Caudatans

The highlands of northeastern Honduras remain under-characterized in terms of biological diversity, as exemplified by the regularity of new amphibian and reptile taxa discoveries. Following the recent description of a new species of Nototriton from the Sierra de Agalta in northeastern Honduras, we report the discovery of a second new species of Nototriton from the nearby Parque Nacional Montaña de Botaderos. This new taxon, Nototriton mime sp. nov., is distinguished from other Nototriton by its distinctive pale brown dorsal coloration in adult males, relatively large nares, a relatively broad head, mitochondrial sequence divergence, and phylogenetic relationships, and is geographically isolated from other populations of Nototriton.

The search for solutions to the amphibian conservation crisis is far from over with 30% of species threatened. More than ~200 species are in immediate need of conservation breeding programs (CBPs) to prevent their extinction and to provide for potential translocation, supplementation, head-starting and re-habitation projects (Johnson, 2016). Besides species in immediate need of CBPs there more than 750 species that may requiring CBPs in the foreseeable future (Ark, 2017a; IUCN, 2017; Zippel et al., 2011). Thirty percent of anurans (frogs and toads), 50% of caudata (salamanders and newts), and 3% of caecilians are listed as threatened (IUCN, 2017). However, the conservation status of many amphibian species, and particularly caecilians (Gower et al., 2013), cannot be ascertained due to a lack of data (IUCN, 2017). Hundreds of described species, and never described species may already be extinct ().

Nous présentons la biologie, l'écologie et la biogéographie des trois espèces de salamandres relictes qui constituent le genre Echinotriton NUSSBAUM & BRODIE, 1982 : E. andersoni, E. chinhaiensis et E. maxiquadratus, en confrontant les connaissances actuelles sur ce genre et nos données de terrain originales. Ces Urodèles aux caractéristiques particulières sont très menacés et de nouvelles populations ou des formes cryptiques existent probablement ; elles risquent de disparaître avant d'être décrites. Nous présentons également quelques données d'élevage utiles dans le cadre de programmes de conservation in situ et ex situ.

We report ecological observations of Bolitoglossa altamazonica and B. peruviana in the Peruvian Amazon with suggestions on their conservation. Two localities are provided for both species in one protected area, Allpahuyo-Mishana National Reserve and in Puerto Almendra near the city of Iquitos, northern Peru. A different type of B. altamazonica was also discovered in Allpahuyo-Mishana. It is similar to B. madeira with a reddish coloration on the dorsal parts. Another " grey " type was also reported living between Puno and Madre de Dios departments at higher elevations. However, all the specimens found through their range in Peru have shown colour variation which complicates species identification. New taxonomic studies are needed to confirm their status. The Peruvian salamanders appear to be semi-arboreal species living in primary unflooded terra firme rainforests near water bodies where humidity is high at lower elevations as previously reported (96–118 m a.s.l.). Despite most of the Bolitoglossa species occur in protected areas, a deadly threat was recently reported in frogs (Batrachochy-tridium dendrobatidis) that may cause loss of salamanders in Peru. For example during our field surveys we were unable to observe B. digitigrada. New assessments are urgently needed for the protection and conservation of Peruvian salamanders. Data on biology, ecology and environmental parameters are also lacking to really protect their microhabitats, and to establish suitable ex situ keeping and breeding programs with the difficult perspective of subsequent reintroduction.

Recently a comprehensive overview of reptiles and amphibians in Michigan was published. Unfortunately, the distributions of the species represented were compiled before widespread accessibility to technological tools providing greater access to museum and historical records as well as citizen science efforts. To update the known ranges of Michigan herpetofauna, published literature, museum collections, and photographic vouchers submitted to an online database were examined and 339 new county and island records were added, updating the maps for 48 of Michigan’s 55 known species of reptiles and amphibians. I also present the first published list of Michigan amphibians that includes two new plethodontid salamanders, the Northern Dusky Salamander (Desmognathus fuscus) and Southern Two-lined Salamander (Eurycea cirrigera). This paper serves as an example of the wealth of information available to scientists that may have previously been unobtainable, and can be used for the distribution of herpetofauna elsewhere.

