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Im Rahmen der Studie wird über einen Zeitraum von 17 Jahren der Zusammenhang zwischen Niederschlag im Sommer und Schlüpflingszahlen bei der Zauneidechse untersucht. Das Vorkommen liegt in Darmstadt Kranichstein am Rande einer Wohnsiedlung in einem wärmegetönten Naturraum. Die Schlüpflingszahlen je Weibchen schwanken jährlich stark (0,7-72,3 Jungtiere/Weibchen), etwa um den Faktor 10, ohne erkennbaren Trend über den Gesamtzeitraum. Die Niederschläge im Juli korrelieren signifikant positiv mit der Zahl der Schlüpflinge je Weibchen, d.h. in sehr trockenen Jahren ist der Reproduktionserfolg deutlich geringer als in feuchten Sommern. Die Daten legen nahe, dass sich die Effekte des Klimawandels mit stärker schwankenden Niederschlägen und steigenden Temperaturen auch negativ auf eine wärmeliebende Art wie die Zauneidechse auswirken können.

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Der fortschreitende Landnutzungswandel mit einer Vereinheitlichung der Landschaft gefährdet Zauneidechsen-Populationen in Deutschland. Ein zielgerichtetes Habitatmanagement ist notwendig, um die verbliebenen Populationen zu sichern. Dazu müssen bestehende wie auch neuangelegte Habitate optimiert, gepflegt und aufgewertet sowie durch Trittsteinbiotope mit anderen Lebensräumen verknüpft werden. In der Praxis hat sich in strukturarmen Lebensräumen die Anlage von Kleinstrukturen bewährt. Daztzählen unter anderem`Reisighaufen. Vorstudien zeigten, dass Zauneidechsen diese signifikant bevorzugen. Der vorliegende Beitrag stellt die Ergebnisse einer Studie vor, welche an einer individuenstarken Zauneidechsen- Population in der BUND-Naturschutz Kiesgrube Heldenstein (Lkr. Mühldorl Oberbayern) deren Raumnutzung untersuchte und erneut die Präferenz der Reisighaufen feststellen konnte. Der Artikel stellt heraus, wie Reisighaufen und das umgebende Habitat ausgestaltet sein müssen, um von Zauneidechsen bevorzugt angenommen zu werden. Im Untersuchungsgebiet war ein möglichst heterogenes Habitatmosaik aus verschiedenen Vegetationshöhen, offener Extensivweideflächen und Rohböden mit grabbarem Substrat im Umfeld der Kleinstrukturen entscheidend. Kleinstrukturen wurden durch die Population vor allem in Cruppen angenommen/ welche innerhalb kurzer Wanderdistanzen erreicht werden konnten und von einem ausreichend hohen Anteil an Altgras (Weiderest) und niedrigen Sträuchern umgeben waren. Klimatisch besonders exponierte, trockene und heiße Standorte wurden innerhalb des Lebensraumes im Verlauf der Aktivitätsperiode zunehmend gemieden, während gerade im Sommer Kleinstrukturen über lehmigem Substrat mit kontinuierlicher Bodenfeuchte aufgesucht wurden. Dies unterstützt die Hypothese, dass sich die Habitatansprüche durch den Klimawandel verschieben und besonders trockene Bodenverhältnisse häufiger gemieden werden. Die Erkenntnisse für ein zukünftiges Habitatmanagement fiür Zauneidechsen werden abschließend zusammengefasst und ergänzen bestehende Praxisleitfäden über die Anlage von Kleinstrukturen in Reptilienhabitaten. Die Anlage von Kleinstrukturen dient hier jedoch lediglich der Optimierung von Lebensräumen und stellt keinesfalls einen Ersatz fi.ir flächenbezogene Ausgleichsmaßnahmen dar.

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Bozcaada (Tenedos) Island, Türkiye, is a naturalistic biotope very important in terms of biological diversity as it has an isolated ecosystem. A total of 14 amphibian and reptile species were identified in previous studies in Bozcaada. In this study, two amphibians (Lissotriton schmidtleri, Bufotes sitibundus) and 10 reptiles (Mauremys rivulata, Testudo graeca, Hemidactylus turcicus, Mediodactylus kotschyi, Ophisops elegans, Ablepharus kitaibelii, Dolichophis caspius, Malpolon insignitus, Natrix natrix, Xerotyphlops vermicularis) species were observed. Distribution maps of amphibian and reptile species in Bozcaada were created using ArcGIS 10.8 package program according to seven different habitat types (agricultural habitat, shrubby area, settlements area, stony-hilly area, wetland habitat, dune habitat, woodland habitat). Consequently, with previous studies and current field surveys, distribution maps of amphibian and reptile species in Bozcaada according to environmental variables such as habitat, density, temperature, and elevation were created for the first time and the distribution of herpetofauna were compared between ten years ago and present. According to the data, it was determined that the distribution of amphibian and reptile species was limited in certain areas and the species preferred to live especially in the high elevation areas of the island. The dryness of seasonal puddles due to higher temperatures and climate change in Bozcaada, poses a threat especially to aquatic amphibians and reptile species on the island.

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In this paper we give the results about the herpetofauna in the Aiguamolls de l`Empordá obtained during a two-year study. 1069 observations concerning 19 species, 9 of them Amphibia and 10 of them Reptilia, have been made. The physiographic characteristics of the zone of study determine the establishment of a strictly mediterranean herpetological fauna, with abundance of species related with aquatic habitats. It is worthwhile to note the high percentage of Anurans in the Aiguamolls de l`Empordá as compared to other areas. For each one of the species we made a 3 x 3 UTM distribution map, and some aspects concerning feeding, breeding, preferential occupation of habits and present status in the zone were studied. In the last part of the paper we comment and review those species that have not been found by the authors, but are cited in literature about the zone.

