TY  - JOUR
AU  - Bjelica, Vukašin
AU  - Anđelković, Marko
AU  - Maričić, Marko
AU  - Tomović, Ljiljana
AU  - Bonnet, Xavier
AU  - Golubović, Ana
PY  - 2024
UR  - http://radar.ibiss.bg.ac.rs/handle/123456789/6756
AB  - When captured, many prey respond by biting the predator or struggling to get free.
However, one indirect escape option is death feigning (DF), in which complete
immobility supposedly “tricks” the predator into abandoning its meal. But lying
motionless and exposed to a predator is dangerous; therefore, individuals should
optimize DF occurrence and duration. We captured colour polymorphic dice snakes
(Natrix tessellata, Natricidae) (N = 271) in the field and measured two behavioural
responses: (1) the occurrence and duration of immobility/DF; (2) the number of
tongue-flicking sequences (TF). Tongue flicking is an essential component of a key
sensory mechanism to check the safety of the environment before attempting
escape. We experimentally assessed the relationship between these two behaviours
and the effects of phenotypic characteristic of snakes on the occurrence and duration
of immobility and of TF. Snake phenotype had multiple effects. Gravid
females avoided DF and displayed more TF sequences during the tests compared
to non-gravid females and males. Blotched snakes stayed immobile longer than
green and melanistic snakes. Larger individuals remained in DF for longer and
showed fewer TF sequences than smaller individuals. Snakes burdened with a
recent meal postponed fleeing and displayed more TF sequences than snakes without
food. Finally, snakes showing more TF sequences postponed fleeing, which
suggests that dice snakes assessed predatory risks and adapted escape behaviour to
their risk status. Future studies should examine how individuals estimate the appropriate
timing to shift from immobility to escape.
PB  - Hoboken: Wiley
T2  - Journal of Zoology
T1  - Tongue flicking heralds flight behaviour following passive antipredator displays in dice snakes
IS  - 4
VL  - 322
DO  - 10.1111/jzo.13150
SP  - 364
EP  - 374
ER  - 

@article{
author = "Bjelica, Vukašin and Anđelković, Marko and Maričić, Marko and Tomović, Ljiljana and Bonnet, Xavier and Golubović, Ana",
year = "2024",
abstract = "When captured, many prey respond by biting the predator or struggling to get free.
However, one indirect escape option is death feigning (DF), in which complete
immobility supposedly “tricks” the predator into abandoning its meal. But lying
motionless and exposed to a predator is dangerous; therefore, individuals should
optimize DF occurrence and duration. We captured colour polymorphic dice snakes
(Natrix tessellata, Natricidae) (N = 271) in the field and measured two behavioural
responses: (1) the occurrence and duration of immobility/DF; (2) the number of
tongue-flicking sequences (TF). Tongue flicking is an essential component of a key
sensory mechanism to check the safety of the environment before attempting
escape. We experimentally assessed the relationship between these two behaviours
and the effects of phenotypic characteristic of snakes on the occurrence and duration
of immobility and of TF. Snake phenotype had multiple effects. Gravid
females avoided DF and displayed more TF sequences during the tests compared
to non-gravid females and males. Blotched snakes stayed immobile longer than
green and melanistic snakes. Larger individuals remained in DF for longer and
showed fewer TF sequences than smaller individuals. Snakes burdened with a
recent meal postponed fleeing and displayed more TF sequences than snakes without
food. Finally, snakes showing more TF sequences postponed fleeing, which
suggests that dice snakes assessed predatory risks and adapted escape behaviour to
their risk status. Future studies should examine how individuals estimate the appropriate
timing to shift from immobility to escape.",
publisher = "Hoboken: Wiley",
journal = "Journal of Zoology",
title = "Tongue flicking heralds flight behaviour following passive antipredator displays in dice snakes",
number = "4",
volume = "322",
doi = "10.1111/jzo.13150",
pages = "364-374"
}

Bjelica, V., Anđelković, M., Maričić, M., Tomović, L., Bonnet, X.,& Golubović, A.. (2024). Tongue flicking heralds flight behaviour following passive antipredator displays in dice snakes. in Journal of Zoology
Hoboken: Wiley., 322(4), 364-374.
https://doi.org/10.1111/jzo.13150

Bjelica V, Anđelković M, Maričić M, Tomović L, Bonnet X, Golubović A. Tongue flicking heralds flight behaviour following passive antipredator displays in dice snakes. in Journal of Zoology. 2024;322(4):364-374.
doi:10.1111/jzo.13150 .

Bjelica, Vukašin, Anđelković, Marko, Maričić, Marko, Tomović, Ljiljana, Bonnet, Xavier, Golubović, Ana, "Tongue flicking heralds flight behaviour following passive antipredator displays in dice snakes" in Journal of Zoology, 322, no. 4 (2024):364-374,
https://doi.org/10.1111/jzo.13150 . .

TY  - JOUR
AU  - Čubrić, Tijana
AU  - Bonnet, Xavier
AU  - Crnobrnja-Isailović, Jelka
PY  - 2023
UR  - http://radar.ibiss.bg.ac.rs/handle/123456789/6477
AB  - Snakes are ecologically and morphologically plastic organisms that exhibit extensive variations in body size and body condition
in response to environmental factors. Documenting inter-population variations is important to describe species comprehensively
across their distribution range and to monitor trends over time (e.g. decreasing body condition due to alteration of habitat). Thus, we
analyzed the influence of population and sex on body size and body condition in three populations of nose-horned vipers (Vipera
ammodytes) in Serbia. In one population, males were larger than females (F1, 39=4.802, p=0.034), but not in the two other populations
(F1, 36=0.075, p=0.786; F1, 21=0.018, p=0.893). Females exhibited higher body condition (residual values from the regression of
log-body mass against log-body size) than males (F1, 90=10.444, p=0.002); this sex difference was not found in one population when
analyzed separately (F1, 35=1.834, p=0.184). Moreover, we found strong inter-population differences in mean body size and mean
body condition (F2, 96=8.822, p<0.001 and F2, 90=10.319, p=0.001, respectively). While inter-population difference in body size was
driven by males, inter-population difference in body condition was driven by females. These results suggest that, in this species, body
size might be an important determinant of mating success in males, while body condition may play a major role in female fecundity.
PB  - Sofia: Pensoft Publishers
T2  - Herpetozoa
T1  - Body size and body condition in Vipera ammodytes: effects of sex and populations.
VL  - 36
DO  - 10.3897/herpetozoa.36.e98931
SP  - 53
EP  - 58
ER  - 

@article{
author = "Čubrić, Tijana and Bonnet, Xavier and Crnobrnja-Isailović, Jelka",
year = "2023",
abstract = "Snakes are ecologically and morphologically plastic organisms that exhibit extensive variations in body size and body condition
in response to environmental factors. Documenting inter-population variations is important to describe species comprehensively
across their distribution range and to monitor trends over time (e.g. decreasing body condition due to alteration of habitat). Thus, we
analyzed the influence of population and sex on body size and body condition in three populations of nose-horned vipers (Vipera
ammodytes) in Serbia. In one population, males were larger than females (F1, 39=4.802, p=0.034), but not in the two other populations
(F1, 36=0.075, p=0.786; F1, 21=0.018, p=0.893). Females exhibited higher body condition (residual values from the regression of
log-body mass against log-body size) than males (F1, 90=10.444, p=0.002); this sex difference was not found in one population when
analyzed separately (F1, 35=1.834, p=0.184). Moreover, we found strong inter-population differences in mean body size and mean
body condition (F2, 96=8.822, p<0.001 and F2, 90=10.319, p=0.001, respectively). While inter-population difference in body size was
driven by males, inter-population difference in body condition was driven by females. These results suggest that, in this species, body
size might be an important determinant of mating success in males, while body condition may play a major role in female fecundity.",
publisher = "Sofia: Pensoft Publishers",
journal = "Herpetozoa",
title = "Body size and body condition in Vipera ammodytes: effects of sex and populations.",
volume = "36",
doi = "10.3897/herpetozoa.36.e98931",
pages = "53-58"
}

Čubrić, T., Bonnet, X.,& Crnobrnja-Isailović, J.. (2023). Body size and body condition in Vipera ammodytes: effects of sex and populations.. in Herpetozoa
Sofia: Pensoft Publishers., 36, 53-58.
https://doi.org/10.3897/herpetozoa.36.e98931

Čubrić T, Bonnet X, Crnobrnja-Isailović J. Body size and body condition in Vipera ammodytes: effects of sex and populations.. in Herpetozoa. 2023;36:53-58.
doi:10.3897/herpetozoa.36.e98931 .

Čubrić, Tijana, Bonnet, Xavier, Crnobrnja-Isailović, Jelka, "Body size and body condition in Vipera ammodytes: effects of sex and populations." in Herpetozoa, 36 (2023):53-58,
https://doi.org/10.3897/herpetozoa.36.e98931 . .

TY  - JOUR
AU  - Tomović, Ljiljana
AU  - Anđelković, Marko
AU  - Golubović, Ana
AU  - Arsovski, Dragan
AU  - Ajtić, Rastko
AU  - Sterijovski, Bogoljub
AU  - Nikolić, Sonja
AU  - Crnobrnja-Isailović, Jelka
AU  - Lakušić, Margareta
AU  - Bonnet, Xavier
PY  - 2022
UR  - http://radar.ibiss.bg.ac.rs/handle/123456789/5478
AB  - Insular populations offer excellent opportunities to study the factors that influence phenotypes. We observed island dwarfism in a widespread snake, the nose-horned viper (Vipera ammodytes). Island vipers were ~20% smaller than mainland individuals. They also produced fewer and smaller offspring. In snakes, food availability has a positive influence on body size, fecundity and offspring size. Consequently, low energy intake is a plausible explanation for insular dwarfism. The diet of island vipers was principally represented by lizards and centipedes, whereas the most profitable prey items (e.g. rodents) were regularly found in the stomach of mainland vipers. Furthermore, the proportion of individuals captured with a full stomach and good body condition were lower on the island compared with the mainland. Thus, island vipers were likely to be experiencing permanent energy restriction, with cascading effects on adult body size and reproductive output. Large prey promotes high relative jaw length in snakes. Island
vipers displayed smaller relative jaw length compared with mainland populations, suggesting that plasticity played a role in insular dwarfism. But the difference in relative tail length between island and mainland populations, a trait not subjected to food-induced plasticity, indicates local adaptation. Both plasticity and adaptation might influence the phenotype of island vipers.
PB  - Oxford University Press on behalf of The Linnean Society of London
T2  - Biological Journal of the Linnean Society
T1  - Dwarf vipers on a small island: body size, diet and fecundity correlates
IS  - 2
VL  - 137
DO  - 10.1093/biolinnean/blac085
SP  - 267
EP  - 279
ER  - 

@article{
author = "Tomović, Ljiljana and Anđelković, Marko and Golubović, Ana and Arsovski, Dragan and Ajtić, Rastko and Sterijovski, Bogoljub and Nikolić, Sonja and Crnobrnja-Isailović, Jelka and Lakušić, Margareta and Bonnet, Xavier",
year = "2022",
abstract = "Insular populations offer excellent opportunities to study the factors that influence phenotypes. We observed island dwarfism in a widespread snake, the nose-horned viper (Vipera ammodytes). Island vipers were ~20% smaller than mainland individuals. They also produced fewer and smaller offspring. In snakes, food availability has a positive influence on body size, fecundity and offspring size. Consequently, low energy intake is a plausible explanation for insular dwarfism. The diet of island vipers was principally represented by lizards and centipedes, whereas the most profitable prey items (e.g. rodents) were regularly found in the stomach of mainland vipers. Furthermore, the proportion of individuals captured with a full stomach and good body condition were lower on the island compared with the mainland. Thus, island vipers were likely to be experiencing permanent energy restriction, with cascading effects on adult body size and reproductive output. Large prey promotes high relative jaw length in snakes. Island
vipers displayed smaller relative jaw length compared with mainland populations, suggesting that plasticity played a role in insular dwarfism. But the difference in relative tail length between island and mainland populations, a trait not subjected to food-induced plasticity, indicates local adaptation. Both plasticity and adaptation might influence the phenotype of island vipers.",
publisher = "Oxford University Press on behalf of The Linnean Society of London",
journal = "Biological Journal of the Linnean Society",
title = "Dwarf vipers on a small island: body size, diet and fecundity correlates",
number = "2",
volume = "137",
doi = "10.1093/biolinnean/blac085",
pages = "267-279"
}

Tomović, L., Anđelković, M., Golubović, A., Arsovski, D., Ajtić, R., Sterijovski, B., Nikolić, S., Crnobrnja-Isailović, J., Lakušić, M.,& Bonnet, X.. (2022). Dwarf vipers on a small island: body size, diet and fecundity correlates. in Biological Journal of the Linnean Society
Oxford University Press on behalf of The Linnean Society of London., 137(2), 267-279.
https://doi.org/10.1093/biolinnean/blac085

Tomović L, Anđelković M, Golubović A, Arsovski D, Ajtić R, Sterijovski B, Nikolić S, Crnobrnja-Isailović J, Lakušić M, Bonnet X. Dwarf vipers on a small island: body size, diet and fecundity correlates. in Biological Journal of the Linnean Society. 2022;137(2):267-279.
doi:10.1093/biolinnean/blac085 .

