A preliminary report on the distribution of lizards in Qatar.

We have updated the list of the lizard species present in Qatar and produced the first distribution maps based on two field surveys in 2012 and 2013. We used the QND95/Qatar National Grid with a grid of 10 × 10 km squares for mapping. Our results show the occurrence of 21 lizard species in Qatar, from the 15 species indicated in the last biodiversity report conducted in 2004.

The effect of developmental stage on eggshell thickness variation in endangered falcons.

We compared eggshell thickness of hatched eggs with that of non-developed eggs in endangered falcon taxa to explore the effect of embryo development on eggshell thinning. To our knowledge, this has never been examined before in falcons, despite the fact that eggshell thinning due to pollutants and environmental contamination is often considered the most common cause of egg failure in falcons. Because of the endangered nature of these birds, and the difficulty in gaining access to the nests and their eggs, there is a large gap in our knowledge regarding eggshell thickness variation and the factors affecting it.

Increase in membrane thickness during development compensates for eggshell thinning due to calcium uptake by the embryo in falcons.

We compared membrane thickness of fully developed eggs with those of non-developed eggs in different endangered falcon taxa. To our knowledge, membrane thickness variation during development has never been examined before in falcons or any other wild bird. Yet, the egg membrane constitutes an important protective barrier for the developing embryo.

Nitrates and herbicides cause higher mortality than the traditional organic fertilizers on the grain beetle, Tenebrio molitor.

We examined experimentally whether fertilizers or herbicides commonly used by farmers affect mortality of the adult grain beetle Tenebrio molitor. After a period of 4 weeks in direct contact with all treatments, a higher percentage of mortality occurred in contact with nitrates than with pig manure or turkey litter. Herbicides (a mixture of glyphosate and 2,4-D: ) caused 100% mortality.

Determinants of eggshell strength in endangered raptors.

We compared eggshell strength in a group of falcon taxa including the peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus peregrinus), the red shaheen falcon (F. peregrinus babylonicus), the saker falcon (F. cherrug), the gyr falcon (F.

Developmental stage affects eggshell-breaking strength in two ground-nesting birds: the partridge (Alectoris rufa) and the quail (Coturnix japonica).

We examined the relationship between embryo development and egg hardness in two ground nesting bird species, the red-legged partridge (Alectoris rufa; n = 165 eggs) and the quail (Coturnix japonica; n = 148 eggs). For both species, we observed a strong effect of developmental stage on egg hardness. Eggs near hatching were significantly weaker than unincubated eggs (partridge: 18 and 23 N, respectively, and the quail 7 and 10 N, respectively).

EVOLUTION OF SPRINT SPEED IN LACERTID LIZARDS: MORPHOLOGICAL, PHYSIOLOGICAL, AND BEHAVIORAL COVARIATION.

Organismal performance abilities occupy a central position in phenotypic evolution; they are determined by suites of interacting lower-level traits (e.g., morphology and physiology) and they are a primary focus of natural selection.

Thermal biology, microhabitat selection, and conservation of the insular lizard Podarcis hispanica atrata.

We studied aspects of the thermal biology and microhabitat selection of the endangered lizard Podarcis hispanica atrata during autumn in the field and laboratory. Body temperatures (T ) of active lizards were within a narrow range, were largely independent of ambient temperatures, and exhibited little diel variation. Activity T s largely coincided with the selected temperatures maintained in a laboratory thermogradient and with T s that maximize running performance.

Altitudinal variation of the thermal biology and running performance in the lizard Podarcis tiliguerta.

We studied, in the field and laboratory, aspects of the thermal biology in two populations of the lizard Podarcis tiliguerta along a 1450 m altitudinal gradient. Body temperatures (T) at high altitudes average lower, are more variable, but are more elevated above environmental temperatures than at sea level. Lizards partially reduced the impact of altitudinal changes in thermal loads through presumable subtle behavioural adjustments.