Alireza Pesarakloo, Masoumeh Najibzadeh ,
Volume 1, Issue 1 (9-2019)
Abstract
In the present study, we studied the development and morphology of different larval stages of Pelophylax bedriagae (Camerano) at two rearing temperatures (20 and 24 °C). Eggs were collected from a breeding site in western Iran. Diagnostic morphological characters are provided for Gosner (1960) larval stages 1–46. The larvae hatched about seven days after egg deposition in the laboratory. A principal diagnostic feature, the formation of the funnel-shaped oral disc, became discernible about ten days after hatching at Gosner stage 21 and degenerated at Gosner stage 42. Based on our results, the longest metamorphosis time was observed at 20 °C whilst the shortest metamorphosis time occurred at 24 °C. The largest body length of larval P. bedriagae measured about 54 mm in 70 days after egg deposition. Compared with the majority of other Palearctic anurans, it appears that embryonic and larval development is usually slow in P. bedriagae.
Spartaco Gippoliti, Dario Fraschetti, Osman Gedow Amir, Francesco M. Angelici,
Volume 4, Issue 2 (6-2022)
Abstract
There is an increased recognition of the threat status of the African lion (Panthera leo), once a widespread top predator of open African habitats. However, our knowledge about the biology of the species is often based on a few study sites in South and East Africa, and the present subspecific taxonomy developed by the IUCN reinforces an idea of homogeneity of the species in Africa. A synthesis of available knowledge regarding the lions of Southern Somalia, formerly proposed as a distinct subspecies, Panthera leo somaliensis is presented. Particular attention is paid to the issue of manelessness in males, a phenomenon that has been studied in Tsavo (N.E. Kenya) but it is highlighted for the first time for the Southern Somalia region. Although our data cannot lead to a definitive answer about the taxonomic status of Somali lions, there is enough evidence to call for further studies and conservation efforts, also in the light of the increased evidence of genetic discontinuity in lions associated with strong ecological barriers.
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