Latest Articles from Herpetozoa Latest 24 Articles from Herpetozoa https://herpetozoa.pensoft.net/ Thu, 28 Mar 2024 16:31:07 +0200 Pensoft FeedCreator https://herpetozoa.pensoft.net/i/logo.jpg Latest Articles from Herpetozoa https://herpetozoa.pensoft.net/ The validity of Rana bannanica Rao & Yang, 1997 (Anura, Ranidae) https://herpetozoa.pensoft.net/article/114263/ Herpetozoa 37: 11-20

DOI: 10.3897/herpetozoa.37.e114263

Authors: Shuo Liu, Tan Van Nguyen, Nikolay A. Poyarkov, Qiaoyan Wang, Dingqi Rao, Song Li

Abstract: One specimen of frog was collected from Mohan Town, Mengla County, Xishuangbanna Prefecture, Yunnan Province, China, which is the type locality of Rana bannanica Rao & Yang, 1997, currently considered as a junior synonym of Hylarana milleti (Smith, 1921). This specimen well agrees with the original description of R. bannanica. In regard to morphology, R. bannanica and H. milleti are, indeed, very similar, but can still be distinguished from each other. Phylogenetic analysis, based on mitochondrial gene sequences, showed that this specimen and H. milleti are different species. Hence, we remove R. bannanica from the synonymy of H. milleti.

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Research Article Thu, 11 Jan 2024 14:55:14 +0200
Redescription of Rhacophorus tuberculatus (Anderson, 1871) and the validity of Rhacophorus verrucopus Huang, 1983 https://herpetozoa.pensoft.net/article/113656/ Herpetozoa 36: 325-333

DOI: 10.3897/herpetozoa.36.e113656

Authors: R. S. Naveen, Shuo Liu, S. R. Chandramouli, S. Babu, P. V. Karunakaran, Honnavalli N. Kumara

Abstract: Rhacophorus tuberculatus and Rhacophorus verrucopus are two morphologically similar species described in 1871 and 1983 respectively. Their taxonomic distinctiveness has been questioned in the past. In the current study, we encountered frogs that we confer to R. tuberculatus based on morphological similarity to a syntype of this species. We redescribe the species based on a re-examination of a syntype, which is designated as a lectotype here, and additional specimens from Garo hills of Meghalaya. We also present molecular data, natural history notes, and report a range extension of this species. Molecular phylogenetic analysis based on the 16S rRNA fragment revealed minimal genetic divergences (0.20–1.74% uncorrected p-distance) between specimens identified as either R. tuberculatus or R. verrucopus from different locations. On the basis of molecular data and morphological characteristics, we conclude that R. verrucopus is a junior synonym of R. tuberculatus.

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Research Article Fri, 22 Dec 2023 19:58:14 +0200
Taxonomic status of Lycodon subcinctus sensu lato in China (Serpentes, Colubridae) https://herpetozoa.pensoft.net/article/114206/ Herpetozoa 36: 307-316

DOI: 10.3897/herpetozoa.36.e114206

Authors: Shuo Liu, Mian Hou, Bo Cai, Shimin Li, Zhongxu Zhang, Rui Yu, Dingqi Rao, Liang Zhang

Abstract: The Malayan Banded Wolf Snake Lycodon subcinctus Boie, 1827 once included three subspecies, namely L. s. subcinctus Boie, 1827, L. s. sealei Leviton, 1955, and L. s. maculatus (Cope, 1985). Thereafter, L. s. sealei has been elevated to species level, and the taxonomic status of L. s. maculatus has not been resolved. We sequenced the mitochondrial cytochrome b (cytb) gene fragments of eight specimens of L. s. maculatus from China, including three from the adjacent areas of its type locality. Combining the sequences obtained from GenBank, we reconstructed a molecular phylogeny and reevaluated the taxonomic status of L. s. maculatus. Phylogenetic analysis revealed three highly divergent lineages within L. subcinctus sensu lato which correspond to L. subcinctus sensu stricto, L. sealei, and L. s. maculatus, respectively. Coupled with morphological comparison, we elevate L. s. maculatus to full species and redescribe it based on the type and freshly collected material.

