behind the decline in the reptile community are similar to those put forward for explaining the decline in amphibians in the same area.

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Socioeconomic factors (e.g. rural abandonment, monoculture plantations) and global warming are changing fire regimes (fire intensity, extent, and frequency) in fire-prone regions such as the Mediterranean Basin. Understanding the factors that shape responses of animal communities to fire is a key objective for biodiversity conservation. Given the substitution of native forests to pine plantations in many regions of the world, we studied whether forest type influences the responses to fire of reptile communities, in the African rim of the Western Mediterranean. Reptiles were sampled and vegetation structure measured in 2015 and 2016. We used generalized linear mixed models to examine the influence of fire, forest type (cork oak and pine), habitat structure and climate factors on two reptile-community metrics (abundance, species richness). Given possible differences in reptile detectability between unburnt and burnt transects, we used distance sampling models to estimate the density of the five commonest reptile species. The response of reptiles to fire varied between the two forest types: reptile abundance did not change with fire in cork oak forest, and increased with fire in pine plantation. Species richness was higher in cork oak forests, and increased from unburnt to burnt areas. Two out of five commonest lizards in the region, Acanthodactylus erythrurus and Podarcis vaucheri, responded positively to fire in pine plantation and remained similar in cork oak forest. Reptile communities were more similar between burnt and unburnt cork oak forests than between burnt and unburnt pine plantations, due to the reduced effect of fire on the former tree (a resprouter species) than on the latter (a seeder species). This work is the first field-based study examining the effects of fire on animal communities from north-western Africa. Overall, our results show that the response of reptiles to fire is shaped by forest type, and this conclusion has to be considered in fire-prone regions.

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Fire is one of the main disturbances to terrestrial environments, transforming habitat structure and affecting community composition. Coupled with fire, forest type and vegetation structure modulate the taxonomic response to fire by ectotherm organisms such as reptiles. The response of each reptile species to fire is based on their functional attributes, which make some species resilient to fire and others vulnerable to that disturbance and only adapted to long-unburnt landscapes. We studied the functional response of a reptile community at 13 burnt sites within the African rim of the Western Mediterranean, and in two contrasting forest types, i.e. native cork oak forests (five sites) and pine plantations (eight sites). We compiled seven functional traits for the reptile species in the study areas, and quantified reptile functional diversity at each sampled plot. Variation in this index was examined from burnt to nearby unburnt plots, both in cork oak and pine forests, with generalized linear mixed models. Redundancy analysis was used to identify which functional traits were associated with particular plot types. We found 2149 individual reptiles from 15 species. The functional response of reptiles to fire was forest-type dependent: functional richness did not change with fire in cork oak forest plots, but increased with fire in the pine plantation ones. High reptile functional richness in cork oak plots was due to high species richness in this forest type. The functional-redundancy analysis showed that cork oak forest hosts a reptile community functionally composed of small Mediterranean ground- and rock-dwelling lizards. In pine plantation plots, however, saxicolous geckos and phytophagous tortoises indicate the availability of other microhabitat and food resources to be exploited by reptile species with different functional traits.

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La présente étude vient apporter les premières données faunistiques et écologiques sur les amphibiens et reptiles en Kabylie de la Soummam, région dont, à notre connaissance, aucune étude n’a été consacrée à ce sujet auparavant. Le travail de terrain s’est étalé du début avril à fin juin 2006, en suivant un protocole d’échantillonnage par stations au niveau des principales zones humides de la région (cours d’eau permanents et mares temporaires) ainsi que de quelques milieux terrestres. Un total de 6 espèces d’amphibiens et 17 espèces de reptiles a été identifié dans la région. Les données recueillies sur le peuplement herpétologique et le milieu ont fait l’objet d’une discussion autour des aspects faunistiques, biogéographiques et écologiques de l’herpétofaune de la zone étudiée et dégager quelques pistes de recherche à développer dans l’avenir.

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Nowadays it is widely accepted that parasites play a significant role in the community structures in which they occur, and ultimately upon ecosystems. Furthermore, infection by parasites might be associated with considerable deterioration of individual host fitness. While the apicomplexan parasites belonging to the genus Hepatozoon can provoke severe deleterious effects in some mammals, impact on other hosts, such as reptiles, is still unclear. We assessed the effect of Hepatozoon parasites on Podarcis vaucheri flight-initiation distance from a simulated predator, a behaviour that is determinant for a successful escape and is therefore likely to have major implications on a lizard’s survival. We found that flight-initiation distance was not dependent on the time of the day or tail condition. Subadults exhibited worse body condition than adults and females had worse body condition than males. Regarding intensity of parasitism, subadults showed higher parasitemia levels. Escape distance was not associated with parasitic load or any of the other studied features, which is indicative of limited impact of the parasite. This negligible effect might explain the remarkably high prevalence (more than 96%) of this parasitic group within this P. vaucheri population.

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Assessment of parasites and their pathogenicity is essential for studying the ecology of populations and understanding their dynamics. In this study, we investigate the prevalence and intensity of infection of haemogregarines (phylum Apicomplexa) in two sympatric lizard species, Podarcis vaucheri and Scelarcis perspicillata, across three localities in Morocco, and their effect on host immune response. We used the Phytohaemagglutinin (PHA) skin testing technique to relate the level of immune response with parasite infection. Prevalence and intensity levels were estimated with microscopy, and 18S rRNA gene sequences were used to confirm parasite identity. All parasites belong to the haemogregarine lineage found in other North African reptiles. There were differences in prevalence between localities and sexes. Overall, infected lizards were larger than uninfected ones, although we did not detect differences in parasitaemia across species, sex or locality. The swelling response was not related to the presence or number of haemogregarines, or to host body size, body condition, sex or species. We found no evidence of impact for these parasites on the circulating blood cells or the hosts’ immune system, but more data is needed to assess the potential impact of mixed infections, and the possibility of cryptic parasite species.

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Reptiles are a successful group in subtropical arid regions. However, little is known about the drivers that influence the diversity of arid reptile communities. One approach is to investigate the variation in phylogenetic structure of the communities along a broad environmental gradient. In this study, I investigated these patterns in the communities of lacertids at the periphery of the Sahara Desert in Tunisia. The effect of the environment was assessed based on a set of variables describing the climate, topography, substrate and cover of perennial vegetation. The phylogenetic alpha diversity was described using the mean pairwise distance (MPD) and the mean nearest taxon distance (NTD) metrics. The analyses showed that the lacertid species could be clustered into three main ecological groups: mesic (Podarcis vaucheri, Psammodromus algirus, Psammodromus blanci, Timon pater), xeric (Acanthodactylus blanci, Acanthodactylus boskianus, Acanthodactylus maculatus, Mesalina olivieri, Ophisops occidentalis), and hyperxeric (Acanthodactylus dumerilii, Acanthodactylus longipes, Acanthodactylus scutellatus, Mesalina guttulata). The analyses also indicated that environment had a weak influence on species richness (15.7% of explained variance), but a strong effect on the phylogenetic (76.5% NTD, 89.5% MPD) structure. The lacertid communities tended to be phylogenetically clustered on sandy substrates under arid climate conditions, and overdispersed under more humid climatic conditions.

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It is confirmed the continuity of the population described by (Rivera, Simón i Arribas, 2009). Discovery of a population of Vaucher’s lizard Podarcis vaucheri (Boulenger, 1905) out of its limits in Almería (southeast of the Iberian Peninsula) and defined the origin due to a natural distribution.

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The traditional explanation of brain lateralization is that it avoids costly duplication of neural circuitry with the same function as well as decreasing the interference between different functions. This advantage could have important ecological implications in terms of predator–prey interactions. If species are lateralized in escape behavior at an individual level, any predator is facing individually asymmetric prey. On the other hand, if species are lateralized at a higher hierarchical level, such as at the population or species level, the predator can learn from experience arising from earlier encounters. In the present study, we investigate patterns of lateralization in 5 lizard populations of the Podarcis hispanica species complex, with the aim of analyzing the occurrence of lateralization at different hierarchical levels. Our results show that refuge selection during escape behavior is not universal in the P. hispanica species complex at different hierarchical levels, some individuals and populations are lateralized, with a consistent bias toward the refuge on the right. However, 2 populations showed no refuge preference, with lack of lateralization mainly arising due to the dominance of individuals with no preference rather than from a mix of right- and left-biased individuals. When considered at the P. hispanica species complex level, a pattern for right-refuge preference was found.

