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This is an open access article distributed under the terms of Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (CC-BY 4.0).

Winter activity record of two lizard species in Egypt

Authors: Milto K. D.

Two Acanthodactylus boskianus and three Mesalina guttulata were recorded on the surface at day time, 12 January 2022 in the South Eastern Desert, Red Sea Governorate, Egypt. The weather was clear full day, in the middle of the day the air temperature reached +24⁰C. Lizards not only actively moved, but also demonstrated foraging behavior. This is the first documented record of winter activity of lacertids in Egypt.

New findings of the Aesculapian skidder Zamenis longissimus (Laurenti, 1768) (Colubridae, Reptilia) in the Republic of Adygea

Authors: Khrabrov I. E., Sadykov R. K., Shapovalov M. I.

Data on new findings of the Aesculapian skidder Zamenis longissimus (Laurenti, 1768) in the Republic of Adygea, specifying the northern border of the species’ habitat, are given. Z. longissimus should be considered a naturally rare species throughout the entire part of its distribution in the Republic of Adygea. Apparently, the direct destruction of these snakes by humans is the main threat to the species in the region.

Distribution and protection state of Coronella austriaca (Reptilia: Serpentes: Colubridae) in Kazakhstan

Authors: Akhmedenov K. M., Bakiev A. G.

The smooth snake (Coronella austriaca Laurenti, 1768) was known in Kazakhstan from literary sources and reptile collections by few findings within the boundaries of the modern Aktobe region in 1871–1956. The paper gives the coordinates and dates of the 2019–2022 findings in the West Kazakhstan region, where this species has not been met before.

Captive breeding of the Caspian lizard (Darevskia caspica) (Reptilia, Lacertidae)

Authors: Kidov A. A., Ivanov A. A., Erashkin V. O., Kondratova T. E.

The Caspian lizard (Darevskia caspica) is a recently described endemic of the Hyrcanian forests of Northern Iran. The paper presents new data on the reproductive biology of D. caspica obtained in laboratory conditions. Breeding females have a body length of 53.4– 64.4 mm and a mass of 2.96–3.60 g. Females produce from one to three clutches per season, each of which contains 1–6 eggs. The length of these eggs is 10.35–13.95 mm, width 6.19–7.59 mm, and weight 0.27–0.45 g.

On communal egg-laying of the tiger keelback (Rhabdophis tigrinus) (Reptilia, Colubridae) in the Far East of Russia

Authors: Kidov A. A., Ivolga R. A., Ivanov A. A.

The paper presents the case of discovery of 60 eggs of the tiger keelback (Rhabdophis tigrinus) in the vicinity of the Dunay settlement (Primorsky Krai, Russian Federation) under a wooden railway sleeper on July 27, 2022. The authors suggest that it was a collective clutch of eggs from three females. Incubation in artificial conditions, from the discovery of this collective clutch to the release of juveniles from the eggs, lasted 17–20 days. Given the synchronicity of the hatching of young snakes, it is assumed that the eggs were laid by different females almost simultaneously.

Influence of the environmental temperature regime on the body temperature of Lacerta agilis Linnaeus, 1758 (Lacertidae, Reptilia) in local populations of the Khoper river floodplain in spring

Authors: Tabachishin V. G., Yermokhin M. V.

An analysis was made of the influence of the biotope temperature regime on the body temperature of Lacerta agilis in local populations of the floodplain of the middle reaches of the Khoper river (Saratov region). The rectal body temperature in active L. agilis out-side their shelters was shown to be 18.3–35.1°С and 18.2–34.8°С for males and females, respectively. The rectal temperature of L. agilis males and females in the spring period does not differ significantly. The optimal body temperature of L.

Herpetological collection of the Zoological Museum of Tomsk State University. Communication 1. Salamanders (Amphibia: Caudata)

Authors: Yartsev V. V., Kuranova V. N., Bastrikova A. E., Kulaeva A. V., Kiselyova A. A., Schennikov A. Y.

