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Lacerta agilis Linnaeus, 1758 is a species with one of the largest ranges among reptiles. This species is the most morphologically variable among the green lizards and has a number of morphologically and genetically distinguished subspecies. We analyzed 345 mitochondrial DNA cytb gene sequences (1143 bp) from 234 localities and 24 nuclear DNA β-fib intron 7 sequences (483 bp) from 19 localities. All 12 currently recognized subspecies were included in the genetic analysis. Two types of dendrograms of possible phylogenetic relationships were reconstructed, revealing identical topology and the presence of 11 supported clades. Eleven groups were distinguished on the median network of cytb haplotypes. Two clades/groups were recorded in the Caucasus, both in the North Caucasus and Transcaucasia. New data allowed us to expand our understanding of the genetic diversity and phylogeography of the species. Two valid subspecies-­ level taxa were confirmed for the Caucasus: L. a. boemica Suchow, 1929 (species-­ level status not supported) and L. a. exigua Eichwald, 1831. Another currently recognized subspecies, Lacerta a. ioriensis Peters et Muskhelischwili, 1968 syn. n. should be considered a junior subjective synonym of L. a. boemica, and three other Transcaucasia subspecies, L. a. brevicaudata Peters, 1958 syn. n., L. a. grusinica Peters, 1960 syn. n. and L. a. mzymtensis Tuniyev et Tuniyev, 2008 syn. n. should be considered as junior subjective synonyms of L. a. exigua. The role of the Caucasus as an important center of haplotype diversity is supported by our results. Based on genetic and morphological data, populations from the Carpathians are proposed to be considered as valid subspecies, L. a. transsylvanica Kimakovicz in Bielz, 1888 comb. n. Two subclades of mtDNA are distributed in the Tatra Mountains and the Eastern Carpathians and are indicated within this new taxon. One endemic subspecies has been identified for the Caucasus, the Carpathians, the Crimean Mountains, and the Pyrenees, and there are potentially three subspecies (L. a. bosnica Schreiber, 1912, possible subspecies 1 and 2) in the Balkans.

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Modern studies have shown how parasites add extra complexity to ecosystems through their potential effects on hosts. Blood parasites are common in lizards and various studies have suggested varying degrees of negative effects on these hosts. In this study, we investigate effects of infection by blood parasites on the boldness and aggressiveness of male lizards of two sympatric species living in North Portugal: Podarcis bocagei and Podarcis lusitanicus, known to host blood parasites of two protozoan orders: Adeleorina and Eimeriorina (Apicomplexa). We used a mirror to quantify behavioural interactions of the lizards with their specular images, which did not identify any influence of parasite infection on either species. Boldness was evaluated through exploratory tests, with an identified trend for parasitized P. lusitanicus towards higher exploratory activity and exposure time. This was independent of the intensity of infection. No such effect was found for P. bocagei. The behavioural changes for infected P. lusitanicus appear to be in the direction of increasing light exposure by spending more time directly under the light source, thus suggesting a link with thermoregulation, although further experiments to clarify this hypothesis are required. These results highlight the importance of understanding individual parasite-host relationships, as they show that the same parasites can have different effects across even closely related species. Significance statement Parasites can affect their host in a variety of ways. We used mirror-interaction and exploratory tests to assess the effects of blood parasites in the aggressiveness and boldness behavioural traits of two sympatric lizard species: Podarcis bocagei and Podarcis lusitanicus. No effect of blood parasite infection in these two behavioural traits was identified on Podarcis bocagei. Podarcis lusitanicus tended to demonstrate a response to infection by Adeleorina with an increase in boldness and willingness to increase exposure times, despite low intensity of infection. Our results show how the same parasites can differently affect closely related host taxa from the same system, and how their effects can be significant even when intensities of infection are low.

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Accurate species distribution data are essential for effective conservation planning, which requires taxonomic identification. We conducted molecular and morphological analyses, which revealed that the Carniolan lizard Zootoca carniolica Mayer, Böhme, Tiedemann and Bischoff, 2000 has been largely overlooked in Croatia as records were previously attributed to the Viviparous lizard Z. vivipara (Lichtenstein,1823) or the Pannonian viviparous lizard Z. v. pannonica (Lac & Kluch, 1968). Z. vivipara has been listedin the national fauna of Croatia, and Z. v. pannonica was listed as a species monitored and reported by Croatia under Article 17 of the European Habitat Directive. We analysed genetic (mitochondrial COI and cytb genes), morphological (differences in the ratio of mean ventral scale rows and number of femoral pores) and distributional data of the Croatian population. Our findings indicate that Z. carniolica, not Z. vivipara , is the species present in Croatia. However, given the limited sample size, we cannot exclude the possible occurrence of Z. vivipara in Croatia. Consequently, the occurrence of Z. carniolica entails conservation and management implications that differ from earlier assumptions. We emphasize the need for further studies involving a significantly larger number of samples to confirm these findings.

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We investigated the phenological variation of three genera of blood parasites of lizards (Schellackia, Karyolysus, and Lankesterella) using samples of 275 adult Psammodromus algirus and 138 Acanthodactylus erythrurus collected from April to September in 2021 and 2022. Both years experienced heatwaves, and 2022 had the warmest summer on historical record for the region. We captured lizards in two close areas that differed in vegetation quality due to differential human pressure. We found that Schellackia and Karyolysus more frequently infected P. algirus, whereas Lankesterella infected A. erythrurus. We fitted generalized additive models to explain parasite intensity, including the non-linear effect of phenology sorted by sex and the linear effects of body length, body condition, host sex, heterophil–lymphocyte ratio, distance to a road, andmicroclimate. We found a positive effect of body length on parasite intensity across parasite genera. The intensity of Schellackiawas higher in female hosts, contradicting the dogma of higher male susceptibility to infections. The intensity of Lankesterella was lower closer to the road, indicating that parasite transmission success can vary at the microgeographic scale. We found a non-linear significant increase of Karyolysus across the activity period, suggesting a relaxation of the antiparasitic control upon this genus toward the end of the activity period. For Lankesterella, we observed a phenological increase only in female lizards, suggesting sexual differences in immunocompetence. We found higher intensity of Karyolysus and Lankesterella in 2022, conforming to the idea that heat waves may impair lizards’ immunocompetence.

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Heat waves are becoming common climatic phenomena in the western Mediterranean. Ectotherms are sensitive to rapid climatic shifts owing to the intrinsic dependence of their physiology on environmental temperature and humidity. Assessing microclimatic trends in behaviour, physiology, immunology, and susceptibility to infestations in lizard species with dissimilar thermal preferences can contribute to understanding differences in susceptibility to heat waves of these ectotherms. We investigated Acanthodactylus erythrurus and Psammodromus algirus. Two active thermoregulator lizards, with the former species sustaining a warmer body temperature. We investigated their response at multiple levels in two habitat plots differing in microclimatic environments and predicted that the more thermophilic species would better tolerate heat waves. We sampled 420 lizards during most of their annual activity period in two consecutive years with heat waves. The hydric environment appeared to be a major determinant explaining behavioural, cellular, and endocrinological responses in both lizard species. Maximum relative humidity (rain events) was associated in both species with a reduction in thermoregulatory effort and total white blood cells (an important component of the immune system). Faecal glucocorticoid metabolites concentration was lower in both species upon environments of high relative humidity stochasticity. The high temperature associated with heat waves also explained some of the responses. The rise of nocturnal temperatures increased mite loads in both species and was associated with a significant decrease in total white cells only in P. algirus, the less thermophilic species. Moreover, the increase of maximum diurnal temperatures and thermal stochasticity explained a significant increase of ectoparasitic mites only for P. algirus, a species with an overall higher mite prevalence and load. The results suggested that heat waves can incur higher costs on less thermophilic lizard species in terms of a higher exposure to ectoparasites and a reduction in circulating white blood cells.

