Herpetological Highlights
189 episodes - English - Latest episode: 25 days ago - ★★★★★ - 57 ratingsBringing you the recent scientific advancements in the field of Herpetology.
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Episodes
186 Sleeping Dragons
March 25, 2024 18:00 - 36 minutes - 50.6 MBHibernation is a pretty extreme biological process that shouldn’t be undertaken lightly. Bearded dragons are one of many beasts that have it perfected, and in this episode we look at how. Species of the Bi-week is back with a new strange skinned snake. Become a Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/herphighlights Merch: https://www.redbubble.com/people/herphighlights/shop Full reference list available here: http://www.herphighlights.podbean.com Main Paper References: Capraro A, O’Meally D, W...
185 The tortoises are back in town
March 12, 2024 21:00 - 23 minutes - 22.1 MBTortoises return to an island in the Galapagos and prove themselves to be solid ecosystem engineers. Become a Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/herphighlights Merch: https://www.redbubble.com/people/herphighlights/shop Full reference list available here: http://www.herphighlights.podbean.com Main Paper References: Tapia Aguilera W, Gibbs JP. 2023. Rewilding giant tortoises engineers plant communities at local to landscape scales. Conservation Letters 16:e12968. DOI: 10.1111/conl.12968. ...
184 Skin-eating Caecilians
March 08, 2024 10:00 - 22 minutes - 21.9 MBCaecilians, the strange underground amphibians, are known to let their babies eat their skin. But the full benefits of this practice are only now becoming clear. Become a Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/herphighlights Merch: https://www.redbubble.com/people/herphighlights/shop Full reference list available here: http://www.herphighlights.podbean.com Main Paper References: Kouete MT, Bletz MC, LaBumbard BC, Woodhams DC, Blackburn DC. 2023. Parental care contributes to vertical transmiss...
183 Lizards Disrupting Dinner
February 25, 2024 15:54 - 27 minutes - 26.1 MBA wildly ambitious study which fundamentally alters the ecology of islands? Count us in. Become a Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/herphighlights Merch: https://www.redbubble.com/people/herphighlights/shop Full reference list available here: http://www.herphighlights.podbean.com Main Paper References: Lapiedra O, Morales N, Yang LH, Fernández‐Bellon D, Michaelides SN, Giery ST, Piovia‐Scott J, Schoener TW, Kolbe JJ, Losos JB. 2023. Predator‐driven behavioural shifts in a common lizard s...
182 Sea Snake Squad
February 19, 2024 19:30 - 24 minutes - 23.4 MBMore evidence of social behaviour in snakes, this time from snakes that live underwater. Then we chat about a new species of alligator-looking lizard. Become a Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/herphighlights Merch: https://www.redbubble.com/people/herphighlights/shop Full reference list available here: http://www.herphighlights.podbean.com Main Paper References: Somaweera R, Udyawer V, Amarasinghe AAT, De Fresnes J, Catherall J, Molchanova G. 2023. Apparent coordinated and communal hunt...
181 Piebald Pythons
January 25, 2024 18:00 - 27 minutes - 25.9 MBRoyal pythons, ball pythons, regardless of their name the colour morphs can be stunning. But have folk found which gene is responsible? And can that gene create the same patterns in other reptiles? Become a Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/herphighlights Merch: https://www.redbubble.com/people/herphighlights/shop Full reference list available here: http://www.herphighlights.podbean.com Main Paper References: Garcia-Elfring A, Sabin CE, Iouchmanov AL, Roffey HL, Samudra SP, Alcala AJ, Os...
180 Urban Chameleon Warfare
January 24, 2024 18:00 - 24 minutes - 23.3 MBUrban environments can be dramatically different from natural ones. New challenges face any animal finding themselves in the big city. This episode we look at some tiny chameleons adapting to urban life, and now differ from their country relatives. Become a Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/herphighlights Merch: https://www.redbubble.com/people/herphighlights/shop Full reference list available here: http://www.herphighlights.podbean.com Main Paper References: Petford MA, Herrel A, Alexa...