Tomović, Ljiljana, Anđelković, Marko, Golubović, Ana, Arsovski, Dragan, Ajtić, Rastko, Sterijovski, Bogoljub, Nikolić, Sonja, Crnobrnja-Isailović, Jelka, Lakušić, Margareta, Bonnet, Xavier, "Dwarf vipers on a small island: body size, diet and fecundity correlates" in Biological Journal of the Linnean Society, 137, no. 2 (2022):267-279,
https://doi.org/10.1093/biolinnean/blac085 . .

TY  - CONF
AU  - Lakušić, Margareta
AU  - Damm, Maik
AU  - Bjelica, Vukašin
AU  - Anđelković, Marko
AU  - Tomović, Ljiljana
AU  - Bonnet, Xavier
AU  - Süssmuth, Roderich
AU  - Calvete, Juan
AU  - Martínez-Freiría, Fernando
PY  - 2022
UR  - http://radar.ibiss.bg.ac.rs/handle/123456789/5276
AB  - Snake venom is a complex secretion of proteins, peptides and small compounds. Being closely related to feeding, this important ecological trait is highly variable. The resulting variations are notably characterised by the abundance of different toxins, both at inter-and intraspecific levels. Here we addressed variation in venom composition of two populations of Vipera ammodytes from North Macedonia. One population inhabits Golem Grad Island (Prespa Lake) where vipers feed mainly on ectotherms, and the other is from the nearby mainland (Konjsko village) where endotherms are included in the diet. Using the bottom-up protocol for venom proteome analysis, five pools (insular juveniles, subadults, adult males and adult females, and adults from the mainland) were analysed, from a total of 50 individuals (46 from the island and four from the mainland). The venom profiles of the insular and mainland population differed, likely reflecting prey divergence between the sites. At the population level, in Golem Grad, venom composition showed an ontogenetic shift in the relative occurrence of different toxin families. This change is probably due to the shift in the diet; juveniles feed mainly on centipedes and small lizards, while adults essentially consume lizards. On the contrary, there was negligible variation in venom profiles of island adult males and females, likely due to their similar diet. Our results reveal fine-tuned and rapid (ontogenetic) parallel shifts in diet and venom composition and highlight the need to consider species' ecology in any causal model of venom variability.
PB  - Belgrade: Institute for Biological Research "Siniša Stanković"– National Institute of Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade
C3  - Program and Book of Abstracts: the 21st European Congress of Herpetology; 2022 Sep 5-9; Belgrade, Serbia
T1  - Food for thought: Venom composition of Vipera ammodytes from the island and mainland population is likely related with diet
SP  - 159
UR  - https://hdl.handle.net/21.15107/rcub_ibiss_5276
ER  - 

@conference{
author = "Lakušić, Margareta and Damm, Maik and Bjelica, Vukašin and Anđelković, Marko and Tomović, Ljiljana and Bonnet, Xavier and Süssmuth, Roderich and Calvete, Juan and Martínez-Freiría, Fernando",
year = "2022",
abstract = "Snake venom is a complex secretion of proteins, peptides and small compounds. Being closely related to feeding, this important ecological trait is highly variable. The resulting variations are notably characterised by the abundance of different toxins, both at inter-and intraspecific levels. Here we addressed variation in venom composition of two populations of Vipera ammodytes from North Macedonia. One population inhabits Golem Grad Island (Prespa Lake) where vipers feed mainly on ectotherms, and the other is from the nearby mainland (Konjsko village) where endotherms are included in the diet. Using the bottom-up protocol for venom proteome analysis, five pools (insular juveniles, subadults, adult males and adult females, and adults from the mainland) were analysed, from a total of 50 individuals (46 from the island and four from the mainland). The venom profiles of the insular and mainland population differed, likely reflecting prey divergence between the sites. At the population level, in Golem Grad, venom composition showed an ontogenetic shift in the relative occurrence of different toxin families. This change is probably due to the shift in the diet; juveniles feed mainly on centipedes and small lizards, while adults essentially consume lizards. On the contrary, there was negligible variation in venom profiles of island adult males and females, likely due to their similar diet. Our results reveal fine-tuned and rapid (ontogenetic) parallel shifts in diet and venom composition and highlight the need to consider species' ecology in any causal model of venom variability.",
publisher = "Belgrade: Institute for Biological Research "Siniša Stanković"– National Institute of Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade",
journal = "Program and Book of Abstracts: the 21st European Congress of Herpetology; 2022 Sep 5-9; Belgrade, Serbia",
title = "Food for thought: Venom composition of Vipera ammodytes from the island and mainland population is likely related with diet",
pages = "159",
url = "https://hdl.handle.net/21.15107/rcub_ibiss_5276"
}

Lakušić, M., Damm, M., Bjelica, V., Anđelković, M., Tomović, L., Bonnet, X., Süssmuth, R., Calvete, J.,& Martínez-Freiría, F.. (2022). Food for thought: Venom composition of Vipera ammodytes from the island and mainland population is likely related with diet. in Program and Book of Abstracts: the 21st European Congress of Herpetology; 2022 Sep 5-9; Belgrade, Serbia
Belgrade: Institute for Biological Research "Siniša Stanković"– National Institute of Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade., 159.
https://hdl.handle.net/21.15107/rcub_ibiss_5276

Lakušić M, Damm M, Bjelica V, Anđelković M, Tomović L, Bonnet X, Süssmuth R, Calvete J, Martínez-Freiría F. Food for thought: Venom composition of Vipera ammodytes from the island and mainland population is likely related with diet. in Program and Book of Abstracts: the 21st European Congress of Herpetology; 2022 Sep 5-9; Belgrade, Serbia. 2022;:159.
https://hdl.handle.net/21.15107/rcub_ibiss_5276 .

Lakušić, Margareta, Damm, Maik, Bjelica, Vukašin, Anđelković, Marko, Tomović, Ljiljana, Bonnet, Xavier, Süssmuth, Roderich, Calvete, Juan, Martínez-Freiría, Fernando, "Food for thought: Venom composition of Vipera ammodytes from the island and mainland population is likely related with diet" in Program and Book of Abstracts: the 21st European Congress of Herpetology; 2022 Sep 5-9; Belgrade, Serbia (2022):159,
https://hdl.handle.net/21.15107/rcub_ibiss_5276 .

TY  - CONF
AU  - Bjelica, Vukašin
AU  - Maričić, Marko
AU  - Anđelković, Marko
AU  - Golubović, Ana
AU  - Ajtić, Rastko
AU  - Sterijovski, Bogoljub
AU  - Arsovski, Dragan
AU  - Tomović, Ljiljana
AU  - Bonnet, Xavier
PY  - 2022
UR  - http://radar.ibiss.bg.ac.rs/handle/123456789/5278
AB  - Golem Grad island, better known as “Snake Island” due to the large population of dice snakes
(Natrix tessellata) is a strictly protected area within National Park Galičica (North Macedonia). From
2008, the snakes’ tale started slowly unravelling, thanks to the start of mark-recapture monitoring.
More than 6.000 snakes were marked during >15 years. Opportunistic dissections provided information
about fecundity and body condition. Three distinct colour morphs coexist: ‘green back with dark spots’
is the most common, but uniformly green and melanistic individuals are not rare either. Furthermore,
this population exhibits gigantism, possibly due to the abundance of food: the largest island male
and female measured 113cm and 129cm, respectively, in contrast to maximal body sizes from other
populations reported in literature: 95cm and 122.5cm. Worryingly, this island population faces serious
threats, especially fish poaching. Hundreds of snakes meet their untimely fate tangled and ultimately
drowned in fishing nets, or even persecuted, while small individuals are crushed by the rocks they hide
under by wandering tourists. Despite continuous conservation efforts, this snake population is rapidly
declining, particularly since 2011 when poaching pressure increased. More recently, additional dice
snake population surveys were launched in Prespa, in Konjsko village (MK) and on Mal Grad Island (AL).
The conservation status differs among the three localities. According to IUCN Red Lists, the dice snake
is considered as Near Threatened (NT) in North Macedonia, while in Albania it is still classified as Not
Evaluated (NE; however in the new, updated list of 2019 (still unpublished) is has been evaluated as
Least Concern (LC)). We plan to use genetics and recapture analyses to assess the genetic structure and
the degree of (possible) connectivity among sites. This information will be especially useful in order to
understand how viable Prespa Lake’s dice snake population(s) are, despite the various pressures they
face. Efficient conservation actions rely on such insight, while a species conservation action plan at the
transboundary level is required.
PB  - Skopje: Macedonian Ecological Society
C3  - Abstract book: 6th Congress of Ecologists of the Republic of North Macedonia, with International Participation; 2022 Oct 15-18; Ohrid, North Macedonia
T1  - A twist of fate: Conservation of Lake Prespa’s iconic snakes
SP  - 159
UR  - https://hdl.handle.net/21.15107/rcub_ibiss_5278
ER  - 

@conference{
author = "Bjelica, Vukašin and Maričić, Marko and Anđelković, Marko and Golubović, Ana and Ajtić, Rastko and Sterijovski, Bogoljub and Arsovski, Dragan and Tomović, Ljiljana and Bonnet, Xavier",
year = "2022",
abstract = "Golem Grad island, better known as “Snake Island” due to the large population of dice snakes
(Natrix tessellata) is a strictly protected area within National Park Galičica (North Macedonia). From
2008, the snakes’ tale started slowly unravelling, thanks to the start of mark-recapture monitoring.
More than 6.000 snakes were marked during >15 years. Opportunistic dissections provided information
about fecundity and body condition. Three distinct colour morphs coexist: ‘green back with dark spots’
is the most common, but uniformly green and melanistic individuals are not rare either. Furthermore,
this population exhibits gigantism, possibly due to the abundance of food: the largest island male
and female measured 113cm and 129cm, respectively, in contrast to maximal body sizes from other
populations reported in literature: 95cm and 122.5cm. Worryingly, this island population faces serious
threats, especially fish poaching. Hundreds of snakes meet their untimely fate tangled and ultimately
drowned in fishing nets, or even persecuted, while small individuals are crushed by the rocks they hide
under by wandering tourists. Despite continuous conservation efforts, this snake population is rapidly
declining, particularly since 2011 when poaching pressure increased. More recently, additional dice
snake population surveys were launched in Prespa, in Konjsko village (MK) and on Mal Grad Island (AL).
The conservation status differs among the three localities. According to IUCN Red Lists, the dice snake
is considered as Near Threatened (NT) in North Macedonia, while in Albania it is still classified as Not
Evaluated (NE; however in the new, updated list of 2019 (still unpublished) is has been evaluated as
Least Concern (LC)). We plan to use genetics and recapture analyses to assess the genetic structure and
the degree of (possible) connectivity among sites. This information will be especially useful in order to
understand how viable Prespa Lake’s dice snake population(s) are, despite the various pressures they
face. Efficient conservation actions rely on such insight, while a species conservation action plan at the
transboundary level is required.",
publisher = "Skopje: Macedonian Ecological Society",
journal = "Abstract book: 6th Congress of Ecologists of the Republic of North Macedonia, with International Participation; 2022 Oct 15-18; Ohrid, North Macedonia",
title = "A twist of fate: Conservation of Lake Prespa’s iconic snakes",
pages = "159",
url = "https://hdl.handle.net/21.15107/rcub_ibiss_5278"
}

Bjelica, V., Maričić, M., Anđelković, M., Golubović, A., Ajtić, R., Sterijovski, B., Arsovski, D., Tomović, L.,& Bonnet, X.. (2022). A twist of fate: Conservation of Lake Prespa’s iconic snakes. in Abstract book: 6th Congress of Ecologists of the Republic of North Macedonia, with International Participation; 2022 Oct 15-18; Ohrid, North Macedonia
Skopje: Macedonian Ecological Society., 159.
https://hdl.handle.net/21.15107/rcub_ibiss_5278

Bjelica V, Maričić M, Anđelković M, Golubović A, Ajtić R, Sterijovski B, Arsovski D, Tomović L, Bonnet X. A twist of fate: Conservation of Lake Prespa’s iconic snakes. in Abstract book: 6th Congress of Ecologists of the Republic of North Macedonia, with International Participation; 2022 Oct 15-18; Ohrid, North Macedonia. 2022;:159.
https://hdl.handle.net/21.15107/rcub_ibiss_5278 .

