14 research outputs found
On the sand and among the crowds: a new species of Woodworthia gecko (Reptilia Diplodactylidae) from Auckland, Aotearoa/ New Zealand
No full textWinkel, Dylan Van, Wells, Sarah J., Harker, Nicholas, Hitchmough, Rodney A. (2023): On the sand and among the crowds: a new species of Woodworthia gecko (Reptilia Diplodactylidae) from Auckland, Aotearoa/ New Zealand. Zootaxa 5374 (2): 263-294, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5374.2.7, URL: https://mapress.com/zt/article/download/zootaxa.5374.2.7/5229
Woodworthia korowai Winkel & Wells & Harker & Hitchmough 2023, sp. nov.
No full text<i>Woodworthia korowai</i> sp. nov. <p>Figs. 5–10.</p> <p> ZooBank registration of <i>Woodworthia korowai</i> <b>sp. nov.</b>: urn:lsid:zoobank.org:act: 8A9D11D1-82AC-4C37-86BE-2FA7D156B736..</p> <p> <i>Woodworthia</i> aff. <i>maculata</i> “Muriwai” Hitchmough <i>et al.</i> (2016)</p> <p> <i>Woodworthia</i> aff. <i>maculata</i> “Muriwai” van Winkel <i>et al.</i> (2018)</p> <p> <i>Woodworthia</i> aff. <i>maculata</i> “Muriwai” van Winkel <i>et al.</i> (2020)</p> <p> <i>Woodworthia</i> aff. <i>maculata</i> “Muriwai” Hitchmough <i>et al.</i> (2021)</p> <p> <i>Woodworthia</i> aff. <i>maculata</i> “Muriwai” Purdie (2022)</p> <p> <i>Woodworthia</i> aff. <i>maculata</i> “Muriwai” Melzer <i>et al.</i> (2022)</p> <p> <b>Holotype.</b> AWMM LH02445 (adult female) from Muriwai Beach, Auckland, New Zealand (36°47’49.69”S, 174°24’32.34”E; ~ 1 km accuracy; ~ 5 m a.s.l.) collected by S. E. Thorpe on 6 September 2003.</p> <p> <b>Paratypes</b> (three specimens). AWMM LH4067 (adult female) from Oaia Island, Muriwai, Auckland, New Zealand; 36°50’26.32”S, 174°24’39.79”E; 20 m a.s.l.; collected by D. van Winkel and C. J. Wedding on 5 April 2014. AWMM LH4068 (adult male) from Muriwai Beach, Auckland, New Zealand; 36°47’4.27”S, 174°24’1.19”E; 5 m a.s.l.; by D. van Winkel on 18 November 2020. AWMM LH4069 (adult male) from Woodhill Forest, Auckland, New Zealand; 36°41’59.61”S, 174°21’20.37”E; 19 m a.s.l.; collected by an anonymous person, surrendered to N. Harker in December 2012.</p> <p> <b>Diagnosis.</b> A combination of transversely expanded and V-shaped rather than straight lamellae, small body size (≤ 100mm SVL), and rostral scale excluded from nares, as well as its phylogenetic position identify the species as a member of the genus <i>Woodworthia</i>. <i>Woodworthia korowai</i> <b>sp. nov.</b> can be distinguished from all other <i>Woodworthia</i> species by the following combination of characters: adult body length up to 68 mm SVL; rostral scale not in contact with nares, separated by suture between anterior supranasal and first infralabial; rostral scale (<2.5x <i>versus</i> > 2.5x as wide as deep); 13–15 subdigital lamellae under the fourth digit of the pes; and 3–5 (<i>versus</i> > 5) scale rows under the distal phalanx of the fourth toe (Fig. 9A). It is distinguished from <i>W. chrysosiretica</i> and <i>W.</i> “southern mini” by a narrower and deeper rostral scale (<2.5x <i>versus</i> > 2.5x as wide as deep), and further from <i>W</i>. “southern mini” by the higher number of subdigital lamellae under the fourth digit of the pes (13–15 <i>versus</i> 8–13). It can be distinguished from <i>W.</i> “Mount Arthur” by the following suite of characters: 13–15 (<i>versus</i> 9–12) lamellae under the fourth toe; 3–5 scale rows (<i>versus</i> 5–6, Fig. 9E) under the distal phalanx of the fourth toe; and on average: relatively narrower head (0.66 <i>versus</i> 0.71 HW/HL); shorter body proportions (0.86 <i>versus</i> 1.04 SF/AG); and shorter distal phalanx on fourth toe (0.24 <i>versus</i> 0.34 4TDPL/4FTL). It is distinguished from <i>Woodworthia maculata</i> sensu stricto by the following suite of characters: 9–11 supralabial scales (<i>versus</i> 10–14); 8–11 infralabial scales (<i>versus</i> 9–14); 3–5 scale rows (<i>versus</i> 5–8; Figs 9C & D) under the distal phalanx of the fourth toe; and on average: relatively narrower head (0.66 <i>versus</i> 0.72 HW/HL); smaller eye (0.19 <i>versus</i> 0.21 ED/HL); shorter fourth toe length (0.10 <i>versus</i> 0.12 4TL/SVL); and shorter distal phalanx on fourth toe (0.24 <i>versus</i> 0.30 4TDPL/4FTL). Table 6 compares characters of <i>Woodworthia korowai</i> <b>sp. nov.</b> with its two most closely related congeners. Diagnostics are not given for <i>W. chrysosiretica,</i> nor for any other undescribed <i>Woodworthia</i> species as formal taxonomic descriptions for these are in preparation (R. Hitchmough, S.V. Nielsen and A. Bauer, unpub. data). None of the undescribed taxa resemble <i>W</i>. <i>korowai</i> <b>sp. nov.