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Climatic conditions changing over time and space shape the evolution of organisms at multiple levels, including temperate lizards in the family Lacertidae. Here we reconstruct a dated phylogenetic tree of 262 lacertid species based on a supermatrix relying on novel phylogenomic datasets and fossil calibrations. Diversification of lacertids was accompanied by an increasing disparity among occupied bioclimatic niches, especially in the last 10 Ma, during a period of progressive global cooling. Temperate species also underwent a genome- wide slowdown in molecular substitution rates compared to tropical and desert-adapted lacertids. Evaporative water loss and preferred temperature are correlated with bioclimatic parameters, indicating physiological adaptations to climate. Tropical, but also some popu- lations of cool-adapted species experience maximum temperatures close to their preferred temperatures. We hypothesize these species-specific physiological preferences may con- stitute a handicap to prevail under rapid global warming, and contribute to explaining local lizard extinctions in cool and humid climates.

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Ich berichte über ein Echsenbiotop, in dem wir innerhalb kurzer Zeit drei Arten Lacertiden und eine tagaktive Geckoart fanden. Das Habitat dieser Echsengemeinschaft liegt knapp oberhalb 2200 m +ü.d.M. auf der Nordseite des Hohen Atlas in Marokko.

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It is confirmed the continuity of the population described by (Rivera, Simón i Arribas, 2009). Discovery of a population of Vaucher’s lizard Podarcis vaucheri (Boulenger, 1905) out of its limits in Almería (southeast of the Iberian Peninsula) and defined the origin due to a natural distribution.

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Plusieurs séjours au Maroc entre 1974 et 1978 effectués soit dans le cadre de la RCP 249 du C.N.R.S. soit à l`occasion de voyages touristiques ont permis de rassembler des informations complémentaires sur l`herpétofaune marocaine. Captures, observations de spécimens écrasés sur les routes, mues et déterminations visuelles ont permis d`établir le texte qui suit. Il nous a paru intéressant de rassembler les observations ainsi obtenues avant leur Intégration dans un atlas des Reptiles du Maroc qui devrait voir le jour sous peu. Le découpage régional qui a été retenu est celui qui a été proposé par J. BONS (1967). Les observations les plus originales sont marquées d`un astérisque (*) et certaines sont commentées dans la conclusion.

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In recent years there has been an exponential increase in the amount of published DNA sequences, as it has become one of the most popular sources of data for reconstructing phylogenies. A number of studies have attempted to resolve the relationships of groups of lacertids using mitochondrial DNA sequence data, in particular Podarcis and Gallotia (e.g. THORPE et al., 1994; 1996; GONZALEZ et al., 1996; FU et al., 1997; HARRIS, 1997; HARRIS et al., 1998a; 1999; CASTILLA et al., 1999a,b). Reassessment of these data suggest some alternative phylogenies to those previously published, and also highlight possible problems. Two studies have attempted to unravel the phylogeny of the whole family using mitochondrial DNA sequences (FU, 1998; HARRIS et al., 1998b). By combining these essentially congruent data sets, and reanalysing levels of support for the phylogenies produced, a more complete estimate of relationships across the family is produced. This is then compared to alternative sources of evidence, primarily morphological (ARNOLD, 1989), biochemical (MAYER & BENYR, 1994) and karyological (OLMO et al., 1993). Reasons for discrepencies are discussed, as are the relative advantages and disadvantages of the different sources of phylogenetic inference.

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Additional data on the distribution of terrestrial herpetofauna from Morocco are pre- sented, based on fieldwork carried out in March and May 2008. Thirty-eight species were recorded from 78 localities. Some of these represent considerable range extensions for the species, indicating that more prospection is needed to complement the existing knowledge of herpetofauna from this country.

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Aim To examine the effect of a known geological barrier on genetic variation within a wall lizard species complex. Location The Iberian Peninsula and North Africa. Methods Sequencing of partial 12S rRNA and cytochrome b mtDNA. Results The current distribution of genetic variability is not related to the opening of the Strait of Gibraltar. Conclusions Podarcis hispanica in North Africa is probably a species complex. The Strait of Gibraltar should not be used as a known barrier to gene flow in other land based organisms without careful sampling to test for multiple crossings since its formation.

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Phylogenetic relationships between species and morphotypes of Podarcis wall lizards from the Iberian Peninsula and north Africa were estimated using partial 12S rRNA and cytochrome b mitochondrial DNA sequences. All species except Podarcis hispanica form monophyletic units. P. hispanica is paraphyletic, although all identified morphotypes are monophyletic. These morphotypes represent highly divergent lineages showing 10–15% pairwise sequence divergence with the cytochrome b gene. The data suggest that P. hispanica is a species complex. We recommend using P. hispanica* until additional sampling delimits the number and ranges of species currently referred to P. hispanica. P. carbonelli, which has recently been raised to species status, is confirmed as a genetically distinct form. P. atrata is genetically distinct, but much more closely related to some populations of P. hispanica than previously thought.

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1. Research addressing the effects of global warming on the distribution and persistence of species generally assumes that population variation in thermal tolerance is spatially constant or overridden by interspecific variation. Typically, this rationale is implicit in sourcing one critical thermal maximum (CTmax) population estimate per species to model spatiotemporal cross‐taxa variation in heat tolerance. Theory suggests that such an approach could result in biased or imprecise estimates and forecasts of impact from climate warming, but limited empirical evidence in support of those expectations exists. 2. We experimentally quantify the magnitude of intraspecific variation in CTmax among lizard populations, and the extent to which incorporating such variability can alter estimates of climate impact through a biophysical model. To do so, we measured CTmax from 59 populations of 15 Iberian lizard species (304 individuals). 3. The overall median CTmax across all individuals from all species was 42.8 °C and ranged from 40.5 to 48.3 °C, with species medians decreasing through xeric, climate‐generalist and mesic taxa. We found strong statistical support for intraspecific differentiation in CTmax by up to a median of 3 °C among populations. We show that annual restricted activity (operative temperature > CTmax) over the Iberian distribution of our study species differs by a median of > 80 hours per 25‐km2 grid cell based on different population‐level CTmax estimates. This discrepancy leads to predictions of spatial variation in annual restricted activity to change by more than 20 days for six of the study species. 4. Considering that during restriction periods, reptiles should be unable to feed and reproduce, current projections of climate‐change impacts on the fitness of ectotherm fauna could be under‐ or over‐estimated depending on which population is chosen to represent the physiological spectra of the species in question. Mapping heat tolerance over the full geographical ranges of single species is thus critical to address cross‐taxa patterns and drivers of heat tolerance in a biologically comprehensive way.

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Several recent papers have reviewed the life and work of French herpetologist Louis Amédée Lantz. They have detailed the composition of his collections deposited in several museums. However, since then, several other important specimens from his collections deposited at the Natural History Museum (NHM, UK) have come to light and we here present all of them in detail. We discovered paralectotypes of Lacerta saxicola obscura Lantz & Cyrén (BMNH 1918.11.21.5–7), syntypes of Lacerta boemica Sukhov (BMNH 1960.1.4.26–30, BMNH 1965.337–342) and Lacerta viridis media Lantz & Cyrén (BMNH 1960.1.4.25, 1966.512). We also identified numerous specimens from the French Mediterranean islands in Lantz’s collection deposited at the NHM, some of which represent the first reported specimens of their species from certain islands. We here provide data on all these specimens. We also place the Mediterranean island specimens from the Lantz collection in their historical context and emphasize the historical and taxonomic value of these collections.

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Species distribution modelling (SDM) is a powerful tool to investigate various biological questions with a spatial component, but is also sensitive to presence-data characteristics, particularly data precision and clustering. Here, we investigate the effect of these two factors on SDM using Maxent as the modelling technique and wall lizards (genus Podarcis Wagler, 1830) from North Africa as a model system. Podarcis are not ubiquitous in Africa as they are in Europe, but their ecological and distributional characteristics in this area are poorly known. Our results show that the most important environmental factors related to the distribution of this genus in North Africa are humidity, habitat type, and temperature. The areas of potential distribution predicted by models based on data sets with different precision and clustering characteristics show high relatedness to coastal areas and mountain ranges and extend to areas were presence records for these lizards are lacking. Our comparison of models based on different data sets indicates that finer scale models, even if based on fewer presence locations, outperform coarser scale ones. Data clustering does not have a negative effect on model performance, but is rather overcome by sample-size effects. Similar approaches may be of general application to other stenoic species for which available locations are scarce in comparison with the extension of the study area.

