Biofluorescence, the phenomenon where organisms absorb short wavelengths of light and re-emit longer wavelengths, has been documented in various reptile and amphibian groups. This study reports the first observation of UV-induced biofluorescence in the genus Tribolonotus (crocodile skinks), marking the first such report for the family Scincidae. Specimens of Tribolonotus novaeguineae, T. brongersmai, and T. gracilis were examined under UV light, revealing distinct fluorescence patterns. The fluorescence is primarily bone-induced, linked to the presence of osteoderms, although some skin-based fluorescence was also observed, particularly around the eyes. The study suggests potential ecological roles for this fluorescence, such as intraspecific signaling or predator-prey interactions, and highlights the need for further research to understand the functional significance of biofluorescence in these skinks.
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RBINS Staff Publications 2024
EuroGeoSurveys (EGS) is a not-for-profit organization representing 37 national geological surveysand some regional surveys; it has an overall workforce of several thousand experts. EGS members provide offi-cial, interoperable, homogeneous, reliable, INSPIRE (infrastructure for spatial information in the EuropeanCommunity)-compliant public data on the subsurface for the benefit of society in terms of circular economydevelopment, sustainable management of the subsurface resources, understanding and combatting climatechange and the development of infrastructures and mitigation of geology-related natural hazards. The EGSis committed to establishing a geological service for Europe based on three pillars: (1) joint research withimpact on EU policy level, which is being implemented through the GeoERA programme (Establishing theEuropean Geological Surveys Research Area to deliver a Geological Service for Europe); (2) harmonizingand sharing pan-European geological data, through the European Geological Data Infrastructure (EGDI);and (3) sharing knowledge, capacities and infrastructure, through the pan-African support to the EGS-Organi-zation of African Geological Surveys (OAGS) Partnership (PanAfGeo project). The EGS will continue to sup-port the EU in its transition to a low-carbon, climate-neutral, resource-efficient, socially and environmentallyresilient economy, in full compliance with the United Nations 2030 Agenda and the 17 Sustainable Develop-ment Goals.
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RBINS Staff Publications 2020
