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Literatur und Schriften
Asian Rock Agamas The Agamid genus Laudakia Gray, 1845 has had a checkered history in terms of nomenclature. However in recent years a number of molecular studies have confirmed the relationships between species within the genus Laudakia senso lato and closely related genera. As currently recognized the genus Laudakia senso-lato consists of five distinct species groups. All are sufficiently divergent in terms of morphology, habits and divergence as ascertained from molecular studies to be accorded full genus status. One of these groups is already commonly referred to as the genus Phrynocephalus Kaup, 1825 (26 species). In terms of the rest, the names Laudakia and Plocederma Blyth, 1854 are available for two other groups. The other two unnamed groups are formally named according to the Zoological Code within this paper. These are Adelynkimberleyea gen. nov. for the caucasia group and Jackyindigoea gen. nov. for the taxon sacra. Within Adelynkimberleyea gen. nov. the morphologically and ecologically divergent taxon lehmanni is placed in the newly named subgenus Agamatajikistanensis subgen. nov.. The skin of agamid lizards of the genera Laudakia and Acanthocercus is remarkable by the presence of the papillous scales and scales with jagged edge. Different species of these genera have been distinguished by presence/absence of these scales on different parts of the body. Comparative study of different Laudakia species has shown that in «caucasia» (L. caucasia, L. erythrogastra, L. microlepis) and «stellio» (L. stellio, L. nupta) complexes the papillous scales are better developed in comparison with «himalayana» complex. In the latter group the papillous scales are almost absent, with exception of two species (L. stoliczkana and L. chernovi), which has slightly developed scales with jagged edge on the palmar and plantar surface. L. lehmanni is characterised by complete absence of papillous scales. The all studied here species of the genus Acanthocercus (A. annectens, A. atricollis and A. cyanogaster) have papillous scales. There is a distinct sexual dimorphism in the distribution pattern of papillous scales along the body surface in agamid lizards. Females have less developed papillous scales than males; these scales are almost absent in subadults. Populations of Laudakia caucasia demonstrate geographic variation in the degree of development of the papillous scales.
Agror Agama MANHAS, A., RAINA, R. & A. WANGANEO (2018): Observations of Agror Agamas, Laudakia agrorensis, (Stoliczka 1871) (Sauria: Agamidae), in the Doda District, Jammu and Kaskmir, India. – IRCF Reptiles & Amphibians, 25 (1): 52-54.
Cyprus Rock Agama / Zypern-Hardun KABISCH, K. (2007): Beobachtungen am Zyprischen Hardun, Laudakia stellio cypriaca (DAAN, 1967). – Sauria, Berlin, 29 (2): 5-12. Abstract: Laudakia stellio cypriaca is very common on Cyprus. The agamids love in a great variety of habitats. Daily activity, night shelters, flight distance and behaviour, prey, and predators were observed. OXTOBY, G.P. (1988): Waarnemingen aan de herpetofauna van Cyprus (2). De hardoen (Agama stellio cypriaca). - Lacerta, 46 (9): 138-140. (1538)
Hardwar Agama STOLICZKA, F. (1871): Notes on new or little-known Indian lizards. - Proc. asiat. Soc. Bengal (Calcutta), 1871: 192-195.
Schwarzagame / Black Agama ANDERSON, S.C. (1999): Laudakia melanura Blyth, 1854 - In: Lizards of Iran. Society for the Study of Amphibians and Reptiles. Oxford, Ohio: 75-76. HEIDARI, N., CHEATSAZAN, H., KAMI, H.G. & S. SHAFIEL (2010): Sexual dimorphism in the Black Rock Agama, Laudakia melanura lirata (Blanford, 1874) (Sauria: Agamidae). – Zoology in the Middle East, 49: 49-53. RAJABIZADEH, M. & N. RASTEGAR-POUYANI (2009): Two new records of reptiles (Reptilia: Squamata) from Southeastern Iran. – Turk. J. Zool., 33: 103-104. Based on extensive research, the first record of Coluber (s.l.) andreanus (Werner, 1917) and the first definite record of Laudakia melanura lirata (Blanford, 1874) from southeastern regions of the Iranian Plateau are presented.
