Dorsal Pattern Variation and Sexual Dimorphism in Montivipera latifii (Mertens, Darevsky and Klemmer, 1967) (Ophidia: Viperidae)

In this study, sexual dimorphism and dorsal patterns were investigated in Latifi’s viper (Montivipera latifii) from Iran. Sexual dimorphism was evaluated in 13 males and 15 females using 12 morphological characteristics. Despite the low sample size, the results showed that both sexes significantly differ in the number of subcaudal scales, the number of outer circumocular scales and tail length. In a limited area, the Lar National Park, three different dorsal patterns were observed (n=26 specimens): about 50% displayed a complete zigzag dorsal pattern, 15% of the individuals displayed a striped dorsal pattern, and about 35% had an incomplete zigzag dorsal pattern. These findings confirmed partially results from former published studies. Finally, we hypothesised that the four pattern described in M. latifii could be a combination of only two genetically define dorsal marks.In this study, sexual dimorphism and dorsal patterns were investigated in Montivipera latifii. Sexual dimorphism in Latifi’s viper was evaluated in 13 males and 15 females using 12 morphological characteristics. The results showed that both sexes significantly differ in the number of subcaudal scales, the number of outer circumocular scales and tail length. In a limited area (Lar National Park, Iran), three different dorsal patterns were observed in M. latifii. Based on 26 observations, about 50% displayed a complete zigzag dorsal pattern, 15% of the individuals displayed a striped dorsal pattern and about 35% had an incomplete zigzag dorsal pattern. This result more or less confirmed former published results. Finally, we hypothesised that the four pattern described in M. latifii could be a combination on only two genetically define dorsal marks

The Effectiveness of the Harm Reduction Group Therapy Based on Bandura's Self-Efficacy Theory on Risky Behaviors of Drug-Dependent Sex Worker Women

Background: The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of the harm reduction group therapy based on Bandura's self-efficacy theory on risky behaviors of sex workers in Kerman, Iran.Methods: A quasi-experimental two-group design (a random selection with pre-test and post-test) was used. A risky behaviors questionnaire was used to collect. The sample was selected among sex workers referring to drop-in centers in Kerman. Subjects were allocated to two groups and were randomly classified into two experimental and control groups. The sample group consisted of 56 subjects. The experimental design was carried out during 12 sessions, and the post-test was performed one month and two weeks after the completion of the sessions. The results were analyzed statistically.Findings: By reducing harm based on Bandura's self-efficacy theory, the risky behaviors of the experimental group, including injection behavior, sexual behavior, violence, and damage to the skin, were significantly reduced in the pre-test compared to the post-test (P < 0.010).Conclusion: The harm reduction group therapy based on Bandura's self-efficacy theory can reduce the risky behaviors of sex workers

Upward Altitudinal Shifts in Habitat Suitability of Mountain Vipers since the Last Glacial Maximum

We determined the effects of past and future climate changes on the distribution of the Montivipera raddei species complex (MRC) that contains rare and endangered viper species limited to Iran, Turkey and Armenia. We also investigated the current distribution of MRC to locate unidentified isolated populations as well as to evaluate the effectiveness of the current network of protected areas for their conservation. Present distribution of MRC was modeled based on ecological variables and model performance was evaluated by field visits. Some individuals at the newly identified populations showed uncommon morphological characteristics. The distribution map of MRC derived through modeling was then compared with the distribution of protected areas in the region. We estimated the effectiveness of the current protected area network to be 10%, which would be sufficient for conserving this group of species, provided adequate management policies and practices are employed. We further modeled the distribution of MRC in the past (21,000 years ago) and under two scenarios in the future (to 2070). These models indicated that climatic changes probably have been responsible for an upward shift in suitable habitats of MRC since the Last Glacial Maximum, leading to isolation of allopatric populations. Distribution will probably become much more restricted in the future as a result of the current rate of global warming. We conclude that climate change most likely played a major role in determining the distribution pattern of MRC, restricting allopatric populations to mountaintops due to habitat alterations. This long-term isolation has facilitated unique local adaptations among MRC populations, which requires further investigation. The suitable habitat patches identified through modeling constitute optimized solutions for inclusion in the network of protected areas in the region

