S.R. Ganesh (herpetology) - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Papers by S.R. Ganesh (herpetology)

Sauria, 2018

Die Verbreitung von Trimeresurus strigatus Gray, 1842-Eine korrigierende Notiz Art befassten. Jer... more Die Verbreitung von Trimeresurus strigatus Gray, 1842-Eine korrigierende Notiz Art befassten. Jerdon's (1854) Trigonocephalus (Cophias) neelgherriensis war in den "Neelgherries" (=Nilgiris) der Western Ghats entdeckt worden. Ein paar Jahre darauf erwähnte sie Beddome (1862) unter ihrem korrekten Seniornomen, als T. strigatus, aus den Anamallay Hills. In Beddome's (1863) Arbeit über die Nilgiris im darauf folgenden Jahr wird sie hingegen nicht erwähnt, vielleicht aber einfach nur, weil sie dem Autor dort nicht erneut begegnet war. Günther (1864) umriss ihre Verbreitung als die Nilgherries und den Dekkan. In seinem Katalog gab Theobald (1868) ihre Herkunft als die Nilgiris an, und bemerkte, dass sie in bei Ootakamund (=Ootacamund) häufig sei. Dagegen werden wieder der Dekkan und die Nilgiri Hills als Verbreitungsgebiete bezeichnet (Theobald 1876). Vidal (1890) statuierte dann ausdrücklich, dass diese Art in Nordkanara unweit der nördlichen Western Ghats vorkäme, und berief sich dabei auf ein Exemplar im Bombay Museum (BNHM), das von einem gewissen H. S. Wise angeblich dort gesammelt worden war. Möglicherweise auf dieser Grundlage gab Boulenger (1890) ihr Verbreitungsgebiet als von den Bombay Hills (nördliche Western Ghats) bis nach Anaimalai und die Nilgiris reichend an. Ferguson (1895), der die Travancore Hills in den südlichen Western Ghats bereiste, verzeichnete die Art hingegen nicht. Im folgenden Jahrhundert berichtete Wall (1919) aufgrund von Feldbeobachtungen in den Nilgiris über die Art und lieferte damit einen der wenigen veröffentlichten Berichte über diese Schlange aus erster Hand. Später (1928) durchforstete er auch die Palni Hills, erwähnte sie aber nicht erneut. Roux (1928) verzeichnete diese Art während seiner Untersuchungen in den Nilgiris und im Gebiet Anaimalai-Palni nicht. Smith (1943) fasste die Verbreitung von T. strigatus als die Nilgiris, Anaimalai, Palni,

Asian Journal of Conservation Biology, 2018

We surveyed for herpetofauna along the poorly-explored sections of Southern Eastern Ghats. This 1... more We surveyed for herpetofauna along the poorly-explored sections of Southern Eastern Ghats. This 1000 hours-long large scale survey covered ranges stretching from near Western Ghats eastwards to the Coromandel Coastal Plains, across a longitudinal gradient. Study area consisting of the tall and wet Bilgiri-Melagiri massifs to the west and the low and dry South Arcot and North Arcot ranges to the east were selected and surveyed. We recorded a total of 95 species including 23 species of amphibians, 35 species of lizards and 37 species of snakes. A descriptive species accounts with photographic vouchers is presented. Noteworthy findings include significant new range records for many wet-zone taxa and a few dry-zone taxa from hitherto fore under-surveyed regions. This includes many rare and range-restricted ones and newly described little-known taxa. The study highlights the importance of landscape-level, long-term fieldwork to unravel the hidden diversity of tropical montane regions like the Eastern Ghats.

Asian Journal of Conservation Biology, 2019

Analysis of mitochondrial 16s rDNA data from a nearly topotypical specimen of the common Indian c... more Analysis of mitochondrial 16s rDNA data from a nearly topotypical specimen of the common Indian cricket frog (Minervarya agricola) sequenced during this study revealed a potential conspecificity among samples of Minervarya originating from different parts of the Indian subcontinent including Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and the Western Ghats. As this includes the type specimens of the supposedly Western Ghats-endemic Minervarya granosa, we synonymize M. granosa under M. agricola and expand the geographic distribution of M. agricola throughout most parts of the Indian subcontinent.