Yellow-headed Rock Agama ANDERSON, S.C. (1999): Laudakia nupta (De Filippi, 1843) - In: Lizards of Iran. Society for the Study of Amphibians and Reptiles. Oxford, Ohio: 78-80. SANCHOOLI, N., RAHIMIAN, H., RASTEGAR-POUYANI, N. & E. RASTEGAR-POUYANI (2014): Distribution of the Large-Scaled Rock Agama, Laudakia nupta (De FiLippi, 1843) in Iran and its Sexual Dimorphism (Squamata: Agamidae). - Research Journal of Pharmaceutical, Biological and Chemical Sciences, 5 (4): 261-276. The distribution range of Laudakia nupta (De Filippi, 1843) was revised based on new records from southeastern, southern, central, north eastern and eastern Iran. We recognized main distribution range of this species is regions above mentioned. To explore patterns of sexual dimorphism in the Large-Scaled Rock Agama, Laudakia nupta De Filippi, 1843, we examined 13 morphometric and four meristic traits in 59 adult specimens, including 31 males and 20 females of Laudakia nupta nupta De Filippi, 1843, further to four males and four females of Laudakia nupta fusca Blanford, 1876. To determine degree of sexual dimorphism between the two sexes in each subspecies, we used univariate and multivariate analyses. Analyses of the morphometric traits showed that the head size (head length, head width and head height) was significantly different between males and females of Laudakia nupta nupta, while univariate analysis revealed no significant differences in characters between the two sexes in Laudakia nupta fusca. Furthermore, in each taxon, males have more pronounced coloration or ornamentation and more developed callous scales on mid-ventral and pre-anal regions than those of females. Meristic traits, on the other hand, showed no significant differences between the two sexes. VAISSI, S., FATHIPOUR, F., SALAMAT, M.A., PARTO, P. & M. SHARIFI (2013): Variations in the size of erythrocytes and morphology of four lizard species (Laudakia nupta, Trapelus lessonae, Mabuya aurata and Ophisops elegans) from Western Iran. – Global Veterinaria, 11 (3): 297-301. The aim of this study was to determine the erythrocyte and nucleus sizes of two species of Agamidae (Laudakia nupta and Trapelus lessonae), one species of Scincidae (Mabuya aurata) and one species of Lacertidae (Ophisops elegans) from Iran by means of blood smears stained with Giemsa. The sizes of erythrocytes and their nuclei were measured using an ocular micrometer at a magnification of 6300x. The longest, widest and largest erythrocytes were found in Laudakia nupta. The shortest and narrowest erythrocytes and nuclei were found in Trapelus lessonae. The longest, widest and largest nuclei were found in Mabuya aurata. The study revealed significant variation between Iranian species and others indicating the significant affect of environmental conditions. In der vorliegenden Untersuchung wird das Vorkommen der Gelbkopfagame, Laudakia nupta fusca Blanford, 1872, im Iran dargestellt, basierend auf neuen Feststellungen im Südosten, Süden und Südwesten des Landes. Belegexemplare wurden in den Provinzen Belutschistan, Hormozgan and Bushehr in Höhen von 30 bis 1950 m NN gesammelt. Die Unterart scheint auf das dem Iranischen Plateau vorgelagerten Hügelland beschränkt zu sein, wo die Nominatform nicht vorkommt.
Leviton´s Rock Agama BAIG, K.J. (1988): New record of Agama nuristanica (Sauria: Agamidae) from Pakistan. – Biologia, 34 (1): 199-201.
Pakistani Agama BAIG, K.J. (1989): A new species of Agama (Sauria:Agamidae) from northern Pakistan. – Bulletin of the Kitakyushu Museum of Natural History & Human, 9: 117-122. BAIG, K.J. & W. BÖHME (1996): Description of two new subspecies of Laudakia pakistanica (sauria: agamidae). – Russian Journal of Herpetology, 3 (1): 1-10. Two new subspecies of Laudakia pakistanica are described from the northern mountain region of Pakistan, representing, next to the nominotypic form, two out the four distinct populations of Laudakia pakistanica. The fourth one is regarded an intermediate population between the two. All four new forms are distributed in an area along the Indus river of Pakistan. As part of the Sino-Pak trans-boundary cooperation for conservation and sustainable development in Pamir border region, World Wild Fund (WWF)-Pakistan conducted a preliminary social, economic and ecological survey in the Shimshal-Pamir Lakes area in July 2009. The purpose of the study was to explore potentials and opportunities for future collaborative conservation of some species, habitats and high altitude ecosystems in the border region between China and Pakistan. The two-week herpetological study in the Shimshal Pamir area of Khunjerab National Park (KNP) along Pakistan-China border was an integral part of the survey, conducted exclusively to document reptilian fauna with a special emphasis on investigating their occurrence, distribution and status in the study area. Field investigations were performed during daytime when it was hot enough and reptiles were active, basking or feeding. A total of 15 specimens belonging to four species of the Agamidae family were captured by striking stones and beating bushes with sticks. Collected specimens were preserved using 10% formalin solution, tagged with field information and stored in Zoological Survey Department, Karachi for future reference. Laboratory investigations were carried out for pholidosic counts and morphometric measurements. A detailed review of relevant literature, habitat characteristics and laboratory investigations revealed the occurrence of Laudakia himalayana, L. pakistanica, L. tuberculata and L. badakhshana at 4,082 m, 4,172 m, 4,005 m and 4,240 m asl, respectively, which are much higher altitudes as compared to the previously reported heights of 3,353 m, 3,200 m, 2,500 m and 2,400 m asl. The terrain offers a variety of ecological barriers, in the form of fast and freezing running waters and massive glaciers with peculiar harsh climatic conditions prevailing for nine months of the year, which restricts species migration and thus increases endemism. Although one of the four species recorded from the study area, i.e. L. pakistanica is endemic to Pakistan, L. tuberculata and L. badakhshana are new records from Shimshal, Pakistan, so a detailed investigation is suggested for further herpetological records from the study area. Laudakia pakistanica khani BAIG & BÖHME, 1996
Papenfas´s Rock Agama ZHAO, E.M. (1998): A new species of Laudakia from Xizang (Tibet) (Sauria: Agamidae). – Zoological Research, 19 (5): 401-404.