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Cryptic species complexes represent groups that have been classified as a single species, because of the difficulty in distinguishing its members morphologically. Morphological investigation following the discovery of cryptic diversity is crucial for describing and conserving biodiversity. Here we present a detailed account of morphological variation in a group of Iberian and North African Podarcis wall lizards of the family Lacertidae, trying to elucidate the morphological patterns observed between known mitochondrial lineages. Our results reveal very high morphological variation within lineages, considering both biometric and pholidotic traits, but also indicate that lineages are significantly different from each other. The main sources of variation, both globally and between lineages, arise from body size, head dimensions, and limb length, possibly pointing to underlying ecological mechanisms. A combination of body size, body shape, and continuous pholidotic traits allows a relatively good discrimination between groups, especially when comparing one group with the rest or pairs of groups. However, ranges of variation greatly overlap between groups, thereby not allowing the establishment of diagnostic traits. The high morphological variation observed indicates that external morphology is not particularly useful for species delimitation in this group of lizards, as local adaptation seems to play a major role in within- and between-group differentiation.

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Evolutionary inference based on molecular phylogenetic methods has profoundly modified the way that we understand biological diversity, unravelling a higher evolutionary diversity than previously considered. An exemplary case of this is the group of Iberian and North African Podarcis wall lizards. More investigated than any other reptile group in Europe, the Podarcis hispanica species complex comprises unexpectedly high levels of phylogenetic diversity and illustrates how the discovery of further cryptic diversity may entangle evolutionary inference. In the present study, we report on the discovery of two new mitochondrial lineages in this species complex, reassess the phylogeny of the group, infer the age of major phylogenetic splits, and provide a detailed description of the geographical distributions of all known mitochondrial DNA lineages. Our data show that the differentiation of major lineages is older than previously considered, in most cases predating the Messinian salinity crisis. The new lineages discovered and their position in the phylogeny of the group profoundly modify previous biogeographical scenarios, clearly showing that the area today corresponding to the south-eastern corner of the Iberian Peninsula is a very important centre of diversification. The dating obtained for the differentiation of the lineages currently inhabiting this area coincides with the complex geological events that took place during the Miocene/Pleistocene transition, supporting the idea that both land movements and dramatic climatic oscillations during that period could be involved. Finally, the discovery of these new lineages, together with the observed distribution patterns, not only further augments the uncertainty associated to our understanding of the evolutionary history of this group of lizards, but also points to new areas of interest for future investigation.

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Background: Understanding how phenotypic variation scales from individuals, through populations, up to species, and how it relates to genetic and environmental factors, is essential for deciphering the evolutionary mechanisms that drive biodiversity. We used two species of Podarcis wall lizards to test whether phenotypic diversity within and divergence across populations follow concordant patterns, and to examine how phenotypic variation responds to genetic and environmental variability across different hierarchical levels of biological organization, in an explicit geographic framework. Results: We found a general concordance of phenotypic variation across hierarchical levels (i.e. individuals and populations). However, we also found that within-population diversity does not exhibit a coherent geographic structure for most traits, while among-population divergence does, suggesting that different mechanisms may underlie the generation of diversity at these two levels. Furthermore, the association of phenotypic variation with genetic and environmental factors varied extensively between hierarchical levels and across traits, hampering the identification of simple rules to explain what yields diversity. Conclusions: Our results in some cases comply with general ecological and evolutionary predictions, but in others they are difficult to explain in the geographic framework used, suggesting that habitat characteristics and other regulatory mechanisms may have a more substantial contribution in shaping phenotypic diversity.

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Oxymonads are a group of flagellate protists living in low oxygen environments - mainly the guts of insects and vertebrates. In this study, we focus on the analysis of ploidy and karyotype of various species of oxymonads using Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization (FISH) with probes against single copy genes and telomeric repeats as well as estimating the DNA content in the nuclei of these oxymonads using flow cytometry. Using specific FISH probes against SufDSU gene, which is present in a single copy in the haploid genome, we showed that all studied strains are probably haploid. From the genome of Monocercomonoides exilis strain PA203 we know that oxymonads have the ancestral type of telomeric repeat (TTAGGG). Using a probe against these repeats we tried to label chromosome ends and estimate the number of chromosomes for seven strains (five species) of Monocercomonoides. With a single exception, the average number of signals per nucleus was below 20 indicating number of chromosomes below 10. In the strains of M. mercovicensis, we observed much higher number of signals suggesting that the cells have much higher number of chromosomes. Finally, we established the DNA content for several strains using flow cytometry. We used as a standard M. exilis strain PA203 knowing that the haploid genome size is approximately 82Mbp. Results indicate that most of the strains have genomes smaller or similar to M. exilis except for M. mercovicensis, whose genome size is almost 130Mbp.

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Experimentally assessing the preferred body temperature (Tpref) of ectothermic animals is important to understand thermal adaptation. In lizards, this variable is usually estimated by measuring body temperature in thermal gradients. To quantify the extent to which different experimental setups influence the inferred Tpref values we submitted 65 individual lizards of three species to randomized tests using six different experimental setups at Oukaimeden, Morocco, including setup variants similar to those that have been most often used in lacertids. Among-treatment differences were substantial. Using an infrared bulb as heat source in combination with artificial cold lighting yielded about 5°C lower Tpref estimates than photothermal treatments with an incandescent bulb as heat and light source, possibly because lizards thermoregulated differently without a visual cue related to the heat source, or due to the absence of a natural photoperiod. Photothermal assays in which Tpref was assessed by hourly cloacal measurements over a 10h period yielded 2.2°C lower Tpref estimates than 2h treatments where body temperature was measured every minute with a thermocouple attached to the belly. This probably reflects that the 2h treatments targeted lizards in the initial warming-up phase, whereas the 10h treatment attempts to capture the preferred temperature of a lizard over its entire daily cycle including phases of inactivity. Lastly, we observed large differences among treatments with contact thermometers versus infrared laser thermometer measurements, calling for caution when the latter are used with artificial heat sources. Our data do not provide thorough tests of the physical, behavioural or physiological causes underlying the observed differences between treatments, but illustrate that for meta-analyses where detailed comparisons are needed, a rigorous consideration of the optimal experimental setup and its consistent use will remain necessary.

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Aim To map and assess the richness patterns of reptiles (and included groups: amphisbaenians, crocodiles, lizards, snakes and turtles) in Africa, quantify the overlap in species richness of reptiles (and included groups) with the other terrestrial vertebrate classes, investigate the environmental correlates underlying these patterns, and evaluate the role of range size on richness patterns. Location Africa. Methods We assembled a data set of distributions of all African reptile species. We tested the spatial congruence of reptile richness with that of amphibians, birds and mammals. We further tested the relative importance of temperature, precipitation, elevation range and net primary productivity for species richness over two spatial scales (ecoregions and 1° grids). We arranged reptile and vertebrate groups into range-size quartiles in order to evaluate the role of range size in producing richness patterns. Results Reptile, amphibian, bird and mammal richness are largely congruent (r = 0.79–0.86) and respond similarly to environmental variables (mainly productivity and precipitation). Ecoregion size accounts for more variation in the richness of reptiles than in that of other groups. Lizard distributions are distinct with several areas of high species richness where other vertebrate groups (including snakes) are species-poor, especially in arid ecoregions. Habitat heterogeneity is the best predictor of narrow-ranging species, but remains relatively important in explaining lizard richness even for species with large range sizes. Main conclusions Reptile richness varies with similar environmental variables as the other vertebrates in Africa, reflecting the disproportionate influence of snakes on reptile richness, a result of their large ranges. Richness gradients of narrow-ranged vertebrates differ from those of widespread taxa, which may demonstrate different centres of endemism for reptile subclades in Africa. Lizard richness varies mostly with habitat heterogeneity independent of range size, which suggests that the difference in response of lizards is due to their ecological characteristics. These results, over two spatial scales and multiple range-size quartiles, allow us to reliably interpret the influence of environmental variables on patterns of reptile richness and congruency.

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Recent molecular studies indicate that Podarcis occurring in the extreme South of the Iberian Peninsula and North Africa from Morocco to Algeria and Tunisia constitute a monophyletic clade composed of several forms with unsolved status. In such studies mtDNA markers revealed high levels of differentiation between the forms ranging from the Moroccan Atlas and Rif and those found in Tunisia and Jebel Sirwah (South Morocco). However, the Algerian forms, which are geographically intermediate, have not been investigated so far. Without a systematic sampling, assessing the structure and partition of the genetic variability of African Podarcis is not possible. Recent application of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) has provided models with a high degree of resolution for the entire North African region. These models have enabled the prediction of probable new locations of occurrence in unsampled regions, namely in Algeria. In fact, field work addressed to these places confirmed the previously unsuspected presence of these lizards and allowed the collection of samples. In this study we determine the levels of genetic variability between Algerian populations placing them within the framework of Podarcis phylogeny. A more extensive sampling scheme was used that includes samples collected from the new localities identified by GIS models, in a total of 13 localities from Algeria. To accomplish our objective we used mtDNA molecular markers, namely partial 12S rRNA and NADH dehydrogenase subunit 4 gene sequences, combining published and new data. With this approach a better resolved phylogeny for Podarcis in North Africa is established.

