Articles

Histological and computed tomography study of osteoderm regeneration in the skink lizard Eurylepis taeniolata Blyth, 1854 (Scincidae, Squamata)

Skink lizards have an unusual complex osteoderm, which consists of several bone elements – osteodermitis. We have carried out the first histological and computer microtomographic study of the structure of the original and regenerating complex osteoderms of skink lizards using Eurylepis taeniolata as an object. The topography of osteoderms in the integument of the original region of the tail and its regenerated part was studied. The fundamental similarity of the morphology and microstructure of the original and regenerated osteoderms was showed.

On the issue of sex differences in metric characters in Anguis colchica (Nordmann in Demidoff, 1840) (Anguidae, Reptilia)

The length of the body without a tail (L.) and the length of an intact tail (L. cd.) were measured in 91 males and 110 females of Anguis colchica from the Chamzinsky rayon of the Republic of Mordovia. A comparative analysis of three morphometric characters (L., L. cd., L. / L. cd.) of males and females was carried out with the construction of variation series and using the frequency approach. Range of variability of L. and L.

Modelling the range dynamics of the marsh frog (Pelophylax ridibundus) (Ranidae, Amphibia) in Russia under alternative scenarios of global climate change

Predictive maps of the distribution of the marsh frog (Pelophylax ridibundus) in Russia under the conditions of global climate change up to 2100 are presented. It is shown that under the influence of global climate change, the range will expand and the centroid will shift to the north-east.

Ecological niches breadth analysis of Darevskia (Lacertidae, Reptilia) parthenogenetic lizards with various scenarios of clonal lineage formation in populations

In this work, we tested the conditions for fulfilling the concept of geographic parthenogenesis by a comparative analysis of the breadth of the ecological niches of parental and parthenogenetic lizards of the genus Darevskia with a various number of established hybridization events. Estimates of the breadth of ecological niches of the parthenogenetic species D. rostombekowi Nb = 0.6(±0.08) and parental bisexual species D.

Geographical variation of duration of larval development and body size in Rana temporaria (Ranidae, Anura) metamorphs

With the help of artificial inter-population crosses of adult Rana temporaria from four spatially remote populations of the European part of the species' range, the magnitude and direction of changes in metamorphic traits were estimated.

Phylogeny and geographic distribution of rock lizards (Lacertidae, Reptilia) in Alborz mountain range

Rock lizards of the genus Darevskia have long been an important model object for study of reptile evolution. To understand the overall picture, it is important to know how bisexual and parthenogenetic species are distributed within this genus. The ranges of Caucasian species of rock lizards have been studied for a long time and in detail. However, recent attention to the species inhabiting the territory of Iran has been attracted after the description of several new species in 2013.

Age differences in the leukocyte blood composition of the common viper Vipera berus (Reptilia: Serpentes: Viperidae)

The results of our comparative analysis of parameters of the leukocyte blood system of underyearlings and mature specimens of the common viper Vipera berus are presented. The material was the blood of 36 females and 26 males caught in the Middle Volga basin, and 13 underyearlings born in captivity from 4 females of this sample. V. b.

Current state of internet trading of sea turtle (Cheloniidae) derivatives in Russia

This paper reports the results of our monitoring the presence of advertisements for the sale of sea turtle (Cheloniidae) derivatives on the Internet in Russia in 2021 and 2023. Data on species, number, region of origin, market price and turnover rate of these derivatives are summarized. A brief analysis of the regulatory framework governing the turnover of sea turtle derivatives is given and the conclusion on the necessity of its adjustment is provided.

On the problem of specific identification in triploid (Bufotes baturae) and tetraploid (B. pewzowi) green toads (Amphibia, Anura, Bufonidae) of Central Asia by morphometric characteristics

The paper presents the results of using multiplicative indices for species identification of polyploid green toads of Central Asia. Live adult individuals of Bufotes baturae (24 females and 17 males) from the territory of Tajikistan and B. pewzowi (14 females and 24 males) from Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan were studied. The animals were caught in nature, measured and immediately released. The species belonging of the studied green toads was established by cytogenetic methods.

Reproductive ecology of Anuran Amphibians: Effects of internal and external factors

This research paper examines the influence of internal factors (female body weight, body condition) and external ecological factors on the reproductive parameters of females, as well as on the reproductive ecology of adult individuals of anuran amphibians. Among the most significant reproductive characteristics of females are the number of eggs in a clutch, the proportion of reproductive products to female body weight (contribution to reproduction), and the average weight of eggs.

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