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Somaye Vaissi is an assistant professor of zoology in the Department of Biology, Razi University, Iran. Her current research activities concern conservation of two species of Neurergus, including the critically endangered yellow-spotted mountain newt, Neurergus derjugini, and the vulnerable Kaiser’s mountain newt, N. kaiseri. My research interests are biodiversity and conservation biology, including: 1. Evolutionary and ecological processes: 1.1. Phylogeography and phylogeny; 1.2. Landscape genetics. 2. Amphibian conservation: 2.1. Ex situ (off-site) conservation: captive breeding and re-introduction; 2.2. In situ (on-site) conservation: protected area; 2.3. Investigation of factors affecting amphibian decline: climate change; exotic species; chemical pollutants, etc.
Climate change has a significant impact on the distribution of species over time. In response, species may shift, contract, extend or fragment their distributions to track preferred environmental conditions. This study aims to track the recent (1970–2000), Quaternary (Last Glacial Maximum (LGM): 21 Kya and the Mid-Holocene (MH): 6 Kya) and future (2070) range dynamics, as well as identifying putative climate refugia of the Near Eastern fire salamander, Salamandra infraimmaculata in the Near and Middle East. For this purpose, ensemble species distribution modelling (eSDM) using ten algorithms was applied to 119 occurrence records within CCSM4 and MIROC-ESM global climate models. According to the findings of this study, bioclimatic parameters, especially precipitation of wettest month (33.77%), annual precipitation (15.04%) and max temperature of warmest month (12.23%), have a stronger impact on S. infraimmaculata distribution than environmental variables referring to solar radiation, soil, topography and land cover as well as human impact. The modelled eSDM revealed a pattern of past range expansion and postglacial contraction. During the LGM, the range of species expanded to lower elevations, compared to MH and recent climate conditions. Based on future climate projections, habitat loss will be more apparent at the margins of the distribution range and low elevations, while habitat gain will be visible at higher elevations. The consensus model predicted that countries bordering the Mediterranean Sea (Syria, Lebanon, Palestine/Israel, southwestern Turkey), as well as a small portion of the central Zagros mountains in western Iran, northeastern Iraq and southeast to central Turkey may act as climate refugia for the S. infraimmaculata. In comparison to the historical and recent distribution, this result predicts that species ranges will fragment in the future. Therefore, global climate change should be considered a potential threat to this species and effective conservation plans should be implemented.
Somaye Vaissi. Potential changes in the distributions of Near Eastern fire salamander (Salamandra infraimmaculata) in response to historical, recent and future climate change in the Near and Middle East: Implication for conservation and management. Global Ecology and Conservation 2021, 29, e01730 .
AMA StyleSomaye Vaissi. Potential changes in the distributions of Near Eastern fire salamander (Salamandra infraimmaculata) in response to historical, recent and future climate change in the Near and Middle East: Implication for conservation and management. Global Ecology and Conservation. 2021; 29 ():e01730.
Chicago/Turabian StyleSomaye Vaissi. 2021. "Potential changes in the distributions of Near Eastern fire salamander (Salamandra infraimmaculata) in response to historical, recent and future climate change in the Near and Middle East: Implication for conservation and management." Global Ecology and Conservation 29, no. : e01730.
Variation in landscape features plays an important role in shaping the distribution of species in natural populations. These can influence population connectivity, gene flow, genetic drift, and ultimately the genetic structure and diversity of isolated populations. In this study, we aimed to identify the impact of landscape heterogeneity on the dispersal patterns of the threatened Kaiser’s mountain newt, Neurergus kaiseri. We integrated population genetics and geospatial data to predict the rates and patterns of genetic differentiation as well as to identify potential movement corridors among populations. For this purpose, we used two mitochondrial DNA markers and combined data on genetic subdivision (θST) and least-cost path (LCP) analyses from 15 fragmented highland streams and spring-ponds representing the entire species distribution area. Five possible dispersal routes used in this study were straight-line, stepping-stone, least cost slope, stream likelihood and combination least cost slope/stream likelihood. Genetic and LCP analyses indicated that two clades in the northern and southern distribution range have experienced two differing dispersal routes. The newts identified through the northern populations with high genetic diversity have dispersed with stepping-stone movements. In contrast, the southern populations are more isolated and dispersal might be facilitated by aquatic corridors in the least cost slope. We suggest that this study allows new implications for the conservation priorities of N. kaiseri by estimating the potential dispersal activity of the species in the face of climate change and ongoing habitat destruction relating to human activities in the southern Zagros mountains of Iran.
Somaye Vaissi; Mozafar Sharifi. The least‐cost path analysis of landscape genetics identifies two dispersal routes for the threatened Kaiser's mountain newt (Caudata: Salamandridae). Journal of Zoological Systematics and Evolutionary Research 2021, 1 .
AMA StyleSomaye Vaissi, Mozafar Sharifi. The least‐cost path analysis of landscape genetics identifies two dispersal routes for the threatened Kaiser's mountain newt (Caudata: Salamandridae). Journal of Zoological Systematics and Evolutionary Research. 2021; ():1.
Chicago/Turabian StyleSomaye Vaissi; Mozafar Sharifi. 2021. "The least‐cost path analysis of landscape genetics identifies two dispersal routes for the threatened Kaiser's mountain newt (Caudata: Salamandridae)." Journal of Zoological Systematics and Evolutionary Research , no. : 1.
