[Herpetology • 2013] Oligodon cattienensis • A New Species of Kukri Snake (Oligodon Fitzinger, 1826; Squamata: Colubridae) from the Cat Tien National Park, southern Vietnam

Oligodon cattienensis 

Vassilieva, Geissler, Galoyan, Poyarkov, Devender & Böhme, 2013 

 DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.3702.3.2  

Abstract

We describe a new species of the genus Oligodon from the lowland forests of Cat Tien National Park, Dong Nai Province, in southern Vietnam. Oligodon cattienensis sp. nov. is distinguished from the remaining Southeast Asian kukri snakes by the combination of the following characters: medium-sized, deeply forked hemipenes without spines, 17-17-15 dorsal scale rows, nasal entire, 2 small postoculars, almost equal in size, 167–178 ventrals, 31–35 subcaudals, 24–35 + 5 large dark-edged vertebral blotches in combination with a yellow-orange or red vertebral stripe between blotches, head pattern including ocular band, temporal bands and elongated chevron, ventrals pink or whitish (reddish in juveniles) in life, some bearing a quadrangular dark blotch on each lateral side, or ventrals being entirely dark. Based on the hemipenial morphology the new species is assigned to the Oligodon cyclurus species group. A comparison table for all Indochinese Oligodon

is provided.

Key words: Oligodon cattienensis sp. nov., Dong Nai Province, southern Indochina, taxonomy, natural history

FIGURE 2. Holotype of Oligodon cattienensis sp. nov. (ZMMU R-13865) in life, dorsal (A) and ventral view (B). Photos by Anna B. Vassilieva.

FIGURE 4. Variation in life coloration of Oligodon cattienensis sp. nov. : (A) ZFMK 88921 (juvenile paratype); (B) ZMMU R-13866 adult male paratype; (C) ZMMU R-13815 adult male paratype; (D) uncollected adult specimen from Cat Tien National Park. Photos by Anna B. Vassilieva, Vitaly L. Trounov, Eduard A. Galoyan, Peter Geissler and Robert Wayne Van Devender

Etymology The new species is named after its type locality, the Cat Tien National Park. Established in 1978, and covering about 72.000 hectares, CTNP is one of the most important areas for the conservation of biodiversity of the lowland forests in southern Indochina.

FIGURE 2. Holotype of Oligodon cattienensis sp. nov. (ZMMU R-13865) in life, dorsal (A) and ventral view (B). Photos by Anna B. Vassilieva.
FIGURE 4. Variation in life coloration of Oligodon cattienensis sp. nov. : (A) ZFMK 88921 (juvenile paratype); (B) ZMMU R-13866 adult male paratype; (C) ZMMU R-13815 adult male paratype; (D) uncollected adult specimen from Cat Tien National Park. Photos by Anna B. Vassilieva, Vitaly L. Trounov, Eduard A. Galoyan, Peter Geissler and Robert Wayne Van Devender

Vassilieva, Anna B., Peter Geissler, Eduard A. Galoyan, Nikolay A. J. Poyarkov, Robert W. V. Devender and Wolfgang Böhme. 2013. A New Species of Kukri Snake (Oligodon Fitzinger, 1826; Squamata: Colubridae) from the Cat Tien National Park, southern Vietnam.
Zootaxa. 3702(3): 233-246.   DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.3702.3.2

http://vk.com/doc1835068_218298111

http://forum.zoologist.ru/viewtopic.php?pid=331689 

[Herpetology • 2016] Scale Morphology and Micro-Structure of Monitor Lizards Varanus spp. (Squamata: Varanidae) and their Allies: Implications for Systematics, Ecology, and Conservation

Varanus macraei is restricted to Batanta Island off the coast of New Guinea

Photographed by André Koch
   DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4153.1.1 

Abstract

We analysed scale morphology and micro-structure from five different body regions using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) across all nine recognized subgenera of the monitor lizard genus Varanus including 41 different species investigated. As far as we are aware, this qualitative visual technique was applied by us for the first time to most monitor lizard species and probably also to the primary outgroup and sister species Lanthanotus borneensis. A comprehensive list of 20 scalation characters each with up to seven corresponding character states was established and defined for the five body regions sampled. For the phylogenetic approach, parsimony analyses of the resulting morphological data matrix as well as Bremer and bootstrap support calculations were performed with the software TNT. Our results demonstrate that a variety of micro-ornamentations (i.e., ultra- or micro-dermatoglyphics) as seen in various squamate groups is hardly present in monitor lizards. In several species from six out of nine subgenera, however, we found a honeycomb-shaped micro-structure of foveate polygons. Two further samples of Euprepiosaurus Fitzinger, 1843 exhibit each another unique microscopic structure on the scale surface. Notably, the majority of species showing the honeycombed ultra-structure inhabit arid habitats in Australia, Africa and the Middle East. Therefore, it can be inferred that this microscopic scalation feature, which has also been identified in other desert dwelling lizard species, is taxonomically and ecologically correlated with a xeric habitat type in varanids, too. In addition, the systematic affiliation of V. spinulosus, an endemic monitor lizard species from the Solomon Islands with an extraordinary scale shape, is discussed in the light of current hypotheses about its phylogenetic position within the Varanidae. Due to its unique scalation characteristics, in combination with other morphological evidence, a new monotypic subgenus, Solomonsaurus subgen. nov., is erected for this enigmatic monitor lizard species. Furthermore, we propose a taxonomic splitting of the morphologically and ecologically heterogeneous subgenus Euprepiosaurus comprising the Pacific or mangrove and the tree monitor lizards, respectively, again based on the SEM data. Thus, for the members of the highly arboreal V. prasinus species group erection of a new subgenus, Hapturosaurus subgen. nov., is justified based on the autapomorphic scale shape in concert with further morphological, phylogenetic and ecological evidence. In addition, V. reisingeri originally described as a distinct species is considered conspecific with the wide-spread V. prasinus due to joint synapormorphic features in the ventral scale micro-structure. Consequently, V. prasinus is (again) rendered polytypic with the taxon reisingeri being assigned subspecies status here.