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The allostatic load model describes how individuals maintain homeostasis in challenging environment and posits that costs induced by a chronic perturbation (i.e., allostatic load) are correlated to the secretion of glucocorticoids, such as corticosterone. Habitat perturbations from anthropogenic activities are multiple and functional responses to those are still unclear. Here, we manipulated the habitat quality in 24 semi-natural populations of the common lizard during 1 year. We tested the predictions of the allostatic load model that habitat degradation should increase baseline corticosterone levels, and should induce concomitant physiological changes, such as lipid mobilization and lower immunocompetence, and demographic changes, such as lower body growth, survival and/ or reproductive performances. Our results highlight stagedependent effects of habitat degradation on physiological traits during the breeding season: adult lizards had higher baseline corticosterone levels and yearling lizards had a lower inflammatory response than adults, whereas juveniles had higher circulating lipid levels than yearlings and adults without concomitant change in corticosterone levels. In addition, habitat degradation reduced the performances of adults but not of juveniles: in low habitat quality populations, adult males had a lower survival and females had a smaller fecundity. These results are in accordance with the allostatic load model given that allostatic load was detected only during the season and in life stages of maximal energy expenditure. This underlines the importance to account for individual energy requirements to better understand demographic responses to habitat perturbation.

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The maintenance of polymorphisms often depends on multiple selective forces, but less is known on the role of stochastic or historical processes in maintaining variation. The common wall lizard (Podarcis muralis) is a colour polymorphic species in which local colour morph frequencies are thought to be modulated by natural and sexual se- lection. Here, we used genome-wide single-nucleotide polymorphism data to investi- gate the relationships between morph composition and population biogeography at a regional scale, by comparing morph composition with patterns of genetic variation of 54 populations sampled across the Pyrenees. We found that genetic divergence was explained by geographic distance but not by environmental features. Differences in morph composition were associated with genetic and environmental differentiation, as well as differences in sex ratio. Thus, variation in colour morph frequencies could have arisen via historical events and/or differences in the permeability to gene flow, possibly shaped by the complex topography and environment. In agreement with this hypothesis, colour morph diversity was positively correlated with genetic diversity and rates of gene flow and inversely correlated with the likelihood of the occurrence of bottlenecks. Concurrently, we did not find conclusive evidence for selection in the two colour loci. As an illustration of these effects, we observed that populations with higher proportions of the rarer yellow and yellow-orange morphs had higher genetic diversity. Our results suggest that processes involving a decay in overall genetic di- versity, such as reduced gene flow and/or bottleneck events have an important role in shaping population-specific morph composition via non-selective processes.

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Caudal autotomy is a phenomenon observed in many reptile taxa, and tail loss is a pivotal functional trait for reptiles, with potentially negative implications for organism fitness due to its influence on locomotion. Some lizard species can regenerate a lost tail, which sometimes can lead to the development of more than one tail (i.e., abnormal tail regeneration) in the process. However, little is currently known about the impact of abnormal tail regeneration on locomotor performance. In this study, we document abnormal tail regeneration in Eremias yarkandensis, a reptile species native to northwestern China. Additionally, we investigated the sprint speed and endurance performance of these lizards. This study provides the first report on abnormal tail regeneration and its locomotor performance on a Chinese reptile. We suggest that the abnormal regeneration of tails may contribute to the accumulation of food reserves in the species. In light of our findings, we propose that herpetologists continue to share their sporadic observations and assess the locomotor performance of species experiencing abnormal tail regeneration, further expanding our understanding of this intriguing phenomenon.

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The mitochondrion, which is an intracellular organelle responsible for most of the energy-producing pathways, can have its genome targeted for climate-driven selection. However, climate-driven mitochondrial selection remains a sparsely studied area in reptiles. Here, we reported the complete mitochondrial genome sequence of a lacertid lizard (Takydromus intermedius) and used mitogenomes from 54 species of lacertid lizards to study their phylogenetic relationships and to identify the mitochondrial genes under positive selection by climate. The length of the complete mitochondrial genome sequence of T. intermedius was 17,713 bp, which was within the range of lengths (17,224–18,943) ever reported for Takydromus species. The arrangement of mitochondrial genes in T. intermedius was the same as in other congeneric species. The 54 lacertid species could be divided into three geographically and climatically different clades. We identified three mitochondrial genes (ATP6, ATP8, and ND3) under positive selection by climate, and found that isothermality, temperature seasonality, precipitation of wettest month, and precipitation seasonality were the most important climatic variables contributing to the gene selection.

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The determination of amphibians and reptiles species, their altitudinal range and biotopes in Les Planes de Son and the Mata de València, was determined by sampling the study area from autumn 2006 to spring of 2007. Compared to other studied Pyrenean areas, the herpetofauna is relatively poor. We only found 5 species of amphibians and 9 of reptiles. Specific samplings discard the presence of two Pyrenean endemics, de newt (Calotriton asper) and the lizard (Iberolacerta bonnali). Interestingly, we found an altitudinal replacement of ocelated lizard (Timon lepidus) by green lizard (Lacerta bilineata) and of Iberian rocky lizard (Podarcis hispanica) by Podarcis muralis. Less forested habitats situated at low altitude are the richest in amphibian and reptile species, in contrast to the highest places inhabited by few species (Rana temporaria, Podarcis muralis and Vipera aspis).