Climate change has essential effects on patterns of population persistence, connectivity, and divergence. We used mtDNA sequences and species distribution modeling to assess the impact of climatic changes in the past (Last Glacial Maximum [LGM: 21 Kya] and Mid-Holocene [6 Kya]), recent (1970–2000), and future (2070) on the phylogeography and spatial distribution of populations of the Hyrcanian wood frog, Rana pseudodalmatina, in northern Iran. Based on two mitochondrial genes (cytochrome b and 16S ribosomal RNA), we found evidence for two regional patterns that diverged in the Pleistocene (1.6 Mya) and are distributed in the eastern and western sections of the current species range. Biogeographic analyses support the hypothesis that both vicariance (an increase in the Caspian Sea water levels) and dispersal events have been involved in shaping the species' genetic structure. Reconstruction of the ancestral distribution of R. pseudodalmatina suggests the species' range contracted in two independent eastern and western glacial refugia during the LGM, expanding from the Mid-Holocene to the present to occupy Hyrcanian forests continuously. According to future climate projections, the species' range shows a tendency to shift to higher altitudes. Landscape connectivity analyses support higher population continuity in the central part of the current range, with isolated populations in the easternmost and westernmost extremes. Our integrative study of R. pseudodalmatina provides support for the “refugia-within-refugia” scenario in the Hyrcanian forests.
Negar Amiri; Somaye Vaissi; Fateme Aghamir; Reihaneh Saberi‐Pirooz; Dennis Rödder; Elham Ebrahimi; Faraham Ahmadzadeh. Tracking climate change in the spatial distribution pattern and the phylogeographic structure of Hyrcanian wood frog, Rana pseudodalmatina (Anura: Ranidae). Journal of Zoological Systematics and Evolutionary Research 2021, 1 .
AMA StyleNegar Amiri, Somaye Vaissi, Fateme Aghamir, Reihaneh Saberi‐Pirooz, Dennis Rödder, Elham Ebrahimi, Faraham Ahmadzadeh. Tracking climate change in the spatial distribution pattern and the phylogeographic structure of Hyrcanian wood frog, Rana pseudodalmatina (Anura: Ranidae). Journal of Zoological Systematics and Evolutionary Research. 2021; ():1.
Chicago/Turabian StyleNegar Amiri; Somaye Vaissi; Fateme Aghamir; Reihaneh Saberi‐Pirooz; Dennis Rödder; Elham Ebrahimi; Faraham Ahmadzadeh. 2021. "Tracking climate change in the spatial distribution pattern and the phylogeographic structure of Hyrcanian wood frog, Rana pseudodalmatina (Anura: Ranidae)." Journal of Zoological Systematics and Evolutionary Research , no. : 1.
Iran has a diverse range of mammals. Climate change can alter the species' range, leading to expansion or contraction and affect the IUCN threatened species' distribution. We assessed the effects of climate change on the climatic niche and coverage of the protected areas for 16 threatened mammal species in Iran. The species’ presence-only occurrence records, four predictor variables, two future climate scenarios (Representative Concentration Pathways 2.6 and 8.5) and two time steps (current and 2070) were used to build species distribution models by applying the ensemble approach in BIOMOD2. Species' responses to climate change under current condition showed different results: 8 of the 16 species are likely to gain climatically suitable space, but six species will probably lose climate range by 2070. Persian fallow deer and marbled polecat respond positively to the RCP 2.6 but will experience a range reduction in the RCP 8.5. Coverage of the protected area network will increase in both scenarios for six mammals. The coverage will maximize in RCP 2.6 for four species and decrease RCP 8.5 for another four species and vice versa. According to our model, the coverage will decrease for two species in both future scenarios. The overlap of the protected areas with the distribution pattern showed that in the next 50 years, climate change will negatively affect 60% of Iranian threatened mammals. The species’ current and future distribution range and the designated refugia for climate change can be considered protected areas for conservation plans.
Elham Ebrahimi; Romina Sayahnia; Yasaman Ranjbaran; Somaye Vaissi; Faraham Ahmadzadeh. Dynamics of threatened mammalian distribution in Iran’s protected areas under climate change. Mammalian Biology 2021, 1 -16.
AMA StyleElham Ebrahimi, Romina Sayahnia, Yasaman Ranjbaran, Somaye Vaissi, Faraham Ahmadzadeh. Dynamics of threatened mammalian distribution in Iran’s protected areas under climate change. Mammalian Biology. 2021; ():1-16.
Chicago/Turabian StyleElham Ebrahimi; Romina Sayahnia; Yasaman Ranjbaran; Somaye Vaissi; Faraham Ahmadzadeh. 2021. "Dynamics of threatened mammalian distribution in Iran’s protected areas under climate change." Mammalian Biology , no. : 1-16.
This study aimed to use the applications of Ensemble Species Distribution Modelling (eSDM), Geographical Information Systems (GISs), and Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) for the design of a protected area (PA) for the critically endangered yellow-spotted mountain newt, Neurergus derjugini, by tracking and excluding the effects of climate and landscape changes in western Iran and northeastern Iraq. Potential recent and future distributions (2050 and 2070) were reconstructed by eSDM using eight algorithms with MRI-CGCM3 and CCSM4 models. The GIS-based MCDA siting procedure was followed inside habitats with high eSDM suitability by eliminating the main roads, cities, high village density, dams, poor vegetation, low stream density, agricultural lands and high ridge density. Then, within the remaining relevant areas, 10 polygons were created as “nominations” for PAs (NPAs). Finally, for 10 different NPAs, the suitability score was ranked based on ratings and weights (analytical hierarchy process) of the number of newt localities, NPA connectivity, NPA shape, NPA habitat suitability in 2070, NPA size, genetic diversity, village density and distance to nearest PAs, cities, and main roads. This research could serve as a modern realistic approach for environmental management to plan conservation areas using a cost-effective and affordable technique.