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Iberian Podarcis have been the target of intensive phylogenetic research during recent years because of the previously unexpected diversity found within. At present, the former Podarcis hispanica is recognized as a species complex parafiletic to P. bocagei, P. carbonelli and P. vaucheri with the majority of lineages being strongly supported by evidence coming from mtDNA, nuclear DNA and protein electrophoretic data. In some cases, morphological studies focusing on specific lineages have also agreed with their phenotypic distinctiveness which consequently conducted to their raise to the specific rank, such as P. carbonelli and P. vaucheri. However, some of the recent identified forms (i.e. “morphotype 1”) still contain considerable genetic diversity, while the apparent relationships of other monophyletic groups change according to the kind of data analyzed. From the recently published data, one highly divergent lineage seems to deserve a deeper look: Podarcis “morphotype 2”. This lineage is the most widespread in the Iberian Peninsula, reported from across the Central and Southwestern regions. While its distribution in Portugal is well defined, its eastern distribution is less well known. Reflecting this situation, recent studies lack representative samples from its entire distribution range. However, when mtDNA markers were preliminary analyzed, considerable variation was reported but without obvious geographic partitioning. With this study we aim to evaluate the genetic diversity within this form. We conducted a more complete sampling scheme trying to cover the entire distribution range of this specific lineage. We combine new and previously published sequence data in order to perform a more complete phylogeographic analysis of the whole lineage. Furthermore, the geographic distribution of this form is now more precisely delimited.

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Recent molecular studies indicate that Podarcis wall lizards occurring in the southern region of the Iberian Peninsula and in North Africa, from south Morocco to eastern Tunisia, constitute a monophyletic group composed of several highly differentiated forms that appear to be incipient species. However, Algerian populations, which are geographically intermediate, have not been investigated so far. In this study we determine the levels of genetic variability between Algerian populations and other North African populations, using a more extensive sampling scheme covering most of the distribution range in this area. Our results show that North African Podarcis present high genetic diversity, comprising at least five highly divergent lineages. Two of these lineages were only detected in Algeria, which harbours most of the genetic diversity found within Podarcis from North Africa.

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Identifying species is an important task in biology, medicine, pharmacology, agriculture and biodiversity conservation. Modern taxonomy, the discipline devoted to the description and identification of species, faces a decrease in its workforce while dealing with the challenge of describing the Earth’s vanishing biodiversity. In this context, automated identification of species becomes of major importance. Automated image identification is a thriving field of machine learning, with deep learning algorithms based on convolutional neural networks revolutionizing the field in recent years. These methods are also taking their first steps in the identification of images of biological taxa in a variety of different contexts and taxonomic scopes. In this work, we took a deep learning approach to classify images of Iberian and North African wall lizards, a group of cryptic species in which identification requires expert intervention. We addressed two problems: 1) a two-class problem focusing on the distinction between two species, Podarcis bocagei and Podarcis lusitanicus and 2) a nine-class problem involving all the species currently described in the group. Three different deep learning architectures were tested in both cases. In the two-class problem, classification success was high, reaching as high as 97.1% and 95.9% for ensemble models applied to male and female lizards, respectively. Classification in the nine-class problem was not as successful, highlighting the difficulties inherent to this group of cryptic species. However, results improved when predictions from different perspectives were combined, reaching 95.3% and 89.7% for males and females, respectively. These results suggest the utility of deep learning algorithms in the identification of cryptic species, providing promising resources in the taxonomical, evolutionary and conservation research.

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The prevalence of Hepatozoon parasites in 460 lizards from North Africa was studied by amplification and sequencing of the 18S rRNA gene. The phylogenetic analysis of the 18S rRNA gene provides new insights into the phylogeny of these parasites with multiple genetically distinct lineages recovered. Parasite prevalence differed significantly between lacertid lizards and geckos. Our results show that there is limited host specificity and no clear relation to the geographical distribution of Hepatozoon parasites.

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Die Verbreitung der Amphibien und Reptilien Südost-Portugals — östlich der Linie Albufeira-Ourique und südlich des Rio Terges — sind Gegenstand dieser Veröffentlichung. Nach Darstellung der geologischen und klimatischen Bedingungen erfolgt eine Habitatcharakterisierung auf der Basis von Vegetationseinheiten. Ein kurzer Abriß zur Geschichte der Herpetofaunistik des Untersuchungsgebietes zeigt, daß die ersten Fundortmeldungen bis 1879 zurückzuverfolgen sind. Es wurden 12 Amphibienund 22 Reptilienarten (einschließlich 2 mariner Schildkröten) registriert - 62 % der Herpetofauna Festland-Portugals. Die Verbreitungsdarstellung der einzelnen Arten erfolgt in Form einer Punktkartierung. Habitatstruktur, geologische, hydrologische und klimatische Voraussetzungen sind in den einzelnen Landschaftsgroßräumen teilweise sehr unterschiedlich mit einer entsprechend unterschiedlichen Artenzusammensetzung der sie besiedelnden Herpetozönosen und zum Teil scharfen Verbreitungsgrenzen einzelner Arten. Die größte Artendiversität (12 Amphibien, 20 Reptilien) beherbergen die requisitenreichen zum Teil mit Eichenhainen durchsetzten Macchien, während Pinus- und Ewcs/i/pfus-Aufforstungen und Extremstandorte (Dünen, Marschwiesen) weniger als 5 Arten aufweisen. Großflächige anthropogene Eingriffe (forstliche Monokulturen, touristische Erschließung und Zersiedlung der Küstenzone, starke Verschmutzung der Fließgewässer) der letzten zehn Jahre führten regional besonders unter den Amphibienbeständen zu starken Rückgängen.

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In order to study the composition of the south Kabylie’s herpétofauna (Bouira’s and Bordj Bou Arreridj’s wilaya), we have chosen six different ecological areas. 19 species (1 Amphibian and 18 Reptiles) have been inventoried. They are mainly of mediterranean origin (12 species of 19) with 3 species typically North Africans (Timon pater, Chalcides chalcides and Mesalina olivieri). But in this herpétofauna we have found two saharian species (Psammophis schokari and Mesalina olivieri). The field analysis of the species distribution showed that the landscape composition played an important role. Some species such as P. algirus frequented various areas, others such as Natrix natrix and Natrix maura preferred humid areas, Acanthodactylus erythrurus localized in biotopes with sandy substratum, also Timon. pater who frequents forests, on the six community studied none presents q high diversity. The main important specific riches were observed in the low scrub (10 species). The intermediate situation that corresponds to the average of the diversity and the regularity was observed in the rocky open ground and the low scrub.

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Against environmental variations, namely: daily, seasonal and annual, organisms adopt different strategies to exploit better the resources of the environment and to breed (access to sexual partners and development of the gonads) and ultimately achieve fitness. In the case of ectotherms, the temperature of the medium affects directly the body temperature, which influences physiological processes and behavior. It is in this perspective that we have approached this thesis, examining three strategies used by the wall lizard Podarcis vaucheri in Djurdjura, namely: food, reproduction and thermoregulation. Our results show that spring is the ideal period for breeding and feeding, and during this period the lizards express a mono-modal daily activity, essentially between 10 am and 3 pm, which gives them ample time for research prey and sexual partner as well as for thermoregulation. During this period, the lizards maintain a high and constant body temperature, followed by an active thermoregulation, which allows them to perform their various functions optimally. The statistical analysis applied to the proportions of the prey categories consumed shows a significant influence of the seasonal variations on the diet of this species. These variations are attributed to changes in prey availability, changes in environmental conditions, especially temperature and specific needs. In spring, the food spectrum of P. vaucheri is more diversified; males and females clearly express their trophic preferences, which reflect a significant difference between the diets of both sexes. On the other hand, in summer, there is a reduction in the diversity of the food spectrum, due to the reduction in prey availability and to the increase in environmental temperatures, which have limited the activity of lizards. Also to compensate the lack of water, lizards consume essentially prey rich in water like Homoptera and Orthoptera. In autumn, the food spectrum of P. vaucheri becomes very poor, as in summer, the lack of food obliges males and females to converge their food preferences. However, the autumn period is characterized by a spectacular consumption of ants. This strategy is used by lizards to reduce effort and time search of prey, and as the cold season and hibernation approach, they are forced to make their reserves fairly quickly. The reproductive cycle of P. vaucheri belongs to the associated type, with intense sexual activity, in both sexes, in spring and early summer (June). The sexual cycle of females is simple, characterized by a long period of sexual rest, from July until entering into hibernation. However, the study of spermatogenesis reveals a short period of sexual rest in July, and a rapid resumption of spermatic activity in August, followed by sperm production in autumn, but these remain in the seminiferous tubules.

