Jennifer Daltry - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Papers by Jennifer Daltry

Zootaxa, Jul 13, 2012

A new species of kukri snake Oligodon Fitzinger, 1826 is described from the Phnom Samkos Wildlife... more A new species of kukri snake Oligodon Fitzinger, 1826 is described from the Phnom Samkos Wildlife Sanctuary, Cardamom Mountains, southwest Cambodia. Oligodon kampucheaensis sp. nov. differs from other Indochinese and Southeast Asian species of Oligodon by having 15-15-15 dorsal scale rows; 164 ventral scales; 39 subcaudal scales; anal plate undivided; deep bifurcated hemipenes, lacking papillae and spines extending to subcaudal scale 11; 17 transverse cream and black-edged bands on body; three bands on tail; eight or nine scales long between dorsal bands; white ventrolateral spots on the lateral margin of every dark brown squarish or subrectangular ventral blotch. The hemipenial characters place it as the tenth species of the O. cyclurus group but it has a lower dorsal scale count than other species in this group. The discovery of this species from the Phnom Samkos Wildlife Sanctuary increases the number of kukri snakes for Cambodia to ten and indicates the importance of additional field studies in the Cardamom Mountains.

Animal Conservation, Jun 12, 2023

Biological Conservation, Apr 1, 2020

[No abstract available

ZooKeys, Feb 17, 2022

The newly described horned iguana Iguana insularis from the southern Lesser Antilles is separated... more The newly described horned iguana Iguana insularis from the southern Lesser Antilles is separated in two easily recognized subspecies: I. insularis sanctaluciae from St. Lucia and I. insularis insularis from the Grenadines. Its former description is completed by the use of 38 new samples for genetic and morphological analysis. Seventeen microsatellites were used to estimate genetic diversity, population structure and the level of introgression with other Iguana species over nearly the whole range of the species. ND4 and PAC sequences were also used to better characterize hybridization and to complete the description of this lineage. The I. insularis population of St. Vincent shows a high level of introgression from I. iguana whereas in the Grenadines, most islands present pure insularis populations but several show evidence of introgressions. Of the two remaining populations of I. insularis sanctaluciae, only one is still purebred. The

Conservation Biology, Jul 8, 2019

Compassionate conservation focuses on 4 tenets: first, do no harm; individuals matter; inclusivit... more Compassionate conservation focuses on 4 tenets: first, do no harm; individuals matter; inclusivity of individual animals; and peaceful coexistence between humans and animals. Recently, compassionate conservation has been promoted as an alternative to conventional conservation philosophy. We believe examples presented by compassionate conservationists are deliberately or arbitrarily chosen to focus on mammals; inherently not compassionate; and offer ineffective conservation solutions. Compassionate conservation arbitrarily focuses on charismatic species, notably large predators and megaherbivores. The philosophy is not compassionate when it leaves invasive predators in the environment to cause harm to vastly more individuals of native species or uses the fear of harm by apex predators to terrorize mesopredators. Hindering the control of exotic species (megafauna, predators) in situ will not improve the conservation condition of the majority of biodiversity even if compassionate conservationists do no harm to individuals of the exotic species. The positions taken by socalled compassionate conservationists on particular species and on conservation actions could be extended to hinder other forms of conservation, including translocations, conservation This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved. fencing, and fertility control. Animal welfare is incredibly important to conservation, but ironically compassionate conservation does not offer the best welfare outcomes to animals and is often ineffective in achieving conservation goals. Consequently, compassionate conservation may threaten public and governmental support for conservation because of the general publics' limited understanding of conservation problems.

Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B, Jul 29, 1995

Observed patterns of within-species geographic variation may reflect phylogenetic history or ecog... more Observed patterns of within-species geographic variation may reflect phylogenetic history or ecogenetic adaptation, and it is frequently desirable to evaluate their relative contributions. Phylogenetic information can be recovered from relatively neutrally evolving molecular markers, but to what extent are they useful in understanding the causes of observed geographic patterns within species? In the lacertid lizard Gallotia galloti (Western Canary islands), it allows the colonization sequence to be hypothesized, giving a new perspective on the causes of morphological differentiation between island populations. In SouthEast Asian pit-vipers, venom evolution can be evaluated in relation to biogeographic processes and current ecology. At a finer geographic scale, alternative historical and geological hypotheses can be tested to explain within-island microgeographic variation in G. galloti in Tenerife. Similar work on Anolis oculatus within the island of Dominica, however, raises questions concerning some of the assumptions behind a molecular phylogenetic approach.

Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research), Dec 31, 2012

Herpetology Notes, Aug 1, 2016

The ground snake Erythrolamprus ornatus is a dipsadid endemic to Saint Lucia, West Indies; it is ... more The ground snake Erythrolamprus ornatus is a dipsadid endemic to Saint Lucia, West Indies; it is currently categorized as Endangered on the IUCN Red List. There have been no sightings of the snake on the main island of Saint Lucia since the 1800’s, and although the species is believed to have once been common on Saint Lucia prior to the introduction of the small Indian mongoose ( Herpestes javanicus ), by 1936 the species was presumed extinct. In 1973, a single E. ornatus was found on the mongoose free, 9.4 ha (12.3 ha surface area) islet of Maria Major, less than one kilometer off the southern tip of Saint Lucia. All subsequent accounts of the species have been from Maria Major alone. Here we report the findings of the first detailed study of the population size, diet, and ecology of the Saint Lucia racer, which took place on Maria Major over 30 days between October 2011 and March 2012. Daylight searches produced a total of 41 snake encounters resulting in capture of 11 individuals. Capture Mark Recapture (CMR) and encounter rate index based estimates of population size suggest there are fewer than 50 mature individuals on Maria Major. We therefore propose a revised classification of Critically Endangered. Erythrolamprus ornatus on Maria Major appear to be smaller and less colorful than individuals once described from the main island of Saint Lucia, possibly the effects of a genetic bottleneck in this isolated population.

Oryx, Dec 1, 2021

Meeting the complex demands of conservation requires a multi-skilled workforce operating in a sec... more Meeting the complex demands of conservation requires a multi-skilled workforce operating in a sector that is respected and supported. Although professionalization of conservation is widely seen as desirable, there is no consistent understanding of what that entails. Here, we review whether and how eight elements of professionalization observed in other sectors are applicable to conservation: () a defined and respected occupation; () official recognition; () knowledge, learning, competences and standards; () paid employment; () codes of conduct and ethics; () individual commitment; () organizational capacity; and () professional associations. Despite significant achievements in many of these areas, overall progress is patchy, and conventional concepts of professionalization are not always a good fit for conservation. Reasons for this include the multidisciplinary nature of conservation work, the disproportionate influence of elite groups on the development and direction of the profession, and under-representation of field practitioners and of Indigenous peoples and local communities with professional-equivalent skills. We propose a more inclusive approach to professionalization that reflects the full range of practitioners in the sector and the need for increased recognition in countries and regions of high biodiversity. We offer a new definition that characterizes conservation professionals as practitioners who act as essential links between conservation action and conservation knowledge and policy, and provide seven recommendations for building a more effective, inclusive and representative profession.

Biological Conservation, 2020

The 'Compassionate Conservation' movement is gaining momentum through its promotion of 'ethical' ... more The 'Compassionate Conservation' movement is gaining momentum through its promotion of 'ethical' conservation practices based on self-proclaimed principles of 'first-dono-harm' and 'individuals matter'. We argue that the tenets of 'Compassionate Conservation' are ideological-that is, they are not scientifically proven to improve conservation outcomes, yet are critical of the current methods that do. In this paper we envision a future with 'Compassionate Conservation' and predict how this might affect global biodiversity conservation. Taken literally, 'Compassionate Conservation' will deny current conservation practices such as captive breeding, introduced species control, biocontrol, conservation fencing, translocation, contraception, disease control and genetic introgression. Five mainstream conservation practices are used to illustrate the far-reaching and dire consequences for global biodiversity if governed by 'Compassionate Conservation'. We acknowledge the important role of animal welfare science in conservation practices but argue that 'Compassionate Conservation' aligns more closely with animal liberation principles protecting individuals over populations. Ultimately we fear that a world of 'Compassionate Conservation' could stymie the global conservation efforts required to meet international biodiversity targets derived from evidenced based practice, such as the Aichi targets developed by the Convention on Biological Diversity and adopted by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature and the United Nations.

Ecography, Feb 1, 1998

... Jennifer C. Daltry, Toby Ross, Roger S. Thorpe and Wolfgang Wuster ... greatly exposed to vie... more ... Jennifer C. Daltry, Toby Ross, Roger S. Thorpe and Wolfgang Wuster ... greatly exposed to view than females (N = 262; Mann-Whitney U= 10122, p&lt;O.OI): mean body exposure ... The mean body temperature of C. rhodostoma in our study site between dawn and dusk was 29.4°C ...