Somaye Vaissi. Design of Protected Area by Tracking and Excluding the Effects of Climate and Landscape Change: A Case Study Using Neurergus derjugini. Sustainability 2021, 13, 5645 .
AMA StyleSomaye Vaissi. Design of Protected Area by Tracking and Excluding the Effects of Climate and Landscape Change: A Case Study Using Neurergus derjugini. Sustainability. 2021; 13 (10):5645.
Chicago/Turabian StyleSomaye Vaissi. 2021. "Design of Protected Area by Tracking and Excluding the Effects of Climate and Landscape Change: A Case Study Using Neurergus derjugini." Sustainability 13, no. 10: 5645.
Vulnerable Kaiser's mountain newt, Neurergus kaiseri, is endemic to highland streams, springs, and pools of the southwestern Zagros mountain, Iran. The present study aimed to use an integration of phylogeographical and species distribution modeling (SDM) approaches to provide new insights into the evolutionary history of the species throughout Quaternary climate oscillations. The phylogeographical analysis was followed by analyzing two mitochondrial DNA (mt‐DNA) markers including 127 control region (D‐loop) and 72 NADH dehydrogenase 2 (ND2) sequences from 15 populations in the entire species range that were obtained from GenBank. Potential recent and past distribution (the Last Glacial Maximum, LGM, 21 Kya and the Mid‐Holocene, 6 Kya) reconstructed by ensemble SDM using nine algorithms with CCSM4, MIROC‐ESM, and MPI‐ESM‐P models. N. kaiseri displayed two distinct lineages in the northern and southern regions that diverged in the Early‐Pleistocene. The demographics analysis showed signs of a slight increase in effective population size for both northern and southern populations in the Mid‐Pleistocene. Biogeography analysis showed that both vicariance and dispersal events played an important role in the formation of recent species distribution of N. kaiseri. Based on SDM projection onto paleoclimatic data, N. kaiseri displayed a scenario of past range expansion that followed by postglacial contraction. The models showed that the distribution range of the species may have shifted to a lower altitude during LGM while with amelioration of climatic during Mid‐Holocene to recent conditions caused the species to shift to the higher altitude. The findings of the current study support the hypothesis that the Zagros mountains may be acting as climatic refugia and play an important role in the protection of isolated populations during climate oscillations.
Somaye Vaissi. Historic range dynamics in Kaiser's mountain newt ( Neurergus kaiseri ): Insights from phylogeographic analyses and species distribution modeling. Ecology and Evolution 2021, 11, 7622 -7633.
AMA StyleSomaye Vaissi. Historic range dynamics in Kaiser's mountain newt ( Neurergus kaiseri ): Insights from phylogeographic analyses and species distribution modeling. Ecology and Evolution. 2021; 11 (12):7622-7633.
Chicago/Turabian StyleSomaye Vaissi. 2021. "Historic range dynamics in Kaiser's mountain newt ( Neurergus kaiseri ): Insights from phylogeographic analyses and species distribution modeling." Ecology and Evolution 11, no. 12: 7622-7633.
Phylogeography is often used to investigate the effects of glacial cycles on current genetic structure of various plant and animal species. This approach can also identify the number and location of glacial refugia as well as the recolonization routes from those refugia to the current locations. To identify the location of glacial refugia of the Yellow‐spotted mountain newt, Neurergus derjugini, we employed phylogeography patterns and genetic variability of this species by analyzing partial ND4 sequences (867 bp) of 67 specimens from 15 sampling localities from the whole species range in Iran and Iraq. Phylogenetic trees concordant with haplotype networks showed a clear genetic structure among populations as three groups corresponding to the populations in the north, center, and south. Evolutionary ages of clades north and south ranging from 0.15 to 0.17 Myr, while the oldest clade is the central clade, corresponding to 0.32 Myr. Bayesian skyline plots of population size change through time show a relatively slight increase until about 25 kyr (around the last glacial maximum) and a decline of population size about 2.5 kyr. The presence of geographically structured clades in north, center, and south sections of the species range signifies the disjunct populations that have emerged in three different refugium. This study illustrates the importance of the effect of previous glacial cycles in shaping the genetic structure of mountain species in the Zagros range. These areas are important in terms of long‐term species persistence and therefore valuable areas for conservation of biodiversity.
Maryam Malekoutian; Mozafar Sharifi; Somaye Vaissi. Mitochondrial DNA sequence analysis reveals multiple Pleistocene glacial refugia for the Yellow‐spotted mountain newt, Neurergus derjugini (Caudata: Salamandridae) in the mid‐Zagros range in Iran and Iraq. Ecology and Evolution 2020, 10, 2661 -2676.
AMA StyleMaryam Malekoutian, Mozafar Sharifi, Somaye Vaissi. Mitochondrial DNA sequence analysis reveals multiple Pleistocene glacial refugia for the Yellow‐spotted mountain newt, Neurergus derjugini (Caudata: Salamandridae) in the mid‐Zagros range in Iran and Iraq. Ecology and Evolution. 2020; 10 (5):2661-2676.
