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Animals
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Evolution, Diversity, and Conservation of Herpetofauna: Second Edition
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Evolution, Diversity, and Conservation of Herpetofauna: Second Edition

A special issue of Animals (ISSN 2076-2615). This special issue belongs to the section "Herpetology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 February 2025 | Viewed by 8551

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Jianping Jiang

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Guest Editor
Chengdu Institute of Biology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu 610041, China
Interests: amphibians and reptiles’ diversity and conservation
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Bin Wang

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
CAS Key Laboratory of Mountain Ecological Restoration and Bioresource Utilization & Ecological Restoration and Biodiversity Conservation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu 610041, China
Interests: systematics; molecular phylogenetics; phylogeography; evolutionary biology; ecology and evolution; biogeography; genomics; population genetics; species diversity
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Wei Zhu

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu 610041, China
Interests: environmental adaptation; adaptive evolution; physiology; metabolism; genomics; metagenomics; systems biology; environmental pollution; thermal biology; microbial symbioses
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Amphibians and reptiles play a critical role in the evolution of tetrapoda. They exhibit high diversity in their genetics, speciation, morphology, life history traits, and evolutionary functions. These colorful animals have adapted to numerous environments, including extremes such as karst caves and the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau. This makes them important models in the study of the genetic mechanisms underlying the speciation, environmental adaptation, and evolution of some important functional traits and phenotypes (e.g., air breathing and amniotic sac development), as well as organ regeneration. Amphibians and reptiles are essential components in numerous ecosystems; however, they are most sensitive to environmental changes (e.g., warming, pollution, and habitat degradation) due to their poor migratory capacity. In recent decades, wild amphibian and reptile populations have declined drastically and a large proportion of these species are threatened with extinction. The species diversity of amphibians and reptiles has been underestimated, and, currently, dozens of new species are being found every year. Given the accelerating changes in the global climate and environment, there is an urgent need to deepen our understanding of the diversity and evolutionary adaptation of these animals and how they respond to environmental changes. Therefore, it is important to develop applicative and integrative approaches to guide the conservation of wild amphibians and reptiles.

Through this Special Issue, we aim to improve our understanding of the diversity, evolution, and environmental adaptation of amphibians and reptiles and to discuss ideas and approaches regarding their conservation in the context of global change. We welcome publications focusing on any aspects of the evolution, diversity, and conservation of amphibians and reptiles. Possible topics include the following:

  • Species and functional diversity of amphibians and reptiles on a large scale;
  • Inter-population divergences in behavior, physiology, metabolism, and genetics (including metagenomics);
  • The genetic mechanisms of important morphological and functional traits;
  • Mechanistic analyses of the influence of environmental stresses on the fitness of amphibians and reptiles;
  • Environmental adaptation of amphibians and reptiles from the perspective of genomics, metabolomics, and metagenomics;
  • Conservation physiology, genomics, metagenomics, and applications.

Prof. Dr. Jianping Jiang
Dr. Bin Wang
Dr. Wei Zhu
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Animals is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • herpetology
  • amphibians
  • reptiles
  • zoology
  • adaptive evolution
  • biodiversity
  • biogeography
  • cladistics
  • conservation biology
  • ecology and evolution
  • environmental adaptation
  • environmental DNA
  • environmental stresses
  • evolution and development
  • evolutionary biology
  • genetics
  • genomics
  • meta-genomics
  • microbial symbioses
  • molecular phylogenetics
  • phylogeography
  • physiology and metabolism
  • population genetics
  • species diversity
  • systematics
  • systems biology
  • taxonomy

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Related Special Issue

Published Papers (8 papers)