The Eastern Arc mountain chain and adjoining coastal forests of Tanzania and Kenya have been listed as world biodiversity hotspots. We report on an ongoing attempt to estimate amphibian diversity on the three best studied mountains of the Eastern Arc, the East Usambara, Uluguru and Udzungwa mountains of Tanzania, complemented by an estimate of diversity on the adjoining coastal lowland. This proves to be a complex task, which introduces a note of caution into evaluating global biodiversity estimates. Most amphibian species in eastern Tanzania occur on the coastal lowlands and are widely distributed, extending at least north or south of Tanzania and, to a variable extent, westwards to the elevated interior. Diversity patterns along the length of the lowlands are complex, with the presence of a Sahelian element in the extreme north. On the three Eastern Arc mountains studied, species turnover associated with rising altitude is greater than turnover associated with latitudinal distance between the mountain blocks, leading to greater altitudinal than latitudinal diversity in this equatorial region. A long-standing divergence is indicated between montane and lowland endemics. Although forestassociated species are not the largest contributor to the eastern Tanzanian total species diversity (some 48%), the uniqueness of these species both in lowland and montane forests, combined with their evident vulnerability to disturbance, makes them a subject for particular conservation concern, and justifies hotspot status for both montane and lowland forests.

Le Maroc abrite deux espèces d’Urodèles: Pleurodeles waltl et Salamandra algira. Celles-ci ont évolué récemment au sein de différentes niches écologiques complexes. Ce phénomène de spéciation explique la grande variété des morphotypes observables notamment chez Salamandra algira et ses trois sous-espèces endémiques. La Péninsule tingitane abrite une sous-espèce, Salamandra algira tingitana composée d’une forme vivipare et d’une forme ovovivipare. Les régions du Rif et du Moyen-Atlas nord possèdent deux grandes populations de la seconde sous-espèce, S. algira splendens. Enfin, la dernière sous-espèce S. algira spelaea est distribuée dans le massif des Beni-Snassen à l’extrême nord-est du pays. En outre,  Pleurodeles waltl est présent le long des plaines côtières du pays et ses populations appartiennent à une lignée génétique bien distincte des formes ibériques voisines. Celui-ci mérite donc un statut à part. Finalement, ces salamandrides sont menacées d’extinction et possèdent une distribution irrégulière et fragmentée. Cet article présente donc les principaux traits de leur histoire naturelle, leur taxinomie et écologie mais aussi les différents paramètres de leur élevage en captivité pour de futurs projets de conservation in situ et ex situ.

After two published books : “Les Urodèles en voie de disparition” (2016, Edilivre, Paris, 120 p.) and “Les Salamandres crocodiles du genre Echinotriton en Asie du sud-est: de véritables fossiles vivants au bord de l'extinction” (2016, Edilivre, Paris, 112 p.); Pr. Axel Hernandez has decided to publish this year with Chimaira edition  a new comprehensive  study of the Primitive Salamandridae from Asia (Genera Echinotriton and Tylototriton). This new book is intended to summarize all the knowledge on each 25 species. This research is fed by the author’s field studies in Asia with chinese Amphibian specialists such as Pr. Hou Mian, Pr. Liang Fei, Pr. Ye Changyuang, Dr. Xie Feng, Dr. Jiang Jianping & Dr. Zhiyong Yuan (China, Thailand, Myanmar, Vietnam and Laos) since 2001; and improve our understanding of this marginal group of poorly known salamanders. The book includes : A preface made by one of the most famous amphibian specialist Professor Liang FEI (Chengdu Institute of Biology, Academy of Sciences, China), Acknowledgements, Travel notes from southern Asia, The Primitive Salamandridae of Asia (Natural History), Mass extinction of salamanders around the world, Phylogeny of the two genera with a new classification, Taxonomy, Biogeography, Ecological data for each 25 species known to this date, detailed pictures and maps, reproduction and captive husbandry for conservation purposes. This book is dedicaced to the world famous herpetologist and specialist of Salamanders, Jean RAFFAËLLI author of "Les Urodèles du monde" I & II (2007, 2013; Link: http://lesurodelesdumonde2.jimdo.com/) and co-author of the New Taxonomy of the entire Urodela group with Alain DUBOIS (2009, 2012). His thoughts and knowledge illuminate and give life to this study.