Anan´s Rock Agama ANANJEVA, N.B., PETERS, G., MACEY, J.R. & T.J. PAPENFUSS (1990): Stellio sacra (Smith 1935) – a distinct species of asiatic rock agamid from Tibet. – Asiatic Herpetological Research, 3: 104-115.
Hardun / Roughtail Rock Agama ABD RABOU, A.F.N., YASSIN, M.M., AL-AGHA, M.R., HAMAD, D.M. & A.K.S. ALI (2007): The herpetofauna of the Gaza Strip with particular emphasis of the vicinity of Wadi Gaza. – The Islamic Unversity Journal (Series of Natural Studies and Engineering), 15 (1): 111-135. ABU BAKER, M., QUARQAZ, M., RIFAI, L., HAMIDAN, N., AL OMARI, K., MODRY, D. & Z. AMR (2004): Results of herpetofaunal inventory of Wadi Ramm protected area, with notes on some relict species. – Russian Journal of Herpetology, 11 (1): 1-5. ABO-TAIRA, A.M., ZAHER, M.M. & F.M. AL-BALDRY (1995): Morphometric characterization of the alimentary tract of Agama pallida and Agama stellio (Reptilia, Agamidae). – Journal of the Egyptian German Society of Zoology, 17 ©: 125-159. ABO-TAIRA, A.M., ZAHER, M.M. & F.M. AL-BALDRY (1996): Sex and species determination based on external morphological characters in Agama pallida and Agama stellio. – Journal of the Egyptian German Society of Zoology, 21 (B): 259-279. ALLAM, A.A., ABO-ELENEEN, R.E. & S.I. OTHMAN (2017): Microstructure of scales in selected lizard species. – Saudi Journal of Biological Sciences, 2017. AL-HAJI, H., JANAKAT, S. & F. MAHMOUD (1987): Electron microscopic study of sperm tail differentiation of the Jordanian lizard Agama stellio. – Arabian Gulf Journal of Scientific Research, 5: 471-486. AL-HUSSAINI, A.A.H., EL BANHAWYT, M.A. & A.R.M.E. HUSSEIN (1985): Effect of environmental temperature on some metabolic aspects of the desert lizard Agama stellio (L). - Journal of Arid Environments 8: 73-77. The lizard Agama stellio (L) of the Western Desert of Egypt has lower blood glucose concentration, higher glycogen content of the liver and gastrocnemius muscle, and higher serum esterified fatty acids in winter than in summer. The increase in the muscle glycogen content is not significant. There is no significant difference in total serum protein, serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (SGOT) and serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase (SGPT) between lizards in summer and in winter. It is concluded that in winter, when food is scarce, energy is obtained from fat reserves. Abstract: Abstract: This project tested whether, and how, man-made changes in the environment would affect the boundary between parapatric-related taxa of Laudakia (Reptilia: Agamidae), whose distributions meet at a boundary between ecological regions. Israel is ecologically diverse with a mesic (Mediterranean) north and an arid (Saharo-Arabian) south. The lizard hardun Laudakia stellio is represented in Israel mainly by two subspecies: the Mediterranean Lau. s. ssp. and the desert Lau. s. brachydactyla. These are conventionally distinguished by the key character, number of subdigital lamellae under the fourth toe, visible in museum specimens examined for the purpose. The results revealed that during 1935–1978, the boundary between the two subspecies had shifted 15km southwards. This is interpreted as resulting from the documented southwards spread of irrigated agriculture. During this time, the average subdigital count of each subspecies near the inter-taxa boundary shifted slightly towards the average of the other subspecies. In each subspecies, in this area, at the same time, the coefficient of variation of the subdigital count increased. The last two processes are interpreted as reflecting reciprocal migration, enhanced by the documented expanded road system and intensified human transportation. Hence, in this case, anthropogenic developments have changed both the location and the genetic structure of the boundary between two parapatric taxa. The life history traits of the rough-tailed agama, Stellagama stellio (Linnaeus, 1758) in a population from Kütahya, Turkey were described by the skeletochronological method. From a total of 54 individuals, the mean ages ± standard deviation (SD) of males and females were calculated as 5.03 ± 2.076 years and 4.79 ± 1.584 years, respectively, and age distributions were not significantly different between sexes. The age at maturity was 2 years for both sexes. The longevity of females was 8 years, whereas for males it was 9 years. Mean snout-vent length (SVL) ± SD was 101.7 ± 9.6 mm in females and 104.9 ± 14.4 mm in males and did not significantly differ between the two sexes. We examined the sexual dimorphism of S. stellio in relation to the difference in population age structure between the sexes using the skeletochronological method. Male individuals were slightly larger than female individuals at the same age, but this difference was not statistically significant. We also estimated the maximum ages for S. stellio, which agree with other populations in Turkey Consumption of bees and other insects by adult males and females hardun, Laudakia stellio, caught during summer months in Rafah locality during two successive years (2005 and 2006), was studied using a total of 30 specimens for each sex. Classification of