A5084052675- Amphibian and Reptile Biology
- Species Distribution and Climate Change
- Wildlife Ecology and Conservation
- Turtle Biology and Conservation
- Environmental and Biological Research in Conflict Zones
- Lepidoptera: Biology and Taxonomy
- Animal and Plant Science Education
- Animal Behavior and Reproduction
- Animal Ecology and Behavior Studies
- Spider Taxonomy and Behavior Studies
- Yersinia bacterium, plague, ectoparasites research
- Insect and Arachnid Ecology and Behavior
- Ecology and biodiversity studies
- Wildlife Conservation and Criminology Analyses
- Plant and animal studies
- Venomous Animal Envenomation and Studies
- Rabies epidemiology and control
- Climate Change Communication and Perception
- Primate Behavior and Ecology
- Genetic diversity and population structure
- Bat Biology and Ecology Studies
- Regulation of Appetite and Obesity
- Evolutionary Psychology and Human Behavior
- Pancreatic function and diabetes
- Fish Biology and Ecology Studies
University of Kragujevac
2022-2024
National Library of Serbia
2021-2022
Institute for Plant Protection and Environment
2008-2020
For cultural reasons and due to the narrow vision of environmental policy makers, most conservation efforts focus on a few charismatic species consequently neglect majority others under threat; many unpopular are even killed in large numbers with little concern. Redressing this bias through educational programs is therefore important. Snakes animals; they suffer from human harassment places populations have declined worldwide. Consequently, provide suitable substrate better improve education...
The high frequency of same-sex sexual behaviors (SSB) in free-ranging animals is an evolutionary puzzle because fitness benefits are often unclear context. Moreover, the physiological and genetic underpinnings SSB remain unclear. We exploited extraordinary natural experiment to examine impact environmental factors (local sex ratio [SR]) testosterone (T) levels on a dense population Hermann's tortoises monitored for 7 years. Under combination density extremely skewed SR (~50 females, >1000...
In this paper we present confirmed and potential distribution ranges of all native Serbian reptile species. The information provided herein presents the combination newly collected faunistic data previously published records. centres reptilian diversity in Serbia were evaluated, order to focus future conservation efforts on regions particular importance for protection understudied group animals. We found four main species richness: three Metohija one Šumadija, with 17-21 per 50 × km square....
Abstract Hermann's tortoise (Testudo hermanni) is widely distributed in western and southern Europe. Most populations the part of distribution range (e.g. Spain, France, Italy) are severely reduced, relatively well studied, whilst species still abundant eastern areas (i.e. Balkans). However, essential biological information main morphological, ecological, behavioural characteristics) for Balkans extremely limited. As reptiles exhibit strong geographic variation most as life history traits,...
In this study, we present updated distributional data for all Serbian lacertids, having taken into account the available previously published information, and so far unpublished authors’ field records evidence from other sources. According to our current knowledge, eight lacertid species inhabit Serbia. Analysis of diversity within country showed that biogeographic regions with highest are Metohija (eight species) Kosovo (seven species). Regions in Serbia mutually similar concerning faunas...
On May 14th 2013, on the island of Golem Grad (Prespa Lake, FYR Macedonia) a juvenile female nose-horned viper (Vipera ammodytes) was found dead, with head Scolopendra cingulata protruding through body wall its lower abdomen. The authors discuss possibility that snake had swallowed centipede alive, and that, paradoxically, prey has eaten way snake, almost reaching freedom.
Abstract The Meadow and Steppe viper, Vipera ursinii-renardi complex is a well-studied group that divided into several morphological subspecies. In this study, we combine the analyses of two mitochondrial genes with 9 microsatellite markers to compare both phylogenetic signals. Whereas signal similar between genomes within most subspecies, relative relationships subspecies are more differentiated. Moreover, nuclear reconstruction supports genetic homogeneity V. u. macrops (in contrast...
Despite exhibiting low velocity and limited agility, many tortoises undertake large scale movements must overcome various obstacles, notably in populations living hilly or rocky habitats. Although crucial, studies exploring how move complex irregular environments are scarce. In this context, we examined an important behavioural trait: (Testudo hermanni) deal with step-like obstacles. their natural habitat, individuals were positioned a challenging situation: they placed on bench...
