Download or read book Spatial Ecology Genetic Diversity and Population Structure of Armenian Vipers Montivipera Raddei in Two Different Landscapes written by Jeffery Alan Ettling and published by . This book was released on 2013 with total page 98 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: In an effort to gain a better understanding of the impact that human-modified landscapes are having on snake populations I studied the spatial ecology, gene diversity and population structure of the Armenian Viper, Montivipera raddei in two different landscapes in Armenia. We first examined the spatial ecology and habitat use of Armenian Vipers in a human-modified landscape with a combination of agricultural fields and overgrazed native steppe habitat. While there were no differences in movement rates for either sex through croplands compared to steppe, we did find that males had larger home ranges during the spring if it included cropland. While the mosaic of steppe and croplands does not appear to impede seasonal movements in this human-modified landscape, vipers overwhelmingly prefer steppe to cropland. We were then interested in how the spatial use of vipers in this heavily altered habitat compared to a population inhabiting a recovered-natural habitat. The home range size and mean movements were significantly smaller and the abundance of small mammals was significantly higher in the recovered-natural landscape. However, we found no correlation between body condition and home range size. In fact, snakes inhabiting the two landscapes had equivalent body condition. These data suggest that snakes in the human-modified landscape have larger home ranges in order to find enough prey over the course of an active season. While the radiotelemetry data provided insight into the spatial ecology of Armenian Vipers in these two landscapes, we were also interested in examining their genetic diversity and population structure. We collected genetic samples from two locations within each of the two landscapes. At the local scale there was no significant differentiation between sampling locations, but on the regional scale we found the two geographically separated populations to be significantly differentiated from one another. The focus of conservation efforts for the Armenian Viper in altered habitat should be on maintaining corridors with high quality habitat that allow for seasonal movements, shelter, foraging and gene flow. Due to the strong genetic differentiation between the two populations we also recommend that regional populations be managed as independent conservation units.
Download or read book The Influence of Landscape on Genetic Structure of a Threatened Reptile written by Michelle Francis DiLeo and published by . This book was released on 2011 with total page 194 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Understanding the impacts of both natural and anthropogenic landscape features on genetic diversity, population structure and connectivity has important implications for conservation of species living in fragmented environments. Here, I combine population genetic data, detailed land cover information, and computer simulations to explore how landscape shapes genetic structure across two regional populations of the threatened eastern massasauga rattlesnake (Sistrurus catenatus catenatus) in Ontario, Canada: one along the eastern shores of Georgian Bay and the other largely confined to the northern half of the Bruce Peninsula. First I used spatial Bayesian assignment to quantify the genetic population structure within each regional population. I found marked subpopulation structure within eastern Georgian Bay with differentiation of island and mainland snakes, a north-south split within the mainland coinciding with the town of Parry Sound, and evidence of further subdivision within the cluster of snakes north of Parry Sound. In contrast I found no population subdivision within the mainland of the Bruce Peninsula, but genetic distinction of mainland and island snakes. Next, I identified the landscape features that shape spatial genetic structure within regional populations. In eastern Georgian Bay I found local variation in the effect of landscape on populations. North of Parry Sound I found no effect of landscape on inter-individual genetic differentiation, but a strong pattern of isolation-by-distance. In contrast I found that both open water and roads restrict gene flow of snakes south of Parry Sound. I found no evidence of isolation-by-distance or that landscape shape genetic structure within the Bruce Peninsula. Finally I used individual-based, spatially explicit simulations to identify the lag-time associated with the detection of contemporary landscape feature effects on genetic structure of massasaugas, and explore the consequences of using spatially correlated land cover elements in landscape genetic analyses. I found that the genetic consequences of roads could be detected within 2-12 generations when population sizes were small or juvenile dispersal was low. However, I also found that roads could be spuriously identified as impediments to gene flow when spatially correlated features such as water are included in genetic models.
