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Kalugala Proposed Forest Reserve (KPFR) is a primary lowland tropical rain forest, surrounded by secondary forest and vegetation disturbed by human activities such as cultivation, logging, and the collection of firewood. Herpetofaunal communities of selected different habitats (closed forest, forest edge, home gardens, and cultivations) were assess...
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The Lacandona rainforest represents one of the most diverse Mexican tropical wet forests. Although some studies have described the amphibians and reptiles of the region, most herpetological lists come from the northern part of the Lacandona, and there are no confirmed records for many of the expected species. We reviewed databases of scientific col...
Low-intensity year-round grazing with cattle and horses yields remarkable success in zoological conservation: Results of two pilot studies of leafhoppers and planthoppers in Thuringia, with additional results on birds, reptiles and amphibians
In 2008 and 2013 we studied the leafhopper and planthopper fauna on two year-round pastures after five yea...
Undisturbed natural habitats, including protected areas cover only about 5% of the worlds land area. On the other hand nearly two-thirds of the terrestrial environment of the planet consists of managed ecosystems. A large proportion of the world's biological diversity coexists with humans in these man made landscapes. A good example is the wet zone...
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... D. bengalensis and D. stomaticus have been recorded as widespread species found up to 1800 m [58] and 4500 m [59] elevations, respectively. D. bengalensis is adapted to various types of habitats, even degraded ones, and around human habitations [60][61][62]. The geographic range of D. bengalensis has now been extended due to its introduction and D. bengalensis has attained a status of invasive species in various parts of the world [58]. ...
... from areas up to 2000 m (Dijk 2004) [58], but these dicroglossid frogs are also widespread in lowlands and forested areas. Euphlyctis cyanophlyctis and Zakerana syhadrensis occur along stream banks and water pools between forest edges, agricultural areas, and residential gardens [62]. Our findings are consistent with the available information. ...
The lack of information regarding biodiversity status hampers designing and implementing conservation strategies and achieving future targets. Northern Pakistan consists of a unique ecoregion mosaic which supports a myriad of environmental niches for anuran diversity in comparison to the deserts and xeric shrublands throughout the rest of the country. In order to study the niche suitability, species overlap and distribution patterns in Pakistan, we collected observational data for nine anuran species across several distinct ecoregions by surveying 87 randomly selected locations from 2016 to 2018 in Rawalpindi District and Islamabad Capital Territory. Our model showed that the precipitation of the warmest and coldest quarter, distance to rivers and vegetation were the greatest drivers of anuran distribution, expectedly indicating that the presence of humid forests and proximity to waterways greatly influences the habitable range of anurans in Pakistan. Sympatric overlap between species occurred at significantly higher density in tropical and subtropical coniferous forests than in other ecoregion types. We found species such as Minervarya spp., Hoplobatrachus tigerinus and Euphlyctis spp. preferred the lowlands in proximal, central and southern parts of the study area proximal to urban settlements, with little vegetation and higher average temperatures. Duttaphrynus bengalensis and D. stomaticus had scattered distributions throughout the study area with no clear preference for elevation. Sphaerotheca pashchima was patchily distributed in the midwestern extent of the study area as well as the foothills to the north. Microhyla nilphamariensis was widely distributed throughout the study area with a preference for both lowlands and montane terrain. Endemic frogs (Nanorana vicina and Allopaa hazarensis) were observed only in locations with higher elevations, higher density of streams and lower average temperatures as compared to the other seven species sampled. It is recommended to provide legal protection to amphibians of Pakistan, especially endemic species, through revision in the existing wildlife laws. We suggest studying the effectiveness of existing amphibian tunnels and corridors or designing new ones tailored to the needs of our species to prevent their local extinction due to ongoing or proposed urban development which might affect their dispersal and colonization.
... Raya) support common anurans such as H. erythraea, L. blythii and C. labialis, H. frenatus, and unexpectedly found rock gecko, C. limi. Disposals of food wastes and garbage in human villages seem to attract scavenged reptiles such as V. salvator (Botejue & Wattavidanage, 2012) which can be seen many times during the surveys. ...