The search for solutions to the amphibian conservation crisis is far from over with 30% of species threatened. More than ~200 species are in immediate need of conservation breeding programs (CBPs) to prevent their extinction and to provide for potential translocation, supplementation, head-starting and re-habitation projects (Johnson, 2016). Besides species in immediate need of CBPs there more than 750 species that may requiring CBPs in the foreseeable future (Ark, 2017a; IUCN, 2017; Zippel et al., 2011). Thirty percent of anurans (frogs and toads), 50% of caudata (salamanders and newts), and 3% of caecilians are listed as threatened (IUCN, 2017). However, the conservation status of many amphibian species, and particularly caecilians (Gower et al., 2013), cannot be ascertained due to a lack of data (IUCN, 2017). Hundreds of described species, and never described species may already be extinct ().

Background: Island species are vulnerable to rapid extinction, so it is important to develop accurate methods to determine their occurrence and habitat preferences. In this study, we assessed two methods for modeling the occurrence of the Corsican endemic Salamandra corsica, based on macro-ecological and fine habitat descriptors. We expected that models based on habitat descriptors would better estimate S. corsica occurrence, because its distribution could be influenced by micro-environmental gradients. The occurrence of S. corsica was modeled according to two ensembles of variables using random forests. Results: Salamandra corsica was mainly found in forested habitats, with a complex vertical structure. These habitats are associated with more stable environmental conditions. The model based on fine habitat descriptors was better able to predict occurrence, and gave no false negatives. The model based on macro-ecological variables underestimated the occurrence of the species on its ecological boundary, which is important as such locations may facilitate interpopulation connectivity. Conclusions: Implementing fine spatial resolution models requires greater investment of resources, but this is advisable for study of microendemic species, where it is important to reduce type II error (false negatives).

Newts and salamanders are the only tetrapod vertebrates capable of an exclusively hypogean life cycle. In Morocco, two species were recently reported as facultative cave-dwellers, Pleurodeles waltl and S. algira splendens. Here I report the first observations of cave breeding in S. algira splendens, at Grotte de Chaâra and in the Friouato caves which are both located in the northeastern Middle Atlas mountains, Taza region, Morocco. Several newts and salamanders are known to be facultative or obligate cave-dwellers that can inhabit or breed in caves, especially under hard and xeric conditions within the Mediterranean ecoregion where climates are warm with high summer temperatures. The environments in caves, having groundwater and stable humidity, act as thermal refugia for amphibians. These habitats are also used as winter or summer shelters, hiding places, feeding areas or as regular breeding sites in some cases. We discuss this unusual habitat use and summarise all known species found in Mediterranean caves.

The Eastern Arc mountain chain and adjoining coastal forests of Tanzania and Kenya have been listed as world biodiversity hotspots. We report on an ongoing attempt to estimate amphibian diversity on the three best studied mountains of the Eastern Arc, the East Usambara, Uluguru and Udzungwa mountains of Tanzania, complemented by an estimate of diversity on the adjoining coastal lowland. This proves to be a complex task, which introduces a note of caution into evaluating global biodiversity estimates. Most amphibian species in eastern Tanzania occur on the coastal lowlands and are widely distributed, extending at least north or south of Tanzania and, to a variable extent, westwards to the elevated interior. Diversity patterns along the length of the lowlands are complex, with the presence of a Sahelian element in the extreme north. On the three Eastern Arc mountains studied, species turnover associated with rising altitude is greater than turnover associated with latitudinal distance between the mountain blocks, leading to greater altitudinal than latitudinal diversity in this equatorial region. A long-standing divergence is indicated between montane and lowland endemics. Although forestassociated species are not the largest contributor to the eastern Tanzanian total species diversity (some 48%), the uniqueness of these species both in lowland and montane forests, combined with their evident vulnerability to disturbance, makes them a subject for particular conservation concern, and justifies hotspot status for both montane and lowland forests.