179 Well-armed Newts
December 19, 2023 18:00 - 26 minutes - 25.4 MBAn arms race between newts and snakes means biological warfare. Become a Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/herphighlights Merch: https://www.redbubble.com/people/herphighlights/shop Full reference list available here: http://www.herphighlights.podbean.com Main Paper References: Gilbert AL, Cabrera S, Hague MTJ, Stokes AN, Feldman CR, Hanifin CT, Brodie ED, Brodie ED. 2023. Phenotypic outcomes of predator–prey coevolution are predicted by landscape variation in climate and community comp...
178 Meadow Vipers like Grazed Grass
December 13, 2023 10:50 - 26 minutes - 24.9 MBNew research sets out to work out what the meadow vipers like. Become a Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/herphighlights Merch: https://www.redbubble.com/people/herphighlights/shop Full reference list available here: http://www.herphighlights.podbean.com Main Paper References: Mizsei E, Budai M, Móré A, Rák G, Radovics D, Bancsik B, Wenner B, Márton S, Korsós Z, Lengyel S, Vadász C. 2023. Management impacts on three reptile species ( Vipera ursinii , Lacerta agilis , Lacerta viridis ) in...
177 Are Iguanas Unwelcome Guests?
December 05, 2023 18:00 - 27 minutes - 26.5 MBGopher tortoises build wonderful and important burrows, but what happens when an invasive species decides to move in. Become a Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/herphighlights Merch: https://www.redbubble.com/people/herphighlights/shop Full reference list available here: http://www.herphighlights.podbean.com Main Paper References: Durso A, Rivero J. 2023. Black spiny-tailed iguana (Ctenosaura similis) use of gopher tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus) burrows in Buckingham, Florida. Florida Fi...
176 Snakes and Pharaohs
December 04, 2023 22:00 - 23 minutes - 22.3 MBWe are relatively familiar with modern snake bite advice, but what snakes did the ancient Egyptians deal with? Become a Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/herphighlights Merch: https://www.redbubble.com/people/herphighlights/shop Full reference list available here: http://www.herphighlights.podbean.com Main Paper References: McBride E, Winder IC, Wüster W. 2023. What Bit the Ancient Egyptians? Niche Modelling to Identify the Snakes Described in the Brooklyn Medical Papyrus. Environmental ...
175 Herding Turtles
October 31, 2023 18:00 - 22 minutes - 21.6 MBAn exciting new study suggests turtles might be social creatures. Main Paper References: McKnight DT, Serano JC, Thompson DM, Ligon DB. 2023. They really do move in herds: evidence of group living in an aquatic turtle. Animal Behaviour:S0003347223002142. DOI: 10.1016/j.anbehav.2023.08.015. Other Mentioned Papers/Studies: Fernandes IY, Koch ED, Mônico AT. 2023. First record of a snake call in South America: the unusual sound of an ornate snail-eater Dipsas catesbyi. Acta Amazonica 53:243...
174 Rotting Salamanders
October 28, 2023 11:33 - 26 minutes - 24.8 MBFire salamanders are the focus of this episode. Like humans, they have been facing a pandemic recently, and new research delves into how populations have been coping. We top it off with a brand new snake species from Vietnam. Become a Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/herphighlights Merch: https://www.redbubble.com/people/herphighlights/shop Full reference list available here: http://www.herphighlights.podbean.com Main Paper References: Erens J, Preissler K, Speybroeck J, Beukema W, Spit...
173 Never Smile at a Crocodile
October 10, 2023 17:00 - 28 minutes - 27.3 MBCrocodiles leave their mouths open for long periods of time, and we don’t really know why. We also take a long tangent on the swiftlet nest business and what wee reptiles are cashing in themselves. Become a Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/herphighlights Merch: https://www.redbubble.com/people/herphighlights/shop Full reference list available here: http://www.herphighlights.podbean.com Main Paper References: Price C, Ezat MA, Hanzen C, Downs CT. 2022. Never smile at a crocodile: Gaping ...