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We studied the composition and seasonal changes in diet and prey selection in the wall lizard Podarcis vaucheri of the Djurdjura Mountains throughout its activity period, from April to October 2014. The analysis of 238 faecal pellets revealed 1 206 prey items distributed in 19 prey categories. The most important prey categories were: Formicidae, Coleoptera, Aranea, Homoptera, and Orthoptera. Significant seasonal variation in the taxonomic composition of the diet and prey availability was found. A significant difference in diet composition was observed between males and females in spring. This lizard species displayed a more diverse dietary spectrum during this period, followed by a slight decrease in summer. However, a severe decrease in the food niche breadth was observed in autumn, resulting in a high consumption of ants. A comparison of diet composition and prey availability showed that lizards exhibited a clear selection of certain prey types, in contrast to what is often suggested for lacertid lizards.

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In this study, we present the first data on the diet of two sympatric lizard species Psammodromus algirus and Podarcis vaucheri of the Djurdjura Mountains. The analysis of 100 feces (43 Ps. algirus and 57 P. vaucheri) allowed us to identify 560 prey items (254 for Ps. algirus and 312 for P. vaucheri) distributed across 17 operational taxonomic units. Insects were most commonly consumed by both species, but spiders were also preferred by P. vaucheri. The five most commonly ingested categories of prey among insects were: Coleoptera, Hymenoptera, Homoptera, Heteroptera and Orthoptera. During the study period, the interspecific diet overlap was very high (CH = 0.86). But the diet of P. vaucheri (BA = 0.50) was slightly more diversified than that of Ps. algirus (BA = 0.41). The diets of both species were, however, not strongly different. A significant influence of seasonal variation on diet was detected.

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The reproductive cycle of male wall lizard Podarcis vaucheri (Boulenger, 1905) living in Djurdjura mountain, was analyzed from April till October 2014. Its seasonal mixed-type cycle was characterized by three phases: sexual activity, quiescence and recrudescence. After the emergence of lizard from hibernation an intense sexual activity was observed in spring (April, May, and June) at which the testicular weight and seminiferous tubules diameter reached their maximal values. At this period, spermiogenesis was also maximal and the spermiation allowed the release of a large quantity of spermatozoa in both the seminiferous tubules and epididymis lumen. In July, a short sexual resting period followed, during which the testes mass and seminiferous tubules diameter decreased. Spermatogonia and some primary spermatocytes were observed against the wall of seminiferous tubules. The recrudescence period (August, September and October) was characterized by a progressive increase of the testis weight and seminiferous tubules diameter. Spermatocytogenesis began in August, and spermiogenesis occurred in September and October, before the diapause period. But the presence of spermatozoids was not signaled in the epididymis lumen. Field observations and microscopic evidence of testis showed that both sexes reproduced synchronously during spring and early summer.

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In this work, we present the first data on the reproductive cycle of the wall lizard females Podarcis vaucheri (Boulenger, 1905) in Djurdjura mountains. The macroscopic and histological study of the ovaries showed the existence of a discontinuous reproductive cycle, characterized by a sexual activity period (from April to June), followed by a long rest period (from July to October). Histochemical analysis was performed to clarify the nature of ovarian tissue compounds. The immunohistochemical study showed a seasonal variation of the steroid hormones, with a steroidogenic function of follicular and conjunctive theca cells. Based on previous work on males, females’ sexual activity appears to be synchronized with testes development, which has allowed us to classify the P. vaucheri reproductive cycle into the associated seasonal type.

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Experience with the Vaucher’s wall lizard, Podarcis vaucheri This is a not often kept wall lizard, and not much is known about its husbandry. The author received three animals (2.1) of this species from another hobbyist. These were quite small lizards and they were kept in small terrariums, one pair together and one male alone. Although not expected the couple mated on July 1 and the female produced four eggs on July 14. The eggs were incubated in vermiculite on top of one of the terrariums, where the temperatures varied from 25° to 32ºC. After one month one of the eggs started to shrink but didn’t hatch. It contained an already dead embryo. The other eggs hatched after some six weeks of incubation. The three juveniles looked lively and healthy. After some months they proved to be two males and one female. They were kept together in a small container, without any territorial problems and they seemed to thrive. After some time they were placed in a bigger terrarium of 40x30x45 cm. In this terrarium one of the males started to become dominant and to suppress its siblings. When the animals were relocated in the old container hostilities seized. They could be kept together for some months, but in the end the biggest male started to become dominant again and was relocated. Now the second male started to become dominant over the female. The female was reunited with the first male, and she was accepted without problems. But in June the next year the juvenile living apart became ill and died, as did the other male. The author never experienced this before, although he kept small wall lizards of different species for many years without problems. The female stayed healthy and thrived.. She was paired with her father, her mother was paired with the other adult male.

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Observational data collected from bibliography and during herpetological surveys in northern Morocco between 1989 and 2014 were plotted to generate updated distribution maps of amphibians and reptiles using a UTM 5 x 5 km grid system. Eleven amphibians and 53 reptiles were observed, including three amphibians and nine reptiles endemic to Morocco. In both taxonomic groups, three distinct species categories were identified in the area: widely distributed species, species restricted to particular environmental characteristics, and species with small and / or fragmented distributions. For total species richness, 10 areas of high diversity were identified. These areas were common to all taxonomic groups and correspond roughly to Mediterranean-type habitats. Amphibians constitute a relatively homogeneous group according to their habitat selection patterns while reptiles can be grouped in three assemblages: 1) generalist species with broad distributions in northern Morocco; 2) species occupying Mediterranean environments, generally abundant in the north-western region; and 3) species that occupy arid habitats, frequently found in the eastern region. The topographic complexity of northern Morocco apparently creates micro-environmental conditions for each group and is related to high levels of species diversity observed: 78% and 52% of the total number of amphibians and reptiles of Morocco, respectively. These findings strengthen the status of northern Morocco as a priority area for herpetofauna conservation at the national level

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Aim Body size is instrumental in influencing animal physiology, morphology, ecology and evolution, as well as extinction risk. I examine several hypotheses regarding the influence of body size on lizard evolution and extinction risk, assessing whether body size influences, or is influenced by, species richness, herbivory, island dwelling and extinction risk. Location World-wide. Methods I used literature data and measurements of museum and live specimens to estimate lizard body size distributions. Results I obtained body size data for 99% of the world`s lizard species. The body size–frequency distribution is highly modal and right skewed and similar distributions characterize most lizard families and lizard assemblages across biogeographical realms. There is a strong negative correlation between mean body size within families and species richness. Herbivorous lizards are larger than omnivorous and carnivorous ones, and aquatic lizards are larger than non-aquatic species. Diurnal activity is associated with small body size. Insular lizards tend towards both extremes of the size spectrum. Extinction risk increases with body size of species for which risk has been assessed. Main conclusions Small size seems to promote fast diversification of disparate body plans. The absence of mammalian predators allows insular lizards to attain larger body sizes by means of release from predation and allows them to evolve into the top predator niche. Island living also promotes a high frequency of herbivory, which is also associated with large size. Aquatic and nocturnal lizards probably evolve large size because of thermal constraints. The association between large size and high extinction risk, however, probably reflects a bias in the species in which risk has been studied.

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Aim Temperature influences most components of animal ecology and life history – but what kind of temperature? Physiologists usually examine the influence of body temperatures, while biogeographers and macroecologists tend to focus on environmental temperatures. We aim to examine the relationship between these two measures, to determine the factors that affect lizard body temperatures and to test the effect of both temperature measures on lizard life history. Location World-wide. Methods We used a large (861 species) global dataset of lizard body temperatures, and the mean annual temperatures across their geographic ranges to examine the relationships between body and mean annual temperatures.We then examined factors influencing body temperatures, and tested for the influence of both on ecological and life-history traits while accounting for the influence of shared ancestry. Results Body temperatures and mean annual temperatures are uncorrelated. However, accounting for activity time (nocturnal species have low body temperatures), use of space (fossorial and semi-aquatic species are ‘colder’), insularity (mainland species are ‘hotter’) and phylogeny, the two temperatures are positively correlated. High body temperatures are only associated with larger hatchlings and increased rates of biomass production. Annual temperatures are positively correlated with clutch frequency and annual longevity, and negatively correlated with clutch size, age at first reproduction and longevity. Main conclusions Lizards with low body temperatures do not seem to have ‘slower’ life-history attributes than species with high body temperatures. The longer seasons prevalent in warm regions, and physiological processes that operate while lizards are inactive (but warm enough), make environmental temperatures better predictors of lizard life-history variation than body temperatures. This surprisingly greater effect of environmental temperatures on lizard life histories hints that global warming may have a profound influence on lizard ecology and evolution.

