Herpetological Highlights

By Herpetological HighlightsScience Life Sciences Natural Sciences Nature

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Herpetological Highlights episodes

September 13, 2023 169 Gecko Screams in the Night
Vocal plasticity is the topic for this episode. Can tokay geckos modify their call? Do young turtle vocalisations help them coordinate their movements?
Become a Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/herphighlights
Merch: https://www.redbubble.com/people/herphighlights/shop
Full reference list available here: http://www.herphighlights.podbean.com

Main Paper References:
Brumm H, Zollinger SA. 2017. Vocal plasticity in a reptile. Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences 284:20170451. DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2017.0451.
Lacroix C, Davy CM, Rollinson N. 2022. Hatchling vocalizations and beneficial social interactions in subterranean nests of a widespread reptile. Animal Behaviour 187:233–244. DOI: 10.1016/j.anbehav.2022.03.006.
Other Mentioned Papers/Studies:
Goutte S, Mason MJ, Antoniazzi MM, Jared C, Merle D, Cazes L, Toledo LF, el-Hafci H, Pallu S, Portier H, Schramm S, Gueriau P, Thoury M. 2019. Intense bone fluorescence reveals hidden patterns in pumpkin toadlets. Scientific Reports 9:5388. DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-41959-8.
Goutte S, Mason MJ, Christensen-Dalsgaard J, Montealegre-Z F, Chivers BD, Sarria-S FA, Antoniazzi MM, Jared C, Almeida Sato L, Felipe Toledo L. 2017. Evidence of auditory insensitivity to vocalization frequencies in two frogs. Scientific Reports 7:12121. DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-12145-5.
Bornschein MR, Jr MMR, Pie MR, Confetti AE, Ribeiro LF. 2018. Redescription of the advertisement call of Brachycephalus tridactylus (Anura: Brachycephalidae). PeerJ Inc. DOI: 10.7287/peerj.preprints.27243v1.
Editing and Music:
Podcast edited by Emmy – https://www.fiverr.com/emmyk10
Intro/outro – Treehouse by Ed Nelson
Species Bi-week theme – Michael Timothy
Other Music – The Passion HiFi, https://www.thepassionhifi.com
26 min
September 12, 2023 168 Similar Snacks for Sympatric Snakes
Snake diets are difficult to study, but are deeply interesting. This episode we look at a paper that has gathered together records (paper and digital) to examine whether rat snakes and cobras compete for food. We also have a tiny hopping Species of the Bi-week.
Become a Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/herphighlights
Merch: https://www.redbubble.com/people/herphighlights/shop
Full reference list available here: http://www.herphighlights.podbean.com