stomach contents of the dissected animals showed that out of 54.25 and 50.75 ingested insects by hardun males and females, 48.75 and 42.50 were honeybee individuals, representing 89.86 and 83.74%, respectively. This ensures the importance of this lizard as a serious honeybee predator in Rafah locality. The efficiency of traditional nets and traps for catching hardun, was also evaluated in Rafah locality during the same seasons. Obtained results revealed that, the highest efficiency of nets and traps 10.10 & 4.04% and 7.49% & 4.07% was recorded in June 2005 and June 2006, respectively, representing the total percentages of 14.14% and 11.56%, respectively. In spite of the efficiency of net as compared with traps, both tools were inefficient for catching hardun. So, it is advised to find out other methods to minimize the population of hardun around the apiary to protect bee colonies from its attack. On the other hand, the presence of nets around the experimental apiary for catching hardun caused an obvious increase in the mean amount of stored honey by 68.48%. KAPSALAS, G., PROBONAS, N., DIMALEXIS, A. & P. PAFILIS (2020): First Record of Stellagama stellio (Squamata: Agamidae) from Karpathos Island, Greece. – Russian Journal of Herpetology, 27 (5): 299-302.In this note we report for the first time the occurrence of the Roughtail Rock Agama (Stellagama stellio) from Kaprathos Island, Greece. Greece represents the westernmost range limit of the animal and hosts its only European populations. Although Karpathos is a relatively well-studied island in terms of its herpetofauna, this is the second remarkable herpetological finding within the past year, following the rediscovery of the Grass Snake more than 50 years after it was first described from the island. This report for S. stellio expands the range of the species and it is added to a long series of new records in the Greek herpetofauna that occurred during the last few years. KARAMETA, E., GAVRIILIDI, I., SFENTHOURAKIS, S. & P. PAFILIS (2023): Seasonal variation in the thermoregulation pattern of an insular Agamid Lizard. – Animals 2023, 13, 3195. The ability of animals to maintain their body temperature within an optimal range, known as thermoregulation, is essential for their survival, overall health, and daily activities. Ectotherms, including reptiles, rely on external energy resources to regulate their body temperature. How well they can achieve this, heavily depends on various environmental factors, such as the climate and its seasonal changes. Islands typically have a mild climate, which is expected to favor the thermoregulation of reptiles throughout the year. In this study, we investigate the effect of seasonality on the thermoregulation efficiency and behavior of a population of lizards found on Naxos Island, in the Cyclades, Greece. Our results reveal that seasonal fluctuations significantly influence how easily and precisely lizards can regulate their body temperature, with summer being the most favorable period, and autumn being the least favorable. Interestingly, lizards adjusted their thermal preferences and thermoregulation efficiency depending on the challenges imposed by each season and thus managed to maintain stable body temperatures. Whether these adjustments represent evolutionary adaptations or simply reversible shifts, awaits further research. Understanding how lizards adapt to their changing environment can provide valuable insights into their survival strategies and how they may cope with future environmental changes. Situated at the junction of three continents, Europe, Asia and Africa, the Eastern Mediterranean is an ideal region to study the effects of palaeogeography, ecology and long human presence on animal evolution. Laudakia stellio (Squamata: Agamidae) is found across this region and offers an excellent opportunity for such studies. The high morphological variation across their range suggests that these lizards might represent a species complex. This is the first study exploring their evolutionary history, using molecular markers and individuals from all described subspecies. We employed the latest phylogenetic and species-delimitation methods to identify all distinct evolutionary lineages, their genetic variation and divergence times. The phenotypical diversity of L. stellio matches its genetic differentiation: almost all subspecies correspond to well-supported retrieved subclades and additional distinct lineages representing intermediate morphs have been retrieved. ‘Laudakia stellio’ represents three distinct evolutionary entities that diverged during the Plio-Pleistocene transition, which we propose as distinct species. One includes Greek and Turkish populations, as well as cryptic Anatolian lineages. The second comprises all other Near East populations and the third is endemic to Cyprus. Our results indicate a role of humans in shaping present distribution patterns, and highlight the importance of the Aegean, Anatolia and the Levant as glacial refugia and diversity hotspots. As a result of our study, the new data on distribution of Stellagama stellio (Linnaeus, 1758) in Anatolia were obtained. The meristic