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The spatial and seasonal variations in amphibian and reptile diversity were studied in different biotopes (lowlands, desert pavements “Reg,” Sabkhas “salt lakes,” date palm groves, wadis, and urban sites) at the Algerian Sahara Desert. No prior research has explored the connection between the distribution of reptiles and amphibians in Algeria’s Sahara and the environmental diversity of biotopes and landscapes. This study aimed to address this significant knowledge gap by investigating the relationships between Saharan habitats and landscapes and their impact on herpetofaunal presence, abundance, and diversity. The diversity of amphibians and reptiles was assessed based on quantitative data of species captures using nonparametric diversity indices, species richness accumulation curves, and similarity analysis. At the Region of Oued Righ (Northern Sahara Desert), we identified 3 amphibians, 19 lizards, and 10 ophidian species. These 32 species (approximately 30% of the Algerian herpetofauna) were classified into 2 orders (Anura and Squamata), 15 families, and 23 different genera.The study area included 8 protected species in Algeria and 9 endemic species to the Mediterranean region, including 1 amphibian and 7 species of reptiles. Acanthodactylus dumerilii was the most abundant species (20.5% of the total), whereas Chalcides ocellatus occurred in 32.9% of specimens. The highest values of species richness were recorded in palm groves with 22 species and Shannon’s diversity index (H’) was 3.5,whereas the lowest values were obtained in Sabkhas (5 species) and urban sites (7 species).The number of individuals experienced significant variations between study biotopes and seasons. Overall, species richness estimators (Chao2 and Jackknife1) revealed that the current survey achieved 90% of inventory completeness. Estimates and interpolations of species richness showed higher values in urban sites, palm groves, desert pavements, and wadis compared to Sabkhas and lowlands where completeness ranged between 90% and 100%. The analysis of similarity indicated low similarity values (<50%) between biotopes studied. The highest similarities were noted between the mesic biotopes (Sabkhas, wadis, and palm groves), the xeric and undisturbed biotopes (desert pavements and lowlands), whereas urban sites showed a distinct herpetofaunal community that was completely different of that recorded in Sabkhas, wadis, and lowlands.

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Characteristics of the karyotype and early meiosis of two males of the cryptic “western” form of the viviparous liz­ ard (Zootoca vivipara Lichtenstein, 1823) (genus Zootoca Wagler, 1830) with multiple sex chromosomes (female Z1Z2W/Z1Z1Z2Z2 male) were examined. The data obtained were compared with 1) those of the males of the same cryptic form from other locality, with 2) those of the males of other cryptic form also possessing the multiple sex chromosomes and with 3) those of the species of closely related genus Takydromus Daudin, 1802 with simple sex chromosomes, ZW/ZZ. Multiple sex chromosomes may influence meiosis and play a role in isolation. The males of cryptic western form of Z. vivipara studied revealed the karyotype with 36 acrocentric chromosomes (2n=36A). In early meiosis the spreading of synaptonemal complexes (SC) of the bivalents of these males were obtained and analyzed. Eighteen SC were observed, including SC of the Z1Z1 (pair 6) sex chromosomes. Characteristics of SC are compared with the number and the shape of bivalents and chromosomes at the diakinesis and metaphase 11 stages of the meiosis of the males from other population and with those in the other cryptic Russian form of the species. Comparative analysis of two cryptic forms has demonstrated some differences in the morphology of SC Z1Z1 sex chromosomes at the early stages of prophase 1 of meiosis (the late zygotena – the middle pachytene stages). However both the SC of sex chromosomes and SC of all remained chromosomes were fully synapted. All 18 bivalents were regular segregated forming haploid spermatocyte II with18 chromosomes, including two sex chromosomes (n=8, Z1Z2) Thus characteristics of karyotype and early meiosis of the males of western form belon­ ging to different localities are fully coincident with those of Russian cryptic forms of Z. vivipara with multiple sex chromosomes as well. However, these features were differed from those for the species of the closely related genus Takydromus with simple sex chromosome system (ZW) where some disturbances in the course of mitoses and meiosis were observed. The results are in agreement with those suggested previously about the genomic factor(s) stabilizing the meiosis and the maintenance of multiple sex chromosome in the different cryptic forms of complex Z. vivipara.

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Reptile species naturally occurring in Lower Saxony are slow worm (Anguis fragilis), common lizard (Zootoca vivipara), sand lizard (Lacerta agilis), grass snake (Natrix natrix), smooth snake (Coronella austriaca) and adder (Vipera berus). The following paper briefly describes their biology, typical habitats, habitat requirements and outlines the legal framework. It aims at presenting management techniques to develop, preserve and maintain their habitats in Lower Saxony in a reptile-friendly way.

In principle, maintaining open landscapes is favourable for all reptile species. In practice, it depends on the specific habitat management aims and methods whether the impact on reptile populations is actually positive or not. For example, it is often assumed that reptiles inhabit very open sites with low vegetation. Instead, they are often found on ruderal sites with rather dense grass patches. Habitats consisting of purple moor grass (Molinia caerulea), wavy hair-grass (Deschampsia flexuosa) or wood small reed (Calamagrostis epigejos) possibly cause conflicts with other management aims. Furthermore, the chosen management technique itself is crucial for reptile populations, and especially the way it is applied.

