Humans and snakes share a long and storied past. In this episode we examine one paper that looks at the prehistoric relationship between humans and cobras (namely their spitting), and a second that looks at how we can mitigate the negative impacts of this relationship today. Our stunning Species of the Bi-week looks to be covered in duck-weed. Become a Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/herphighlights FULL REFERENCE LIST AVAILABLE AT: herphighlights.podbean.com Main Paper References: Kazandjian TD...
Feb 16, 2021•51 min•Ep. 83
Who doesn't love blue tongue skinks? In this episode we discuss their ability to learn complex tasks, and finally discover why that tongue is so blue. Our Species of the Bi-Week is beautiful in more ways than one. Become a Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/herphighlights FULL REFERENCE LIST AVAILABLE AT: herphighlights.podbean.com Main Paper References: Badiane, A., Carazo, P., Price-Rees, S. J., Ferrando-Bernal, M., & Whiting, M. J. (2018). Why blue tongue? A potential UV-based deimatic disp...
Feb 02, 2021•57 min•Ep. 82
Frogs come in all shapes and sizes, but some frogs are particularly odd. Rain frogs with their globus bodies are the topic for this episode. Why are they living with mole-rats? And what do people living side-by-side with them think? Species of the Bi-week is a fresh rain frog, with remarkable colour variation. Become a Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/herphighlights FULL REFERENCE LIST AVAILABLE AT: herphighlights.podbean.com Main Paper References: Brom P, Anderson P, Channing A, Underhill LG. 2...
Jan 20, 2021•1 hr 7 min•Ep. 81
Hello 2021! We are back and this time discussing genetic rescue - can isolated, dwindling populations be assisted by adding individuals from elsewhere? After that, our Species of the Bi-Week has a dewlap but it isn't an anole. Become a Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/herphighlights FULL REFERENCE LIST AVAILABLE AT: herphighlights.podbean.com Main Paper References: Madsen, T., Loman, J., Anderberg, L., Anderberg, H., Georges, A., & Ujvari, B. (2020). Genetic rescue restores long-term viabili...
Jan 15, 2021•1 hr 12 min•Ep. 80
This week’s episode is a bit jumbled as we focus on whether birds are using alligators to help protect nests. For the Species of the Bi-week we have a tiny tiny toad. Become a Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/herphighlights FULL REFERENCE LIST AVAILABLE AT: herphighlights.podbean.com Main Paper References: Burtner BF, Frederick PC. 2017. Attraction of Nesting Wading Birds to Alligators ( Alligator mississippiensis ). Testing the ‘Nest Protector’ Hypothesis. Wetlands 37:697–704. DOI: 10.1007/s131...
Dec 08, 2020•49 min•Ep. 79
Greater earless lizards use their tail for all manner of things - but how has this shaped its evolution? We delve into this mystery and find out how horny toads (the lizards) cope with life at hot and cold extremes. Our Species of the Bi-Week is a colourful new desert dweller. Ross McGibbon's 2021 calendar: https://bit.ly/3f93mgp Become a Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/herphighlights FULL REFERENCE LIST AVAILABLE AT: herphighlights.podbean.com Main Paper References: Gilbert, A. L., Brooks, O. ...
Nov 18, 2020•1 hr 5 min•Ep. 78
A rainy night in a tropical forest; the sound of frog battle calls ring out –but who will be victorious? This episode we dive into the details of frog battles for supremacy, where tiny strawberry frogs of all colours are fierce combatants. Become a Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/herphighlights FULL REFERENCE LIST AVAILABLE AT: herphighlights.podbean.com Main Paper References: Magalhães, R. F. de, Lacerda, J. V. A., Reis, L. de P., Garcia, P. C. A., & Pinheiro, P. D. P. (2018). Sexual Dimor...
Nov 03, 2020•55 min•Ep. 77
They don't come greener than this - but what are they up to? We discuss the behaviour of some (mostly green) pit vipers, and we even have a brand new green species. Become a Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/herphighlights FULL REFERENCE LIST AVAILABLE AT: herphighlights.podbean.com Main Paper References: Strine, C., Brown, A., Barnes, C., Major, T., Artchawakom, T., Hill, J., & Suwanwaree, P. (2018). Arboreal mating behaviors of the big-eyed green pit viper ( Trimeresurus macrops ) in Northe...