pholidolial, metric (morphometric) characters and color-pattern features of specimens of S. stellio collected from five new localities in Turkey were given in detail and compared with regard to literature. Specimens examined in the present study were similar to S. s. daani specimens mentioned in the literature. Harduns (Laudakia stellio (Linnaeus, 1758) were captured in April and June outside the city of Rhodes. Snout-vent length, weight, head width and jaw length was measured on all 74 individuals. Males were identified on basis of present precloacal glands. Larger males were heavier and had larger heads in relation to body length than females. Twenty nine agamas at a subsite were also painted with numbers visible at a distance and their home ranges were mapped. Some of the adult males were frequently observed. They maintained exclusive home ranges. The home ranges of some, usually smaller, males overlapped each other and those of the males in the first group. Two out of three large territorial males kept their territories from April to June while one (who had lost in weight) was replaced. Also the pattern of female home ranges suggests a tendency to intrasexual territoriality, especially if the smallest females are not considered. The home ranges of juveniles overlapped each other and those of adult males and females. The April juvenile home ranges were particularly large. Open aggression was rare. Only when an apparently strange male entered the study area was he physically attacked.
MARONDE, M. (1983): Beobachtungen an Agama stellio. – Sauria, Berlin, 5 (1): 13-15. The study compared habitat use and behaviour in two sympatric species of agamid lizard, Laudakia stellio and Pseudotrapelus sinaitus. Despite sharing the same habitat, the two species differed in their utilisation of microhabitats within it. Pseudotrapelus spent significantly longer on rocks compared to Laudakia. Pseudotrapelus showed evidence of heliothermic regulation, spending most of the time in the sun, but moving into the shade in the warmer afternoons. These varying temporal patterns may reflect differential thermoregulatory requirements between the two lizard species. Pseudotrapelus can change colour rapidly. There was no evidence of any thermoregulatory function in this ability; it is likely to be a form of social communication. Being brightly coloured was associated with behaviours implying increased conspicuousness: blue lizards were alert and vigilant for an average of 93% of each viewing session, compared to just 60% of the time in non-blue camouflaged lizards. The striking nature of the transitory blue colouration suggests it may have evolved for maximum salience, a trait common with signals. We simulated social encounters using blue model lizards and mirrors. Behavioural responses to these stimuli all involved colour changes, and support the social-signaling hypothesis. Preferred body temperature of Starred Agama Laudakia stellio collected from Western Coastal Desert of Egypt was monitored telemetrically in a temperature gradient. It was found to be a good thermo regulator lizard using behavioral means. Shuttling behavior between the hot and cold sides of the temperature gradient was found to be the main means of body temperature regulation. The mean selected body temperature was 35.9 and 37.7°C at day and 32.9 and 37.2°C at night in males and females, respectively. At LD it showed a well defined circadian rhythm with high selected body temperature during photophase and low value during scotophase. Under LL and DD the amplitude of the body temperature rhythm was greatly reduced. It was found that Laudakia stellio selected lower body temperature at night in spite of the availability of a wide range of temperatures in the thigmothermal temperature gradient which may prolong potential foraging time the following day. The spleen of Agama stellio is composed mainly of red pulp; the white pulp is poorly developed, and its clusters are scattered throughout the organ and contain lymphocytes, reticular cells, and some plasma cells. The red pulp consists of clear reticular cells intermingled with blood cells, sinusoids, and pigment cells. The spleen of Chalcides ocellatus is encapsulated by connective tissue and is composed of white and red pulp. The white pulp consists of lymphoid tissue that surrounds the central arterioles, forming the periarteriolar lymphocyte sheath (PALS). The red pulp is composed of a system of venous sinuses and cords. The results of various histochemical procedures designed to demonstrate mucosubstances, proteins, and nucleic acids indicate that the spleen in these species resembles the mammalian spleen. XYDA, A. (1983): A biometricapproach to the differentiation of the island populations of the lizard Agama stellio. – Rapports et Procès Verbaux des Réunions – Commission Internationale pour l´Exploration Scientifique de la Mer Mediterranée, 28 (8): 113-116. Fifteen Laudakia caucasia and 25 Laudakia stellio from Turkey were examined for helminths. Laudakia caucasia harbored 1 species of Cestoda, Oochoristica tuberculata, and 3 species of Nematoda, Foleyella candezei, Parapharyngodon tyche, and Thelandros