        In conclusion, the established scalation characters allow discrimination of single species even among closely-related Varanus species, such as the members of the V. indicus species group. Together with a recently published identification key for Southeast Asian monitor lizards based on macroscopic phenotypic characters (Koch et al. 2013), the SEM-pictures of the present study may serve as additional references for the microscopic identification of CITES-relevant monitor lizard skins and products, respectively.

Keywords: Reptilia, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), species determination, Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES)

The attractive Varanus macraei is restricted to Batanta Island off the coast of New Guinea. It is probably highly threatened by the commercial pet trade.

Photographed by André Koch

Yannick Bucklitsch, Wolfgang Böhme and André Koch. 2016. Scale Morphology and Micro-Structure of Monitor Lizards (Squamata: Varanidae: Varanus spp.) and their Allies: Implications for Systematics, Ecology, and Conservation. Zootaxa. 4153(1);   DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4153.1.1

ResearchGate.net/publication/306247818_Scale_Morphology_and_Micro-Structure_of_Monitor_Lizards_Squamata_Varanidae_Varanus_spp_and_their_Allies_Implications_for_Systematics_Ecology_and_Conservation

André Koch, Thomas Ziegler, Wolfgang Böhme, Evy Arida and Mark Auliya. 2013. Pressing Problems: Distribution, Threats, and Conservation Status of the Monitor Lizards (Varanidae: Varanus spp.) of Southeast Asia and the Indo-Australian Archipelago.  Herpetological Conservation and Biology. 8(Monograph 3); 1-62.

http://www.herpconbio.org/Volume_8/monographs/Koch_etal_2013.pdf

[Herpetology • 2011] Review of the Genus Dopasia Gray, 1853 (Squamata: Anguidae) in the Indochina Subregion

Abstract

A review of the genus Dopasia Gray, 1853 in the Indochina subregion is provided with the first country record of D. hainanensis for Vietnam and new distribution records for other species. In addition, we herein confirm the validity of Dopasia ludovici, previously a synonym of D. harti, based on overlooked external morphological differences. 

Key words: China, Vietnam, new record, morphology, taxonomy

  Discussion

Based on morphological features, the members of Dopasia in the Indochina subregion can be divided in two subgroups. The Dopasia gracilis subgroup contains D. gracilis and D. sokolovi, and is diagnosed by the presence of a dark ventrolateral stripe and three scales between nasal and frontonasal. The Dopasia harti subgroup comprises D. harti, D. hainanensis, and D. ludovici, and is diagnosed by the absence of the dark ventrolateral stripe and two scales between the nasal and frontonasal. It may be noted that some characteristics distinguishing the Southeast Asian Dopasia can also be observed among the species of the relatively closely related genus Anguis: males are often heavily blue-spotted in A. colchica and A. graeca and much less so in A. fragilis, while A. cephallonica convergently shows the same serrated borderline between dorsal and flank coloration (see Gvozdik et al. 2010) as also exhibited in juvenile D. harti and juvenile and adult D. ludovici.

Truong Quang Nguyen, Wolfgang Böhme, Tao Thien Nguyen, Quyet Khac Le, Kristian Robert Pahl, Tanja Haus & Thomas Ziegler. 2011. Review of the Genus Dopasia Gray, 1853 (Squamata: Anguidae) in the Indochina subregion. Zootaxa. 2894: 58–68

http://xa.yimg.com/kq/groups/17149844/1369468038/name/Nguyen

[Herpetology • 2016] Bitis harenna • A New Large Species of Bitis Gray, 1842 (Serpentes: Viperidae) from the Bale Mountains of Ethiopia