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The characteristics of a natural shelter selected by three reptile species for several years in the Osona region (Catalonia) is described. Considering that shelters usually offer essential protection against predators, this one has the peculiarity of being inhabited by three potentially predator species between them; the Montpellier snake (Malpolon monspessulanus) represented in the shelter by mature specimens, eggs and newborns; adult and juveniles of ladder snake (Zamenis scalaris); and an adult male of ocellated lizard (Timon lepidus). All them coincided and selected the same retreat-site during the activity period between spring and autumn. In addition, a M. monspessulanus clutch was monitored for temperature both inside and outside of the shelter. Also measurements of eggs and first exuvies are documented.

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Die Lagunenstadt Venedig, die Hauptstadt der italienischen Region Venetien, wird allgemein wegen ihrer Historie, ihrer prachtvollen Bauten, der zahlreichen Kunstausstellungen, der Biennale und anderer Sehenswürdigkeiten besucht. Meine zahlreichen Tagesbesuche in Venedig über die Jahre hinweg waren genau von diesen Motiven geleitet und dienten auch dazu, die ganz eigene Atmosphäre der Stadt aufnehmen zu können. Vermutlich wird das Gros der Touristen dort nicht nach Eidechsen suchen und diese bei eventuellen Begegnungen kaum beachten. Im April 2024 bemerkte ich mitten in der Altstadt von Venedig eine Mauereidechse Podarcis muralis (LAURENTI, 1768). Das erstaunte mich sehr, da ich bei meinen vorherigen Besuchen nie eine Eidechse bemerkte.

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The assessment of stress-related hormone levels using non-invasive methods has gained popularity in mammal and bird welfare, yet its application in reptiles remains limited. Particularly, the exploration of physiological measures such as faecal corticosterone metabolites (FCMs) for reptilian welfare has scarcely been explored. This study aims to validate two enzyme immunoassays (5α-pregnane-3ß,11ß,21-triol-20-one and 11-oxoaetiocholanolone EIA) for monitoring FCM levels in the European common wall lizard (Podarcis muralis). We collected daily faecal samples before (baseline) and after (post-treatment phase) inducing elevated corticosterone levels using transdermal administration of corticosterone (pharmacological treatment) and handling/confinement (biological treatment). We also conducted daily behavioural observations to explore the relationship between stress-related corticosterone changes and behaviour. Although treatments induced significant increases in FCM levels, the effect was much larger in the pharmacological one. Transdermal corticosterone induced a cumulative increase in FCMs over the treatment period, with a higher response observed in females. In contrast, the biological treatment yielded smaller FCM peaks, with no significant sex differences. Overall, 5α-pregnane-3ß,11ß,21-triol-20-one EIA appeared to be more sensitive in detecting these effects. Regarding lizard behaviour, both treatments led to increased hiding and decreased basking compared to baseline. The effects were more pronounced in animals subjected to handling/confinement, despite smaller FCM increases. Our results confirm the suitability of an EIA for monitoring FCMs in both male and female common wall lizards and provide insights into the complexities of using integrated approaches to assess stress, highlighting the need for further research on direct measures to evaluate reptile welfare.

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Namibia ist ein trockenes bis arides Land und eines der am dünnsten besiedelten Länder der Welt. Es wird von vielen faszinierenden Reptilienarten bewohnt. Lacertide sind relativ häufig anzutreffen, aber andere Arten wie Schlangen kann man erst nach stundenlanger intensiver Suche entdecken. Derzeit sind 28 Lacertiden-Arten aus Namibia bekannt.
Der Autor hat bei zwei Reisen durch Namibia auch Lacertiden-Arten beobachtet. Die wichtigere Reise fand im Januar 2025 statt, als er zwölf Tage in der südlichen Hälfte Namibias auf der Suche nach Schlangen und anderen Reptilien verbrachte. Außerdem wurden während einer neuntägigen Reise in Zentral-Namibia im Dezember 2018 einige Beobachtungen gemacht. Insgesamt wurden auf beiden Reisen folgende sechs Eidechsen-Arten gefunden: Meroles anchietae, Meroles cuneirostris, Meroles suborbitalis, Pedioplanis branchi, Pedioplanis inornata und Pedioplanis namaquensis.
Bei P. inornata wurde eine Variation der Rückenzeichnung beobachtet: Im Südwesten Namibias waren die Eidechsen gestreift, während sie im südlichsten Namibia ungestreift waren. Innerhalb von P. inornata wurden bereits zwei divergente Linien identifiziert. Es ist eine offene Frage, ob die morphologische Variation mit der genetischen Variation übereinstimmt.

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Mit Hilfe ,,Künstlicher Intelligenz` (KI) wird der Versuch unternommen, die subfossile Rieseneidechse der Kanareninsel Teneriffa, Gallotia goliath, zu visualisieren und im Vergleich mit der verbreiteten rezenten Eidechse der Insel, Gallotia galloti, darzustellen.

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Der Wiener Ichthyologe und Herpetologe FRANZ STEINDACHNER (1834-1919) fügte seinen Arbeiten häufig Tafeln mit Lithographien bei, die die von ihm dort behandelten Arten darstellen. Fünf dieser Tafeln zeigen die Lacertiden Podarcis hispanicus, Eremias argus, Nucras holubi, Dinarolacerta mosorerrsis und Philochortus hardeggeri (aktuell gültige Namen). Diese werden hier, versehen mit kurzen Anmerkungen, vorgestellt.

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Aim Recent literature is unveiling more complex responses of biodiversity to Pleistocenic climatic oscillations than those derived from initial models based solely on southern glacial macrorefugia. Here, we zoom in to delve into the genetic diversity and population structure of Podarcis lusitanicus, a lizard species native to the north-western Iberian Peninsula. Location North-western Iberian Peninsula. Taxon Podarcis lusitanicus. Methods Utilising a comprehensive multilocus approach, we explored the species` phylogeography and demographic history at a very fine spatial scale and timeframe. Concurrently, we evaluated bothcurrent and historical habitat suitability for the species, linking it to the observed demographic trends. We examined DNA sequences from two mitochondrial (cytb and ND4) and three nuclear genes (ACM4, MC1R and PDC) in 230 specimens collected from 21 populations spanning most of the species` distribution range. Results Our findings corroborate cytonuclear discordances in Podarcis, with nuclear genes failing to identify the mitochondrial clades in P. lusitanicus. Despite its separation from other Podarcis species approximately 4 million years ago, its diversification occurred much more recently, around 0.4 million years ago, resulting in three monophyletic lineages that are geographically coherent. This pattern suggests that some lineages of P. lusitanicus might have gone extinct after the split from the common ancestor. Pleistocene climatic oscillations profoundly influenced the demographic history of the species. During warmer periods, such as the Last Interglacial, populations expanded and came into secondary contact, whereas during the Last Glacial Maximum, populations contracted and became isolated in multiple micro-refugia. The subsequent Mid-Holocene warming facilitated population recovery, range expansion and lineage admixture. Main Conclusions This study underscores the intricate interplay between isolation and dispersal at a microscale, driven by Pleistocene climatic fluctuations, which have profoundly shaped the genetic structure and diversity of Iberian terrestrial biodiversity and may remain overlooked by biogeographic studies at coarser scales.