Chicago/Turabian StyleMaryam Malekoutian; Mozafar Sharifi; Somaye Vaissi. 2020. "Mitochondrial DNA sequence analysis reveals multiple Pleistocene glacial refugia for the Yellow‐spotted mountain newt, Neurergus derjugini (Caudata: Salamandridae) in the mid‐Zagros range in Iran and Iraq." Ecology and Evolution 10, no. 5: 2661-2676.
Mehely’s horseshoe bat, Rhinolophus mehelyi Matschie 1901, is a medium-sized rhinolophid with a discontinuous distribution from North Africa and southern Europe through Asia Minor, Anatolia, to Transcaucasia and Iran. Here, we present a detailed study of the phylogeography and population genetics of this species using 745 bp of the mitochondrial cytochrome b and 522 bp of the mitochondrial D-loop genes in 46 bats in eight localities in western and southwesternIran. Based on the mtDNA sequences, we found a low degree of genetic diversity in the Iranian populations of R. mehelyi (π = 0.0032 for Cytb and π = 0.0064 for D-loop gene), that show a close relationship among the haplotypes. With a K2P genetic distance (0.38% - 0.97% on D-loop and 0.22% - 0.69% on Cytb), and the phylogenetic reconstruction in the Eurasia lineage two major clades are introduced. Here, the phylogenetic trees and statistical parsimony network showed all Iranian samples were grouped in the same clade, but southern Europe and North Africa samples belonged to another clade. The average genetic divergence between reciprocally monophyletic clade of the R. mehelyi group in Iran and southern Europe and North Africa were 0.69% for Cytb and 4.09 % for D-Loop respectively. The analysis of population structure suggests an incongruent pattern of genetic differentiation. Mismatch distributions and neutrality tests showed recent historical demographic events as indicated by significant deviations in Fu’s FS from neutrality. The hypothesis of sudden-expansion was not rejected by analyses of mismatch distribution as the Raggedness and SSD were insignificant (p(r) = 0.11 and p (SSD) = 0.07). Similarly, the Bayesian skyline plot suggested a population expansion scenario that took place in the past 4.000 years.
Nargess Najafi; Mozafar Sharifi; Vahid Akmali. First insights into the population genetic structure and the phylogeographic status of the Mehely’s horseshoe bat Rhinolophus mehelyi (Chiroptera: Rhinolophidae) in Iran inferred from mitochondrial genes. Mammalian Biology 2019, 99, 97 -108.
AMA StyleNargess Najafi, Mozafar Sharifi, Vahid Akmali. First insights into the population genetic structure and the phylogeographic status of the Mehely’s horseshoe bat Rhinolophus mehelyi (Chiroptera: Rhinolophidae) in Iran inferred from mitochondrial genes. Mammalian Biology. 2019; 99 ():97-108.
Chicago/Turabian StyleNargess Najafi; Mozafar Sharifi; Vahid Akmali. 2019. "First insights into the population genetic structure and the phylogeographic status of the Mehely’s horseshoe bat Rhinolophus mehelyi (Chiroptera: Rhinolophidae) in Iran inferred from mitochondrial genes." Mammalian Biology 99, no. : 97-108.
Somaye Vaissi; Mozafar Sharifi. Integrating multi-criteria decision analysis with a GIS-based siting procedure to select a protected area for the Kaiser's mountain newt, Neurergus kaiseri (Caudata: Salamandridae). Global Ecology and Conservation 2019, 20, 1 .
AMA StyleSomaye Vaissi, Mozafar Sharifi. Integrating multi-criteria decision analysis with a GIS-based siting procedure to select a protected area for the Kaiser's mountain newt, Neurergus kaiseri (Caudata: Salamandridae). Global Ecology and Conservation. 2019; 20 ():1.
Chicago/Turabian StyleSomaye Vaissi; Mozafar Sharifi. 2019. "Integrating multi-criteria decision analysis with a GIS-based siting procedure to select a protected area for the Kaiser's mountain newt, Neurergus kaiseri (Caudata: Salamandridae)." Global Ecology and Conservation 20, no. : 1.
Https://doi.org/10.33256/hj29.4.282294 pp. 282-294 Authors: Somaye Vaissi1, Hossein Farasat2, Azhin Mortezazadeh1 & Mozafar Sharifi1 ...
Somaye Vaissi. Incorporating habitat suitability and demographic data for developing a reintroduction plan for the critically endangered yellow spotted mountain newt, Neurergus derjugini. Herpetological Journal 2019, 29, 282 -294.
AMA StyleSomaye Vaissi. Incorporating habitat suitability and demographic data for developing a reintroduction plan for the critically endangered yellow spotted mountain newt, Neurergus derjugini. Herpetological Journal. 2019; 29 (4):282-294.
Chicago/Turabian StyleSomaye Vaissi. 2019. "Incorporating habitat suitability and demographic data for developing a reintroduction plan for the critically endangered yellow spotted mountain newt, Neurergus derjugini." Herpetological Journal 29, no. 4: 282-294.