Bjelica, Vukašin, Maričić, Marko, Anđelković, Marko, Golubović, Ana, Ajtić, Rastko, Sterijovski, Bogoljub, Arsovski, Dragan, Tomović, Ljiljana, Bonnet, Xavier, "A twist of fate: Conservation of Lake Prespa’s iconic snakes" in Abstract book: 6th Congress of Ecologists of the Republic of North Macedonia, with International Participation; 2022 Oct 15-18; Ohrid, North Macedonia (2022):159,
https://hdl.handle.net/21.15107/rcub_ibiss_5278 .

TY  - JOUR
AU  - Lakušić, Margareta
AU  - Billy, Gopal
AU  - Bjelica, Vukašin
AU  - Golubović, Ana
AU  - Anđelković, Marko
AU  - Bonnet, Xavier
PY  - 2020
UR  - http://radar.ibiss.bg.ac.rs/handle/123456789/4848
AB  - Theoretically, animals integrate intrinsic and extrinsic factors to
respondappropriately to thewide range of stressors they encounter
during their life span. We examined how stress response varies
betweensexes andamongmorphotypes inwild dice snakes (Natrix
tessellata).Wealso considered reproductive and feeding status and
antipredator behavior. We used two indicators of stress (glucose
[GLUC] and corticosterone [CORT] levels) at eight sampling time
intervals (immediately after capture, up to 17 h after) and a large
sample size (N p 113 snakes). Concentrations of both markers
increased sharply after capture (an equivalent of predation). This
acute phase occurred earlier for GLUC (30 min) compared to
CORT (60 min). Then the values plateaued to very high levels
without decline over time, indicating prolonged saturation of the
hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis. In contrast to our expectations,
we found no effect of sex, morphotype, or reproductive status.
Yet the CORT stress response of those individuals displaying
death-feigning (DF) antipredator behavior was attenuated
compared to those that did not. Low stress hormones levels may
facilitate the expression of DF (high levels supporting fleeing
behavior). The presence of partially digested material in the
stomach was associated with higher blood GLUC during the
plateau. Assaying bloodGLUCrequires very little blood butwas
as good as CORT at gauging acute stress response. The prolonged
plateau suggests that captivity should be minimized
during field studies.
PB  - NLM (Medline)
T2  - Physiological and Biochemical Zoology
T1  - Effect of Capture, Phenotype, and Physiological Status on Blood Glucose and Plasma Corticosterone Levels in Free-Ranging Dice Snakes
IS  - 6
VL  - 93
DO  - 10.1086/711958
SP  - 477
EP  - 487
ER  - 

@article{
author = "Lakušić, Margareta and Billy, Gopal and Bjelica, Vukašin and Golubović, Ana and Anđelković, Marko and Bonnet, Xavier",
year = "2020",
abstract = "Theoretically, animals integrate intrinsic and extrinsic factors to
respondappropriately to thewide range of stressors they encounter
during their life span. We examined how stress response varies
betweensexes andamongmorphotypes inwild dice snakes (Natrix
tessellata).Wealso considered reproductive and feeding status and
antipredator behavior. We used two indicators of stress (glucose
[GLUC] and corticosterone [CORT] levels) at eight sampling time
intervals (immediately after capture, up to 17 h after) and a large
sample size (N p 113 snakes). Concentrations of both markers
increased sharply after capture (an equivalent of predation). This
acute phase occurred earlier for GLUC (30 min) compared to
CORT (60 min). Then the values plateaued to very high levels
without decline over time, indicating prolonged saturation of the
hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis. In contrast to our expectations,
we found no effect of sex, morphotype, or reproductive status.
Yet the CORT stress response of those individuals displaying
death-feigning (DF) antipredator behavior was attenuated
compared to those that did not. Low stress hormones levels may
facilitate the expression of DF (high levels supporting fleeing
behavior). The presence of partially digested material in the
stomach was associated with higher blood GLUC during the
plateau. Assaying bloodGLUCrequires very little blood butwas
as good as CORT at gauging acute stress response. The prolonged
plateau suggests that captivity should be minimized
during field studies.",
publisher = "NLM (Medline)",
journal = "Physiological and Biochemical Zoology",
title = "Effect of Capture, Phenotype, and Physiological Status on Blood Glucose and Plasma Corticosterone Levels in Free-Ranging Dice Snakes",
number = "6",
volume = "93",
doi = "10.1086/711958",
pages = "477-487"
}

Lakušić, M., Billy, G., Bjelica, V., Golubović, A., Anđelković, M.,& Bonnet, X.. (2020). Effect of Capture, Phenotype, and Physiological Status on Blood Glucose and Plasma Corticosterone Levels in Free-Ranging Dice Snakes. in Physiological and Biochemical Zoology
NLM (Medline)., 93(6), 477-487.
https://doi.org/10.1086/711958

Lakušić M, Billy G, Bjelica V, Golubović A, Anđelković M, Bonnet X. Effect of Capture, Phenotype, and Physiological Status on Blood Glucose and Plasma Corticosterone Levels in Free-Ranging Dice Snakes. in Physiological and Biochemical Zoology. 2020;93(6):477-487.
doi:10.1086/711958 .

Lakušić, Margareta, Billy, Gopal, Bjelica, Vukašin, Golubović, Ana, Anđelković, Marko, Bonnet, Xavier, "Effect of Capture, Phenotype, and Physiological Status on Blood Glucose and Plasma Corticosterone Levels in Free-Ranging Dice Snakes" in Physiological and Biochemical Zoology, 93, no. 6 (2020):477-487,
https://doi.org/10.1086/711958 . .

TY  - CONF
AU  - Tomović, Ljiljana
AU  - Arsovski, Dragan
AU  - Golubović, Ana
AU  - Nikolić, Sonja
AU  - Anđelković, Marko
AU  - Sterijovski, Bogoljub
AU  - Ajtić, Rastko
AU  - Crnobrnja-Isailović, Jelka
AU  - Bonnet, Xavier
PY  - 2019
UR  - http://radar.ibiss.bg.ac.rs/handle/123456789/5215
AB  - The nose-horned viper (Vipera ammodytes) is the least studied species of European true vipers, regarding its population ecology and reproductive biology. We rаn capture-recapture (CR) studies on this species during 12 years (2007-2018) on Golem Grad Island (Prespa Lake, North Macedonia). We captured 501 vipers (304 adults, 161 subadults, 36 newborns) and recaptured 240 individuals enabling us to estimate demographic traits. Females larger than 35.0 cm of snout-vent-length [SVL] (the smallest undoubtedly gravid female) and males larger than 37.0 cm SVL (the smallest male observed while mating) were considered adults. The largest captured individual was 66 cm long, indicating insular dwarfism. Fecundity data were gathered in the field (palpation) and from females collected for controlled parturition in order to obtain size at birth and define newborn size (up to 18.0 cm SVL). Intermediate sized snakes were considered subadults. Modelling of subadult and adult CR data implied sexand age-specific capture probabilities (females and subadults being on the lower end); mean annual survival probabilities were in favour of the females (78% vs. 71%). Total population size was estimated at 2345 (s=293.9) individuals, indicating the highest reported density for this species (130 ind/ha, s=16.4). Adult sex-ratio was 1,4 (male/female) and the proportion of reproductive females ranged from 44% to 74%, suggesting a biennial cycle. Litter size varied from two to nine (average 4.5); this is particularly low for this species. Diet changed with ontogeny – juveniles fed mainly on Scolopendra cingulata and lizards, while adults mainly preyed on lizards and dice snakes.
PB  - Milan, Italy: University of Milan, the University of Pavia, the Natural History Museum of Milan and the University of Milano-Bicocca
C3  - XX European Congress of Herpetology. Program & Abstracts; 2019 Sep 2-6; Milan, Italy
T1  - Population characteristics of the nose-horned viper (Vipera ammodytes) on Golem Grad island (North Macedonia)
SP  - 86
UR  - https://hdl.handle.net/21.15107/rcub_ibiss_5215
ER  - 

@conference{
author = "Tomović, Ljiljana and Arsovski, Dragan and Golubović, Ana and Nikolić, Sonja and Anđelković, Marko and Sterijovski, Bogoljub and Ajtić, Rastko and Crnobrnja-Isailović, Jelka and Bonnet, Xavier",
year = "2019",
abstract = "The nose-horned viper (Vipera ammodytes) is the least studied species of European true vipers, regarding its population ecology and reproductive biology. We rаn capture-recapture (CR) studies on this species during 12 years (2007-2018) on Golem Grad Island (Prespa Lake, North Macedonia). We captured 501 vipers (304 adults, 161 subadults, 36 newborns) and recaptured 240 individuals enabling us to estimate demographic traits. Females larger than 35.0 cm of snout-vent-length [SVL] (the smallest undoubtedly gravid female) and males larger than 37.0 cm SVL (the smallest male observed while mating) were considered adults. The largest captured individual was 66 cm long, indicating insular dwarfism. Fecundity data were gathered in the field (palpation) and from females collected for controlled parturition in order to obtain size at birth and define newborn size (up to 18.0 cm SVL). Intermediate sized snakes were considered subadults. Modelling of subadult and adult CR data implied sexand age-specific capture probabilities (females and subadults being on the lower end); mean annual survival probabilities were in favour of the females (78% vs. 71%). Total population size was estimated at 2345 (s=293.9) individuals, indicating the highest reported density for this species (130 ind/ha, s=16.4). Adult sex-ratio was 1,4 (male/female) and the proportion of reproductive females ranged from 44% to 74%, suggesting a biennial cycle. Litter size varied from two to nine (average 4.5); this is particularly low for this species. Diet changed with ontogeny – juveniles fed mainly on Scolopendra cingulata and lizards, while adults mainly preyed on lizards and dice snakes.",
publisher = "Milan, Italy: University of Milan, the University of Pavia, the Natural History Museum of Milan and the University of Milano-Bicocca",
journal = "XX European Congress of Herpetology. Program & Abstracts; 2019 Sep 2-6; Milan, Italy",
title = "Population characteristics of the nose-horned viper (Vipera ammodytes) on Golem Grad island (North Macedonia)",
pages = "86",
url = "https://hdl.handle.net/21.15107/rcub_ibiss_5215"
}

Tomović, L., Arsovski, D., Golubović, A., Nikolić, S., Anđelković, M., Sterijovski, B., Ajtić, R., Crnobrnja-Isailović, J.,& Bonnet, X.. (2019). Population characteristics of the nose-horned viper (Vipera ammodytes) on Golem Grad island (North Macedonia). in XX European Congress of Herpetology. Program & Abstracts; 2019 Sep 2-6; Milan, Italy
Milan, Italy: University of Milan, the University of Pavia, the Natural History Museum of Milan and the University of Milano-Bicocca., 86.
https://hdl.handle.net/21.15107/rcub_ibiss_5215

Tomović L, Arsovski D, Golubović A, Nikolić S, Anđelković M, Sterijovski B, Ajtić R, Crnobrnja-Isailović J, Bonnet X. Population characteristics of the nose-horned viper (Vipera ammodytes) on Golem Grad island (North Macedonia). in XX European Congress of Herpetology. Program & Abstracts; 2019 Sep 2-6; Milan, Italy. 2019;:86.
https://hdl.handle.net/21.15107/rcub_ibiss_5215 .