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Serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5HT) plays a crucial role in modulating physiological and behavioral traits in vertebrates, nonetheless little is known about its peripheral function in reptiles. Differences in central serotonin levels and behavior under serotonergic control have been observed in two sympatric lacertid lizard – Podarcis siculus and P. melisellensis. We compared baseline peripheral serotonin and tryptophan (Trp) levels, along with intestinal morphology, in these two species known to differ in behavior and invasiveness. Serum 5HT and Trp were measured using High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)-DAD, and intestinal enterochromaffin (EC) cell density and tissue morphology were assessed histologically (N=82). Podarcis melisellensis exhibited significantly higher serum 5HT concentrations, particularly in males, with no corresponding differences in Trp levels or EC cell density. Histological analysis showed preserved intestinal architecture and similar structures in all examined individuals. Histomorphometric analysis revealed sex- and species-specific variation in intestinal structure, independent of sampling location. These findings suggest that interspecies differences in peripheral serotonin homeostasis may arise from physiological mechanisms beyond EC cell abundance, possibly involving altered precursor availability, synthesis, or degradation. Our results highlight peripheral serotonin as a potential physiological marker underlying behavioral and ecological divergence between closely related lizard species.

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Amphibians and reptiles preserved in the scientific collections of the of Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales (MNCN), For the first time, we provide a complete catalogue of all the type specimens of amphibians and reptiles preserved in the MNCN. We provided information about 660 type specimens (313 amphibians and 347 reptiles). These belonging to 101 taxa (73 amphibians and 28 reptiles) which currently 81 are accepted as valid species, 17 are considered synonyms and 2 are considered nomen dubium. 64 taxa are represented by primary types (46 holotypes, 9 lectotypes, 2 neotypes and 7 taxa are represented by 64 syntypes). In addition 37 taxa are represented only by secondary types (paratypes). Among all these types, are preserved specimens belonging to 7 type species of its corresponding genus. Their geographical origin is varied: those who do not have a Spanish origin are primarily from the American continent; also have Asiatic and African origin to a lesser extent. The oldest specimens were collected by Jiménez de la Espada during trip carried to American countries by the Scientific Commission of the Pacific (CCP), between 1862 and 1865. The most recent was added on the year 2014 and correspond to several species of the genus Proctoporus (reptiles) and Centrolene charapita and Cochranella guayasamini (amphibians). We confirmed that 12 type specimens, representatives of their corresponding species, formerly housed, in the collections of the MNCN, currently are missing.

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Understanding how animals succeed in novel environments is critical to predicting the outcomes of species introductions under global change. Variation in exploratory behaviour—the willingness to investigate unfamiliar environments—has potential to influence species’ invasion success. The Italian wall lizard, Podarcis siculus, is native to southern Europe and has been introduced across Europe and North America. To compare the exploratory behaviour and bite force of individuals from three non-native populations in the United States, we conducted a laboratory experiment involving wild-caught lizards from New York City, Philadelphia, and Boston. We tested a series of hypotheses concerning the predictions that: (1) exploratory behaviour would be greatest in the most recently established population and (2) bite force—associated with competitive ability—would be greatest in the densest populations. Across populations, exploratory behaviour increased significantly with body size. Contrary to our first prediction, exploratory behaviour was not significantly greater in more recently established populations. Consistent with our second prediction, however, lizards from the low-density Philadelphia population exhibited weaker bites. Results suggest that contemporary behavioural variation reflects differences in local ecological conditions, such as resource abundance, population density, and size structure rather than establishment history. Our findings highlight the need for further research into behavioural and performance drivers of lizard invasion success.

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Invasive species are a major threat to biodiversity especially because of their influence on native species. Their behaviours, including those in nonsocial contexts, significantly influence species fitness, drive invasion processes and can result in the competitive exclusion of less dominant species. Understanding these behavioural patterns is vital for the protection of native species and the control of invasive species spread. There is still a controversy regarding the success of invasive species, whether it is attributed to inherent behavioural traits or to adaptations to new environments. This study focused on native populations of two sympatric lizard species in Croatia: a lizard known for its invasiveness, Podarcis siculus, and the eastern Adriatic endemic Podarcis melisellensis. We evaluated nonsocial behaviour associated with competition, including food consumption, exploratory behaviour and risk-taking behaviours, using two primary apparatuses: an open field and a radial maze. Podarcis siculus exhibited higher levels of exploratory behaviour, reduced risk-taking behaviours and greater food consumption than P. melisellensis. These behavioural traits are consistent with behaviour observed in invasive populations of P. siculus, suggesting that they may be intrinsic to the species. Our results indicate that a successful invader is more likely to explore and at the same time be more cautious. Research on behavioural traits in native populations sheds light on preadaptive features of invasive species that could characterize a successful invader, highlighting the importance of researching invasive species in their native range.

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Several recent studies have explored various aspects of animal personality and their ecological consequences. However, the processes responsible for the maintenance of personality variability within a population are still largely unknown. We have recently demonstrated that social personality traits exist in the common lizard (Lacerta vivipara) and that the variation in sociability provides an explanation for variable dispersal responses within a given species. However, we need to know the fitness consequences of variation in sociability across environmental contexts in order to better understand the maintenance of such variation. In order to achieve this, we investigated the relationship between sociability and survival, body growth and fecundity, in one-year-old individuals in semi-natural populations with varying density. ‘Asocial’ and ‘social’ lizards displayed different fitness outcomes in populations of different densities. Asocial lizards survived better in low-density populations, while social females reproduced better. Spatiotemporal variation in environmental conditions might thus be the process underlying the maintenance of these personality traits within a population. Finally, we also discuss the position of sociability in a more general individual behavioural pattern including boldness, exploration and aggressiveness.

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An iconic, insular, endemic genus of lizards (Gallotia) is present on the Canary Islands (Spain), comprising gigantic to smaller-sized species. Despite numerous studies on various biological aspects of this genus, the osteological knowledge available is scarce. This makes it difficult to identify to species level the bone remains recovered from both living and extinct taxa, which is essential to understanding the evolution of this genus through time, its distribution and its migratory patterns. Herein, a detailed description, comparison and discussion of each mandibular bone of all the living giant species and the fossil taxon G. goliath is presented. First detailed descriptions of G. intermedia and G. bravoana are presented, and interspecific and ontogenetic characters to be considered for Gallotia and related taxa in future works are proposed. Disentangling the intra- and interspecific variability of the mandible, as well as its ontogenetic changes through time, is of special interest for a variety of reasons. These include: a) to evaluate paleobiodiversity; b) to evaluate intraspecific variation and ontogenetic changes; c) to establish mandibular characters for specific identification; d) as previous step in performing computational biomechanics studies based on 3D models to shed in-depth light on feeding ecology.