Bitis harenna  

Gower, Wade, Spawls, Böhme, Buechley, Sykes & Colston, 2016

 nhm.ac.uk  DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4093.1.3

Abstract

A new species of viperine viperid snake is described, Bitis harenna sp. nov. The new species is a member of the subgenus Macrocerastes based on it having three scales separating the nasal and rostral shields, and on the combination of ‘divisions’ of dorsal scale rows on the upper flanks and ‘fusions’ of rows on the lower flanks. Bitis harenna sp. nov. is distinguished from other members of the subgenus by its unique colour pattern, posterior parietal flange on the lateral wall of the braincase, and possibly by differences in scalation and head proportions. Only a single museum specimen is known, a female collected from ‘Dodola’ in Ethiopia probably in the late 1960s and previously identified as a possibly unusually coloured and patterned B. parviocula. A live, presumably male, specimen very closely resembling the holotype of Bitis harenna sp. nov. was photographed on the Harenna escarpment of the Bale Mountains National Park, Ethiopia in 2013, providing secure occurrence data and evidence that the holotype is not a uniquely aberrant specimen. A revised key to the species of Bitis in Ethiopia is presented. Aspects of body scalation are compared among species of the subgenus Macrocerastes and between species of Macrocerastes and Bitis, and several systematic characters are highlighted and clarified.

Keywords: Reptilia, Africa, Bitis parviocula, Harenna, Macrocerastes, snake, taxonomy, viper

Uncollected specimen of Bitis harenna sp. nov. photographed in the Harenna Forest of the Bale Mountains National Park in October 2013. The snake was approximately 1 m in total length.

photo: Evan Buechley

Gower, David J., Edward Wade, Stephen Spawls, Wolfgang Böhme, Evan R. Buechley, Daniel Sykes & Timothy J. Colston. 2016. A New Large Species of Bitis Gray, 1842 (Serpentes: Viperidae) from the Bale Mountains of Ethiopia. Zootaxa. 4093(1): 41–63. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4093.1.3

A team of scientists led by Museum researchers have identified and named a new species of viper, Bitis harenna, that lives in Ethiopia’s Bale Mountains National Park.

http://www.nhm.ac.uk/our-science/science-news/2016/march/snake-from-ethiopia-identified-as-new-viper-species.html

[Herpetology • 2015] Malayodracon gen. nov. • The Systematic Status of Gonocephalus robinsonii Boulenger, 1908 (Agamidae: Draconinae) | กิ้งก่าดงเขาสูง

Malayodracon gen. nov. 

Denzer, Manthey, Mahlow & Böhme, 2015

กิ้งก่าดงเขาสูง | Malayodracon robinsonii (Boulenger, 1908)

FIGURE 5. Malayodracon robinsonii from Tanah Rata, Cameron Highlands, West Malaysia.

Photo: U. Manthey. 
DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4039.1.5 || ResearchGate.net

Abstract

The generic assignment of the draconine lizard Gonocephalus robinsonii from the highlands of West-Malaysia has been uncertain since the original description. Here we present a study based on morphology, previously published karyotype data and molecular phylogenetics using 16S rRNA sequences to evaluate the systematic status of G. robinsonii. As a result we describe Malayodracon gen. nov. to accommodate the species.

Keywords: Reptilia, Gonocephalus, phylogeny, cranial morphology, Malayodracon gen. nov., Malayodracon robinsonii comb. nov., Dendragama boulengeri

Malayodracon gen. nov. 

Type species: Gonyocephalus robinsonii Boulenger, 1908;
Type locality: Gunong (=Gunung / Mt.) Tahan (5,200 ft / 1,585 m), Pahang, Malaysia; the holotype (by monotypy) is deposited in the British Museum Natural History BMNH 1946.8.14.81 (previously BMNH 1906.2.28.8); collected by H.C. Robinson. 

Taxon — Malayodracon robinsonii (Boulenger, 1908)

Chresonymy

Gonyocephalus robinsonii — Boulenger 1908: 65; Boulenger 1912: 67

Gonyocephalus robinsoni — Smith 1922: 269

Gonocephalus robinsoni — Smith 1930: 24; Smirnova 2003: 128

Goniocephalus robinsoni — Smith 1935: 133; Sly 1976: 156; Bourret 1947 “2009”: 211

Gonocephalus robinsonii — Smedley 1931: 110; Wermuth 1967: 61; Moody 1980: 299; Denzer & Manthey 1991: 312; Manthey & Denzer 1992a: 16; Manthey & Schuster 1992: 65; Manthey & Grossmann 1997: 189; Chan-ard et al. 1999: 102; Diong et al. 2000: 73; Honda et al. 2002; Denzer & Manthey 2009: 256; Grismer 2011: 258; Pyron et al. 2013

(Gonocephalus inc. sed.) robinsonii — Manthey 2010: 46

Distribution. Malayodracon robinsonii is restricted in its distribution from mid to high altitude areas of the peninsular Malaysian highlands (approx. 600–1500 m asl) inhabiting submontane and montane forests. M. robinsonii shares this isolated distribution with several other reptile species that are restricted to the Cameron Highlands or the central mountain ranges of Malaysia (Fraser and Larut Hills; Genting Highlands) such as Trimeresurus nebularis Vogel, David & Pauwels, 2004, Hebius sanguineus (Smedley, 1931), Macrocalamus tweediei Lim, 1963 and Collorhabdium williamsoni Smedley, 1931. Endemism on genus and species level is comparatively high in this geographical area.
Malayodracon robinsonii has been reported from Genting Highlands (Ulu Kali), Cameron Highlands (Tanah Rata, Gunung Brinchang, Gunung Beremban, Gunung Jesar) and further north from its type locality Gunung Tahan.

