Data from: Anthropogenic impact or anthropogenic accommodation? Distribution range expansion of the common wall lizard (Podarcis muralis) by means of artificial habitats in the north-eastern limits of its distribution range

During 2005-2008, field observations were made on the distribution and habitat occupation by Podarcis muralis in the middle Bistrita river basin. Prior to our study, this lizard was known from only 5 localities in Romanian Moldavia (Bicaz, Cheile Bicazului, Lacu Roşu, Gherman and Dodeni). Through the present paper the authors acknowledge the existence of 28 sites populated by P. muralis in Moldavia and propose a new model for the range expansion of the species in the area using man-made structures such as road and railway fences and road beds, benefiting from the mild climate provided by the Izvorul Muntelui barrier lake and forming insular populations to further colonize suitable habitats

Data from: Anthropogenic impact or anthropogenic accommodation? Distribution range expansion of the common wall lizard (Podarcis muralis) by means of artificial habitats in the north-eastern limits of its distribution range

During 2005-2008, field observations were made on the distribution and habitat occupation by Podarcis muralis in the middle Bistrita river basin. Prior to our study, this lizard was known from only 5 localities in Romanian Moldavia (Bicaz, Cheile Bicazului, Lacu Roşu, Gherman and Dodeni). Through the present paper the authors acknowledge the existence of 28 sites populated by P. muralis in Moldavia and propose a new model for the range expansion of the species in the area using man-made structures such as road and railway fences and road beds, benefiting from the mild climate provided by the Izvorul Muntelui barrier lake and forming insular populations to further colonize suitable habitats

A revision of the distribution of sea kraits (Reptilia, Laticauda) with an updated occurrence dataset for ecological and conservation research

The genus Laticauda (Reptilia: Elapidae), commonly known as sea kraits, comprises eight species of marine amphibious snakes distributed along the shores of the Western Pacific Ocean and the Eastern Indian Ocean. We review the information available on the geographic range of sea kraits and analyze their distribution patterns. Generally, we found that south and south-west of Japan, Philippines Archipelago, parts of Indonesia, and Vanuatu have the highest diversity of sea krait species. Further, we compiled the information available on sea kraits’ occurrences from a variety of sources, including museum records, field surveys, and the scientific literature. The final database comprises 694 occurrence records, with L. colubrina having the highest number of records and L. schistorhyncha the lowest. The occurrence records were georeferenced and compiled as a database for each sea krait species. This database can be freely used for future studies

Gherghel_et_al_Podarcis_muralis

Podarcis muralis distribution records used and discussed in the paper. The records are in shapefile format

Novel in-situ observations on the diel surface activity of the Romanian hamster, Mesocricetus newtoni (Rodentia, Cricetidae), during pup rearing

The Romanian hamster Mesocricetus newtoni is a threatened and cryptic species, with a distribution limited to North-eastern Bulgaria and South-eastern Romania (Dobruja region). Current literature does not provide sufficient data regarding diel activities and behavior of this species, especially under field conditions. In this context, one female M. newtoni, during the rearing period of her four pups, was monitored for ten days using camera traps. For each documented activity, the date, time, age of the individual, type of activity, and duration were recorded. In total, from the 26140 media files, 72968 seconds were recorded as active behaviors. Data analysis revealed that diurnal activity was predominant and documented for all monitored days; however, the animals spent more time per each activity during the night. The nocturnal activity was present but erratic, without significant patterns. No significant differences were observed in the median duration of activities of the adult compared to the immature individuals. Both the adult female and pups spent time exploring the burrow entrance, especially during the day, but immatures were more reserved to leave the burrow than the female. The female used four burrows for rearing the pups. During this time, food storage behaviors and transferring of immatures between burrows, as well as the weaning of the pups were documented. This study demonstrates that M. newtoni exhibits significant diurnal activity, at least in certain ecological and physiological conditions