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Un découpage hiérarchisé du territoire tunisien en quatre domaines zoogéographiques a été réalisé à partir de la composition spécifique en Lacertidés de 25 secteurs correspondant aux différentes régions naturelles du pays. La délimitation, les caractéristiques faunistiques, les affinités et l`origine biogéographique du peuplement en Lacertidés de ces quatre entités, sont analysées et discutées.

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The distribution areas of the 14 species of Lacertids in Tunisia are mapped, using our 265 field survey stations scattered all over the country and surveyed from 1974 to 1995. Biotops characteristics are reported. The respective contributions of ecological factors, such as climate, substrate, vegetation overlapping level, interactions between species (competitive exclusion or, on the reverse, syntopic coexistence) are analyzed and graded.

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Der Artikel geht auf die Schwierigkeiten bei der Abgrenzung von Podarcis vaucheri gegenüber Podarcis virescens anhand äußerer Merkmale ein und setzt sich mit der 2011 veröffentlichten Entdeckung der genetischen Linie “South Central Spain” auseinander. Anschließend wird der aktuelle Kenntnisstand zur Verbreitung von Podarcis vaucheri auf der Iberischen Halbinsel, insbesondere im Südosten Spaniens, diskutiert.

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Aim We discuss biogeographical hypotheses for the Mediterranean lizard species Podarcis and Teira within a phylogenetic framework based on partial mitochondrial DNA sequences. Methods We derived the most likely phylogenetic hypothesis from our data set (597 aligned positions from the 12S rDNA and phenyl tRNA) under parsimony, distance and maximum likelihood assumptions. Results The species usually included in Teira do not form a strongly monophyletic clade. In contrast, the monophyly of the genus Podarcis is rather well supported. Seven lineages are identified in the genus; in order of appearance within the tree, these are: the Balearic pityusensis and lilfordi pair, the sicula complex, a Tyrrhenian tiliguerta and raffonei pair, muralis, the Siculo-Maltese filfolensis and wagleriana pair, the Balkan group (erhardi, peloponnesiaca, milensis, melisellensis and taurica), and the Ibero-Maghrebian group (bocagei, atrata, hispanica and vaucheri). Conclusions The origin of the three European genera of lacertid assayed (Lacerta, Teira and Podarcis) is hypothesized to have occurred in the Oligocene. For Podarcis, a possible scenario of a Miocene diversification is derived from the sequence data, and the zoogeography of the lineages are discussed in relation to the palaeogeography of the Mediterranean. It is hypothesized that in the early history of the genus the main lineages separated by rapid, numerous and close events that produced a starting point very similar to a polytomy, hard to resolve by parsimony analysis of the data set.

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DNA metabarcoding is a fast and simple alternative to traditional microscopy methods, which have been the main tool for identification of prey in dietary studies of lizards. In this study, we applied a metabarcoding approach based on COI and 16S rRNA amplicons to assess diet partitioning and feeding strategies in three syntopic lizards from Taza, Morocco: Scelarcis perspicillata chabanaudi, Scelarcis perspicillata pellegrini and Podarcis vaucheri. In order to avoid competition, these lizards are expected to consume different prey species because they occupy distinct trophic niches, use different foraging strategies and express different dorsal pigmentation patterns. Given the spotted pattern of S. p. chabanaudi, we hypothesize a sit-and-wait foraging strategy with a less diverse diet and a higher consumption of mobile prey relative to the striped S. p. pellegrini and P. vaucheri which, as potential active foragers, are expected to have a higher diet diversity. Previous diet assessments using microscopy on faecal remains seem to contradict these expectations. Our results show that, as expected, the diet of S. p. chabanaudi is less diverse than the diet of S. p. pellegrini. Regarding P. vaucheri, our dietary data are consistent with the hypothesis that this species behaves as an active forager, owing to its high niche overlap with S. p. pellegrini. Advantages and limitations of molecular barcoding compared with the microscopy approach to the analysis of lizard diets are discussed.

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Many animals display complex colour patterns that comprise several adjacent, often contrasting colour patches. Combining patches of complementary colours increases the overall conspicuousness of the complex pattern, enhancing signal detection. Therefore, selection for conspicuousness may act not only on the design of single colour patches, but also on their combination. Contrasting long- and short-wavelength colour patches are located on the ventral and lateral surfaces of many lacertid lizards. As the combination of long- and short-wavelength-based colours generates local chromatic contrast, we hypothesized that selection may favour the co-occurrence of lateral and ventral contrasting patches, resulting in complex colour patterns that maximize the overall conspicuousness of the signal. To test this hypothesis we performed a comparative phylogenetic study using a categorical colour classification based on spectral data and descriptive information on lacertid coloration collected from the literature. Our results demonstrate that conspicuous ventral (long wavelength-based) and lateral (short wavelength-based) colour patches co-occur throughout the lacertid phylogeny more often than expected by chance, especially in the subfamily Lacertini. These results suggest that selection promotes the evolution of the complex pattern rather than the acquisition of a single conspicuous colour patch, possibly due to the increased conspicuousness caused by the combination of colours with contrasting spectral properties.

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During a five weeks stay in Morocco in spring 1999 it was possible to find lizards at several different localities, and to document the animals by photography. The circumstances of the findings, and the localities where the findings of the Taxa Tarentola mauritanica, T. mauritanica juliae, Plyodactylus oudrii, Geckonia chazaliae, Saurodactylus mauritanicus, S. brosseti, Chamaeleo chamaeleon, Agama impalearis, Teira perspicillata chabanaudi, Podarcis (hispanica) vaucheri, Psammodromus algirus, Acanthodactylus lineomaculatus, A. maculatus, A. aureus, Chalcides occellatus subtypicus, C. mionecton trifasciatus, Eumeces algeriensis, E. algeriensis meridionalis, Blanus mettetali, Trogonophis wiegmanni took place, are mentioned.

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The taxonomy of Iberian and North African wall lizards (Podarcis sp.) has been controversial. Recently, morphological and mtDNA sequence data have provided new information on differentiation within these lacertids. To compare these results to those provided by nuclear markers, we investigated variation at 11 polymorphic protein loci using conventional electrophoresis and isoelectric focusing in 11 populations belonging to seven different mtDNA lineages. A total of 62 alleles were found. Populations belonging to the same mtDNA type presented high genetic similarity, whereas strong differentiation was observed between groups. These results are consistent with those previously obtained from morphological and mtDNA analysis and support the idea that Iberian and North African Podarcis are composed of several well-differentiated entities, some of which are already recognized as species, whereas others (belonging to the P. hispanica complex) clearly need taxonomic revision.

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Pleistocene climatic oscillations were a major force shaping genetic variability in many taxa. We analyse the relative effects of the ice ages across a latitudinal gradient in the Western Mediterranean region, testing two main predictions: (i) species with historical distributions in northern latitudes should have experienced greater loss of suitable habitat, resulting in higher extinction of historical lineages than species distributed in southern latitudes, where the effects of the ice ages were not as drastic. This would be reflected in the observation of lower diversity and number of differentiated lineages in northern areas. (ii) a signature of demographic expansion following the climate amelioration should be obvious in northern species, whereas in the south evidence of long-term effective population size stability should be observed. We used as models three species of wall lizards (Podarcis bocagei, Podarcis carbonelli and Podarcis vaucheri) that replace each other along the study area. We investigated the patterns of mitochondrial DNA diversity and subdivision and obtained demographic parameter estimates for each species. Our results suggest that P. bocagei, the northernmost species, bears low genetic diversity, a shallow coalescent history and marks of a demographic expansion. In contrast, P. vaucheri, the species with a southernmost distribution, shows deeper coalescence events, complex geographical substructure and no evidence for population growth. The species with an intermediate distribution, P. carbonelli, shows average levels of diversity, substructure and population growth. Taken together, these results conform to our main predictions and are explained by a differential influence of the ice ages on distinct latitudes.

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Combining different sources of information is essential for a complete understanding of the process of genetic dif- ferentiation between species. The Iberian and North African wall lizard ( Podarcis ) species complex has been the object of several studies regarding morphological and mitochondrial DNA variation but, so far, no large-scale survey of nuclear variation within this group has been accomplished. In this study, ten polymorphic allozyme loci were stud- ied in 569 individuals collected across the Iberian Peninsula and North Africa. The obtained data were analysed using both conventional population genetic tools and recent Bayesian model-based clustering methods. Our results show that there are several well-differentiated entities corroborating the major splits observed in mtDNA analyses. These groups correspond not only to the fully recognized species Podarcis bocagei , Podarcis carbonelli , and Podarcis vaucheri but also to multiple forms within the polytypic Podarcis hispanica , all of which have a similar level of dif- ferentiation to that observed between the acknowledged species. However, relationships between forms are weakly supported both by population and individual clustering methods, suggesting a scenario of a rapid diversification that contrasts to the clear bifurcating model assumed from previous mtDNA analyses. Individual multilocus analyses report few individuals misassigned or apparently admixed, some of which are most likely explained by the persis- tence of high levels of ancestral polymorphism. Other admixed individuals, however, are probably the result of lim- ited levels of gene flow between forms.