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Research Article Thu, 30 Nov 2023 18:31:28 +0200
Expanded description of Hemiphyllodactylus hongkongensis (Squamata, Gekkonidae) https://herpetozoa.pensoft.net/article/106566/ Herpetozoa 36: 225-232

DOI: 10.3897/herpetozoa.36.e106566

Authors: Xiang-Yi Li, Shi-Shi Lin, Zhao-Chi Zeng, Yan-Jun Sun, Jian Wang

Abstract: The expanded description of Hemiphyllodactylus hongkongensis Sung, Lee, NG, Zhang & Yang, 2018 is provided based on four newly collected specimens from eastern Guangdong Province, China, which is beyond its previously known range. The new collection also fills the distribution gap of the genus Hemiphyllodactylus in the region. Due to the absence of sufficient data, we recommend Hemiphyllodactylus hongkongensis be listed as Data Deficient (DD) in the IUCN conservation status categorization.

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Research Article Thu, 17 Aug 2023 10:53:05 +0300
Resurrection and distribution extension of Odorrana heatwolei (Stuart & Bain, 2005) (Anura, Ranidae) https://herpetozoa.pensoft.net/article/106373/ Herpetozoa 36: 177-188

DOI: 10.3897/herpetozoa.36.e106373

Authors: Shuo Liu, Mian Hou, Qiaoyan Wang, Dingqi Rao, Song Li

Abstract: We collected nine specimens of Odorrana Fei, Ye & Huang, 1990 from Xishuangbanna Prefecture, Yunnan Province, China, which is close to the type locality of O. heatwolei (Stuart & Bain, 2005) in Phongsaly Province, northern Laos (approximately 60 km). These specimens agree with the diagnosis of O. heatwolei that body size is large in females and relatively small in males, tympanum large in males and relatively small in females, first finger longer than the second, and glandular dorsolateral fold and external vocal sacs present in males, moreover, these specimens have obvious dense tiny black dots scattered on the dorsum, which is consistent with the characters of O. heatwolei and different from O. tiannanensis (Yang & Li, 1980). Phylogenetically, the sequences of these specimens clustered with the sequence of the holotype of O. heatwolei and formed a distinct clade together, which is sister to O. tiannanensis. We resurrect O. heatwolei and extend the distribution of this species to China.

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Research Article Wed, 19 Jul 2023 17:08:59 +0300
The herpetofaunal diversity of Takhar Province, Afghanistan https://herpetozoa.pensoft.net/article/98319/ Herpetozoa 36: 73-90

DOI: 10.3897/herpetozoa.36.e98319

Authors: Daniel Jablonski, Faizurrahman Khalili, Rafaqat Masroor

Abstract: Takhar Province of Afghanistan was previously known to harbour only two species of amphibians and eight species of reptiles with no record of snake species. From 2020 to 2021, we collected herpetological data from the Province and identified 14 species and specimens representing species complexes (Bufotes viridis complex and Trapelus agilis complex), with first records of Testudo horsfieldii (Testudinidae), Paralaudakia badakhshana (Agamidae), Pseudopus apodus (Anguidae), Tenuidactylus caspius (Gekkonidae), Eumeces schneideri (Scincidae) and Varanus griseus (Varanidae). In addition, we report the first province records of snakes, including Eryx tataricus (Erycidae), Hemorrhois ravergieri (Colubridae), Natrix tessellata (Natricidae) and the venomous species Naja oxiana (Elapidae). These records connect and supplement previously obtained data of these species from surrounding provinces and neighbouring countries. Our data reveal that Takhar Province is home to at least 20 species of amphibians and reptiles with a strong affiliation to the Turanian chorotype. All these data are a significant source of information for the diversity of herpetofauna in Afghanistan and subsequent biodiversity research in the Central Asiatic region.