Toxicon, 1996

profiles and biological activities: intraspecific variation in the venom of the Malayan pit viper... more profiles and biological activities: intraspecific variation in the venom of the Malayan pit viper (Calloselasma rhodostoma). Toxicon 34, 67-80, 1996.-The Malayan pit viper (Calloselasma rhodostoma) is of major clinical significance both as a leading cause of snakebite and as the source of ancrod (ArvinVM). Although its venom has been extensively studied, the degree to which venom composition varies between individuals is poorly known. We individually analysed the venoms of over 100 C. rhodostoma using isoelectric focusing. In all populations, females produced an intense band that was absent from all males, and significant ontogenetic variation was detected. Principal components analysis of the banding profiles also revealed strong geographic variation, which was significantly congruent with variation in the biological activities of the venom (phosphodiesterase, alkalinephosphoesterase, L-amino acid oxidase, arginine ester hydrolase, 5'-nucleotidase, thrombin-like enzyme, haemorrhagic activity). Studies of captive-bred snakes indicate that the intraspecific variation in venom is genetically inherited rather than environmentally induced. The intraspecific variation in venom composition and biological activity could be of applied importance to snakebite therapy, both in correct diagnosis of the source of envenomation and in the development of a more effective antivenom. Greater attention should be given to the source of C. rhodostoma venom used in research to ensure reproducibility of results.

Integrative Zoology, Dec 3, 2020

Redonda is a small volcanic Caribbean island that is home to at least 4 endemic lizard species, i... more Redonda is a small volcanic Caribbean island that is home to at least 4 endemic lizard species, including the Critically Endangered ground lizard (Pholidoscelis atratus). Black rats (Rattus rattus) and domestic goats (Capra hircus) were introduced to the island at some time after its discovery by Europeans in the late 1500s. They had a devastating effect on the island, resulting in the loss of nearly all trees and most of the ground vegetation. Point count surveys of P. atratus in 2012 indicated low densities, and the invasive rats were observed hunting and preying on the lizards. Both populations of rats and goats were successfully removed in 2017 as part of an ecological restoration program, and native vegetation and invertebrate populations have increased rapidly since. Population surveys in 2017, 2018, and 2019 show the lizard population has increased by more than sixfold. In 2017, as rats and goats were being removed, we evaluated the morphology and escape behavior of this species and repeated these measurements 1 year later. We observed that P. atratus had become bolder, with a reduced flight distance. We also detected changes in limb morphology related to locomotion and suggest possible explanations that will need to be further investigated in the future. These results show how the removal of invasive species can rapidly affect lizard population recovery and behavior, potentially restoring island ecosystems to their pre-human interference dynamics.

Applied Herpetology, 2007

At least 29 reptiles and amphibians have been documented on Antigua, Barbuda and Redonda, of whic... more At least 29 reptiles and amphibians have been documented on Antigua, Barbuda and Redonda, of which 21 are probably native. These include four species of marine turtles, two of which (Eretmochelys imbricata and Chelonia mydas) are known to nest on the nation's numerous sandy beaches and forage in nearshore waters. The low-lying and largely sedimentary islands of Antigua (280 km 2) and Barbuda (161 km 2) formed a single island as recently as 12,000 years ago and exhibit a similar herpetofauna with high endemicity. At least four terrestrial species are endemic to the Antigua and Barbuda bank: Alsophis antiguae, Ameiva griswoldi, Anolis wattsi, Sphaerodactylus elegantulus (a possible fifth being Barbuda's Anolis forresti, if not synonymous with A wattsi), and a further five are Lesser Antillean endemics. Only six species have been documented on the small, rugged volcanic island of Redonda (1 km 2), but as many as half of them occur nowhere else (Ameiva atrata, Anolis nubilus, and a potentially new Sphaerodactylus sp.). Centuries of forest clearance, overgrazing and development, coupled with the introduction of small Asian mongooses (Herpestes javanicus), black rats (Rattus rattus) and other alien invasive species, has endangered many of the nation's wildlife, and at least four indigenous reptiles have been extirpated (Boa constrictor, Clelia clelia, Iguana delicatissima, and Leiocephalus cuneus). Recent moves to enlarge the nation's protected area network are encouraging, but need to be supported with stronger legislation and proper investment in management staff and resources. This paper presents conservation recommendations and describes two projects that have adopted innovative approaches to save the most critically endangered reptilesthe Jumby Bay Hawksbill Project and the Antiguan Racer Conservation Project.