Microbiome research is important for the identification of factors that are associated with the ex situ care of amphibians, such as potential contagious and lethal pathogens. Nevertheless, it can be also used to establish whether newts can adapt to exposure to new microbial communities, which would be important for the success of future reintroductions into the natural habitat. There is no available information regarding the skin flora naturally occurring in mountain newts of the genus Neurergus, including the Yellow‐spotted mountain newt Neurergus derjugini and the Kaiser's mountain newt Neurergus kaiseri. In this study, skin bacterial microbiota of wild adults and individuals of both species from a captive‐breeding facility (CBF) were compared. Four bacteria that naturally occur on the skin of wild adult N. derjugini were identified (Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus cereus, Escherichia coli). Six bacteria were positively detected on the skin of wild adult N. kaiseri [S. aureus, B. subtilis, B. cereus, E. coli, Rhodococcus equi, Klebsiella (Enterobacter) aerogenes]. Our results indicate that the skin microbiota of F1 offspring (≤ 2 months of age) from the CBF did not correspond exactly to the microbial community identified in wild adult N. derjugini. However, ≥ 75% of the bacteria found in older individuals (≥ 1 year of age) living at the CBF over the long term corresponded to those of their wild counterparts. It would appear that post‐metamorphic and adults of both species might be better able to resist and adapt to natural microbiota than larvae.
S. Vaissi; M. Sharifi; A. Hernandez; S. Nikpey; M. Taran. Skin bacterial microflora of two closely related mountain newts (Salamandridae) – the Yellow‐spotted mountain newt Neurergus derjugini and the Kaiser's mountain newt Neurergus kaiseri – in the wild and in a breeding facility highlight new conservation perspectives. International Zoo Yearbook 2019, 53, 227 -237.
AMA StyleS. Vaissi, M. Sharifi, A. Hernandez, S. Nikpey, M. Taran. Skin bacterial microflora of two closely related mountain newts (Salamandridae) – the Yellow‐spotted mountain newt Neurergus derjugini and the Kaiser's mountain newt Neurergus kaiseri – in the wild and in a breeding facility highlight new conservation perspectives. International Zoo Yearbook. 2019; 53 (1):227-237.
Chicago/Turabian StyleS. Vaissi; M. Sharifi; A. Hernandez; S. Nikpey; M. Taran. 2019. "Skin bacterial microflora of two closely related mountain newts (Salamandridae) – the Yellow‐spotted mountain newt Neurergus derjugini and the Kaiser's mountain newt Neurergus kaiseri – in the wild and in a breeding facility highlight new conservation perspectives." International Zoo Yearbook 53, no. 1: 227-237.
In temperate regions of the Earth Pleistocene, climatic fluctuations significantly influenced distribution of species. However, little is known on how glacial and interglacial cycles affected range dynamics of the species occupying lower latitudes. In this study, we investigated mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) variation and reconstructed the potential current and past (during the mid‐Holocene, 6 ka BP, and the Last Glacial Maximum, LGM, 21 ka BP) distribution of Neurergus derjugini, an endangered amphibian species endemic to the mid‐Zagros Mountains in Iran and Iraq. Six haplotypes identified in the control region (D‐loop) form a well‐supported monophyletic clade, distinct from other Neurergus species and revealing a sister relationship to Neurergus kaiseri. Nucleotide diversity quantifying mean divergence between the sequences is low and does not support the recognition of distinct evolutionary lineages in Neurergus derjugini. The landscape connectivity analysis and the haplotype parsimony network reveal higher gene flow rate between the breeding streams in the southern part of the range, while the northern populations are more isolated. The potential distribution of Neurergus derjugini is restricted to valleys close to mountain tops, wherein very high elevations and dry habitats appear to be unsuitable. During the mid‐Holocene and LGM conditions, the range of the species may have been more extended and shifted to lower elevations. These findings show retraction of the Neurergus derjugini range during the Quaternary and indicate that range dynamics of the species occupying lower latitudes may not follow a scenario of glacial retraction and postglacial expansion.
Mohadeseh Afroosheh; Dennis Rödder; Peter Mikulicek; Vahid Akmali; Somaye Vaissi; Jürgen Fleck; Willi Schneider; Mozafar Sharifi. Mitochondrial DNA variation and Quaternary range dynamics in the endangered Yellow Spotted Mountain Newt, Neurergus derjugini (Caudata, Salamandridae). Journal of Zoological Systematics and Evolutionary Research 2019, 57, 580 -590.
AMA StyleMohadeseh Afroosheh, Dennis Rödder, Peter Mikulicek, Vahid Akmali, Somaye Vaissi, Jürgen Fleck, Willi Schneider, Mozafar Sharifi. Mitochondrial DNA variation and Quaternary range dynamics in the endangered Yellow Spotted Mountain Newt, Neurergus derjugini (Caudata, Salamandridae). Journal of Zoological Systematics and Evolutionary Research. 2019; 57 (3):580-590.
Chicago/Turabian StyleMohadeseh Afroosheh; Dennis Rödder; Peter Mikulicek; Vahid Akmali; Somaye Vaissi; Jürgen Fleck; Willi Schneider; Mozafar Sharifi. 2019. "Mitochondrial DNA variation and Quaternary range dynamics in the endangered Yellow Spotted Mountain Newt, Neurergus derjugini (Caudata, Salamandridae)." Journal of Zoological Systematics and Evolutionary Research 57, no. 3: 580-590.