The history of formation and the taxonomic composition of the salamander collection of the Zoological Museum of Tomsk State University, opened in 1888, are analyzed. The history of the collection is characterized by two periods of active formation, namely: late 19th – early 20th centuries and late 20th – early 21st centuries. It is associated with the names of prominent explorers of Siberia, namely: N. F. Kashchenko, S. I. Korzhinsky, A. A. Kulyabko, G. E. Ioganzen, M. D. Ruzsky, V. P. Anikin, and S. M. Chugunov. It presents 14 species from 12 genera and 6 families of salamanders. G. E.

New findings of the Caucasian toad (Bufo verrucosissimus, Amphibia, Anura, Bufonidae) in the Kuma River basin (North Caucasus, Russia)

Authors: Kidov A. A., Ivolga R. A.

The paper discusses the distribution of Bufo verrucosissimus in the North Caucasus. It is noted that the absolute majority of findings of this species in Russia have occurred in the Black Sea basin. All currently known habitats of B.

Captive breeding of Regel’s racerunner (Eremias regeli, Reptilia, Lacertidae)

Authors: Kidov A. A., Erashkin V. O., Ivanov A. A., Kondratova T. E.

The paper presents the results of laboratory reproduction of Regel’s racerunner (Eremias regeli). Offspring was obtained from natural individuals (2 females and 2 males) captured in the vicinity of the Bokhtar town (Khatlon region, Republic of Tajikistan). Captive-born animals (3 females and 2 males) began laying eggs at the age of 7 months. The lizards from nature reproduced twice a year, while the animals obtained in the laboratory lay eggs up to three times per season. The clutches of both natural and laboratory lizards contained from 2 to 4 eggs.

Introduction and reintroduction of the takyr roundhead Phrynocephalus helioscopus (Agamidae, Reptilia) in the Altai region

Authors: Krymov N. G.

Information is provided on the introduction and reintroduction of the takyr roundhead (Phrynocephalus helioscopus) in the Altai region under the “Program of Comprehensive Study of the Methods of Keeping and Breeding in Captivity of the Takyr roundhead (Phryno-cephalus helioscopus)”.

New finds of Elaphe sauromates (Pallas, 1814) (Colubridae, Reptilia) in Kazakhstan

Authors: Akhmedenov K. M., Bakiev A. G.

A critical analysis of literature data on the records of Elaphe sauromates in the Atyrau region of the Republic of Kazakhstan in 1857–2006 is presented. Doubtful finds of the species in the Volga-Ural interfluve and in the vicinity of the city of Atyrau require confirmation. New finds in the region in 2018 and 2021, like all reliable previous ones, were made only on the territory of the Zhylyoysky district.

Some data on the parasite fauna of the Caucasian agama Paralaudakia caucasia Eichwald, 1831 (Agamidae, Reptilia) in Dagestan

Authors: Gadzhiramazanovа A. G., Gichikhanova U. A., Mazanaeva L. F.

Information on the species composition of the parasite fauna of the Caucasian agama P. caucasia is given. In total, 12 individuals of the Caucasian agama were studied and 5 species of helminths were found (Macracanthorhynchus catulinus, Thelandros popovi, T. markovi, Parapharyngodon brevicaudatus, Parapharyngodon szczerbakin). Ectoparasites were not found on the studied agamas.

Age structure and growth of the oriental tree frog (Hyla orientalis, Amphibia, Hylidae) in the Samur Forest (North-Eastern Caucasus)

Authors: Kidov A. A., Ivolga R. A., Kondratova T. E., Ivanov A. A., Mazanaeva L. F., Askenderov A. D.

The paper presents the results of studying the age structure and growth of the eastern tree frog (Hyla orientalis) in the Samur Forest. In the Primorskiy village (Magaramkent district, Republic of Dagestan, Russian Federation) in the first decade of May 2022, 7 females and 13 males were captured. The age of animals was determined by the cross sections of phalanx by standard method of skeletochronology. Age of females was 2–5 years (3.4 on average), males 1–6 years (3.4 on average).