Tomović, Ljiljana, Arsovski, Dragan, Golubović, Ana, Nikolić, Sonja, Anđelković, Marko, Sterijovski, Bogoljub, Ajtić, Rastko, Crnobrnja-Isailović, Jelka, Bonnet, Xavier, "Population characteristics of the nose-horned viper (Vipera ammodytes) on Golem Grad island (North Macedonia)" in XX European Congress of Herpetology. Program & Abstracts; 2019 Sep 2-6; Milan, Italy (2019):86,
https://hdl.handle.net/21.15107/rcub_ibiss_5215 .

TY  - CONF
AU  - Golubović, Ana
AU  - Anđelković, Marko
AU  - Gvozdenović, Slađana
AU  - Šukalo, Goran
AU  - Tomović, Ljiljana
AU  - Bonnet, Xavier
PY  - 2019
UR  - http://radar.ibiss.bg.ac.rs/handle/123456789/5417
AB  - Dice snakes (Natrix tessellata) display an extensive repertoire of antipredator behaviors. They flee when they detect an attacker, and if captured, they vigorously struggle to evade. They spin their body, while spraying the foe with a malodorous mixture of cloacal content and cloacal gland secretions. Ultimately, dice snakes can switch to death-feigning (DF, thanatosis), i.e. tonic immobility in inverted position; usually opening their mouth, protruding their tongue, and sometimes producing bubbles with blood and saliva. However DF is a dangerous option since vital organs, like the liver, are exposed to the predator. We examined antipredator behaviors triggered by human observers, comparing capture-induced DF among five populations. DF prevalence ranged from 6.4% to 31.5%, probably due to different local predator pressures. We found no effects of dorsal coloration pattern or sex on DF frequencies. In Golem Grad population, a large sample (N=1,909) showed that DF frequency increased with body size. This might indicate to protective effect of DF from gape-limited predators. DF was three times less frequent in gravid than in non-gravid females. In another experiment we compared duration of DF in water and on land, after half a minute long standardized manipulation. Snakes released in container with water significantly decreased DF duration comparing to those released on land. Overall, different factors influence the occurrence and duration of DF, suggesting that this “desperate” attempt is under selection.
PB  - Milan, Italy: University of Milan, the University of Pavia, the Natural History Museum of Milan and the University of Milano-Bicocca
C3  - XX European Congress of Herpetology. Program & Abstracts; 2019 Sep 2-6; Milan, Italy
T1  - Oscar deserving performance: death-feigning in dice snakes
SP  - 71
UR  - https://hdl.handle.net/21.15107/rcub_ibiss_5417
ER  - 

@conference{
author = "Golubović, Ana and Anđelković, Marko and Gvozdenović, Slađana and Šukalo, Goran and Tomović, Ljiljana and Bonnet, Xavier",
year = "2019",
abstract = "Dice snakes (Natrix tessellata) display an extensive repertoire of antipredator behaviors. They flee when they detect an attacker, and if captured, they vigorously struggle to evade. They spin their body, while spraying the foe with a malodorous mixture of cloacal content and cloacal gland secretions. Ultimately, dice snakes can switch to death-feigning (DF, thanatosis), i.e. tonic immobility in inverted position; usually opening their mouth, protruding their tongue, and sometimes producing bubbles with blood and saliva. However DF is a dangerous option since vital organs, like the liver, are exposed to the predator. We examined antipredator behaviors triggered by human observers, comparing capture-induced DF among five populations. DF prevalence ranged from 6.4% to 31.5%, probably due to different local predator pressures. We found no effects of dorsal coloration pattern or sex on DF frequencies. In Golem Grad population, a large sample (N=1,909) showed that DF frequency increased with body size. This might indicate to protective effect of DF from gape-limited predators. DF was three times less frequent in gravid than in non-gravid females. In another experiment we compared duration of DF in water and on land, after half a minute long standardized manipulation. Snakes released in container with water significantly decreased DF duration comparing to those released on land. Overall, different factors influence the occurrence and duration of DF, suggesting that this “desperate” attempt is under selection.",
publisher = "Milan, Italy: University of Milan, the University of Pavia, the Natural History Museum of Milan and the University of Milano-Bicocca",
journal = "XX European Congress of Herpetology. Program & Abstracts; 2019 Sep 2-6; Milan, Italy",
title = "Oscar deserving performance: death-feigning in dice snakes",
pages = "71",
url = "https://hdl.handle.net/21.15107/rcub_ibiss_5417"
}

Golubović, A., Anđelković, M., Gvozdenović, S., Šukalo, G., Tomović, L.,& Bonnet, X.. (2019). Oscar deserving performance: death-feigning in dice snakes. in XX European Congress of Herpetology. Program & Abstracts; 2019 Sep 2-6; Milan, Italy
Milan, Italy: University of Milan, the University of Pavia, the Natural History Museum of Milan and the University of Milano-Bicocca., 71.
https://hdl.handle.net/21.15107/rcub_ibiss_5417

Golubović A, Anđelković M, Gvozdenović S, Šukalo G, Tomović L, Bonnet X. Oscar deserving performance: death-feigning in dice snakes. in XX European Congress of Herpetology. Program & Abstracts; 2019 Sep 2-6; Milan, Italy. 2019;:71.
https://hdl.handle.net/21.15107/rcub_ibiss_5417 .

Golubović, Ana, Anđelković, Marko, Gvozdenović, Slađana, Šukalo, Goran, Tomović, Ljiljana, Bonnet, Xavier, "Oscar deserving performance: death-feigning in dice snakes" in XX European Congress of Herpetology. Program & Abstracts; 2019 Sep 2-6; Milan, Italy (2019):71,
https://hdl.handle.net/21.15107/rcub_ibiss_5417 .

TY  - JOUR
AU  - Golubović, Ana
AU  - Anđelković, Marko
AU  - Arsovski, Dragan
AU  - Bonnet, Xavier
AU  - Tomović, Ljiljana
PY  - 2017
UR  - http://link.springer.com/10.1007/s00265-017-2318-0
UR  - https://radar.ibiss.bg.ac.rs/handle/123456789/2759
AB  - Physical limits of speed performances impose strong selective pressures on animals, influencing important functions such as predator avoidance and foraging success. Armoured herbivorous species such as tortoises represent a peculiar case: features that optimise encounter rate during reproduction, the ability to reach favourable sites for thermoregulation and resting, foraging or nesting sites may be more important than running speed. To explore this issue, we measured three characteristics related to travelling ability but that are independent of running speed: (1) muscular strength, (2) time needed for overturning and (3) jumping from a high step as proxies of the ability to overcome various obstacles. Additionally, reaction times in tortoises placed in a normal or overturned position were measured as a proxy of antipredator response. More than 400 adult Hermann’s tortoises from six populations were tested in the field during two seasons. Measures of travelling ability and antipredator response varied markedly among populations, and thus with environmental characteristics such as habitat type, terrain ruggedness and presence of predators. Tortoises from rugged and hot habitats (e.g. Mediterranean macchia) were the most successful and the fastest to accomplish the tests. Overturned tortoises were more reluctant to start moving compared to those in normal position, but this effect was absent in the two localities free from predators. Sex and season had limited effect on the measured performances. Overall, locomotor features essentially varied with environmental constraints. Future environmental studies should explore whether the observed differences among populations are linked to genetic adaptation or phenotypic plasticity. Significance statement: Locomotor performances crucially influence habitat use, foraging and reproductive success, thus directly affecting individual fitness. Although running speed is often considered as a main indicator of agility, in armoured terrestrial vertebrates some other agility components might be more important. Heavy, rigid armour imposes trade-off between protection of soft body parts and locomotor performances and consequently habitat use. This study compiles three tests of locomotor performance which might be important for overcoming various obstacles present in mosaic habitats of tortoises. Testing adult Hermann’s tortoises from six populations with various habitat characteristics, we found significant inter-population differences. The ability of tortoises to complete the tests positively correlates with climatic conditions and topography of their habitats. Additionally, presence of predators in the habitats dramatically affects tortoise’s antipredator behaviour. Measured locomotor performances and antipredator behaviour showed surprisingly low level of sexual dimorphism.
T2  - Behavioral Ecology and Sociobiology
T1  - Locomotor performances reflect habitat constraints in an armoured species
IS  - 6
VL  - 71
DO  - 10.1007/s00265-017-2318-0
SP  - 93
EP  - 93
ER  - 

@article{
author = "Golubović, Ana and Anđelković, Marko and Arsovski, Dragan and Bonnet, Xavier and Tomović, Ljiljana",
year = "2017",
abstract = "Physical limits of speed performances impose strong selective pressures on animals, influencing important functions such as predator avoidance and foraging success. Armoured herbivorous species such as tortoises represent a peculiar case: features that optimise encounter rate during reproduction, the ability to reach favourable sites for thermoregulation and resting, foraging or nesting sites may be more important than running speed. To explore this issue, we measured three characteristics related to travelling ability but that are independent of running speed: (1) muscular strength, (2) time needed for overturning and (3) jumping from a high step as proxies of the ability to overcome various obstacles. Additionally, reaction times in tortoises placed in a normal or overturned position were measured as a proxy of antipredator response. More than 400 adult Hermann’s tortoises from six populations were tested in the field during two seasons. Measures of travelling ability and antipredator response varied markedly among populations, and thus with environmental characteristics such as habitat type, terrain ruggedness and presence of predators. Tortoises from rugged and hot habitats (e.g. Mediterranean macchia) were the most successful and the fastest to accomplish the tests. Overturned tortoises were more reluctant to start moving compared to those in normal position, but this effect was absent in the two localities free from predators. Sex and season had limited effect on the measured performances. Overall, locomotor features essentially varied with environmental constraints. Future environmental studies should explore whether the observed differences among populations are linked to genetic adaptation or phenotypic plasticity. Significance statement: Locomotor performances crucially influence habitat use, foraging and reproductive success, thus directly affecting individual fitness. Although running speed is often considered as a main indicator of agility, in armoured terrestrial vertebrates some other agility components might be more important. Heavy, rigid armour imposes trade-off between protection of soft body parts and locomotor performances and consequently habitat use. This study compiles three tests of locomotor performance which might be important for overcoming various obstacles present in mosaic habitats of tortoises. Testing adult Hermann’s tortoises from six populations with various habitat characteristics, we found significant inter-population differences. The ability of tortoises to complete the tests positively correlates with climatic conditions and topography of their habitats. Additionally, presence of predators in the habitats dramatically affects tortoise’s antipredator behaviour. Measured locomotor performances and antipredator behaviour showed surprisingly low level of sexual dimorphism.",
journal = "Behavioral Ecology and Sociobiology",
title = "Locomotor performances reflect habitat constraints in an armoured species",
number = "6",
volume = "71",
doi = "10.1007/s00265-017-2318-0",
pages = "93-93"
}

Golubović, A., Anđelković, M., Arsovski, D., Bonnet, X.,& Tomović, L.. (2017). Locomotor performances reflect habitat constraints in an armoured species. in Behavioral Ecology and Sociobiology, 71(6), 93-93.
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00265-017-2318-0

Golubović A, Anđelković M, Arsovski D, Bonnet X, Tomović L. Locomotor performances reflect habitat constraints in an armoured species. in Behavioral Ecology and Sociobiology. 2017;71(6):93-93.
doi:10.1007/s00265-017-2318-0 .

Golubović, Ana, Anđelković, Marko, Arsovski, Dragan, Bonnet, Xavier, Tomović, Ljiljana, "Locomotor performances reflect habitat constraints in an armoured species" in Behavioral Ecology and Sociobiology, 71, no. 6 (2017):93-93,
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00265-017-2318-0 . .