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Background: The study of recently-diverged species offers significant challenges both in the definition of evolutionary entities and in the estimation of gene flow among them. Iberian and North African wall lizards (Podarcis) constitute a cryptic species complex for which previous assessments of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) and allozyme variation are concordant in describing the existence of several highly differentiated evolutionary units. However, these studies report important differences suggesting the occurrence of gene flow among forms. Here we study sequence variation in two nuclear introns, β-fibint7 and 6-Pgdint7, to further investigate overall evolutionary dynamics and test hypotheses related to species delimitation within this complex. Results: Both nuclear gene genealogies fail to define species as monophyletic. To discriminate between the effects of incomplete lineage sorting and gene flow in setting this pattern, we estimated migration rates among species using both FST-based estimators of gene flow, which assume migration-drift equilibrium, and a coalescent approach based on a model of divergence with gene flow. Equilibrium estimates of gene flow suggest widespread introgression between species, but coalescent estimates describe virtually zero admixture between most (but not all) species pairs. This suggests that although gene flow among forms may have occurred the main cause for species polyphyly is incomplete lineage sorting, implying that most forms have been isolated since their divergence. This observation is therefore in accordance with previous reports of strong differentiation based on mtDNA and allozyme data. Conclusion: These results corroborate most forms of Iberian and North African Podarcis as differentiated, although incipient, species, supporting a gradual view of speciation, according to which species may persist as distinct despite some permeability to genetic exchange and without having clearly definable genetic boundaries. Additionally, this study constitutes a warning against the misuse of equilibrium estimates of migration among recently-diverged groups.

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The integration of spatial area prioritization algorithms and species distribution modelling has shown great promise in conservation planning in recent years. However, despite the fact that reptiles and amphibians have the highest threat status of all terrestrial vertebrates, these species are often under-represented in conservation planning. The Kingdom of Morocco possesses the richest and most varied herpetofauna in the Maghreb and the western Mediterranean, and is characterized by high species richness, endemism and number of European relict species. Despite the fact that Moroccan reptiles and amphibians have been the subject of numerous studies by a large number of international herpetologists since the beginning of the 20th century, few or none of these concerned their conservation. This study had three main objectives: (1) to identify those areas that harbour the highest species richness; (2) to evaluate the existing and proposed future ‘important biological and ecological sites’ (SIBES) conservation area network (CAN) with respect to their ability to protect the herpetofauna adequately; and (3) to identify priority areas into which the existing protected areas can be augmented. We used maximum-entropy species distribution modelling to run distribution models for 11 amphibian and 86 reptile species (27.6% endemics and 12.4% threatened) for which we had 2,170 single geographic records. A total of 97 models were used to create a richness map of the Moroccan her- petofauna and thereby detect both areas of high species richness and the distribution patterns of individual species. This map was subsequently used as a basis for performance evaluation of the CAN and area prioritization using the ConsNet conservation planning software initialized by ‘‘Rarity’’ first, while using representation targets of 5% and 10%. Additionally, the proposed future Moroccan CAN (SIBES) was evaluated in terms of its overlay and proximity with ConsNet solutions using visual interpretation and distance measurements in a GIS. Our results show that Moroccan herpetofauna is poorly protected under the existing and future CAN. Prioritization of areas shows that a major increase in conservation area is required to guarantee the persistence of individual herpetofauna species even with a global minimum representation target of only 10%. An increase of the existing CAN is especially needed along parts of the Atlantic coast, in the north-western Mediterranean region, on the north-eastern Moroccan coast, as well as in several areas in the Sahara, notably vast proportions of the Valle ́e du Haut and Bas Draˆa.

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Alborán is a small volcanic island located in the center of the Alborán Sea, W Mediterranean, 85 km from the Iberian Peninsula (Europe) and 55.5 km from the NW African coast line. Despite its small size (605 × 265 m), four distinct exotic lizard species have already been reported there, one of them presumably extinct (Saurodactylus mauritanicus). Throughout history, the island has maintained an intermittent human presence, being now permanently occupied by a military detachment connected to the Iberian Peninsula mainly by means of cargo shipments. Hence, this communication between the island and the continent has fuelled human-mediated species introductions. Populations of the geckos Tarentola mauritanica and Hemidactylus turcicus and the most recently reported wall lizard Podarcis vaucheri still remain in the island. Here, we used molecular tools to assess species identity and putative invasion pathways. As expected, results confirm the initial species assignement and indicate southern Iberia as the source area. However, surprisingly, two clades of T. mauritanica were found, the European clade commonly introduced elsewhere, and the Iberian clade, reported here for the first time outside its native distribution. Moreover, the reported southern Iberian lineage of P. vaucheri in Alborán, represents the third case of introduction of this species. This amazing concentration of alien species in such a reduced territory highlights how prone small islands are to be sucessfully invaded, and that these should not be neglected in invasion biology. The effects of these alien reptile species over native taxa are yet unknown, although an impact over several endemic invertebrates cannot be ruled out. As such, regular monitoring should be implemented to prevent they act as hubs for future new introductions.

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A biogeographical classification of reptiles in the Riff region (northern Morocco, Africa) was carried out to look for shared distribution patterns, here termed chorotypes. Baroni-Urbani & Buser’s similarity index was applied to the presence/absence data of reptiles in 10

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Cytoplasmic markers are often used alone to reconstruct phylogenetic and phylogeographic patterns. Evolutionary, demographic and ecological processes that cause these patterns are most often investigated using nuclear markers. However, some mechanisms, like introgressive hybridization, may result in gene histories differing from species histories. Further, genetic consequences of introgressive hybridization may be particularly marked for cytoplasmic markers comparatively to nuclear markers. This is why the reliability of cytoplasmic markers as a tool for pattern reconstruction is currently debated. To evaluate the value of cytoplasmic markers for pattern reconstructions and process studies, we compared, within the species complex of Iberian Wall Lizards Podarcis hispanicus, the evolutionary history inferred from a mitochondrial marker with the history inferred from nuclear markers, and in fig species of section Galoglychia, the history inferred from chloroplast markers with the history inferred from nuclear markers. In both cases, we evidenced several cases of cyto-nuclear discordances caused by ancient events of introgressive hybridization. In the lizard example, discordance was caused by the complete replacement of the mitochondrial lineage of one species, in a large part of its distribution range, by a mitochondrial lineage belonging to another species currently extinct or not described yet. In the Ficus example, congruence between plant chloroplast phylogeny and pollinator phylogeny supports the hypothesis that host shifts are responsible of both cyto-nuclear discordance in plant phylogenies and pollinator-plant phylogenetic incongruence. Both cases demonstrate that, because of introgressive hybridization, cytoplasmic markers are of limited interest to precisely describe phylogenetic and phylogeographic patterns. However, these introgressive hybridization events make cytoplasmic markers useful to investigate processes.

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In this study, we investigate the identity and origin of a population of Iberian Wall Lizards (Podarcis hispanicus complex) that we recently discovered inside the distribution range of the nominotypical form P. hispanicus. In the field, these animals were clearly identified as different from this species but their identity remained problematic. Using morphological and mitochondrial DNA analyses, we here identify this population as P. vaucheri, which constitutes a significant range extension for this species. Molecular results suggest a North African origin to this population. However, according to morphological results, these individuals are closer to the Spanish morphotype than to the North African morphotypes of P. vaucheri. Taken together, these results suggest a human-mediated introduction as the origin of this population, with local adaptation or phenotypic plasticity responsible of phenotypic convergence.

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The finding of an Andalusian Wall Lizard Podarcis vaucheri (Boulenger, 1905) population in the city of Almeria in 1989 is described. Specimens were located specially in the crevices of the “Rambla” walls, with a degraded and ruderal vegetation associated to an anthropic environment. Status of the population is unknown, specially after changes due to the urbanization of the area.