</b> and all are allopatrically distributed.</p> <p> <b>Description of holotype (Figs. 5 & 6).</b> Adult female SVL 57.4 mm; head large, moderate in length (HL/SVL 0.28) and width (HW/HL 0.70), moderately depressed (HD/HL 0.5), distinct from neck, and triangular in dorsal profile; snout elongate (SNT/HL 0.39), broader than long, rounded in dorsal profile and truncate in lateral profile; eye to nostril distance greater than eye diameter (EN/ED 1.47); loreal region weakly inflated, prefrontal region slightly concave; canthus rostralis flat, weakly defined; eye large (ED/HL 0.20), pupil vertical, supraciliaries extending from anteroventral to posterodorsal edge of orbit; ear opening inverted oblong-shaped (EW/ED 0.44), longer than wide (EL/EW 1.43); eye-to-ear distance greater than diameter of eye (EE/ED 1.75); rostral trapezoid-shaped, wider than high (<2.5x as wide as high), with medial suture extending ventrally approximately halfway from dorsal edge, bordered dorsally by two domed supranasals and one small inverted pentagonal internasal, broader than long; rostral not in contact with nares, separated by suture between anterior supranasal and first infralabial (0.57x length of the nares); nares bordered anteriorly by large supranasal (2x size of other supranasals), dorsally and posteriorly by three postnasals and ventrally by first supralabial; 11 square supralabials, rounded/ curved dorsally, extending to and tapering smoothly below posterior margin of orbit, 8 to midpoint of eye; 10 infralabials tapering smoothly posteriorly to below posterior margin of orbit; scales of rostrum, loreal region, top of head, and occiput small and granular, those of the rostrum and loreal region approximately 1.5x the width of those on top of head, occiput, and posterior nuchal regions; superciliaries forming a brillar fold of small spiniform scales extending along the dorsal border of the orbit from anteroventral to posterodorsal corners; mental triangular, longer than wide, bordered laterally by first infralabials and posteriorly by medial triangular postmental; one row of slightly enlarged chinshields tapering posteriorly to fifth infralabial; and gular and throat scales small, granular, grading posteriorly into sub-flattened, mostly juxtaposed but few subimbricate pectoral and ventral scales. Body relatively short (AG/SVL 0.51) with no obvious ventrolateral folds; dorsal scales small, granular, homologous; ventral scales sub-flattened, mostly juxtaposed but some subimbricate, distinctly broader than long, much larger than dorsal scales, increasing in size medially, arranged in approximately 35 rows at midpoint of body. Forelimbs robust in stature, short (HUM+FEM/SVL 0.22); granular scales of dorsal and anterior margins of forearm larger (2.5x) than those on body; palmar scales weakly domed to sub-flattened, juxtaposed; digits relatively short, well-developed, moderately expanded, all bearing claws; those on digit I reduced, remaining claws long and strongly recurved; claws sheathed by a dorsal and ventral scale; relative length of digits of manus: IV ~ III>V ~ II> I; subdigital lamellae straight or slightly curved becoming strongly V-shaped distally on the dilated portion, smooth, undivided; lamellar counts from right (and left) sides 6-10-12-14-10 (5-9-12-12-11) manus (excludes apical scansors of digit I); reduced claw of digit I of manus situated in a groove in the apical lamella between a larger medial scansor and a smaller lateral scansor. Hind limbs short (FEM+TIB/SVL 0.31), more robust and longer than forelimbs, covered dorsally by granular scales and anteriorly by larger (2.5x than those on body), weakly domed, sub-imbricate scales; ventral scales of femora flattened, juxtaposed, equal in size to those of ventral scales; small postfemoral scales form an abrupt union with larger ventral scales of posteroventral margin of thigh; subtibial scales small, granular, juxtaposed; plantar scales weakly domed to sub-flattened, juxtaposed; digits relatively short (4TL/SVL 0.10), well developed, moderately expanded, all bearing claws; those on digit I reduced and partially sheathed, remaining claws long and strongly recurved; claws sheathed by a dorsal and ventral scale; relative length of digits of pes: IV> V> III> II> I; subdigital lamellae straight or slightly curved becoming strongly V-shaped distally on the dilated portion (Fig. 9A), smooth, undivided, lamellar counts from right (and left) sides 5-9-13-14-12 (5-10-12-14-11) pes (excludes apical scansors of digit I); reduced claw of digit I of pes situated in a groove in the apical lamella between a larger medial scansor and a smaller lateral scansor.