Is the Pyrenean newt (Calotriton asper) a thermoconformer? Cloacal and water temperature in two different thermal periods in a Pre-Pyrenean stream population

The results indicate that cloacal temperature depends on the water temperature, corroborating the idea that C. asper is mainly a thermoconformer, as it corresponds to an aquatic ectotherm. However, the cloacal temperature of newts was slightly higher than water temperature. In individuals in amplexus, cloacal temperature was significantly higher than in specimens that are not in amplexus, and in July, females showed much greater dispersion in cloacal temperature than males, which is probably related to spawning behaviour. Leer más.

Comparative acute toxicity of pesticides to tadpoles of a tropical anuran (Epipedobates anthonyi), a North American native anuran Lithobates sphenocephalus and a standard fish species

Our data also support the continued use of fish as surrogates for amphibian larvae as none of the species were more sensitive to the tested pesticides than rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss), the standard sensitive fish species used for acute toxicity testing. Leer más.

Reduction of amphibian roadkill by one-side barriers

Thus, the ineffectiveness of the temporary barrier may be related to (i) the tarp material that allows some amphibians to escape, (ii) the presence of vegetation that goes over the top of the barrier, or (iii) increased fence-end effects due to its short length. Leer más.

La odisea de las tortugas hicoteas: son los animales más traficados durante la Semana Santa en Colombia

La tortuga hicotea fue el animal más traficado en Colombia durante Semana Santa. Según cifras de la Unidad de Protección Ambiental de la Policía Nacional, esta especie representó el 78 % de las incautaciones de animales o sus derivados. Leer más.

Diversity and Evolution of Frog Visual Opsins: Spectral Tuning and Adaptation to Distinct Light Environments

Results support the hypothesis of adaptive evolution in photoreceptor physiology across the frog tree of life in response to varying environmental and ecological factors and further our growing understanding of vertebrate visual evolution. Leer más.