MORPHOLOGICAL AND ECOLOGICAL DIVERSITY OF MALAGASY TADPOLES
Altig, Ronald, Mississippi State University
Mississippi State, Mississippi 39762
The composition of the frog fauna is strange relative to the perspectives of most New World
researchers. Ranoid frogs (i.e., hyperoliids, mantelline ranids, and rhacophorids) plus three
endemic subfamilies of microhylids predominate. Groups common in New World faunas are absent
(e.g., bufonids and hylids) or uncommon (e.g., ranine ranids). All statements and concepts must
remain quite speculative because the fauna is so poorly known. Naming of species and
documentation of local faunas are currently the primary research activities, and as usual,
knowledge of the tadpoles lags far behind. The domination of ranoid and microhylid frogs and
the heavy reliance on several microhabitats in flowing water habitats (at least in the eastern
rain forests) are important modifying factors to consider. Many of the species in the two
mantelline (Mantidactylus + Mantella) and two rhacophorine genera (Boophis +
Aglyptodactylus) form a relatively cohesive morphological and ecological group reflective
of their ranoid history, but several notable deviations in breeding biology and/or tadpole
ecomorphology occur in each group. Direct development, arboreal morphotypes, umbelliform
morphotypes, and two other presumed specialized feeders are the major deviations in the
mantellines, and suctorial forms and a specialized sand-ingester occur in rhacophorids.
Scaphiophrynine and dyscophine microhylids have exotrophic tadpoles that range from typically
microhylid morphology to quite aberrant. All cophyline microhylids have nidicolous development.
These patterns of breeding, development and ecomorphology, with an emphasis on morphology, will
be illustrated and discussed.
KOMODO DRAGON SPITTLE AND ITS BENEFIT TO MANKIND
Arnett, Johnny Supervisor Department of Herpetology Cincinnati Zoo
Boyer, Donal Collection Manager San Diego Zoo
Gillespie, Don, D.V.M. Kansas City Zoo
Freddeking, Terry Antibody Systems, Inc., Ft. Worth, Texas
(No Abstract Submitted)
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PYTHONS OF THE WORLD
Barker, David and Tracy Vida Preciosa International, Inc., Bourne, Texas
(No Abstract Submitted)
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THE ECOLOGY OF THE AFRICAN MONITORS
Bayless, Mark K. 1406 Holly Street, Berkeley, California 94703 USA
The continent of Africa separated from Gondwana Land approximately 65 million years ago,
evolving into a unique Island full of floral and faunal biodiversity that we are familiar with
today. African Varanus fossils were recently discovered by Lynne Clos (1995) at Lake
Rusinga, Kenya, that indicate that varanids have been living on this continent for at least 14
million years. The African monitor lizards (Varanidae) include the Desert monitor
(V. griseus) of North Africa; the Savannah monitor (V. exanthematicus) of West
Africa; the White-Throat monitor (V. albigularis) of east, central and South Africa, and
the Nile monitor (V. niloticus), known throughout Africa south of the Sahara Desert. The
Desert monitor can be found in true sandy deserts, and the lizards are more frequently
encountered where greater humidity is present during the morning hours. The Savannah,
White-Throat and Nile monitor lizards can be found in scrubland, savanna, forest-mosaic and
mopane woodland habitats throughout their respective ranges. The Nile monitor is restricted to
habitats where water sources, i.e. streams, rivers and lakes are permanent. The African varanids
are primarily insectivorous, but have been known to ingest green bananas (except the Desert
monitor), invertebrates, small vertebrates, other varanids (= cannibalism), and carrion. The
White-Throat monitor is known to prey upon venomous snakes as well. Natural predators of the
African varanids include the jackal, caracal, and birds of prey, especially the Martial and
Tawny Eagles, who swoop down on these wary animals. During the dry season, when water is scarce,
monitor lizards make for an excellent source of water and protein forpredators. These varanids
court and mate from the months of July to February. As varanids are oviparous, they are known to
deposit their eggs in termite mounds, or holes dug into the sides of riverbanks. A clutch can be
from three to sixty-four eggs in size. The eggs incubate from six to eight month's time,
depending upon the temperature and humidity. The neonates remain together within their brood
chamber until all of the viable eggs have hatched, whereupon they dig themselves out to begin
their lives. In the wild, these lizards are thought to live perhaps eight to ten years, in
captivity, they have been known to live from ten to fifteen years or more. The greatest threat to
their survival in the wild is habitat & burn agriculture, the commercial skin-trade market and
pesticide practices, i.e. DDT usage. I began examining the ecology, taxonomy, biogeography, and
ethology of these animals in 1987, and with each day, my fascination with these lizards is
enhanced. With further record keeping by varanid keepers, and dissemination of information via
the varanid society newsletter, 'YaraNews', our knowledge of these animals will increase, their
captive husbandry practices will (hopefully) be improved, and perhaps the mortality rate of
imported animals will decrease.