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Lizard species may differ in their ecophysiology due to adaptation, plasticity and/or phylogeny. In restrictive environments, ecophysiological differences of species living in sympatry are expected to reveal long-term evolutionary responses to the abiotic environment while competitive interactions should be limited. These influences can be disentangled by combining field monitoring with experimental tests. Here, three lacertid lizard species, Atlantolacerta andreanskyi, Scelarcis perspicillata and Podarcis vaucheri sharing high mountain habitats in Oukaimeden (High Atlas, Morocco), were studied. In the field, spatiotemporal variation of the thermal and hydric environment used by the lizards was monitored using data-loggers. In the lab, thermal and hydric ecophysiology was estimated through assessments of preferred temperatures (Tp) and water loss (WL) rates. Species differed in microhabitat use and, hence, in their exposure to variations in temperature and humidity. However, they only differed in their WL (A. andreanskyi>S. perspicillata>P. vaucheri) while their Tp were similar. Such partial differences of species in in the fundamental niche, likely derived from their long-term independent phylogenetic trajectories, can be used to predict their responses to climate and habitat shifts in this and other parts of their respective ranges. Results also confirm previous suggestions that, together with thermal physiology, hydric physiology plays a prominent role in the organisation of lizard communities in the temperate region.

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he upper Reraia valley and Toubkal massif of the High Atlas/Morocco was visited several times in April/May. A survey of the landscape, climate and Vegetation is given. Observations on five of the six species of lacertid lizards occurring are reported. Their habitats and altitudinal distribution in relation to the Vegetation zones are described.

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Observations on three species of lacertid lizards in the Ain Draham region in the Kroumir mountains of northern Tunisia are reported. Timon pater lives on big branches of cork oak trees and boulders. Podarcis (hispanica) vaucheri on tree trunks, walls and rock faces and Psammodromus algirus mainly on the ground in open situations (pathes, clearings) in the forest.

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The Middle Atlas of Morocco was visited several times in May/June. A survey of the landscape, climate and vegetation is given: Five species of lacertid lizards (Acanthodactylus erythrurus atlanticus, Podarcis vaucheri, Psammodromus algirus, Scelarcis perspicillata, Timon tangitanus) could be found. Mainly information on distribution and ecology of these species is communicated. Additional information on Psammodromus microdactylus is given. Threats affecting species and conservation measures are discussed.

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Six localities within a radius of about 35 km around Ouarzazate (Central Morocco) were visited by the author five times between 1977 and 1989 to investigate their herpetofauna. 4 anuran and 20 reptile species were observed which raises the total number of herp species known from the area to 5 and 26 respectively. The threats to the local herpetofauna are discussed.

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In recent years, great attention has been paid to many Podarcis species for which the observed intra-specific variability often revealed species complexes still characterized by an unresolved relationship. When compared to other species, P. siculus underwent fewer revisions and the number of species hidden within this taxon may have been, therefore, underestimated. However, recent studies based on genetic and morphological data highlighted a marked differentiation of the populations inhabiting the western Pontine Archipelago. In the present work we used published genetic data (three mitochondrial and three nuclear gene fragments) from 25 Podarcis species to provide a multilocus phylogeny of the genus in order to understand the degree of differentiation of the western Pontine populations. In addition, we analyzed new morphometric traits (scale counts) of 151 specimens from the main islands of the Pontine Archipelago. The phylogenetic analysis revealed five principal Podarcis groups with biogeographic consistency. The genetic distinctiveness of the Podarcis populations of the western Pontine Islands is similar or even more ancient than those observed in numerous other pairs of Podarcis sister species. In the light of these evidences we raise the western Pontine lizards to specific rank; thus they should be referred to as Podarcis latastei.

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This study focuses on the spring diet and biometric variability in Podarcis vaucheriduring May and July in the Tazaregion in 2019.We present the first data on the diet of this species in Taza National Park. The analysis of 28 stomach contents allowed us to identify 161 prey, divided into 15 food categories, one of which includes unidentified taxa. During the study period, Podarcis vaucherishowed a generalist diet based on arthropods. The five most ingested prey are: Hymenoptera, Larvae, Spiders, Ants and Beetles. The comparison of the morphology of the two sexes shows a significant difference of a few biometric characters that are in favour of males. This morphological heterogeneity reveals an apparent sexual dimorphism in Podarcis vaucheriof the Oued Taza gorges

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Parasitism of Ixodes ricinus on three species of lizards (Psammodromus algirus, Podarcis vaucheri and Timon pater) in northeastern Algeria was studied. Psammodromus algirus was the most preferred host, T. pater was least preferred. Nymphs of I. ricinus were found attached to lizards from March to August in various numbers. Most nymphs were collected during March, April and June for P. algirus, and most larvae from April until August. Larval stages were found to be mostly associated with P. vaucheri during the study period, with the highest number of recovered larvae in June.

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Research on the taxonomy of European amphibians and reptiles has increased noticeably over the last few decades, indicating the need for recognition of new species and the cancellation of others. This paper provides a critical review of recent changes and draws up a tentative species list.

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The last species list of the European herpetofauna was published by Speybroeck, Beukema and Crochet (2010). In the meantime, ongoing research led to numerous taxonomic changes, including the discovery of new species-level lineages as well as reclassifications at genus level, requiring significant changes to this list. As of 2019, a new Taxonomic Committee was established as an official entity within the European Herpetological Society, Societas Europaea Herpetologica (SEH). Twelve members from nine European countries reviewed, discussed and voted on recent taxonomic research on a case-by-case basis. Accepted changes led to critical compilation of a new species list, which is hereby presented and discussed. According to our list, 301 species (95 amphibians, 15 chelonians, including six species of sea turtles, and 191 squamates) occur within our expanded geographical definition of Europe. The list includes 14 non-native species (three amphibians, one chelonian, and ten squamates).

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The naming of species and of all systematic entities of living things are dynamic con- cepts. Through scientific research, changes in the systematics and names of amphibi- ans and reptiles are constantly being pro- posed, much to the chagrin of many profes- sional and amateur herpetologists. Yet most changes are necessary if taxonomy and systematics are to reflect evolutionary his- tory and phylogeny, rather than letting user–friendliness and conservatism prevail. The European herpetofauna and its taxo- nomy have received increasing attention through molecular (e.g. DNA) studies. Once most animal groups have been studied in this way, stability may be established. In the following pages, a concise overview of changes in the taxonomy of European amphibians and reptiles is presented. We have restricted ourselves to the geographi- cal boundaries of Europe, albeit excluding former Soviet states. Thus, politically Euro- pean areas in Asia (e.g. Cyprus and Greek islands in front of the Aegean Turkish coast) and Africa (e.g. Canary Islands and Ma- deira) have not been included. For a time frame we have used the species and names as presented in the well–known European field guide by ARNOLD (2002), although numerous changes were proposed and published prior to 2002. We refer to the cited literature for more comprehensive explanations. Only species or higher level changes concerning European taxa are listed. Subspecific changes and intraspeci- fic variability are noted only when contra- dicting long–established monotypy of a species, or when subspecies are being rejected. Vernacular names are mostly adopted from ARNOLD (2002). Some exo- genous species that are well–established and are reproducing on European soil, are included and are listed separately. Species believed to have been introduced to Europe over 100 years ago and persisting until today, have been included in the list of endogenous species. Many other non– native species have, however, been en- countered in the wild in Europe. Final content changes were made on De- cember 1, 2007. This type of update and the proposed species list will most likely be outdated at its date of publication. Further updating by means of a consecutive series of similar papers seems desirable.

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In this study we aimed to clarify the identity of a wall lizard population that deviates phenotypically from the other Podarcis lizards that occur in the broader area (Athens, Greece). To this end we used molecular techniques.Most surprisingly, we identified the focal population as Podarcis vaucheri, a species far away from its natural range. Molecular results suggest an Iberian origin of this population. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of P. vaucheri outside its original range. The new population should be attributed to human-mediated introduction. The future interaction of this introduced species with native lizards, many of which are endemic to Greece, is of critical importance.

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The intraspecific variation of preferred body temperatures (Tp) was analysed in the lacertid Podarcis vaucheri which in Morocco is restricted to the Mediterranean and mountain areas. Adult males and females lizards were collected during spring 2006 in Ketama, Rif Massif (34º54’N, 4º34’W; 1549 m). Lizards were kept in individual terraria for less than two weeks (to prevent acclimation) with food and water provided ad libitum and under a natural regime of light and temperature. Each lizard was measured (SVL) and individually exposed to a photothermal gradient at ten time intervals. Tp varied with lizard condition (non-pregnant females ≥ males ≥ pregnant females) and time of the day. Individual females tended to increase their Tp after egg-laying. Tp seems to reflect a dependence on the reproductive condition as supported by previous studies on other lacertids.

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Preferred body temperatures (Tp) were analysed in the lacertid Podarcis vaucheri, from S. Iberia and N. Africa which has been recently revalidated as a full species within the P. hispanica complex. Adult lizards from a Moroccan population were exposed to a thermal gradient and Tp was measured at ten time intervals. Intraspecific Tp variation due to sex and reproductive condition (Tp: non-pregnant females