Main Paper References:
Weiss M, Kalki Y. 2023. Trophic Niche Partitioning between Sympatric Naja naja and Ptyas mucosa: Crowdsourced Data in Application to Community Ecology. Journal of Herpetology 57. DOI: 10.1670/22-013.
Species of the Bi-Week:
Mângia S, Santana DJ, De Oliveira Drummond L, Sabagh LT, Ugioni L, Costa PN, Wachlevski M. 2023. A new species of Brachycephalus (Anura: Brachycephalidae) from Serra do Tabuleiro, Southern Brazil. Vertebrate Zoology 73:575–597. DOI: 10.3897/vz.73.e102098.
Other Mentioned Papers/Studies:
Essner RL, Pereira REE, Blackburn DC, Singh AL, Stanley EL, Moura MO, Confetti AE, Pie MR. 2022. Semicircular canal size constrains vestibular function in miniaturized frogs. Science Advances 8:eabn1104. DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abn1104.
Other Links/Mentions:
Davey M. 2023. ‘Oh my god’: live worm found in Australian woman’s brain in world-first discovery. The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2023/aug/28/live-worm-living-womans-brain-australia-depression-forgetfulness
Editing and Music:
Podcast edited by Emmy – https://www.fiverr.com/emmyk10
Intro/outro – Treehouse by Ed Nelson
Species Bi-week theme – Michael Timothy
Other Music – The Passion HiFi, https://www.thepassionhifi.com
30 min
August 29, 2023 167 Resistant Caecilians
Caecilians are well adapted to a life underground, but a serious threat lives under there with them. All over the world, they have evolved the same means to fight this subterranean threat.
Become a Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/herphighlights
Merch: https://www.redbubble.com/people/herphighlights/shop
Full reference list available here: http://www.herphighlights.podbean.com
Main Paper References:
Mancuso M, Zaman S, Maddock ST, Kamei RG, Salazar-Valenzuela D, Wilkinson M, Roelants K, Fry BG. 2023. Resistance Is Not Futile: Widespread Convergent Evolution of Resistance to Alpha-Neurotoxic Snake Venoms in Caecilians (Amphibia: Gymnophiona). International Journal of Molecular Sciences 24:11353. DOI: 10.3390/ijms241411353.
Other Links/Mentions:
https://www.threatenedtaxa.org/index.php/JoTT/article/view/8336/9359
https://asianturtleprogram.org/healthy-big-headed-turtles-found-in-the-wild-four-years-after-release-into-the-wild-highlights-the-importance-of-conservation-activities/?fbclid=IwAR1lTt0zpuf8n5VardZeXQHaVWJ4iCtxI9fe6Elm78ZxOFiZHNuW2lp07Ps
Editing and Music:
Podcast edited by Emmy – https://www.fiverr.com/emmyk10
Intro/outro – Treehouse by Ed Nelson
Species Bi-week theme – Michael Timothy
Other Music – The Passion HiFi, https://www.thepassionhifi.com
27 min
August 22, 2023 166 Emotional Support Rattlesnakes
We chat about some new research on the social behaviour of rattlesnakes. Plus a brand new snake species just described from Australia.
Become a Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/herphighlights
Merch: https://www.redbubble.com/people/herphighlights/shop
Full reference list available here: http://www.herphighlights.podbean.com
Main Paper References:
Martin CE, Fox GA, Putman BJ, Hayes WK. 2023. Social security: can rattlesnakes reduce acute stress through social buffering? Frontiers in Ethology 2:1181774. DOI: 10.3389/fetho.2023.1181774.
Species of the Bi-Week:
Nankivell JH, Maryan B, Bush BG, Hutchinson MN. 2023. Whip it into shape: Revision of the Demansia psammophis (Schlegel, 1837) complex (Squamata: Elapidae), with a description of a new species from central Australia. Zootaxa 5311:301–339. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5311.3.1.
Other Mentioned Papers/Studies:
Tian, L., Preisser, E. L., Haynes, K. F., & Zhou, X. 2017. Social buffering in a eusocial invertebrate: termite soldiers reduce the lethal impact of competitor cues on workers. Ecology, 98(4), 952-960.
Editing and Music:
Podcast edited by Emmy – https://www.fiverr.com/emmyk10
Intro/outro – Treehouse by Ed Nelson
Species Bi-week theme – Michael Timothy
Other Music – The Passion HiFi, https://www.thepassionhifi.com
26 min
July 18, 2023 165 Toad vs Toad
Two toad species are wreaking havoc as invaders, but which is worse - and why?
Become a Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/herphighlights
Merch: https://www.redbubble.com/people/herphighlights/shop
Full reference list available here: http://www.herphighlights.podbean.com
Main Paper References:
Kelly, C. L., Schwarzkopf, L., Christy, T. M., & Kennedy, M. S. (2023). The toad less travelled: Comparing life histories, ecological niches, and potential habitat of Asian black-spined toads and cane toads. Wildlife Research. doi: 10.1071/WR22111
Other Links/Mentions:
Ingerophrynus parvus call by Zaharil Dzulkafly from: http://bitly.ws/LcAv
Editing and Music:
Podcast edited by Emmy – https://www.fiverr.com/emmyk10
Intro/outro – Treehouse by Ed Nelson
Species Bi-week theme – Michael Timothy
Other Music – The Passion HiFi, https://www.thepassionhifi.com
32 min
July 12, 2023 164 Isolated Indigo Snakes
Humans get in the way of snakes finding love over long distances, and then we talk about a cool new gecko that glides, or does it paraglide?
Become a Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/herphighlights
Merch: https://www.redbubble.com/people/herphighlights/shop
Full reference list available here: http://www.herphighlights.podbean.com
Main Paper References:
Bauder, J. M., Peterman, W. E., Spear, S. F., Jenkins, C. L., Whiteley, A. R., & McGarigal, K. (2021). Multiscale assessment of functional connectivity: Landscape genetics of eastern indigo snakes in an anthropogenically fragmented landscape in central Florida. Molecular Ecology, 30(14), 3422–3438. doi: 10.1111/mec.15979
Species of the Bi-Week:
Lalremsanga, H. T., Muansanga, L., Vabeiryureilai, M., & Mirza, Z. A. (2023). A new species of Parachute Gecko of the subgenus Ptychozoon (Sauria: Gekkonidae: Gekko) from the Indo-Burma region. Salamandra, 59(2).
Editing and Music:
Podcast edited by Emmy – https://www.fiverr.com/emmyk10
Intro/outro – Treehouse by Ed Nelson
Species Bi-week theme – Michael Timothy
Other Music – The Passion HiFi, https://www.thepassionhifi.com
27 min
July 04, 2023 163 Geckos Understand the Smell of Trouble
When surviving in the wilds, maximising all your senses is wise. When you can’t see a threat, maybe you’ll hear one… or smell one? We look at a wonderfully smart gecko looking to dodge snakes using the power of smell.
Become a Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/herphighlights
Merch: https://www.redbubble.com/people/herphighlights/shop
Full reference list available here: http://www.herphighlights.podbean.com