Zur Überschneidung der trophischen Nischen bei syntopen, verwandelten Amphibien aus den Karpaten (Ukraine: Sovietunion) SERGIUS L. KUZMIN KURZFASSUNG: An zwei Orten in den Karpaten wurden zwischen-bzw. innerartliche Überschneidungsvarianten der trophischen Nischen innerhalb acht gemischter Amphibiengesellschaften untersucht, die in unterschiedlicher Weise aus melamorphosierten Salamandra salamandra, Triturus alpestris, Triturus montandoni, Bombina variegata, Bufo bufo und Rana temporaria zusammengesetzt sind. Die intraspezifische Aufteilung der Resourccn kann stärker ausgeprägt sein als die interspezifische. Die Überschneidungsmuster in den untersuchten Gesellschaften werden eher auf morphophysiologische Besonderheiten der Amphibienarten, als auf Konkurrenz zwischen ihnen zurückgeführt.

Here we report a new locality of the Angular headed crocodile newt, Tylototriton anguliceps in Khun Chae National Park, Chiang Rai Province in Northern Thailand. Two adult specimens were found hiding under an amount of volcanic rocks in a coffee plantation surrounded by scattered pieces of evergreen and broad-leaved forests near a small slow-flowing stream and one ephemeral pond. The air temperature was 24.2°C with a relative humidity of 84.5 %. Several eggs were also observed in both aquatic sites. They were deposited one by one in the submerged vegetation or under debris. This study also report the first tail bifurcation found in the salamandrid genus Tylototriton. We discuss briefly the distribution of T. anguliceps and other crocodile newts in Thailand. More field surveys are needed to improve knowledge about the distribution of these threatened species in Asia.

Résumé – Nouvelles localités de Tylototriton shanjing à la limite méridionale de sa distribution dans la province du Yunnan, Chine. L’espèce a été découverte à Kaiyuan dans la préfecture autonome hani et yi de Honghe, au sud-est de la province du Yunnan en Chine à 2 114 m d’altitude. Une autre localité a été répertoriée à Menghai dans la préfecture autonome dai de Xishuangbanna au sud du Yunnan en Chine à 1 642 m d’altitude. Kaiyuan représente la localité la plus orientale de l’espèce. Menghai constitue la limite extrême sud-est de sa distribution.

Microbiome research is important for the identification of factors that are associated with the ex situ care of amphibians, such as potential contagious and lethal pathogens. Nevertheless, it can be also used to establish whether newts can adapt to exposure to new microbial communities, which would be important for the success of future reintroductions into the natural habitat. There is no available information regarding the skin flora naturally occurring in mountain newts of the genus Neurergus, including the Yellow‐spotted mountain newt Neurergus derjugini and the Kaiser's mountain newt Neurergus kaiseri. In this study, skin bacterial microbiota of wild adults and individuals of both species from a captive‐breeding facility (CBF) were compared. Four bacteria that naturally occur on the skin of wild adult N. derjugini were identified (Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus cereus, Escherichia coli). Six bacteria were positively detected on the skin of wild adult N. kaiseri [S. aureus, B. subtilis, B. cereus, E. coli, Rhodococcus equi, Klebsiella (Enterobacter) aerogenes]. Our results indicate that the skin microbiota of F1 offspring (≤ 2 months of age) from the CBF did not correspond exactly to the microbial community identified in wild adult N. derjugini. However, ≥ 75% of the bacteria found in older individuals (≥ 1 year of age) living at the CBF over the long term corresponded to those of their wild counterparts. It would appear that post‐metamorphic and adults of both species might be better able to resist and adapt to natural microbiota than larvae. Managing species in human care can alter their associated symbiotic microbial communities. There is no information available about natural skin flora in Yellow‐spotted mountain newt Neurergus derjugini and Kaiser's mountain newt Neurergus kaiseri. In this study, positive identifications were made of four bacteria that occur naturally on the skin of wild N. derjugini (Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus cereus, Escherichia coli), and six for N. kaiseri [S. aureus, B. subtilis, B. cereus, E. coli, Rhodococcus equi, Klebsiella (Enterobacter) aerogenes]. Skin bacterial microbiota of F1 offspring from a captive‐breeding facility (CBF) do not correspond exactly to those of wild adult N. derjugini. However, the skin bacterial microbiota of newts in long‐term residence at the CBF corresponded to ≥ 75% of the bacteria found in wild adults. We suggest post‐metamorphic and adult individuals of both species might be able to resist and adapt to natural microbiota more readily than larvae.