</p> <p>Eight rows of precloacal scales, equal in size to ventral scales, extending approximately halfway along the length of the femora; no precloacal or femoral pores (some medial scales weakly dimpled); nine rows of smaller (0.5x precloacal scales) post-precloacal scales; six rows of enlarged, flattened hexagonal or roundish postcloacal scales; single enlarged, round, flattened postcloacal spur (2–3x surrounding scales) on each side of the tail base. Complete (unregenerated) tail, longer than SVL (TL/SVL 1.16); tail thick, roughly round in cross section, tapering to a point. Caudal scales flat, juxtaposed to weakly subimbricate, squarish with rounded free margins, arranged in regular rows. Surface of tail weakly segmented, caudal scale rows forming whorls, each whorl 6 ventral scale rows long; ventral caudals 2x larger than dorsals, midventral caudal scales not enlarged.</p> <p> <b>Colour of holotype in preservative.</b> Ground colour of the head, body, and limbs tawny brown, and tail a lighter tan or buff; top of head with broad buff inverted ‘U’ marking running posterior to the eyes and onto the nape; pale buff dorsolateral stripes, continuous from the nares over the eyes to the base of the tail, and converging along the length of the tail; darker brown medial stripe from tip of snout to in line with the anterior margins of the eye; darker brown pre- and postorbital stripes, commencing at the nares and continuing the length of the body, bordering the dorsolateral stripes ventrally, to the base of the tail; lateral surfaces speckled with lighter and darker flecks and gradually fading to uniform cream ventrally; indistinct and broken buff mid-dorsal stripe from the nape to the base of the tail; limbs speckled with light and dark blotches and flecks; ventral surfaces, including base of pedes and manus, uniform yellow cream; dorsal surface of tail with a series of irregular light blotches; labial scales buff with murky brown irregular blotches; eyes brown with dark filigree pattering.</p> <p> <b>Colouration in life</b> (non-vouchered specimens photographed in wild; Fig. 10). Ground colour of the head, body, and limbs tawny brown, olive brown or grey-brown, and tail a lighter shade of body colour; top of head either indistinctly marked or with distinct dark inverted ‘V’ marking between the eyes often continuing posteriorly to form a heart-shaped, circular, or inverted ‘V’ marking on the back of the head; broad buff inverted ‘U’ marking running posterior to the eyes and onto the nape; pale buff dorsolateral stripes, continuous from the nares over the eyes to the base of the tail, and converging either at the tail base or along the length of the tail; dorsolateral stripes often wavy or with transverse projections that contact the mid-dorsal stripe; dorsal surface rarely without dorsolateral stripes, rather with transverse irregular-shaped pale blotches between the nape and the tail base; darker brown medial stripe from tip of snout to in line with the anterior margins of the eye; darker brown pre- and postorbital stripes, commencing at the nares and continuing the length of the body, bordering the dorsolateral stripes ventrally, to the base of the tail; lateral surfaces speckled with lighter and darker and occasionally mustard yellow flecks, and gradually fading to uniform cream ventrally; indistinct and broken buff mid-dorsal stripe from the nape to the base of the tail, or mid-dorsal absence; limbs speckled with light and dark blotches and flecks; ventral surfaces, including base of pedes and manus, uniform yellow cream; subdigital lamellae often lighter shade of grey; dorsal surface of tail with a series of irregular light blotches; regenerated tails often longitudinally striped with alternating darker and lighter brown stripes; labial scales buff coloured with murky brown irregular blotches; eye colour green, olive green, or yellow green with black web or filigree patterning.</p> <p> <b>Variation.