Oct 29, 2020•1 hr 6 min•Ep. 76
In a mixed episode, we explore some gruesome ways to eat a toad practiced by kukri snakes, how the reptile trade looks to be a lot larger than what international trade databases report, and the description of a new cylindrical snake. Become a Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/herphighlights FULL REFERENCE LIST AVAILABLE AT: herphighlights.podbean.com Main Paper References: Bringsøe, H., Suthanthangjai, M., Suthanthangjai, W., & Nimnuam, K. (2020). Eviscerated alive: Novel and macabre feeding ...
Sep 29, 2020•1 hr 15 min•Ep. 75
This bi-week we are talking about some underwater cannibals, with a very stylish new species of salamander thrown in too. We also answer a patreon question about arboreal snakes, and how they avoid blood rushing out of their heads. Become a Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/herphighlights FULL REFERENCE LIST AVAILABLE AT: herphighlights.podbean.com Main Paper References: McLean, K. I., Stockwell, C. A., & Mushet, D. M. (2016). Cannibalistic-morph Tiger Salamanders in Unexpected Ecological Con...
Aug 30, 2020•51 min•Ep. 74
Lizards of the night - Night lizards - Xantusiidae. We take a close look at the genetics of the island night lizards, and explore some new options for reptile home range estimations. Luck would have it, a new night lizard is our Species of the Bi-week. FULL REFERENCE LIST AVAILABLE AT: herphighlights.podbean.com Main Paper References: O’Donnell RP, Drost CA, Fellers GM, Crabb BA, Mock KE. 2018. Rare long-distance dispersal of the Island Night Lizard, Xantusia riversiana , maintains high diversit...
Aug 28, 2020•1 hr 15 min•Ep. 73
Sidewinders, how do they go about life? From their hunting techniques, to how they view the landscape around them, this episode delves into the lives of these iconic vipers. Our Species of the Bi-Week is of course a recently described viper. FULL REFERENCE LIST AVAILABLE AT: herphighlights.podbean.com Main Paper References: Clark RW, Dorr SW, Whitford MD, Freymiller GA, Putman BJ. (2016) Activity cycles and foraging behaviors of free-ranging sidewinder rattlesnakes (Crotalus cerastes): The ontog...
Jul 22, 2020•56 min•Ep. 72
Like many a fossorial snake, Sand Boas hold many surprises; this episode we explore some of those. First, an investigation into Dollo’s “Law”, then a couple of natural history notes providing some insight into Sand Boa diets. FULL REFERENCE LIST AVAILABLE AT: herphighlights.podbean.com Main Paper References: Lobo, J. V., & Streepada, K. S. (2015). First report on Whitaker’s boa Eryx whitakeri feeding on common vine snake. Reptile Rap , 17. Londei, T. (2015). Arabian sand boa Eryx jayakari (S...
Jun 30, 2020•1 hr 7 min•Ep. 71
In this Patreon special episode we delve into the underground lives of the ultimate oddities - worm lizards. Find out how they go about tackling their invertebrate prey, and hear about a brand new species. FULL REFERENCE LIST AVAILABLE AT: herphighlights.podbean.com Main Paper References: Baeckens, S., García‐Roa, R., Martín, J., Ortega, J., Huyghe, K., & Van Damme, R. (2017). Fossorial and durophagous: implications of molluscivory for head size and bite capacity in a burrowing worm lizard. ...
Jun 19, 2020•58 min•Ep. 70
We’re back and exploring the toughest of frogs; those frogs braving the harsh northern conditions that literally freezes them to the bone. How do they manage this incredible feat? We head south for a Species of the Bi-week because not all frogs are as tough as the Wood Frog. FULL REFERENCE LIST AVAILABLE AT: herphighlights.podbean.com Main Paper References: Costanzo JP. 2019. Overwintering adaptations and extreme freeze tolerance in a subarctic population of the wood frog, Rana sylvatica. Journa...