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Research Article Tue, 4 Apr 2023 17:06:28 +0300
First record of Hoplobatrachus litoralis Hasan, Kuramoto, Islam, Alam, Khan & Sumida, 2012 (Anura, Dicroglossidae) from China https://herpetozoa.pensoft.net/article/98669/ Herpetozoa 36: 31-39

DOI: 10.3897/herpetozoa.36.e98669

Authors: Shuo Liu, Mian Hou, Dingqi Rao, Song Li

Abstract: We report the first record of Hoplobatrachus litoralis Hasan, Kuramoto, Islam, Alam, Khan & Sumida, 2012 from China based on seven specimens from Baoshan City, western Yunnan. Morphologically, the specimens from China mostly agree with the original description of H. litoralis and phylogenetically show a small genetic distance (1.7%) in the 16S rRNA gene with the specimens (including one paratype) of H. litoralis from its type locality in Bangladesh. Our work increased the species number of the genus Hoplobatrachus Peters, 1863 in China to two. This record is the easternmost distribution of this species at present. Furthermore, we found that the species H. salween Thongproh, Chunskul, Sringurngam, Waiprom, Makchai, Cota, Duengkae, Duangjai, Hasan, Chuaynkern & Chuaynkern, 2022 recently described from north-western Thailand is morphologically and genetically very similar to H. litoralis and, therefore, we discuss the validity of H. salween as a separate species.

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Research Article Thu, 9 Mar 2023 18:23:31 +0200
First record of Theloderma khoii Ninh, Nguyen, Nguyen, Hoang, Siliyavong, Nguyen, Le, Le & Ziegler, 2022 from China, with confirmation of Rhacophorus orlovi Ziegler & Köhler, 2001 in China (Anura, Rhacophoridae) https://herpetozoa.pensoft.net/article/90607/ Herpetozoa 35: 199-208

DOI: 10.3897/herpetozoa.35.e90607

Authors: Shuo Liu, Mian Hou, Yi Fan, Mingzhong Mo, Dingqi Rao

Abstract: We report the first country record of Theloderma khoii Ninh, Nguyen, Nguyen, Hoang, Siliyavong, Nguyen, Le, Le & Ziegler, 2022 from China based on a specimen collected from Wenshan Prefecture, southeastern Yunnan, China. Morphologically, the specimen from Wenshan Prefecture agrees well with the type specimens of T. khoii from Vietnam except for having a smaller body size, and phylogenetically clustered with the type specimens of T. khoii from Vietnam. In addition, we confirm the distribution of Rhacophorus orlovi Ziegler & Köhler, 2001 in China based on three specimens collected from Honghe Prefecture, southern Yunnan, China. Morphologically, the specimens from Honghe Prefecture agree well with the type specimens of R. orlovi from Vietnam except for having a slightly larger body size in adult females, and phylogenetically clustered with the specimens of R. orlovi from Vietnam (including the type locality of R. orlovi).

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Research Article Tue, 18 Oct 2022 14:05:43 +0300
First record of Chilapata rain-pool frog Minervarya chilapata Ohler, Deuti, Grosjean, Paul, Ayyaswamy, Ahmed & Dutta, 2009 (Anura, Dicroglossidae) from Nepal https://herpetozoa.pensoft.net/article/90101/ Herpetozoa 35: 179-185

DOI: 10.3897/herpetozoa.35.e90101

Authors: Bivek Gautam, Santosh Bhattarai

Abstract: Chilapata rain-pool frog (Minervarya chilapata) was described in 2009 from the Chilapata Reserve Forest of West Bengal, India. Here, we report the occurrence of M. chilapata for the first time from Morang district, Nepal, based on acoustic and morphological characters such as the presence of a distinct white line in the upper lip, small size (snout-vent length 18 to 26 mm), pointed snout and presence of dorso-lateral black patch. The nearest record of Chilapata rain-pool frog in Nepal from Pathari-Kanepokhari forest, Morang district, Nepal is ca.182 km west of its type locality Chilapata Reserve Forest, Jalpaiguri district, West Bengal, India. We also report the occurrence of M. chilapata from Barandabhar Biological Corridor, Chitwan National Park, Nepal based on a photographic record. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has listed the species as Data Deficient. Therefore, this record from Nepal will add new presence data for future status assessment for the species.