We studied quantitatively the seasonal variation in prevalence, parasite load, and mean intensity of two species of ectoparasites in free ranging populations of Kuhl's bat, Pipistrellus kuhlii in western Iran. In total, 348 live bats (230 males and 118 females) were collected using mist net during May to November 2013. All bats identified as to sex and the number of ectoparasite species in each bat was counted. On 348 P. kuhlii captured, 5355 ectoparasites were observed. Two species of ectoparasites belonging to Argas vespertilionis (Argasidae) and Steatonyssus sp. (Macronyssidae) were identified. In late May and at the beginning of June, the peaks of ectoparasite load in bats were recorded and then dropped during June to November. The number of ectoparasites in pregnant female bats in May-June during pregnancy was significantly higher than non-pregnant females (p ≤ 0.05). A significant correlation was found between ectoparasite load and the ratio of body mass to the length of forearm (W/FA), as an index of body condition, indicating that parasite load has apparent impact on bat’s health. Our findings indicated that parasite loads correlate with season, sex and reproductive condition of the host.
Mozafar Sharifi; Somaye Vaissi; Hossein Javanbakht. Seasonal variation in prevalence, parasite load and mean intensity of ectoparasites in Pipistrellus kuhlii (Chiroptera: Vespertilionidae) from Iran. Acta Biologica Szegediensis 2019, 62, 190 -194.
AMA StyleMozafar Sharifi, Somaye Vaissi, Hossein Javanbakht. Seasonal variation in prevalence, parasite load and mean intensity of ectoparasites in Pipistrellus kuhlii (Chiroptera: Vespertilionidae) from Iran. Acta Biologica Szegediensis. 2019; 62 (2):190-194.
Chicago/Turabian StyleMozafar Sharifi; Somaye Vaissi; Hossein Javanbakht. 2019. "Seasonal variation in prevalence, parasite load and mean intensity of ectoparasites in Pipistrellus kuhlii (Chiroptera: Vespertilionidae) from Iran." Acta Biologica Szegediensis 62, no. 2: 190-194.
There are increasing evidences documenting the negative impact of exotic species including mosquitofish, Gambosi affinis, in Iran. Meanwhile, recent climate change in freshwater ecosystems in arid and semi-arid regions such as Iran is expected to cause undesirable impact. We conducted experiments in 2 levels of temperature and predator density including: high temperature/high predator (HT/HP), high temperature/ low predator (HT/LP), low temperature/high predator (LT/HP), and low temperature/low predator (LT/LP) that carried out within 20 days. Larval growth rate was highest at the HT/HP (0.29 mm/day), development stage was slowest at the LT/HP treatment (Gosner: 28.33 ± 0.33), and survival rate was lowest at HT/HP treatment (0.00%). Except for the significant impact of predator density on survival, B. variabilis was tolerant of both predator density and increased temperature and there was no interaction between predator density and increased temperature in term of growth, development and survival. But, combined effects of temperature and predator density showed significant effects on growth, metamorphosis, and survival over time.
Z. Taheri Khas; S. Vaissi; S. Yaghobi; M. Sharifi. Temperature Induced Predation Impact of Mosquitofish (Gambusia affinis) on Growth, Development, and Survival of Larvae and Tadpole of Bufotes variabilis (Amphibia: Anura). Russian Journal of Ecology 2019, 50, 80 -87.
AMA StyleZ. Taheri Khas, S. Vaissi, S. Yaghobi, M. Sharifi. Temperature Induced Predation Impact of Mosquitofish (Gambusia affinis) on Growth, Development, and Survival of Larvae and Tadpole of Bufotes variabilis (Amphibia: Anura). Russian Journal of Ecology. 2019; 50 (1):80-87.
Chicago/Turabian StyleZ. Taheri Khas; S. Vaissi; S. Yaghobi; M. Sharifi. 2019. "Temperature Induced Predation Impact of Mosquitofish (Gambusia affinis) on Growth, Development, and Survival of Larvae and Tadpole of Bufotes variabilis (Amphibia: Anura)." Russian Journal of Ecology 50, no. 1: 80-87.
Mosquitofish (Gambusia affinis) are one of the most serious threats to native amphibian populations in most tropic and sub-tropic wetlands of the world. Predation on eggs, embryos and larvae appears to be the primary mechanism by which Mosquitofish cause declines in amphibians. In this study, we examined the direct effect of G. affinis predation on the growth, development and survival of embryos and larvae of the Green Toad Bufotes variabilis for three weeks. Results of the experimental B. variabilis exposure to four different predator densities including no predator, one, two and four adult female G. affinis showed that predator densities may have no effect on the growth and development of larvae but can significantly decrease the hatching time, hatching rate and survival of Green Toad eggs, embryos and larvae during their early life.
Zeynab Taheri Khas; Somaye Vaissi; Sohayla Yaghobi; Mozafar Sharifi. Experimental evaluation of predatory impacts of Mosquitofish (Gambusia affinis) on embryos and larvae of the Green Toad Bufotes variabilis (Amphibia: Anura). Zoology and Ecology 2018, 28, 280 -285.
AMA StyleZeynab Taheri Khas, Somaye Vaissi, Sohayla Yaghobi, Mozafar Sharifi. Experimental evaluation of predatory impacts of Mosquitofish (Gambusia affinis) on embryos and larvae of the Green Toad Bufotes variabilis (Amphibia: Anura). Zoology and Ecology. 2018; 28 (4):280-285.
Chicago/Turabian StyleZeynab Taheri Khas; Somaye Vaissi; Sohayla Yaghobi; Mozafar Sharifi. 2018. "Experimental evaluation of predatory impacts of Mosquitofish (Gambusia affinis) on embryos and larvae of the Green Toad Bufotes variabilis (Amphibia: Anura)." Zoology and Ecology 28, no. 4: 280-285.