</b> The paratypes closely resemble the holotype in all aspects of colouration and pattern (Fig. 7), except AWMM LH4067 differs by having much less pronounced markings on the snout and top of head. AWMM LH4067 has damage to the outer integument on the left forearm and over the pelvis, which are artifacts of wild collection. Two of the paratypes (AWMM LH4069 and AWMM LH4068) have partially regenerated tails. AWMM LH4068 is missing the fifth digit of the left pes and there is a small hole on the ventral surface of the abdomen, anterior to the vent, that is an artifact of post-mortem decomposition prior to preservation. Two of the paratypes are males with precloacal pores: AWMM LH4069 has seven rows of precloacal scales; 62 pore bearing scales in total, in four rows, 3 extending onto the thigh, 2 extending approximately halfway along the length of the femora, equal in size to the ventral scales; ten rows of smaller (0.5x precloacal scales) post-precloacal scales; eight rows of enlarged, flattened hexagonal or roundish postcloacal scales; single enlarged, round, flattened postcloacal spur (3x surrounding scales) on each side of the tail base. AWMM LH4068 has seven rows of precloacal scales; 81 pore bearing scales in total, in four rows, 3 extending onto the thigh, 2 extending approximately halfway along the length of the femora, equal in size to the ventral scales; ten rows of smaller (0.5x precloacal scales) post-precloacal scales; eight rows of enlarged, flattened hexagonal or roundish postcloacal scales; single enlarged, round, flattened postcloacal spur (4x surrounding scales) on each side of the tail base (Fig. 8). AWMM LH4067 has seven rows of precloacal scales, equal in size to ventral scales, extending approximately halfway along the length of the femora; no precloacal or femoral pores; eight rows of smaller (0.5x precloacal scales) post-precloacal scales; six rows of enlarged, flattened hexagonal or roundish postcloacal scales; single enlarged, round, flattened postcloacal spur (2–3x surrounding scales) on each side of the tail base. no pore bearing scales in total, in four rows, 3 extending onto the thigh, 2 extending approximately halfway along the length of the femora, equal in size to the ventral scales; ten rows of smaller (0.5x precloacal scales) post-precloacal scales; nine rows of enlarged, flattened hexagonal or roundish postcloacal scales; no visible cloacal spurs. Mensural and meristic differences among specimens of the type series are presented in Table 6.</p> <p> <b>Distribution.</b> <i>Woodworthia korowai</i> <b>sp. nov.</b> is currently known only from the western coastline from Muriwai township north onto Te Korowai-o-Te-Tonga/ South Kaipara Peninsula (reaching 4.5 km south of the Kaipara Harbour entrance), in Auckland Region, New Zealand. A small, isolated population also occurs on Oaia Island, approximately 1.3 km off the coast of Muriwai township. <i>Woodworthia korowai</i> <b>sp. nov.</b> has not been recorded on any of the other small islands that lie off the west Auckland coastline between Muriwai and the Manukau Harbour entrance to the south. The presence of <i>Woodworthia korowai</i> <b>sp. nov.</b> elsewhere on the Auckland mainland (e.g., areas further south to the Manukau Inlet or northwards along the Kaipara Harbour coast) cannot be excluded, nor can its potential presence in southern Northland. However, dedicated surveys outside of the existing known range (e.g., southern Auckland Region, Kaipara, and southern Northland) have thus far failed to detect this species (D. van Winkel & Auckland Zoo, unpub. data). Until demonstrated otherwise <i>Woodworthia korowai</i> <b>sp. nov.</b> is considered endemic to the Auckland Region.</p> <p> <b>Etymology.</b> The specific epithet is from the te reo Māori word korowai, referencing Te Korowai-o-Te-Tonga, the traditional name for South Head or South Kaipara Peninsula where the stronghold of this species occurs. Korowai is also a Māori term for a cloak, some of which the colour and patterns closely resemble those of the gecko. Furthermore, the English translation of Te Korowai-o-Te-Tonga (“the cloak of the south”) represents a metaphor for the covering, hiding, or concealing the species’ existence until relatively recently. The specific epithet was given by Ngāti Whātua o Kaipara, the mana whenua (the indigenous Māori people of New Zealand who have historic and territorial rights over the land) of Te Korowai-o-Te-Tonga.</p> <p> <b>Suggested vernacular name.</b> The currently accepted vernacular name is ‘Muriwai gecko’ (Bell 2014; van Winkel <i>et al</i>. 2018; Hitchmough <i>et al.</i> 2021; Purdie 2022) however, we propose changing it to ‘Korowai gecko’ to align with the specific epithet.</p> <p> <b>Environment.