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Urbanization occurs at a global scale, imposing dramatic and abrupt environmental changes that lead to biodiversity loss. Yet, some animal species can handle these changes, and thrive in such artificial environments. One possible explanation is that urban individuals are equipped with better cognitive abilities, but most studies have focused on birds and mammals and yielded varied results. Reptiles have received much less attention, despite some lizard species being common city dwellers. The Italian wall lizard, Podarcis siculus, and the common wall lizard, Podarcis muralis, are two successful lizards in anthropogenic habitats that thrive in urban locations. To test for differences in a cognitive skill between urban and semi-natural environments, we investigated inhibitory control through a detour task in syntopic populations of the two species, across 249 lizards that were tested in partially artificial field settings. Sophisticated inhibitory control is considered essential for higher degrees of cognitive flexibility and other higher-level cognitive abilities. In this task, we confronted lizards with a transparent barrier, separating them from a desired shelter area that they could only reach by controlling their impulse to go straight and instead detour the barrier. We found no differences between lizards in urban and semi-natural environments, nor between species, but females overall performed better than males. Moreover, 48% of the lizards in our study did not perform a correct trial in any of the 5 trials, hinting at the difficulty of the task for these species. This study is among the first to address lizard cognition, through their inhibitory control, as a potential explanation for success in cities and highlights one should be careful with assuming that urban animals generally have enhanced cognitive performance, as it might be taxa, task, or condition dependent.

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Blood parasites play a crucial role in shaping host ecology and fitness in reptiles, yet their occurrence in many lacertid species remains poorly documented. We here report the first evidence of blood parasites in Zootoca carniolica, a recently recognized oviparous species, from Slovenia. Fifty adult lizards (25 males, 25 females) were sampled from a population at an elevation of 1300 m in Pokljuka, Slovenia, during the summer of 2021. Blood smears were analysed to determine parasite prevalence and intensity, and the relationships of parasite data with host body size, sex, and seasonality. Overall, 52% of individuals were infected. A distinct sex-specific pattern in parasite infection was found: in males, body size was positively correlated with parasite prevalence, likely reflecting increased exposure to potential parasite vectors through enhanced social interactions and movement in bigger males. In females, larger individuals exhibited higher parasite intensity, possibly due to trade-offs between reproductive investment and immune function, or cumulative parasite exposure with age. Additionally, females showed a significant seasonal decline in parasite intensity from July to August, which is potentially linked to reproductive cycles, environmental factors, or physiological condition. On the other hand, it might also reflect a body size effect since larger females were found in July. These findings highlight the complex interactions between host traits, seasonality, and parasite dynamics in a high-elevation lizard population, contributing to our understanding of host-parasite interactions in European lacertids.

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Amphibians and reptiles are important ecological indicators of ecosystem status and play significant ecological roles. However, their populations are declining globally due to factors such as climate and land-use change. To effectively manage these species, it is crucial to study their distribution in protected areas. In this study, we provide new information on the distribution and ecology of amphibians and reptiles in the “Cilento, Vallo di Diano e Alburni” (CVDA) National Park in southern Italy. We used a comprehensive dataset consisting of 2465 records obtained from fieldwork, citizen science, and literature to evaluate species’ rarity, habitat preferences and community assemblage. We investigated whether differences in species richness across different habitat types and elevations resulted from species selection of different environmental conditions. We quantified species probability of observation in different habitat types and estimated the significance of species-habitat associations. Species rarity was assessed by considering geographic range, population abundance, and habitat breadth. Collected data substantially improved knowledge of the distribution of numerous species compared to published data. Our findings are generally consistent with the species’ ecological information available in Italy, but we also found some species’ peculiar ecological aspects that are littleknown. The CVDA National Park emerges as an effective protected area that ensures good conservation status of the herpetofauna, also in the case of species showing population and range declines at the national scale.

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Here, we update the current list of amphibian and reptile fauna present in the Balearic Islands, probably the most outstanding case in the Mediterranean and of the most in the world where massive species introduction is in conflict with the survivorship of highly restricted endemic taxa. Resulting of a long term evolution in insularity, endemic herpetofauna was already decimated during the Pleistocene but, after the human colonisation of the archipelago, the introduction of alien species, passive or deliberate, has been provoking new extinctions and range retractions in the native herpetofauna. Such process is not interrupted but has even intensified during the last years. The current species list is composed by five amphibians (one native) and 21 reptiles (2 native). A critical review of the evidence on extinctions and introductions is provided together with the conservation implications. Compared to the last review (Mayol, 1985) six new reptile species are now naturalised or are in process of naturalization, colubrid snakes constituting the most conflicting element due to their predator role.

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Aim: To identify and evaluate the environmental properties of the Mediterranean islands that make them a suitable habitat for their endemic lizards. This would repre sent an important improvement in our knowledge and would assist the conservation of these lizards, which are threatened by both the expansion of mainland species and the increasing intensity of human disturbance on these islands. Location: Mediterranean Basin. Methods: I assessed the environmental associations of 50 species of lizard (19 en demic) across 552 Mediterranean islands using outlying mean index analysis. The strength of the species responses was assessed using binomial generalized linear models. Results: The presence of endemic species is positively correlated with the distance of the island from the mainland. Island connectivity is also positively correlated with an increased presence of endemic lizards, but not with an increased presence of main land species (i.e. those with exclusive or mainly continental natural distribution). In addition, island size, temperature and vegetation productivity are positively corre lated with the presence of mainland species. Outlying mean index (OMI) analysis showed that the endemic species occupy niche positions that are similar to the aver age environmental conditions in the archipelago, but frequently without using the entire range of niches. The mainland species usually occur in more peripheral posi tions in the environmental space, except for some highly expansive species. Conclusions: Lizards that are endemic to the Mediterranean islands were found to be present on a large number of islands within an archipelago, but they quickly disap pear as the conditions change, largely because of human activity. Large islands act as population reservoirs for mainland species, facilitating secondary colonization of peripheral islets.

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Urbanization is widely recognized as a major driver of biodiversity loss, yet its effects on the trophic structure of reptile communities remain poorly understood. This study re-analysed reptile presence–absence data from urban green-space fragments in Rome, Italy, to examine how urban habitat simplification affects the snake component and the trophic and functional structure of reptile assemblages. Fifteen reptile species were classified into functional and trophic groups, and several assemblage metrics were evaluated, including snake richness, lizard and gecko richness, trophic complexity, com- munity trophic index, and dominance of urban-tolerant species. These metrics were related to fragment size, woodland cover, wetland presence, connectivity, and distance from the city centre. Results revealed a sharp, data-supported transition in snake occurrence across the woodland-cover gradient. Small fragments with limited woodland cover were dominated by urban-tolerant lizards and geckos, while snakes were largely absent. In contrast, larger and more structurally complex frag- ments retained diverse snake assemblages, particularly where wetlands were present. Woodland cover and wetlands were the strongest predictors of snake richness, whereas snake occurrence was best explained by total fragment size and wetland presence. Additional sensitivity analyses showed that the main pattern was robust to the exclusion of empty fragments and to alternative trophic-scoring schemes, although the strength of the trophic-complexity signal was reduced under the most conservative classification. Overall, our results suggest that urbanization-related habitat simplification is associated with taxon-linked trophic and functional simplification: small fragments retain some urban-tolerant lizards and geckos, but largely lose the snake component of the assemblage. These findings indicate that reptile assemblages can provide useful information on functional erosion in urban landscapes, while also emphasizing that trophic position, taxonomic affiliation and habitat-use traits may be difficult to disentangle in small vertebrate assemblages.