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Research

26 pages, 1740 KiB  
Article
Lineage Diversification and Population Dynamics of the Qinghai Toad-Headed Agama (Phrynocephalus vlangalii) on the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau, with Particular Attention to the Northern Slope of the Kunlun–Arjin Mountains
by Rui Xu, Qi Song, Dali Chen and Xianguang Guo
Animals 2025, 15(3), 400; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15030400 - 31 Jan 2025
Viewed by 296
Abstract
The Kunlun, Arjin, and Qilian mountain ranges mark the northern edge of the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau (QTP), where rapid uplift and Quaternary glacial cycles have shaped a unique cold desert ecosystem and species distribution. Despite sampling challenges, phylogeographic studies are crucial for understanding reptile [...] Read more.
The Kunlun, Arjin, and Qilian mountain ranges mark the northern edge of the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau (QTP), where rapid uplift and Quaternary glacial cycles have shaped a unique cold desert ecosystem and species distribution. Despite sampling challenges, phylogeographic studies are crucial for understanding reptile populations such as the Qinghai toad-headed agama (Phrynocephalus vlangalii), a viviparous lizard with limited dispersal and multiple subspecies in the northeastern QTP. Our fieldwork identified populations of P. vlangalii on the northern slope of the Kunlun–Arjin Mountains, similar to the controversial subspecies P. v. lidskii. We analyzed 130 individuals from the northern slope of the Kunlun–Arjin–Qilian Mountains and 253 individuals from GenBank, using three mitochondrial genes and two nuclear genes to assess intraspecific differentiation and demographic history. We found high haplotype diversity and low nucleotide diversity in P. vlangalii, with phylogenetic analyses revealing six distinct clades. Clade VI, confirmed as P. v. lidskii, and Clade IV, a new genetic lineage, were identified alongside three recognized subspecies. Genetic variation was largely attributed to clade splitting, indicating significant divergence. The Mantel test indicated that geographical and environmental factors drove population differentiation. Bayesian molecular clock analysis suggested that the most recent common ancestor of P. vlangalii lived 2.55 million years ago, influenced by the Qinghai–Tibet Movement and glacial cycles. Demographic history and ecological niche modeling (ENM) indicated no population decline during the Last Glacial Maximum, supporting the glacial maximum expansion model, with ENM predicting future habitat expansion for P. vlangalii. In addition, morphological data from 13 meristic and 15 metric characters confirmed clade differences. Our findings significantly advance our understanding of P. vlangalii diversification, population dynamics and response to geological and climatic changes in the QTP. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Evolution, Diversity, and Conservation of Herpetofauna: Second Edition)
22 pages, 10376 KiB  
Article
Hidden Urban Biodiversity: A New Species of the Genus Scincella Mittleman, 1950 (Squamata: Scincidae) from Chengdu, Sichuan Province, Southwest China
by Ru-Wan Jia, Zong-Yuan Gao, Di-Hao Wu, Guan-Qi Wang, Gang Liu, Min Liu, Ke Jiang, De-Chun Jiang, Jin-Long Ren and Jia-Tang Li
Animals 2025, 15(2), 232; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15020232 - 16 Jan 2025
Viewed by 676
Abstract
The genus Scincella Mittleman, 1950, belonging to the family Scincidae, exhibits considerable morphological convergence, complicating species delimitation and resulting in underestimated diversity. Currently, 41 species are formally recognized in this genus, although this figure likely underestimates its true richness. In this study, a [...] Read more.
The genus Scincella Mittleman, 1950, belonging to the family Scincidae, exhibits considerable morphological convergence, complicating species delimitation and resulting in underestimated diversity. Currently, 41 species are formally recognized in this genus, although this figure likely underestimates its true richness. In this study, a new species of the genus Scincella, Scincella chengduensis sp. nov., is described from urban and suburban areas of Chengdu, Sichuan Province, Southwest China. Morphological features and phylogenetic analyses confirmed that the new species is distinct from all previously recognized congeners. The new species can be clearly distinguished by a combination of the following unique characters: (1) slender, medium-sized body, snout-vent length 28.4–43.2 mm; (2) infralabials seven, rarely six; (3) supraciliaries six or seven; (4) tympanum deeply recessed without lobules, tympanum diameters equal to or exceeding palpebral disc diameters; (5) midbody scale-row counts 23; (6) dorsal scales smooth, slightly enlarged, paravertebral scale-row counts 57–60, ventral scale-row counts 42–44, gulars 21–22; (7) upper edge of lateral longitudinal stripes relatively straight, four rows of dorsal scales in middle; (8) enlarged, undivided lamellae beneath finger IV 8–9, enlarged, undivided lamellae beneath toe IV 10–12; (9) ventral surface densely covered with dark spots; (10) grayish-brown, irregular dorsal stripes 2–3, black dorsolateral stripes from posterior corner of eye to lateral side of tail. This discovery underscores the underestimated diversity of Scincella in China and highlights the importance of urban habitats as reservoirs of hidden biodiversity. A diagnostic key to the Scincella species of China is also provided. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Evolution, Diversity, and Conservation of Herpetofauna: Second Edition)