Pulau Tioman is the largest island in the outer arc in Seribuat Archipelago with Gunung Kajang is the highest peak at 1,035 m. Previous herpetofaunal surveys were conducted from 15-20 April 2016 at two areas on the southern part of Pulau Tioman, which were Kg. Asah and Kg. Mukut. Two main methods were implemented, namely visual encounter survey (VES), and cages trapping. A total of eight species of anuran amphibians and 22 species of reptiles was recorded from this area. The diversity of herpetofaunal reported in Kg. Asah was higher than Kg. Mukut due to higher habitat heterogeneity and sampling efforts. The additional fieldworks are needed to assess and obtain a better picture of the true diversity of herpetofaunal in southern parts of Pulau Tioman for conservation purposes.
... Previously published localities of B. ceylonensis are limited to 23 locations ( Fig. 1) (anthoniSz, 1885;haly, 1886;BoulenGer, 1890;Wall, 1921;DeraniyaGala, 1955;De Silva, 1969;De Silva, 1980;De Silva & aloySiuS, 1983;mahenDra, 1984;De Silva, 1990;Karunarathna & amaraSinGhe, 2011, 2012Botejue & WattaviDanaGe, 2012;PeaBotuWaGe et al., 2012;SomaWeera, 2004). The species is poorly represented in the National Museum of Sri Lanka by only four preserved female specimens from two lowland wet zone localities (Kuruvita and Kegalla) (as of February 2016). ...
The endemic Sri Lankan keelback (Balanophis ceylonensis) is a snake largely restricted to rainforests of the island. Based on an 11-years field survey covering 83 field sites and rescued specimens, we present an autecology of B. ceylonensis. We recorded 32 individuals of B. ceylonensis at 25 field sites. All snakes were found in 10 – 1000 m altitude range within or in close proximity of rainforests. This snake associated with canopy-shaded forest floor with sufficient leaf litter and a numerous other natural cover objects, and were active mostly during dusk. Our study indicated that B. ceylonensis is a rare species with a patchy distribution within the wet zone of southwestern Sri Lanka, and can be considered a rainforest specialist. The reproductive season spanned from November to February as evident by observations on copulation. The snake laid eggs in clutches of 3 – 4 underneath woody debris or inside the forest floor. Given its rarity, patchy distribution, and estimated extend of occurrence and area of occupancy, and continuing degradation of rainforests, we assessed the conservation status of B. ceylonensis as Endangered.
... The published literature relevant to Bungarus sensu lato and the taxonomic and nomenclatural judgements made within this paper includes the following: Abtin et al. (2014), Ahsan and Rahman (2017), Ali et al. (2016), Anderson (1871), Anwar (2011), Auliya (2006), Avadhani (2005), Baig et al. (2008), Bannerman (1905), Bauer (1998), Bauer and Günther (1992), Bhattarai et al. (2017), Bhupathy and Sathishkumar (2013), Biswas and Sanyal (1978), Blyth (1856Blyth ( , 1861, Botejue et al. (2012), Boulenger (1890Boulenger ( , 1896Boulenger ( , 1897, Brongersma (1948), Buden and Taboroši (2016), Cantor (1839), Castoe et al. (2007), Chan-ard et al. (1999, 2015), Chandramouli (2011), Chettri and Chettri (2013), Cholmondeley (1908), Cox et al. (1998), Das (2012), Das and Chaturvedi (1998), Das and De Silva (2005), Das and Palden (2000), Das et al. (2009), David and Vogel (1996), Deraniyagala (1955) Glass (1946), Golay (1985), Grandison (1972), Gray (1849), Grismer (2011), Grismer et al. (2008a, 2008b, 2010, Grosselet et al. (2004), Grossmann (1990), Grossmann and Schäfer (2000), Gumprecht (2003), Günther (1858Günther ( , 1864Günther ( , 1888 Khan (1985Khan ( , 1986Khan ( , 2002, Kharin et al. (2011), Kinnear (1913), Knierim