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Short Communication Thu, 29 Sep 2022 15:38:44 +0300
A new species of the genus Leptobrachella (Anura, Megophryidae) from northwestern Guangdong Province, China https://herpetozoa.pensoft.net/article/89981/ Herpetozoa 35: 165-178

DOI: 10.3897/herpetozoa.35.e89981

Authors: Shi-Shi Lin, Yuan-Hang Li, Yu-Hong Lu, Hong-Lin Su, Shi-Bin Wu, Qi-Qi Zhang, Mei-Juan Mo, Shao-Jun Xiao, Zhong Pan, Hu-Jun Pan, Zhao-Chi Zeng, Jian Wang

Abstract: The genus Leptobrachella is a species-rich genus of megophrid frog. Rapid discovery of many new species within this genus emphasizes the importance of regional research. In this study, we describe a new species of Leptobrachella, Leptobrachella verrucosa sp. nov., from northwestern Guangdong Province, China, based on a combination of molecular and morphological data. A key including congeners from the same province, namely L. laui, L. liui, L. mangshanensis, L. shimentaina, and L. yunkaiensis, is provided.

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Research Article Wed, 28 Sep 2022 16:57:44 +0300
The distribution of the critically endangered salamander Paradactylodon (Afghanodon) mustersi (Smith, 1940) in Afghanistan https://herpetozoa.pensoft.net/article/86028/ Herpetozoa 35: 133-139

DOI: 10.3897/herpetozoa.35.e86028

Authors: Ahmad Samim Ayobi, Rafaqat Masroor, Abdul Basit, Daniel Jablonski

Abstract: The Afghanistan Mountain Salamander, Paradactylodon (Afghanodon) mustersi (Smith, 1940), is an evolutionary old species, listed as Critically Endangered by IUCN Red List. The species is endemic to the Hindu Kush mountain range with records from only a few localities from four central-eastern Afghan provinces (Kabul, Ghazni, Parwan, and Wardak). Due to the long-term complicated political situation in the country which makes zoological research almost impossible, the current distribution and the presence of P. mustersi at previously known localities has remained unassessed for 40 years. We carried out recent, sporadic surveys between 2017 and 2021 to detect P. mustersi in three tributaries of the Paghman stream on the southern slopes of the Hindu Kush Mountains and the two nearby provinces (Panjsheer and Parwan), where the presence of the species was expected. We confirmed the occurrence of P. mustersi at all survey sites, and present the first record of the species for Panjsheer Province. We also confirmed that the species is currently endangered by human-mediated factors like habitat disturbance (increased visitors attendance, water pollution, construction activities), especially in the Paghman area.

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Research Article Thu, 30 Jun 2022 00:01:00 +0300
A new species of bent-toed geckos of the genus Cyrtodactylus Gray, 1827 from western Arunachal Pradesh, India https://herpetozoa.pensoft.net/article/80610/ Herpetozoa 35: 65-76

DOI: 10.3897/herpetozoa.35.e80610

Authors: Zeeshan A. Mirza, Harshal S. Bhosale, Tejas Thackeray, Pushkar Phansalkar, Mandar Sawant, Gaurang G. Gowande, Harshil Patel

Abstract: A new species of bent-toed geckos of the genus Cyrtodactylus is described from western Arunachal Pradesh. The new species is a member of the Indo-Burma clade and is embedded within the “peguensis” group, a relationship deduced contingent on a partial fragment of mitochondrial NADH subunit 2 gene. Cyrtodactylus kamengensis sp. nov. is morphologically similar to C. himalayicus from which it differs in bearing a distinct ventrolateral fold and 6–8 basal lamellae on digit IV of pes. Genetically, the new species is sister to the Indian lineage of the “peguensis” group containing C. bhupathyi and C. gubernatoris. The Indian lineage of the “peguensis” group diverged from its Burmese relatives during the mid-Oligocene likely followed by the beginning of the Himalayan uplift, highlighting the role of the Himalayas in the diversification of biota.