172 Super Hybrid Salamanders
October 06, 2023 17:00 - 31 minutes - 29.4 MBTracking and understanding invasive species is difficult, but even more so when the invasive can interbreed with the endangered native species creating a more powerful hybrid. This episode we look at a hybridising salamander. We also have a very special Species of the Bi-week. Become a Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/herphighlights Merch: https://www.redbubble.com/people/herphighlights/shop Full reference list available here: http://www.herphighlights.podbean.com Main Paper References: ...
171 Weaponised Chameleons
September 26, 2023 17:00 - 28 minutes - 27.2 MBChameleons have evolved a diversity of weaponry. New research determines what these weapons are, and which chameleon groups are the most heavily-armed. Become a Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/herphighlights Merch: https://www.redbubble.com/people/herphighlights/shop Full reference list available here: http://www.herphighlights.podbean.com Main Paper References: Van Kleeck-Hann M, Wiens JJ. 2023. Macroevolution of sexually selected weapons: weapon evolution in chameleons. Evolution:qpa...
170 Meals for Mamushi
September 21, 2023 19:30 - 26 minutes - 24.8 MBThey call them mamushi, or the Japanese pitviper. New research determines whether these snakes operate in chilly weather, or if their prey are safe to relax. Become a Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/herphighlights Merch: https://www.redbubble.com/people/herphighlights/shop Full reference list available here: http://www.herphighlights.podbean.com Main Paper References: Kodama T, Mori A. 2023. How important is temperature for strike success of ectotherms? Thermal effects on predator–pre...
169 Gecko Screams in the Night
September 13, 2023 17:00 - 25 minutes - 24.6 MBVocal plasticity is the topic for this episode. Can tokay geckos modify their call? Do young turtle vocalisations help them coordinate their movements? Become a Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/herphighlights Merch: https://www.redbubble.com/people/herphighlights/shop Full reference list available here: http://www.herphighlights.podbean.com Main Paper References: Brumm H, Zollinger SA. 2017. Vocal plasticity in a reptile. Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences 284:20170...
168 Similar Snacks for Sympatric Snakes
September 12, 2023 10:15 - 29 minutes - 38.9 MBSnake diets are difficult to study, but are deeply interesting. This episode we look at a paper that has gathered together records (paper and digital) to examine whether rat snakes and cobras compete for food. We also have a tiny hopping Species of the Bi-week. Become a Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/herphighlights Merch: https://www.redbubble.com/people/herphighlights/shop Full reference list available here: http://www.herphighlights.podbean.com Main Paper References: Weiss M, Kalki ...
167 Resistant Caecilians
August 29, 2023 17:00 - 26 minutes - 25.6 MBCaecilians are well adapted to a life underground, but a serious threat lives under there with them. All over the world, they have evolved the same means to fight this subterranean threat. Become a Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/herphighlights Merch: https://www.redbubble.com/people/herphighlights/shop Full reference list available here: http://www.herphighlights.podbean.com Main Paper References: Mancuso M, Zaman S, Maddock ST, Kamei RG, Salazar-Valenzuela D, Wilkinson M, Roelants K,...
166 Emotional Support Rattlesnakes
August 22, 2023 21:15 - 25 minutes - 24.4 MBWe chat about some new research on the social behaviour of rattlesnakes. Plus a brand new snake species just described from Australia. Become a Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/herphighlights Merch: https://www.redbubble.com/people/herphighlights/shop Full reference list available here: http://www.herphighlights.podbean.com Main Paper References: Martin CE, Fox GA, Putman BJ, Hayes WK. 2023. Social security: can rattlesnakes reduce acute stress through social buffering? Frontiers in Eth...