</b> The Auckland Region lies at S36.8° (approximately 13° of latitude south of the Tropic of Capricorn) and experiences a subtropical climate characterised by warm and humid summers (December to February) and relatively mild winters (June to August). Mean annual temperatures range between 14 °C and 16 °C and relative humidity is high in all seasons (78–92%) due to the influence of the surrounding sea and the lack of any large mountain masses (Chappell 2013). Most parts of Auckland receive around 2,000 hours of bright sunshine per year and median annual total rainfall for the west coast areas of the region range between 1,100 –1,500 mm, with most of the rainfall falling in the winter months (Chappell 2013). The region regularly encounters storms of tropical origin, and the west coast is exposed to ocean swells emanating from the Tasman Sea and the Southern Ocean, which are further disturbed by the prevailing southwest winds. The coastal distribution of <i>Woodworthia korowai</i> <b>sp. nov.</b> means populations are frequently exposed to high winds, storm surges, and salt spray off the ocean. During the largest storms, Oaia Island is partially washed over by waves approaching from the west/ southwest.</p> <p> <b>Habitat.</b> <i>Woodworthia korowai</i> <b>sp nov</b>. is largely restricted to coastal habitats such as duneland, coastal shrubland, and exotic Monterey pine (<i>Pinus radiata</i>) plantation on mainland New Zealand and exposed rock and prostrate herbfields on Oaia Island (Figs. 1 & 10C–E). The mainland duneland environment is characterised by large accumulations of sand build up that are stabilised by low-growing coastal vegetation. The vegetation comprises a relatively low diversity of drought-tolerant plant species including spinifex (<i>Spinifex sericeus</i>), pīngao (<i>Ficinia spiralis</i>), sand tussock (<i>Poa billardierei</i>), shore bindweed (<i>Calystegia soldanella</i>), tātaraheke/ sand coprosma (<i>Coprosma acerosa</i>), tauhinu (<i>Ozothamnus leptophyllus</i>), and coastal toetoe (<i>Austroderia splendens</i>). The vegetation is typically dense and low growing through the foredunes but becomes noticeable thicker and shrubbier as it progresses into the hind dunes. The vegetation then develops abruptly into Monterey pine plantation forest with predominantly an exotic weed-dominated understory (e.g., woolly nightshade, <i>Solanum mauritianum</i> and pampas grass, <i>Cortaderia selloana</i>). Wilding Monterey pine encroaches part way into the hind dunes
Efficiency of techniques for post-translocation monitoring of the Duvaucel's gecko (Hoplodactylus duvaucelii) and evidence of native avian predation on lizards : a thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Conservation Biology, Massey University, Auckland, New Zealand
No full textTranslocation of threatened reptile species to pest-free offshore islands is one of the most important conservation management tools available in New Zealand. However, a limited knowledge of how an animal responds to translocation and what factors threaten their survival prevails. Post-translocation monitoring is crucial and may help explain the reasons for translocation failure, but only if monitoring techniques are effective in detecting animals postrelease. This thesis documents the post-release response of two small populations of Duvaucel’s geckos (Hoplodactylus duvaucelii) using radio-telemetry, translocated to Tiritiri Matangi and Motuora Islands in December 2006. The efficiency of three standard reptile monitoring techniques, including spotlight searching, artificial refuges, and footprint tracking tunnels were tested and the impact of native bird predators on island lizards was investigated. Following translocation, no mortalities were recorded and the geckos increased in body condition by 22%. Post-release activity was shown by small initial movements within the first week, followed by increasingly large-scale (up to 480 m), non-directional movements thereafter. Range areas were atypically large (up to 7,820 m²) as a result of the large-scale dispersal movements however few geckos did demonstrate small range areas. There were no sexual or island site differences in the dispersal movements or the range area estimates, suggesting that all geckos responded similarly to the translocations and release into a novel environment. Several neonate H. duvaucelii were captured on both Tiritiri Matangi and Motuora, and their high body condition scores indicated that they were capable of surviving and securing adequate resources.