In this study, we investigated the use of the dorsal coloration pattern of larval, post-metamorphic and adult Neurergus kaiseri in order to develop a non-invasive photo-identification method to identify individuals of this species. Development of color pattern of larval and post-metamorphic newts until to reach to a pattern constancy was studied by consecutive photography during one year. In all transparent larval newts, we observed that random distributed pigment cells gradually accumulate along dorsal line and midbody lateral line during the first half of the larval period, and following localization in early post metamorphosis remains unchanged thereafter. Also, in a separate experiment we evaluated accuracy (% matching) and efficiency (time required for each matching) of visual judgments (true recognition or matching and false recognition or miss-matching) by naive observers when they recognized 150 individual’s adult newts based on their pattern coloration in colored photographs. In all visual judgments of photographic identification trials based on true and false recognitions in naive observer using different dorsal parts the success rate averaged 99.9 ± 0.3. The mean success rate in false recognition was 99.9% ranging from 99.7 to 100%. Assessment of accuracy of photo-identification method by true recognition yielded 100% success rate.
Somaye Vaissi; Hossein Farasat; Vahid Akmali; Mozafar Sharifi. Consistency of Coloration Pattern and Applicability of Photo Identification Method as a Tool to Identify Individuals of the Kaiser’s Mountain Newt, Neurergus kaiseri. Russian Journal of Herpetology 2018, 25, 311-321 .
AMA StyleSomaye Vaissi, Hossein Farasat, Vahid Akmali, Mozafar Sharifi. Consistency of Coloration Pattern and Applicability of Photo Identification Method as a Tool to Identify Individuals of the Kaiser’s Mountain Newt, Neurergus kaiseri. Russian Journal of Herpetology. 2018; 25 (4):311-321.
Chicago/Turabian StyleSomaye Vaissi; Hossein Farasat; Vahid Akmali; Mozafar Sharifi. 2018. "Consistency of Coloration Pattern and Applicability of Photo Identification Method as a Tool to Identify Individuals of the Kaiser’s Mountain Newt, Neurergus kaiseri." Russian Journal of Herpetology 25, no. 4: 311-321.
The changing global climate poses a new threat to amphibian populations since amphibian growth and development are strongly influenced by temperature. In general, low temperature reduces their physiological processes, decreasing development and growth rates. However, metamorphs of some amphibian species may be larger than their conspecifics grown at high temperatures. The increased temperature can reduce the metamorphic size in some species, whereas in other species, high temperatures accelerate growth with no changes in body size at metamorphosis. In order to test the influence of water temperature on larval growth, development and survival of the green toad Bufo viridis, 200 eggs were raised separately at two different water temperatures (18 and 21 °C) for the period of 16 weeks. The results show that the larvae reared at high temperature reached metamorphosis significantly faster (86.58 ± 13.47 days) than those reared at low temperature (105.4 ± 7.83 days). However, the larvae reared at high temperature showed a significant increase in survival rate (64% ± 34.22) compared to the larvae reared at low temperature (23.57% ± 4.18). The growth rate of the larvae reared at higher temperature was higher than that of the larvae reared at low temperature but this difference was not significant. In contrast, the average size at metamorphosis (SVL) at low temperature was significantly larger (19.05 ± 1.12 mm) compared with that of the individuals that metamorphosed at the relatively higher temperature (16.11 ± 1.54 mm).
Nemat Dastansara; Somaye Vaissi; Jahan Mosavi; Mozafar Sharifi. Impacts of temperature on growth, development and survival of larval Bufo (Pseudepidalea) viridis (Amphibia: Anura): implications of climate change. Zoology and Ecology 2017, 27, 228 -234.
AMA StyleNemat Dastansara, Somaye Vaissi, Jahan Mosavi, Mozafar Sharifi. Impacts of temperature on growth, development and survival of larval Bufo (Pseudepidalea) viridis (Amphibia: Anura): implications of climate change. Zoology and Ecology. 2017; 27 (3-4):228-234.
Chicago/Turabian StyleNemat Dastansara; Somaye Vaissi; Jahan Mosavi; Mozafar Sharifi. 2017. "Impacts of temperature on growth, development and survival of larval Bufo (Pseudepidalea) viridis (Amphibia: Anura): implications of climate change." Zoology and Ecology 27, no. 3-4: 228-234.
Anatomical and histological examinations were conducted on the digestive glands of two closely related mountain newts, Neurergus microspilotus (Nesterov, 1916) and Neurergus kaiseri Schmidt, 1952. In N. microspilotus and N. kaiseri the major digestive glands comprise a very large liver and a small pancreas. In both species the liver has two distinct lobes, right and left. Histologically, the parenchyma of the liver of both species is contained within a thin capsule of fibroconnective tissue. Glycogen deposits and fat storage often dissolve during the routine histological process and produce considerable histological variability. Sinusoids are lined with endothelial cells forming a very thin epithelial sheet, with discontinuous basement membrane. Bile ducts also occur within the parenchyma of the liver. The ducts are lined by simple cuboidal epithelium. The gall bladder is a storage depot for bile. Its mucosa is thrown into numerous folds. The epithelial lining of the tunica muscularis is arranged circularly. There is a lot of pigmentation in the hepatic parenchyma. The pancreas in N. microspilotus and N. kaiseri is roughly triangular in shape, and lies rather to the dorsal side of the duodenum, between it and the stomach. The exocrine portion of the pancreas consists of clusters of pyramidal cells, which are mostly organized in acini. In both species the cells have a dark basophilic cytoplasm, distinct basal nuclei, and many large eosinophilic zymogen granules containing enzymes responsible for the digestion of proteins, carbohydrates, fats and nucleotides
Somaye Vaissi; Paria Parto; Mozafar Sharifi. Anatomical and histological study of the liver and pancreas of two closely related mountain newts Neurergus microspilotus and N. kaiseri (Amphibia: Caudata: Salamandridae). Zoologia 2017, 34, 1 -8.