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Rats have followed mankind into a wide diversity of habitats around the world. This includes many smaller islands, where they present a possible threat to local fauna that have often evolved in the absence of mammalian predators and therefore may not recognise them as dangerous. Many lizards can detect chemicals left behind by predators (mostly snakes) and will change their behaviour in response to them. However, whether lizards recognise mammal scents in general, and of rats in particular, remains unclear. Here we compared the responses towards rat chemical cues between Italian wall lizards (Podarcis siculus) originating from mainland and island habitats. In a first experiment, tongue flick rates (indicative of chemosensorial excitement) and behaviour of lizards were observed in two control situations (blank and pungent) and in the presence of rat scent. Lingual sampling increased dramatically in response to rat cues in both mainland and island lizards, but the animals` overall behaviour hardly changed. We found no evidence that the rat cues elicited stress or anti-predator behaviour. In a second experiment, we offered the lizards the choice between two basking sites, one of which we labelled with rat scent. We found no evidence that lizards systematically avoided the rat-scented perch. We conclude that both mainland and island Italian wall lizards can detect chemicals produced by rats, but these do not elicit noticeable changes in their behaviour (other than increased tongue flick rates). However, in both the control and experimental treatments, island and mainland lizards differed in tongue flick rates and in several aspects of their behaviour.

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ntroduced rats are major drivers of biodiversity loss on islands, yet density-based assessments of their interactions with native reptiles remain scarce. On Mediterranean islands, long-term rat-lizard coexistence is facilitated by behavioral and morphological compensation mechanisms in lizards, but there are no studies on integrative assessments of population density and spatial and temporal niche partitioning. In this study, we quantified population density, spatial distribution, and diel activity patterns of ship rats (Rattus rattus) and Italian wall lizards (Podarcis siculus) on a small uninhabited Adriatic islet. Rat density was estimated using spatially explicit capture–recapture (SECR), while lizard density was assessed using line-transect distance sampling. Camera trapping was used to examine the spatial and temporal niche use of all recorded terrestrial vertebrates. Rat density reached 32.1 individuals ha−1, and lizard density was estimated at 2345 individuals ha−1, both falling within the range reported for insular populations. Only three terrestrial vertebrates were detected on the islet: R. rattus, P. siculus, and European rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus), highlighting the structural simplicity of this island system. Rats and lizards showed broad spatial overlap across all habitat types, but pronounced temporal segregation, with rats being predominantly nocturnal and lizards strictly diurnal. Despite the presence of invasive rats, lizard density remained relatively high and within ranges reported for other insular systems, suggesting that temporal niche partitioning may facilitate coexistence under long-term sympatry. However, studies across seasons and years are needed to determine whether this pattern is consistent. These results provide quantitative evidence of rat–lizard coexistence in a simplified Mediterranean island system and contribute to the global understanding of invasive species impacts under long-term sympatry.

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The Mediterranean ant species Camponotus lateralis is often associated with the unpalatable Crematogaster scutellaris complex, and workers of both taxa commonly share trails. The recent discovery of three color morphs in Ca. lateralis, each resembling sympatric Crematogaster model species, provides context for the hypothesis of Batesian mimicry. Here, a feeding experiment was conducted using 25 Italian wall lizards (Podarcis siculus) as real predators. Our experiment tested four predictions regarding the predation risk for inaccurate mimics, accurate mimics, and models. Each lizard individual was confronted either with Cr. scutellaris or Cr. schmidti models, which both have a reddish head and a blackish gaster but differ by the former having a blackish and the latter a reddish mesosoma. Minor ant workers of Ca. lateralis, mimicking each one of these models, were used as inaccurate and accurate mimics. Also, the jet-black Ca. piceus was used as an inaccurate mimic. Lizards ingested 1.8 times more Camponotus than Crematogaster ants. Without model experience, lizards ingested 1.9 times more inaccurate and accurate mimics than after gaining such experience. Predation on model ants increased 1.4-fold when models were spatially closer to the mimics, a result consistent with the expectation that positive experience with mimics weakens avoidance of models through stimulus generalization. Although lizards ingested similar numbers of inaccurate and accurate mimics, 2 months after model experience, they chose the inaccurate mimic first in 83% of cases. We conclude that resemblance and spatial proximity to the model decrease predation risk for the mimic and increase predation risk for the model. We suggest that predation drives the evolution of aposematism in Crematogaster and Batesian color mimicry in Ca. lateralis. Conversely, myrmecophagy could have contributed to the evolution of cognitive abilities in lizards.

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Vanaf de eerste jaargang werden in het tijdschrift RAVON jaarlijks verspreidingskaartjes meegestuurd met de uurhokwaarnemingen van het jaar ervoor. Op de kaartjes van sommige soorten stonden ook toen al dubieuze stippen, buiten het gekende verspreidingsgebied. Waren dit uitgezette populaties? Misschien zelfs van uitheemse soorten? Dankzij DNA-data hebben we inmiddels veel duidelijkheid gekregen over het voorkomen van exotische herpetofauna.

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Environmental enrichment has become an essential tool for maintaining captive animals and improving their welfare. The information necessary to implement enrichment practices is largely restricted to a few species, mainly mammals, while studies on reptiles lag behind. However, current research shows that reptiles, like other species, can benefit from well-designed enrichment. In this study, we evaluated the effects of three types of enrichment on welfare-related indicators in the European common wall lizard, Podarcis muralis, including behavioural measures and faecal corticosterone metabolites (FCMs). We used chemosensory (conspecific scents), thermal/structural (basking platforms) and nutritional (feeding device) enrichment designed to provide ethologically relevant challenges. All enrichment interventions yielded a significant decrease in abnormal behaviour (interacting with transparent boundaries) and a significant increase in exploration compared to baseline, indicating improved welfare. FCM levels increased with time spent in captivity, but less markedly when lizards were exposed to enrichment than when it was absent. Taken together, our results suggest positive effects of all three enrichment types and highlight the importance of using an ethologically informed approach to enrichment design. We discuss how, when grounded in species-specific knowledge, similar strategies can contribute to improving welfare in a broader range of captive reptiles.

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Whether the complex colour polymorphisms of lizards are governed by rigid genetic control or by the type of phenotypic plasticity recently discovered in side-blotched lizard (Uta stansburiana) remains a critical question for understanding the maintenance of these systems. In this study, we utilized a four-year capture-recapture dataset to investigate if adult common wall lizards (Podarcis muralis) exhibit similar plastic transitions or follow a fixed developmental program. Using standardized digital photography and Residual Randomization Permutation Procedures (RRPP), we quantified Hue and Saturation variation across 167 adult individuals (216 transition events). Our results reveal an exceptional degree of categorical stability, with 97.7% of individuals retaining their discrete colour morph among captures; the rare transitions observed were exclusively unidirectional, involving initially white individuals acquiring pigmentation. While individual identity accounted for over 45% of the spectral variance, low repeatability coefficients (ICCs < 0.13) indicate high intra-morph chromatic uniformity. Phenotypic trajectory analysis demonstrated that as individuals grow, morphs significantly diverge in both colour intensity and direction. Notably, the yellow morph follows a unique, morph-specific maturation path, suggesting a canalized developmental program that enhances signal clarity with age. Unlike the reversible hormonal plasticity documented in U. stansburiana, the P. muralis system appears driven by a fixed ontogenetic commitment. These findings suggest that this polymorphism is maintained by a robust genetic architecture where adult maturation might serve to minimize cross-talk among socio-sexual signals, highlighting the analysis of adult ontogenetic trajectories as a vital practical tool for deciphering the evolution of complex biological polymorphisms.