165 Toad vs Toad
July 18, 2023 17:00 - 31 minutes - 30 MBTwo toad species are wreaking havoc as invaders, but which is worse - and why? Become a Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/herphighlights Merch: https://www.redbubble.com/people/herphighlights/shop Full reference list available here: http://www.herphighlights.podbean.com Main Paper References: Kelly, C. L., Schwarzkopf, L., Christy, T. M., & Kennedy, M. S. (2023). The toad less travelled: Comparing life histories, ecological niches, and potential habitat of Asian black-spined toads and ca...
164 Isolated Indigo Snakes
July 12, 2023 15:57 - 26 minutes - 25.1 MBHumans get in the way of snakes finding love over long distances, and then we talk about a cool new gecko that glides, or does it paraglide? Become a Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/herphighlights Merch: https://www.redbubble.com/people/herphighlights/shop Full reference list available here: http://www.herphighlights.podbean.com Main Paper References: Bauder, J. M., Peterman, W. E., Spear, S. F., Jenkins, C. L., Whiteley, A. R., & McGarigal, K. (2021). Multiscale assessment of function...
163 Geckos Understand the Smell of Trouble
July 04, 2023 17:00 - 24 minutes - 23.5 MBWhen surviving in the wilds, maximising all your senses is wise. When you can’t see a threat, maybe you’ll hear one… or smell one? We look at a wonderfully smart gecko looking to dodge snakes using the power of smell. Become a Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/herphighlights Merch: https://www.redbubble.com/people/herphighlights/shop Full reference list available here: http://www.herphighlights.podbean.com Main Paper References: Hammond, J. E., Witkowski, S., Wilson, T., Zouvi, C. A., Go...
162 My squeak is as bad as my strike
June 27, 2023 17:00 - 28 minutes - 27 MBAnimals make all sorts of noises for all sorts of reasons. Working out what they mean is difficult, especially if the animal is less than honest. This episode is all about the truthfulness of the screams of a little lacertid. Our Species of the Bi-week is a delicate frog. Become a Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/herphighlights Merch: https://www.redbubble.com/people/herphighlights/shop Full reference list available here: http://www.herphighlights.podbean.com Main Paper References: Baec...
161 Do colourful lizards make better battlers?
June 20, 2023 17:00 - 29 minutes - 28 MBColour morphs exist in many species, but are those colours linked to differences in behaviour or success? We look at a polymorphic lizard and whether combat success is linked to three different colour morphs, and maybe why. Become a Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/herphighlights Merch: https://www.redbubble.com/people/herphighlights/shop Full reference list available here: http://www.herphighlights.podbean.com Main Paper References: Brock KM, Chelini M-C, Ayton C, Madden IE, Ramos C, B...
160 Glowing Salamanders
June 13, 2023 17:00 - 24 minutes - 23.8 MBThis episode we explore the weird world of glowing salamanders and speculate about the possible reasons behind this adaptation. Species of the Bi-week returns with a small seepage specialist. Become a Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/herphighlights Merch: https://www.redbubble.com/people/herphighlights/shop Full reference list available here: http://www.herphighlights.podbean.com Main Paper References: Cox JL, Fitzpatrick BM. 2023. Biofluorescent sexual dimorphism revealed in a southern...
159 When Loggerheads come to blows
June 05, 2023 18:00 - 26 minutes - 25.1 MBEveryone thinks turtles are chill, but they aren't always. They can be competitive when they need to be. Become a Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/herphighlights Merch: https://www.redbubble.com/people/herphighlights/shop Full reference list available here: http://www.herphighlights.podbean.com Main Paper References: Schofield G, Papafitsoros K, Chapman C, Shah A, Westover L, Dickson LCD, Katselidis KA. 2022. More aggressive sea turtles win fights over foraging resources independent...
158 Colossal Crocs are Big River Chillers
June 05, 2023 17:50 - 34 minutes - 32.1 MBNew research on crocodiles sheds light on how these massive beasts interact with each other. Become a Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/herphighlights Merch: https://www.redbubble.com/people/herphighlights/shop Full reference list available here: http://www.herphighlights.podbean.com Main Paper References: Barham KE, Baker CJ, Franklin CE, Campbell HA, Frére CH, Irwin TR, Dwyer RG. 2023. Conditional alternative movement tactics in male crocodiles. Behavioral Ecology and Sociobiology 77:...