Rare species of amphibians and reptiles – candidates for the inclusion into the third edition of the Red Data Book of Tambov region

Authors: Lada G. A., Sokolov A. S., Goncharov A. G.

Five species of amphibians and five species of reptiles are recommended to the inclusion into the third edition of the Red Data Book of Tambov region. Their conservation status, distribution, main limiting factors, adopted and necessary protection measures are discussed.

Distribution of the smooth snake (Coronella austriaca austriaca Laurenti, 1768) (Colubridae, Reptilia) in the Caspian lowland of Russia and Kazakhstan

Authors: Mazanaeva L. F., Orlova V. F., Shepelya E. Y.

The distribution of smooth snake in the Caspian lowland of Russia and Kazakhstan is analyzed according to the collections of the Zoological Museum of Moscow State University and published works. The map with smooth snake finds includes 36 localities of the species (Volgograd Region, Stavropol Territory, Kalmykia, Chechen Republic, Dagestan, and Kazakhstan).

Comparative analysis of the growth and development of male and female Pevtsov's toad, Bufotes pewzowi (Amphibia: Anura, Bufonidae) in laboratory conditions

Authors: Matushkina K. A., Astakhova E. A.

Differences in growth rates are shown, as well as in the cost of rearing male and female Bufotes pewzowi under laboratory conditions. We observed a tendency for females to be superior in length and weight, but statistically significant differences (U = 13, p < 0.05) were noted only in weight after 50 weeks of rearing. Over the entire period of the study, the weight gain of females was 54.2±5.04 g, males – 45.3±6.15 g. The actual cost of rearing 1 female was 497.2±58.34 rubles (426.6–557.7), 1 male – 389.9±75.86 rubles (244.7–488.2).

Foster’s or island rule in populations of Phrynocephalus mystaceus and Eremias velox (Reptilia, Lacertilia) on the sandy massif Sarykum

Authors: Polynova G. V., Polynova O. E.

The sandy massif Sarykum, whose age is about 100 thousand years, is an island habitat for psammophilic species of terrestrial vertebrates. The paper presents new morphometric data on the populations of two species of psammophilous lizards living in this area. These are the nominative subspecies of the Secret Toadheaded Agama (Phrynocephalus mystaceus mystaceus Pallas, 1776) and the Caucasian Central Asian Racerunner (Eremias velox caucasica Lantz, 1928).

Thermobiological characters of toad-headed agamas (Phrynocephalus mystaceus) (Reptilia, Agamidae) on the Sarykum dune (Dagestan, Russia) obtained by using of temperature loggers

Authors: Cherlin V. A., Okstein I. L., Aligadzhiev E.

The paper compares two variants of thermobiological studies of toad-headed agamas (Phrynocephalus mystaceus) – the traditional one, based on route trapping and measurements of body temperature in captured lizards, and the new one, using temperature loggers that register body temperature once a minute and implemented interperitoneally. Both work options are not alternative. The main thing is the correct interpretation of the results: the traditional method provides data obtained from many individuals characterizing the temperature parameters of the activity of the studied reptiles.

Some features of thermobiology of steppe-runner Eremias arguta (Gmelin, 1789) and spotted toadhead agama Phrynocephalus guttatus (Gmelin, 1789) (Squamata, Reptilia) in cohabitation in the Northern Pre-Caspian

Authors: Chetanov N. A., Litvinov N. A., Ganshchuk S. V., Yugov M. V.

The paper presents data on temperatures of the body and the selected substrate for the steppe-runner and the spotted toadhead agama. Thermal preferences and modal classes for both species were determined, and interspecies differences were analyzed. Significantly higher average temperatures were found in the steppe-runner, while the maximum voluntary temperatures are higher in the spotted toadhead agama. These features are associated with the biotopic confinement of species.

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