After two published books : “Les Urodèles en voie de disparition” (2016, Edilivre, Paris, 120 p.) and “Les Salamandres crocodiles du genre Echinotriton en Asie du sud-est: de véritables fossiles vivants au bord de l'extinction” (2016, Edilivre, Paris, 112 p.); Pr. Axel Hernandez has decided to publish this year with Chimaira edition a new comprehensive study of the Primitive Salamandridae from Asia (Genera Echinotriton and Tylototriton). This new book is intended to summarize all the knowledge on each 25 species. This research is fed by the author’s field studies in Asia with chinese Amphibian specialists such as Pr. Hou Mian, Pr. Liang Fei, Pr. Ye Changyuang, Dr. Xie Feng, Dr. Jiang Jianping & Dr. Zhiyong Yuan (China, Thailand, Myanmar, Vietnam and Laos) since 2001; and improve our understanding of this marginal group of poorly known salamanders. The book includes : A preface made by one of the most famous amphibian specialist Professor Liang FEI (Chengdu Institute of Biology, ...

A new subspecies within the Salamandra algira species complex from northwestern Africa is described. Previous molecular analysis showed that the populations of S. algira splendens from northwestern Morocco consisted of two well supported clades: clade 1 distributed in the Rif Mountains, from Chefchaouen (type locality) to Al Hoceima, and clade 2, located southern from clade 1 being isolated in the northern and central Middle Atlas Mountains. Clade 2 is herein described as a distinct subspecies: Salamandra algira atlantica ssp. nov. based on morphological data, allopatric range and molecular divergence. This new subspecies shows an uncorrected pairwise distance of 0.0265 from clade 1 based on cytochrome b DNA sequences. Salamandra algira atlantica ssp. nov. is a slender and large sized salamander with a highly variable colouration pattern. It can be distinguished from S. algira splendens by the greater proportion of coral red in the background colouration, being the only known subspe...

We report ecological observations of Bolitoglossa altamazonica and B. peruviana in the Peruvian Amazon with suggestions on their conservation. Two localities are provided for both species in one protected area, Allpahuyo-Mishana National Reserve and in Puerto Almendra near the city of Iquitos, northern Peru. A different type of B. altamazonica was also discovered in Allpahuyo-Mishana. It is similar to B. madeira with a reddish coloration on the dorsal parts. Another «grey» type was also reported living between Puno and Madre de Dios departments at higher elevations. However, all the specimens found through their range in Peru have shown colour variation which complicates species identification. New taxonomic studies are needed to confirm their status. The Peruvian salamanders appear to be semi-arboreal species living in primary unflooded terra firme rainforests near water bodies where humidity is high at lower elevations as previously reported (96-118 m a.s.l.). Despite most of the Bolitoglossa species occur in protected areas, a deadly threat was recently reported in frogs (Batrachochytridium dendrobatidis) that may cause loss of salamanders in Peru. For example during our field surveys we were unable to observe B. digitigrada. New assessments are urgently needed for the protection and conservation of Peruvian salamanders. Data on biology, ecology and environmental parameters are also lacking to really protect their microhabitats, and to establish suitable ex situ keeping and breeding programs with the difficult perspective of subsequent reintroduction.

A new subspecies within the Salamandra algira species complex from northwestern Africa is described. Previous molecular analysis showed that the populations of S. algira splendens from northwestern Morocco consisted of two well supported clades: clade 1 distributed in the Rif Mountains, from Chefchaouen (type locality) to Al Hoceima, and clade 2, located southern from clade 1 being isolated in the northern and central Middle Atlas Mountains. Clade 2 is herein described as a distinct subspecies: Salamandra algira atlantica ssp. nov. based on morphological data, allopatric range and molecular divergence. This new subspecies shows an uncorrected pairwise distance of 0.0265 from clade 1 based on cytochrome b DNA sequences. Salamandra algira atlantica ssp. nov. is a slender and large sized salamander with a highly variable colouration pattern. It can be distinguished from S. algira splendens by the greater proportion of coral red in the background colouration, being the only known subspecies of S. algira in which coral red can exceed the proportion of black. Variable number (0-5) of yellow to golden yellow dorsal blotches, but usually in lower numbers than the nominotypical subspecies. Salamandra algira atlantica ssp. nov. inhabits subhumid to humid forests and karstic systems at mid to high elevations. We briefly discuss the phylogenetic and taxonomic issues among the genus Salamandra which encompasses more valid species than currently recognised.