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CONSERVATION STATUS OF MADASCAN TORTOISES
Behler, John L.,Chairman, IUCN/SSC Tortoise and Freshwater Turtle Specialist Group, Wildlife Conservation Society, Bronx Zoo, Bronx, New York, 10460-1099
Madagascar is the home to four endemic tortoise species: GeocheIone yniphora, G. radiata,
Pyxis arachnoides, and P. planicauda. The angonoka, or plowshare tortoise (G. yniphora),
whose distribution is limited to the fry tropical deciduous forest in the vicinity of Mary Bay
in the northwest, is regarded as one of the world's most imperiled chelonians. It is on Appendix
I of CITES. It is at risk by virtue of its extremely limited range, and the potential for
further habitat degradation and illegal collection. In 1986, a cooperative angonoka research
and recovery program was initiated. Jersey Wildlife Preservation Trust's captive breeding
program at Ampijoroa Forestry Station has been very successful. Recent field studies have
yielded valuable natural history information and significant new distribution data. The nearest
relative of the endangered angonoka, is the radiated tortoise (G. radiata), or sokake.
The species is restricted to the xerophytic spiny forests of extreme south and southwest
Madagascar. It, too, is a CITES Appendix I species. The status of the sokake is deceiving. In
scattered remote areas G. radiata populations flourish. Yet, dramatic changes are
occurring in Madagascar. Long considered fady by indigenous peoples, the species was not
disturbed or eaten. Cultural change, influenced by long drought and an infusion of people from
outside of the region, have put G. radiata in a precarious state. Today, large numbers
are being collected for food markets and for local consumption. Malagasy law is openly ignored.
Tortoises are smuggled to La Reunion and European markets in increasing numbers. There is
increasing pressure from the Malagasy government and its wildlife exporters to downlist the
species to Appendix II so that they can reap the profits on international trade. Ill-conceived
reintroduction schemes could place wild G. radiata stocks at risk from diseases acquired
in captivity. Coupled with habitat alteration, these factors create an ominous picture for the
long-term survival of this species in nature. Madagascar' s spider tortoise (Pyxis arachnoides),
locally known as kapila, is a resident of southern and southwestern coastal thorn-scrub
habitat. It is sympatric with G. radiata over much of its range. Because of its small
size, it is rarely eaten, but it is used for barter. Foreign visitors to areas around Tulear
or Fort Dauphin are often offered kapila. It is believed to be declining in status as a result
of habitat degradation and collection for the pet trade. While protected by Malagasy law, spider
tortoises are frequently smuggled to La Reunion and Europe. Until recently, little was known of
the flat-tailed tortoise, or kapidolo (P. planicauda). It is a diminutive species with a
limited distribution on the west-central coast where it is found in dry deciduous forest
between the Morondava and Tsirihibina Rivers. Kapidola natural history and status have been the
subject of collaborative JWPT-Wildlife Conservation Society projects in recent years. Although
the known range of the species has increased, recent and dramatic forest clearing activity is
ominous. Conversion of forests into extensive fields of sisal, maize, and peanuts continues as
does more subtle forms of forest degradation, woodcutting and selective lumbering. The trade
in kapidolo is limited because the habitat is remote from large cities and because the tortoises
are exceptionally shy and difficult to collect in large numbers. That status will change if
Malagasy laws are relaxed to permit collection for the foreign pet trade. Chelonian taxonomists
do not agree on the generic vacillation between the use of Pyxis and Acinixys
during the past 15 years. Current mDNA work by the Wildlife Conservation Society supports the
currently popular view that the kapidolo is a northern representative of the genus Pyxis.