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Research Article Mon, 21 Mar 2022 14:33:42 +0200
First record of ranavirus (Ranavirus sp.) in Siberia, Russia https://herpetozoa.pensoft.net/article/79490/ Herpetozoa 35: 33-37

DOI: 10.3897/herpetozoa.35.e79490

Authors: Artem P. Lisachov, Lada S. Lisachova, Evgeniy Simonov

Abstract: Ranaviruses are a group of double-strand DNA viruses that infect fish, amphibians and reptiles. These viruses are responsible for mass fish and amphibian mortality events worldwide, both in the wild and at fish and amphibian farms. The number of detected epizootics has grown significantly in recent years. In Eastern Europe and Northern Asia, including Russia, very few ranavirus monitoring studies have been conducted, in contrast with Western Europe and America. In the present work, we used a qPCR assay to survey for the first time the amphibian populations of West Siberia (Russia) for the presence of ranaviruses. In total, we studied 252 tissue samples from six amphibian species, collected across West Siberia from the south to the Arctic regions. We report a single infected sample: a common toad (Bufo bufo) captured near Tyumen city. The phylogenetic analysis showed that the detected virus strain belongs to the CMTV lineage. This is only the second observation of Ranavirus in Russia.

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Short Communication Mon, 7 Feb 2022 10:56:08 +0200
Phylogenetic position of Odorrana macrotympana (Yang, 2008) (Anura, Ranidae) and extension of its geographical distribution https://herpetozoa.pensoft.net/article/77147/ Herpetozoa 35: 9-19

DOI: 10.3897/herpetozoa.35.e77147

Authors: Shuo Liu, Dingqi Rao, Dongru Zhang, Ye Htet Lwin, Mingzhong Mo, Changsheng Zuo, Fawang Yin, Ruichang Quan, Song Li

Abstract: Based on a 16S rRNA gene fragment, a molecular phylogeny for the genus Odorrana Fei, Ye & Huang, 1990 was reconstructed, the validity of the poorly-known ranid species O. macrotympana (Yang, 2008) was confirmed and its phylogenetic position was evaluated. In addition, we report the first country record of O. macrotympana from Myanmar, based on our new records from Htamanthi Wildlife Sanctuary, Sagaing Division and present a supplementary description of this species. This report also constitutes the first record of O. macrotympana from outside of China.

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Research Article Thu, 6 Jan 2022 11:39:05 +0200
First country record of the fanged frog Limnonectes nguyenorum McLeod, Kurlbaum & Hoang, 2015 (Anura, Dicroglossidae) in China https://herpetozoa.pensoft.net/article/78015/ Herpetozoa 35: 1-7

DOI: 10.3897/herpetozoa.35.e78015

Authors: Shuo Liu, Mingzhong Mo, Dingqi Rao

Abstract: We report the first record of Limnonectes nguyenorum McLeod, Kurlbaum & Hoang, 2015 outside of Vietnam, namely from China, based on five specimens collected from Daweishan Nature Reserve, southern Yunnan, China. Morphologically, the records from China agree with those of L. nguyenorum from Vietnam, and they also phylogenetically clustered with strong support. In addition, based on the new records from China and the previous descriptions of L. nguyenorum from Vietnam, we provide an extended diagnosis of this species.