Main Paper References:
Hammond, J. E., Witkowski, S., Wilson, T., Zouvi, C. A., Goetz, N. L., Eck, N. F., & Clark, R. W. (2020). Know Thine Enemy: Predator Identity Influences the Response of Western Banded Geckos (Coleonyx variegatus) to Chemosensory Cues. Journal of Herpetology, 54(4). doi: 10.1670/19-131
Other mentions:
McKnight, D. T., Ard, K., Auguste, R. J., Barhadiya, G., Benard, M. F., Boban, P., ... & Nordberg, E. J. (2023). Nocturnal basking in freshwater turtles: A global assessment. Global Ecology and Conservation, 43, e02444.
Editing and Music:
Podcast edited by Emmy – https://www.fiverr.com/emmyk10
Intro/outro – Treehouse by Ed Nelson
Species Bi-week theme – Michael Timothy
Other Music – The Passion HiFi, https://www.thepassionhifi.com
25 min
June 27, 2023 162 My squeak is as bad as my strike
Animals make all sorts of noises for all sorts of reasons. Working out what they mean is difficult, especially if the animal is less than honest. This episode is all about the truthfulness of the screams of a little lacertid. Our Species of the Bi-week is a delicate frog.
Become a Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/herphighlights
Merch: https://www.redbubble.com/people/herphighlights/shop
Full reference list available here: http://www.herphighlights.podbean.com

Main Paper References:
Baeckens, S., Llusia, D., García-Roa, R., & Martín, J. (2019). Lizard calls convey honest information on body size and bite performance: A role in predator deterrence? Behavioral Ecology and Sociobiology, 73(6), 87. doi: 10.1007/s00265-019-2695-7
Species of the Bi-Week:
Köhler, J., Venegas, P. J., Castillo-Urbina, E., Glaw, F., Aguilar-Puntriano, C., & Vences, M. (2023). A third species of glassfrog in the genus Chimerella (Anura, Centrolenidae) from central Peru, discovered by an integrative taxonomic approach. Evolutionary Systematics, 7(2), 195–209. doi: 10.3897/evolsyst.7.102950
Other Links/Mentions:
Salam, E. (2023, May 12). Chonk the snapping turtle delights locals with Chicago River appearance. The Guardian. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/may/12/chonk-snapping-turtle-chicago-river
Editing and Music:
Podcast edited by Emmy – https://www.fiverr.com/emmyk10
Intro/outro – Treehouse by Ed Nelson
Species Bi-week theme – Michael Timothy
Other Music – The Passion HiFi, https://www.thepassionhifi.com
29 min
June 20, 2023 161 Do colourful lizards make better battlers?
Colour morphs exist in many species, but are those colours linked to differences in behaviour or success? We look at a polymorphic lizard and whether combat success is linked to three different colour morphs, and maybe why.
Become a Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/herphighlights
Merch: https://www.redbubble.com/people/herphighlights/shop
Full reference list available here: http://www.herphighlights.podbean.com

Main Paper References:
Brock KM, Chelini M-C, Ayton C, Madden IE, Ramos C, Blois JL, Pafilis P, Edwards DL. 2022. Colour morph predicts social behaviour and contest outcomes in a polymorphic lizard (Podarcis erhardii). Animal Behaviour 191:91–103. DOI: 10.1016/j.anbehav.2022.06.017.
Other Mentioned Papers/Studies:
Boruah B, Raj P, Dutta SK, Das A. 2018. Redescription and geographic distribution of Raorchestes shillongensis (Anura: Rhacophoridae) from Meghalaya, Northeast India. Phyllomedusa: Journal of Herpetology 17:3. DOI: 10.11606/issn.2316-9079.v17i1p3-20.
Other Links/Mentions:
Raorchestes shillongensis call from ti_lamare: https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/92667238
Editing and Music:
Podcast edited by Emmy – https://www.fiverr.com/emmyk10
Intro/outro – Treehouse by Ed Nelson
Species Bi-week theme – Michael Timothy
Other Music – The Passion HiFi, https://www.thepassionhifi.com
30 min
June 13, 2023 160 Glowing Salamanders
This episode we explore the weird world of glowing salamanders and speculate about the possible reasons behind this adaptation. Species of the Bi-week returns with a small seepage specialist.
Become a Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/herphighlights
Merch: https://www.redbubble.com/people/herphighlights/shop
Full reference list available here: http://www.herphighlights.podbean.com

Main Paper References:
Cox JL, Fitzpatrick BM. 2023. Biofluorescent sexual dimorphism revealed in a southern Appalachian endemic salamander, Plethodon metcalfi. Scientific Reports 13:3588. DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-29051-8.
Species of the Bi-Week:
Fedler MT, Enge KM, Moler PE. 2023. Unraveling Siren (Caudata: Sirenidae) systematics and description of a small, seepage specialist. Zootaxa 5258:351–378. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5258.4.1.
Editing and Music:
Podcast edited by Emmy – https://www.fiverr.com/emmyk10
Intro/outro – Treehouse by Ed Nelson
Species Bi-week theme – Michael Timothy
Other Music – The Passion HiFi, https://www.thepassionhifi.com
25 min