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BEAUTY AND DIVERSITY OF NORTH AMERICAN HERPS
Collins, Suzanne and Joseph T. Museum of Natural History University of Kansas Lawrence, Kansas
(No Abstract Submitted - Slide Presentation)
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TEMPERATURE-DEPENDENT SEX DETERMINATION IN REPTILES: FROM BASIC RESEARCH TO
PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS
Crews, David Institute of Reproductive Biology and the Department of Zoology, University of Texas, Austin,
Texas 78712
In many egg-laying reptiles the incubation temperature of the egg determines the sex of the
offspring, a process known as temperature-dependent sex determination (TSD). In TSD sex
determination is an "all or none" process and intersexes are rarely formed. How the external
signal of temperature is transduced into a genetic signal that determines gonadal sex and
channels sexual differentiation has been the focus of basic research with the red-eared slider
turtle. The temperature signal simultaneously activates and suppresses testis- and
ovary-determining cascades to result in male or female development. Both are active
processes--rather than the organized/default system characteristic of vertebrates with
genotypic sex determination. Sex steroid hormones are the physiological equivalent of
incubation temperature and serve as the proximate trigger for male and female sex determination.
Temperature acts on genes coding for sex steroid hormone receptors and steroidogenic enzymes,
thereby modifying the endocrine microenvironment in the embryo. The temperature experienced in
development also has long-term functional outcomes in addition to sex determination. Basic
research with the leopard gecko indicates that incubation temperature as well as sex steroid
hormones organize the adult phenotype, affecting growth, physiology, behavior, and brain
activity. Practical applications resulting from this work are (i) use of the estrogen-spotting
method to ensure female development in conservation and restoration programs oriented to
threatened and endangered egg-laying reptiles, and (ii) use of the extreme sensitivity of sex
determination to sex steroids as a environmental biomarker to monitor the endocrine disrupter
effects of common industrial agents.
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OVERVIEW OF HERPETOLOGICAL CONSERVATION PROJECTS IN THE WEST INDIES
Day, Mark Fauna and Flora International
(No Abstract Submitted)
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GEOGRAPHIC VARIATION IN DISPLAY COLORS OF THE PANTHER CHAMELEON: A PROGRESS REPORT
Gary W. Ferguson, James Murphy, Achille Raselimanana, and Jean-Baptiste Ramanamanjato
The panther chameleon is a large, spectacularly-colored chameleon from coastal northern and
eastern Madagascar. Males show obvious geographic variation in color and metachromatism. While
females are more uniform geographically, subtle differences can be recognized. Progress on a
quantitative analysis of color variation is reported.
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REPTILE AND AMPHIBIAN EXPEDITION TO CAMEROON
Freed, Paul Supervisor Section of Herpetology Houston Zoological Gardens 1513 N.
McGregor Drive Houston, Texas 77030 (713) 520-3226
Located amidst the plush tropical rainforests of central-west Africa, Cameroon has long been
held as one of the richest countries in terms of its herpetological diversity. And, while it is
known for having a great many natural treasures, such as the largest frog species on Earth; its
towering majestic mountains; and its diminutive forest elephants, it is still a land of mystery
and many surprises. Why is it that few researchers, collectors, and tourists have made Cameroon
a "household" name? Get a glimpse of some of their spectacular herpetofauna and see what makes
this fascinating country "tick."
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FROM FORCE-FEEDING BLONDIE TO CLIMATE-CONTROLLED ENVIRONMENTS ... A 70-YEAR
HISTORY OF THE ST. LOUIS ZOO'S HERPETARIUM
Goellner, Ronald General Curator St. Louis Zoo St. Louis, Missouri
The St. Louis Zoo's Herpetarium was first opened to the public in 1927, under the directorship
of the Zoo's first curator of reptiles, R. Marlin Perkins. Ornamental reptiles and amphibians
highlighted both the exterior and interior of its Spanish style architecture. Since its opening
the building has undergone two $1,000,000 renovations. The first update modernized displays and
provided for partial climate control of the building. The most recent improvements heighten the
naturalistic quality of the exhibits and incorporate the latest in computer technology
(including climate control throughout), while recapturing the charm and beauty of the building's
original ornamentation.