Commonly used habitat management techniques like mechanical removement of shrubs and trees, mowing, cutting, controlled burning and grazing are reviewed here as to their suitability regarding reptile conservation. Reptiles are highly sensitive to grazing. In Lower Saxony, some reptile populations declined severely on grazed sites even though the overall vegetation structure still appeared favourable. Reptiles are negatively affected by the typical effects of grazing, since it is on a bigger scale, random, and often the vegetation is browsed to ground level. Mechanical removal of vegetation is preferable, especially if general measures to safeguard animals are taken (e. g. cutting height adjustment, division in subplots).

The specific recommendations given here (when, where, and how different habitat management techniques should be applied), are differentiated based on the importance of a given site for reptile conservation (special, general or little importance).

In habitats of special importance, reptile protection and conservation has top priority, considering the degree of risk to reptile species and their unfavourable conservation status. However, these sites are usually quite small (a few hundred square meters, often smaller). Whereas in (often large) areas of little importance, habitat management does not need any special requirements for reptiles.

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We report the impact of human-induced desertification on the species richness, abundance, and composition of sand dune flora and herpetofauna of North Sinai, Egypt. Our hypothesis was that degraded habitats would have reduced vegetation complexity, richness, and abundance, and consequently lower reptile species richness and abundance. We also hypothesized that desert lizards would not follow the typical generalist/specialist responses to habitat degradation found in other biomes. Instead, we predicted that because vegetation loss intensifies the environmental extremity of deserts, those species specialized for open and sandy environments would be more likely to persist in desertified habitats than would desert generalists. Our results showed that areas protected from vegetation loss did not have significantly higher vegetation richness or abundance except for only a few species. However, protected sites did have significantly higher percent veg etation cover and height. Habitat protection clearly had strong effects on the reptile community as species richness and abundances were significantly higher in protected sites. The composition of the reptile community between protected and unprotected sites differed significantly. Contrary to past studies in other environments, desert generalist species were not able to persist in degraded sites and were only found in protected sites. Specialist species were ubiquitous in that they occurred in both areas protected and unprotected from vegetation loss. We propose that the effects of disturbance on species composition (specialists or generalists) depends on whether the disturbance exacerbates or reduces environmental harshness and the conditions that favor specialization. In extreme environments, specialist and generalist responses to habitat degradation are opposite to that of more productive environments.

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There is a lack of information for potential winter activity of the snake-eyed lizard Ophisops elegans in Europe, where it has a limited distribution. To test the hypothesis that this species can be active during the winter months, two locations in Bulgaria were chosen. The visits were conducted in January, February and December 2022 near the village of Meden Buk and in December 2022 above the village of Mezek. A total of 19 individuals of O. elegans were recorded. In addition, we confirmed foraging behaviour based on faecal sample collection. To our knowledge, this is the northernmost record of winter activity in the snake-eyed lizard and the first consecutive observation of year-round activity for this species in Europe.

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The Clarks’ Lizard, Darevskia clarkorum is endemic to the Caucasian biodiversity hotspot, remarkable in terms of biogeography and evolutionary history in the Palearctic Realm. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the current distribution pattern of this species as well as its possible changes under various future climate scenarios. Fieldwork was conducted in Northeastern Anatolia and the Caucasus between 2019 and 2022, and 64 occurrence records and five bioclimatic variables were analysed using Ecological Niche Modeling (ENM) software. The annual temperature range is the most important variable influencing the distribution of this lizard species. The results showed that potential habitats for the Clarks’ Lizard are wider than its present distribution. It is predicted that under current climate change scenarios, this species’ range will be much more restricted than it is now. With rising greenhouse gas levels and solar radiation rates, the range of this species is expected to shift from northern Anatolia to the Caucasus mountainous areas, and would likely shrink in future. The remaining habitats of this lizard species may be significantly impacted by climate change and humaninduced habitat modification.