Reptiles and Amphibians, 2020

Biological Conservation, 2021

Our knowledge of the conservation status of reptiles, the most diverse class of terrestrial verte... more Our knowledge of the conservation status of reptiles, the most diverse class of terrestrial vertebrates, has improved dramatically over the past decade, but still lags behind that of the other tetrapod groups. Here, we conduct the first comprehensive evaluation (~92% of the world's ~1714 described species) of the conservation 1 Joint senior authors. D.G. Chapple et al.

Journal of Threatened Taxa, 2021

A new species of shieldtail snake, Uropelts jerdoni, is here described based on eight specimens f... more A new species of shieldtail snake, Uropelts jerdoni, is here described based on eight specimens from Devarayana Durga and Nandi Durga that are under-researched hills near Bengaluru in southern India. The new species is a member of the Uropelts ceylanica group that can be distnguished from related taxa as follows: a truncate and fatened caudal shield with a circumscribed concave disc; part of rostral visible from above subequal to its distance from frontal; rostral partally separatng nasal scales; 17: 17: 17 dorsal scale rows; 140–148 ventral scales; 7–9 pairs of subcaudals; dark blackish-grey above, powdered with minute yellow specks, yellow lateral stripes on neck and tail; ventrolateral region with yellow motling; venter black. This new species is currently known only from two ranges Devarayana Durga and Nandi Durga but judging by the presence of similar, adjacent massifs, is hypothesized to be present in nearby hillocks surrounding Bengaluru City.

Journal of Animal Diversity, 2021

We report on a topotypical specimen of the spot-tailed pit viper Trimeresurus erythrurus recorded... more We report on a topotypical specimen of the spot-tailed pit viper Trimeresurus erythrurus recorded from Sunderbans in India and a distant, southerly, range extension from Kakinada mangroves, based on preserved (n= 1, seen in 2019) and live uncollected (n= 2; seen in 2014) specimens, respectively. The specimens (n= 3) share the following characteristics: verdant green dorsum, yellow iris, white ventrolateral stripes in males, 23 midbody scale rows, 161-172 ventrals, 61-76 subcaudals, and reddish tail tip. Drawing on the published records, its apparent rarity within its type locality and lack of records from the Circar Coast of India, our study significantly adds to the knowledge of the distribution and morphology of this species. Being a medically important venomous snake, its presence in the Godavari mangrove basin calls for wider dissemination of this information among medical practitioners, in addition to fundamental researchers like academics and herpetologists.

Journal of Threatened Taxa

We present new records of the Indian Sand Snake Psammophis condanarus from southern India, where ... more We present new records of the Indian Sand Snake Psammophis condanarus from southern India, where its existence has remained doubtful till date. Our records are based on both live and preserved voucher specimens that are illustrated and described here. We furnish distribution records of this species from two sites belonging to two different ecoregions in southern India—Tirupati in the Eastern Ghats and Hospete in the Deccan plateau. Our work highlights the obscurity of certain, large-growing, diurnal land snakes that have as yet managed to evade the attention of field biologists largely due to a lack of field surveys in certain ecoregions.

Asian Journal of Conservation Biology, 2020

We provide further notes on taxa assigned to little-known uropeltid snake genus Platyplectrurus. ... more We provide further notes on taxa assigned to little-known uropeltid snake genus Platyplectrurus. Based on our field surveys and in situ wild encounters of live specimens we illustrate P. trilienatus in life for the very first time and provide what is perhaps the first report of albinism in this group. We also provide live colouration data for both adult and juvenile P. madurensis. Additionally, based on our perusal of original description papers, subsequent taxonomic treatises and photos of name-bearing types (featured herein), we add complimentary clauses to better diagnose and distinguish these taxa. We herein indicate that the status of the nominate taxon P. bilineatus, currently considered a subjective junior synonym (young one) of P. trilineatus must be reconsidered in light of these findings. Our results bolster the continued use (after Beddome) of both ventral and dorsal colouration in addition to head-scale configurations to better diagnose congeners in this group.