Etymology. The name Malayodracon was chosen to express that the type and currently only known species of the genus is restricted to Malaysia (latinized malaya, male form malayo owing to the gender of the ending -dracon) and constitutes a genus belonging to the subfamily Draconinae (gr. drakon / δράκων; a serpent in Greek mythology; latinized dracon = engl. dragon). 

Denzer, Wolfgang, Ulrich Manthey, Kristin Mahlow & Wolfgang Böhme. 2015. The Systematic Status of Gonocephalus robinsonii Boulenger, 1908 (Squamata: Agamidae: Draconinae). Zootaxa. 4039(1): 129–144. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4039.1.5

ResearchGate.net/publication/283452998_The_systematic_status_of_Gonocephalus_robinsonii_Boulenger_1908_(Squamata_Agamidae_Draconinae)

[Herpetology • 2015] Three New Endemic Species of Epictia Gray, 1845 (Serpentes: Leptotyphlopidae) from the Dry Forest of northwestern Peru; Epictia septemlineata, E. vanwallachi & E. antoniogarciai

Epictia septemlineata

Koch, Venegas & Böhme, 2015

FIGURE 1. Holotype of Epictia septemlineata sp. nov. in life (CORBIDI 14683).
Dorsal view (A); Detail of dorsal aspect of head (B); Detail of ventral aspect of tail and lower body (C).

Abstract

Three new blind snake species of the genus Epictia are described based on material collected in the Peruvian Regions Amazonas, Cajamarca and La Libertad. All three species are well differentiated from all congeners based on characteristics of their morphology and coloration. They share 10 scale rows around the middle of the tail and possess two supralabials with the anterior one in broad contact with the supraocular. Epictia septemlineata sp. nov. has 16 subcaudal scales, 257 mid-dorsal scale rows, a yellowish-white rostral, and a black terminal spine. Epictia vanwallachi sp. nov. exhibits 16 subcaudals, 188 mid-dorsal scale rows, a grayish-brown rostral, and a yellow terminal spine. Epictia antoniogarciai sp. nov. features 14–18 subcaudals, 195–208 mid-dorsal scale rows, a bright yellow or yellowish-white rostral, and the terminal spine and terminal portion of the tail yellow. All three species were collected in the interandean dry forest valleys of the Marañón River and its tributaries. This region is an area of endemism and warrants further attention from systematic and conservation biologists.

Key words: Andes, Blind snake, fossorial snake, slender blind snakes, thread snakes, burrowing snake, dry forest, Epictini, Leptotyphlops, Marañón valley, Reptilia, Squamata

Koch, Claudia, Pablo J. Venegas & Wolfgang Böhme. 2015. Three New Endemic Species of Epictia Gray, 1845 (Serpentes: Leptotyphlopidae) from the Dry Forest of northwestern Peru. Zootaxa. 3964(2): 228–244. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.3964.2.4

http://zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:E9350BA0-885F-4256-81E0-5D0B03CB2A87

ResearchGate.net/publication/277559545_Three_new_endemic_species_of_Epictia_Gray_1845_(Serpentes_Leptotyphlopidae)_from_the_dry_forest_of_northwestern_Peru

[Herpetology • 2015] Varanus nesterovi • A New Species of Desert Monitor Lizard (Varanidae: Varanus: Psammosaurus) from the Western Zagros region (Iraq, Iran)

Varanus (Psammosaurus) nesterovi

 Böhme, Ehrlich, Milto, Orlov & Scholz, 2015

ABSTRACT

We describe a new species of desert monitor lizard from the western and southwestern foothills of the Zagros Mountains. From Varanus griseus and its nominal subspecies V. g. griseus, V. g. caspius, and V. g. koniecznyi it is easily distinguishable by its stout head shape, the shape and position of the nostril, an extremely rough and spiny neck scalation, a laterally compressed tail with a double-keeled dorsal crest throughout its length, a nearly uniformly colored dorsum and an unpatterned light yellowish distal half of tail. Geographically, the new species seems to be restricted to the western and southwestern margin of the Zagros Mountain range and seems to prefer medium altitudes between 500 and 1100 m a.s.l. The new species renders the current subgenus Psammosaurus as consisting of more than one single living species.

