[Herpetology • 2019] Trachylepis raymondlaurenti • A New Long-tailed Skink (Scincidae: Trachylepis) from Angola and the Democratic Republic of the Congo

Trachylepis raymondlaurenti 

Marques, Ceríaco, Bandeira, Pauwels & Bauer, 2019

Laurent’s Long Tailed Skink || DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4568.1.3

Photo by Luis M. P. Ceríaco.

 facebook.com/MarianaMarques7777

Abstract

Angola and the Democratic Republic of the Congo are relatively unknown in terms of their herpetological diversity. Based on specimens collected in the Congolese region of the Katanga and the northeast of Angola during the first decades of the twentieth century, de Witte and Laurent independently suggested, based on morphological and coloration differences, that populations of T. megalura of these regions could belong a new “race”. We compared specimens of T. megalura (including the type specimens of T. megalura and T. massaiana) with Angolan and Katangan museum specimens as well as newly collected specimens from Angola. Coloration pattern and morphological characters, in combination with substantial divergence in the 16S mitochondrial gene, confirm the distinctiveness of the west Central African form, and it is here described as a new species. Data regarding its natural history, ecology and global distribution are presented.

 Keywords: Reptilia, Taxonomy, Trachylepis raymondlaurenti sp. nov., Cangandala National Park, Upemba National Park, Central Africa, type-specimens, nomenclature

FIGURE 3. Live specimen of Trachylepis megalura (EBG 1408) from Lwiro, South Kivu Province, DRC. Note the prominent white flank stripe.

Photo by Eli B. Greenbaum.

Holotype of Trachylepis raymondlaurenti sp. nov. (CAS 258401) from Cangandala National Park, Angola in life.

Photo by Luis M. P. Ceríaco.

facebook.com/MarianaMarques7777

Holotype of Trachylepis raymondlaurenti sp. nov. (CAS 258401) from Cangandala National Park, Angola.

twitter.com/skinks_IUCN

Trachylepis raymondlaurenti 

Marques, Ceríaco, Bandeira, Pauwels & Bauer sp. nov. 

 Mabuya megalura (de Witte 1953: 107) 

Mabuya megalura subsp. (Laurent 1964: 74) 

Trachylepis megalura (Broadley & Cotterill 2004: 42 [partim]) 

Trachylepis cf. megalura (Ceríaco et al. 2016b: 71; 2018b: 423; Marques et al. 2018: 264)

Etymology. The species is named after Raymond F. Laurent (1917–2005), Belgian herpetologist who specialized in African amphibians and reptiles and contributed significantly to current knowledge of the Angolan and Congolese herpetofaunas. 

We propose the English name "Laurent’s Long Tailed Skink", the Portuguese name "Lagartixa de Cauda Longa de Laurent", and the French name "Scinque à longue queue de Laurent".

 Mariana P. Marques, Luis M. P. Ceríaco, Suzana Bandeira, Olivier S. G. Pauwels and Aaron M. Bauer. 2019. Description of A New Long-tailed Skink (Scincidae: Trachylepis) from Angola and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Zootaxa. 4568(1); 51–68. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4568.1.3

 facebook.com/groups/1045499302182009/permalink/2172432439488684
twitter.com/skinks_IUCN/status/1109914888208416768

[Herpetology • 2017] Oligodon saiyok | งูงอดไทรโยค • A New Limestone-dwelling Kukri Snake (Serpentes: Colubridae) from Kanchanaburi Province, western Thailand

Oligodon saiyok 

 Sumontha, Kunya, Dangsri & Pauwels, 2017

  งูงอดไทรโยค | Sai Yok Kukri Snake ||  DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4294.3.2 

Abstract

We describe Oligodon saiyok sp. nov. from Benjarat Nakhon Cave Temple, Sai Yok District, Kanchanaburi Province, western Thailand. It is characterized by a maximal known SVL of 626.1 mm; 13 maxillary teeth, the posterior two enlarged; 8 supralabials; 17-17-15 dorsal scale rows; 181–187 ventrals and 38–43 subcaudals; a single anal; hemipenes extending in situ to the 18th subcaudal; dorsum with 21–22 dark blotches or white rings without vertebral or lateral stripes; and venter with a dense network of subrectangular dark blotches. It is the 7th squamate species believed to be endemic to Sai Yok District.

Keywords: Reptilia, Thailand, Oligodon saiyok sp. nov., new species, taxonomy, limestone cave, Buddhist temple

FIGURE 1. Live holotype of Oligodon saiyok sp. nov. Photograph by K. Kunya.

Etymology. The specific epithet is an invariable noun in honor of the administrative district where the type locality lies. We suggest the following common names: Ngu Ngod Sai Yok - งูงอดไทรโยค (Thai), Sai Yok Kukri Snake (English), Oligodon de Saï Yok (French), and Sai Yok Kukrinatter (German).

....
Oligodon saiyok sp. nov. increases the already exceptionally high number of squamates endemic to Sai Yok District, still unexplained to date: Cnemaspis huaseesom Grismer, Sumontha, Cota, Grismer, Wood, Pauwels & Kunya, 2010, Cyrtodactylus saiyok Panitvong, Sumontha, Tunprasert & Pauwels, 2014 and C. tigroides Bauer, Sumontha & Pauwels, 2003, Dixonius hangseesom Bauer, Sumontha, Grossmann, Pauwels & Vogel, 2004, Gekko nutaphandi Bauer, Sumontha & Pauwels, 2008, and Trimeresurus kanburiensis Smith, 1943 (see David et al. 2004). ....