TY  - JOUR
AU  - Ballouard, Jean-Marie
AU  - Mullin, Stephen J.
AU  - Ajtić, Rastko D.
AU  - Brito, Jose Carlos
AU  - ElMouden, El Hassan
AU  - Erdogan, Mehmet
AU  - Feriche, Monica
AU  - Pleguezuelos, Juan M.
AU  - Prokop, Pavol
AU  - Sanchez, Aida
AU  - Santos, Xavier
AU  - Slimani, Tahar
AU  - Sterijovski, Bogoljub
AU  - Tomovic, Ljiljana
AU  - Usak, Muhammet
AU  - Zuffi, Marco
AU  - Bonnet, Xavier
PY  - 2015
UR  - https://radar.ibiss.bg.ac.rs/handle/123456789/2003
AB  - Questionnaires are important tools for assessing attitudes regarding
   conservation issues. However, they are not easily comparable and their
   reliability has been insufficiently assessed. We examined factors
   influencing responses to open- and closed-ended questions about animal
   conservation to more than 600 schoolchildren (9 years old on average).
   We analysed the level of understanding, controllable (e.g. sample size)
   and less controllable factors (e.g. affectivity). Most children
   responded appropriately to the questions, but subtle changes in the
   phrasing influenced the answers. Affectivity towards endearing species
   and spontaneity also influenced the responses whereas small sample sizes
   (similar to 50 children) provided relatively stable patterns. Overall,
   we suggest that standardization of questionnaires administered over
   large spatial and time scales is needed to accurately assess children's
   attitudes towards conservation issues.
T2  - International Journal of Science Education
T1  - Factors Influencing Schoolchildren's Responses to a Questionnaire in
 Wildlife Conservation Education
IS  - 3
VL  - 37
DO  - 10.1080/09500693.2014.993000
SP  - 469
EP  - 483
ER  - 

@article{
author = "Ballouard, Jean-Marie and Mullin, Stephen J. and Ajtić, Rastko D. and Brito, Jose Carlos and ElMouden, El Hassan and Erdogan, Mehmet and Feriche, Monica and Pleguezuelos, Juan M. and Prokop, Pavol and Sanchez, Aida and Santos, Xavier and Slimani, Tahar and Sterijovski, Bogoljub and Tomovic, Ljiljana and Usak, Muhammet and Zuffi, Marco and Bonnet, Xavier",
year = "2015",
abstract = "Questionnaires are important tools for assessing attitudes regarding
   conservation issues. However, they are not easily comparable and their
   reliability has been insufficiently assessed. We examined factors
   influencing responses to open- and closed-ended questions about animal
   conservation to more than 600 schoolchildren (9 years old on average).
   We analysed the level of understanding, controllable (e.g. sample size)
   and less controllable factors (e.g. affectivity). Most children
   responded appropriately to the questions, but subtle changes in the
   phrasing influenced the answers. Affectivity towards endearing species
   and spontaneity also influenced the responses whereas small sample sizes
   (similar to 50 children) provided relatively stable patterns. Overall,
   we suggest that standardization of questionnaires administered over
   large spatial and time scales is needed to accurately assess children's
   attitudes towards conservation issues.",
journal = "International Journal of Science Education",
title = "Factors Influencing Schoolchildren's Responses to a Questionnaire in
 Wildlife Conservation Education",
number = "3",
volume = "37",
doi = "10.1080/09500693.2014.993000",
pages = "469-483"
}

Ballouard, J., Mullin, S. J., Ajtić, R. D., Brito, J. C., ElMouden, E. H., Erdogan, M., Feriche, M., Pleguezuelos, J. M., Prokop, P., Sanchez, A., Santos, X., Slimani, T., Sterijovski, B., Tomovic, L., Usak, M., Zuffi, M.,& Bonnet, X.. (2015). Factors Influencing Schoolchildren's Responses to a Questionnaire in
 Wildlife Conservation Education. in International Journal of Science Education, 37(3), 469-483.
https://doi.org/10.1080/09500693.2014.993000

Ballouard J, Mullin SJ, Ajtić RD, Brito JC, ElMouden EH, Erdogan M, Feriche M, Pleguezuelos JM, Prokop P, Sanchez A, Santos X, Slimani T, Sterijovski B, Tomovic L, Usak M, Zuffi M, Bonnet X. Factors Influencing Schoolchildren's Responses to a Questionnaire in
 Wildlife Conservation Education. in International Journal of Science Education. 2015;37(3):469-483.
doi:10.1080/09500693.2014.993000 .

Ballouard, Jean-Marie, Mullin, Stephen J., Ajtić, Rastko D., Brito, Jose Carlos, ElMouden, El Hassan, Erdogan, Mehmet, Feriche, Monica, Pleguezuelos, Juan M., Prokop, Pavol, Sanchez, Aida, Santos, Xavier, Slimani, Tahar, Sterijovski, Bogoljub, Tomovic, Ljiljana, Usak, Muhammet, Zuffi, Marco, Bonnet, Xavier, "Factors Influencing Schoolchildren's Responses to a Questionnaire in
 Wildlife Conservation Education" in International Journal of Science Education, 37, no. 3 (2015):469-483,
https://doi.org/10.1080/09500693.2014.993000 . .

TY  - JOUR
AU  - Arsovski, Dragan
AU  - Ajtić, Rastko
AU  - Golubović, Ana
AU  - Trajčeska, Ivona
AU  - Đorđević, Sonja
AU  - Anđelković, Marko
AU  - Bonnet, Xavier
AU  - Tomović, Ljiljana
PY  - 2014
UR  - http://radar.ibiss.bg.ac.rs/handle/123456789/5151
PB  - Centre for Biodiversity of Montenegro
T2  - Ecologica Montenegrina
T1  - Two fangs good, a hundred legs better: juvenile viper devoured by an adult centipede it had ingested
VL  - 1
SP  - 6
EP  - 8
UR  - https://hdl.handle.net/21.15107/rcub_ibiss_5151
ER  - 

@article{
author = "Arsovski, Dragan and Ajtić, Rastko and Golubović, Ana and Trajčeska, Ivona and Đorđević, Sonja and Anđelković, Marko and Bonnet, Xavier and Tomović, Ljiljana",
year = "2014",
publisher = "Centre for Biodiversity of Montenegro",
journal = "Ecologica Montenegrina",
title = "Two fangs good, a hundred legs better: juvenile viper devoured by an adult centipede it had ingested",
volume = "1",
pages = "6-8",
url = "https://hdl.handle.net/21.15107/rcub_ibiss_5151"
}

Arsovski, D., Ajtić, R., Golubović, A., Trajčeska, I., Đorđević, S., Anđelković, M., Bonnet, X.,& Tomović, L.. (2014). Two fangs good, a hundred legs better: juvenile viper devoured by an adult centipede it had ingested. in Ecologica Montenegrina
Centre for Biodiversity of Montenegro., 1, 6-8.
https://hdl.handle.net/21.15107/rcub_ibiss_5151

Arsovski D, Ajtić R, Golubović A, Trajčeska I, Đorđević S, Anđelković M, Bonnet X, Tomović L. Two fangs good, a hundred legs better: juvenile viper devoured by an adult centipede it had ingested. in Ecologica Montenegrina. 2014;1:6-8.
https://hdl.handle.net/21.15107/rcub_ibiss_5151 .

Arsovski, Dragan, Ajtić, Rastko, Golubović, Ana, Trajčeska, Ivona, Đorđević, Sonja, Anđelković, Marko, Bonnet, Xavier, Tomović, Ljiljana, "Two fangs good, a hundred legs better: juvenile viper devoured by an adult centipede it had ingested" in Ecologica Montenegrina, 1 (2014):6-8,
https://hdl.handle.net/21.15107/rcub_ibiss_5151 .

TY  - JOUR
AU  - Sterijovski, Bogoljub
AU  - Ajtić, Rastko D.
AU  - Tomovic, Ljiljana
AU  - Bonnet, Xavier
PY  - 2014
UR  - https://radar.ibiss.bg.ac.rs/handle/123456789/2104
AB  - Most conservation efforts are channeled toward highly endangered
   species. However, snake populations decline rapidly worldwide, and many
   species that are currently classified as not threatened (e.g. LC - least
   concern, IUCN Red List) may well rapidly fall into the threatened
   categories. Yet, common species attract little attention. The principle,
   that it is more efficient to prevent disasters than to cure effects, is
   not taken into account. Dice Snakes (Natrix tessellata) offer a typical
   example of this situation. This species is one of the most widespread
   and polymorphic snake of the planet. Very large populations occur in the
   Balkans. On Golem Grad Island (the single island of FYR of Macedonia), a
   remarkable population of Dice Snakes suffers from recent assaults.
   Thousands of snakes are killed every year in the nets set by poachers,
   notably gravid females, raising population viability concerns.
   Protecting Dice Snakes, other reptiles (e.g. tortoises, vipers, and
   lizards) and the whole eco-system of Golem Grad Island would require
   moderate efforts: application of official rules, summer attendance,
   delivery of official permits to local people (including fishermen), and
   controlling tourism. In this paper, we addressed a central issue: does
   illegal fishing represent a potential threat to Dice Snakes? Our data
   suggest that recent increase of illegal fishing correlates with
   population decline.
T2  - Herpetological Conservation and Biology
T1  - CONSERVATION THREATS TO DICE SNAKES (NATRIX TESSELLATA) IN GOLEM GRAD
 ISLAND (FYR OF MACEDONIA)
IS  - 3
VL  - 9
SP  - 468
EP  - 474
UR  - https://hdl.handle.net/21.15107/rcub_ibiss_2104
ER  - 

@article{
author = "Sterijovski, Bogoljub and Ajtić, Rastko D. and Tomovic, Ljiljana and Bonnet, Xavier",
year = "2014",
abstract = "Most conservation efforts are channeled toward highly endangered
   species. However, snake populations decline rapidly worldwide, and many
   species that are currently classified as not threatened (e.g. LC - least
   concern, IUCN Red List) may well rapidly fall into the threatened
   categories. Yet, common species attract little attention. The principle,
   that it is more efficient to prevent disasters than to cure effects, is
   not taken into account. Dice Snakes (Natrix tessellata) offer a typical
   example of this situation. This species is one of the most widespread
   and polymorphic snake of the planet. Very large populations occur in the
   Balkans. On Golem Grad Island (the single island of FYR of Macedonia), a
   remarkable population of Dice Snakes suffers from recent assaults.
   Thousands of snakes are killed every year in the nets set by poachers,
   notably gravid females, raising population viability concerns.
   Protecting Dice Snakes, other reptiles (e.g. tortoises, vipers, and
   lizards) and the whole eco-system of Golem Grad Island would require
   moderate efforts: application of official rules, summer attendance,
   delivery of official permits to local people (including fishermen), and
   controlling tourism. In this paper, we addressed a central issue: does
   illegal fishing represent a potential threat to Dice Snakes? Our data
   suggest that recent increase of illegal fishing correlates with
   population decline.",
journal = "Herpetological Conservation and Biology",
title = "CONSERVATION THREATS TO DICE SNAKES (NATRIX TESSELLATA) IN GOLEM GRAD
 ISLAND (FYR OF MACEDONIA)",
number = "3",
volume = "9",
pages = "468-474",
url = "https://hdl.handle.net/21.15107/rcub_ibiss_2104"
}

Sterijovski, B., Ajtić, R. D., Tomovic, L.,& Bonnet, X.. (2014). CONSERVATION THREATS TO DICE SNAKES (NATRIX TESSELLATA) IN GOLEM GRAD
 ISLAND (FYR OF MACEDONIA). in Herpetological Conservation and Biology, 9(3), 468-474.
https://hdl.handle.net/21.15107/rcub_ibiss_2104

Sterijovski B, Ajtić RD, Tomovic L, Bonnet X. CONSERVATION THREATS TO DICE SNAKES (NATRIX TESSELLATA) IN GOLEM GRAD
 ISLAND (FYR OF MACEDONIA). in Herpetological Conservation and Biology. 2014;9(3):468-474.
https://hdl.handle.net/21.15107/rcub_ibiss_2104 .

Sterijovski, Bogoljub, Ajtić, Rastko D., Tomovic, Ljiljana, Bonnet, Xavier, "CONSERVATION THREATS TO DICE SNAKES (NATRIX TESSELLATA) IN GOLEM GRAD
 ISLAND (FYR OF MACEDONIA)" in Herpetological Conservation and Biology, 9, no. 3 (2014):468-474,
https://hdl.handle.net/21.15107/rcub_ibiss_2104 .