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12 pages, 2041 KiB  
Article
Prevalence of Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis in Amphibians in Northwestern Italy’s Protected Areas
by Arianna Meletiadis, Matteo Riccardo Di Nicola, Stefano Bovero, Marco Favelli, Marzia Pezzolato, Stefania Grella, Giusi Rezza and Pier Luigi Acutis
Animals 2025, 15(2), 157; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15020157 - 9 Jan 2025
Viewed by 580
Abstract
Chytridiomycosis, caused by the fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd), is a significant threat to global amphibian populations, leading to widespread declines and extinctions. In the spring of 2023, Bd presence was detected in different amphibian species within two protected areas near Turin, Piedmont, Italy, [...] Read more.
Chytridiomycosis, caused by the fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd), is a significant threat to global amphibian populations, leading to widespread declines and extinctions. In the spring of 2023, Bd presence was detected in different amphibian species within two protected areas near Turin, Piedmont, Italy, following an unusual mortality event among the common toad (Bufo bufo). Histological and molecular analyses confirmed Bd infection in a deceased Pelophylax sp. specimen, prompting further investigation. Sampling of 166 individuals across seven amphibian taxa revealed an overall Bd occurrence of 38.6%, with Pelophylax sp. showing the highest detection rate (50.5% of 93 individuals). A marked difference in the positivity rate was observed between the two locations, with La Mandria (67.2% of 58) exhibiting significantly higher rates than Vauda (22.9% of 35). While Bd was identified in the sampled amphibians, the exact cause of the observed mortality remains unclear and may involve other pathogens or multifactorial causes, including but not limited to Bd. These findings represent the first documented case of Bd presence in Piedmont after an 18-year gap, highlighting the potential influence of local environmental factors on infection dynamics. The study emphasises the need for expanded, standardised field sampling and further investigation into the various factors affecting amphibian health to guide conservation efforts for vulnerable amphibian species. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Evolution, Diversity, and Conservation of Herpetofauna: Second Edition)
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12 pages, 2506 KiB  
Article
The First Comprehensive Examination of Male Morphometrics and the Operational Sex Ratio of the Black Sea Turtle (Chelonia mydas agassizii) Population in Colola, Michoacan, Mexico
by Carlos Delgado-Trejo, Miguel Ángel Reyes-López, David Guillermo Pérez-Ishiwara, Ricardo Lemus-Fernández, Fátima Yedith Camacho-Sánchez and Cutzi Bedolla-Ochoa
Animals 2025, 15(1), 2; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15010002 - 24 Dec 2024
Viewed by 838
Abstract
Body size is one of the most important traits in the life history of vertebrates. In this work, we analyzed the morphometric traits of breeding males of the eastern Pacific green sea turtle population known as the black sea turtle on the coast [...] Read more.
Body size is one of the most important traits in the life history of vertebrates. In this work, we analyzed the morphometric traits of breeding males of the eastern Pacific green sea turtle population known as the black sea turtle on the coast of Michoacan, Mexico. The morphometric analysis indicates that males have the smallest body size compared to other males in other Chelonia populations. The size of male black sea turtles is even smaller (by 15.2 cm in average CCL) in carapace curve length (70.5 cm CCL) than females (85.7 CCL) of the same population. This suggests that males reach maturity at an earlier age than females and would have implications for mating success. The assessment of the operational sex ratio was conducted over a multi-year period (2004, 2009, 2017, and 2023). From a total of 336 h of observation, we identified 653 mating groups containing 1986 males and 669 females. The estimated operational sex ratio (OSR) during the study period was 2.96 males for every female. Among the mating groups, 34.3% consisted of only one male, while 65.7% included two or more males, with the number of males per female ranging from 2 to 17. The analysis revealed that there are interannual and monthly variations in OSR values, with observations showing a range from 2.3:1 (male to female) in 2023 to 4.3:1 (male to female) in 2009. The OSR variations show an evolving trend that can inform future strategies. In September, the ratio was 2.8:1, which changed to 3:1 in October and November, and then reached 3.3:1 in December (male/female). This gradual increase provides a clear opportunity to delve deeper into these dynamics and take proactive measures to address them positively. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Evolution, Diversity, and Conservation of Herpetofauna: Second Edition)