Montri Sumontha, Kirati Kunya, Siriwat Dangsri and Olivier S. G. Pauwels. 2017.  Oligodon saiyok, A New Limestone-dwelling Kukri Snake (Serpentes: Colubridae) from Kanchanaburi Province, western Thailand. Zootaxa. 4294(3); 316–328. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4294.3.2
ResearchGate.net/publication/318529308_Oligodon_saiyok_a_new_limestone-dwelling_kukri_snake_Serpentes_Colubridae_from_Kanchanaburi_Province_western_Thailand

[Herpetology • 2017] Oligodon huahin | งูงอดหัวหิน • A New Kukri Snake (Colubridae: Oligodon) from Hua Hin District, and the First record of O. deuvei from Thailand

Oligodon huahin

Pauwels, Larsen, Suthanthangjai, David & Sumontha, 2017

งูงอดหัวหิน หรือ งูปี่แก้วลายหัวหิน || DOI:  10.11646/zootaxa.4291.3.6 

 Abstract

We describe Oligodon huahin sp. nov. from a bamboo forest locality on the road to Pala-U waterfall, Hua Hin District, Prachuap Khiri Khan Province, peninsular Thailand. It is characterized by a maximal known SVL of 553.7 mm; 6 maxillary teeth, the posterior two enlarged; 17-17-15 or 17-15-15 dorsal scale rows; 166–173 ventrals and 35–41 subcaudals in males; a single anal; deeply forked hemipenes lacking spines and papillae, extending in situ to the 14th subcaudal; faint to nearly indistinct vertebral, paravertebral and lateral stripes; no dorsal or supracaudal blotches or crossbars; and an uniformly ivory venter lacking subrectangular or squarish blotches. We also report the first finding of Oligodon deuvei in Thailand based on a specimen from Loei Province.

Keywords: Reptilia, Thai-Malay Peninsula, Thailand, Oligodon huahin sp. nov., Oligodon deuvei, taxonomy

 Live Oligodon huahin sp. nov. (QSMI 1502) in situ at the type locality.  

Photograph by Henning Larsen

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oligodon_huahin

Etymology: The specific epithet is an invariable noun in honor of the administrative district where the type locality lies and of its charming main city Hua Hin. The following common names are given "Hua Hin Kukri Snake" (English), "Ngu Ngod Hua Hin" งูงอดหัวหิน or "Ngu Peekeaw Lai Hua Hin" งูปี่แก้วลายหัวหิน (Thai), "Oligodon de Hua Hin" (French) and "Hua Hin Kukrinatter" (German).

Habitat, behaviour and ecology: The habitat, behaviour and ecology of this species is poorly known, even though all specimens used for the species description were found in mixed bamboo forest area, the species is likely to inhabit several other types of habitats and elevations as well. Based on data for other members of the genus Oligodon, O. huahin is thought to be a oviparous (egg-laying) species. This species is nocturnal.

Oligodon huahin sp. nov. is added to a list of endemic reptile species we have recently described from the northern part of the Thai Peninsula, in Phetchaburi and Prachuap Khiri Khan provinces: Cnemaspis punctatonuchalis Grismer, Sumontha, Cota, Grismer, Wood, Pauwels & Kunya, 2010, Cyrtodactylus phetchaburiensis and C. samroiyot Pauwels & Sumontha, 2014 and Ptychozoon kaengkrachanense Sumontha, Pauwels, Kunya, Limlikhitaksorn, Ruksue, Taokratok, Ansermet & Chanhome, 2012. Far from being remote, their type-localities are within about four hours or less of easy drive from Bangkok metropolis, and illustrate how much still remains to be done to fully inventory the herpetofauna of Thailand. ....




 Olivier S. G. Pauwels, Henning Larsen, Winai Suthanthangjai, Patrick David and Montri Sumontha. 2017. A New Kukri Snake (Colubridae: Oligodon) from Hua Hin District, and the First record of O. deuvei from Thailand. Zootaxa. 4291(3); 531–548. DOI:  10.11646/zootaxa.4291.3.6
ResearchGate.net/publication/318393445_A_new_kukri_snake_Colubridae_Oligodon_from_Hua_Hin_District_and_the_first_record_of_O_deuvei_from_Thailand
 en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oligodon_huahin

   

[Herpetology • 2017] Dixonius kaweesaki | จิ้งจกดินสามร้อยยอด • A New Limestone-dwelling Leaf-toed Gecko (Gekkonidae: Dixonius) from Khao Sam Roi Yot Massif, peninsular Thailand

Dixonius kaweesaki  

Sumontha, Chomngam, Phanamphon, Pawangkhanant, Viriyapanon, Thanaprayotsak & Pauwels, 2017

   จิ้งจกดินสามร้อยยอด | Sam Roi Yot Leaf-toed Gecko  ||  DOI:  10.11646/zootaxa.4247.5.2

Abstract

We describe Dixonius kaweesaki sp. nov. from Khao Daeng, a limestone mountain in Khao Sam Roi Yot massif, Prachuap Khiri Khan Province, peninsular Thailand. It is diagnosed from all other species by a combination of maximal SVL of 41.6 mm; 12 or 13 longitudinal rows of dorsal tubercles; 24 longitudinal rows of ventrals across the abdomen; a continuous series of 9–11 precloacal pores in males, no pores in females; and two bold dark stripes from the snout to the base of the tail separated by a contrasting light vertebral stripe. It is the eighth species in the genus Dixonius. Lastly, we discuss the type locality of Phyllodactylus paviei, currently regarded as a junior subjective synonym of Dixonius siamensis.

