[Herpetology • 2018] Acanthosaura murphyi • A New Species of the Genus Acanthosaura Gray, 1831 (Reptilia: Agamidae) from Central Vietnam

Acanthosaura murphyi 

Nguyen, Do, Hoang, Nguyen, McCormack, Nguyen, Orlov, Nguyen & Nguyen, 2018

  RJH.folium.ru

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Abstract

We describe a new agamid species of the genus Acanthosaura from Khanh Hoa and Phu Yen provinces, central Vietnam based on morphological and molecular data. The new species, Acanthosaura murphyi sp. nov., most closely resembles the Indochinese horned lizard (A. capra) and the Natalia horned lizard (A. nataliae), however, it can be differentiated from other congeners by the following characters: a large-sized species (snout-vent length = 103.7 – 127.3 mm in adult males, 123.0 mm in the adult female); cylindrical spine above posterior margin of eye present; spine on occiput between tympanum and nuchal crest absent; two scale rows between rostral scute and nostril; small slightly keeled scales on flank randomly intermixed with keeled medium and large scales; nuchal crests strongly developed; dorsal crests developed and separate from nuchal crests by a diastema; coloration in life of body varies from gray in adult to brown or emerald green in subadult, and brown to whitish gray ventral skin; and tail brown or greenish with indistinct light bands. Genetically, uncorrected sequence divergences of COI between the new species and its closest species, A. capra, is 6.5%. To date, the new species has been found in evergreen forest between 84 – 1060 m in Phu Yen and Khanh Hoa provinces only.

Keywords: Acanthosaura capra species complex; Acanthosaura murphyi sp. nov.; COI; Langbian Plateau

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Luan Thanh Nguyen, Dang Trong Do, Ha Van Hoang, Thang Tai Nguyen, Timothy E. M. McCormack, Truong Quang Nguyen, Nikolai L. Orlov, Vu Dang Hoang Nguyen and Sang Ngoc Nguyen. 2018. A New Species of the Genus Acanthosaura Gray, 1831 (Reptilia: Agamidae) from Central Vietnam. Russian Journal of Herpetology.  25(4): 259-274. RJH.folium.ru/index.php/rjh/article/view/1411

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[Herpetology • 2017] The Taxonomic Status and Distribution Range of Six Theloderma Species (Anura: Rhacophoridae) with A New Record in China

Theloderma moloch (Annandale, 1912)

Yunnan, China, 1000 m elevation.

Photo by Mian Hou 

Abstract

The problems of identification, number and distribution of Theloderma species living in China are discussed on the base of new original morphological and molecular data collected during the last years. According to the author’s results there are six known Theloderma species living in China: Theloderma albopunctatum (Liu et Hu, 1962), Theloderma baibungense Jiang, Fei et Huang, 2007, Theloderma bicolor (Bourret, 1937), Theloderma corticale (Boulenger, 1903), Theloderma moloch (Annandale, 1912), and Theloderma rhododiscus Liu et Hu, 1962.

Keywords: taxonomy; distribution; Theloderma; new records; China


Theloderma corticale (Boulenger, 1903)

English name. Tonkin Bug-eyed Frog, Kwangsi Warty Treefrog.

Etymology. The specific epithet is derived from Latin “cortex,” genit. cortices or corticulus, means bark.
Distribution. Known from south China, Laos, and Vietnam.

Theloderma bicolor (Bourret, 1937)

English name. Chapa Bug-eyed Frog. 

Etymology. the specific epithet is derived from Latin “bis,” means two, twice; and color is from Latin “color,” as hue, tint or complexion.
Distribution. Northwest to central Vietnam; southwest China.


 Theloderma moloch  (Annandale, 1912)

Theloderma asperum species group, such as Theloderma albopunctatum (southern China to central Indochina), Theloderma baibungense (SE Himalaya) and T. asperum (south Indochina to Malaysian Peninsula).

Theloderma rhododiscus  Liu et Hu, 1962

....

According to above discussion, currently there are six known Theloderma species in China, such as Theloderma albopunctatum (Liu et Hu, 1962), Theloderma baibungense Jiang, Fei et Huang, 2007, Theloderma bicolor (Bourret, 1937), Theloderma corticale (Boulenger, 1903), Theloderma moloch (Annandale, 1912), and Theloderma rhododiscus Liu et Hu, 1962 

Hou Mian, Yu Guo-Hua, Chen Hong-man, Liao Chang-Le, Zhang Li, Chen Jin, Li Pi-Peng and Nikolai L. Orlov. 2017. The Taxonomic Status and Distribution Range of Six Theloderma Species (Anura: Rhacophoridae) with A New Record in China.
 Russian Journal of Herpetology. 24(2); 91-127. 

ResearchGate.net/project/Theloderma-Taxonomy-of-China
 Theloderma in China (Anura: Rhacophoridae); Taxonomic Status and Distribution Range 

[Herpetology • 2017] First Record of Parafimbrios lao (Squamata: Caenophidia: Xenodermatidae) for Thailand

Parafimbrios lao Teynié, David, Lottier, Le, Vidal et Nguyen, 2015

from Doi Phu Kha National Park, Nan Province, Thailand

RJH.folium.ru 

Abstract

The genus and species of xenodermatid snake, Parafimbrios lao Teynié, David, Lottier, Le, Vidal et Nguyen, 2015 (Squamata: Caenophidia: Xenodermatidae), was described from Laos. In this paper, a new country record of this species is reported for Thailand. Three specimens were collected from the same locality in Nan Province, northern Thailand. Their morphology closely matches that of the two specimens known from Laos and of a single specimen from Vietnam. The Thai records extend the range of the species 250 km to the southwest. The habitat of the specimens from Nan is discussed in phylogeographic perspective.

Keywords: Parafimbrios lao; Doi Phu Kha National Park; distribution; new records; phylogeography; taxonomy

Lateral view of the living specimen. Note the ridges of skin between internasals and rostral. 

Alexandre Teynié and Sjon Hauser. 2017. First Record of Parafimbrios lao Teynié, David, Lottier, Le, Vidal et Nguyen, 2015 (Squamata: Caenophidia: Xenodermatidae) for Thailand.   Russian Journal of Herpetology 24(1); 35-40.