157 The Bushmasters of Brazil
May 09, 2023 17:00 - 36 minutes - 34.6 MBBushmasters are massive vipers that remain somewhat of a mystery. This episode we look at a paper investigating their spatial ecology and habitat preferences. Become a Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/herphighlights Merch: https://www.redbubble.com/people/herphighlights/shop Full reference list available here: http://www.herphighlights.podbean.com Main Paper References: Padrón DF, Mebert K, Pareja-Mejía D, Bauer A, Fernandes Vasconcelos LD, Correia D, Fernandez Giné GA, Solé M. 2022. Li...
156 Comfort Eating Lizards
May 04, 2023 19:00 - 31 minutes - 29.9 MBStress can come from many places, loud noises are one example. So how do lizards react when their home is constantly bombarded by loud noises? We also have a new gecko for Species of the Bi-week. Become a Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/herphighlights Merch: https://www.redbubble.com/people/herphighlights/shop Full reference list available here: http://www.herphighlights.podbean.com Main Paper References: Kepas ME, Sermersheim LO, Hudson SB, Lehmicke AJJ, French SS, Aubry LM. 2023. Beh...
155 No Eardrums, No Problem
April 30, 2023 17:00 - 27 minutes - 26.4 MBIt's a commonly held belief that snakes can't hear, or can't hear very well, because they have no external ear openings. Some clever new research puts that myth to bed. Become a Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/herphighlights Merch: https://www.redbubble.com/people/herphighlights/shop Full reference list available here: http://www.herphighlights.podbean.com Main Paper References: Zdenek CN, Staples T, Hay C, Bourke LN, Candusso D. 2023. Sound garden: How snakes respond to airborne and g...
154 The Frogs Who Live With Ants
April 25, 2023 17:00 - 30 minutes - 28.9 MBSome animals can escape the attention of ants with special chemical cues. We discuss a nice example of this and follow up with a brand new frog species. Become a Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/herphighlights Merch: https://www.redbubble.com/people/herphighlights/shop Full reference list available here: http://www.herphighlights.podbean.com Main Paper References: de Lima Barros A, López-Lozano JL, Lima AP. 2016. The frog Lithodytes lineatus (Anura: Leptodactylidae) uses chemical recog...
153 The Rising Toad Tide
April 09, 2023 17:00 - 22 minutes - 21.4 MBToads are wonderful creatures, and their exceptional adaptability makes them superb invaders when transported to new lands by humans. Unfortunately, this can be bad news for the creatures already present –see Cane Toads in Australia. We check in on the progress of Asian Common Toads in Madagascar this episode. Become a Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/herphighlights Merch: https://www.redbubble.com/people/herphighlights/shop Full reference list available here: http://www.herphighlights.po...
152 Pythons as Prey
April 08, 2023 17:00 - 26 minutes - 25.6 MBWe have previously talked about pythons in Florida eating everything they can fit in their mouths; but are there any creatures that eat them? We follow up the chat of python predators with a new tiny Species of the Bi-week. Become a Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/herphighlights Merch: https://www.redbubble.com/people/herphighlights/shop Full reference list available here: http://www.herphighlights.podbean.com Main Paper References: Currylow A, Fitzgerald A, Goetz M, Draxler J, Anderso...
151 Glassfrogs and Their Transparent Tricks
March 07, 2023 18:00 - 27 minutes - 25.7 MBSome frogs can make themselves virtually invisible to would-be predators - we find out how. Become a Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/herphighlights Merch: https://www.redbubble.com/people/herphighlights/shop Full reference list available here: http://www.herphighlights.podbean.com Main Paper References: Taboada C, Delia J, Chen M, Ma C, Peng X, Zhu X, Jiang L, Vu T, Zhou Q, Yao J, O’Connell L, Johnsen S. 2022. Glassfrogs conceal blood in their liver to maintain transparency. Science 37...