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Populations of amphibians and reptiles have undergone substantial declines in recent decades worldwide. The Iberian Peninsula, a European diversity hotspot for this group, is suffering severe droughts, rising temperatures, and abandonment of traditional agricultural practices. Despite the importance and sensitivity of Iberian herpetofauna, a data-driven, national, long-term, and multi-species analysis of the distribution and demographic situation of amphibians and reptiles has been lacking. We used dynamic occupancy models to study how the distributions of 25 amphibian and 37 reptile species have changed over the last three decades in Spain. We analysed a detection dataset compiled from multiple sources including citizen science, monitoring programmes and opportunistic observations. Our results showed widespread declines in amphibian and reptile occupancy, which could also suggest generalised population declines. Moreover, we observed a mismatch between the IUCN Red List categories and the estimated occupancy trend, with some species appearing stable at the IUCN global level but presenting substantial range contractions at the regional level. The causes for these declines are unclear. According to our models, amphibian persistence was negatively correlated with rainfall and colonization negatively correlated with altitude. Reptile persistence was negatively correlated with temperature. Our analysis highlights the value of national-scale assessments to identify occupancy trends at fine resolution and investigate regional threats driving these changes. We encourage further research and early conservation action before regional trends and threats become global issues. We further highlight the need for long-term, standardized monitoring programmes to contribute high-quality data to regional and global assessments.

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Human-induced rapid environmental change is intensifying globally. Urbanization, a major form of human-induced rapid environmental change, alters ecosystems and exposes wildlife to environmental changes, including pollution, altered ambient temperatures, changes in habitat structure, and resource shifts. These alterations can benefit particular species while imposing challenges to others, influencing their behavior, physiology, and morphology. Changes in resource availability and ambient temperature are particularly relevant for ectotherms, which are less independent of environmental conditions than endotherms for thermoregulatory behavior and physical activity. To date, physiological and morphological responses have been less well studied than behavioral responses to urban environments in ectotherms. In this study, we measured standard metabolic rate (

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Las especies invasoras representan una de las principales amenazas para la biodiversidad global. Estos taxones suponen grandes impactos negativos ecológicos y económicos, y constituyen uno de los mayores problemas para la conservación de la naturaleza. La lagartija italiana (Podarcis siculus) se ha introducido exitosamente en varios enclaves españoles, entre los que destaca el parque de Madrid Río, un parque y corredor verde en el centro de la capital. En este estudio se acotó el área de distribución de la especie italiana dentro del espacio verde urbano y se evaluó su impacto sobre la especie autóctona Podarcis virescens mediante un inventario de especies y muestreos repetidos de 12 parches localizados por el parque. Los resultados sugieren que, respecto a 2018, la especie ha colonizado nuevos parches de hábitats en las cercanías del primer núcleo, aunque en abundancias bajas. Se ha demostrado que existe una segregación espacial por exclusión competitiva dentro del área ocupada, en la que la especie exótica, P. siculus domina sobre la especie autóctona, P. virescens, en zonas con cobertura vegetal mientras que la especie autóctona se mantiene mucho más abundante en microhábitats rocosos, y sin mostrar signos de desplazamiento. El estudio aporta datos relevantes sobre la demografía de la población, y pone de manifiesto la necesidad de implementar medidas de conservación efectivas.

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Island ecosystems offer unique windows into microevolutionary processes, particularly when recurrent climatic oscillations and anthropogenic pressures shape the genetic architecture of endemic taxa. This thesis investigates the population genetics, historical demography, and innate immune gene diversity of the Balearic lizard Podarcis lilfordi—an endangered lacertid lizard restricted to 43 islets across the Mallorca, Menorca, and Cabrera archipelagos—with the overarching goal of informing conservation strategies for highly fragmented insular populations. Chapter 1 explores the phylogeographic structure and genome-wide patterns of genetic diversity within the species. Using a newly assembled reference genome and >300,000 SNPs from 191 individuals across 16 islets, the analyses reveal two deeply divergent lineages corresponding to the Mallorca–Cabrera and Menorca archipelagos (mean global FST = 0.247 ± 0.09). Despite severe fragmentation, islet populations retain moderate levels of nucleotide diversity (π = 0.144 ± 0.021) and low inbreeding coefficients (FIS< 0.10), suggesting that historical connectivity, past population sizes, and possibly selection may have contributed to the retention of genetic diversity, although the precise mechanisms remain uncertain. Allelic richness increases significantly with islet surface area, indicating that larger islands may better sustain genetic diversity. Maximum-likelihood phylogenies based on concatenated SNPs support a Mallorcan origin for P. lilfordi, followed by colonization events toward Menorca and Cabrera during Pleistocene glacial lowstands, likely facilitated by temporary land connections or reduced sea barriers during periods of lowered sea levels. Chapter 2 aims at reconstructing major historical demographic events within P. lilfordi looking at three hierarchical levels: (i) within the species, (ii) within archipelagos, and (iii) within individual populations/islands, focusing on three islands under current demographic study. For this purpose, site frequency spectra models (assuming a four-year generation time and a mutation rate of 1×10⁻⁸) reveal strong population contractions during the Riss (~300–130 ka), Würm (~115–11.7 ka), and LGM (~33–19 ka), likely driven by habitat loss and climatic instability. Subsequent interglacial sea-level rises intensified fragmentation, although rare rafting events or short-lived land bridges likely permitted limited gene flow. A sharp decline in Ne around 4.3–4.5 ka coincides with early human settlement, followed by habitat transformation and predator introduction which caused the extirpation of P. lilfordi from Mallorca and Menorca by ~2 ka and severe bottlenecks on remnant islets. Chapter 3 explores the genetic potential of P. lilfordi to respond to infection threats by investigating its innate immune gene repertoire. Specifically, the chapter presents the first genome-wide characterization of AMPs in this species and compares them with close relatives in the Lacertidae family. Three AMP families were identified— beta-defensins, ovo-defensins (including three proline-rich variants), and cathelicidins—totaling 77 genes. Most beta- and ovo-defensins are located on chromosome 3, and cathelicidins on chromosome 12, flanked by conserved genomic markers. Comparative analyses revealed 58 orthologs or paralogs shared with P. muralis, P. raffonei, and Zootoca vivipara, including cathelicidins and ovo-defensins-PrAMPs, most of which were one-to-one orthologs between species, as well as recent gene expansions in beta- and ovo-defensins. Phylogenetic reconstructions suggest potential convergent evolution of AMP sequences across distantly related squamates. Despite historical bottlenecks and absence of gene flow, P. lilfordi retains high AMP gene diversity, potentially contributing to population resilience in isolated environments. In summary, this thesis demonstrates that P. lilfordi has withstood both Pleistocene climatic shifts and recent human impacts while preserving significant genetic and functional variation. The identification of distinct genetic lineages and high immunogenomic diversity highlights the importance of managing each islet population as a distinct conservation unit. These findings offer a strong genomic framework for biodiversity conservation strategies targeting this key insular species, with broader implications for all isolated vertebrate populations in dynamic island ecosystems.