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14 pages, 3390 KiB  
Article
Cellular and Molecular Basis of Environment-Induced Color Change in a Tree Frog
by Runliang Zhai, Liming Chang, Jianping Jiang, Bin Wang and Wei Zhu
Animals 2024, 14(23), 3472; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14233472 - 1 Dec 2024
Viewed by 827
Abstract
Background color matching is essential for camouflage and thermoregulation in ectothermic vertebrates, yet several key cellular-level questions remain unresolved. For instance, it is unclear whether the number of chromatophores or the activity of individual chromatophores plays a more critical role in this process. [...] Read more.
Background color matching is essential for camouflage and thermoregulation in ectothermic vertebrates, yet several key cellular-level questions remain unresolved. For instance, it is unclear whether the number of chromatophores or the activity of individual chromatophores plays a more critical role in this process. Using single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq), we investigated the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying color change in Rhacophorus dugritei, which adapted to its background by displaying light-green skin on white and black skin on black within two days. We identified two types of chromatophores in their skin, both responsible for the observed color differences. Our findings reveal that morphological color change (MCC) is the dominant process, with the number of chromatophores being more influential in driving color change than the transcriptional activity of melanogenesis in individual cells. Additionally, melanophores from darker individuals exhibited increased activity in energy metabolism pathways, while those from lighter individuals showed stronger immune-related gene expression, suggesting that background adaptation involves more than just morphological changes. Overall, this study successfully applied single-cell sequencing technology to investigate skin pigmentation in a non-model organism. Our results suggest that MCC driven by chromatophore proliferation is a key mechanism of background adaptation, offering new insights into amphibian color adaptation and environmental adaptation in other vertebrates. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Evolution, Diversity, and Conservation of Herpetofauna: Second Edition)
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22 pages, 16449 KiB  
Article
A New Species of the Cyrtodactylus pulchellus Group (Squamata: Gekkonidae) from Surat Thani Province, Thailand Underscores This Group’s Remarkable Diversity on the Thai-Malay Peninsula
by Korkhwan Termprayoon, Attapol Rujirawan, Larry Lee Grismer and Anchalee Aowphol
Animals 2024, 14(22), 3226; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14223226 - 11 Nov 2024
Viewed by 1293
Abstract
An integrative taxonomic study recognized a new species of the Cyrtodactylus pulchellus group from Kanchanadit District, Surat Thani Province, Southern Thailand. Phylogenetic analyses of the mitochondrial ND2 gene revealed a new species, Cyrtodactylus kanchanaditsp. nov., that is closely related to C. [...] Read more.
An integrative taxonomic study recognized a new species of the Cyrtodactylus pulchellus group from Kanchanadit District, Surat Thani Province, Southern Thailand. Phylogenetic analyses of the mitochondrial ND2 gene revealed a new species, Cyrtodactylus kanchanaditsp. nov., that is closely related to C. lekaguli. The new species differs from its sister lineage by bearing mean genetic divergence of 4.53% and significant differences in both mensural and morphometric characters (p < 0.05). Cyrtodactylus kanchanaditsp. nov. can be differentiated from the remaining members of the C. pulchellus species group because of its genetic divergence of ≥7.99% and a combination of differences in body size: 11–15 supralabial and 10–12 infralabial scales, 29–35 paravertebral tubercles, 18–23 longitudinal rows of dorsal tubercles, 32–37 rows of ventral scales, 20–23 subdigital lamellae on the fourth toe, 32–37 femoroprecloacal pores in adult males, and four or five dark body bands; weak tuberculation on body; absence of tubercles in the ventral body fold, absence of precloacal pores in females, and absence of scattered pattern of white tubercles on dorsum; presence of precloacal groove depression; and maculated white caudal bands. Cyrtodactylus kanchanaditsp. nov. is currently known from its type locality. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Evolution, Diversity, and Conservation of Herpetofauna: Second Edition)
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13 pages, 3328 KiB  
