We describe a new species of the genus Rabdion based on morphological evidence. The new species, Rabdion grovesi sp. nov., is restricted to South Sulawesi, whereas Rabdion forsteni is widely distributed on the rest of Sulawesi (Indonesia). Leer más.

M. D’Amicoa, J. Romána, L. de los Reyesb, E. Revilla. Biological Conservation. Volume 191, November 2015, Pages 234–242. During one year we recorded the casualties found on paved roads within Doñana Natural Park. We found 2368 road-kills belonging to 66 species (32% of the study area checklist), with abundant ectotherm species more likely to be road-killed. We also investigated the temporal and spatial factors affecting the road-kill patterns of different taxonomic and functional groups. The phenology of the species was the main factor affecting road-kill temporal patterns for lizards, all birds and small mammals. Additionally, rainfall events were associated with the road-kill peaks of wintering birds, whereas high temperatures were related to the increase of road-killed snakes and the decrease of road-killed amphibians. Leer más.

F. J. Zamora-Camacho, S. Reguera and G. Moreno-Rueda. Journal of Zoology. Article first published online : 7 JUL 2015. According to a physiological hypothesis, we expect lizards with autotomized tails to show higher body temperatures that allow them to regenerate lost tissues faster, at least when the thermal environment is not limiting (at mid and low elevations). By contrast, according to an ethological hypothesis, we expect lizards with autotomized tails to avoid exposure to predators by reducing thermoregulation time, thus showing lower temperatures than lizards with non-autotomized tails. Leer más.

Después de un periodo de «inactividad bichera» por la zona decidimos reunirnos una vez mas para visitar algunos de los más carismáticos puntos de Alcublas. Leer más.

A new Yale study shows that estrogen in suburban yards is changing the ratio of male and female green frogs at nearby ponds. Higher levels of estrogen in areas where there are shrubs, vegetable gardens, and manicured lawns are disrupting frogs’ endocrine systems, according to the study. That, in turn, is driving up the number of female frogs and lowering the number of male frogs. Leer más.