Download or read book Characterizing Population Genetic Structure and Inferring the Influence of Landscape Features on Gene Flow in a Temperate Snake Species written by Amanda Tonia Joan Xuereb and published by . This book was released on 2012 with total page 176 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Patterns of genetic diversity in natural systems are influenced by landscape heterogeneity over spatial and temporal scales. Certain natural or anthropogenic landscape features may facilitate or impede organism dispersal and subsequent gene flow. Characterizing the geographical distribution of genetic diversity and identifying the factors contributing to population genetic structure is imperative for maintaining functional connectivity between isolated populations across a fragmented landscape. In this study, I combined genetic data and high-resolution land cover information to investigate patterns of population genetic structure in the threatened eastern hog-nosed snake (Heterodon platirhinos) at its northern range limit in Ontario, Canada. First, using putatively neutral microsatellite markers, I found evidence of genetic differentiation between two geographically disjunct regional populations: in the Carolinian region of southwestern Ontario, and along the eastern shoreline of Georgian Bay. Spatial and non-spatial Bayesian clustering algorithms also detected population genetic structure within each regional population. I found evidence of weak structure within Georgian Bay, roughly corresponding to regions north and south of Parry Sound. A genetic cluster at Wasaga Beach, located at the southern terminus of Georgian Bay, was highly differentiated from other populations, despite its geographic proximity to Georgian Bay. Excess homozygosity and reduced allelic diversity in Wasaga Beach compared to other sampled populations imply a population bottleneck event. Secondly, I inferred the role of landscape features on eastern hog-nosed snake dispersal and subsequent gene flow in the Georgian Bay regional population. Using techniques derived from electrical circuit theory, I estimated pairwise resistance distances between individuals by assigning costs to landscape features that are predicted to impede hog-nosed snake movement: open water, wetland, settlement and agriculture, and roads. Landscape features did not influence genetic structure within Wasaga Beach. However, I found weak evidence for an effect of landscape features, particularly open water and roads, on gene flow in eastern Georgian Bay. This study is the first to examine potential factors driving population genetic structure of eastern hog-nosed snakes and provides an empirical foundation for future tests of demographic models and spatially explicit simulations of gene flow.
Download or read book Biodiversity of Armenia written by George Fayvush and published by Springer Nature. This book was released on 2023-09-08 with total page 447 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Armenia is a small landlocked mountainous country located in the Southern Caucasus. It is a typical mountainous country, having its lowest point of 375m above sea level and culminating at 4095m with an average altitude of 1850m, where the landscapes and ecosystems form a complex multi-functional system. In general, the ecosystems of Armenia are characterized by a number of peculiarities, which all together contribute to formation of rich and unique biodiversity. On the small territory of Armenia (less than 30 thousand km2) there are about 3800 species of vascular plants (about a half of the whole Caucasian flora), 428 species of soil and water algae, 399 species of mosses, 4207 species of fungi, 464 species of lichens, 549 species of vertebrates and about 17200 species of invertebrates. The biodiversity of Armenia is notable for high endemism: about 500 species of fauna (about 3% of the fauna) and 147 species of flora (3.8% of total flora) are considered endemics. Such a high level of endemism is typical only for some of the large islands. Due to the huge variety of climates (from dry subtropics to cold alpine) and soil conditions all the main Caucasian ecosystems (besides humid subtropics) are represented in Armenia – deserts and semi-deserts, steppes, meadow-steppes, forests and open woodlands, sub-alpine and alpine vegetation as well as intrazonal ecosystems. Therefore Armenia is a biodiversity hotspot both within the Caucasian ecoregion and around the globe. This book compiles, summarizes and analyzes data on flora, fauna and mycobiota of Armenia, with a special focus on the impact of forecasted climate change on biodiversity and ecosystems of the region.