Keywords: Reptilia, Thai-Malay Peninsula, Khao Sam Roi Yot, Dixonius kaweesaki sp. nov.

FIGURE 4. Live adult male Dixonius kaweesaki sp. nov. in situ (individual not collected).

Photo. by M. Sumontha. 

Etymology. The specific epithet honors the Thai naturalist Kaweesak (Toi) Keeratikiat from Bangkok, in recognition to his help in our herpetological field surveys, and who collected the type series. We suggest the following common names: Djing-djok din Sam Roi Yot (Thai; จิ้งจกดินสามร้อยยอด), Sam Roi Yot Leaf-toed Gecko (English), Dixonius de Sam Roï Yot (French), Samroiyot Blattfingergecko (German).

Sumontha, Montri, Nirut Chomngam, Eakarit Phanamphon, Parinya Pawangkhanant, Chutinton Viriyapanon, Wanlada Thanaprayotsak and Olivier S. G. Pauwels. 2017. A New Limestone-dwelling Leaf-toed Gecko (Gekkonidae: Dixonius) from Khao Sam Roi Yot Massif, peninsular Thailand. Zootaxa. 4247(5); 556–568.  DOI:  10.11646/zootaxa.4247.5.2

ResearchGate.net/publication/315696682_A_new_limestone-dwelling_leaf-toed_gecko_Gekkonidae_Dixonius_from_Khao_Sam_Roi_Yot_massif_peninsular_Thailand

[Herpetology • 2012] Ptychozoon kaengkrachanense | ตุ๊กแกบินแก่งกระจาน • A New Species of Parachute Gecko (Squamata: Gekkonidae: Genus Ptychozoon) from Kaeng Krachan National Park, western Thailand

Kaengkrachan Parachute Gecko | Ptychozoon kaengkrachanense

Sumontha, Pauwels, Kunya, Limlikhitaksorn, Ruksue, Taokratok, Ansermet & Chanhome, 2012

ตุ๊กแกบินแก่งกระจาน |  siamensis.org

Abstract

A new species of Parachute Gecko, Ptychozoon kaengkrachanense sp. nov., is described from montane evergreen forest in Kaeng Krachan National Park, western Thailand. It differs from all known Ptychozoon species by having three dark dorsal chevrons between limbs insertions, homogeneous dorsal scalation without enlarged scales, original tail without long terminal flap, supranasals widely in contact, a continuous series of 14–19 enlarged precloacofemoral scales, bearing 13–17 pores in males, the absence of a predigital notch in the preantebrachial cutaneous expansion and the presence of cutaneous expansions on sides of head. It is the eighth species described in the genus and the only species of Ptychozoon endemic to Thailand.

Key words: Thailand, Phetchaburi Province, Kaeng Krachan National Park, Ptychozoon kaengkrachanense, new species, taxonomy

Seven species of parachute geckos of the genus Ptychozoon are known, there is now an eighth species Ptychozoon kaengkrachanense a Thailand endemic which inhabits montane evergreen forest in Kaeng Krachan National Park, in western Thailand. The new species differs from all known Ptychozoon species by having three dark dorsal chevrons between limbs insertions, homogeneous dorsal scalation without enlarged scales, original tail without long terminal flap, supranasals widely in contact, a continuous series of 14–19 enlarged precloacofemoral scales, bearing 13–17 pores in males, the absence of a predigital notch in the preantebrachial cutaneous expansion and the presence of cutaneous expansions on sides of head.

Ptychozoon kaengkrachanense is the fifth species of Ptychozoon recorded from Thailand, along with P. horsfieldii, P. kuhli, P. lionotum and P. trinotaterra. and it is the only Ptychozoon species endemic to Thailand. It is the 68th reptile species recorded from Kaeng Krachan National Park, which was already known to house the richest herpetofauna of all protected areas of Thailand and it thus reinforces the exceptional value of the park in terms of biodiversity and its conservation.

Sumontha, Montri, Olivier S. G. Pauwels, Kirati Kunya, Chaiwat Limlikhitaksorn, Sirichai Ruksue, Apirat Taokratok, Michel Ansermet & Lawan Chanhome. 2012. A New Species of Parachute Gecko (Squamata: Gekkonidae: Genus Ptychozoon) from Kaeng Krachan National Park, western Thailand . Zootaxa. 3513; 68-78. 

mapress.com/zootaxa/2012/f/z03513p078f.pdf

ResearchGate.net/publication/236980374_A_new_species_of_Parachute_Gecko_(Squamata_Gekkonidae_genus_Ptychozoon)_from_Kaeng_Krachan_National_Park_western_Thailand

siamensis.org/species_index: Ptychozoon kaengkrachanense

http://squamates.blogspot.com/2012/10/a-new-thai-parachute-gecko.html

[Herpetology • 2016] Cyrtodactylus phetchaburiensis | ตุ๊กกายเพชรบุรี | Phetchaburi Bent-toed Gecko • A New Bent-toed Gecko (Squamata: Gekkonidae) from Phetchaburi Province, Thailand