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GULF OF CALIFORNIA ISLAND HERPETOLOGY: WHY ISLANDS ARE UNIQUE ECOSYSTEMS
Grismer, L. Lee, Ph.D. Department of Biology, La Sierra University Riverside, California
(No Abstract Submitted)
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TWENTY YEARS OF ZOO HERPETOLOGY: EVOLUTION TO REVOLUTION
Grow, David Curator of Herpetology, Oklahoma Zoological Park, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
This presentation endeavors to do two things. First, developments in zoo herpetological programs
since the mid-1970's will be reviewed, sincerely hoping to avoid offending friends and
colleagues by overlooking important contributions. Second, observations on the current and
future role of herpetology in zoos within the context of the enormous explosion of popularity of
amphibians and reptiles will be presented. Significant evolution has occurred in zoo
herpetological programs over the last twenty years and seems to organize within ten year periods.
The 1970's saw the continued refinement of husbandry and breeding techniques. Zoos began to
organize cooperative programs with the advent of the Species Survival Plan in the 1980's. These
cooperative programs continued to be refined in the 1990's. However, the focus was shifting from
in house programs to conservation efforts in the country of origin. Today there are many fine
examples of zoo herpetological departments demonstrating excellent leadership in world
conservation programs. There is, however, a problem. Herpetology is losing space in zoos. How
can this be at a time when amphibians and reptiles in the private sector are experiencing a
revolution in popularity? We have lost track, in a general sense, of our relationship with the
rest of the zoo and the public in our zealous pursuit of often narrow purist goals. We have
heard this criticism before but evidence in favor of this argument continues to accumulate. We
as zoo herpetologists must step outside our comfort zone to more directly engage the public and
those who fund our programs. If we do not, the revolution will leave us behind.
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THERMOREGULATORY BEHAVIOR, ACTIVITY PATTERN, AND HOME RANGE VARIATION IN THE PERENTIE: A FIELD STUDY OF AUSTRALIA'S LARGEST MONITOR.
Heger, Nancy A. and Thomas G. Department of Zoology, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712
Radiotelemetry techniques were used to study thermoregulatory behavior, activity pattern, and
home range variation in the perentie (Varanus giganteus) in Western Australia between
September 1991 and June 1995. Varanus giganteus maintains consistent home areas,
although home ranges tended to overlap both within and between sexes. Home range size for males
was significantly larger than that of females and may be related to the perceived increase in
movement by males during the breeding season (approximately November to January). The activity
pattern of V. giganteus in the summer months was found to be bimodal with activity in the
early morning and late afternoon. During winter, 2/3 of all study animals became inactive for
several months, while the remainder (usually males) remained active on a daily basis. Lizards
maintained consistent high body temperatures (36 degrees C) throughout most of the day with
little variation. The impact of body size on the behavioral and physiological control of body
temperature as well as ontogenetic changes in thermoregulation will be discussed.
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DECLINING AMPHIBIANS: A REAL PHENOMENON?
Heyer, W. Ronald, Ph.D. Curator of Division of Amphibians and Reptiles, U.S. National
Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, DC
(No Abstract Submitted)
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CONSERVATION STRATEGY FOR THE ENDANGERED JAMAICAN IGUANA
Hudson, Rick AZA Lizard Advisory Group Chair, Asst. Curator/Herpetology, Fort Worth
Zoo, Fort Worth, Texas
Considered extinct for nearly half a century, the Jamaican iguana, Cyclura collei was
rediscovered in 1990, and is now regarded as one of the world's most endangered large lizards.
This paper discusses the ongoing conservation and research efforts underway in Jamaica to
prevent this lizard's extinction, and presents the results of the Population & Habitat Viability
Analysis (PHVA) workshop held there in 1993. The development of the conservation strategy, based
on that workshop, is reviewed with particular emphasis on the headstart program at the Hope Zoo.
The implementation of this conservation and recovery plan, and the supporting role that the AZA
Lizard Advisory Group and participating toes play, will be highlighted.