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Glyphosate, the active ingredient of world’s most widely used herbicide RoundupTM, has attracted attention due to its impact on non-target organisms. Recent studies highlight the effects of glyphosate and glyphosate-based herbicides on the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis of vertebrates. Nevertheless, previous studies utilised dosages higher than toxicological reference values (TRVs) suggested by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), or formulations of glyphosate, not allowing for clear distinctions of the effects of glyphosate itself. Moreover, its impact on the HPA axis was assessed using blood samples, a technique inappropriate for small animals and for assessing long-term chronic effects. Here we tackled those caveats by analyzing faecal corticosterone metabolites (FCMs) of the wall lizard Podarcis bocagei to detect glyphosate-induced effects on the HPA axis. This species provides a promising animal model as reptiles are prevalent in agricultural fields treated with herbicides, reptile-specific TRVs are still lacking, and only five studies have validated immunoassays for measuring FCMs in reptiles. Here we validated the 5α-pregnane-3ß,11ß,21-triol-20-one enzyme immunoassay. We detected a glyphosate-induced moderate increase in FCM levels during the exposure phase, while exposed animals of both sexes displayed an altered mass-depended FCM profile. Our results indicate that glyphosate likely impacts the energy mobilization and management of lizards, at the expense of maintenance, growth and reproduction. Our outcomes support the need for reptile-specific TRVs and the consideration of reptiles in EFSA`s risk assessment for glyphosate. In methodological terms, FCM analysis can serve as an effective non-invasive tool to estimate the chronic impacts of glyphosate in animal species.

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Se describe el hallazgo de varios individuos de Algyroides nigropunctatus en La Canea (oeste de la isla de Creta). A pesar de que esta especie ha sido descrita como aloctona anteriormente en otros enclaves, este es el primer registro fuera de Europa continental, muy alejado de su rango de distribucion natural.

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Effective thermoregulation is important for most ectotherms, as body temperature determines the rate of nearly all physiological processes. However, for most organisms, we lack an understanding of which environmental factors affect thermoregulatory behaviors, especially outside of a laboratory setting and over an entire day. Introduced populations of the common wall lizard (Podarcis muralis) in Cincinnati, Ohio, are thriving after an introduction almost 75 years ago. To noninvasively quantify daily thermoregulatory behaviors and thermoregulatory effectiveness, we used infrared thermography (a thermal imaging camera) to conduct repeated standardized sampling every 30 min across the lizard’s normal activity period (0800–2000 hours) at multiple urban locations. We also measured air temperature, ultraviolet (UV) radiation, and wind speed, while 3D-printed operative temperature models quantified available temperatures throughout the activity period. Lizard activity varied throughout the day and peaked in the early afternoon. Furthermore, activity patterns were associated with the interaction of temperature and UV radiation intensity, such that predicted activity is greatest at high temperatures when UV is low and at low temperatures when UV is high. Activity was limited by cool environmental temperatures, even on hot days in midsummer. When lizards were active, they thermoregulated precisely and achieved body temperatures closely matching preferred temperatures selected in a laboratory gradient in a previous study. Furthermore, field body temperatures did not vary because of sex, reproductive status, or size. Data on daily activity and thermoregulatory decision-making, especially in an urban habitat, provide valuable insight into how an ectothermic organism integrates multivariate sensory inputs from the environment to make behavioral decisions. The role of environmental conditions in behavioral decision-making is especially relevant in predicting geographical range expansions, particularly in the context of changing urban environments and introduced species. Online enhancements: supplemental material.

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The adrenergic system is known for its ability to influence various physiological and metabolic processes; however, its involvement in thyroid function in non-mammalian vertebrates remains poorly explored. Adult male lizards were treated with β-adrenergic agonists (isoproterenol, terbutaline, and L-isopropylamino-3-(2-thiazoloxy)-2-propanol) and the α-adrenergic antagonist (phentolamine). The effects of β-adrenergic agonists and the α-adrenergic antagonist administered as single and repeated injections were evaluated on plasma TSH, thyroid hormones, hepatic 5′-T4 ORD (type II monodeiodinase) activity, hepatic thyroid hormone contents, blood glucose levels, and thyroid gland histology. β-adrenergic stimulation produced a dose-dependent decrease in plasma TSH, accompanied by significant increases in circulating T3 and T4 levels. These changes were associated with enhanced hepatic monodeiodinase activity, increased hepatic T3 content, reduced hepatic T4 levels, and histological features indicative of thyroid activation. Repeated administrations amplified these effects. In contrast, phentolamine treatment increased plasma TSH levels but reduced circulating and hepatic T3, increased hepatic T4, and tended to decrease deiodinase activity, indicating impaired peripheral thyroid hormone activation. Histological analysis showed reduced follicular synthetic activity, although colloid resorption vacuoles were still present. IPT treatment produced no significant effects. All treatments induced hyperglycaemia, with stronger responses after repeated administrations, suggesting coordinated regulation of thyroid function and energy metabolism by adrenergic pathways. The results demonstrate that β-adrenergic signaling promotes thyroid activation and peripheral hormone conversion, whereas α-adrenergic blockade disrupts thyroid hormone homeostasis. These findings highlight a key role of adrenergic mechanisms in the neuroendocrine and metabolic regulation of reptiles, supporting their importance in physiological adaptation to environmental variability.

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Podarcis muralis is among the most successful European lizards in colonizing human-made habitats, a trait that has facilitated its biological invasion both within and beyond its native range. Naturally associated with rocky habitats, it has adapted to human settlements, occupying mineral-based constructions with nearby vegetation. In Romania, the species naturally occurs at higher elevations in the southern and central Carpathians and their neighboring areas. However, isolated populations were recorded outside this natural range, on railways, along road edges, or on river embankments. In 2023 and 2024, we identified large populations on a flat plain in western Romania near the border with Hungary. In total, P. muralis was recorded in 5 localities in Romania and 3 localities in Hungary. Numerous individuals were observed. With one exception, juveniles were present in each locality, proving that the populations are reproducing. The new populations are forming a continuous distribution spanning eight settlements between Biharkeresztes (Hungary) and Oradea (Romania). Thus, at least in Romania, the populations seem isolated from those in the species` natural range, possibly connected to those in Hungary, which, in turn, are a new presence and were probably introduced. The absence of a connection between the distribution ranges in Romania rules out a natural advance towards the plains in response to climate warming. Thus, the possibility of both an eastward advance from Hungary and a human-mediated introduction (probably multiple independent events, given the many localities) remains plausible. The newly established populations display distinct ecological behavior compared to nearby mountain populations, suggesting possible differences in origin or genetic composition. Additional research should assess the potential threats posed by this invader to native P. muralis from higher elevations and to other native lowland lizards, notably Lacerta agilis, which appears to be replaced in some habitat types, like cemeteries.

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This article presents data on the emergence of allochthonous populations of the lizard Podarcis muralis in the Republic of Moldova, occurring outside its native range. Such populations were described in 2012 near the port of Reni and on the rocky shore of Lake Cahul (Ukraine). In spring 2025 a local population of the common wall lizard on the territory of a building materials company in the Floresti district of Moldova was recorded. The population consisted of approximately 37 individuals, including juveniles. The conducted research suggests that Podarcis muralis can be considered a potential addition to the herpetofaunal complex of the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine.