RJH.folium.ru/index.php/rjh/article/view/1103

ResearchGate.net/publication/316071998_First_record_of_Parafimbrios_lao_for_Thailand

[Herpetology • 2017] Hidden in the Heart of Borneo-Shedding Light on Some Mysteries of An Enigmatic Lizard: First Records of Habitat Use, Behavior, and Food Items of Lanthanotus borneensis Steindachner, 1878 in Its Natural Habitat

Fig. 4. Female Lanthanotus borneensis on land in situ.

rjh.folium.ru

Abstract

A short assessment of the behavior, habitat and habitat use of the sole member of its monotypic family, the Earless Monitor lizard Lanthanotus borneensis was undertaken for the first time. Field data of this important species were lacking for more than a century since its description in 1878. Nearly nothing is known about life history or even its natural habitat. The only previously known facts were taken from a few captive animals held in the early 60s and 70s of the last century. Metric data of size, weight, body temperature, and sex ratio of 19 individuals were examined. Natural food items were identified. The population structure of a subpopulation was estimated. A brief survey of the additional herpetofauna is given for the area.

Keywords: Squamata; Lanthanotidae; Lanthanotus borneensis; habitat; measurements; behavior; nutrition; possible threats

Christian Georg Langner. 2017. Hidden in the Heart of Borneo-Shedding Light on Some Mysteries of An Enigmatic Lizard: First Records of Habitat Use, Behavior, and Food Items of Lanthanotus borneensis Steindachner, 1878 in Its Natural Habitat. Russian Journal of Herpetology. 24(1); 1–10.
  academia.edu/32375444/HIDDEN_IN_THE_HEART_OF_BORNEO-SHEDDING_LIGHT_ON_SOME_MYSTERIES_OF_AN_ENIGMATIC_LIZARD_FIRST_RECORDS_OF_HABITAT_USE_BEHAVIOR_AND_FOOD_ITEMS_OF_Lanthanotus_borneensis_STEINDACHNER_1878_IN_ITS_NATURAL_HABITAT

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[Herpetology • 2007] Pseudocophotis kontumensis • A New Species of Pseudocophotis (Agamidae) from central Vietnam

Pseudocophotis kontumensis 

  Ananjeva, Orlov, Nguyen & Nazarov, 2007

Abstract

A new agamid lizard, Pseudocophotis sp. nov. from central mountain region of Vietnam (Kon Tum Province) if described. The new species strongly differs from another agamid species of Eastern Himalaya-China-Indochina region by combination of pholidosis, morphometric characters and coloration.

Keywords: arboreal Agamidae; Draconinae; Pseudocophotis; Pseudocalotes; Japalura; central Vietnam; a new species

Ananjeva, Natalia B., Nikolai L. Orlov, Quang Truong Nguyen and Roman A. Nazarov. 2007. A New Species of Pseudocophotis (Agamidae: Acrodonta: Lacertilia: Reptilia) from central Vietnam. Russian Journal of Herpetology 14 (2):153-160 http://www.folium.ru/rjh/index.php/rjh/article/view/207

researchgate.net/publication/263858423_A_NEW_SPECIES_OF_Pseudocophotis_(AGAMIDAE_ACRODONTA_LACERTILIA_REPTILIA)_FROM_CENTRAL_VIETNAM

[Herpetology • 2015] Phrynocephalus sakoi • A New Species of Phrynocephalus (Agamidae, Sauria) from Al Sharqiyah Sands, Northeastern Oman, Dedicated to the Memory of Sako Tuniyev (1983 – 2015)

Phrynocephalus sakoi 

 Melnikov, Melnikova, Nazarov, Al-Johany & Ananjeva, 2015

Phrynocephalus sp. nov. in the vicinity of Filim, Al Sharqiyah Sands, northeastern Oman.

Photo by Daniel Melnikov.

Abstract

A revision of taxonomic structure of Phrynocephalus arabicus Anderson, 1894 complex was presented in our previous paper. However further investigations showed that specimens from southern Arabia do not refer to one species. A new species from Al Sharqiyah Sands, northeastern Oman is described. It differs morphologically from all other representatives of Ph. arabicus complex by body and tail proportions, dorsal coloration, undertail coloration and genetic characters. Phrynocephalus arabicus sensu stricto is distributed in Yemen, southwestern Oman, UAE, and southern Saudi Arabia. Phrynocephalus nejdensis Haas, 1957 is valid species, based on the morphological and genetic difference. Taxonomic status of Phrynocephalus macropeltis Haas, 1957 needs further confirmation with material from the type locality.

Keywords: Squamata; Acrodonta; Agamidae; Phrynocephalus sp. nov.; Al Sharqiyah Sands, northeastern Oman


Phrynocephalus sakoi sp. nov. 

Holotype: ZISP 28705, adult male (Fig. 4).

Paratypes: ZISP 28706 – 28710, ZISP 27089, CAS251008, 251022, 251023 (Fig. 5, Table 3).

Type locality. Al Sharqiyah Sands, Filim vicinity, northeastern Oman.

Diagnosis. A large and “heavy” Phrynocephalus species  with  tail  longer  than  body  in  both  sexes;  five-star shape bright orange pattern on head in females and black in males, two bright orange stripes on the neck in female sand black in males, two longitudinal rows of six bright orange (salmon) patches on the dorsum in females and black in males; with white under tail coloration without bands in both sexes with black distal third in males and black quarter in females  (two  bands)  and  no  bands  in white proximal part.

Etymology. Species dedicated to the memory of our close friend and colleague Sako Tuniyev, who tragically passed away on January 5, 2015. His death was shockand big tragedy for all who know him. The new species dedicated to the memory of young zoologist in the beginning of his carrier, with many fresh ideas and new collaborative projects, to a good son of distinguished father, to a father of two kids and a good husband, to our brother and colleague. We will always keep him in our hearts

Distribution. Species expected to be isolated in Al Sharqiyah Sands, northeastern Oman.

Fig. 7. Variation of dorsal coloration in living Phrynocephalus sakoi sp. nov. males in situ:
a,b, hard substrate (gravel) form;c,d, fine sand form.