May 22, 2020•58 min•Ep. 69
We had the good fortune to be joined by herpetologist and author Scott Eipper for this special episode on Hoplocephalus. We also talk about Scott and his wife Tie’s new book on Aussie snakes, and of course we have a Species of the Bi-Week - this one is a robust new sand dweller. Grab the new book by Scott and Tie Eipper here: https://bit.ly/2WewX0a FULL REFERENCE LIST AVAILABLE AT: herphighlights.podbean.com Main Paper References: Shelton, M. B., Goldingay, R. L., & Phillips, S. S. (2018). P...
May 08, 2020•1 hr 17 min•Ep. 68
A selection of papers are discussed in this episode. Starting with a big finding from Central America on the fate of snakes post-frog loss, and ending with a pair of more lighthearted natural history notes. Species of the Bi-week returns with a serpentine ocean dweller. FULL REFERENCE LIST AVAILABLE AT: herphighlights.podbean.com Main Paper References: Anderson, C. V., & Liebl L. A. (2019) MICRURUS ALLENI (Allen’s Coralsnake). DIET. Herpetological Review 50(1), 162-163 Paniagua K. S. & A...
Apr 14, 2020•1 hr 13 min•Ep. 67
Reptiles and amphibians are hard to find, so how can you be sure you haven’t missed any? We explore some reptile detectives, some of which are good boys. The Species of the Bi-Week is coming at you from the rainforests of Sri Lanka. FULL REFERENCE LIST AVAILABLE AT: herphighlights.podbean.com Main Paper References: Boback, S. M., Nafus, M. G., Yackel Adams, A. A., & Reed, R. N. (2020). Use of visual surveys and radiotelemetry reveals sources of detection bias for a cryptic snake at low densi...
Apr 01, 2020•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 66
This episode we take a look at the Gaboon Viper… or is that a toad? Looking at a couple of papers, we check out the characteristics of Gaboon Viper skin, and how a smart toad may be harnessing the looks of a viper to stay safe. Species of the Bi-week returns and continues our African toad journey. FULL REFERENCE LIST AVAILABLE AT: herphighlights.podbean.com Main Paper References: Spinner M, Gorb SN, Balmert A, Bleckmann H, Westhoff G. (2014). Non-Contaminating Camouflage: Multifunctional Skin Mi...
Mar 24, 2020•57 min•Ep. 65
Painted turtles - cute, and brightly coloured, but are they harbouring a dark secret? We first discuss identifying their gender, followed by talk of some unusual behaviour. Our Species of the Bi-Week is an Angolan lizard. Main Paper References: Moldowan, P. D., Brooks, R. J., & Litzgus, J. D. (2017). Assessing head morphology dimorphism in the Midland Painted Turtle ( Chrysemys picta marginata ) using a photographic questionnaire. Chelonian Conservation and Biology , 16(1), 76-82. Moldowan, ...
Mar 04, 2020•55 min•Ep. 64
Crocodiles! What are they doing, running about, biting bones… We take a look at a couple of papers: one examining just how they run, the other examining their role in the study of fossil bones. Species of the Bi-week is back and we finally give the newly rediscovered caiman sub-species the attention it deserves…. And a bonus species! FULL REFERENCE LIST AVAILABLE AT: herphighlights.podbean.com Main Paper References: Domínguez-Rodrigo, M., & Baquedano, E. (2018). Distinguishing butchery cut m...
Feb 20, 2020•53 min•Ep. 63
They’re strange, they’re soft, they’re turtles - but where do they go? This episode is all about the comings and goings of softshell turtles living in the rivers of the USA. Species of the Bi-week is back, where we check out a slender character from Laos. FULL REFERENCE LIST AVAILABLE AT: herphighlights.podbean.com Main Paper References: Plummer, M. V., & O’Neal, C. S. (2019). Aerobic Pushups: Cutaneous Ventilation in Overwintering Smooth Softshell Turtles, Apalone mutica. Journal of Herpeto...
Jan 21, 2020•1 hr 14 min•Ep. 62
Amphibians can make use of all sorts of places: from underground grottos to the tips of trees –but are there any patterns in where amphibians take to the trees? This episode we discuss a paper exploring just that, followed by an example of some civil serpents. This weeks Species of the Bi-week is tiny and cute. FULL REFERENCE LIST AVAILABLE AT: herphighlights.podbean.com Main Paper References: Oliveira, B. F., & Scheffers, B. R. (2019). Vertical stratification influences global patterns of b...