et. al. (2017, Kopstein (1932Kopstein ( , 1936aKopstein ( , 1936bKopstein ( , 1938, Kral (1969), Kramer (1977), Kuch (1996Kuch ( , 2001Kuch ( , 2002Kuch ( , 2004, Kuch and Götzke (2000), Kuch and Mebs (2007), Kuch and Schneyder (1991, 1993 Rao and Zhao (2004), Rasmussen and Hughes (1996), Reinhardt (1843), Ride et al. (1999), Roemer and Mahyar-Roemer (2006), Rooijen (2002, 2007), Russell (1796), Saint Girons (1972, Sang et al. (2009), Schneider (1801, Schultz and Slegers (1985), Sclater (1891), Seung Hoon (2012), Shah (1998Shah ( , 1999, Sharma (2004), Sharma et al. (2013), Singh et al. (1979, Siow and Figueroa (2016), Slowinski (1994), Smith (1913Smith ( , 1914Smith ( , 1943, Srinivasulu et al. (2009), Stejneger (1908, 1910, Stuart et al. (2006), Stuebing and Inger (1999), Switak (2006), Sworder (1933, Taylor (1953Taylor ( , 1965, Teynié et al. (2010), Thakur (2011), Theophilus et al. (2008, Thompson and Thompson (2008), Tillack (2003), Tillack and Grossmann (2001), Tillack and Kucharzewski (2004), Tsetan and Ramanibai (2011), Tweedie (1950, 1954, Vogel (2006), Vogel and Hoffmann (1997), Voris (2006), Vyas (1998Vyas ( , 2007Vyas ( , 2009Vyas ( , 2011Vyas ( , 2013Vyas ( , 2014, Wall (1905Wall ( , 1906Wall ( , 1907aWall ( , 1907bWall ( , 1908Wall ( , 1909 ...
The genus Bungarus Daudin, 1803 has been found in molecular studies to be an ancient assemblage of morphologically similar snakes
(e.g. Pyron et al. 2011, 2013). However in recent years herpetologists have persisted in assigning all species to the genus Bungarus
even though there are available names for the two most divergent species groups.
To correct this situation, the genera Megaerophis Gray, 1849 and Xenurelaps Günther, 1864 are resurrected from synonymy.
Bungarus is confined to the core group, currently referred to as B. fasciatus (as one species only by most authors, but herein
conservatively treated as three subspecies, following on from Laopichienpong et al. 2016). All have available names.
Another group comprising several species is herein placed into the resurrected genus Aspidoclonion Wagler, 1828. This has the type
species Aspidoclonion semifasciatum Wagler, 1828, which is now known as Bungarus candidus (Linnaeus, 1758).
This in effect means Bungarus is split into four genera and these in turn remain within the tribe Bungarini Eichwald, 1831, as defined by
Hoser (2012).
A new species previously grouped with B. multicinctus Blyth, 1861 or B. wanghaotingi Pope, 1928 (now in the genus Aspidoclonion) is
formally named for the first time.
The species currently known as the Red-headed Krait, Bungarus flaviceps Reinhardt, 1843, (now placed in Megaerophis) is herein
divided into four allopatric subspecies, two of which are formally named for the first time.
Keywords: Taxonomy; Bungarini; snakes; Asia; south-east Asia; Burma; Thailand; Malaysia; Sumatra; Java; Borneo; Indonesia; China;
Kraits; Bungarus; Megaerophis; Xenurelaps; Aspidoclonion; fasciatus; insularis; bifasciatus; multicinctus; wanghaotingi; new species;
sloppi; new subspecies; promontoriumrursus; masalbidus.
... The difference of habitat characters created a different community response and this reflected in reptile communities. Reptiles use vegetation cover to protect themselves from environmental changes or predators (Botejue & Wattavidanage 2012). The finding in our research showed that abundance and species richness increased with higher percentage of canopy closure and undergrowth cover. ...
... ;Hokit & Branch 2003;Gillespie et al. 2005;Kanowski et al. 2006;McKinney 2008;Todd et al. 2010;Botejue & Wattavidanage 2012), most probably caused by a decrease in area size and habitat change(Gillespie et al. 2005). High modified landscapes (i.e. ...