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Competition for resources in closely related species in coexistence is associated with divergence in behavioral traits, the mechanisms of which are still unclear. Italian (Podarcis siculus) and Dalmatian (Podarcis melisellensis) wall lizards have similar ecological traits and coexist in the Eastern Adriatic; however, P. siculus has invasive potential and is often larger in body size. To understand their mechanisms of coexistence, we investigated exploratory behavior, activity levels, neophilia, neophobia, and morphometrics associated with locomotion in lizards of both sexes and species from three syntopic wild populations (n = 240). Overall, P. siculus was more exploratory, active, and neophilic. Movement was likely not linked to morphology, as only one variable (number of moving segments) was linked with the larger body size of P. siculus. Males of both species were more neophilic and bigger than females in all measured morphological parameters. The reported behavioral differences could explain how these two very similar species share environments in sympatry and provide insight into species-specific traits that could explain P. siculus invasion success.

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Urbanization from expanding human development has radically altered the structure, ecology and microclimate of landscapes worldwide. These dramatic environmental alterations subject organisms to novel ecological conditions and may select for distinct ecophysiological traits. Here, we investigate the effects of urbanization on cutaneous evaporative water loss (CEWL) in the Aegean Wall Lizard (Podarcis erhardii) and explore the potential environmental factors impacting physiology. In this Mediterranean setting, urban microhabitats were cooler and wetter, and urban lizards displayed higher CEWL than nonurban lizards. Increased urban lizard CEWL is a potential response to relaxed pressure for water conservation in areas with increased water availability from human activities, such as irrigation and ornamental water features. Our findings demonstrate that urbanization may shift microclimates and thus alter ectotherm ecophysiology. Quantifying these changes advances our understanding of how urbanization shapes organismal responses to novel environments and offers insights into adaptation and persistence in human-modified landscapes.

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Non-native predators profoundly restructure island biological communities worldwide, yet their management is hindered by limited empirical understanding of the dynamics of predator spread and prey extirpation. Here, we integrate two decades of field surveys, citizen- science records and standardized transects to reconstruct the invasion of the snake Hemorrhois hippocrepis on Ibiza and its impact on the endangered, endemic lizard Podarcis pityusensis. We found a marked acceleration in range expansion despite intensified culling, evidence for the transition from establishment to spread stages of this invasion. Spatially explicit invasion maps combined with citizen reports of lizard disappearance show a nonlinear acceleration in the interval from predator arrival to local prey extirpation, shortening from over 10 years in early-invaded areas to 3 years in recently invaded areas. The observed patterns are consistent with density-dependent predator pressure, which generates a wave-like, rapidly advancing invasion front evidenced by declining snake body condition and reduced efficiency of snake captures in long-invaded areas. Our study empirically confirms theoretical predictions of nonlinear spread and impact dynamics and highlights how citizen science can crucially help documenting early invasion stages. Effectively incorporating the nonlinear dynamics of invasions into conservation strategies is urgent to mitigate invasion- driven transformations of fragile island ecosystems worldwide.

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Background: Neural crest cells (NCCs) are migratory embryonic stem cells that give rise to a diverse set of cell types. Here we describe the dynamic distribution of NCCs in developing embryos of the common wall lizard Podarcis muralis inferred from 10 markers. Our aim is to provide insights into the NCC development of lacertid lizards and to infer evolutionary modifications by comparisons to other tetrapods. Results: NCC migration is ongoing at oviposition, following three streams in the head and multiple in the trunk. From 21ss, we observe expression patterns indicating the beginning of differentiation toward mesenchymal and neuronal fates. By 35ss, migration is restricted to caudal levels, and fully differentiated chromaffin cells are observed. Conclusions: We find that some markers show patterns that differ from other tetrapods. For example, the antibody HNK-1 labels three NCC streams from the hindbrain while some comparable reptile studies describe four. However, the information emerging from all markers combined shows that the overall spatiotemporal distribution of NCCs in the common wall lizard is largely conserved with that of other tetrapods. Our study highlights the dynamic nature of seemingly canonical marker genes and provides the first description of spatiotemporal NCC dynamics in a lacertid lizard.

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Parasites have evolved a diversity of life styles that exploit the biology of their hosts. Some nematodes that parasitize mammals pass via the placenta or milk from one host to another. Similar cases of vertical transmission have never been reported in avian and non-avian reptiles, suggesting that egg laying may constrain themeans of parasite transmission. However, here we report the first incidence of transovarial transmission of a previously undescribed nematode in an egg-laying amniote, the common wall lizard, Podarcis muralis . Nematodes enter the developing brain from the female ovary early in embryonic development. Infected lizard embryos develop normally and hatch with nematodes residing in their braincase. We present a morphological and molecular phylogenetic characterization of the nematode and suggest that particular features of lizard biology that are absent from birds and turtles facilitated the evolutionary origin of this novel life history.

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Camouflage can often be enhanced by genetic adaptation to different local environments. However, it is less clear how individual behaviour improves camouflage effectiveness. We investigated whether individual Aegean wall lizards (Podarcis erhardii) inhabiting different islands rest on backgrounds that improve camouflage against avian predators. In free-ranging lizards, we found that dorsal regions were better matched against chosen backgrounds than against other backgrounds on the same island. This suggests that P. erhardiimake background choices that heighten individual-specific concealment. In achromatic camouflage, this effect was more evident in females and was less distinct in an island population with lower predation risk. This suggests that behavioural enhancement of camouflage may be more important in females than in sexually competing males and related to predation risk. However, in an arena experiment, lizards did not choose the background that improved camouflage, most likely due to the artificial conditions. Overall, our results provide evidence that behavioural preferences for substrates can enhance individual camouflage of lizards in natural microhabitats and that such adaptations may be sexually dimorphic and dependent on local environments. This research emphasizes the importance of considering links between ecology, behaviour and appearance in studies of intraspecific colour variation and local adaptation.

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Three lacertid lizards inhabit Menorca and nearby islets: the endemic Podarcis lilfordi, restricted to small satellite islands, alongside the introduced Podarcis siculus and Scelarcis perspicillata. In this study, we investigated patterns of habitat use by these species within this insular system. Lizards were detected through visual surveys, and at each observation point, we measured meteorological, vegetation, and perch-use variables. We used the Outlying Mean Index to visualize multidimensional niche patterns and spatial probit regression to identify the environmental variables driving species separation. All three species were active under similar meteorological conditions and showed no segregation along topographic properties; however, their use of habitats and perch types showed both shared and species-specific patterns. Podarcis lilfordi and P. siculus used similar types of perches but diverged in habitat use, with P. siculus favoring more diverse, vegetated sites and P. lilfordi occurring in bush-dominated habitats. Scelarcis perspicillata occupied sparsely vegetated rocky habitats and vertical rocky perches. Broad distribution patterns indicated that S. perspicillata persists in patchy colonies, suggesting a restricted invasive potential, whereas P. siculus is highly adaptable and widespread. These findings suggest that the potential for P. siculus to compete with P. lilfordi over similar habitats exists if it reaches the islets, while such a scenario appears far less likely for S. perspicillata.