Cyrtodactylus phetchaburiensis  Pauwels, Sumontha & Bauer, 2016

ตุ๊กกายเพชรบุรี | Phetchaburi Bent-toed Gecko 

 siamensis.org  DOI:  10.11646/zootaxa.4088.3.6

Abstract

A new Bent-toed Gecko, Cyrtodactylus phetchaburiensis sp. nov. is described from the Tha Yang District of Phetchaburi Province, western Thailand. It is a medium-sized Cyrtodactylus (SVL to at least 63.2 mm), with small, mostly keeled tubercles in 20 regular longitudinal rows on dorsum; 33 scales across mid-venter between lowest rows of flank tubercles; enlarged row of femoral scales present; five precloacal pores in male, femoral pores and precloacal groove absent; 5–6 broad basal lamellae and 11 narrow distal lamellae beneath digit IV of pes; and a single median row of transversely enlarged subcaudal scales present. It has a dorsal colour pattern of large, dark, diffusely-edged markings on a fawn background and a pair of dark scapular patches. The species is a member of the Central Indochinese (Thai-Myanmar) clade of Cyrtodactylus and is most closely related to C. oldhami (Theobald), from which it differs in colour pattern.

Keywords: Reptilia, Gekkonidae, Cyrtodactylus phetchaburiensis sp. nov., Cyrtodactylus oldhami, description, taxonomy, Thailand

Olivier S. G. Pauwels, Montri Sumontha and Aaron M. Bauer. 2016. A New Bent-toed Gecko (Squamata: Gekkonidae: Cyrtodactylus) from Phetchaburi Province, Thailand. Zootaxa. 4088(3): 409–419.  DOI:  10.11646/zootaxa.4088.3.6

ResearchGate.net/publication/297714545_A_new_Bent-toed_Gecko_Squamata_Gekkonidae_Cyrtodactylus_from_Phetchaburi_Province_Thailand

[Herpetology • 2014] New Data on the Morphology and Distribution of the Enigmatic Schouteden’s Sun Snake, Helophis schoutedeni (de Witte, 1922) from the Congo Basin

FIGURE 2. Photos of a living specimen of Helophis schoutedeni, found in 2012 in Kinshasa.
 From top left, clockwise: dorsal view of the specimen; ventral view of the specimen; dorsolateral view of the forepart of the animal; ventral view of the head. 

DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.3755.1.5

Abstract

The Schouteden’s sun snake is the sole representative of its genus, and was originally described by the Belgian herpetologist Gaston-François de Witte as a colubrid, Pelophis schoutedeni (de Witte 1922). Twenty years later, the new generic name Helophis was established by de Witte & Laurent (1942) because the generic name Pelophis was preoccupied by Pelophis Fitzinger, 1843 [type species: Brachyorrhos (now Enhydris) alternans Reuss, 1834]. De Witte (1922) and de Witte & Laurent (1942) gave data on two syntypes (Fig. 1), which are preserved in the herpetological collection of the Royal Museum for Central Africa in Tervuren, Belgium. One, RMCA R.2468, was found in Tondu (at Lac Tumba, Équateur Province, Democratic Republic of the Congo = DRC), while the other, RMCA R.2469, was collected in Kwamouth (“Moyen-Congo”, now Bandundu Province, DRC). Both were collected by Henri Schouteden in 1921. In the original description, no information was given about the sex of the syntypes. De Witte & Laurent (1942) reported a third specimen (RMCA R.11551) from Léopoldville (today Kinshasa), which was collected in 1937 by Henrard. Since then, this snake species was almost forgotten, and the genus has remained monotypic. To our knowledge, no photographs of living specimens of this species have been published so far. In general, very little is known about the distribution, biology, conservation status or even the phylogenetic relationships of this vividly colored snake species. Although several works listed Helophis schoutedeni as being part of the Congo Basin (DRC) snake fauna (e.g. Kusamba 1990; Meirte 1992; Trape & Roux-Estève 1995; Broadley 1998) sometimes including a basic identification key, no new information was given. Moreover, no recent field guides of the Central African region (e.g., Chippaux 2006) include this snake species. Regarding its classification, Broadley (1998) considered it as a natricine species (Natricinae) while in The Reptile Database (Uetz & Hošek 2013) it is listed as Colubridae incertae sedis, similarly like in Pyron et al. (2013), where Helophis was missing from their phylogenetic meta-analysis.

Keywords: Congo Basin, sun snake, Helophis schoutedeni, new data

FIGURE 2. Photos of a living specimen of Helophis schoutedeni, found in 2012 in Kinshasa.
From top left, clockwise: dorsal view of the specimen; ventral view of the specimen; dorsolateral view of the forepart of the animal; ventral view of the head.

DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.3755.1.5

Discussion:

 Since the majority of distribution records are coming from the Eastern Congolian swamp forests upriver the Congo River and its tributaries, it opens a question about the origin of the specimens collected in Léopoldville/Kinshasa. The strong current of the Congo River often carries floating vegetation islands, which occasionally introduce fauna and flora from the upriver into the Lower Congo region (MC, pers. observ.). This phenomenon might also explain the findings of the Schouteden’s sun snake outside the swamp forests. Ecologically, Helophis schoutedeni is obviously a semi-aquatic snake as indicated by its dorsally-oriented nostrils, narrow triangular internasals, small eyes with round pupil and stout body. Furthermore, during a short period in captivity, the observed Schouteden’s sun snake preferred to stay in water. Helophis shows an extreme similarity to the genus Hydraethiops, as de Witte (1922) indicated in the original description. He, however, also mentioned that two differences between them, i.e., the double internasals and the lower number of teeth in Helophis, justified the erection of a new genus. Boulenger (1904), in his description of Hydraethiops laevis, indicated, based on the observations that he made on the two syntypes, that the internasals could be divided or semi-divided. The third known individual of Hydraethiops laevis, from the Chaillu Massif in Gabon, shows a single internasal (Pauwels et al. 2002). The condition of the internasals is variable in Hydraethiops melanogaster as well; for example, the individual illustrated by de Witte (1962) shows a partly divided internasal. Helophis shows 16 or 17 maxillary teeth (de Witte 1922; Meirte 1992), while Hydraethiops shows 20 to 22 (Chippaux 2006). The internasals’ condition in Helophis is thus not a character  separating  it  from  Hydraethiops.  The  slightly  lower  number  in  maxillary  teeth  does  not  justify  alone  the  placement in a distinct genus. Pending a genetic analysis, the genus Helophis could be regarded as valid while doubtful with  regard  to
,  but  at  least  its  placement  within  Natricinae  along  with  Hydraethiops  as  proposed  by  Broadley (1998) seems justified on a morphological basis

Zoltán T. Nagy, Vaclav Gvozdik, Danny Meirte, Marcel Collet and Olivier S. G. Pauwels. 2014. New Data on the Morphology and Distribution of the Enigmatic Schouteden’s Sun Snake, Helophis schoutedeni (de Witte, 1922) from the Congo Basin. 

 ZOOTAXA. 3755(1):96-100. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.3755.1.5

ResearchGate.net/publication/259779411_New_data_on_the_morphology_and_distribution_of_the_enigmatic_Schoutedens_sun_snake_Helophis_schoutedeni_(8de_Witte_1922)_from_the_Congo_Basin

[Herpetology • 2015] Acanthosaura phuketensis | กิ้งก่าเขาหนามภูเก็ต | Phuket Horned Tree Agamid • A New Long-horned Tree Agamid (Squamata: Agamidae) from the Phuket Mountain Range in southwestern Thailand

Acanthosaura phuketensis

Pauwels, Sumontha, Kunya, Nitikul, Samphanthamit, Wood & Grismer, 2015 

กิ้งก่าเขาหนามภูเก็ต | Phuket Horned Tree Agamid

FIGURE 7. Live adult male Acanthosaura phuketensis sp. nov. in situ at the type locality of Cyrtodactylus ranongensis in Suk Samran District, Ranong Province, southwestern Thailand.
photo: M. Sumontha | siamensis.org DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4020.3.4

Abstract

We describe a new lowland forest-dwelling species of the genus Acanthosaura from Phuket Island and the Phuket mountain range in southwestern Thailand. Acanthosaura phuketensis sp. nov., the 11th species in the genus, seems most closely related to A. crucigera from Myanmar and western Thailand and A. cardamomensis from the Cardamom Mountains, but can be differentiated from them by a combination of morphological and coloration characteristics. This new discovery stresses the importance of preserving the last forest patches remaining on Phuket Island, home to three other squamate endemics.

Keywords: Reptilia, Thai-Malay Peninsula, Phuket mountain range, Phuket Island, Khao Phra Thaeo Non-hunting Area, Khao Lak–Lam Ru National Park

Discussion: 

Our comparisons show that Acanthosaura phuketensis sp. nov. is clearly distinct from all the currently recognized species of Acanthosaura, and that it is part of the A. crucigera group, in which it seems most closely related to A. crucigera and the geographically distant A. cardamomensis. Its description is just one more step in the taxonomic review of the A. crucigera group, which is already known to include several additional undescribed species in the Thai-Malay Peninsula (Wood et al. 2010, Grismer 2011, Wood et al. in prep.). Similarly, the lepidogaster species group appears to comprise several undescribed species (Ananjeva et al. 2008), and the total number of recognized Acanthosaura species will keep increasing (Sumontha et al. in prep., Wood et al. in prep.).

The main conservation threat for A. phuketensis sp. nov. is probably forest logging and degradation. Fortunately, it has already been reported from several protected areas, i.e., Khao Phra Thaeo Non-hunting Area in Phuket Province, Khao Lak - Lam Ru National Park and Phang-Nga Wildlife Breeding Station in Phang-Nga Province, and Khao Sok National Park in Surat Thani Province. It will probably be recorded from Kaeng Krung National Park, Khlong Phanom National Park and Khlong Yan Wildlife Sanctuary in Surat Thani Province, Khlong Nakha Wildlife Sanctuary in Ranong Province, and Si Phang Nga National Park and Ton Pariwat Wildlife Sanctuary in Phang-Nga Province, all offering forested areas and lying within the Phuket Range. The last forested areas on Phuket Island are currently subject to strong pressure because of unregulated infrastructure development and land use (Boupun & Wongsai 2013). The high reptile diversity of Phuket Island (Frith 1978, Pauwels & Bauer 2001, Sumontha et al. 2002a-b, Leong et al. 2003, this work), including three endemic forest dwelling species (Cnemaspis phuketensis Das & Leong, 2004, Cyrtodactylus phuketensis Sumontha et al. and Trimeresurus phuketensis Sumontha et al.), stresses the importance of preserving the last patches of primary and mature secondary forest remaining on the island. Our research team has intentionally given a specific epithet relating to Phuket Island to each of the three squamate species we described from the island in order to draw the attention of the scientific community and Government stakeholders to this need to locally improve current  conservation efforts and land use planning.