Literary data on the peculiarities of the egg cleavage process in various representatives of the order of caudate amphibians consisting of 10 families have been considered. It has been recognized that in consid erable number of species of Plethodontidae, Cryptobranchidae, and some other families, the synchrony of divisions is lost already after the 8 celled stage of the cleavage in large, yolk rich and unpigmented eggs. A "standard" cleavage of early embryos of caudate amphibians, which had been described in the text books on developmental biology and consists approximately of 10 synchronous divisions of comparatively small eggs, is characteristic only of the families Ambystomatidae and Salamandridae including 19.3% of species within the order Caudata. However, within each of these families there seems to be a number of species with a "non standard" type of early cleavage. The evolutionary relationships between two main types of early embryogen esis within the order Caudata are discussed.

Two Moroccan subspecies of Salamandra algira were recently observed in caves - S. algira splendens and S. algira spelaea. Here, I report the first observations of cave breeding in S. algira splendens, in the Chaâra and Friouato caves of the north-eastern Middle Atlas (Taza region, Morocco). Twenty-two salamander and newt species are known to be facultative or obligate cave-dwellers in the Mediterranean ecoregion. They can inhabit or breed in caves so avoiding hot and very dry summer conditions. Caves with groundwater and stable humidity act as thermal refugia, winter or summer shelters, hiding places, feeding areas or, in some cases, as regular breeding sites.

Background: Island species are vulnerable to rapid extinction, so it is important to develop accurate methods to determine their occurrence and habitat preferences. In this study, we assessed two methods for modeling the occurrence of the Corsican endemic Salamandra corsica, based on macro-ecological and fine habitat descriptors. We expected that models based on habitat descriptors would better estimate S. corsica occurrence, because its distribution could be influenced by micro-environmental gradients. The occurrence of S. corsica was modeled according to two ensembles of variables using random forests. Results: Salamandra corsica was mainly found in forested habitats, with a complex vertical structure. These habitats are associated with more stable environmental conditions. The model based on fine habitat descriptors was better able to predict occurrence, and gave no false negatives. The model based on macro-ecological variables underestimated the occurrence of the species on its ecological boundary, which is important as such locations may facilitate interpopulation connectivity. Conclusions: Implementing fine spatial resolution models requires greater investment of resources, but this is advisable for study of microendemic species, where it is important to reduce type II error (false negatives).

Newts and salamanders are the only tetrapod vertebrates capable of an exclusively hypogean life cycle. In Morocco, two species were recently reported as facultative cave-dwellers, Pleurodeles waltl and S. algira splendens. Here I report the first observations of cave breeding in S. algira splendens, at Grotte de Chaâra and in the Friouato caves which are both located in the northeastern Middle Atlas mountains, Taza region, Morocco. Several newts and salamanders are known to be facultative or obligate cave-dwellers that can inhabit or breed in caves, especially under hard and xeric conditions within the Mediterranean ecoregion where climates are warm with high summer temperatures. The environments in caves, having groundwater and stable humidity, act as thermal refugia for amphibians. These habitats are also used as winter or summer shelters, hiding places, feeding areas or as regular breeding sites in some cases. We discuss this unusual habitat use and summarise all known species fo...

The Eastern Arc mountain chain and adjoining coastal forests of Tanzania and Kenya have been listed as world biodiversity hotspots. We report on an ongoing attempt to estimate amphibian diversity on the three best studied mountains of the Eastern Arc, the East Usambara, Uluguru and Udzungwa mountains of Tanzania, complemented by an estimate of diversity on the adjoining coastal low-land. This proves to be a complex task, which introduces a note of caution into evaluating global biodiversity estimates. Most amphibian species in eastern Tanzania occur on the coastal lowlands and are widely distributed, extending at least north or south of Tanzania and, to a variable extent, westwards to the elevated interior. Diversity patterns along the length of the lowlands are complex, with the presence of a Sahelian element in the extreme north. On the three Eastern Arc mountains studied, species turnover associated with rising altitude is greater than turnover associated with latitudinal distanc...