As one of the centres of tourism in Bali, Gianyar Regency has undergone a rapid development rate which could threaten wildlife, including reptile community. This research was carried out in July to October 2014 to (1) analyse the reptile community on various gradients of human modified landscape, (2) determine the relationship between environmental character and reptiles, and (3) determine body size trend of generalist species along landscape gradient. Standard visual encountered surveys were used to observe reptile community in four human modified landscape (settlements, rice fields, farmland/cropland, and monoculture stands). We found 21 species of reptiles (n=602 individuals) and the Shannon–Wiener index for diversity was 1.78. Reptile abundance tends to decline in increasing level of modification. Water sources and vegetation cover were positively correlated to reptile community, while disturbance factors (i.e. decrease in area size and shorter distance to settlements) give negative impact to reptile community. There was no correlation between body size of generalist species of reptile (Gekko gecko) and level of landscape modification.
... General habitat. Submontane moist deciduous forest (Lawante and Mule, 2009;Mirza and Patil, 2009;Giri and Chaturvedi, 2011;Pandit et al., 2011;Walmiki et al., 2011;Chikane and Bhosale, 2012;Botejue and Wattavidanage, 2012). ...
We describe and illustrate a new subspecies of the Indian trinket snake, Coelognathus helena (Daudin) from India. The new taxon has long been confused with Coelognathus helena monticollaris (Schulz, 1992), but it differs diagnosable in morphology and geographic distribution. The new subspecies occurs in the northern Eastern Ghats and in the mountains of the central highlands of India. It shows a characteristic color pattern distinct from specimens of other localities where C. helena monticollaris is found. In contrast, the taxonomic status of C. h. monticollaris remains unchanged, although this subspecies also shows considerable variation in color pattern that may warrant taxonomic re-evaluation of it. The distribution and potentially underestimated diversity and zoogeography of the C. helena subspecies complex is discussed. Finally, we provide an identification key for the C. helena subspecies complex.
... We recorded Euphlyctis cyanophlyctis in abundance from village-cultivated complexes particularly when the croplands were inundated with rainwater. Our results are in agreement with Vasudevan et al. (2008) and Botejue and Wattavidanage (2012), who reported high anuran density (300 individuals ha -1 ) along the streams and in cultivated habitats. Studies suggest that the sites with diverse wet microhabitats, such as sites in agricultural zones and mosaic sites are important for semi-aquatic herpetofauna conservation (Kati et al., 2007). ...
Despite a global surge in research on amphibians and reptiles, insufficient work has been completed in Pakistan. We conducted the present study to examine factors influencing the diversity and spatial distribution of herpetofauna in the Chakwal District (Chakwal Tehsil), Punjab, Pakistan. We gathered data from March 2011 through July 2013 in selected sampling sites of the study area using standard methods. We used satellite images to identify and classify different landscape features. We found that the herpetofaunal diversity varied from 2.07 (unprotected tropical thorn forest) to 0.27 (mixed habitat in a wildlife sanctuary), while evenness oscillated between 1.76 (unprotected tropical thorn forest) and 0.21 (mixed habitat in a wildlife sanctuary). The two units with the highest similarity (0.82) were wetlands inside a protected area and wetlands outside of a protected area. Of the 12 variables tested, the factor analysis produced seven significant variables (r > 0.80) influencing the herpetofauna of the study area. These included hard substrate, water availability, agriculture activities, road network, traffic, road mortality, and habitat conversion. The processed image of the area shows that the area is still dominated by natural vegetation and forest. However, the natural areas are intersected by road networks that make them easily accessible. Changes in the land-use practices such as habitat conversion for residential development, housing schemes, and road development may cause reductions in the diversity of amphibians and reptiles. Data on current diversity and distribution is needed for planning and we have suggested options for herpetofauna conservation and management.