Olivier S.G. Pauwel, Montri Sumontha, Kirati Kunya, Awat Nitikul, Phamon Samphanthamit, Perry L. Wood, Jr. and Lee L. Grismer. 2015. Acanthosaura phuketensis (Squamata: Agamidae), A New Long-horned Tree Agamid from southwestern Thailand. Zootaxa. 4020(3); 473–494. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4020.3.4

facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=1208819845811840

ResearchGate.net/publication/282073694_Acanthosaura_phuketensis_(Squamata_Agamidae)_a_new_long-horned_tree_agamid_from_southwestern_Thailand

http://www.natgeocreative.com/photography/1109646

http://www.gondwanareptileproductions.com/Khao%20Phra%20Thaew%20National%20Park%20Thailand.html

[Herpetology • 2015] Cyrtodactylus inthanon | ตุ๊กกายดอยอินทนนท์ | Doi Inthanon Bent-toed Gecko • A New Forest-dwelling Bent-toed Gecko (Squamata: Gekkonidae: Cyrtodactylus) from Doi Inthanon, Chiang Mai Province, northern Thailand

Cyrtodactylus inthanon  Kunya, Sumontha, Panitvong, Dongkumfu, Sirisamphan & Pauwels, 2015
ตุ๊กกายดอยอินทนนท์ | Doi Inthanon Bent-toed Gecko

DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.3905.4.9 | photo: N. Panitvong [siamensis.org]

ABSTRACT

 We describe a new forest-dwelling Cyrtodactylus from Doi Inthanon, Chiang Mai Province, northern Thailand. Cyrtodactylus inthanon sp. nov. is characterized by a maximum known SVL of 87.3 mm; 18 to 20 longitudinal rows of dorsal tubercles; a continuous series of 34 to 37 enlarged femoro-precloacal scales, including four to six pitted (female) or porebearing (male) scales on each femur separated by a diastema from five pitted (females) or pore-bearing (male) precloacal scales; no precloacal groove or depression; transversely enlarged subcaudal scales; and three to five irregular beige dorsal bands between limb insertions. The discovery of a new reptile endemic to Doi Inthanon reinforces the high importance of this mountain in terms of biodiversity conservation.

Keywords: Cyrtodactylus inthanon sp. nov., taxonomy, new species, Doi Inthanon National Park

Distribution and natural history. The species is known only from Doi Inthanon, from 700 to 1010 m a.s.l., where it is common. We encountered it while it was active at night on trees and large rocks along streams. It moved slowly when disturbed by torch light and bit when handled. It was found at direct proximity to the reptiles Acanthosaura lepidogaster (Cuvier) (Agamidae), Gekko gecko (Linnaeus), Hemidactylus frenatus Duméril & Bibron and H. platyurus (Schneider), Hemiphyllodactylus chiangmaiensis Grismer, Wood & Cota (Gekkonidae), Ahaetulla prasina (Boie) (Colubridae), Amphiesma khasiense (Boulenger) (Natricidae) and Trimeresurus popeiorum Smith (Viperidae), and the amphibians Ansonia inthanon Matsui, Nabhitabhata & Panha (Bufonidae), Leptolalax pelodytoides (Boulenger), Megophrys major Boulenger and M. minor Stejneger (Megophryidae), Amolops marmoratus (Blyth), Hylarana nigrovittata (Blyth) and Odorrana livida (Blyth) (Ranidae). Captive specimens ate meal worms and crickets and seemed to quickly dehydrate with decreasing hygrometry. The new species’ known range entirely falls within Doi Inthanon National Park.

Etymology. The specific epithet inthanon refers to the type locality. It is a noun in apposition, invariable. We suggest the following common names: ตุ๊กกายดอยอินทนนท์ 'Took-kai Doi Inthanon' (Thai), Doi Inthanon bent-toed gecko (English), Cyrtodactyle du Doï Inthanon (French), Doi Inthanon Bogenfingergecko (German), Doiinthanonkromvingergekko (Dutch).