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Research Article Thu, 6 Jan 2022 11:36:02 +0200
Taxonomic reassessment of the poorly known microhylid, Kalophrynus menglienicus Yang & Su, 1980 https://herpetozoa.pensoft.net/article/72627/ Herpetozoa 34: 223-232

DOI: 10.3897/herpetozoa.34.e72627

Authors: Shuo Liu, Bin Yang, Qianyan Wang, Mian Hou

Abstract: The taxonomic status of Kalophrynus menglienicus Yang & Su, 1980 was evaluated based on newly collected topotype specimens. Phylogenetic analysis showed that this species should be assigned to the genus Micryletta Dubois, 1987. In addition, morphological diagnosis and descriptions based on the newly collected topotype specimens were provided.

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Research Article Thu, 21 Oct 2021 11:53:19 +0300
A new species of Micryletta Dubois, 1987 (Anura, Microhylidae) from Yunnan Province, China https://herpetozoa.pensoft.net/article/69755/ Herpetozoa 34: 131-140

DOI: 10.3897/herpetozoa.32.e69755

Authors: Shuo Liu, Mian Hou, Mingzhong Mo, Dingqi Rao

Abstract: A new species of the genus Micryletta Dubois, 1987 is described from Yunnan Province, China, based on morphological and molecular analyses. The most obvious differences between the new species and other species of this genus are small body size, unique coloration, and relatively longer hind limbs. In 16S rRNA gene sequences, the new species is diverged from all other congeners by 3.1%–8.0%.

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Research Article Fri, 23 Jul 2021 10:00:31 +0300
Distribution extension of Calotes irawadi Zug, Brown, Schulte & Vindum, 2006, previously confused with C. versicolor (Daudin, 1802): first record from China https://herpetozoa.pensoft.net/article/62596/ Herpetozoa 34: 83-88

DOI: 10.3897/herpetozoa.34.e62596

Authors: Shuo Liu, Changsheng Zuo, Dingqi Rao

Abstract: We report the first country record of Calotes irawadi, identified previously as C. versicolor, from China based on four specimens collected from Tongbiguan Nature Reserve, Western Yunnan, China. Morphologically, the specimens show good agreement with the original description of C. irawadi, and phylogenetically clustered with specimens (including holotype) of C. irawadi from Myanmar with strong support. This is also the first record of C. irawadi from outside Myanmar.

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Research Article Mon, 15 Mar 2021 12:59:56 +0200
Rediscovery and distribution extension of the rare Kukri Snake, Oligodon hamptoni Boulenger, 1918 (Reptilia, Serpentes, Colubridae), with the first record of this species from China https://herpetozoa.pensoft.net/article/60875/ Herpetozoa 34: 13-21

DOI: 10.3897/herpetozoa.34.e60875

Authors: Justin L. Lee, Jian-Huan Yang, Platon Yushchenko, Nikolay A. Poyarkov Jr

Abstract: Oligodon hamptoni is a rare species of Kukri Snake known from only two specimens, both collected nearly a century ago in northern Myanmar. Here, we report the third record of this species based on a photograph taken in Mt. Gaoligongshan, Tengchong City, Yunnan Province, China, approximately 235 km northeast of the nearest record in Bhamo District, Kachin State, Myanmar. We also provide a detailed redescription of the holotype, showing that the photo record from Mt. Gaoligongshan can be unambiguously identified to this species. This rediscovery represents the first observation of O. hamptoni in China and is the first report of this species in almost 100 years.

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Research Article Wed, 3 Feb 2021 08:33:39 +0200
First record of Rhacophorus verrucopus Huang, 1983 from Myanmar https://herpetozoa.pensoft.net/article/60214/ Herpetozoa 33: 207-211

DOI: 10.3897/herpetozoa.33.e60214

Authors: Shuo Liu, Ye Htet Lwin, Ruichang Quan, Song Li

Abstract: We report the first country record of Rhacophorus verrucopus Huang, 1983 from Myanmar, based on one specimen collected from Htamanthi Wildlife Sanctuary, Sagaing Division. Morphologically, the specimen shows good agreement with the original description of R. verrucopus and phylogenetically, it is clustered with the specimen of R. verrucopus from Medog, Tibet, China with strong support. This is also the first record of R. verrucopus from outside of China.