DISCUSSION: Additional studies of Ph. arabicus sensu lato from southern Arabia showed that it is polytypical complex. Ph. sakoi sp. nov. from Al Sharqiyah Sands is characterized by morphological and genetic differences. This isolated desert consists of many large North-South linear dunes that are separated from each other by 2–3 km intervals (Radies et al., 2004; Edgell, 2006). A new species of endemic gecko Stenodactylus sharqiyahensis was also described from the Al Sharqiyah Sands (Metallinou and Carranza, 2013). Arabia is characterized by high speciesdiversity of lizards, as indicated by descriptions of manynew species in the last years (Carranza and Arnold, 2012; Melnikov and Pierson 2012; Melnikov et al., 2012a,2013a, 2013b, 2014; Nazarov et al., 2013). Some areas like Al Sharqiyah Sands are characterized by high level of endemism and needs special study. 

According to the molecular phylogenetic analyses and morphological results Ph. arabicus complex represent at least four well distinguished taxa. They are: Ph. arabicus sensu stricto from the southern Arabia (Yemen, southwestern Oman, southern Saudi Arabia, UAE), Ph. nejdensis from the northwestern Arabia (southern Jordan, northern and central Saudi Arabia), Ph. ahvazicus from the northwestern Iran, and Ph. sakoi sp. nov. represented by an isolated population in the Al Sharqiyah Sands, northeastern Oman. This four species are divided into two groups: southwestern Arabian Ph. arabicus + northeastern Arabian Ph. ahvazicus and northwestern Arabian Ph. nejdensis + southeastern Ph. sakoi sp. nov. Taxonomic status of Ph. macropeltis from the eastern coastal Arabia (eastern Saudi Arabia) needs further confirmation with material from the type locality (work in progress).

Daniel Melnikov, Ekaterina Melnikova, Roman Nazarov, Awadh Al-Johany and Natalia Ananjeva. 2015. A New Species of Phrynocephalus (Agamidae, Sauria) from Al Sharqiyah Sands, Northeastern Oman, Dedicated to the Memory of Sako Tuniyev (1983 – 2015). Russian Journal of Herpetology. 22(4): 301–309.
 http://rjh.folium.ru/index.php/rjh/article/view/1030

ResearchGate.net/publication/289252986_A_NEW_SPECIES_OF_Phrynocephalus_AGAMIDAE_SAURIA_FROM_AL_SHARQIYAH_SANDS_NORTHEASTERN_OMAN_DEDICATED_TO_THE_MEMORY_OF_SAKO_TUNIYEV_1983_-_2015

[Herpetology • 2015] Sorting Out Moss Frogs: mtDNA Data on Taxonomic Diversity and Phylogenetic Relationships of the Indochinese Species of the Genus Theloderma (Anura, Rhacophoridae)

Fig. 1. Theloderma species of Indochina and Thailand.
a, Th. horridum (Thailand, Satun Province, Tha Le Ban N. P., photo N. A. Poyarkov); b, Th. stellatum (Thailand, Uthai Thani Province, Hauy Kha Khaeng W. S.; photo P. Pawangkhanant); c, Th. cf. stellatum [described below as Theloderma vietnamense sp. nov.] (Vietnam, Kon Tum Province, Kon Plong); d, Th. pictum (Thailand, Satun Province, Tha LeBan N. P.; photo P. Pawangkhanant); e, Th. licin (Thailand, Satun Province, Tha Le Ban N. P., photo P. Pawangkhanant); f, Th. cf. asperum, northern population (Vietnam, Vinh Phuc Province, Tam Dao; photo N. L. Orlov); g, Th. cf. asperum, southern population (Vietnam, Kon Tum Province, Kon Plong; photo N. L. Orlov); h, Th. asperum (Thailand, Kamphaeng Phet Province, photo P. Pawangkhanant); i, Th. ryabovi, male (Vietnam, Kon Tum Province, Kon Plong; photo N. L. Orlov); j, Th. ryabovi, female (Vietnam, Kon Tum Province, Kon Plong; photo N. L. Orlov); k, Th. bicolor (Vietnam, Lao Cai, Fan Si Pan Mt.; photo N. L. Orlov); l, Th. corticale (Vietnam, Quang Tri Province, Ban Cup; photo N. L. Orlov); m, Th. gordoni, northern population (Vietnam, Lao Cai, Sa Pa; photo N. L. Orlov); n, Th. gordoni, southern population (Vietnam, Kon Tum Province, Kon Plong; photo N. L. Orlov); o, Th. lateriticum (Vietnam, Bac Giang; photo Nguyen Thien Tao); p, Th. rhododiscum (China, Yunnan; photo N. L. Orlov); q, Th. palliatum (Vietnam, Lam Dong Province, Bi Doup; photo E. A. Galoyan); r, Th. chuyangsinense (Vietnam, Dak Lak Province, Chu Yang Sin; photo N. A. Poyarkov); s, Th. truongsonense (Vietnam, Quang Tri Province, Ban Cup; photo N. L. Orlov); t, Th. bambusicola (Vietnam, Lam Dong Province, Cat Loc; photo N. A. Poyarkov); u, Th. cf. nebulosum (Vietnam, Kon Tum Province; photo N. L. Orlov); v, Th. cf. truongsonense (Vietnam, Kon Tum Province, Kon Plong; photo N. L. Orlov); w, (Vietnam, Khanh Hoa Province, Hon Ba; photo A. B. Vassilieva); x, Th. petilum (Vietnam, Dien Bien Province, Muong Nhe; photo Le Trung Dung).