Wolfgang Böhme, Klaus Ehrlich, Konstantin D. Milto, Nikolay Orlov and Sebastian Scholz. 2015. A New Species of Desert Monitor Lizard (Varanidae: Varanus: Psammosaurus) from the Western Zagros region (Iraq, Iran). Russian Journal of Herpetology. 22(1): 41-52.

http://rjh.folium.ru/index.php/rjh/article/view/949

ResearchGate.net/publication/274703640_A_new_species_of_desert_monitor_lizard_(Varanidae_Varanus_Psammosaurus)_from_the_Western_Zagros_region_(Iraq_Iran)

[Herpetology • 2011] Review of the Genus Sphenomorphus Fitzinger, 1843 (Squamata: Sauria: Scincidae) in Vietnam, with Description of a New Species, Sphenomorphus tonkinensis, from Northern Vietnam and Southern China and the First Record of Sphenomorphus mimicus Taylor, 1962 from Vietnam

Sphenomorphus tonkinensis  

  Nguyen, Schmitz, Nguyen, Orlov, Böhme & Ziegler. 2011

DOI: 10.1670/09-068.1

ABSTRACT

 We describe a new forest skink species of the genus Sphenomorphus based on specimens from northern Vietnam and from Hainan Island, southern China. The new species is differentiated from the congeners by the combination of the following characters: size small (SVL 35.8-48.8 mm); prefrontals in contact with each other mesially; supralabials seven; primary temporals two; external ear opening present, without lobules, tympanum slightly sunk; midbody scales in 32–34 rows; dorsal scales smooth, paravertebral scales 65–72, not widened; limbs well developed, pentadactyl; 15–19 smooth lamellae under fourth toe; free margins of upper and lower eyelids edged in white; neck, dorsum, and tail base bronze-brown with a discontinuous dark vertebral stripe; upper lateral zone black, interrupted by small light spots from behind the neck. In addition, we provide a review of Vietnamese Sphenomorphus with the first country record of Sphenomorphus mimicus. The generic allocation of Sphenomorphus devorator (allocated to Scincella), Leptoseps tetradactylus (allocated to Sphenomorphus), and Uvorimica (allocated to Sphenomorphus) is discussed.

Truong Quang Nguyen, Andreas Schmitz, Tao Thien Nguyen, Nikolai L. Orlov, Wolfgang Böhme and Thomas Ziegler. 2011. Review of the Genus Sphenomorphus Fitzinger, 1843 (Squamata: Sauria: Scincidae) in Vietnam, with Description of a New Species from Northern Vietnam and Southern China and the First Record of Sphenomorphus mimicus Taylor, 1962 from Vietnam. Journal of Herpetology. 45(2):145-154. DOI: 10.1670/09-068.1

ResearchGate.net/publication/261972534_Review_of_the_Genus_Sphenomorphus_Fitzinger_1843_(Squamata_Sauria_Scincidae)_in_Vietnam_with_Description_of_a_New_Species_from_Northern_Vietnam_and_Southern_China_and_the_First_Record_of_Sphenomorphus_mimicus_Taylor_1962_from_Vietnam

PHÁT HIỆN MỘT LOÀI THẰN LẰN MỚI Ở BẮC BỘ VIỆT NAM

http://vast.ac.vn/tin-tuc-su-kien/tin-khoa-hoc/trong-nuoc/715-phat-hien-them-mot-loai-than-lan-bong-o-viet-nam-va-trung-quoc

http://www.vncreatures.net/event86.php

[Herpetology • 2011] Polychrus jacquelinae • A New Bush Anole (Iguanidae, Polychrotinae) from the upper Marañon basin, Peru, with a redescription of Polychrus peruvianus (Noble, 1924) and additional information on Polychrus gutturosus Berthold, 1845

Polychrus jaqcuelinae sp. n. from La Libertad, Peru: male holotype CORBIDI 7725 with normal  colouration A photograph by M. León, in stress colouration B photograph by M. León, subadult male C ZFMK 91763, female D CORBIDI 5742, photograph by M. León, close-up of the head of one female E, ZFMK 91764.

Polychrus jacquelinae Koch, Venegas, Garcia-Bravo & Böhme, 2011

Abstract

We herein describe a new colorful species of Polychrus with a conspicuous sexual dimorphism from the dry forest of the northern portion of Región de La Libertad, Peru. The new species differs from all other Polychrus species, in that this species has very small dorsal scales and thus a higher number of scales around midbody and in the middorsal line from behind the occipital scales to the level of the posterior edge of the thigh. Furthermore, we redescribe Polychrus peruvianus whose original description is short and lacks information on intraspecific variation and sexual dimorphism. Also, we add some information on intraspecific variation and ecology of Polychrus gutturosus. Finally, we synonymize Polychrus spurrelli Boulenger with Polychrus gutturosus.