All three reptile monitoring techniques were capable of detecting H. duvaucelii at low densities these methods however differed significantly in their detection abilities. V
Footprint tracking tunnels demonstrated the most consistent detection rates, probably due to the provision of attractive baits. Spotlight searching resulted in the recapture of 21% and 75% of founders on Tiritiri Matangi and Motuora, respectively. However, this method relied heavily on skilled fieldworkers. Artificial refuges (A.R.s) were the least effective for detecting geckos at low densities and A.R.s were only occupied by H. duvaucelii on Tiritiri Matangi Island. Environmental conditions significantly influenced the effectiveness of the monitoring methods, with temperature having a highly positive influence on tracking rates and spotlight encounters.
Native birds, including kingfishers, pukekos, moreporks, and Swamp harriers are reportedly known to prey on lizards. Dietary analyses of these species revealed that lizards represented a large proportion of the prey for kingfishers on Tiritiri Matangi (88%) and Motuora (43%), and that kingfishers have the potential to seriously impact on small establishing lizard populations. Lizard remains were not present in the diet of any other bird species sampled and captive feeding experiments were inconclusive in determining if lizard remains could be detected in pukeko faeces.
This research can aid in the further understanding of post-release responses of lizards to translocations and the factors that threaten their establishment. The provision of adequate habitat quality and size, release locations with a reduced number of known bird predators, and the instatement of long-term monitoring programmes will help improve the translocation success of threatened lizard species in the future
FIGURE 6. a in Lost and Found: Taxonomic revision of the speckled skink (Oligosoma infrapunctatum; Reptilia; Scincidae) species complex from New Zealand reveals a potential cryptic extinction, resurrection of two species, and description of three new species
No full textFIGURE 6. a) O. robinsoni holotype, Moutohorā (Whale Island) (photo: Jean-Claude Stahl). b) Live specimen of O. robinsoni, Moutohorā (Whale Island) (photo: Dylan van Winkel).Published as part of Melzer, Sabine, Hitchmough, Rod A., Bell, Trent, Chapple, David G. & Patterson, Geoff B., 2019, Lost and Found: Taxonomic revision of the speckled skink (Oligosoma infrapunctatum; Reptilia; Scincidae) species complex from New Zealand reveals a potential cryptic extinction, resurrection of two species, and description of three new species, pp. 441-484 in Zootaxa 4623 (3) on page 466, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4623.3.2, http://zenodo.org/record/325858
Forecasting potential invaders to prevent future biological invasions worldwide
No full textThe ever-increasing and expanding globalisation of trade and transport underpins the escalating global problem of biological invasions. Developing biosecurity infrastructures is crucial to anticipate and prevent the transport and introduction of invasive alien species. Still, robust and defensible forecasts of potential invaders are rare, especially for species without known invasion history. Here, we aim to support decision-making by developing a quantitative invasion risk assessment tool based on invasion syndromes (i.e., generalising typical attributes of invasive alien species). We implemented a workflow based on 'Multiple Imputation with Chain Equation' to estimate invasion syndromes from imputed datasets of species' life-history and ecological traits and macroecological patterns. Importantly, our models disentangle the factors explaining (i) transport and introduction and (ii) establishment. We showcase our tool by modelling the invasion syndromes of 466 amphibians and reptile species with invasion history. Then, we project these models to amphibians and reptiles worldwide (16,236 species [c.76% global coverage]) to identify species with a risk of being unintentionally transported and introduced, and risk of establishing alien populations. Our invasion syndrome models showed high predictive accuracy with a good balance between specificity and generality. Unintentionally transported and introduced species tend to be