Kirati Kunya, Montri Sumontha, Nonn Panitvong, Wuttipong Dongkumfu, Thana Sirisamphan and Olivier S. G. Pauwels. 2015. A New Forest-dwelling Bent-toed Gecko (Squamata: Gekkonidae: Cyrtodactylus) from Doi Inthanon, Chiang Mai Province, northern Thailand. Zootaxa. 3905(4):573-584. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.3905.4.9

researchgate.net/publication/270823809_A_new_forest-dwelling_Bent-toed_Gecko_(Squamata_Gekkonidae_Cyrtodactylus)_from_Doi_Inthanon_Chiang_Mai_Province_northern_Thailand

[Herpetology • 2010] Cyrtodactylus lomyenensis • A New Cave-dwelling Species of Cyrtodactylus Gray, 1827 (Squamata: Gekkonidae) from Khammouane Province, southern Laos

Lomyen Bent-toed Gecko | Cyrtodactylus lomyenensis

Ngo & Pauwels, 2010

ABSTRACT

A new cave-dwelling bent-toed gecko, Cyrtodactylus lomyenensis sp. nov. is described from a karst forest in Gnommalath District, Khammouane Province, southern Laos. It differs from all other species of Indochinese-Thai Cyrtodactylus in the following combination of characters: maximum SVL of at least 71.2 mm; head dorsum yellowish with irregular brown blotches; presence of a brown nuchal loop reaching the posterior edge of the orbit; four narrow yellowish-cream transversal bands with irregular anterior and posterior black edges on a brown background between limb insertions; no precloacal groove; 39-40 precloacal-femoral pores in males, arranged in a continuous row; females with 32 precloacal-femoral pores in a continuous row, smaller than those of males; five postanal tubercles on each side; 16-18 subdigital lamellae on first toe; 19-23 subdigital lamellae on 4th toe; no tubercles on tail dorsum; and a median row of enlarged subcaudal scales.

Key words: Cyrtodactylus, Gekkonidae, description, new species, Khammouane, Laos, cave-dwelling

Ngo Van Tri, Olivier S. G. Pauwels. 2010. A New Cave-dwelling Species of Cyrtodactylus Gray, 1827 (Squamata: Gekkonidae) from Khammouane Province, southern Laos. Zootaxa. 2730:44-56.

http://www.mapress.com/zootaxa/2010/f/z02730p056f.pdf

researchgate.net/publication/236018622_A_new_cave-dwelling_species_of_Cyrtodactylus_Gray_1827_(Squamata_Gekkonidae)_from_Khammouane_Province_southern_Laos

[Herpetology • 2014] Cyrtodactylus saiyok | ตุ๊กกายไทรโยค | Saiyok Bent-toed Gecko • A New Dry Evergreen Forest-dwelling Bent-toed Gecko (Squamata: Gekkonidae) from Kanchanaburi Province, western Thailand

Cyrtodactylus saiyok 

Panitvong, Sumontha, Tunprasert & Pauwels, 2014
DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.3869.1.6

Abstract

We describe Cyrtodactylus saiyok sp. nov. from a dry evergreen forest on a limestone hill in Khao Krajae, Sai Yok District, Kanchanaburi Province, western Thailand. It is characterized by a maximal known SVL of 61.0 mm; 18–19 longitudinal rows of dorsal tubercles; 23 or 24 ventral scale rows between ventrolateral skin folds; a continuous series of enlarged femoro-precloacal scales, including 5 pore-bearing precloacal scales (males); no precloacal groove or depression; transversely enlarged subcaudal scales; a complete black nuchal loop; a W-shaped band above shoulders and 3–5 irregular, medially interrupted or not, black dorsal bands between limb insertions. Cyrtodactylus saiyok sp. nov. is the sixth reptile species that is possibly endemic to Sai Yok District.

Keywords: Cyrtodactylus saiyok sp. nov., new species, taxonomy, limestone



Etymology. The specific epithet saiyok refers to the name of the district in which the type locality is situated. It is a noun in apposition, invariable. We suggest the following common names: Took-kai Sai Yok (Thai), Sai Yok bent-toed gecko (English), Cyrtodactyle de Saï Yok (French), Saiyok Bogenfingergecko (German), Saiyokkromvingergekko (Dutch). The common name Sai Yok Bent-toed Gecko had been proposed by Ellis and Pauwels (2012) for Cyrtodactylus tigroides, for which we here propose the new common name Tiger Bent-toed Gecko.

Panitvong, Nonn, Montri Sumontha, Jitthep Tunprasert & Olivier S. g. Pauwels. 2014. Cyrtodactylus saiyok sp. nov., A New Dry Evergreen Forest-dwelling Bent-toed Gecko (Squamata: Gekkonidae) from Kanchanaburi Province, western Thailand.
Zootaxa. 3869(1): 64–74. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.3869.1.6

facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10203954020103839

http://siamensis.org/species_index#39919

[Herpetology • 2014] ตุ๊กกายดอยสุเทพ | Cyrtodactylus doisuthep | Doi Suthep Bent-toed Gecko • A New Forest-Dwelling Bent-toed Gecko (Squamata: Gekkonidae) from Doi Suthep, Chiang Mai Province, northern Thailand

ตุ๊กกายดอยสุเทพ | Doi Suthep Bent-toed Gecko
Cyrtodactylus doisuthep

Kunya, Panmongkol, Pauwels, Sumontha, Meewasana, Bunkhwamdi & Dangsri. 2014

photo: M. Sumontha siamensis.org | DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.3811.2.6 

Abstract

We describe a new forest-dwelling Cyrtodactylus from Doi Suthep, Chiang Mai Province, northern Thailand. Cyrtodactylus doisuthep sp. nov. is characterized by a maximal known SVL of 90.5 mm; 19 or 20 longitudinal rows of dorsal tubercles; a continuous series of 34 or 35 enlarged femoro-precloacal scales, including six or seven pitted scales on each femur (male and females) separated by a diastema from six pitted (females) or pore-bearing (male) precloacal scales; no precloacal groove or depression; transversely enlarged subcaudal scales; and six or seven irregular thin beige dorsal bands between limb insertions.