Preliminary analysis of dorsal pattern variation and sexual dimorphism in <em>Montivipera latifii</em> (Mertens, Darevsky and Klemmer, 1967) (Ophidia: Viperidae)

In this study, sexual dimorphism and dorsal patterns were investigated in Latifi’s viper (Montivipera latifii) from Iran. Sexual dimorphism was evaluated in 13 males and 15 females using 12 morphological characteristics. Despite the low sample size, the results showed that both sexes significantly differ in the number of subcaudal scales, the number of outer circumocular scales and tail length. In a limited area, the Lar National Park, three different dorsal patterns were observed (n=26 specimens): about 50% displayed a complete zigzag dorsal pattern, 15% of the individuals displayed a striped dorsal pattern, and about 35% had an incomplete zigzag dorsal pattern. These findings confirmed partially results from former published studies. Finally, we hypothesised that the four pattern described in M. latifii could be a combination of only two genetically define dorsal marks

Molecular and morphological differentiation of Secret Toad-headed agama, Phrynocephalus mystaceus, with the description of a new subspecies from Iran (Reptilia, Agamidae)

The morphological and genetic variation of a wide-ranging Secret Toad-headed agama, Phrynocephalus mystaceus that inhabits sand deserts of south-eastern Europe, Middle East, Middle Asia, and western China is reviewed. Based on the morphological differences and high divergence in COI (mtDNA) gene sequences a new subspecies of Ph. mystaceus is described from Khorasan Razavi Province in Iran. Partial sequences of COI mtDNA gene of 31 specimens of Ph. mystaceus from 17 localities from all major parts of species range were analyzed. Genetic distances show a deep divergence between Ph. mystaceus khorasanus ssp. n. from Khorasan Razavi Province and all other populations of Ph. mystaceus. The new subspecies can be distinguished from other populations of Ph. mystaceus by a combination of several morphological features. Molecular and morphological analyses do not support the validity of other Ph. mystaceus subspecies described from Middle Asia and Caspian basin. Geographic variations in the Ph. mystaceus species complex and the status of previously described subspecies were discussed

Geographic variation of <i>Gloydius halys caucasicus</i> (Serpentes: Viperidae) in Iran

<p>We compared the morphological characters of populations of the Caucasian Pit Viper, <i>Gloydius halys caucasicus</i>, from different regions of the Alborz mountain range. For this purpose, we studied 7 metric and 21 meristic characters in 12 specimens from the western Alborz, 44 specimens from the eastern Alborz and nine specimens from the central Alborz Mountains. The results of the statistical analyses by npMANOVA, ANOVA and Kruskal Wallis tests showed significant differences between all three populations, while the western Alborz and the eastern Alborz populations are more distinct from each other. The important characters showing differences between them are: Subcaudals, dorsal scales in anterior part, dorsal scales in posterior part, supralabial scales, scales between gulars, gulars, ventrals, ratio of snout length over snout width, and ratio of snout length over head length.</p

Predicted distribution models of <i>Montivipera raddei</i> species complex in Iran, Turkey and Armenia.

<p>Models are based on the CCSM (a) and MIROC (b) for the past, present condition (c), and 2.6 (d) and 8.5 (e) scenarios of CCSM that describe mitigation and high emission scenarios of future anthropogenic climate change, respectively. Red colour shows areas with higher probability of occurrence. MESS encompasses non-analogous climate conditions with reference to the training background range of the baseline model.</p

Eco-geographic factors used for modeling the distribution of <i>Montivipera raddei</i> species complex in Iran, Turkey and Armenia.

<p>Variables in bold type were used in climate change scenarios and were prepared with 2.5 arc-second resolution.</p