Prevention is the best policy for dealing with introduced species. However, biologists often spend an inordinate amount of time studying their spread and impacts rather than focusing on what should be done to thwart their establishment in the first place. Amphibian and reptile introductions are reaching epidemic proportions in Florida, largely due to irresponsible behavior by pet owners and the...

Endothermy is an evolutionary innovation in eutherian mammals and birds. In eutherian mammals, UCP1 is a key protein in adaptive nonshivering thermogenesis (NST). Although ucp1 arose early in the vertebrate lineage, the loss of ucp1 was previously documented in several reptile species (including birds). Here we determine that ucp1 was lost at the base of the reptile lineage, as we fail to find ...

—Genes of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) are closely related to disease resistance and immune response in vertebrates. Although many groups are well represented in the MHC literature, less attention has been given to reptiles. Here we summarize reptile MHC studies, review published accounts investigating links between MHC polymorphism, parasite resistance, and mate choice, evaluate ...

Reptile and amphibian communities were sampled in intact gaps created by wind disturbance, salvage-logged gaps, and closed canopy mature forest (controls). Sampling was conducted during June-October in 1997 and 1998 using drift fences with pitfall and funnel traps. Basal area of live trees, shade, leaf litter coverage, and litter depth was highest in controls and lowest in salvaged gaps. Percen...

Abstract The internet has expanded opportunities for wildlife traders to conduct business globally, but monitoring this activity is often challenging. As techniques frequently employ language-based searches particular words, it important understand the language use, particularly nomenclature used refer traded species. We recorded advert data from four UK websites, focusing on reptiles, which co...

alligator may be found in the southeastern United States, from North Carolina to Louisiana. The saltwater crocodile is found in Southeast Asia and Australia, with males reaching lengths of up to 23 feet (7 m). Victims of crocodilian attacks sustain trauma from a combination of penetrating, blunt, and sheer force. The saltwater crocodile can generate 2000 psi when it bites. The sheer magnitude o...