N. A. Poyarkov, N. L. Orlov, A. V. Moiseeva, et al. 2015. Russian Journal of Herpetology. 22(4) 

Abstract

We discuss phylogenetic relationships and taxonomic diversity of the rhacophorid frogs of the genus Theloderma in sight of the novel phylogenetic data obtained from the Bayesian analysis of the up to 1987 bp length fragment of mtDNA (12S rRNA, tRNAval, and 16S rRNA) from the 90 specimens of 21 nominal species of Theloderma and 3 species of Nyctixalus. Our data suggest monophyly of the tribe Nyctixalini, including Th. moloch, and indicate deep divergence between the three major clades: Th. horridum + Th. stellatum group, Nyctixalus and the rest of the Theloderma species (Theloderma sensu stricto). We establish new subgenus Stelladerma subgen. nov. for Th. horridum + Th. stellatum group and discuss provisional taxonomy of Nyctixalini. We also indicate that the taxonomic status of the certain Indochinese Theloderma requires reassessment. In particular, our data suggest deep divergence between Malayan and Indochinese taxa of Th. asperum group and indicate non-monophyly of Th. asperum sensu lato; we resurrect the name Th. albopunctatum (Liu et Hu, 1962) for the Indochinese species. We provide molecular evidence for synonimization of Th. chuyangsinense Orlov et al., 2012 with Th. palliatum Rowley et al., 2011; as well as morphological and genetic evidence for syninomization of Th. bambusicola Orlov et al., 2012 with Th. laeve (Smith, 1924). We indicate a deep morphological and genetic differentiation within the Th. truongsonense (Orlov et Ho, 2005) complex. Finally, we report on the deep divergence within Th. stellatum Taylor, 1962 from eastern Thailand, southern Cambodia, and Vietnam, and describe a new species, Theloderma vietnamense sp. nov., based on morphological, acoustic and genetic lines of evidence.

Keywords: mitochondrial DNA; molecular phylogeny; sequence divergence; morphology; morphometrics; advertisement call; cryptic species; Vietnam

Fig. 1. Theloderma species of Indochina and Thailand.
a, Th. horridum (Thailand, Satun Province, Tha Le Ban N. P., photo N. A. Poyarkov); b, Th. stellatum (Thailand, Uthai Thani Province, Hauy Kha Khaeng W. S.; photo P. Pawangkhanant); c, Th. cf. stellatum [described below as Theloderma vietnamense sp. nov.] (Vietnam, Kon Tum Province, Kon Plong); d, Th. pictum (Thailand, Satun Province, Tha LeBan N. P.; photo P. Pawangkhanant); e, Th. licin (Thailand, Satun Province, Tha Le Ban N. P., photo P. Pawangkhanant); f, Th. cf. asperum, northern population (Vietnam, Vinh Phuc Province, Tam Dao; photo N. L. Orlov); g, Th. cf. asperum, southern population (Vietnam, Kon Tum Province, Kon Plong; photo N. L. Orlov); h, Th. asperum (Thailand, Kamphaeng Phet Province, photo P. Pawangkhanant); i, Th. ryabovi, male (Vietnam, Kon Tum Province, Kon Plong; photo N. L. Orlov); j, Th. ryabovi, female (Vietnam, Kon Tum Province, Kon Plong; photo N. L. Orlov); k, Th. bicolor (Vietnam, Lao Cai, Fan Si Pan Mt.; photo N. L. Orlov); l, Th. corticale (Vietnam, Quang Tri Province, Ban Cup; photo N. L. Orlov); m, Th. gordoni, northern population (Vietnam, Lao Cai, Sa Pa; photo N. L. Orlov); n, Th. gordoni, southern population (Vietnam, Kon Tum Province, Kon Plong; photo N. L. Orlov); o, Th. lateriticum (Vietnam, Bac Giang; photo Nguyen Thien Tao); p, Th. rhododiscum (China, Yunnan; photo N. L. Orlov); q, Th. palliatum (Vietnam, Lam Dong Province, Bi Doup; photo E. A. Galoyan); r, Th. chuyangsinense (Vietnam, Dak Lak Province, Chu Yang Sin; photo N. A. Poyarkov); s, Th. truongsonense (Vietnam, Quang Tri Province, Ban Cup; photo N. L. Orlov); t, Th. bambusicola (Vietnam, Lam Dong Province, Cat Loc; photo N. A. Poyarkov); u, Th. cf. nebulosum (Vietnam, Kon Tum Province; photo N. L. Orlov); v, Th. cf. truongsonense (Vietnam, Kon Tum Province, Kon Plong; photo N. L. Orlov); w, (Vietnam, Khanh Hoa Province, Hon Ba; photo A. B. Vassilieva); x, Th. petilum (Vietnam, Dien Bien Province, Muong Nhe; photo Le Trung Dung).

N. A. Poyarkov, N. L. Orlov, A. V. Moiseeva, et al. 2015.
  Russian Journal of Herpetology. 22(4)

Nikolay A. Poyarkov, Jr., Nikolai L. Orlov, Anna V. Moiseeva, Parinya Pawangkhanant, Thiti Ruangsuwan, Anna B. Vassilieva, Eduard A. Galoyan, Tao Thien Nguyen and Svetlana S. Gogoleva. 2015. Sorting Out Moss Frogs: mtDNA Data on Taxonomic Diversity and Phylogenetic Relationships of the Indochinese Species of the Genus Theloderma (Anura, Rhacophoridae). Russian Journal of Herpetology. 22(4): 241–280 

ResearchGate.net/publication/287330801_Sorting_out_moss_frogs_mtDNA_data_on_taxonomic_diversity_and_phylogenetic_relationships_of_the_Indochinese_species_of_the_genus_Theloderma_Anura_Rhacophoridae

Nguyen Quang Truong and Nguyen Vu Khoi. 2008. First record of Theloderma stellatum Taylor, 1962 from Phu Quoc Island, Kien Giang Province, southern Vietnam. Herpetology Notes. 1: 61-62 

HerpetologyNotes.seh-herpetology.org/Volume1_PDFs/Nguyen_Herpetology_Notes_Volume1_pages61-62.pdf