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Streuobstwiesen gehören in ihren unterschiedlichen Anbauformen zu den prägenden Elementen der mitteleuropäischen Kulturlandschaften. Als Folge der Technisierung und Intensivierung der Landwirtschaft im 20. Jahrhundert, dem Bauwesen, internationaler und ab der zweiten Hälfte des 20. Jahrhunderts auch nationaler Konkurrenz durch den niederstämmigen Plan-tagenobstbau, entsprechend ausgerichteter Agrarpolitik sowie verändertem Verbraucher- und Freizeitverhalten der Menschen wurden Streuobstwiesen zunehmend unwirtschaftlich und gerodet. Die verbleibenden Bestände wurden schlechter gepflegt. Ziel des Projektes „Streuobstbestände in Deutschland: naturschutzfachliche Bedeutung, Be-standssituation und Handlungserfordernisse“ war es, die aktuelle Situation der Streuobstbe-stände in Deutschland anhand von landes- und bundesweiten Daten übersichtsmäßig zusammenzutragen, mit 12 ausgewählten Modellgebieten zu vergleichen und zu bewerten. Weiterhin sollte eine Empfehlung für eine einheitliche Definition von Streuobstbeständen sowie eine Übersicht über die ökologische und naturschutzfachliche Bedeutung von Streuobstwiesen erarbeitet werden. Gefährdungsanalysen und daraus ableitbare Handlungserfordernisse sollten aus diesen Übersichten, Literaturanalysen und Befragungen abgeleitet werden. Die erarbeitete allgemeine Definition sowie eine Legaldefinition für den gesetzlichen Schutz sollen aus naturschutzfachlicher Sicht Streuobstbestände klar und umfassend definieren. Dazu wurden Definitionen aus der Literatur, den Gesetzestexten und Förderprogrammen der Länder sowie der Streuobst-Vermarktung genutzt. Streuobstflächen bieten viele Ökosystemleistungen an. Ihre primäre Versorgungsleistung in der mitteleuropäischen Kulturlandschaft besteht in der Jahrhunderte alten Bereitstellung von Obst. Das hohe Blühangebot der Streuobstbestände fungiert als indirekte Versorgungsleistung für die Honigherstellung und trägt zur Artenvielfalt der Streuobstbestände bei. Streuobstbe-stände weisen eine signifikant geringere Nährstoffauswaschung auf als von Äckern dominierte Landschaften und haben eine positive Wirkung auf den Wasserhaushalt. Sie sind attraktive Landschaften für Naherholung und Tourismus. Streuobstbestände gehören zu den arten- und sortenreichsten Kulturlandschaften und damit zu den Hot Spots der Biodiversität Europas nördlich der Alpen. Für Deutschland wird der Artenreichtum auf über 5000 Arten (ohne Pilzarten) geschätzt. Alleine in Sachsen-Anhalt wurden auf zehn Streuobstwiesen aktuell 3623 Arten nachgewiesen, davon auch 359 gefährdete Arten, in Rheinland-Pfalz schon vor rund 30 Jahren 2378 Arten in vier Streuobstgebieten. Das hohe Alter der Hochstamm-Obstbäume mit Totholz, Rindenstrukturen und Höhlenangeboten sowie das Blütenangebot des oft extensiv genutzten Grünlands ermöglichen diesen Artenreichtum. Auch die Größe der Streuobstwiesen und ihre Isolation beeinflussen die Artenzahl und/oder die Abundanz einzelner Arten. Ebenso wirkt sich die Landschaftsstruktur der Umgebung und die Art und Intensität der Unternutzung auf die Artenvielfalt aus. Dabei reagieren unterschiedliche Artengruppen und auch Arten innerhalb von Gruppen zum Teil gegensätzlich auf die genannten Faktoren, so dass wir ein heterogenes Management empfehlen, das sich an den Zielarten einer bestimmten Region orientiert. Sämtliche Artengruppen, die bisher in Streuobstflächen untersucht wurden, werden kurz besprochen. Arten, die besonders stark auf Streuobstwiesen angewiesen sind, stehen dabei im Fokus.Die Auswertung der deutschlandweiten Datensätze der Digitalen Landschaftsmodelle (DLM) und des Digitalen Landbedeckungsmodells für Deutschland (LBM) ergab erhebliche Unterschiede in den Streuobstbeständen zwischen den beiden Datensätzen. Außerdem wurden in einem von uns kartierten Modellgebiet (Rutesheim) viele Abweichungen der DLM- und LBM-Daten von den realen Verhältnissen entdeckt. Verlässliche Schätzungen der Gesamtfläche von Streuobstbeständen in Deutschland waren daher auf deren Basis nicht möglich. Die anhand der Stichprobenflächen des HNV-Farmland-Monitoring auf ganz Deutschland extrapolierte Fläche liegt in ähnlicher Höhe wie die der DLM- und LBM-Daten, beziehen sich im Gegensatz zu den DLM- und LBM-Daten aber nur auf die Agrarlandschaft. Zwar liegen deutschlandweit relativ viele historische Erfassungen von Obstbäumen und Streuobstflächen vor, die mehr als 100 Jahre zurückreichen, allerdings sind diese für quantitative Trendanalysen aufgrund wechselnder Methodik nur sehr eingeschränkt geeignet. Lokale Untersuchungen implizieren einen leichten bis meistens sehr starken Rückgang von Streuobstbeständen seit den 1950er Jahren. Der qualitative Zustand wurde in den Modellgebieten generell als unzureichend eingeschätzt. Literaturanalysen und Befragungen zu den Hauptgefährdungen jenseits von Agrarpolitik und sonstigen politischen Rahmenbedingungen, Verbraucherverhalten sowie Freizeitverhalten identifizierten fehlende Pflege, Änderung der Flächennutzung (inklusive Überbauung und intensiv genutzte Freizeitgrundstücke), Klimaveränderungen und Krankheiten als die wichtigsten Gefährdungen. Außerdem stellt die fehlende betriebswirtschaftliche Rentabilität einen Hauptgrund für die Aufgabe von Streuobstbeständen dar. Aus den Analysen zum Status von Streuobstbeständen, deren ökologischer und naturschutz-fachlicher Bedeutung und den Gefährdungen leitet sich umfangreicher Handlungsbedarf ab. Grundsätzlich braucht es für den Erhalt der Streuobstbestände in Deutschland und Europa einen umfassenden Ansatz. Dies bedeutet, dass man sowohl ökologische (Vielfalt, inklusive Obstsorten) als auch ökonomische (faire Preise und Kostenkalkulation) und soziale Aspekte (Kultur und regionale Tradition) bei allen Handlungen für die Förderung des Streuobstbaus bedenkt und die vielen natürlichen Synergien innerhalb des Streuobstbaus aktiv miteinbe-zieht. Wir beschreiben politisch-administrative Ansätze zur Stärkung des Streuobstbaus für die EU und auf nationaler Ebene und geben Empfehlungen zur wirtschaftlichen Stärkung des Streuobstbaus, für die Erhaltung und Neuschaffung von Beständen sowie für die regionale und kostendeckende Verwertung und Vermarktung von Streuobst. Wichtig ist hierbei insbesondere auch der Begriffsschutz für Streuobst. Schließlich geben wir Empfehlungen für die Öffentlichkeitsarbeit, für Aus- und Weiterbildung und leiten den Forschungsbedarf ab.