baylisi. Laudakia caucasica represents a new host record for O. tuberculata, P. tyche, and T. baylisi. Laudakia stellio harbored 6 species of Nematoda, Foleyella candezei, Parapharyngodon kasauli, Parapharyngodon tyche, Thelandros taylori, Strongyluris calotis, and third-stage ascaridoid larvae. Laudakia stellio represents a new host record for F. candezei, P. kasauli, S. calotis, T. taylori, and ascaridoid larvae. We examined the phenotypical intra- and inter-populational variation of Laudakia stellio, one of the most-studied agamids, which is widely distributed in Anatolia in order to reveal the qualitative and quantitative aspects of the morphological differences among populations. We used for the quantification of colouration of different body parts colour palettes with the RGB (Red-Green-Blue) colour scale and prepared colour histograms. The populations were compared with Principal Component Analyses (PCA). We found that the 1st dorsal pattern which is the first of 4-5 star-like pattern throughout the vertebral line, provides information about the sex of the individual and the geographic location of the population. PCA graphs revealed the colouration differences between localities of dorsal, lateral, ventral head and dorsal body regions. A phylogenetic analysis of the mitochondrial ND4 marker revealed four different lineages, namely Hatay, Adana-Mersin-Konya, Burdur-Denizli and Manisa-Izmir-Canakkale. Noting the need for new studies with different genes, our results show that colouration and quantitative morphology are supported by phylogeny in L. stellio populations, especially in terms of subspeciation. ZAHER, M.M., ABDEL-KADER, I.Y., ABD-ALLA, W. & F. AL-BADRY (1995): Comparative study on anatomy, histology and histochemistry of the gut of two agamid species Agama pallida & Agama stellio. – Journal of the Egyptian German Society of Zoology, 17 (C): 423-465. ZAHER, M.M., ABDELLAH, W.A. & F. AL-BADRY (1996): Histochemistry of phosphatase enzymes in the gut regions of Agama pallida and Agama stellio (Agamidae, Reptilia). – Journal of the Egyptian German Society of Zoology, 19 (C): 93-104. Stellagama stellio stellio (LINNAEUS, 1758) BIRKENMEIER, E. (1952): Feldbeobachtungen an Agama stellio stellio Linné und Lacerta sicula hieroglyphica Berthold: - Die Aquar. Terrar. Z., Stuttgart, 5: 50-51. BRAMMAH, M., HOFFMAN, J. & W. AMOS (2010): Genetic divergence between and within two subspecies of Laudakia stellio on islands in the greek cyclades. - The Herpetological Journal 20: 91-98. The study of genetic differentiation between allopatric island populations should ideally account for regional palaeogeography, as this can often help to explain current distribution patterns. Here we present a study of two subspecies of the lizard Laudakia stellio in the Greek Cyclades, an excellent model for studying vicariant speciation over a relatively short geological timescale: L. s. stellio on the islands of Mykonos and Delos; and L. s. daani on Paros and Naxos. Using AFLP techniques, we demonstrate a high degree of genetic differentiation both between and within the two subspecies, and relate this to the known palaeogeography of this region. Our results suggest that the genetic differences between the populations of the two subspecies can be explained by a more recent colonization of Paros and Naxos by L. s. daani, with L. s. stellio having been established in the Cyclades for a longer period of time. 1. Oxygen consumption and lactate production above resting levels, and selected body temperatures, were measured in the lizard Agama stellio. 2. Active and resting V02 have low Q10 (1.7, 2.0) in the activity range 30-37°C and higher Q10 (3.8, 4.0) below this. 3. A correlation was found between published resting and active V02 of lizards, and between V02 and lifestyle. Four types were recognized, in order of increasing V02: (a) fossorial; (b) sit-and-wait (including A. stellio); (c) cruising, and (d) widely foraging. 4. A. stellio has a high capacity for lactate production, correlated with its short but rapid bursts of activity. This accounts for 80-90% of the energy used during 30 sec maximal activity. The study of genetic differentiation between allopatric island populations should ideally account for regional palaeogeography, as this can often help to explain current distribution patterns. Here we present a study of two subspecies of the lizard Laudakia stellio in the Greek Cyclades, an excellent model for studying vicariant speciation over a relatively short geological timescale: L. s. stellio on the islands of Mykonos and Delos; and L. s. daani on Paros and Naxos. Using AFLP techniques, we demonstrate a high degree of genetic differentiation both between and within the two subspecies, and relate this to the known palaeogeography of this region. Our results suggest that the genetic differences between the populations of the two subspecies can be explained by a more recent colonization of Paros and Naxos by L. s. daani, with L. s. stellio having been established in the Cyclades for a longer period of time. SCHLÜTER, U. (1988): Der Hardun. Plocederma stellio daani auf Rhodos beobachtet. - Das Aquarium, 32 (350): 56-60.