Conservation, Apr 12, 2022

This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative... more This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY

Oryx, Jul 1, 2015

Conservation news Antigua announces 15th island cleared of invasive alien mammals The once-forest... more Conservation news Antigua announces 15th island cleared of invasive alien mammals The once-forested island nation of Antigua and Barbuda in the Eastern Caribbean looks starkly different today. Besides having lost most of its forest cover-first to agriculture and later to urban sprawl and tourism developments-this small country has suffered from a wide range of harmful invaders. Among the most devastating for wildlife are the Eurasian black rat Rattus rattus, which reached the Caribbean with European settlers in the th century, and the small Asian mongoose Herpestes javanicus, introduced in the late th century in an attempt to control the rats. Many native species have been lost, including the Antiguan burrowing owl Athene cunicularia amaura, the endemic Antiguan and Barbudan muskrats 'Ekbletomys hypenemus' and Megalomys audreyae and, most recently, the Lesser Antillean iguana Iguana delicatissima. While native biodiversity declined on Antigua and Barbuda, the country's uninhabited offshore islands emerged as vitally important natural refugia. More than  small limestone islands scattered across Antigua's shallow coastal shelf are home to globally important colonies of seabirds, the Vulnerable West Indian whistling-duck Dendrocygna arborea, nesting marine turtles and many of the country's last endemic plants, reptiles and invertebrates. Collectively, the islands have been internationally recognized as a Key Biodiversity Area, an Alliance for Zero Extinction Site, and an Important Bird Area. By the s, however, most of Antigua's offshore islands were occupied by rats, and mongooses had reached the larger islands, further depleting their native flora and fauna. Among the many species affected was the Critically Endangered Antiguan racer Alsophis antiguae, a harmless dipsadid snake. Only c.  racers remained when the species was first surveyed by Fauna & Flora International (FFI) in , all confined to the -ha Great Bird Island, and most had been injured by black rats. To save these rare snakes, rats were successfully eradicated from Great Bird Island and two neighbouring cays in  by staff from FFI, the Forestry Unit and the Environmental Awareness Group. Since then efforts to remove invasive alien mammals have expanded across the archipelago, with  islands successfully targeted:

Zootaxa, May 20, 2019

The Lesser Antilles, in the Eastern Caribbean, were long considered to have only two species in t... more The Lesser Antilles, in the Eastern Caribbean, were long considered to have only two species in the genus Iguana Laurenti 1768: the Lesser Antillean iguana Iguana delicatissima, which is endemic to parts of the Lesser Antilles, and the Common green iguana Iguana iguana, which also occurs throughout Central and South America. No subspecies are currently recognised. However, herpetologists and reptile collectors have pointed out strong physical differences between some of the island populations of Iguana iguana and those from the continent. Drawing on both morphological and genetic data, this paper describes two subspecies of the Common green iguana Iguana iguana from the southern Lesser Antilles, specifically the countries of Saint Lucia Iguana iguana sanctaluciae and Iguana iguana insularis from St Vincent & the Grenadines, and Grenada. The form on the island of Saint Vincent has not been identified. The new subspecies are described based on the following unique combination of characters: Presence of high median and medium to small lateral horns on the snout; Small subtympanic plate not exceeding 20% of the eardrum size; Two or three scales of decreasing size anterior to the subtympanic plate; Fewer than ten small to medium triangular gular spikes; Medium sized dewlap; Low number of small to medium dispersed nuchal tubercles; Dark brown iris, with the white of the eye visible; Oval, prominent nostril; Short and relatively flat head; High dorsal spines; No swelling of the jowls in reproductively active males. Iguana iguana sanctaluciae has in adults vertical black stripes on body and tail and a black dewlap whereas Iguana iguana insularis is pale grey or creamy white in adults. Both subspecies are globally threatened by unsustainable hunting (including the pet trade) and by invasive alien species, including hybridization from invasive iguanas from South and Central America (I. iguana iguana and I. rhinolopha, considered here as full species) that have become established in all three countries. The authors call for stronger measures to conserve the remaining purebred Iguana i. insularis and Iguana i. sanctaluciae ssp. nov. throughout their ranges and for further research to identify other cryptic species and subspecies of Iguana in the Lesser Antilles.