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We discuss the herpetofauna of some small natural reserves in the Roman Campagna, also known as the “Mentanese Archipelago” district, northeast of Rome’s suburban areas. These reserves were established mainly in 1997, and are part of a mosaic landscape composed of fragmentary woodlands, urban developments, and agricultural areas with scattered streams, water points and buildings. A field study with the main aim of recording the herpetological diversity of three protected areas was carried out over the course of twenty-five years. Species richness is as follows: 1) Nature Reserve Nomentum with 12 reptiles and 6 amphibians. 2) Nature Reserve Macchia di Gattaceca and Macchia del Barco including “Pozzo del Merro” (one of the deepest sinkholes of the world). This second reserve is split into three distinct fragments: the xeric area of Macchia di Gattaceca with 11 reptiles and 2 amphibians; the wet area of Macchia del Barco with 10 reptiles and 6 amphibians; and the pin-point sinkhole area of “Pozzo del Merro” with 7 reptiles and 5 amphibians. 3) Natural and Archaeological Park of Inviolata with 13 reptiles and 7 amphibians. Using QGis software, we were able to assign to each parcel (wood, agricultural land, still water, running water, buildings) its percentage value of extent. The results of the QGis application enabled us to infer a positive effect, in terms of conservation of the populations of native herpetofauna species, of expanding non-intensive agricultural land. In addition, the presence of water bodies such as pools, ponds and flooded sinkholes in agricultural patches plays an outstandingly important role for the maintenance of herpetological diversity in a fragmented landscape.

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Reproductive investment, including the number of offspring produced, is one of the fundamental characteristics of a species. It is particularly important for island vertebrates, which face a disproportionate number of threats to their survival, because it predicts, among other things, a species’ resilience to environmental disruption. Taxa producing more offspring recover more quickly from environmental perturbations and survive environmental change better. However, ecologists do not understand which primary drivers shape a species’ reproductive investment well. Here, we compare the reproductive efforts of 14 island populations of the Aegean Wall Lizard (Podarcis erhardii), which lives across widely diverging environmental conditions. We test three hypotheses, namely that reproductive investment (measured as clutch size, clutch volume) is (1) positively associated with predation risk [‘Predation Risk Hypothesis’]; (2) positively associated with the presence of reliable vegetation cover that provides shelter [‘Gravid Female Protection Hypothesis’]; and (3) limited by (and hence positively correlated with) food availability [‘Food Limitation Hypothesis’]. Although field data are somewhat consistent with all three hypotheses, statistical analyses provide strong support for the Predation Risk Hypothesis. The results not only shed light on which fundamental forces shape reproductive investment in island vertebrates, but can also help shape conservation priorities.

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Non-native wall lizards in Germany – Dispersal, legal framework, and recommendations for management.
There are naturally two subspecies of the wall lizard (Podarcis muralis) in Germany: P. m. brongniardii in southwestern Germany and P. m. maculiventris -West only in the Inn Valley of Bavaria on the border with Austria. Of both lineages, numerous allochthonous (not native to the locality) occurrences are found scattered throughout Germany. The recognition characteristics of this lineages as well as of another frequently introduced lineage (Venetian lineage) are presented.
In the natural range, dispersals of individual populations were observed; shifts of the range margins did not occur. Known occurrences of alien wall lizards are spreading rapidly. The currently northernmost known occurrence is located at 53.37°N at a dike culvert (Siel) in the North of Winsen (Luhe). Currently, at least one occurrence is known from 153 TK25 quadrants.
Wall lizards are only strictly protected in their native range, otherwise the regulations for non-native species apply. Non-native wall lizards are considered invasive, and allochthonous and hybrid populations should never be translocated. From a nature conservation perspective, measures to contain and control allochthonous populations seem to be necessary. Recommendations on how to manage non-native wall lizards are presented; these have already been created by the federal states of Bavaria, Lower Saxony, and Rhineland-Palatinate.

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The endemic reptiles on Gran Canaria, and how the Canary Islands remained colonized by the herpetofauna -- A portrait of the endemic reptile species of Gran Canaria is presented with notes on observations done by the author in December 2001. Tarentola b. boettgeri and Chalcides sexlineatus were found singularly under stones of the same rocky locations. Gallotia stehIini was observed in the vegetation of the sand dunes at Maspalomas. These species were not observed in or close to the hotels. The author suggests that the frequent spraying of pesticides against cockroaches in hotels may be the cause of its absence there. Furthermore, evidence of the colonisation sequence of the three Canary Island reptile genera is summarised.

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Species may respond to climate change by redistributing their distribution areas, but because they do not share the same climatic affinities, they should not respond in the same way. Consequently, distribution shifts of species that are currently found in sympatry may change the extent of the area of sympatry and therefore interspecific interactions at the local scale. In Western Europe, the green lizards Lacerta agilis and Lacerta bilineata live in partial sympatry, share morphological similarities, and can locally compete for resources. In this study, we used a correlative species distribution model (SDM), Maxent, to explore the effects of climate change on the distribution of suitable areas for each species and also within their sympatric area under future scenarios. Our simulations showed that all L. agilis subspecies are more likely to lose suitable habitats throughout their distribution areas whatever the scenario. Conversely, even if L. bilineata should lose less suitable areas, gains may be more restricted. In addition, when looking within the areas both reachable for L. a. agilis and L. bilineata to identify where sympatric areas will occur, we find that they should be spatially restricted. Climatic refugia potentially shared for both lizards may therefore be limited. Consequently, competitive exclusion expected in areas suitable for both species (i.e., the potential area of sympatry) could decrease in the future as climate changes likely lead L. agilis subspecies and L. bilineata to follow different species range shifts trajectories over the 21st century.