common and thrive well in human-disturbed habitats. In contrast, those with established alien populations tend to be large-sized, are habitat generalists, thrive well in human-disturbed habitats, and have large native geographic ranges. We forecast that 160 amphibians and reptiles without known invasion history could be unintentionally transported and introduced in the future. Among them, 57 species have a high risk of establishing alien populations. Our reliable, reproducible, transferable, statistically robust and scientifically defensible quantitative invasion risk assessment tool is a significant new addition to the suite of decision-support tools needed for developing a future-proof preventative biosecurity globally.Arman N. Pili, Boris Leroy, John G. Measey, Jules E. Farquhar, Adam Toomes, Phillip Cassey, Sebastian Chekunov, Matthias Grenié, Dylan van Winkel, Lisa Maria, Mae Lowe L. Diesmos, Arvin C. Diesmos, Damaris Zurell, Franck Courchamp, David G. Chappl
Interference competition following a recent invasion of plague skinks (Lampropholis delicata) into a nationally critical native skink population
No full textCONTEXT
Invasive species can threaten native species through exploitative and interference competition if they occupy similar ecological niches. The invasive plague skink (Lampropholis delicata) has been accidently introduced to New Zealand, Lord Howe Island, and the Hawaiian Islands. Resource usage overlaps between plague skinks and several New Zealand skinks, suggesting the potential for exploitative and interference competition. However, no competitive mechanism or population impact has been identified. In 2014–15, plague skinks colonised Bream Head Scenic Reserve, Northland, New Zealand, where they overlap in occupancy and habitat with the ‘Nationally Critical’ kakerakau skink (Oligosoma kakerakau).
AIMS
We investigated intra- and interspecific interference competition between kakerakau and plague skinks in the wild.
METHODS
We recorded naturally occurring encounters and quantified aggression at a short-lived resource (sun-basking sites).
KEY RESULTS
Behavioural interactions were observed in 72% of all encounters with similar proportions of encounters resulting in agonistic interactions between intraspecific kakerakau skink encounters and interspecific kakerakau-plague encounters. Although kakerakau skinks and plague skinks reacted equally aggressively in an interspecific interaction, kakerakau skinks behaved significantly more aggressively in an interaction with a plague skink than with a conspecific. Juvenile kakerakau skinks were more likely than adults to exhibit submissive behaviours such as fleeing during interspecific interactions.
CONCLUSIONS
This is the first evidence of interference competition occurring between plague skinks and a native skink. Our study suggests that kakerakau skinks, particularly juveniles, may experience competitive exclusion at important resources.
Implications: Our findings indicate that plague skinks may pose a threat to native skink populations when habitat use overlaps
Philosophy According to Tacitus: Francis Bacon and the Inquiry into the Limits of Human Self-Delusion
No full textBacon belonged to a cultural milieu that, between the sixteenth and the seventeenth centuries, proved to be especially receptive to infuences coming from such continental authors as Machiavelli, Bodin, Duplessis-Mornay, Hotman, and, through Lipsius, a particular brand of Stoicism tinged with Tacitean motifs. Within the broader question of Tacitus’ infuence on Tudor and Stuart culture, this article focuses on the issue of how Bacon’s characteristic insistence on the powers of the imagination (fingere) and of belief (credere) in shaping human history may have infuenced his view that human beings suffer from an innate tendency to self-delusion
Analyse d'ouvrage - Reptiles and Amphibians of New Zealand \textendash A Field Guide, Par Dylan van Winkel, Marleen Baling & Rod Hitchmough.2018. Auckland University Press, Auckland 1142, New Zealand.
No full textInternational audienc
Analyse d'ouvrage - Reptiles and Amphibians of New Zealand \textendash A Field Guide, Par Dylan van Winkel, Marleen Baling & Rod Hitchmough.2018. Auckland University Press, Auckland 1142, New Zealand.
No full textInternational audienc