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MANTELLA BREEDING PROGRAM AT THE JOHN G. SHEDD AQUARIUM
Jackson, Lee Senior Aquarist, John G. Shedd Aquarium, Chicago, Illinois
In 1994, the Shedd Aquarium undertook a breeding program for the endemic Malagasy frogs of the
genus mantella. This was done because of the large number of frogs being exported from
Madagascar for the pet trade and the relatively low number of animals being kept and bred in
both public and private collections. Ten of the twelve recognized species in this group are
currently being held by the Shedd and seven of these have been successfully bred on one or
more occasions. Most of the breeders are housed in a specially built environmental chamber, and
breeding generally occurs after a drop in temperature and a corresponding increase in humidity.
The care of eggs and tadpoles present no special problems. However, newly metamorphosed frogs
require very small foods (collembda sp.) for 2 to 4 weeks after leaving the water
depending on the species of mantella.
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HUSBANDRY AND REPRODUCTION IN THE GIANT CENTRALAMERICAN BLACK MDLKSNAKE
(Lampropeltis triangulum gaigeae)
Kardon, Alan Assistant Curator of Herpetology, San Antonio Zoo, San Antonio, Texas
The Giant Central American Black Milksnake, Lampropeltis triangulum gaigeae, is found in
the cool, moist pine forests of highland Panama and Costa Rica. This large, over two meters,
colubrid must be kept at cooler temperatures for successful reproduction. Breeding occurs in the
spring, with eggs being laid in early summer. The eggs are some of the largest of the L.
triangulum group and incubation takes a little over seventy days. The neonates are brightly
ringed, red, yellow, and black, and start to turn solid black at a year of age.
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HERPETOLOGICAL ECOTOURISM IN MADAGASCAR
Love, Bill Blue Chameleon Ventures, Alva, Florida
Madagascar is in a position to be "discovered" by nature and ecologically-oriented enthusiasts
during the coming decades. It has gone largely unnoticed by English-speaking peoples due to its
geographic isolation, relatively high expense of going there, and lack of extensive publicity.
Modern amenities expected by typical vacation tourists are few and far between. French being the
predominant language of commerce there has been a further concern to people worried about being
able to communicate their needs. The mass media is starting to feature Madagascar with
increasing frequency. Lemurs' endearing features hold huge appeal, but the trend to appreciate
whole ecosystems and their varied inhabitants has really focused attention on this
mini-continent lately. A special sense of urgency exists to spur this interest because of the
escalating degree of forest destruction and land erosion threatening many natural areas. With
no dangerous reptiles, but plenty of colorful and bizarre forms like chameleons, tortoises, day
and leaftail geckos, twig mimic snakes and boas, the native herpetofauna is gaining recognition
as an important aspect of the natural wonders sought by eco-conscious tourists. The fascination with
this group of animals can now be promoted as a draw to the island, and as symbols to rally financial
support for conservation efforts. Seeing and photographing many species in the wild is not only
possible, but quite easily accomplished. This is especially true with the aid of the friendly
Malagasy people who welcome visitors to the parks and preserves that have been
established in
many habitats. They excel at locating animals and are indispensable as guides. The country is
now well aware of the potential profitability of increased tourism and openly encourages it.
This presentation will show highlights of three trips to all areas with emphasis on the herps.
It will discuss the existing infrastructure and conditions that may affect
traveling and
herping in Madagascar.
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IDIOPATHIC HEPATOLIPIDOSIS/PROTOZOAN PROBLEMS IN REPTILES
Miller, Harry A., DVM Westgate Pet & Bird Hospital, 4601 S. Lamar, Suite 103 Austin,
Texas 78763 (512) 892-4463
(No Abstract Submitted)
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HERPETOFAUNA OF NORTHWESTERN COSTA RICA
Porras, Louis Vice President, IHS, Sandy, Utah
Lamar, William W. Department of Biology, University of Texas at Tyler, Tyler, Texas
(No Abstract Submitted)
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POSSIBLE ADAPTIVE SIGNIFICANCE OF TEMPERATURE-DEPENDENT SEX DETERMINATION
Rhen, Turk Department of Zoology, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas
The effect of egg temperature on hatchling growth was determined in the common snapping turtle,
Chelydra serpentina. In the population of turtles studied, low and intermediate
temperatures produce males and high temperatures produce females. Hormone manipulations during
embryonic development were used to sex-reverse animals, producing females at normally
male-producing temperatures and males at a normally female-producing temperature. Thus, the
effects of incubation temperature and sex were separated experimentally. Hatchling growth was
strongly affected by incubation temperature but not by gonadal sex. Importantly, growth was
greatest at incubation temperatures that normally produce males. In the common snapping turtle,
incubation temperature affects growth, which may, in turn, affect male and female fitness
differently. These results are consistent with the Chamov-Bull hypothesis of
temperature-dependent sex determination.