Dec 17, 2019•58 min•Ep. 61
Episode 60 is a Patreon episode about salamanders from the genus Hydromantes . These little characters have some interesting adaptations, and evolve nearly as quickly as they can shoot one of their appendages. Our Species of the Bi-Week is a lizard that looks like a crocodilian. FULL REFERENCE LIST AVAILABLE AT: herphighlights.podbean.com Main Paper References: Salvidio, S., Crovetto, F., & Adams, D. C. (2015). Potential rapid evolution of foot morphology in Italian plethodontid salamanders ...
Dec 11, 2019•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 60
In a slightly shambolic episode we mix up the format, this Bi-week we take a look at some lost species and their recent rediscoveries. FULL REFERENCE LIST AVAILABLE AT: herphighlights.podbean.com References: 1) Jackson’s climbing salamander ( Bolitoglossa jacksoni ) https://www.nationalgeographic.com/news/2017/10/salamanders-extinct-species-rediscovery-guatemala/ https://www.globalwildlife.org/jacksons-climbing-salamander/ https://amphibiaweb.org/cgi/amphib_query?where-genus=Bolitoglossa&whe...
Nov 19, 2019•1 hr 13 min•Ep. 59
Geckos! In Hawai'i? We know what you're thinking - not by natural biogeographic processes! And you're right, they are there because they are invasive species brought by humans. In this Patreon-chosen episode, we explore some of the more unusual species the island has to offer. Our Species of the Bi-Week is a splendid lizard with an even more splendid name. Check out the Ross McGibbon reptile calendar: http://rmrphotography.com.au/2020-calendar-1/ FULL REFERENCE LIST AVAILABLE AT: herphighlights....
Nov 05, 2019•1 hr 15 min•Ep. 58
Patreon episode - what’s up with Central American vipers? More specifically how is there size and shape impacted by location and interspecific interactions? We check out a couple of papers looking to explore just that. The Species of the Bi-week is a new moderately small insular viper. FULL REFERENCE LIST AVAILABLE AT: herphighlights.podbean.com Main Paper References: Jadin, R. C., Mihaljevic, J. R., & Orlofske, S. A. (2019). Do New World pitvipers “scale‐down” at high elevations? Macroecolo...
Oct 25, 2019•1 hr 13 min•Ep. 57
Snakebite is a worldwide phenomenon which has dramatic consequences for human health. But how does the ecology of snakes influence its incidence and severity? We first look at snakebite globally, and then focus in on a famous island. Our Species of the Bi-Week is a recently described tree-dwelling serpent. FULL REFERENCE LIST AVAILABLE AT: herphighlights.podbean.com Main Paper References: Longbottom, J., Shearer, F. M., Devine, M., Alcoba, G., Chappuis, F., Weiss, D. J., … Pigott, D. M. (2018). ...
Oct 10, 2019•1 hr 23 min•Ep. 56
After an unscheduled delay we are back. What better way to return than a look into the lives and diets of water snakes - mysterious creatures of the wetlands, all consuming, and surprisingly numerous. We have a lumpy frog for the Species of the Bi-week . FULL REFERENCE LIST AVAILABLE AT: herphighlights.podbean.com Main Paper References: Virgin, E. E., & King, R. B. (2019). What Does the Snake Eat? Breadth, Overlap, and Non-native Prey in the Diet of Three Sympatric Natricine Snakes. Herpetol...
Sep 26, 2019•1 hr 11 min•Ep. 55
Venom can be deadly, but not all venoms are created equal. They serve different purposes and have evolved for different reasons. In this episode we discuss a couple of new papers around the theme of venom, and finish off with a venomous new species for our Species of the Bi-week . Main Paper References: Goetz, S. M., Piccolomini, S., Hoffman, M., Bogan, J., Holding, M. L., Mendonça, M. T., & Steen, D. A. (2019). Serum-based inhibition of pitviper venom by eastern indigo snakes (Drymarchon co...
Jul 30, 2019•1 hr 13 min•Ep. 54