Fig. 1. Theloderma species of Indochina and Thailand.
  a, Th. horridum (Thailand, Satun Province, Tha Le Ban N. P., photo N. A. Poyarkov); b, Th. stellatum (Thailand, Uthai Thani Province, Hauy Kha Khaeng W. S.; photo P. Pawangkhanant); c, Th. cf. stellatum [described below as Theloderma vietnamense sp. nov.] (Vietnam, Kon Tum Province, Kon Plong); d, Th. pictum (Thailand, Satun Province, Tha LeBan N. P.; photo P. Pawangkhanant); e, Th. licin (Thailand, Satun Province, Tha Le Ban N. P., photo P. Pawangkhanant); f, Th. cf. asperum, northern population (Vietnam, Vinh Phuc Province, Tam Dao; photo N. L. Orlov); g, Th. cf. asperum, southern population (Vietnam, Kon Tum Province, Kon Plong; photo N. L. Orlov); h, Th. asperum (Thailand, Kamphaeng Phet Province, photo P. Pawangkhanant); i, Th. ryabovi, male (Vietnam, Kon Tum Province, Kon Plong; photo N. L. Orlov); j, Th. ryabovi, female (Vietnam, Kon Tum Province, Kon Plong; photo N. L. Orlov); k, Th. bicolor (Vietnam, Lao Cai, Fan Si Pan Mt.; photo N. L. Orlov); l, Th. corticale (Vietnam, Quang Tri Province, Ban Cup; photo N. L. Orlov); m, Th. gordoni, northern population (Vietnam, Lao Cai, Sa Pa; photo N. L. Orlov); n, Th. gordoni, southern population (Vietnam, Kon Tum Province, Kon Plong; photo N. L. Orlov); o, Th. lateriticum (Vietnam, Bac Giang; photo Nguyen Thien Tao); p, Th. rhododiscum (China, Yunnan; photo N. L. Orlov); q, Th. palliatum (Vietnam, Lam Dong Province, Bi Doup; photo E. A. Galoyan); r, Th. chuyangsinense (Vietnam, Dak Lak Province, Chu Yang Sin; photo N. A. Poyarkov); s, Th. truongsonense (Vietnam, Quang Tri Province, Ban Cup; photo N. L. Orlov); t, Th. bambusicola (Vietnam, Lam Dong Province, Cat Loc; photo N. A. Poyarkov); u, Th. cf. nebulosum (Vietnam, Kon Tum Province; photo N. L. Orlov); v, Th. cf. truongsonense (Vietnam, Kon Tum Province, Kon Plong; photo N. L. Orlov); w, (Vietnam, Khanh Hoa Province, Hon Ba; photo A. B. Vassilieva); x, Th. petilum (Vietnam, Dien Bien Province, Muong Nhe; photo Le Trung Dung).

[Herpetology • 2015] Muhtarophis gen. nov. • Molecular Phylogeny and Micro CT-Scanning Revealed Extreme Cryptic Biodiversity in Kukri Snake, A New Genus for Rhynchocalamus barani (Serpentes: Colubridae)

Muhtarophis barani

 (Olgun, Avcý, Ilgaz, Üzüm et Yýlmaz, 2007)

http://vipersgarden.at/PDF_files/PDF-8252.pdf

Application of taxonomy exclusively based on external morphology, molecular phylogeny and noninvasive anatomical investigation using micro CT scanning together is effective in resolving systematic problems, such as cryptic species. The external morphology, skull osteology and molecular phylogeny of Baran’s black-headed dwarf snake, Rhynchocalamus barani, and a subspecies of the Palestine kukri snake, Rhynchocalamus melanocephalus, were examined. Considerable osteological and molecular differences indicate that the genus Rhynchocalamus is paraphyletic. As a result, Baran’s black-headed dwarf snake should be referred to a monotypic genus, Muhtarophis gen. nov. Based on morphology and molecular data, R. satunini, previously known as a subspecies of R. melanocephalus, should be assigned the rank of species. 

Keywords: Muhtarophis gen. nov.; Rhynchocalamus melanocephalus; Rhynchocalamus satunini; Colubridae; Turkey.

Muhtarophis gen. nov.

Type species. Rhynchocalamus barani Olgun, Avcý, Ilgaz, Üzüm et Yýlmaz, 2007.

Muhtarophis barani (Olgun, Avcý, Ilgaz, Üzüm et Yýlmaz, 2007);

Rhynchocalamus barani Olgun, Avcý, Ilgaz, Üzüm et Yýlmaz, 2007;

Rhynchocalamus barani — Avcý, Üzüm, Ilgaz et Olgun, 2009;

Rhynchocalamus barani — Gruber, 2009;

Rhynchocalamus barani — Baran, Ilgaz, Avcý, Kumlutaþ et Olgun, 2012.

Derivatio nominis. The new genus is named after Prof. Dr. Muhtar Baþoðlu, the first Turkish herpetologist, together with ophis, i.e., snake; the gender is masculine.

Etymology. The new species is in dedication to Prof. Dr. İbrahim BARAN of the University of Dokuz Eylül, İzmir, to acknowledge his prolific and uninterrupted contribution to the herpetology of the Turkey.  

Distribution. Muhtarophis gen. nov. is endemic to Turkey. It is only recorded in Hatay Province, Turkey.

Aziz Avcý, Çetin Ilgaz, Mahdi Rajabizadeh, Can Yýlmaz, Nazan Üzüm, Dominique Adriaens, Yusuf Kumlutaþ and Kurtuluþ Olgun. 2015. Molecular Phylogeny and Micro CT-Scanning Revealed Extreme Cryptic Biodiversity in Kukri Snake, Muhtarophis gen. nov., a New Genus for Rhynchocalamus barani (Serpentes: Colubridae). Russian Journal of Herpetology. 22(3); 159 – 174

http://vipersgarden.at/PDF_files/PDF-8252.pdf

Aziz Avcı, Nazan Üzüm, Çetin Ilgaz and Kurtuluş Olgun. 2009. A new finding of Rhynchocalamus barani, Baran’s black-headed dwarf snake (Reptilia, Colubridae), in the Mediterranean region of Turkey widens its distribution range. Acta Herpetologica. 4(2): 177-182. 

Olgun, K., Avcı, A., Ilgaz, Ç., Üzüm, N. and Yılmaz, C. 2007. A new species of Rhynchocalamus

(Reptilia: Serpentes: Colubridae) from Turkey. Zootaxa. 1399: 57-68.