TY  - CONF
AU  - Golubović, Ana
AU  - Anđelković, Marko
AU  - Arsovski, Dragan
AU  - Đorđević, Sonja
AU  - Iković, Vuk
AU  - Vujović, Ana
AU  - Bonnet, Xavier
AU  - Tomović, Ljiljana
PY  - 2013
UR  - http://radar.ibiss.bg.ac.rs/handle/123456789/5210
AB  - During 200 million years of evolutionary history, all chelonians are characterized by a well
developed, protective shell. Conserved during major evolutionary transitions (e.g. return to
the sea), shell likely provides substantial selective advantages. Conversely, heavy and rigid
shell poses a set of serious motion limitations, especially in terrestrial species during displacements
in rugged and complex environments. We examined how terrestrial tortoises overcome
various obstacles in their natural habitat. We compared several Balkan populations of
Hermann’s tortoises by placing individuals (app. 1100) in three types of challenging positions
to measure their performances.
Righting ability: males were more successful in righting themselves than females. Body size
influenced righting abilities only in females: smaller ones were more efficient. Individuals
with markedly domed carapace (increased instability) and shorter bridges (enlarging space for
leg movements) were more successful to right themselves.
Boldness to cross a steep step: animals from rugged environment were more prone to jump
from 50 cm high obstacle then ones from the flat habitat. Genders had similar success,
but adults showed more boldness to leap off the hedge than juveniles.
Disentangling themselves form thick vegetation: residents of Mediterranean macchia displayed
moderate pulling force and released themselves quickly by backwards movements.
Tortoises living in herbaceous habitats moved forward, deployed strong pulling force, ripping
on the substrate and were far less successful.
Individuals from different habitats, sex and age classes exhibited divergent and apparently
appropriate traits and strategies to overcome each locomotory challenge. We further speculate
that behavioural responses, as a response to morphological constraints, are shaped by
experience. These results may have conservation value and assist in improving translocation
strategies for endangered tortoise populations.
PB  - University of Pannonia
C3  - Programme and Abstracts: 17th European Congress of Herpetology; 2013 Aug 22-27; Veszprém, Hungary
T1  - Tortoise’s shell—a blessing and a curse. How tortoises cope with various obstacles?
SP  - 115
UR  - https://hdl.handle.net/21.15107/rcub_ibiss_5210
ER  - 

@conference{
author = "Golubović, Ana and Anđelković, Marko and Arsovski, Dragan and Đorđević, Sonja and Iković, Vuk and Vujović, Ana and Bonnet, Xavier and Tomović, Ljiljana",
year = "2013",
abstract = "During 200 million years of evolutionary history, all chelonians are characterized by a well
developed, protective shell. Conserved during major evolutionary transitions (e.g. return to
the sea), shell likely provides substantial selective advantages. Conversely, heavy and rigid
shell poses a set of serious motion limitations, especially in terrestrial species during displacements
in rugged and complex environments. We examined how terrestrial tortoises overcome
various obstacles in their natural habitat. We compared several Balkan populations of
Hermann’s tortoises by placing individuals (app. 1100) in three types of challenging positions
to measure their performances.
Righting ability: males were more successful in righting themselves than females. Body size
influenced righting abilities only in females: smaller ones were more efficient. Individuals
with markedly domed carapace (increased instability) and shorter bridges (enlarging space for
leg movements) were more successful to right themselves.
Boldness to cross a steep step: animals from rugged environment were more prone to jump
from 50 cm high obstacle then ones from the flat habitat. Genders had similar success,
but adults showed more boldness to leap off the hedge than juveniles.
Disentangling themselves form thick vegetation: residents of Mediterranean macchia displayed
moderate pulling force and released themselves quickly by backwards movements.
Tortoises living in herbaceous habitats moved forward, deployed strong pulling force, ripping
on the substrate and were far less successful.
Individuals from different habitats, sex and age classes exhibited divergent and apparently
appropriate traits and strategies to overcome each locomotory challenge. We further speculate
that behavioural responses, as a response to morphological constraints, are shaped by
experience. These results may have conservation value and assist in improving translocation
strategies for endangered tortoise populations.",
publisher = "University of Pannonia",
journal = "Programme and Abstracts: 17th European Congress of Herpetology; 2013 Aug 22-27; Veszprém, Hungary",
title = "Tortoise’s shell—a blessing and a curse. How tortoises cope with various obstacles?",
pages = "115",
url = "https://hdl.handle.net/21.15107/rcub_ibiss_5210"
}

Golubović, A., Anđelković, M., Arsovski, D., Đorđević, S., Iković, V., Vujović, A., Bonnet, X.,& Tomović, L.. (2013). Tortoise’s shell—a blessing and a curse. How tortoises cope with various obstacles?. in Programme and Abstracts: 17th European Congress of Herpetology; 2013 Aug 22-27; Veszprém, Hungary
University of Pannonia., 115.
https://hdl.handle.net/21.15107/rcub_ibiss_5210

Golubović A, Anđelković M, Arsovski D, Đorđević S, Iković V, Vujović A, Bonnet X, Tomović L. Tortoise’s shell—a blessing and a curse. How tortoises cope with various obstacles?. in Programme and Abstracts: 17th European Congress of Herpetology; 2013 Aug 22-27; Veszprém, Hungary. 2013;:115.
https://hdl.handle.net/21.15107/rcub_ibiss_5210 .

Golubović, Ana, Anđelković, Marko, Arsovski, Dragan, Đorđević, Sonja, Iković, Vuk, Vujović, Ana, Bonnet, Xavier, Tomović, Ljiljana, "Tortoise’s shell—a blessing and a curse. How tortoises cope with various obstacles?" in Programme and Abstracts: 17th European Congress of Herpetology; 2013 Aug 22-27; Veszprém, Hungary (2013):115,
https://hdl.handle.net/21.15107/rcub_ibiss_5210 .

TY  - JOUR
AU  - Ajtić, Rastko D
AU  - Tomović, Ljiljana M
AU  - Sterijovski, Bogoljub
AU  - Crnobrnja-Isailović, Jelka M.
AU  - Đorđević, Sonja Z
AU  - Đurakić, Marko R
AU  - Golubović, Ana
AU  - Simović, Aleksandar
AU  - Arsovski, Dragan
AU  - Anđelković, Marko
AU  - Krstić, Milivoj
AU  - Sukalo, Goran
AU  - Gvozdenović, Slađana
AU  - Aidam, Aurelie
AU  - Michel, Catherine Louise
AU  - Ballouard, Jean-Marie
AU  - Bonnet, Xavier
PY  - 2013
UR  - https://radar.ibiss.bg.ac.rs/handle/123456789/1055
AB  - A population of dice snakes (Natrix tessellate) monitored since 2008 in a small island (18 ha, 850 m a.s.l., FYR of Macedonia) revealed unforeseen patterns for snakes living in temperate climates. More than 5000 individuals have been marked and the density is one of the highest ever recorded (>500 resident snakes per hectare). Reproductive and mortality rates are elevated, suggesting a high population turnover. These traits evoke a tropical rather than a temperate-climate ophidian demographic system. The population is highly polymorphic, three colour morphs (dotted, grey, and black) are observed in both sexes and each morph is represented by large numbers of individuals. This polymorphism pattern was not previously documented in snakes. Data obtained for other life history traits (e.g. body size, size at maturity, clutch size, diet, predation) markedly diverged in comparison to available information. Overall, our results reinforce the notion that the strong inter-population variability (often mediated by phenotypic plasticity) of snakes should be taken into account over large geographic scales; otherwise attempts to derive general patterns may well be strongly biased. (C) 2012 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.
T2  - Zoologischer Anzeiger
T1  - Unexpected life history traits in a very dense population of dice snakes
IS  - 3
VL  - 252
SP  - 103
EP  - 358
UR  - https://hdl.handle.net/21.15107/rcub_ibiss_1055
ER  - 

@article{
author = "Ajtić, Rastko D and Tomović, Ljiljana M and Sterijovski, Bogoljub and Crnobrnja-Isailović, Jelka M. and Đorđević, Sonja Z and Đurakić, Marko R and Golubović, Ana and Simović, Aleksandar and Arsovski, Dragan and Anđelković, Marko and Krstić, Milivoj and Sukalo, Goran and Gvozdenović, Slađana and Aidam, Aurelie and Michel, Catherine Louise and Ballouard, Jean-Marie and Bonnet, Xavier",
year = "2013",
abstract = "A population of dice snakes (Natrix tessellate) monitored since 2008 in a small island (18 ha, 850 m a.s.l., FYR of Macedonia) revealed unforeseen patterns for snakes living in temperate climates. More than 5000 individuals have been marked and the density is one of the highest ever recorded (>500 resident snakes per hectare). Reproductive and mortality rates are elevated, suggesting a high population turnover. These traits evoke a tropical rather than a temperate-climate ophidian demographic system. The population is highly polymorphic, three colour morphs (dotted, grey, and black) are observed in both sexes and each morph is represented by large numbers of individuals. This polymorphism pattern was not previously documented in snakes. Data obtained for other life history traits (e.g. body size, size at maturity, clutch size, diet, predation) markedly diverged in comparison to available information. Overall, our results reinforce the notion that the strong inter-population variability (often mediated by phenotypic plasticity) of snakes should be taken into account over large geographic scales; otherwise attempts to derive general patterns may well be strongly biased. (C) 2012 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.",
journal = "Zoologischer Anzeiger",
title = "Unexpected life history traits in a very dense population of dice snakes",
number = "3",
volume = "252",
pages = "103-358",
url = "https://hdl.handle.net/21.15107/rcub_ibiss_1055"
}

Ajtić, R. D., Tomović, L. M., Sterijovski, B., Crnobrnja-Isailović, J. M., Đorđević, S. Z., Đurakić, M. R., Golubović, A., Simović, A., Arsovski, D., Anđelković, M., Krstić, M., Sukalo, G., Gvozdenović, S., Aidam, A., Michel, C. L., Ballouard, J.,& Bonnet, X.. (2013). Unexpected life history traits in a very dense population of dice snakes. in Zoologischer Anzeiger, 252(3), 103-358.
https://hdl.handle.net/21.15107/rcub_ibiss_1055

Ajtić RD, Tomović LM, Sterijovski B, Crnobrnja-Isailović JM, Đorđević SZ, Đurakić MR, Golubović A, Simović A, Arsovski D, Anđelković M, Krstić M, Sukalo G, Gvozdenović S, Aidam A, Michel CL, Ballouard J, Bonnet X. Unexpected life history traits in a very dense population of dice snakes. in Zoologischer Anzeiger. 2013;252(3):103-358.
https://hdl.handle.net/21.15107/rcub_ibiss_1055 .

Ajtić, Rastko D, Tomović, Ljiljana M, Sterijovski, Bogoljub, Crnobrnja-Isailović, Jelka M., Đorđević, Sonja Z, Đurakić, Marko R, Golubović, Ana, Simović, Aleksandar, Arsovski, Dragan, Anđelković, Marko, Krstić, Milivoj, Sukalo, Goran, Gvozdenović, Slađana, Aidam, Aurelie, Michel, Catherine Louise, Ballouard, Jean-Marie, Bonnet, Xavier, "Unexpected life history traits in a very dense population of dice snakes" in Zoologischer Anzeiger, 252, no. 3 (2013):103-358,
https://hdl.handle.net/21.15107/rcub_ibiss_1055 .