Tuberculated Agama / Kashmir Rock Agama AKRAM, M., MECKE, S., DHAKATE, P.M. & G. VASHISTHA (2020): Predation of a scorpion by a Kashmir rock agama (Laudakia tuberculata) in Nainital, India. – Herp. Notes, 13: 1095-1097. DAS, S.M. & P.L. DUDA (1964): The functional anatomy of the urinogenital organs of Agama tuberculata Gray. (The common lizard of Kashmir). – Kashmir Sci., 1 (1-2): 53-63. DODSWORTH, P.T.L. (1913): On the Habits of the Rock Lizard (Agama tuberculata). - J. Bombay nat. Hist. Soc. 22: 404. DUDA, P.L. (1965): Studies on the functional morphology of Agama tuberculata Gray. (The common lizard of Kashmir) Part 2. The post-cranial skeleton. – Kashmir Sci., 2: 40-57. DUDA, P.L. (1965): On the cranial osteology of Agama tuberculata with a note on the comparative study of skull in the family Agamidae. – Vestn. Ceskosl. Spol. Zool., 29 (1): 156-174. DUDA, P.L. (1972): The venous system of Agama tuberculata Gray. – British Journal of Herpetology, 4 (11): 297-306. DUDA, P.L. (1974): Arterial system in Agamidae with special reference to the system in Agama tuberculata Gray (Reptilia:Lacertilia). – Journal Herpet., 8 (1): 81-84. FISCHER, C.E.C. (1907): Aberration in Scales of regrown tail of Agama tuberculata, Grey. - J. Bombay Nat. Hist. Soc. 18: 208. GRAY, J.E. (1827): Description Laudakia tuberculata. - In: A synopsis of the Species of Saurian Reptiles, collected in India by Major-General Hardwicke, by Major-General Hardwicke, , F.R. & L.S., and J.E. Gray, F.G.S. - The Zoological Journal, Vol III from January, 1827, to april, 1828. London, 1828. KHAN, B., AHMED, W., ABLIMIT, A., FAKHRI, S. & H. ALI (2012): Range extension of four highland agamid lizards in Shimshal Pamir, Pakistan. – Journal of Arid Land, 4 (1): 77-84. As part of the Sino-Pak trans-boundary cooperation for conservation and sustainable development in Pamir border region, World Wild Fund (WWF)-Pakistan conducted a preliminary social, economic and ecological survey in the Shimshal-Pamir Lakes area in July 2009. The purpose of the study was to explore potentials and opportunities for future collaborative conservation of some species, habitats and high altitude ecosystems in the border region between China and Pakistan. The two-week herpetological study in the Shimshal Pamir area of Khunjerab National Park (KNP) along Pakistan-China border was an integral part of the survey, conducted exclusively to document reptilian fauna with a special emphasis on investigating their occurrence, distribution and status in the study area. Field investigations were performed during daytime when it was hot enough and reptiles were active, basking or feeding. A total of 15 specimens belonging to four species of the Agamidae family were captured by striking stones and beating bushes with sticks. Collected specimens were preserved using 10% formalin solution, tagged with field information and stored in Zoological Survey Department, Karachi for future reference. Laboratory investigations were carried out for pholidosic counts and morphometric measurements. A detailed review of relevant literature, habitat characteristics and laboratory investigations revealed the occurrence of Laudakia himalayana, L. pakistanica, L. tuberculata and L. badakhshana at 4,082 m, 4,172 m, 4,005 m and 4,240 m asl, respectively, which are much higher altitudes as compared to the previously reported heights of 3,353 m, 3,200 m, 2,500 m and 2,400 m asl. The terrain offers a variety of ecological barriers, in the form of fast and freezing running waters and massive glaciers with peculiar harsh climatic conditions prevailing for nine months of the year, which restricts species migration and thus increases endemism. Although one of the four species recorded from the study area, i.e. L. pakistanica is endemic to Pakistan, L. tuberculata and L. badakhshana are new records from Shimshal, Pakistan, so a detailed investigation is suggested for further herpetological records from the study area.