ResearchGate.net/publication/259745051_A_New_Rhynchocalamus_species_Rhynchocalamus_barani_(Reptilia_Colubridae)_from_Turkey

[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 • 2014] Three New Species of Chiromantis Peters 1854 (Anura: Rhacophoridae) from Indonesia

Abstract

We described three new species of the genus Chiromantis, one added as a member of Javan frogs and two others as new members of Sumatran frogs. Discovery of the new frogs from Sumatra and Java is not surprising. Because Sumatra is one of the biggest islands in Indonesia with varied habitat types, herpetofaunal survey especially on frogs in this island is still insufficient. As for Java whose herpetofauna has been relatively well studied, the present finding of a new species suggests occurrence of more undescribed species and/or future record of taxa occurring elsewhere.

Keywords: Chiromantis; new species; Sumatra; Java

Chiromantis trilaksonoi
Chiromantis nauli 
Chiromantis baladika

Awal Riyanto and Hellen Kurniati. 2014. Three New Species of Chiromantis Peters 1854 (Anura: Rhacophoridae) from Indonesia. Russian Journal of Herpetology. 21(1): 65–73. http://rjh.folium.ru/index.php/rjh/article/view/858

researchgate.net/publication/261216386_THREE_NEW_SPECIES_OF_Chiromantis_PETERS_1854_(ANURA_RHACOPHORIDAE)_FROM_INDONESIA

facebook.com/puslitbiologi/photos/630046557081301
http://www.gposts.com/wildlife-indonesia/ditemukan-katak-spesies-baru-dari-indonesia/

https://www.academia.edu/6860998/Nasib_Keanekargaman_Herpetofauna_Penghuni_Lereng_Merapi

[Herpetology • 2015] Pseudotrapelus chlodnickii • Red'n'blues: A New Species of Pseudotrapelus (Agamidae, Sauria) from Sudan, Africa

Pseudotrapelus chlodnickii

Melnikov, Smielowski, Melnikova, Nazarov & Ananjeva, 2015

ABSTRACT 

A new species of Pseudotrapelus from Sudan, Africa is described. It differs morphologically from all other Pseudotrapelus species in its unique coloration — chocolate-red with white ocelli, also in its 3rd toe being longer than the 4th (but 16 lamellae under the 4th toe), and in one row of 6 unseparated precloacal pores in males. This new species also has 14.3% genetic divergence from P. sinaitus, and 14.7% from P. aqabensis, P. dhofarensis, and P. jensvindumi (by mtDNA COI gene). Taxonomic relationships of African Pseudotrapelus need further investigations.

Keywords: Squamata; Acrodonta; Agamidae; Pseudotrapelus sp. nov.; Africa; Sudan.

Daniel Melnikov, Jan Smielowski, Ekaterina Melnikova, Roman Nazarov and Natalia B. Ananjeva. 2015. Red'n'blues: A New Species of Pseudotrapelus (Agamidae, Sauria) from Sudan, Africa. Russian Journal of Herpetology. 22(1);53 – 60.

rjh.folium.ru/index.php/rjh/article/view/955

ResearchGate.net/publication/274253074_RED'N'BLUES_A_NEW_SPECIES_OF_Pseudotrapelus_(AGAMIDAE_SAURIA)_FROM_SUDAN_AFRICA

Pseudotrapelus aqabensis MELNIKOV, NAZAROV, ANANJEVA & DISI, 2012

Pseudotrapelus dhofarensis MELNIKOV & PIERSON, 2012

Pseudotrapelus jensvindumi MELNIKOV, ANANJEVA & PAPENFUSS, 2013

[Herpetology • 2014] Bungarus persicus • A New Species of Krait, Bungarus (Elapidae, Bungarinae) and the First Record of that Genus in Iran

Bungarus persicus  

Abtin, Nilson, Mobaraki, Hosseini & Dehgannejhad. 2014

Abstract

We describe a new species of krait (Elapidae, Bungarus) from Baluchistan, Iran and that differs from all species of Bungarus except its closest relative Bungarus sindanus by having 17 dorsal midbody scale rows. The new species differs from the related allopatric Bungarus sindanus and B. caeruleus by a higher number of ventral plates and a different pattern and by an isolated occurrence in Baluchistan (Iran and Pakistan border region). The new species is especial by having a clear black spot in the loreal region and with an occasionally developed loreal plate (on both sides of head in the holotype).

Keywords: Bungarus; Bungarus persicus; new species; Iran

The distribution of Bungarus persicus sp. nov. (Sarbaz, Iran) (1 ) and the Ras Jiunri specimen (Baluchistan – Pakistan) (2 ) (Shockley 1949) and the known distribution of the Sindhi Krait, Bungarus sindanus sindanus in Pakistan and India (3–8 ) and Bungarus sindanus razai in northwestern Punjab, Pakistan and Afghanistan (9 – 12 ). The subspecies Bungarus sindanus walli and are not on the map but it is distributed to the east and southeast in India. The western border for Bungarus caeruleus in Pakistan is indicated by the black line (after Khan, 2002).

Elham Abtin, Göran Nilson, Asghar Mobaraki, Ashraf Ali Hosseini and Mousa Dehgannejhad. 2014. A New Species of Krait, Bungarus (Reptilia, Elapidae, Bungarinae) and the First Record of that Genus in Iran. Russian Journal of Herpetology. 21(4); 243 – 250 

http://rjh.folium.ru/index.php/rjh/article/view/895

http://www.doe.ir/portal/File/ShowFile.aspx?ID=e2a52595-675e-46c2-8d56-1e8c5190b044

http://www.doe.ir/portal/home/?news/140762/318705/424433/A%20NEW%20SPECIES%20OF%20KRAIT,%20Bungarus%20(REPTILIA,%20ELAPIDAE,%20BUNGARINAE)%20AND%20THE%20FIRST%20RECORD%20OF%20THAT%20GENUS%20IN%20IRAN

[Herpetology • 2014] Kurixalus motokawai • A New Cryptic Tree Frog Species Allied to Kurixalus banaensis (Anura: Rhacophoridae) from the Central Highlands of Vietnam

Kurixalus motokawai

 Nguyen, Matsui & Eto, 2014

ABSTRACT

 A new species of the genus Kurixalus is described from the Central Highlands of Vietnam based on molecular phylogenetic and morphological analyses. Morphologically, Kurixalus motokawai sp. nov. is most similar to K. banaensis but they are clearly separated from each other in mitochondrial DNA sequences. In phylogenetic analysis the new species clustered in the same clade with Kurixalus banaensis and K. viridescens. However, the new species differs from K. banaensis by having a smaller body size, a higher ratio of forelimb length/SVL in both sexes, a smaller ratio of first toe length/SVL in males, snout tip less markedly pointed, and only weakly developed dermal appendages on the outer edges of fore-and hindlimbs. Kurixalus motokawai sp. nov. also differs from K. viridescens by having a smaller size in females and a brown dorsum with dark markings.