Download or read book Using Microsatellite Loci to Determine the Fine Scale Genetic Structure of a Complex of Timber Rattlesnake Crotalus Horridus Dens in Northeastern New York written by AnnMarie Clark and published by . This book was released on 2006 with total page pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Most genetic diversity was found among individuals of the general population. The close genetic relationship between two dens in different den groups supported the hypothesis that microhabitat influences the snakes choice of dens. These findings were statistically supported and indicated some degree of interbreeding within den groups. An area where genetic exchange occurs between two of the den groups has resulted in a significant amount of within-population genetic diversity. The results further suggest that this series of timber rattlesnake dens represents a healthy, stable metapopulation. A major roadway is apparently an ineffective barrier to gene flow between some dens within one of the den groups, and the common area where two populations go to breed allows for moderate gene flow among other den groups. Conservation and management plans need to address the specific needs of this species at specific localities. Genetic analysis of spatial population structure needs to be applied to other areas to design management plans appropriate for the specific site.
Download or read book The Mountain Vipers of the Middle East written by Göran Nilson and published by . This book was released on 1986 with total page 96 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:
Download or read book Spatial Ecology of Two Congeneric Snakes Agkistrodon Piscivorus and Agkistrodon Contortrix in the Coastal Plain of South Carolina written by Joshua Scott Castleberry and published by . This book was released on 2006 with total page 62 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:
Download or read book Snakes written by Richard A. Seigel and published by . This book was released on 2001 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: "This book fills the need for an up-to-date text/reference in the growing field of snake ecology and evolutionary biology. Here, in one volume is an extensive review of the biology of these fascinating reptiles, including topics such as zoogeography, fossil history, systematics, foraging and reproduction. With contributions from many leading herpetologists, the work is divided into sections on Systematics and Morphology, Methods and Techniques and Life History and Ecology. Each section summarizes what is known about these major fields of snake biology. This book serves the needs of those actively involved in research as well as the amateur naturalist and the beginning student."--pub. desc.
Download or read book Snake Venoms and Envenomations written by Jean-Philippe Chippaux and published by Krieger Publishing Company. This book was released on 2006 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Presenting a synthesis of the principal discoveries on venoms and envenomations, this text describes the paleontology and classification of snakes as well as the biochemistry and toxicology of venoms to explain the theoretical basis of the envenomation and its treatment.
Download or read book Snakes written by Stephen J. Mullin and published by Cornell University Press. This book was released on 2011-08-15 with total page 383 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Destruction of habitat due to urban sprawl, pollution, and deforestation has caused population declines or even extinction of many of the world's approximately 2,600 snake species. Furthermore, misconceptions about snakes have made them among the most persecuted of all animals, despite the fact that less than a quarter of all species are venomous and most species are beneficial because they control rodent pests. It has become increasingly urgent, therefore, to develop viable conservation strategies for snakes and to investigate their importance as monitors of ecosystem health and indicators of habitat sustainability. In the first book on snakes written with a focus on conservation, editors Stephen J. Mullin and Richard A. Seigel bring together leading herpetologists to review and synthesize the ecology, conservation, and management of snakes worldwide. These experts report on advances in current research and summarize the primary literature, presenting the most important concepts and techniques in snake ecology and conservation. The common thread of conservation unites the twelve chapters, each of which addresses a major subdiscipline within snake ecology. Applied topics such as methods and modeling and strategies such as captive rearing and translocation are also covered. Each chapter provides an essential framework and indicates specific directions for future research, making this a critical reference for anyone interested in vertebrate conservation generally or for anyone implementing conservation and management policies concerning snake populations. Contributors: Omar Attum, Indiana University Southeast; Steven J. Beaupre, University of Arkansas; Xavier Bonnet, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique; Frank T. Burbrink, College of Staten Island-The City University of New York; Gordon M. Burghardt, University of Tennessee; Todd A. Castoe, University of Colorado; David Chiszar, University of Colorado; Michael E. Dorcas, Davidson College; Lara E. Douglas, University of Arkansas; Christopher L. Jenkins, Project Orianne, Ltd.; Glenn Johnson, State University of New York at Potsdam; Michael Hutchins, The Wildlife Society; Richard B. King, Northern Illinois University; Bruce A. Kingsbury, Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne; Thomas Madsen, University of Wollongong; Stephen J. Mullin, Eastern Illinois University; James B. Murphy, National Zoological Park; Charles R. Peterson, Idaho State University; Kent A. Prior, Parks Canada; Richard A. Seigel, Towson University; Richard Shine, University of Sydney; Kevin T. Shoemaker, College of Environmental Science and Forestry, State University of New York; Patrick J. Weatherhead, University of Illinois; John D. Willson, University of Georgia