Detailed distribution pattern of colubrid snakes in Serbia is still inadequately described, despite the long historical study. In this paper, we provide accurate seven species, with previously published and newly accumulated faunistic records compiled. Comparative analysis faunas among all Balkan countries showed that Serbian fauna most distinct (together Slovenia Romania), due to small number species. Zoogeographic high chorotype diversity colubrids: species belong six chorotypes....
Abstract Insular populations offer excellent opportunities to study the factors that influence phenotypes. We observed island dwarfism in a widespread snake, nose-horned viper (Vipera ammodytes). Island vipers were ~20% smaller than mainland individuals. They also produced fewer and offspring. In snakes, food availability has positive on body size, fecundity offspring size. Consequently, low energy intake is plausible explanation for insular dwarfism. The diet of was principally represented...
Questionnaires are important tools for assessing attitudes regarding conservation issues. However, they not easily comparable and their reliability has been insufficiently assessed. We examined factors influencing responses to open- closed-ended questions about animal more than 600 schoolchildren (9 years old on average). analysed the level of understanding, controllable (e.g. sample size) less affectivity). Most children responded appropriately questions, but subtle changes in phrasing...
The amphibian and reptile species inhabiting the Mojstirsko-Draške Mountains have not been thoroughly studied yet. From 2013 to 2018, a comprehensive field study effort documented total of 20 species, comprising eight 12 species. Based on Sorensen's coefficient similarity, this area closely resembles other locations in Republic Serbia. presence was determined through direct observation adult or larval forms, identification distinctive markings, detection clusters deposited eggs larvae....
Abstract In Squamates, head meristic characters are commonly used in analyses of intraspecific variability, systematics and phylogeny. Taxonomic significance scales is based on the assumption that discrete values particular set at birth stable during individual ontogeny. this paper, we analysed ontogenic changes scalation a population meadow viper (Vipera ursinii), multiple recaptures marked individuals. Our results show cephalic occur both immatures adults; frequency occurrence change...
In the most recent comprehensive distribution of vipers in western and central Balkans, 210 precise records (146 UTM cells) for all three species (Vipera ammodytes, V. berus, ursinii) were presented Serbia. During past eight years, extensive field investigations within ongoing conservation projects our country (e.g. Ecological Networks Natura 2000), significantly increased number faunistic records, which urged need publishing updated We collected a total 770 Serbia, literature data...
Abstract Once cornered by a predator, prey can try to intimidate the assailant or repel it, with irritating sprays for example. If seized, they may scratch, bite struggle cause predator release its grip. At other extreme, adopt passive behaviours such as death feigning (DF, i.e. thanatosis). DF is observed widely across animal kingdom; it usually involves combination of displays immobility, supination, leg‐folding, mouth opening and nauseating secretions. When displaying DF, individuals are...
Abstract Activity patterns of the sand viper, Vipera ammodytes from central Balkans (Serbia, Montenegro and Former Yugoslav Republic Macedonia) were analysed. The total sample (n = 118) was divided into adult males females, depending on part day, habitat type, exposition, behaviour in two separate seasons (spring summer). Simple correspondence analysis showed that spring, females associated with different expositions, while summer, they displayed behaviours. Multivariate spring found more...
Kosovo and Metohija have already been recognized as regions with the highest diversity of reptiles in Serbia, where 92% (22 24) existing reptile species can be found (Tomović et al., 2015a). First comprehensive contribution to herpetofauna was provided by late Professor Gojko Pasuljević. In this study we present a complete dataset distribution records for 13 most common Metohija, including published new data compiled, provide standardized 10 x km UTM maps these data. Results include 1013...
The distribution of Ablepharus kitaibelii (Snake-eyed skink) in Serbia was reviewed, based on the collection 183 records comprised authors’ unpublished data, observations colleague researchers and literature data. Roughly 68% these have not been published previously. Apparent gaps western southern parts country were largely filled by new findings. absence Snake-eyed skink northern our is most likely caused large-scale alteration destruction suitable habitats. Presented data provide basis for...