Keywords: Kurixalus motokawai sp. nov.; mtDNA phylogeny; taxonomy; Central Highlands; Gia Lai Province; Kon Tum Province

Thien Tao Nguyen, Matsui Masafumi and Eto Koshiro. 2014. A New Cryptic Tree Frog Species Allied to Kurixalus banaensis (Anura: Rhacophoridae) from Vietnam. Russian Journal of Herpetology 21(4); 295-302.
http://rjh.folium.ru/index.php/rjh/article/view/917
researchgate.net/publication/269809299_A_NEW_CRYPTIC_TREE_FROG_SPECIES_ALLIED_TO_Kurixalus_banaensis_(ANURA_RHACOPHORIDAE)_FROM_VIETNAM

[Herpetology • 2014] Cnemaspis kottiyoorensis • Description of a New Ground-Dwelling Cnemaspis Strauch, 1887 (Squamata: Gekkonidae), from Kerala, India; Allied to C. wynadensis (Beddome, 1870)

Abstract

A new species of ground dwelling gecko, Cnemaspis kottiyoorensis sp. nov. is described from the hills of Kannur and Wayanad district of Kerala, India. This medium sized, robust Cnemaspis differs from all other Indian congeners in possessing heterogeneous dorsal scales composed of granular scales with more or less regularly arranged longitudinal rows of keeled, conical tubercles running down the back; two supranasals and a long internasal separating the nasal scales; subtriangular mental with two widely separated enlarged postmentals and 1 – 3 small median scales; 19 or 20 subdigital lamellae on finger IV and 20 or 21 on toe IV; 4 or 5 femoral pores on each thigh; no preanal pores; sub-cylindrical tail without whorls of enlarged tubercles on the dorsal aspects; uniform, hexagonal median subcaudals; six supralabials and six or seven infralabials. Morphological characters and natural history traits suggest the affinity of the new species is with Cnemaspis wynadensis. Characters useful in distinguishing the new species from C. wynadensis are also provided.

Keywords: ground-dwelling; Cnemaspis kottiyoorensis sp. nov.; Cnemaspis wynadensis; Kerala; India

Vivek Philip Cyriac and P. K. Umesh. 2014. Description of a New Ground-Dwelling Cnemaspis Strauch, 1887 (Squamata: Gekkonidae), from Kerala, Allied to C. wynadensis (Beddome, 1870). Russian Journal of Herpetology. 21(3):187-194.

http://rjh.folium.ru/index.php/rjh/article/view/854

researchgate.net/publication/266477226_DESCRIPTION_OF_A_NEW_GROUND-DWELLING_Cnemaspis_STRAUCH_1887_(SQUAMATA_GEKKONIDAE)_FROM_KERALA__ALLIED_TO_C._wynadensis_(BEDDOME_1870)

[Herpetology • 2014] Taxonomy and Distribution of Narrow-Mouth Frogs of the Genus Microhyla Tschudi, 1838 (Anura: Microhylidae) from Vietnam with Descriptions of Five New Species; Microhyla pineticola, M. pulchella, M. minuta, M. darevskii & M. arboricola

Abstract

We review the taxonomy and distribution of Microhyla Tschudi, 1838 (Anura: Microhylidae) species from Vietnam, with a special regional focus on the southern parts of the Annamite mountain range (Kon Tum and Langbian Plateaus, Tay Nguyen highlands) and its foothills. Recent field work in this area revealed specimens of five yet undescribed species, which are differentiated from all congeners by a combination of morphological traits: Microhyla pineticola sp. nov. from Lam Dong and Dak Lak provinces; Microhyla pulchella sp. nov. from Lam Dong Province; Microhyla minuta sp. nov. from Dong Nai Province; Microhyla darevskii sp. nov. from Kon Tum Province; and Microhyla arboricola sp. nov. from Dak Lak and Khanh Hoa provinces. Microhyla annamensis Smith, 1923 is redescribed based on recently collected material. The intrageneric systematic relationships of the new species are discussed. We provide first larval descriptions for four of the new species as well as for Microhyla annamensis Smith 1923. Notes on the breeding ecology and natural history of all above mentioned species are compiled for the first time. With Microhyla minuta sp. nov. and Microhyla arboricola sp. nov. we describe the probably smallest tetrapods currently known from mainland Southeast Asia. The latter species also represents the second record of a phytotelm breeder within the genus Microhyla. A key to the currently known Vietnamese species of Microhyla is provided.

Keywords: Indochina; systematics; Microhyla pineticola sp. nov.; Microhyla pulchella sp. nov.; Microhyla minuta sp. nov.; Microhyla darevskii sp. nov.; Microhyla arboricola sp. nov.; Microhyla annamensis; miniaturization; tadpole; phytotelm breeding

  

Nikolay A. Poyarkov, Jr., Anna B. Vassilieva, Nikolai L. Orlov, Eduard A. Galoyan, Tran Thi Anh Dao, Le Duong Thi Thuy, Valentina D. Kretova and Peter Geissler. 2014. Taxonomy and Distribution of Narrow-Mouth Frogs of the Genus Microhyla Tschudi, 1838 (Anura: Microhylidae) from Vietnam with Descriptions of Five New Species. Russian Journal of Herpetology. 21(2):89–148.

http://rjh.folium.ru/index.php/rjh/article/view/878

researchgate.net/publication/263381252_Taxonomy_and_distribution_of_narrow-mouth_frogs_of_the_genus_Microhyla_Tschudi_1838_%28Anura_Microhylidae%29_from_Vietnam_with_descriptions_of_five_new_species

