In 1996 scientists discovered a new species of dwarf toad: the Kihansi spray toad (Nectophrynoides asperginis). Although surviving on only two hectares near the Kihansi Gorge in Tanzania, the toads proved populous: around 17,000 individuals crowded the smallest known habitat of any vertebrate, living happily off the moist micro-habitat created by spray from adjacent waterfalls. Leer más.

A substance extracted from rattlesnake venom could raise survival hopes among patients with skin cancer, according to experiments performed by Brazilian researchers. Leer más.

In a paper in Acta Zoologica, Tulli et al. examine the tendons of the hands of a variety of lizards, including a dozen anole species. Their hypothesis is that differences in tendon struct should reflect ecological adaptation: in arboreal species, the tendons running to each finger (digit) should be independent, allowing great flexibility, whereas in more terrestrial lizards, the tendons should be fused, presumably providing great stability during locomotion at the cost of less agility. Leer más.

TRAFFIC is urging holiday makers not to buy marine turtle products through broadcasts in Hainan Province on local radio FM886. Leer más.

With pleasure we invite you to attend the 8th International Symposium on the Lacertids of the Mediterranean Basin, to be held from 3rd to 6th June 2013 in Koper, Slovenia, organized by Societas herpetologica slovenica – society for the study of amphibians and reptiles – and University of Primorska. Leer más.