Keywords: Cyrtodactylus doisuthep sp. nov., taxonomy, new species, Doi Suthep-Pui National Park

Kunya, Kirati, Aumporn Panmongkol, Olivier S. G. Pauwels, Montri Sumontha, Jiraporn Meewasana, Woraphot Bunkhwamdi & Siriwat Dangsri. 2014. A New Forest-Dwelling Bent-toed Gecko (Squamata: Gekkonidae: Cyrtodactylus) from Doi Suthep, Chiang Mai Province, northern Thailand. Zootaxa. 3811(2): 251–261. DOI: dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.3811.2.6

http://siamensis.org/webboard/topic/7576

[Herpetology • 2012] A Phylogeny and Taxonomy of the Thai-Malay Peninsula Bent-toed Geckos of the Cyrtodactylus pulchellus complex (Squamata: Gekkonidae): combined morphological and molecular analyses with descriptions of seven new species

Abstract

An integrative taxonomic analysis using color pattern, morphology and 1497 base pairs of the ND2 mitochondrial gene and its five flanking tRNAs demonstrated that nine monophyletic species-level lineages occur within the Cyrtodactylus pulchellus complex (Cyrtodactylus pulchellus sensu strictu and C. macrotuberculatus) of the Thai-Malay Peninsula that have a sequence divergence between them ranging from 5.9–16.8%. Additionally, each lineage is discretely diagnosable from one another based on morphology and color pattern and most occur in specific geographic regions (upland areas or islands) that prevent or greatly restrict interpopulation gene flow. 

Six of these lineages were masquerading under the nomen C. pulchellus and are described as the following: Cyrtodactylus astrum sp. nov. (ตุ๊กกายประดับดาว) from northwestern Peninsular Malaysia and southwestern Thailand; C. langkawiensis sp. nov., at this point endemic to Langkawi Island, Malaysia; C. bintangrendah  sp. nov., a lowland species surrounding the Banjaran (=mountain range) Bintang of northwestern Peninsular Malaysia; C. bintangtinggi sp. nov., endemic to the upland regions of the Banjaran Bintang of northwestern Peninsular Malaysia; C. trilatofasciatus sp. nov., endemic to upland regions of Cameron Highlands in the central portion of the Banjaran Titiwangsa in Peninsular Malaysia; and C. australotitiwangsaensis sp. nov. from the more southerly upland regions of the Banjaran Titiwangsa. 

An additional species, Cyrtodactylus lekaguli sp. nov. (ตุ๊กกายหมอบุญส่ง) from Satun, Trang, Surat Thani, and Phang-nga provinces in southern Thailand, was identified on the basis of morphology and color pattern and is hypothesized to be part of a clade containing C. astrum sp. nov. and C. langkawiensis sp. nov.

Key words: Taxonomy, Phylogeny, Cyrtodactylus, Gekkonidae, Malaysia, Thailand, Molecular systematics, New species

Grismer, L.L., Wood, P.K., Jr, Quah, E.H., Shahrul, A., Muin, M.A., Sumontha, M., Ahmad, N., Bauer, A.M., Wangkulangkul, S., Grismer, J.L. and Pauwels, O.S.G. 2012. A Phylogeny and Taxonomy of the Thai-Malay Peninsula Bent-toed Geckos of the Cyrtodactylus pulchellus complex (Squamata: Gekkonidae): combined morphological and molecular analyses with Descriptions of Seven New Species. Zootaxa. 3520: 1-55. http://www.mapress.com/zootaxa/2012/f/z03520p055f.pdf

[Herpetology • 2000] Triceratolepidophis sieversorum • A New Genus and Species of Pitviper (Serpentes: Viperidae: Crotalinae) from Vietnam

Triceratolepidophis sieversorum  

Ziegler, Herrmann, David, Orlov & Pauwels, 2000

Abstract

A new genus and species of pitviper from the Annam Mountain Range, Quang Binh Province, Vietnam are described. The description is based on a single male specimen. This member of the Trimeresurus group is characterized by the presence of raised horn-like multiple supraoculars and by having the unique structure of the dorsal scales showing a keel consisting of three horn-like upraisings as well as the unique microdermatoglyphic pattern of the Oberhäutchen, which is tessellate fimbriate. First notes on its biology are provided and possible relationships of this new and striking taxon are discussed.

Keywords: Reptilia, Squamata, Serpentes, Viperidae, Crotalinae, Triceratolepidophis genus nov., Triceratolepidophis sieversorum species nov., Phong Nha Nature Reserve, Vietnam.

Ziegler, T., Herrmann, H.-W., David, P., Orlov, N.L., Pauwels, O.S.G. 2000. Triceratolepidophis sieversorum, a new genus and species of pitviper (Reptilia: Serpentes: Viperidae: Crotalinae) from Vietnam. Russ. Jour. Herpetol. 7(3): 199-214.

http://pauwelsolivier.com/taxaCoDescribed.html

http://www.bryanlstuart.com/site/Publications_files/Hermann%20et%20al.%202002.pdf

http://www.seh-herpetology.org/files/bonnensis/233_Nguyen.pdf