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Research Article Tue, 1 Dec 2020 15:17:56 +0200
First record of Zhangixalus franki Ninh, Nguyen, Orlov, Nguyen & Ziegler, 2020 (Anura, Rhacophoridae) from China https://herpetozoa.pensoft.net/article/59114/ Herpetozoa 33: 185-189

DOI: 10.3897/herpetozoa.33.e59114

Authors: Shuo Liu, Hong Hui, Dingqi Rao

Abstract: We record Zhangixalus franki Ninh, Nguyen, Orlov, Nguyen & Ziegler, 2020 for the first time from China based on two specimens collected from Laoshan Nature Reserve, Yunnan Province. Morphologically, the newly collected specimens from China mostly agree with the type series from Vietnam. Phylogenetically, these individuals were placed in a clade with Z. franki from Vietnam based on DNA sequences of the mitochondrial 16S rRNA gene. Our finding brings the species number of the genus Zhangixalus to 29 in China.

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Research Article Mon, 2 Nov 2020 16:49:20 +0200
Additional data to the herpetofauna of Afghanistan https://herpetozoa.pensoft.net/article/38171/ Herpetozoa 32: 177-193

DOI: 10.3897/herpetozoa.32.e38171

Authors: Daniel Jablonski, John M. Regan, Chace Holzheuser, Javeed Farooqi, Abdul Basit, Rafaqat Masroor

Abstract: This study provides observation on 21 species of amphibians and reptiles obtained during various field trips in Afghanistan from 2007 to 2018. The core of this study is distributional data collected mostly by the second author of this paper that were systematically evaluated. Our records show a notable expansion of the current distribution range for several species and highlight the need for more extensive further sampling within the entire country. The first record of Cyrtopodion agamuroides (Nikolsky, 1900) complex for Afghanistan is presented here, increasing the number of herpetofauna in the country to 117 species.

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Research Article Tue, 10 Sep 2019 09:18:13 +0300
Observation on rapid physiological color change in Giant tree frog Rhacophorus smaragdinus (Blyth, 1852) from Namdapha Tiger Reserve, Arunachal Pradesh, India https://herpetozoa.pensoft.net/article/36023/ Herpetozoa 32: 95-99

DOI: 10.3897/herpetozoa.32.e36023

Authors: Deepak CK, Arajush Payra, Basudev Tripathy, Kailash Chandra

Abstract: Many poikilotherms have the ability to change body color for homeostatic regulation, conspecific communication or predator deterrence. Physiological color change is a rapid, reversible mode of color change regulated by neuromuscular or neuroendocrine system and has been observed in several anuran species. Here we report the occurrence of physiological color change in the tree frog Rhacophorus smaragdinus (Blyth, 1852) (Amphibia, Anura, Rhacophoridae) for the first time from Namdapha Tiger Reserve, Arunachal Pradesh, India. Probable proximate causes of the behavior are discussed along with an overview of physiological color change in species of the family Rhacophoridae and nature of color change observed.

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Short Communication Tue, 21 May 2019 09:56:55 +0300
First record of Platyceps rhodorachis (Jan in de Filippi, 1865) from the Alay Mountains, southern Kyrgyzstan https://herpetozoa.pensoft.net/article/35624/ Herpetozoa 32: 73-76

DOI: 10.3897/herpetozoa.32.e35624

Authors: Daniel Jablonski, Andrei Bragin

Abstract: We report recent observations of Platyceps rhodorachis (Jan in de Filippi, 1865) from Kyrgyzstan and the first species record from the Alay Mountains. It represents an important range extension in the Central Asiatic distribution of the species.

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Short Communication Mon, 13 May 2019 14:57:28 +0300