Preliminary observations on the food availability and diet composition of the Romanian hamster Mesocricetus newtoni (Rodentia, Cricetidae)

The Romanian hamster Mesocricetus newtoni is endemic to South-Eastern Romania (Dobruja region) and North-Eastern Bulgaria, and prefers steppic, arid, uncultivated habitats, but is also found in alfalfa fields, less often in corn cultures and field-protecting vegetation belts. Previous studies provide only limited data regarding the diet of this cryptic species. The diet of one family group (one female and four pups) was monitored for 10 days, during the vernal season. The data was collected using camera traps and direct observations, supplemented by photos. Plants were identified at the species level. A vegetation survey was performed in a radius of 25 m2 around the burrows using the pratological method, estimating a percentage of each plant species present in the habitat. A number of 16 plants were identified as part of the diet of the Romanian hamster, mostly herbaceous species within the Brassicaceae family. According to the observations, Erodium cicutarium (Geraniaceae) and Papaver rhoeas (Papaveraceae) were consumed most frequently, followed by Descurainia sophia (Brassicaceae), Sisymbrium orientale (Brassicaceae), Medicago minima (Fabaceae) and Buglossoides arvense (Boraginaceae). In the studied area, 38 plant taxa were determined and characterized as ruderal and segetal (weeds of arable land) plants, mostly native to Eurasia. The purpose of this study is to provide novel data on the diet composition of the Romanian hamster in accordance with plant taxa availability and to emphasize the importance of conservation measures of its preferred habitats, which are crucial to the survival of the species

Refining Climate Change Projections for Organisms with Low Dispersal Abilities: A Case Study of the Caspian Whip Snake

<div><p>Climate warming is one of the most important threats to biodiversity. Ectothermic organisms such as amphibians and reptiles are especially vulnerable as climatic conditions affect them directly. Ecological niche models (ENMs) are increasingly popular in ecological studies, but several drawbacks exist, including the limited ability to account for the dispersal potential of the species. In this study, we use ENMs to explore the impact of global climate change on the Caspian whip snake (<i>Dolichophis caspius</i>) as model for organisms with low dispersal abilities and to quantify dispersal to novel areas using GIS techniques. Models generated using Maxent 3.3.3 k and GARP for current distribution were projected on future climatic scenarios. A cost-distance analysis was run in ArcGIS 10 using geomorphological features, ecological conditions, and human footprint as “costs” to dispersal of the species to obtain a Maximum Dispersal Range (MDR) estimate. All models developed were statistically significant (<i>P</i><0.05) and recovered the currently known distribution of <i>D. caspius</i>. Models projected on future climatic conditions using Maxent predicted a doubling of suitable climatic area, while GARP predicted a more conservative expansion. Both models agreed on an expansion of suitable area northwards, with minor decreases at the southern distribution limit. The MDR area calculated using the Maxent model represented a third of the total area of the projected model. The MDR based on GARP models recovered only about 20% of the total area of the projected model. Thus, incorporating measures of species’ dispersal abilities greatly reduced estimated area of potential future distributions.</p></div

Percent of suitable niche overlap between the two emission scenarios (A2a and B2a) for the studied time periods (2020, 2050, 2080).

<p>Percent of suitable niche overlap between the two emission scenarios (A2a and B2a) for the studied time periods (2020, 2050, 2080).</p

Future climatically suitable ranges for the Caspian whip snake, <i>Dolichophis caspius</i>.

<p>Future climatically suitable ranges for the Caspian whip snake, <i>Dolichophis caspius</i>.</p

Percent of the area predicted accessible for <i>D. caspius</i> of the total projected space in the context of global warming based on two climate change emission scenarios (A2a and B2a) and the three scenarios of Maximum Dispersal Range (MDR).

<p>Percent of the area predicted accessible for <i>D. caspius</i> of the total projected space in the context of global warming based on two climate change emission scenarios (A2a and B2a) and the three scenarios of Maximum Dispersal Range (MDR).</p