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Thermoregulation is essential for ectotherms but its relative cost, especially under ongoing climate change, depends on the thermal quality of habitats. Populations at the warm margin of a thermal niche could be negatively affected by environmental temperatures that approach the limits of a species’ thermoregulation capacity. This study aims to define the thermal niche of the Bedriaga’s rock lizard, Archaeolacerta bedriagae, a rock-dwelling species endemic to the Corsica and Sardinia islands (western Mediterranean Sea), and to investigate its thermoregulation effectiveness at the warm edge of its niche. We collected data on climate, body temperature, and microhabitat temperature throughout the species’ range to characterize its thermal niche. We found that A. bedriagae does not occupy the entire climatic space available across its distribution range; rather, it selects temperate climates. Remarkably, thermoregulation effort increases when the habitat thermal quality decreases towards warmer sites. Populations at the warm edge of the thermal niche show the best thermoregulation effectiveness, but they are also more sensitive to the effects of climate change as they may already be at (or beyond) the species’ maximum thermal capacity under the current conditions. We observed such a pattern at the extreme hot side of the thermal niche. This study provides key information on the thermoregulatory response of A. bedriagae to ongoing climate change that can be useful to identify populations facing a higher extinction risk either currently or in the near future.

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Mesalina watsonana is a well-known species of small lacertid lizards with an extensive species distribution that exhibits high genetic diversity. The species has a wide distribution range in Iran, some parts of Turkmenistan, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and northwest India. This study aims to generate phylogenetic and phylogeographic evidence to derive taxonomic recommendations supporting. Furthermore, this species can be used as a model for examining Iranian Platuea`s historical biogeography. We conducted a very detailed sampling of its distribution and used genetic approaches. Phylogenetic analyses were done implementing two mitochondrial (Cytb and 16S) and one nuclear (C-mos) gene fragments. Combination of these results indicated that seven well-supported distinct clades exist within this species complex, i.e. Kerman clade, Esfarayen clade, Halil clade, Ardestan clade, M. watsonana clade, Bardaskan Clade, and Khuzestan Clade in Iran. Also, our results revealed that several distinct clades diverged due to geologic events when the Dasht-e-Kavir and the Zagros Mountains were formed. It seems that the ancestor of M. watsonana spread to Iranian Plateau before the formation of the Zagros Mountains. Orogenic activities of the Zagros Mountains and the formation of deserts have influenced the separation of these lineages from the Late Miocene by allopatric speciation. Generally, our findings suggest that each of the seven clades corresponding to distinct geographic regions deserves to be elevated to the species level.

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A little herpetology during the summer holidays in Tuscany -- Scattered herpetological observations in Tuscany, Italy, from the period 25 July through 4 August 2002 are reported. Emphasis is put on a one week stay at the chåteau Castello di Modanella (locality no. 1, Fig. 1). The following species were observed around the chåteau and in an open forest: Green frogs Rana sp.), Bufo bufo, Anguis fragilis, Lacerta bilineata, Podarcis muralis, P. sicula and Coluber viridiflavus (frontcover, Figs. 2-7). A remarkable posture was observed in A. fragilis as a specimen was held in two closed hands (forming a «hollow«) for about 1 minute. Held in one open hand afterwards, it remained in a hall-like position for 3-4 minutes (Fig. 3). It is interpreted as merely an extreme degree of inactivity. This habit was not recorded by Blosat (1997). Another hitherto unpublished case where A. fragilis in Denmark exhibited the same posture, is also mentioned. Only one L. bilineata was captured, a young of SVL 30.5 mm on 31 July. But since 6.0 mm of the tail length was regenerated (Fig. 4), the specimen was not newly hatched, but it may have had a SVL of some 28 mm at hatching. P. muralis and P. sicula proved abundant in the area, however, P. muralis lived in relatively shaded and cool habitats whereas P. sicula occurred in more open habitats. One C. viridiflavus was found climhing in low branches of a tree along a small dirt road in the forest (see frontcover). Chalcides chalcides was recorded in San Baronto, approx. 15 km south of Pistóia (locality 2). One C. viridiflavus was captured 20 km north of Pistóia (locality 3). At the castle Castello cli Brolio (locality 5) P. sicula was photographed while catching and eating a big moth, Macroglossum stellatarum (Fig. 11). One acdult Rana italica was observed in a forest at least 500 m away from any stream (Figs. 12-13), near Chiusi della Verna on Alpe di Catenhia (locality 6). The new book «The Lizards of Italy and Adjacent Areas» by Corti & Lo Cascio (2002) is also re viewed. In general ii is considered useful for all herpetobogists going to Italy or working with Italian lizards. Eventually, six brief hints for herpetobogists traveling in the Mediterranean are provided.

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The snakes arrival to the island of Ibiza has been confirmed twenty years ago, but there is still no solid and coherent strategy to face the greatest ecological risk that threatens native species and our ecosystems. A review of these twenty years is presented, how the science, legislation and environmental ma- nagement have focused the problem. The strategies that have been implemen- ted, and what is the future forecast are presented. We propose to start the installation of small Lizards Reserves in public or private spaces that conserve the factors that configure the Podarcis pityusensis pityusensis habitat.