TY  - JOUR
AU  - Đorđević, Sonja
AU  - Tomović, Ljiljana
AU  - Golubović, Ana
AU  - Simović, Aleksandar
AU  - Sterijovski, Bogoljub
AU  - Đurakić, Marko
AU  - Bonnet, Xavier
PY  - 2013
UR  - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?eid=2-s2.0-84876362881&partnerID=tZOtx3y1
UR  - https://radar.ibiss.bg.ac.rs/handle/123456789/2458
UR  - https://radar.ibiss.bg.ac.rs/handle/123456789/2464
UR  - http://www.ingentaconnect.com/contentone/bhs/thj/2013/00000023/00000002/art00001
AB  - We processed 40 morphological characteristics of 676 adult Hermann's tortoises (Testudo hermanni) (310 males and 366 females) from four localities in the central parts of the Balkan Peninsula. Analyses of variance and covariance showed significant differences between males and females in 38 and 35 traits, respectively. On the other hand, analyses of geographic variability within each gender, i.e. analyses of variance and covariance of separate traits between localities showed "constant" dimensions and proportions of several body parts. Most of the invariable traits were the elements of the rear portion of the tortoises' shell and free body parts, in both genders. Among these are some of the most prominent sexually dimorphic traits in T. hermanni. Therefore, we speculate that "standard" sizes of certain superficial bodily attributes in this species are conditioned by their role in gender discrimination, as well as courting and mating endeavours.
T2  - Herpetological Journal
T1  - Geographic (in-)variability of gender-specific traits in Hermann's tortoise
IS  - 2
VL  - 23
SP  - 67
EP  - 73
UR  - https://hdl.handle.net/21.15107/rcub_ibiss_2464
ER  - 

@article{
author = "Đorđević, Sonja and Tomović, Ljiljana and Golubović, Ana and Simović, Aleksandar and Sterijovski, Bogoljub and Đurakić, Marko and Bonnet, Xavier",
year = "2013",
abstract = "We processed 40 morphological characteristics of 676 adult Hermann's tortoises (Testudo hermanni) (310 males and 366 females) from four localities in the central parts of the Balkan Peninsula. Analyses of variance and covariance showed significant differences between males and females in 38 and 35 traits, respectively. On the other hand, analyses of geographic variability within each gender, i.e. analyses of variance and covariance of separate traits between localities showed "constant" dimensions and proportions of several body parts. Most of the invariable traits were the elements of the rear portion of the tortoises' shell and free body parts, in both genders. Among these are some of the most prominent sexually dimorphic traits in T. hermanni. Therefore, we speculate that "standard" sizes of certain superficial bodily attributes in this species are conditioned by their role in gender discrimination, as well as courting and mating endeavours.",
journal = "Herpetological Journal",
title = "Geographic (in-)variability of gender-specific traits in Hermann's tortoise",
number = "2",
volume = "23",
pages = "67-73",
url = "https://hdl.handle.net/21.15107/rcub_ibiss_2464"
}

Đorđević, S., Tomović, L., Golubović, A., Simović, A., Sterijovski, B., Đurakić, M.,& Bonnet, X.. (2013). Geographic (in-)variability of gender-specific traits in Hermann's tortoise. in Herpetological Journal, 23(2), 67-73.
https://hdl.handle.net/21.15107/rcub_ibiss_2464

Đorđević S, Tomović L, Golubović A, Simović A, Sterijovski B, Đurakić M, Bonnet X. Geographic (in-)variability of gender-specific traits in Hermann's tortoise. in Herpetological Journal. 2013;23(2):67-73.
https://hdl.handle.net/21.15107/rcub_ibiss_2464 .

Đorđević, Sonja, Tomović, Ljiljana, Golubović, Ana, Simović, Aleksandar, Sterijovski, Bogoljub, Đurakić, Marko, Bonnet, Xavier, "Geographic (in-)variability of gender-specific traits in Hermann's tortoise" in Herpetological Journal, 23, no. 2 (2013):67-73,
https://hdl.handle.net/21.15107/rcub_ibiss_2464 .

TY  - JOUR
AU  - Đorđević, Sonja Z
AU  - Tomović, Ljiljana M
AU  - Golubović, Ana
AU  - Simović, Aleksandar
AU  - Sterijovski, Bogoljub
AU  - Đurakić, Marko R
AU  - Bonnet, Xavier
PY  - 2013
UR  - https://radar.ibiss.bg.ac.rs/handle/123456789/1023
AB  - We processed 40 morphological characteristics of 676 adult Hermann's tortoises (Testudo hermanni) (310 males and 366 females) from four localities in the central parts of the Balkan Peninsula. Analyses of variance and covariance showed significant differences between males and females in 38 and 35 traits, respectively. On the other hand, analyses of geographic variability within each gender, i.e. analyses of variance and covariance of separate traits between localities showed "constant" dimensions and proportions of several body parts. Most of the invariable traits were the elements of the rear portion of the tortoises' shell and free body parts, in both genders. Among these are some of the most prominent sexually dimorphic traits in T hermanni. Therefore, we speculate that "standard" sizes of certain superficial bodily attributes in this species are conditioned by their role in gender discrimination, as well as courting and mating endeavours.
T2  - Herpetological Journal
T1  - Geographic (in-)variability of gender-specific traits in Hermann's tortoise
IS  - 2
VL  - 23
SP  - 501
EP  - 73
UR  - https://hdl.handle.net/21.15107/rcub_ibiss_1023
ER  - 

@article{
author = "Đorđević, Sonja Z and Tomović, Ljiljana M and Golubović, Ana and Simović, Aleksandar and Sterijovski, Bogoljub and Đurakić, Marko R and Bonnet, Xavier",
year = "2013",
abstract = "We processed 40 morphological characteristics of 676 adult Hermann's tortoises (Testudo hermanni) (310 males and 366 females) from four localities in the central parts of the Balkan Peninsula. Analyses of variance and covariance showed significant differences between males and females in 38 and 35 traits, respectively. On the other hand, analyses of geographic variability within each gender, i.e. analyses of variance and covariance of separate traits between localities showed "constant" dimensions and proportions of several body parts. Most of the invariable traits were the elements of the rear portion of the tortoises' shell and free body parts, in both genders. Among these are some of the most prominent sexually dimorphic traits in T hermanni. Therefore, we speculate that "standard" sizes of certain superficial bodily attributes in this species are conditioned by their role in gender discrimination, as well as courting and mating endeavours.",
journal = "Herpetological Journal",
title = "Geographic (in-)variability of gender-specific traits in Hermann's tortoise",
number = "2",
volume = "23",
pages = "501-73",
url = "https://hdl.handle.net/21.15107/rcub_ibiss_1023"
}

Đorđević, S. Z., Tomović, L. M., Golubović, A., Simović, A., Sterijovski, B., Đurakić, M. R.,& Bonnet, X.. (2013). Geographic (in-)variability of gender-specific traits in Hermann's tortoise. in Herpetological Journal, 23(2), 501-73.
https://hdl.handle.net/21.15107/rcub_ibiss_1023

Đorđević SZ, Tomović LM, Golubović A, Simović A, Sterijovski B, Đurakić MR, Bonnet X. Geographic (in-)variability of gender-specific traits in Hermann's tortoise. in Herpetological Journal. 2013;23(2):501-73.
https://hdl.handle.net/21.15107/rcub_ibiss_1023 .

Đorđević, Sonja Z, Tomović, Ljiljana M, Golubović, Ana, Simović, Aleksandar, Sterijovski, Bogoljub, Đurakić, Marko R, Bonnet, Xavier, "Geographic (in-)variability of gender-specific traits in Hermann's tortoise" in Herpetological Journal, 23, no. 2 (2013):501-73,
https://hdl.handle.net/21.15107/rcub_ibiss_1023 .

TY  - JOUR
AU  - Golubović, Ana
AU  - Bonnet, Xavier
AU  - Đorđević, Sonja Z
AU  - Đurakić, Marko R
AU  - Tomović, Ljiljana M
PY  - 2013
UR  - https://radar.ibiss.bg.ac.rs/handle/123456789/973
AB  - In terrestrial animals with rigid protective structures, the ability to upright after being overturned can make the difference between life and death, especially in suboptimal thermal conditions or in the presence of predators. This trait is assumed to be under strong selection. Different factors can influence righting ability, body dimensions and body mass for instance. As these morphological traits diverge among populations, inter-population variability in righting ability is expected. Previous studies on tortoises were performed within single populations and they usually focused on juveniles raised in captivity, precluding an assessment of the inter-population variability in a natural (realistic) context. In the current study, we quantified the righting performance in four populations of free-ranging adult tortoises. We found strong differences in righting success among populations and between genders, suggesting possible adaptations to local conditions. For instance, the topography (e.g. slopes) of each study site varied markedly. On average, males were more successful in righting themselves than females. Body size did not influence righting performances in males, but larger females were less successful compared to smaller ones. The success in righting was positively correlated with carapace domedness (height) and short bridges.
T2  - Journal of Zoology
T1  - Variations in righting behaviour across Hermann's tortoise populations
IS  - 1
VL  - 291
SP  - 45
EP  - 75
UR  - https://hdl.handle.net/21.15107/rcub_ibiss_973
ER  - 

@article{
author = "Golubović, Ana and Bonnet, Xavier and Đorđević, Sonja Z and Đurakić, Marko R and Tomović, Ljiljana M",
year = "2013",
abstract = "In terrestrial animals with rigid protective structures, the ability to upright after being overturned can make the difference between life and death, especially in suboptimal thermal conditions or in the presence of predators. This trait is assumed to be under strong selection. Different factors can influence righting ability, body dimensions and body mass for instance. As these morphological traits diverge among populations, inter-population variability in righting ability is expected. Previous studies on tortoises were performed within single populations and they usually focused on juveniles raised in captivity, precluding an assessment of the inter-population variability in a natural (realistic) context. In the current study, we quantified the righting performance in four populations of free-ranging adult tortoises. We found strong differences in righting success among populations and between genders, suggesting possible adaptations to local conditions. For instance, the topography (e.g. slopes) of each study site varied markedly. On average, males were more successful in righting themselves than females. Body size did not influence righting performances in males, but larger females were less successful compared to smaller ones. The success in righting was positively correlated with carapace domedness (height) and short bridges.",
journal = "Journal of Zoology",
title = "Variations in righting behaviour across Hermann's tortoise populations",
number = "1",
volume = "291",
pages = "45-75",
url = "https://hdl.handle.net/21.15107/rcub_ibiss_973"
}

Golubović, A., Bonnet, X., Đorđević, S. Z., Đurakić, M. R.,& Tomović, L. M.. (2013). Variations in righting behaviour across Hermann's tortoise populations. in Journal of Zoology, 291(1), 45-75.
https://hdl.handle.net/21.15107/rcub_ibiss_973

Golubović A, Bonnet X, Đorđević SZ, Đurakić MR, Tomović LM. Variations in righting behaviour across Hermann's tortoise populations. in Journal of Zoology. 2013;291(1):45-75.
https://hdl.handle.net/21.15107/rcub_ibiss_973 .

Golubović, Ana, Bonnet, Xavier, Đorđević, Sonja Z, Đurakić, Marko R, Tomović, Ljiljana M, "Variations in righting behaviour across Hermann's tortoise populations" in Journal of Zoology, 291, no. 1 (2013):45-75,
https://hdl.handle.net/21.15107/rcub_ibiss_973 .

TY  - JOUR
AU  - Golubović, Ana
AU  - Arsovski, Dragan
AU  - Ajtić, Rastko D
AU  - Tomović, Ljiljana M
AU  - Bonnet, Xavier
PY  - 2013
UR  - https://radar.ibiss.bg.ac.rs/handle/123456789/653
AB  - Despite exhibiting low velocity and limited agility, many tortoises undertake large scale movements and must overcome various obstacles, notably in populations living in hilly or rocky habitats. Although crucial, studies exploring how tortoises move in complex and irregular environments are scarce. In this context, we examined an important behavioural trait: how tortoises (Testudo hermanni) deal with step-like obstacles. In their natural habitat, individuals were positioned in a challenging situation: they were placed on a bench approximately 50cm high, and were observed over a 10-min period. We compared the behaviour of the tortoises (taking a risk to jump' or waiting) from two populations living in contrasted habitats: flat versus rugged (crisscrossed by cliffs and rocky steps). Individuals from the flat habitat were reluctant to jump, whereas most tortoises from the rugged habitat jumped. Immature tortoises were less willing to jump compared to larger and more experienced adults. These results suggest that challenging habitats increase boldness. In addition to fundamental findings, these results may have conservation value and assist in improving translocation strategies for endangered tortoise populations.(c) 2013 The Linnean Society of London
T2  - Biological Journal of the Linnean Society
T1  - Moving in the real world: tortoises take the plunge to cross steep steps
IS  - 4
VL  - 108
SP  - null
EP  - 726
UR  - https://hdl.handle.net/21.15107/rcub_ibiss_653
ER  - 

@article{
author = "Golubović, Ana and Arsovski, Dragan and Ajtić, Rastko D and Tomović, Ljiljana M and Bonnet, Xavier",
year = "2013",
abstract = "Despite exhibiting low velocity and limited agility, many tortoises undertake large scale movements and must overcome various obstacles, notably in populations living in hilly or rocky habitats. Although crucial, studies exploring how tortoises move in complex and irregular environments are scarce. In this context, we examined an important behavioural trait: how tortoises (Testudo hermanni) deal with step-like obstacles. In their natural habitat, individuals were positioned in a challenging situation: they were placed on a bench approximately 50cm high, and were observed over a 10-min period. We compared the behaviour of the tortoises (taking a risk to jump' or waiting) from two populations living in contrasted habitats: flat versus rugged (crisscrossed by cliffs and rocky steps). Individuals from the flat habitat were reluctant to jump, whereas most tortoises from the rugged habitat jumped. Immature tortoises were less willing to jump compared to larger and more experienced adults. These results suggest that challenging habitats increase boldness. In addition to fundamental findings, these results may have conservation value and assist in improving translocation strategies for endangered tortoise populations.(c) 2013 The Linnean Society of London",
journal = "Biological Journal of the Linnean Society",
title = "Moving in the real world: tortoises take the plunge to cross steep steps",
number = "4",
volume = "108",
pages = "null-726",
url = "https://hdl.handle.net/21.15107/rcub_ibiss_653"
}

Golubović, A., Arsovski, D., Ajtić, R. D., Tomović, L. M.,& Bonnet, X.. (2013). Moving in the real world: tortoises take the plunge to cross steep steps. in Biological Journal of the Linnean Society, 108(4), null-726.
https://hdl.handle.net/21.15107/rcub_ibiss_653

Golubović A, Arsovski D, Ajtić RD, Tomović LM, Bonnet X. Moving in the real world: tortoises take the plunge to cross steep steps. in Biological Journal of the Linnean Society. 2013;108(4):null-726.
https://hdl.handle.net/21.15107/rcub_ibiss_653 .