[Herpetology • 2013] Behavioral Ecology and Microhabitat Use by Lyriocephalus scutatus (Linnaeus, 1758): A Monotypic Genus in Sri Lanka (Reptilia: Agamidae: Draconinae) with Notes on the Taxonomy

ABSTRACT 

Lyriocephalus scutatus is an endemic, relict and near threatened arboreal agamid lizard species representing a monotypic genus, Lyriocephalus of Sri Lanka, which is found in forests, plantations and home gardens in the wet and intermediate zones below 900 m a.s.l. This work is mainly based on examination of Iconotype, WHT collec-tion as well as published literature and our observations in last decade. The analysis of habitat data has shown that this species is widely spread within the well shading natural forested areas and poorly in the home gardens. The re-sults of this survey indicate that L. scutatus lays about 2 – 4 eggs in range 23.1 – 25.1 mm (mean 24.2 ± 0.55) long and 14.6 – 15.3 mm (mean 15.0 ± 0.22) wide from February – April and October – December. These lizards' natu-ral predators are arboreal colubrid snakes, slender loris, civet cats, toque monkeys and many birds of prey. The current habitat destruction is the huge threat to this species. The paper present parameters may helpful in ex situ conservation of L. scutatus, especially in captive breeding programs.

D M S Suranjan Karunarathna, A A Thasun Amarasinghe. 2013. Behavioral Ecology and Microhabitat Use by Lyriocephalus scutatus (Linnaeus, 1758): A Monotypic Genus in Sri Lanka (Reptilia: Agamidae: Draconinae) with Notes on the Taxonomy. Russian Journal of Herpetology. 20(1): 1-15.

researchgate.net/publication/236231204_Behavioral_ecology_and_microhabitat_use_by_Lyriocephalus_scutatus_%28Linnaeus_1758%29_A_monotypic_genus_in_Sri_Lanka_%28Reptilia_Agamidae_Draconinae%29_with_notes_on_the_taxonomy

[Testudology • 2011] Rafetus vietnamensis Le, Le, Tran, Phan, Phan, Tran, Pham, Nguyen, Nong, Phan, Dinh, Truong and Ha, 2010 — Another Invalid Name for an Invalid Species of SoftShell Turtle (Reptilia: Testudines: Trionychidae)

Ontogenetic Changes in head pattern of Rafetus swinhoei 

Abstract

The description of Rafetus vietnamensis Le et al., 2010 is reviewed. As the name was based on the same type material as Rafetus leloii Ha, 2000, we declare R. vietnamensis an objective synonym of R. leloii. Simultaneously, no characteristics presented by Le et al. distinguish their R. vietnamensis from Rafetus swinhoei (Gray, 1873), which confirms our view that they constitute the same biological entity.

Balázs Farkas, Minh Le, Truong Quang Nguyen. 2011. Rafetus vietnamensis Le, Le, Tran, Phan, Phan, Tran, Pham, Nguyen, Nong, Phan, Dinh, Truong and Ha, 2010 — Another Invalid Name for an Invalid Species of SoftShell Turtle (Reptilia: Testudines: Trionychidae). Russian Journal of Herpetology. 18(1):65-72.

http://www.folium.ru/rjh/index.php/rjh/article/view/823

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/256306820_Rafetus_vietnamensis_LE_LE_TRAN_PHAN_PHAN_TRAN_PHAM_NGUYEN_NONG_PHAN_DINH_TRUONG_AND_HA_2010__ANOTHER_INVALID_NAME_FOR_AN_INVALID_SPECIES_OF_SOFTSHELL_TURTLE_(REPTILIATESTUDINES_TRIONYCHIDAE)

Le T. B., Le Q. H., Tran M. L., Phan T. H., Phan M. T.,Tran T. T. H, Pham T. T., Nguyen D. T., Nong V. H.,Phan V. C., Dinh D. K., Truong N. H., and Ha D. D. 2010. Comparative morphological and DNA analysis of specimens of giant freshwater soft-shelled turtle in Viet-nam related to Hoan Kiem turtle, Tap chi Cong nghe Sinhhoc. (J. Biotechnol.), 8 (3A), 949 – 954.

http://www.iucn-tftsg.org/wp-content/uploads/file/Articles/Le_etal_2010.pdf

[Herpetology • 2013] Azemiops kharini | White-head Burmese Viper • On the Taxonomy and the Distribution of Snakes of the Genus Azemiops Boulenger, 1888 (Ophidia: Viperidae: Azemiopinae): Description of a New Species from northeast Vietnam and southeast China

Azemiops kharini Orlov, Ryabov & Nguyen 2013
White-head Burmese Viper

via John C. Murphy http://squamates.blogspot.com

Abstract

Description of a new species of Burmese vipers of genus Azemiops Boulenger, 1888 (Reptilia: Ophidia: Viperidae: Azemiopinae) from northeast Vietnam and southeast China is given. It leads to changing the status of the monotypic genus Azemiops. Critical analysis of literature for all period of study and analysis of distribution of two species of Azemiops genus as well as natural history data are discussed.

Azemiops sp. nov.,
Nguyen Binh District, Cao Bang Province, Vietnam,1300 m a.s.l.

Photo by Nikolai L. Orlov.

 White-head Burmese Viper Azemiops kharini has a broader distribution than the Black-head Fea’s Viper Azemiops feae. 

Distribution: the east of the Red River; eastern China (eastern Yunnan, Guangxi, Guizhou, eastern Sichuan, Fujian, Zhejiang, Jiangxi, and Shaanxi provinces) and it is present in northern Indochina (northeastern Vietnam)

Nikolai L. Orlov, Sergei A. Ryabov, Tao Thien Nguyen. 2013. On the Taxonomy and the Distribution of Snakes of the Genus Azemiops Boulenger, 1888: Description of a New Species. Russian Journal of Herpetology. 20 (2): 110-128.

http://rjh.folium.ru/index.php/rjh/article/view/816

http://www.herpnation.com/hn-blog/john-c-murphy/a-second-species-of-azemiops-viperidae/

http://squamates.blogspot.com/2013/07/a-second-species-of-azemiops-viperidae.html