150 The Underwater Antics of Turtles
March 05, 2023 17:37 - 29 minutes - 27.7 MBNew techniques allow unprecedented insight into the underwater behaviour of Australia's flatback sea turtles. Then we chat about some newly described spiny lizards from Peru. Become a Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/herphighlights Merch: https://www.redbubble.com/people/herphighlights/shop Full reference list available here: http://www.herphighlights.podbean.com Main Paper References: Hounslow JL, Fossette S, Byrnes EE, Whiting SD, Lambourne RN, Armstrong NJ, Tucker AD, Richardson AR, ...
149 The Hidden Risk of Carrying Tadpoles
February 21, 2023 18:00 - 23 minutes - 22.1 MBBrightly coloured frogs warn predators of their toxicity, but can tadpoles stop this message from being delivered? Become a Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/herphighlights Merch: https://www.redbubble.com/people/herphighlights/shop Full reference list available here: http://www.herphighlights.podbean.com Main Paper References: Toro-Gómez MP, Carvajal-Castro JD, Casas-Cardona S, Vargas-Salinas F. 2022. Experimental evidence in a poison frog model suggests that tadpole transport on the do...
148 Snakes with Dangerous Diets
February 14, 2023 18:00 - 32 minutes - 31.1 MBEating without appendages is hard, and sometimes snakes make a meal of it. Become a Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/herphighlights Merch: https://www.redbubble.com/people/herphighlights/shop Full reference list available here: http://www.herphighlights.podbean.com Main Paper References: Kornilev YV, Natchev ND, Lillywhite HB. 2023. Perils of ingesting harmful prey by advanced snakes. Biological Reviews 98:263–283. DOI: 10.1111/brv.12906. Species of the Bi-Week: Das S, Greenbaum E, Me...
147 Crocodiles can feel with their face
February 07, 2023 18:00 - 28 minutes - 26.7 MBSome animals use touch to forage; turns out crocodiles are among them. But when did this adaptation come about and do crocs share characteristics with other tactile-foraging species? Become a Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/herphighlights Full reference list available here: http://www.herphighlights.podbean.com Main Paper References: Lessner EJ, Dollman KN, Clark JM, Xu X, Holliday CM. 2023. Ecomorphological patterns in trigeminal canal branching among sauropsids reveal sensory shift in...
146 Iguanas with a Sweet Tooth
January 31, 2023 18:30 - 25 minutes - 24.6 MBWhat are the impacts of tourists feeding iguanas grapes? We look at a paper detailing how well iguanas can handle so many sweet treats. Species of the Bi-week is a wonderful boa that isn’t a boa. Become a Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/herphighlights Full reference list available here: http://www.herphighlights.podbean.com Main Paper References: French SS, Hudson SB, Webb AC, Knapp CR, Virgin EE, Smith GD, Lewis EL, Iverson JB, DeNardo DF. 2022. Glucose tolerance of iguanas is affected...
145 Vipers On Ice
January 24, 2023 18:00 - 34 minutes - 32.5 MBDespite a warming planet, new research suggests that snakes in the UK may have more frosty mornings ahead. Then Sourish Kuttalam from Bangor University joins us to talk about a newly described viper from India. Become a Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/herphighlights Full reference list available here: http://www.herphighlights.podbean.com Main Paper References: Turner RK, Maclean IMD. 2022. Microclimate‐driven trends in spring‐emergence phenology in a temperate reptile (Vipera berus): E...
144 New Zealand’s Native Frogs
January 17, 2023 18:00 - 32 minutes - 30.3 MBWe uncover some small and unusual frogs native to the islands of New Zealand. Become a Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/herphighlights Full reference list available here: http://www.herphighlights.podbean.com Main Paper References: Altobelli J, Lamar S, Bishop P. 2021. Archaic, terrestrial Hamilton’s frogs (Leiopelma hamiltoni) display arboreal behaviours. New Zealand Journal of Ecology. DOI: 10.20417/nzjecol.45.24. Lamb SD, Altobelli JT, Easton LJ, Godfrey SS, Bishop PJ. 2022. Captive ...