Golubović, Ana, Arsovski, Dragan, Ajtić, Rastko D, Tomović, Ljiljana M, Bonnet, Xavier, "Moving in the real world: tortoises take the plunge to cross steep steps" in Biological Journal of the Linnean Society, 108, no. 4 (2013):null-726,
https://hdl.handle.net/21.15107/rcub_ibiss_653 .

TY  - CONF
AU  - Tomović, Ljiljana
AU  - Ajtić, Rastko
AU  - Đorđević, Sonja
AU  - Simović, Aleksandar
AU  - Golubović, Ana
AU  - Anđelković, Marko
AU  - Arsovski, Dragan
AU  - Trajčevska, Ivona
AU  - Krstić, Milivoj
AU  - Ballouard, Jean-Marie
AU  - Bonnet, Xavier
AU  - Sterijovski, Bogoljub
PY  - 2012
UR  - http://radar.ibiss.bg.ac.rs/handle/123456789/5209
AB  - Population studies on three reptile species (Testudo hermanni, Natrix tessellata and Vipera ammodytes)were established in 2007 on a small island in Prespa Lake. The island of Golem Grad is part of theNational Park “Galicica“ and has a status of a strictly protected area. The research was done on the areaof the whole island (plateau and beaches of approximately 20 ha) in three periods of the active seasonin six consecutive years. Since the beginning of the studies more than 1600 tortoises, 5000 dice snakesand 350 nose horned vipers were marked. These results of the CMR study are excellent matrix for pre-cise estimation of the population density and size, indicating that these are among the densest popula-tions of these species in the world. This suggests that the reptile populations on the island are prosper-ous and can be a model system for future ecology studies on reptiles in other parts of the country orelsewhere. Also the results can contribute to determine the protection status and conservation measureson national level for these species
PB  - Skopje: Macedonian Ecological Society
C3  - Abstract Book: IV Congress of Ecologists of the Republic of Macedonia, with international participation: on the occasion of the 40th anniversary of the Macedonisa Ecological Society; 2012 Oct 12-15; Ohrid, North Macedonia
T1  - Reptile megalopolis on a small island: Population studies on Reptiles on the island of Golem Grad
SP  - 57
UR  - https://hdl.handle.net/21.15107/rcub_ibiss_5209
ER  - 

@conference{
author = "Tomović, Ljiljana and Ajtić, Rastko and Đorđević, Sonja and Simović, Aleksandar and Golubović, Ana and Anđelković, Marko and Arsovski, Dragan and Trajčevska, Ivona and Krstić, Milivoj and Ballouard, Jean-Marie and Bonnet, Xavier and Sterijovski, Bogoljub",
year = "2012",
abstract = "Population studies on three reptile species (Testudo hermanni, Natrix tessellata and Vipera ammodytes)were established in 2007 on a small island in Prespa Lake. The island of Golem Grad is part of theNational Park “Galicica“ and has a status of a strictly protected area. The research was done on the areaof the whole island (plateau and beaches of approximately 20 ha) in three periods of the active seasonin six consecutive years. Since the beginning of the studies more than 1600 tortoises, 5000 dice snakesand 350 nose horned vipers were marked. These results of the CMR study are excellent matrix for pre-cise estimation of the population density and size, indicating that these are among the densest popula-tions of these species in the world. This suggests that the reptile populations on the island are prosper-ous and can be a model system for future ecology studies on reptiles in other parts of the country orelsewhere. Also the results can contribute to determine the protection status and conservation measureson national level for these species",
publisher = "Skopje: Macedonian Ecological Society",
journal = "Abstract Book: IV Congress of Ecologists of the Republic of Macedonia, with international participation: on the occasion of the 40th anniversary of the Macedonisa Ecological Society; 2012 Oct 12-15; Ohrid, North Macedonia",
title = "Reptile megalopolis on a small island: Population studies on Reptiles on the island of Golem Grad",
pages = "57",
url = "https://hdl.handle.net/21.15107/rcub_ibiss_5209"
}

Tomović, L., Ajtić, R., Đorđević, S., Simović, A., Golubović, A., Anđelković, M., Arsovski, D., Trajčevska, I., Krstić, M., Ballouard, J., Bonnet, X.,& Sterijovski, B.. (2012). Reptile megalopolis on a small island: Population studies on Reptiles on the island of Golem Grad. in Abstract Book: IV Congress of Ecologists of the Republic of Macedonia, with international participation: on the occasion of the 40th anniversary of the Macedonisa Ecological Society; 2012 Oct 12-15; Ohrid, North Macedonia
Skopje: Macedonian Ecological Society., 57.
https://hdl.handle.net/21.15107/rcub_ibiss_5209

Tomović L, Ajtić R, Đorđević S, Simović A, Golubović A, Anđelković M, Arsovski D, Trajčevska I, Krstić M, Ballouard J, Bonnet X, Sterijovski B. Reptile megalopolis on a small island: Population studies on Reptiles on the island of Golem Grad. in Abstract Book: IV Congress of Ecologists of the Republic of Macedonia, with international participation: on the occasion of the 40th anniversary of the Macedonisa Ecological Society; 2012 Oct 12-15; Ohrid, North Macedonia. 2012;:57.
https://hdl.handle.net/21.15107/rcub_ibiss_5209 .

Tomović, Ljiljana, Ajtić, Rastko, Đorđević, Sonja, Simović, Aleksandar, Golubović, Ana, Anđelković, Marko, Arsovski, Dragan, Trajčevska, Ivona, Krstić, Milivoj, Ballouard, Jean-Marie, Bonnet, Xavier, Sterijovski, Bogoljub, "Reptile megalopolis on a small island: Population studies on Reptiles on the island of Golem Grad" in Abstract Book: IV Congress of Ecologists of the Republic of Macedonia, with international participation: on the occasion of the 40th anniversary of the Macedonisa Ecological Society; 2012 Oct 12-15; Ohrid, North Macedonia (2012):57,
https://hdl.handle.net/21.15107/rcub_ibiss_5209 .

TY  - JOUR
AU  - Đorđević, Sonja Z
AU  - Đurakić, Marko R
AU  - Golubović, Ana
AU  - Ajtić, Rastko D
AU  - Tomović, Ljiljana M
AU  - Bonnet, Xavier
PY  - 2011
UR  - https://radar.ibiss.bg.ac.rs/handle/123456789/1239
AB  - Hermann's tortoise (Testudo hermanni) is widely distributed in western and southern Europe. Most populations in the western part of the distribution range (e.g. Spain, France, Italy) are severely reduced, and relatively well studied, whilst the species is still abundant in eastern areas (i.e. the Balkans). However, essential biological information (e.g. main morphological, ecological, and behavioural characteristics) for the Balkans are still extremely limited. As reptiles exhibit strong geographic variation in most morphological, as well as life history traits, gathering data from distant areas is important. We present data from two populations of T hermanni in Serbia, focusing on sexual dimorphism in body size and body shape. We found that almost all of the 43 morphological traits analysed were significantly different between sexes and that sexual size and sexual shape dimorphisms were not expressed in similar ways. Notably, sexual size dimorphism (SSD) was more pronounced than sexual shape dimorphism (SShD). Our analyses suggested that SShD is more stable than SSD, and that the scale of the focus (i.e. whole body proportions versus morphological details) is a key factor to test this notion. When general measurements were considered, the expected consistency of SShD between populations was verified; nevertheless, when more specific morphological attributes were considered, substantial variations were observed. These results provide a baseline for comparisons between populations to further examine geographic variation of sexual dimorphism.
T2  - Amphibia-Reptilia
T1  - Sexual body size and body shape dimorphism of Testudo hermanni in central and eastern Serbia
IS  - 4
VL  - 32
EP  - 458
UR  - https://hdl.handle.net/21.15107/rcub_ibiss_1239
ER  - 

@article{
author = "Đorđević, Sonja Z and Đurakić, Marko R and Golubović, Ana and Ajtić, Rastko D and Tomović, Ljiljana M and Bonnet, Xavier",
year = "2011",
abstract = "Hermann's tortoise (Testudo hermanni) is widely distributed in western and southern Europe. Most populations in the western part of the distribution range (e.g. Spain, France, Italy) are severely reduced, and relatively well studied, whilst the species is still abundant in eastern areas (i.e. the Balkans). However, essential biological information (e.g. main morphological, ecological, and behavioural characteristics) for the Balkans are still extremely limited. As reptiles exhibit strong geographic variation in most morphological, as well as life history traits, gathering data from distant areas is important. We present data from two populations of T hermanni in Serbia, focusing on sexual dimorphism in body size and body shape. We found that almost all of the 43 morphological traits analysed were significantly different between sexes and that sexual size and sexual shape dimorphisms were not expressed in similar ways. Notably, sexual size dimorphism (SSD) was more pronounced than sexual shape dimorphism (SShD). Our analyses suggested that SShD is more stable than SSD, and that the scale of the focus (i.e. whole body proportions versus morphological details) is a key factor to test this notion. When general measurements were considered, the expected consistency of SShD between populations was verified; nevertheless, when more specific morphological attributes were considered, substantial variations were observed. These results provide a baseline for comparisons between populations to further examine geographic variation of sexual dimorphism.",
journal = "Amphibia-Reptilia",
title = "Sexual body size and body shape dimorphism of Testudo hermanni in central and eastern Serbia",
number = "4",
volume = "32",
pages = "458",
url = "https://hdl.handle.net/21.15107/rcub_ibiss_1239"
}

Đorđević, S. Z., Đurakić, M. R., Golubović, A., Ajtić, R. D., Tomović, L. M.,& Bonnet, X.. (2011). Sexual body size and body shape dimorphism of Testudo hermanni in central and eastern Serbia. in Amphibia-Reptilia, 32(4).
https://hdl.handle.net/21.15107/rcub_ibiss_1239

Đorđević SZ, Đurakić MR, Golubović A, Ajtić RD, Tomović LM, Bonnet X. Sexual body size and body shape dimorphism of Testudo hermanni in central and eastern Serbia. in Amphibia-Reptilia. 2011;32(4):null-458.
https://hdl.handle.net/21.15107/rcub_ibiss_1239 .

Đorđević, Sonja Z, Đurakić, Marko R, Golubović, Ana, Ajtić, Rastko D, Tomović, Ljiljana M, Bonnet, Xavier, "Sexual body size and body shape dimorphism of Testudo hermanni in central and eastern Serbia" in Amphibia-Reptilia, 32, no. 4 (2011),
https://hdl.handle.net/21.15107/rcub_ibiss_1239 .