Keywords: Andes, dryforest, new species, lizard, bush anoles, reptiles, Polychrus jacquelinae sp. n., Polychrus peruvianus, Polychrus gutturosus, Polychrus spurrelli

 Claudia Koch, Pablo J. Venegas, Antonio Garcia-Bravo, and Wolfgang Böhme. 2011. A New Bush Anole (Iguanidae, Polychrotinae, Polychrus) from the upper Marañon basin, Peru, with a redescription of Polychrus peruvianus (Noble, 1924) and additional information on Polychrus gutturosus Berthold, 1845. Zookeys. 2011; (141): 79–107. doi:  dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.141.1678

Polychrus marmoratus https://flic.kr/p/gvBMCz

photo: Ryan Lynch  

[Herpetology • 2013] Cryptic Speciation Patterns in Iranian Rock Lizards Darevskia Uncovered by Integrative Taxonomy

Figure 5. Studied species of Darevskia in life:
D. caspica sp. n. (A; photo by N. Moradi); D. chlorogaster (B; photo by M. Auer); D. kamii sp. n. (C; photo by O. Mozaffari); D. defilippii (D; photo by A. Shahrdari) D. kopetdaghica sp. n. (E; photo by O. Mozaffari); D. schaekeli sp. n. (F; photo by Barbod Safaei Mahroo); and D. steineri (G; photo by O. Mozaffari).

Abstract

While traditionally species recognition has been based solely on morphological differences either typological or quantitative, several newly developed methods can be used for a more objective and integrative approach on species delimitation. This may be especially relevant when dealing with cryptic species or species complexes, where high overall resemblance between species is coupled with comparatively high morphological variation within populations. Rock lizards, genus Darevskia, are such an example, as many of its members offer few diagnostic morphological features. Herein, we use a combination of genetic, morphological and ecological criteria to delimit cryptic species within two species complexes, D. chlorogaster and D. defilippii, both distributed in northern Iran. Our analyses are based on molecular information from two nuclear and two mitochondrial genes, morphological data (15 morphometric, 16 meristic and four categorical characters) and eleven newly calculated spatial environmental predictors. The phylogeny inferred for Darevskia confirmed monophyly of each species complex, with each of them comprising several highly divergent clades, especially when compared to other congeners. We identified seven candidate species within each complex, of which three and four species were supported by Bayesian species delimitation within D. chlorogaster and D. defilippii, respectively. Trained with genetically determined clades, Ecological Niche Modeling provided additional support for these cryptic species. Especially those within the D. defilippii-complex exhibit well-differentiated niches. Due to overall morphological resemblance, in a first approach PCA with mixed variables only showed the separation between the two complexes. However, MANCOVA and subsequent Discriminant Analysis performed separately for both complexes allowed for distinction of the species when sample size was large enough, namely within the D. chlorogaster-complex. In conclusion, the results support four new species, which are described herein.

Figure 5. Studied species of Darevskia in life:
D. caspica sp. n. (A; photo by N. Moradi); D. chlorogaster (B; photo by M. Auer); D. kamii sp. n. (C; photo by O. Mozaffari) 

Figure 5. Studied species of Darevskia in life: 
D. defilippii (D; photo by A. Shahrdari) D. kopetdaghica sp. n. (E; photo by O. Mozaffari); D. schaekeli sp. n. (F; photo by Barbod Safaei Mahroo); and D. steineri (G; photo by O. Mozaffari).

Faraham Ahmadzadeh, Morris Flecks, Miguel A. Carretero, Omid Mozaffari, Wolfgang Böhme, D. James Harris, Susana Freitas and Dennis Rödder. 2013. Cryptic Speciation Patterns in Iranian Rock Lizards Uncovered by Integrative Taxonomy. PLoS ONE. 8(12): e80563. doi: dx.doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0080563

[Herpetology • 2013] Oreolalax sterlingae • First Record of the Genus Oreolalax (Anura: Megophryidae) from Vietnam with Description of a New Species from Fansipan Mountain, Hoang Lien Mountain Range, northern Vietnam

Oreolalax sterlingae

Nguyen, Phung, Le, Ziegler & Böhme 2013

photo: Phùng Mỹ Trung: vncreatures.net

Abstract

The genus Oreolalax is reported from Vietnam for the first time and a new species is described based on morphological differences, molecular divergence, and phylogenetic placement. Morphologically, the new species is distinguishable from its congeners on the basis of a combination of the following diagnostic characters: size small; tympanum hidden; toes with webbing at base; dorsum with distinct, round, spiny warts; flanks with white, spiny spots; belly and lower surface of limbs smooth, with dark marbling; interorbital region without dark triangular pattern; upper surface of thigh with dark bars; male with black spines present on margin of lower lip, spinal patches on chest small with fine spines, nuptial spines on fingers small, and without vocal sacs. In phylogenetic analyses, the new species is unambiguously nested within the genus Oreolalax.

Oreolalax sterlingae; A: holotype, A. paratype

  

Truong Q. Nguyen, Trung M. Phung, Minh D. Le, Thomas Ziegler and Wolfgang Böhme. 2013. First Record of the Genus Oreolalax (Anura: Megophryidae) from Vietnam with Description of a New Species. Copeia. 213-222.
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1643/CH-12-021

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/247779120_First_Record_of_the_Genus_(Anura_Megophryidae)_from_Vietnam_with_Description_of_a_New_Species

http://www.vncreatures.net/event018.php

[Herpetology • 2010] Tropiocolotes wolfgangboehmei • A new species of the genus Tropiocolotes (Reptilia: Sauria: Gekkonidae) from Central Saudi Arabia

Tropiocolotes wolfgangboehmei

Wilms, Shobrak & Wagner, 2010 

Abstract

 A new species of the genus Tropiocolotes from central Saudi Arabia is described based on two specimens from the Ath-Thumamah region. The new species is a member of the subgenus Tropiocolotes and belongs to the clade including T. steudneri and T. nattereri. 