... Lepidodactylus lugubris ist in Sri Lanka allgemein nicht selten, fehlt aber offenbar im Osten und Norden der Insel (Somaweera & Somaweera 2009). Die gegenwärtig bekannte Verbreitung erstreckt sich von der Feuchtzone bis zum Knuckles-Massif (zur Definition der Zonen siehe Werner 1913, Deraniyagala 1953, Somaweera et al. 2001, Somaweera & Somaweera 2009, Karunarathna & Amarasinghe 2010, Botejue & Wattavidanage 2012. Hier trifft man sie mit Ausnahme der größten Höhenlagen häufig in unmittelbarer Nähe zu menschlichen Behausungen an, vor allem an Ruinen und verlassenen Gebäuden in Küstennähe. ...
New & reconfirmed localities: Kesbewa (Piliyandala, Colombo district; No. 12, new): single adult (SVL 44, TL 35 mm) in Puwakgaswaththa garden on Kesbewa-Bandaragama main road, nearer Kesbewa junction; 4 Nov. 2005, around 13.30 h, on ground overgrown with small patches of Musa paradisiaca, Cyanthillium cinereum, Mimosa pudica, Passiflora foetida, Aristolochia indica, and small grasses; waste land with leaf litter used as domestic dump and littered with polythene bags and plastics, rubber, metal; several
gecko spp. in association.
Dalugama (Kiribathgoda; Colombo District, No. 13, new): 1 adult (SVL 39, TL 31mm), 29 Oct. 2005, 15.30
h, during heavy rain, 1 subadult (SVL 30.2, TL 37.0 mm), 26 July 2006, 22.00 h, both on rotting rafters of
house within anthropogenic habitat with vegetation of Murraya paniculata and Musa paradisiaca; repeatedly
examined, but no additional records. Deniyaya (Matara District, No. 10, new): 1 subadult (40 mm tL), 3 July 2013, 18:20 h, amongst small clay pots on soil bank near houses near rice paddy, Musa paradisiaca and gardens with coconut palms in association.
Morankanda Mookalana (Kahaduwa, Elpitiya, Galle District): several specs., communal egg depositories,
juvs., subadults, adults, 1st on 14 Nov. 2004 betw. 20 and 22 h (adult; SVL 42, TL 23 mm); habitat anthropogenic with plantations of tea (dominant), coconut, mango, black pepper, purple mangosteen and
banana, combined with secondary mountain scrub, a few houses in disrepair and various wooden structures
providing habitats for 6 gecko spp. (Tab. 2).
Godahena, Lake Madampa Sanctuary (Ambalangoda, Galle District): mainly mangrove vegetation
(e.g., Bruguiera sexangula, Sonneratia caseolaris, Nypa fruticans); 7 specs. (incl. 2 subadults and 1 juv.) inside the building of the education center betw. 1 Apr. 2009 and 17 Aug. 2010; 1st observation a probable subadult (SVL 30.2, TL 37.0 mm) on glass of window on 24 May 2009 around 7.30 pm; 6 gecko spp. (Table 2).
First record of L. lugubris from Sri Lanka by Werner (1912; as Lepidodactylus ceylonensis Boulenger,
1885) based on single spec. from Panadura area (coll. Duncker, 1909, rest house; map loc. 1); distribution
pattern fragmented suggesting recent anthropogenic transportation; most localities in coastal regions in
southwestern part of island, but two (loc. 2 and 3) unexpectedly in mountainous parts of the island,
probably due to accidental anthropogenic introduction; original arrival uncertain but likely a result of
intense maritime traffic since colonial times; parthenogenetic reproduction, synanthropic habits, resistance
of eggs to desiccation and salt water are great adaptations to facilitate colonisation of new regions;
limited and point-like distribution in Sri Lanka may be associated with competitive situation with native
gecko fauna; extent of invasion and ecological impact on native fauna should be studied; we never recorded
L. lugubris in forest vegetation, but only in association with man-made structures and poorly maintained
secondary vegetation (e.g., coconut at Morankanda (8) and Godahena (9) or banana at Dalugama (13);
categorised as “Endangered, B1” in most recent Sri Lanka redlist (IUCN 2007), but current status not
assessed; karyotypic identity not studied; clutch of 2 eggs adhering to each other and substrate, deposited
as single pair or in communal ovipositories in composting holes, cracks, fissures, gaps or other openings
in wood or in leaf bases of coconut palms; 11 pairs of eggs in 3 communal oviposition sites monitored
at Morankanda, 8.2 × 6.4 to 9.4 × 6.3 mm, juveniles hatched 20–23 days later, within a few hours of each
other; first meal consisting of own moult; territorial and defensive towards accompanying gecko spp. (e.g.,
Hemidactylus parvimaculatus Deraniyagala, 1953, H. frenatus Duméril & Bibron, 1836, H. depressus
Gray, 1842, Gehyra mutilata (Wiegmann, 1834), Hemiphyllodactylus typus.
