Prof P le Fras N Mouton
Research interests
My main research field is the evolutionary biology of cordylid lizards. The family Cordylidae is endemic to Africa and the majority of species occur in South Africa. The family is exceptionally diverse and displays many unique morphological, physiological, and behavioural features. My students and I study all aspects of the general biology, taxonomy, phylogeny and conservation of cordylid lizards, but I have a special interest in grouping behaviour, foraging ecology, reproduction, social structure, epidermal glands, melanism and antipredator mechanisms. I am also involved in a herpetofaunal survey of the Greater Cederberg Biodiversity Corridor and in studies on the fire ecology of lower vertebrates in the fynbos biome.
Recent publications
Under review
In press
Current postgraduate students
Doctoral:
Masters:
Current Collaborators
USA:
J.B. Losos (Department of Biology, Washington University, St Louis)
W.E. Cooper (Department of Biology, Indiana / Purdue Universities, Fort Wayne)
Z. Korsos (Natural History Museum, Budapest)
South Africa:E.H.W. Baard (CapeNature, Jonkershoek, Stellenbosch)
A.A. Turner (CapeNature, Jonkershoek, Stellenbosch)
A.L. de Villiers (CapeNature, Jonkershoek, Stellenbosch)
A.F. Flemming (Department of Botany & Zoology, Stellenbosch University)
J.H. van Wyk (Department of Botany & Zoology, Stellenbosch University)
S.R. Daniels (Evolutionary Genomics, Department of Botany & Zoology, Stellenbosch University)
K. Tolley (Leslie Hill Molecular Systematics Laboratory,
Kirstenbosch Research Centre, SANBI)
Professional activities
Member: Herpetological Association of Africa
Member: Zoological Society of Southern Africa
Member: International Society of Vertebrate Morphologists
Editorial Board: African Journal of Herpetology
Contact details:
LE FRAS MOUTON
Department of Botany & Zoology
University of Stellenbosch
Private Bag X1
Matieland 7602
South Africa
Tel: +2721 808-3227
Fax: +2721 808-2405
E-mail: pnm@sun.ac.za
http://www.sun.ac.za/botzoo
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