AMA StyleSomaye Vaissi, Paria Parto, Mozafar Sharifi. Anatomical and histological study of the liver and pancreas of two closely related mountain newts Neurergus microspilotus and N. kaiseri (Amphibia: Caudata: Salamandridae). Zoologia. 2017; 34 ():1-8.
Chicago/Turabian StyleSomaye Vaissi; Paria Parto; Mozafar Sharifi. 2017. "Anatomical and histological study of the liver and pancreas of two closely related mountain newts Neurergus microspilotus and N. kaiseri (Amphibia: Caudata: Salamandridae)." Zoologia 34, no. : 1-8.
Coloration in three of four species of the genus Neurergus including N. microspilotus is characterized by the presence of yellow spots on a dark skin, but there is no available information about changes in spot configuration, speed of development and degree of association between melanophore-free region and the lateral line. In this study, spot numbers, spot circularity, spot size and spot asymmetry were studied during larval to adult growth in N. microspilotus during July 2012 to June 2015. The mean numbers of spots increased during the late larval stage till postmetamorphic period from 13.33 ± 3.77 to 22.53 ± 4.09 and reached 42.62 ± 4.06 in adults. At the same time, the extent of spots gradually decreased in size from 5.80 ± 1.00 to 3.57 ± 0.97 mm2 and reached 3.55 ± 1.42 mm2 in adults, but the spot circularity increased from 0.48 ± 0.23 to 0.78 ± 0.49 and reached 0.80 ± 0.15 in adults. In adults, the numbers, circularity, size and asymmetry of spots remain stable with little but non-significant changes during the study period. Histological study shows that formation of a melanophore-free region correlates with the development of the lateral line receptors. This study demonstrates that the effects of lateral line on chromatophores persist through middle larval stages but diminish as metamorphosis completes.
Somaye Vaissi; Paria Parto; Mozafar Sharifi. Ontogenetic changes in spot configuration (numbers, circularity, size and asymmetry) and lateral line in Neurergus microspilotus (Caudata: Salamandridae). Acta Zoologica 2017, 99, 9 -19.
AMA StyleSomaye Vaissi, Paria Parto, Mozafar Sharifi. Ontogenetic changes in spot configuration (numbers, circularity, size and asymmetry) and lateral line in Neurergus microspilotus (Caudata: Salamandridae). Acta Zoologica. 2017; 99 (1):9-19.
Chicago/Turabian StyleSomaye Vaissi; Paria Parto; Mozafar Sharifi. 2017. "Ontogenetic changes in spot configuration (numbers, circularity, size and asymmetry) and lateral line in Neurergus microspilotus (Caudata: Salamandridae)." Acta Zoologica 99, no. 1: 9-19.
In this study, we examined cannibalistic behavior, growth, metamorphosis, and survival in larval and post-metamorph endangered yellow spotted mountain newts Neurergus microspilotus hatched and reared in a captive breeding facility. We designed a 2 × 2 factorial experiment, crossing two levels of food with two levels of density including high food/high density, high food/low density, low food/high density, and low food/low density. The level of cannibalistic behavior (including the loss of fore and hind limbs, missing toes, tail, gills, body damage, and whole body consumption) changed as the larvae grew, from a low level during the first 4 weeks, peaking from weeks 7 to 12, and then dropped during weeks 14–52. Both food level and density had a significant effect on cannibalism. The highest frequency of cannibalism was recorded for larvae reared in the low food/high density and lowest in high food/low density treatments. Growth, percent of larval metamorphosed, and survival were all highest in the high food/low density and lowest in low food/high density treatment. Food level had a significant effect on growth, metamorphosis, and survival. However, the two levels of density did not influence growth and metamorphosis but showed a significant effect on survival. Similarly, combined effects of food level and density showed significant effects on growth, metamorphosis, and survival over time. Information obtained from current experiment could improve productivity of captive breeding facilities to ensure the release of adequate numbers of individuals for reintroduction programs. Zoo Biol. © 2016 The Authors. Zoo Biology published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Somaye Vaissi; Mozafar Sharifi. Variation in food availability mediate the impact of density on cannibalism, growth, and survival in larval yellow spotted mountain newts (Neurergus microspilotus): Implications for captive breeding programs. Zoo Biology 2016, 35, 513 -521.
AMA StyleSomaye Vaissi, Mozafar Sharifi. Variation in food availability mediate the impact of density on cannibalism, growth, and survival in larval yellow spotted mountain newts (Neurergus microspilotus): Implications for captive breeding programs. Zoo Biology. 2016; 35 (6):513-521.
Chicago/Turabian StyleSomaye Vaissi; Mozafar Sharifi. 2016. "Variation in food availability mediate the impact of density on cannibalism, growth, and survival in larval yellow spotted mountain newts (Neurergus microspilotus): Implications for captive breeding programs." Zoo Biology 35, no. 6: 513-521.