Key words. Tropiocolotes sp. n., Ath-Thumama, Saudi Arabia.

Derivatio nominis. This species is named after Prof. Dr.Wolfgang Böhme in honour to his contributions to herpetology during his 39 years as curator of herpetology at the Zoological Research Museum A. Koenig, Bonn and as the academic mentor of two of the authors of the present paper. 

Habitat. The holotype was found near a small village at the border of the Ath-Thumamah area (Kordges 1998). The paratype was found under a stone in a small canyon within the Buwayb-Escarpment which is a cretaceous coral reef consisting of sedimentary rock, mainly lime- and sandstone.

Wilms, Thomas M.; , Mohammed Shobrak & Philipp Wagner 2010. A new species of the genus Tropiocolotes from Central Saudi Arabia (Reptilia: Sauria: Gekkonidae). Bonn Zool. Bull. 57 (2): 275–280. http://zfmk.de/BZB/Band_57_2/275-280_18_wilms.pdf

[Herpetology • 2005] Tylototriton vietnamensis • A new species of salamander, genus Tylototriton (Urodela: Salamandridae), from northern Vietnam

Tylototriton vietnamensis Böhme, Schöttler, Nguyen, & Köhler 2005

Abstract

 We describe a new species of Tylototriton from lowland forest of Bac Giang Province in northern Vietnam. The new species is mainly characterized by skin covered with relatively small warts and glands, flattened head, dorsal colour uniformly greyish tan or light brownish in life without larger orange or red dorsal markings. The species presumably reproduces in forest ponds during the rainy season. Records of Tylototriton asperrimus from northern Vietnam are briefly discussed.

Key words. Amphibia: Urodela: Salamandridae: Tylototriton; new species; Vietnam.

Etymology: The new species is named after the country of its origin, Vietnam.

Distribution: So far, the new species is known from four localities in northern and north-central Vietnam (Fig. 5). Specimens from Nam Tha Commune, Van Ban District, Lao Cai Province (NGUYEN et al. 2005, T. SCHÖTTLER pers. obs.) exhibit some slight morphological differences and are here tentatively regarded as T. cf. vietnamensis (see discussion). Tylototriton vietnamensis probably also occurs in adjacent southern China and eastern Laos.

Böhme, W., Schöttler, T., Nguyen, T.Q. & Köhler, J. 2005. A new species of salamander, genus Tylototriton (Urodela: Salamandridae), from northern Vietnam. Salamandra. 41, 215–220.

[Herpetology • 2013] Calotes bachae • A new species of the genus Calotes Cuvier, 1817 (Squamata: Agamidae) from southern Vietnam

Calotes bachae

Hartmann, Nikolay  Poyarkov, Ihlow, Galoyan, Rödder & Böhme 2013

Abstract 

We describe a new species of the agamid genus Calotes Cuvier, 1817 from southern Vietnam, which is most similar to Calotes mystaceus Duméril & Bibron, 1837, but can be distinguished from the latter and its other congeners by genetic and morphological differences. We discuss the current distribution of the new species and its sister species C. mystaceus in Mainland Southeast Asia.

Key words: Squamata, Agamidae, Calotes sp. nov., Calotes mystaceus, taxonomy, Vietnam, COI, multivariate morphometric analysis

Calotes bachae and its sister species C. mystaceus

Hartmann, Timo, Peter Geissler, Nikolay A. J. Poyarkov, Flora Ihlow, Eduard A. Galoyan, Dennis Rödder & Wolfgang Böhme. 2013. A new species of the genus Calotes Cuvier, 1817 (Squamata: Agamidae) from southern Vietnam. Zootaxa. 3599(3): 246–260.

http://www.mapress.com/zootaxa/2013/f/z03599p260f.pdf

http://www.mapress.com/zootaxa/list/2013/3599(3).html

[Testudology • 2012] Observations on the feeding ecology of Indotestudo elongata (Blyth, 1853) in the wild in Cambodia and Vietnam

Observations on the feeding ecology of Indotestudo elongata (Blyth, 1853) in the wild in Cambodia and Vietnam

Kulen Promtep Wildlife Sanctuary in the Northern Plains of Cambodia

During the study in Kulen Promtep Wildlife Sanctuary, three of the ten tagged tortoises were observed several times to feed on live Quantula striata, a land snail species deciduous forests in Indochina and peninsular Malaysia. Another individual was observed once feeding on a heavily decomposed skull of Viverra cf. zibetha (Fig. 4).