... This species has never been recorded outside of Sri Lanka, hence we here restrict terra-typica to Sri Lanka. Wall (1921), Smith (1943), Deraniyagala (1955), De Silva (1980), de Silva (1990), Das and de Silva (2005), Somaweera (2006), , 2011, Botejue and Wattavidanage (2012), and Karunarathna et al. ( , 2013 recorded this species from Bellanwila-Attidiya, Beraliya, Colombo, Galle, Gammaduwa (Knuckles), Kitulgala, Kotmale, Kukulugala, Matugama, Nilgala, Peradeniya, Ratnapura, Veyangoda, Welimada, and Yatiyantota (Fig. 3). In addition to the above locations, during our '51.13''N,79°57'44.67''E),Yagirala ...
The description of Oligodon sublineatus Duméril, Bibron & Duméril, 1854 was based on two syntypes located at Paris Natural History Museum (MNHN). The larger specimen (SVL 254 mm) was described in detail, but erroneously labelled as originating from the Philippines, the second specimen (SVL 150 mm) was labelled as originating from 'Cey-lan' (=Sri Lanka). The smaller specimen, up to this point, has always been considered as the holotype by monotypy. Since recognising the larger specimen in the collection of MNHN as a syntype, we hereby designate it as the lectotype of Oligodon sublineatus and redescribe comprehensively both syntypes. Oligodon sublineatus (SVL 152–310 mm) has 130–161 ventral scales, 23–42 divided subcaudals, a divided anal plate, a loreal, seven supralabials, and 1+2 temporals. Furthermore, we provide a detailed account of the distribution and natural history of this widely distributed Sri Lankan endemic snake.
... This species has never been recorded outside of Sri Lanka, hence we here restrict terra-typica to Sri Lanka. Wall (1921), Smith (1943), Deraniyagala (1955), De Silva (1980), de Silva (1990), Das and de Silva (2005), Somaweera (2006), , 2011, Botejue and Wattavidanage (2012), and Karunarathna et al. ( , 2013 recorded this species from Bellanwila-Attidiya, Beraliya, Colombo, Galle, Gammaduwa (Knuckles), Kitulgala, Kotmale, Kukulugala, Matugama, Nilgala, Peradeniya, Ratnapura, Veyangoda, Welimada, and Yatiyantota (Fig. 3). In addition to the above locations, during our '51.13''N,79°57'44.67''E),Yagirala ...
The description of Oligodon sublineatus Duméril, Bibron & Duméril, 1854 was based on two syntypes located at Paris Natural History Museum (MNHN). The larger specimen (SVL 254 mm) was described in detail, but erroneously labelled as originating from the Philippines, the second specimen (SVL 150 mm) was labelled as originating from ‘Ceylan’ (=Sri Lanka). The smaller specimen, up to this point, has always been considered as the holotype by monotypy. Since recognising the larger specimen in the collection of MNHN as a syntype, we hereby designate it as the lectotype of Oligodon sublineatus and redescribe comprehensively both syntypes. Oligodon sublineatus (SVL 152–310 mm) has 130–161 ventral scales, 23–42 divided subcaudals, a divided anal plate, a loreal, seven supralabials, and 1+2 temporals. Furthermore, we provide a detailed account of the distribution and natural history of this widely distributed Sri Lankan endemic snake.