Article
Pterin-Based Red Coloration Predicts the Outcome of Male–Male Competition in Guinan Toad-Headed Lizard
by Xiao Xiao, Song Tan, Kehu He, Ying Chen, Lin Cui, Bicheng Zhu, Xia Qiu, Yin Qi and Weizhao Yang
Animals 2024, 14(20), 2923; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14202923 - 11 Oct 2024
Viewed by 1061
Abstract
Animal coloration offers a unique opportunity to explore the evolutionary mechanisms underlying phenotypic diversity. Conspicuous coloration caused by pigments plays a crucial role in social signaling across multiple species by conveying information about individual quality, social ranks, or reproductive condition. Nevertheless, most previous [...] Read more.
Animal coloration offers a unique opportunity to explore the evolutionary mechanisms underlying phenotypic diversity. Conspicuous coloration caused by pigments plays a crucial role in social signaling across multiple species by conveying information about individual quality, social ranks, or reproductive condition. Nevertheless, most previous studies have focused predominantly on colors produced by the exogenous pigments—carotenoids. Pterins are another prevalent group of conspicuous pigments, which can be produced endogenously and have received comparatively little attention. Whether pterin-based colors represent reliable signals remains elusive. The remarkable red ventrolateral coloration exhibited by males of the Guinan toad-headed lizard (Phrynocephalus guinanensis) in the Mugetan Desert presents an ideal model for investigating pterin-based coloration. Through electron microscopy and metabolomic identification, we discovered three types of pterin pigments within xanthophores. Integrating a series of morphological measurements and behavioral experiments, we found that this red coloration was not correlated with body size, bite force, and testosterone level, nor did females show a preference bias toward it. However, the red intensity predicted male–male competition outcomes, with deeper red males being more likely to emerge as winners. Our results indicated that the pterin-based coloration could convey information about male quality, suggesting its potential role in honest signaling, given the vital importance of pterin metabolism in physiological processes. This study provides a novel case into the understanding of pterin-based colors in animals. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Evolution, Diversity, and Conservation of Herpetofauna: Second Edition)
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14 pages, 2694 KiB  
Article
A New Species of Cyrtodactylus tibetanus Group (Reptilia: Squamata: Gekkonidae) from Xizang Autonomous Region, China
by Shun Ma, Sheng-Chao Shi, Tian-Yu Qian, Lu-Lu Sui, Bin Wang and Jian-Ping Jiang
Animals 2024, 14(16), 2384; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14162384 - 17 Aug 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1956
Abstract
A new Cyrtodactylus species, C. laevissp. nov., from the dry-hot valleys near the Yarlung Zangbo River in Re Village, Jindong Countryside, Lang County, Linzhi City, Xizang Autonomous Region, China, is described herein based upon the integrative taxonomic results combining molecular phylogenetic [...] Read more.
A new Cyrtodactylus species, C. laevissp. nov., from the dry-hot valleys near the Yarlung Zangbo River in Re Village, Jindong Countryside, Lang County, Linzhi City, Xizang Autonomous Region, China, is described herein based upon the integrative taxonomic results combining molecular phylogenetic systematics and morphological characteristic comparisons. Our molecular phylogeny was inferred by combining three mitochondrial gene fragments (16S/CO1/ND2), and it indicated a distinct differentiation between the new species and C. tibetanus species complex, with obvious genetic distances (16S 9.9–11.8%/CO1 16.5–18.2%/ND2 16.6–18.5%) detected, supporting its validity. Morphologically, the new species can be easily distinguished from its congers by the following characters: (1) medium size (SVL 48.58–50.92 mm), (2) tubercles on dorsum sparse, (3) tail segments absent and tubercles on tails absent, (4) supralabials 10–12 and infralabials 8–10, (5) interorbital scales between anterior corners of the eyes 28–32, (6) scale rows at midbody 96–98, (7) ventral scales between mental and cloacal slit 145–153, (8) ventral scale rows 41–45, and (9) 4 to 5 white–yellow transverse bands with brown dots and black merges between the nape and sacrum. The description of C. laevis sp. nov. increased the total species number of C. tibetanus group to three, and the total Cyrtodactylus species number in Xizang to six and in China to eleven. The new species is currently only known from the type locality with its extremely small populations and needs future surveys to reveal its distribution range, population status, natural history, and mechanisms so that the new species can coexist with Altiphylax medogense. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Evolution, Diversity, and Conservation of Herpetofauna: Second Edition)
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