Book review. Meyer, A., Zumbach, S., Schmidt, B., Monney, J.-C. (2009): Les amphibiens et les reptiles de Suisse.

in Amphibia-Reptilia (2011), 32(3), 443

Amphibia-Reptilia - Editorial report 2010

in Amphibia-Reptilia (2011), 32(4), 575-576

Movements of Alpine newts (Mesotriton alpestris) between small aquatic habitats (ruts) during the breeding season

in Amphibia-Reptilia (2010), 31(1), 109-116

Many species with complex life cycles, such as caudate amphibians, migrate from terrestrial to aquatic habitats for reproduction. However, movements between reproductive ponds within a breeding season ... [more ▼]

Many species with complex life cycles, such as caudate amphibians, migrate from terrestrial to aquatic habitats for reproduction. However, movements between reproductive ponds within a breeding season have rarely been studied and are usually considered to be limited. Our aim was to determine whether this pattern occurs frequently in Alpine newts (Mesotriton alpestris) inhabiting complexes of small ruts on muddy forest tracks. We analysed capture-recapture data for individually marked newts as a function of locality, sex, body condition and hydroperiod throughout the breeding season. More than one third of the newts changed their ruts. Movements occurred more often towards ruts that did not dry during the breeding season. The body condition of males that changed ponds (but not that of females) was higher compared to that of resident newts in one of the studied populations. The relatively high frequency of movements between ruts can be seen as an adaptive strategy in unpredictable habitats which have a high probability of drying. The promiscuous pattern of newts also favours low site tenacity, because few sexual partners are available in each rut. Because of the broad occurrence of this kind of habitat, future studies should take into account these movements to better understand newt population dynamics and how to apply adequate conservation measures. [less ▲]

Book review. Drobenkov, S.M., Novitsky, R.V., Kosova, L.V., Ryzhevich, K.K. & Pikulik, M.M. (2006): The amphibians of the Belarus. Advances in Amphibian Research in the Former Soviet Union, vol. 10. Pensoft Publishers, Sofia. 168 pages. ISBN 954-642-261-4 (softcover).

in Amphibia-Reptilia (2007), 28

Editorial Report 2006

in Amphibia-Reptilia (2007), 28(3), 455-456

Book review. Sindaco, R., Doria, G., Razzetti, E., Bernini, F. (2006): Atlante degli anfibi e dei rettili d’Italia / Atlas of Italian amphibians and reptiles. Societas Herpetologica Italica, Ed. Polistampa, Firenze, 792 pp. ISBN 88-8304-941-1 (hard cover 17 × 24 cm).

in Amphibia-Reptilia (2006), 27(2), 301-302

Editorial Report 2003-2005 and acknowledgements of reviewers 2004: 13th OGM meeting, Bonn, 1st October 2005

in Amphibia-Reptilia (2005), 26(4), 587-588

Book review. Miaud, C., Muratet, J. (2004): Identifier les oeufs et les larves des amphibiens de France. Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique (INRA), Paris. 200 pages. ISBN 2-7380-1086-5 (soft cover, 12 × 19 cm).

in Amphibia-Reptilia (2005), 26(3), 429