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HISTORY OF THE IHS
Ross, Richard, M.D. Director, Institute for Herpetological Research, Associate, Santa
Barbara Zoo, Santa Barbara, California
(No Abstract Submitted)
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HISTORY OF THE NATIONAL HERPETOLOGICAL ALLIANCE
Strieber, Richard National Herpetological Alliance, San Antonio, Texas
(No Abstract Submitted)
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HERPETOLOGICAL CONSERVATION PROBLEMS IN MADAGASCAR
Raxworthy, C. J., Ph.D., and Nussbaum, R.A., Ph.D., Department of Zoology, University of
Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109-1079
Habitat loss represents the major threat to amphibians and reptiles in Madagascar. As forests
are further fragmented and destroyed, protection of the reserve network becomes increasingly
important to prevent extinction. However, even if the reserve network is protected, two major
problems remain: 1) many vulnerable herpetological species are not distributed in reserves, and
2) many remote regions have not yet been surveyed, therefore the conservation importance of
this biodiversity is unknown. Modifications to the reserve network are clearly needed, and more
survey effort is required in poorly known regions of Madagascar. In the most urgent cases,
where species appear to be restricted to tiny areas outside reserves, captive breeding may be
required to prevent extinction.
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VICARIANT DISTRIBUTIONS OF AMPHIBIANS AND REPTILES IN MADAGASCAR: EVIDENCE OF ENVIRONMENTAL CHANGE
Raxworthy, C. J., Ph.D., and Nussbaum, R.A., Ph.D., Department of Zoology, University of
Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109-1079
Madagascar was previously thought to have had a stable climate, and to have been almost
completely covered in forest. However, palynological data demonstrates significant natural
changes in vegetation types, and provides strong evidence for climatic change. Many
herpetological species restricted to primary vegetation types show naturally disjunct
distribution patterns in Madagascar. These disjunct distributions provide new evidence of
prehuman vegetation shifts for montane heathland and rainforest. Both these habitats were
previously far more extensive on the island. Vegetation shifts of this scale indicate that
Madagascar must have been subject to major climatic changes.
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SOME EUROPEAN HERPERS AND THEIR REPTILES
Tashjian, John H. San Marcos, California
In Europe there are probably as many herpetophiles as there are in the United States. This
traveler has had the good fortune to have encountered a few of them over the past several years
and to be permitted to photograph some of their animals. This presentation will be an
introduction to these acquaintances and some of their reptiles representing species which
may be a little different than those we are accustomed to seeing commonly here in the U.S.
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LONG-TERM CHANGES IN HABITAT OF THE MALAGASY TORTOISE
(Pyxis planicauda)
Stephen Tidd, John Finder, and Gary Ferguson
Texas Christian University, Ft. Worth, Texas; Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, Aiken, South Carolina
The flat-tailed tortoise, Pyxis planicauda, is endemic to pristine, tropical dry forests
of the Morondava region of western Madagascar. It is only active during the rainy season which
begins in January. During the dry season, it aestivates in the forest leaf matter. The habitat
of this tortoise is threatened by human expansion and agricultural development. As the forests
become more accessible, more land is cleared and converted into usable agricultural areas. The
annual burning of pastures to stimulate new grass growth also burns away the edges of the
forest. As the need for crops increases, the pressure on the forest habitat of the tortoise
increases. There is no evidence at this time showing that they can survive in degraded or
regrown forest areas. A twenty-year study of the tortoise habitat was done using Landsat MSS
satellite data from 1973, 1984, and 1993. The satellite images were rectified and registered to
each other and then classified to show the types of land cover. The images were then compared
and forest cover and land use changes were determined.
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LAND OF THE NAMIB
Tremper, Ronald
Center for Reptile and Amphibian Propagation (CRAP), Boerne, Texas
(No Abstract Submitted)
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