Cat Tien National Park in Dong Nai Province, southern Vietnam

The scat from Cat Tien consisted of the remains of two Ricefield Crabs Somanniathelphusa spp. At the beginning of the wet season these crabs are abundant around the seasonal ponds and on the forest floor (Ng, 1988). It is unknown if the tortoises consume these crabs for their proteins or also as a source of calcium. From the remains of the crab it was also impossible to ascertain whether the crab in fact was captured or, most probable, merely the carcass was consumed. 

Thus, our observations suggest that food items consumed by I. elongata vary according to their seasonal availability.

Figure 1. Indotestudo elongata feeding on the snail species Quantula striata in the Kulen Promtep Wildlife Sanctuary in northern Cambodia. Photo: F.Ihlow.

Figure 4. Indotestudo elongata feeding on a skull of Viverra cf. zibetha in the Kulen Promtep Wildlife Sanctuary in northern Cambodia. Photo: F. Ihlow.

Flora Ihlow, Peter Geissler, Sothanin Sovath, Markus Handschuh and Wolfgang Böhme. 2012. Observations on the feeding ecology of Indotestudo elongata (Blyth, 1853) in the wild in Cambodia and Vietnam. Herpetology Notes. 5. 5-7. 

http://www.herpetologynotes.seh-herpetology.org/contents5.html

http://www.herpetologynotes.seh-herpetology.org/Volume5_PDFs/Ihlow_et_al_Herpetology_Notes_Volume5_pages005-007.pdf

[Herpetology • 2010] Gekko ulikovskii Darevsky & Orlov, 1994: a junior synonym of Gekko badenii Szczerbak & Nekrasova, 1994

In Vietnam, a total of seven species of Gekko are currently recognized: G. badenii,  G. chinensis,  G. gecko,  G. grossmanni,  G. palmatus,  G. scientiadventura, and  G. ulikovskii (Rösler et al. 2004; Nguyen et al. 2009). Both Gekko badenii and G. ulikovskii were simultaneously described in 1994 based on the type series collected from Ba Den Mountain in Tay Ninh Province and “Gilai-Con Tum Province” (now Kon Tum Province) near the border with Laos and Cambodia, respectively (Darevsky & Orlov 1994; Szczerbak & Nekrasova 1994).

....

Nguyen, Q.T., Schmitz, A. & Böhme, W. 2010. Gekko ulikovskii Darevsky & Orlov, 1994: a junior synonym of Gekko badenii Szczerbak & Nekrasova, 1994. Bonn Zoological Bulletin. 57, 15–17.

http://www.zfmk.de/BZB/Band_57/BzB_57_1_Nguyen.pdf

[Paleontology • 2012] Habitat tracking, range dynamics and palaeoclimatic significance of Eurasian giant salamanders (Cryptobranchidae: Zaissanurus, Andrias) — indications for elevated Central Asian humidity during Cenozoic global warm periods

Abstract

Environmental fluctuations are a driving force in vertebrate evolution, but cryptobranchids (giant salamanders) show little morphologic change since the Jurassic. Here we analyze their fossil distribution in the Cenozoic of Eurasia and show that morphologic stasis is also maintained by stable environments, making giant salamanders an ideal proxy-group for environmental and palaeoclimatic studies. The climate space of recent and fossil cryptobranchids is best characterized by high humidity with mean annual precipitation values over 900 mm. The recorded patchiness of their fossil record can be explained by habitat tracking and/or range expansion from higher altitudes into lowland settings during humid periods with increased basinal relief. In Central Asia cryptobranchids are recorded from five intervals, four of them are global warm periods: Paleocene–Eocene Thermal Maximum, Late Oligocene warming, Miocene Climate Optimum, and Mio-Pliocene transition. This distribution suggests that during global warmth the Asian cold high pressure zone during winter months may be weak or absent, thus moist westerly winds penetrate far into the continent. The presence of cryptobranchids also indicates that the aridification across the Eocene–Oligocene boundary as reported from Mongolia and northwestern China, does not occur in the Zaysan Basin, probably due to increased upslope precipitation in the rising Altai Mountains

Highlights: 

► Giant Salamanders as proxy-organisms for reconstructing past humidity 

► Their climate space is characterized by high humidity with MAP values over 900 mm. 

► Cenozoic distribution suggests high Central Asian humidity during global warm periods.

Keywords: Giant salamanders, Environmental stasis, Palaeoprecipitation, Central Asia, Global warm periods

2010. The palaeoclimatic significance of Eurasian Giant Salamanders (Cryptobranchidae: Zaissanurus, Andrias) – indications for elevated humidity in Central Asia during global warm periods (Eocene, late Oligocene warming, Miocene Climate Optimum)

http://www.wahre-staerke.com/~madelaine/EGU2010_Andrias.pdf

Böhme, M., et al. 2012. Habitat tracking, range dynamics and palaeoclimatic significance of Eurasian giant salamanders (Cryptobranchidae) — indications for elevated Central Asian humidity during Cenozoic global warm periods. Palaeogeogr. Palaeoclimatol. Palaeoecol. doi: 10.1016/j.palaeo.2012.04.032

http://www.wahre-staerke.com/~madelaine/cryptobranchid.pdf