Download or read book Herpetofauna of Armenia and Nagorno Karabakh written by Marine S. Arakelyan and published by . This book was released on 2011 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:
Download or read book Venomous Reptiles and Their Toxins written by Bryan Fry and published by Oxford University Press. This book was released on 2015-05-13 with total page 576 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Venom research and technology has advanced greatly, rapidly transforming our knowledge of reptile venoms. Research advances, like the development of molecular systematics, provide the framework necessary to reconstruct the evolutionary history of glands and fangs. Such research developments have expanded our understanding of venom's evolution and its usefulness in therapeutic development. The results of this punctuated toxin molecular evolutionary expansion include protein neofunctionalization. While these changes may impact antivenom efficacy, this molecular diversity also facilitates their usefulness in the development of novel drug therapies. Venomous Reptiles And Their Toxins brings together the world's leading toxinologists in this comprehensive study of the entire scope of reptile venoms, from clinical effects to evolution to drug design and development. The book contains detailed applied chapters on clinical care of the envenomed patient, ineffective traditional or modern remedies, occupational considerations involved in the maintenance of institutional venomous reptile collections, veterinary care for venomous reptiles and research methods used in venom research. This book also devotes a chapter to each toxin class found in reptile venoms, detailing the full trajectory of research on the peptide or protein in question. These chapters discuss each toxin's respective role in the envenomation process through to how each has been explored for their biomedical potential. This book is a unique resource for anyone working with venomous reptiles.
Download or read book The Amphibians of the Caucasus written by David N. Tarkhnishvili and published by Pensoft Pub. This book was released on 1999 with total page 239 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:
Download or read book Applied Spatial Data Analysis with R written by Roger S. Bivand and published by Springer Science & Business Media. This book was released on 2013-06-21 with total page 414 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Applied Spatial Data Analysis with R, second edition, is divided into two basic parts, the first presenting R packages, functions, classes and methods for handling spatial data. This part is of interest to users who need to access and visualise spatial data. Data import and export for many file formats for spatial data are covered in detail, as is the interface between R and the open source GRASS GIS and the handling of spatio-temporal data. The second part showcases more specialised kinds of spatial data analysis, including spatial point pattern analysis, interpolation and geostatistics, areal data analysis and disease mapping. The coverage of methods of spatial data analysis ranges from standard techniques to new developments, and the examples used are largely taken from the spatial statistics literature. All the examples can be run using R contributed packages available from the CRAN website, with code and additional data sets from the book's own website. Compared to the first edition, the second edition covers the more systematic approach towards handling spatial data in R, as well as a number of important and widely used CRAN packages that have appeared since the first edition. This book will be of interest to researchers who intend to use R to handle, visualise, and analyse spatial data. It will also be of interest to spatial data analysts who do not use R, but who are interested in practical aspects of implementing software for spatial data analysis. It is a suitable companion book for introductory spatial statistics courses and for applied methods courses in a wide range of subjects using spatial data, including human and physical geography, geographical information science and geoinformatics, the environmental sciences, ecology, public health and disease control, economics, public administration and political science. The book has a website where complete code examples, data sets, and other support material may be found: http://www.asdar-book.org. The authors have taken part in writing and maintaining software for spatial data handling and analysis with R in concert since 2003.
Download or read book The Biology of Parasitic Flowering Plants written by Job Kuijt and published by . This book was released on 1969 with total page 246 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Evolution und Systematik.
Download or read book Old World Vipers written by Tony Phelps and published by . This book was released on 2010 with total page 568 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:
Download or read book Mountain Weather and Climate written by Roger G. Barry and published by Routledge. This book was released on 2013-09-05 with total page 262 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This book provides a comprehensive text describing and explaining mountain weather and climate processes. It presents the results of a broad range of studies drawn from across the world. The book is useful for specialist courses in climatology as well as for scientists in related disciplines.