143 Can frogs stand the heat?
January 10, 2023 18:00 - 28 minutes - 26.9 MBThe climate crisis presents numerous questions about how animals will cope. We look at one frog-focused example where the researchers actually heated up a forest. Become a Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/herphighlights Full reference list available here: http://www.herphighlights.podbean.com Main Paper References: Hawley Matlaga TJ, Burrowes PA, Hernández-Pacheco R, Pena J, Sutherland C, Wood TE. 2021. Warming increases activity in the common tropical frog Eleutherodactylus coqui. Clima...
142 Alligators can regrow their tails
January 03, 2023 18:00 - 29 minutes - 27.5 MBTail regrowth is a weird and wonderful trait some herpetofauna possess. But there’s a new paper about the regrowing tails of alligators. Species of the Bi-week is more like Genus of the Bi-week. Become a Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/herphighlights Full reference list available here: http://www.herphighlights.podbean.com Main Paper References: Xu C, Palade J, Fisher RE, Smith CI, Clark AR, Sampson S, Bourgeois R, Rawls A, Elsey RM, Wilson-Rawls J, Kusumi K. 2020. Anatomical and histol...
141 Mountain Dragons
December 26, 2022 11:27 - 25 minutes - 24 MBMountain dragons are found in Australia and Tasmania. We get stuck in to the ecology of these busy little lizards. Become a Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/herphighlights Full reference list available here: http://www.herphighlights.podbean.com Main Paper References: Stuart-Smith JF, Stuart-Smith RD, Swain R, Wapstra E. 2008. Size dimorphism in Rankinia [Tympanocryptis] diemensis (Family Agamidae): sex-specific patterns and geographic variation: size dimorphism in R. diemensis. Biologic...
140 Snake Diets Through the Ages
December 26, 2022 11:14 - 30 minutes - 28.6 MBAfter the dinosaurs went extinct snakes were feeling hungry. Become a Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/herphighlights Full reference list available here: http://www.herphighlights.podbean.com Main Paper References: Grundler MC, Rabosky DL. 2021. Rapid increase in snake dietary diversity and complexity following the end-Cretaceous mass extinction. PLOS Biology 19:e3001414. DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3001414. Species of the Bi-Week: Goutte S, Reyes-Velasco J, Kassie A, Boissinot S. 2022....
139 Can brownsnakes be bothered?
December 07, 2022 21:50 - 35 minutes - 33.2 MBElapid behaviour is not as well studied as we’d like, so in this episode we look at a couple of papers to cover more ground. One describing the changing morphology to optimise caudal luring, and another that looks at just how much you can bother a brownsnake before the worst happens. Become a Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/herphighlights Full reference list available here: http://www.herphighlights.podbean.com Main Paper References: Crowe-Riddell JM, Dix S, Pieterman L, Nankivell JH, F...
138 Evolving Anoles
December 06, 2022 22:03 - 27 minutes - 26 MBThe complexities of evolution pose constant questions. One of the most fruitful groups to look at when trying to understand evolution is Anolis lizards. They are well known for repeated convergent evolution, many species, and existing in a wealth of environments; so this episode we look at an example of what can drive that evolution. Also a cryptic viper for Species of the Bi-week. Become a Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/herphighlights Full reference list available here: http://www.herph...
137 Switzerland’s Frog-enaissance
November 22, 2022 18:00 - 30 minutes - 29.1 MBBack in the 90s the Swiss authorities decided to start digging loads of ponds for their dwindling amphibians. But did these uniquely slippery customers appreciate it? Become a Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/herphighlights Full reference list available here: http://www.herphighlights.podbean.com Main Paper References: Moor H, Bergamini A, Vorburger C, Holderegger R, Bühler C, Egger S, Schmidt BR. 2022. Bending the curve: Simple but massive conservation action leads to landscape-scale re...