Egyptian Rock Agama / Ägyptischer Hardun SONNINI, C.S. & P.A. LATREILLE (1802): Description of Stellagama stellio vulgaris. – In: “Histoire naturelle des reptiles : avec figures dessinées d'apres nature”.Tome II Deterville, Paris. 332 pp. Laudakia vulgaris vulgaris (SONNINI & LATREILLE 1801) KADRY, M.A.M., AL-QAHTANI, A.R. & S.A. AMER (2020): Morphometric and molecular differentiation between Egyptian Stellagama stellio vulgaris and S. stellio salehi (Reptilia: Agamidae). - Zoology in the Middle East, DOI:10.1080/09397140.2020.1826677 pp 1-7. From the seven recognised subspecies of Stellagama stellio, S. s. vulgaris is found in northwestern Egypt and S. stellio salehi in the south Sinai and are known to be very similar. A Principal Component Analysis was carried out for 14 morphometric features, PCA1 accounted for a little cumulative variation (87.03%) between the two subspecies with a strong canonical correlation (r = 0.999). PCA2 accounted for a high cumulative variation (98.04%) with a strong canonical correlation (r = 0.985) and head height (HH) was the only major parameter for the significant difference. Within 398 sites of 16S rRNA gene sequenced, 6 base substitutions were recorded between S. s. vulgaris and S. s. salehi and the pairwise genetic divergence was calculated as 1.5%, which is comparable to that found between some other conspecific agamids. Neither the morphometric nor the molecular data support the distinction of two different subspecies. No genetic difference was found between S. s. salehi and S. s. brachydactyla which occurs from northern Sinai over Jordan to Saudi Arabia. CHILDRESS, J.R. (1970): Observations on the reproductive cycle of Agama stellio picea. – Herpetologica, 26: 149-155. ESTERBAUER, H. (1985): Lebensraum und Lebensweise von Agama stellio picea in Syrien. - Die Aquar. Terrar. Z., Stuttgart, 38 (3): 134-138. (2283) LIEKMEIER, M. & T. TACHWALY (2006): Kleine Agama ganz groß – Laudakia stellio picea (PARKER, 1935) (Reptilia: Squamata: Agamidae) im Terrarium. – Iguana-Rundschreiben, 19 (2): 16-23. Kurzfassung: Von der kleinsten Unterart von Laudakia stellio liegen nur wenige Haltungsberichte vor. Sie wird hier als hochinteressanter Terrarienpflegling vorgestellt. Des Weiteren werden die gesammelten Haltungserfahrungen vermittelt. PARKER, H.W. (1935): A new melanic lizard from Transjordan, and some speculations concerning melanism. – Proceedings of the Zoological Society of London, 135: 137-142. VERHOEKS, R. (2003): Ervaringen met de Hardoen - Laudakia stellio picea. – Lacerta, 61 (4): 154-157. EVERS, M. (2010): Der Hardun, ein liebenswerter Artist im Terrarium. – Die Aquarien- und Terrarien-Zeitschrift, 63 (12): 58-65. SCHMIDT, S. & A. MOHR (2007): Haltung und Nachzucht von Laudakia stellio am Beispiel von Laudakia stellio salehi (WERNER in LACHMANN et al., 2006). – Iguana-Rundschreiben, 20 (1): 16-22. Zusammenfassung: Dieser Bericht zeigt die verschiedenen Unterarten der Art Laudakia stellio auf und informiert insbesondere über die neu beschriebene Art L. s. salehi und deren Haltung und Zucht. WERNER, Y.L. (2006): Description of Stellagama stellio salehi. – In: - Lachmann, E., Carmely, H. & Y.L. Werner (eds.): Subspeciation befogged by the ‘‘Seligmann effect’’: the case of Laudakia stellio (Reptilia: Sauria: Agamidae) in southern Sinai, Egypt. - Journal of Natural History, 2006; 40 (19–20): 1259–1284.
Wui´s Rock Agama ZHAO, E.M. (1998): A new species of the genus Laudakia from Xizang (Tibet) Autonomous region. – Acta Zootaxonomica Sinica, 23 (4): 440-444. zurück / back |
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