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Fieldherpetological observations in Lebanon in December 2003 and June 2004 -- During December 2003 and June 2004 the author made herpetological observations in Lebanon, mainly in Deir al-Qarnar (altitude approx. 900 m) just southeast of Beirut. In December 2003 a few Lacerta laevis were observed in Deir al Qarnar and Beirut. In June 2004 it was the most abundant reptile spe cies in Deir al-Qamar. In this urban environment it inhabited wails, open ground, vegetation and sometimes even climbing trees. One male which was readily recognised by its regenerated tail, was observed on the terrace of a house, having a territory of 100-150 m2. On 11 June two males were seen fighting. One Ophisops elegans and one Mabuya vittata were recorded in Deir al-Qamar on 11 June. Laudakia stellio was only found during the summer visit. It proved abundant in Anjar but more scattered in ruins in Ba’albek. In the morning specimens were usually dark coloured, enabling them to ab sorb additional heat (fig. 5). Hyla savignyi was seen daily in the house where the author lived in Deir al-Qamnar, however, only during the summer visit. There was a population in the garden pond and 1-4 adults were always noticed on the papyrus plants during the day (fig. 6). They were active at night. One adult Salamandra infraimmaculata at approx. 20-21 cm total length was found dead on the road at Deir al-Qamar on 6 December (fig. 7). It had probably been killed by a predator.

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This study was carried out in El Omayed Protected Area at the Western Coastal Desert of Egypt. The present survey of the herpetofauna comprise 30 species (one amphibian species and 29 reptilian species) belonging to 25 genera and 11 families. Bufo viridis viridis was the only recorded amphibian species. From reptiles, 18 species of lizards, 9 species of snakes, and 2 species of Testudines were recorded. No endemic species were found in the study area. About half of the recorded species (43%) are threatened by different degrees and in argent need of special management; Threats to the populations of herpetofauna of the study area and conservatory recommendations were listed.

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Changes in habitat structure constitute a major factor explaining responses of reptiles to fire. However, few studies have examined habitat factors that covary with fire-history variables to explain reptile responses. We hypothesise that more complex habitats should support richer reptile communities, and that species-specific relative abundance should be related to particular habitat features. From spring 2012–2014, twenty-five transects were surveyed in the Albera Region (north-east Iberia). The vegetation structure was measured and the extent of habitat types in a 1000-m buffer around each transect calculated. Reptile-community metrics (species richness and reptile abundance) were related to fire history, vegetation structure, and habitat types, using generalized additive models. These metrics correlated with habitat-structure variables but not with fire history. The number of species increased with more complex habitats but decreased with pine-plantation abundance in the 1000-m buffer. We found contrasting responses among reptiles in terms of time since fire and those responses differed according to vegetation variables and habitat types. An unplanned fire in August 2012 provided the opportunity to compare reptile abundance values between pre-fire and the short term (1–2 years) after the fire. Most species exhibited a negative short-term response to the 2012 fire except Tarentola mauritanica, a gecko that inhabits large rocks, as opposed to other ground-dwelling species. In the reptiles studied, contrasting responses to time since fire are consistent with the habitat–accommodation model of succession. These differences are linked to specific microhabitat preferences and suggest that functional traits can be used to predict speciesspecific responses to fire.

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Los escorpiones constituyen una de las presas más difícilmente consumibles por lagartos de pequeño tamaño, pudiendo calificarse como presas peligrosas por su comportamiento defensivo cuando son atacados. Aquí se presenta casos de alimentación de escorpiones por dos especies de lacértidos y una de escíncido de Bulgaria, basados en el análisis de muestras fecales. La alimentación de escorpiones rara vez se observa en lagartos europeos, especialmente en poblaciones continentales, y en opinión de la autora estos son los primeros casos documentados en Bulgaria. A partir de estos resultados se sugiere que el uso de presas potencialmente peligrosas podría deberse a una posible competencia inter e intraespecífica, lo que podría ser más evidente en verano cuando los recursos tróficos son escasos.

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Variation of the meristic characteristics of pholidosis in the sand lizard, Lacerta agilis, was studied both in laboratory experiments and in natural populations. The total phenotypic variability was assessed by the variation of the sum of the number of scales on the left and on the right sides of the body (l + r), while the measure of developmental stability, providing insight into the degree of fluctuating asymmetry, or developmental variability, was assessed by the variation of the difference in the character values on the left and on the right (l − r). Experimental incubation of eggs at different temperatures demonstrates that the minimal level of both kinds of variability corresponds to a certain temperature, which can be characterized as an optimal one, increasing both with an increase and with a decrease in the temperature from this regime. The data demonstrate the crucial role of the temperature impact for the phenotypic variation under study. An increase in the level of developmental variability to the north and to the south from the center part of the species range, in the absence of an obvious trend in geographic variation of the level of total phenotypic variability, assumes an increase in the role of developmental variability in the observed phenotypic diversity at the periphery of the species range. The results obtained indicate the importance of a population phenogenetic approach, based on the developmental stability study in natural populations, to provide certain information supposing the possible nature of phenotypic diversity in a species range

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The island of Poros in Greece — no herpetological gold clump -- Poros is a small island belonging to the Saronic Islands, located 40 kilometers from Athen. The author has visited the island three times, in August 2000, September 2001 and May 2004. Following species were observed: Ablepharus kitaibelli, Cyrtodactylus kotsihyi, Lacerta trilineta and Testudo marginata.