IRCF Reptiles & Amphibians, 2021

Taprobanica, 2020

A new cryptic lineage of bush frogs of the genus Raorchestes from the understudied Eastern Ghats ... more A new cryptic lineage of bush frogs of the genus Raorchestes from the understudied Eastern Ghats of India is described. Molecular phylogenetic reconstructions using mitochondrial 16S rRNA gene sequences suggest that the new species belongs to the Raorchestes charius clade, is sister to the allopatric R. charius of the Western Ghats and support the species-level distinctiveness of the lineage. The new species morphologically resembles R. charius from which it can be distinguished using the following characters: narrower head (HW/SVL 0.31 vs 0.34-0.36), wider inter upper eyelid (IUE/SVL 0.14-0.16 vs 0.11-0.13), greater maximum upper eyelid width (UEW/SVL 0.10-0.12 vs 0.06-0.09) and shorter thigh (TL/SVL 0.32-0.43 vs 0.44-0.51). Acoustic observations from the breeding males further corroborate the distinct specific status of the new species. The discovery of this new species of bush frog from an understudied landscape suggests that additional extensive surveys in the Eastern Ghats would yield several more amphibian lineages yet unknown to science.

Taprobanica, 2020

We redescribe the poorly-known peninsular India endemic colubrid snake Lycodon travancoricus base... more We redescribe the poorly-known peninsular India endemic colubrid snake Lycodon travancoricus based on its traceable syntype. We elaborate on the geographic range of the species and reveal its distribution in several disjunct hill ranges scattered across its rangethe Western Ghats, the Eastern Ghats and the Central Indian Highlands. Discussions about a suggested relegation of its status as a subspecies of the widespread L. aulicus are revisited, in light of new knowledge on the species complex to which it belongs. Our perusal of extralimital records allocated to this species reveals frequent incorrect identification and provenance of specimens. Our results bolster the view that the existing diagnosis is sufficient to distinguish this species from regional congeners supporting its continued recognition as a valid species restricted to peninsular India.

Amphibian & Reptile Conservation, 2020

We redescribe the poorly-known peninsular India endemic colubrid snake Lycodon travancoricus base... more We redescribe the poorly-known peninsular India endemic colubrid snake Lycodon travancoricus based on its traceable syntype. We elaborate on the geographic range of the species and reveal its distribution in several disjunct hill ranges scattered across its rangethe Western Ghats, the Eastern Ghats and the Central Indian Highlands. Discussions about a suggested relegation of its status as a subspecies of the widespread L. aulicus are revisited, in light of new knowledge on the species complex to which it belongs. Our perusal of extralimital records allocated to this species reveals frequent incorrect identification and provenance of specimens. Our results bolster the view that the existing diagnosis is sufficient to distinguish this species from regional congeners supporting its continued recognition as a valid species restricted to peninsular India.

Journal of Threatened Taxa, 2020

We list the herpetological voucher specimens in the holdings of the Sálim Ali Centre for Ornithol... more We list the herpetological voucher specimens in the holdings of the Sálim Ali Centre for Ornithology & Natural History (SACON), a wildlife research institute in India. Most of the collections are the fruition of fieldwork by SACON's herpetologist and a coauthor of this work-late Dr. Subramanian Bhupathy (1963-2014). Taxonomically, the collection represents 125 species, comprising 29 amphibian species belonging to eight families and 96 reptilian species belonging to 17 families. Geographically, the material in this collection originates from the Western Ghats, the Eastern Ghats, the Deccan Plateau, and the Coromandel Coast, comprehensively covering all ecoregions of peninsular India. A total of 15 taxa (three amphibians, 12 reptiles) remain to be fully identified and are provisionally referred to mostresembling taxa, with cf. prefix. All the specimens in this collection are non-types as on date.

Vertebrate Zoology, 2021

Asian pit vipers belonging to the genus Craspedocephalus are a complex group of vipers, distribut... more Asian pit vipers belonging to the genus Craspedocephalus are a complex group of vipers, distributed in South and Southeast Asia. Their taxonomy is unresolved in many lineages across their distributional range. Here, we reassess the taxonomy and systematics of pit vipers of the genus Craspedocephalus in Peninsular India based on extensive field sampling, in particular in the Western Ghats. We build and expand on the previous findings of genetic relatedness between the peninsular Indian lineages with the Sundaic clade (C. puniceus complex) with greater evidence, based on additional taxa sequenced herein. We reconstruct the phylogeny of the group using three mitochondrial genes and delineated lineages using coalescent species delimitation methods. We then used multiple criteria including genetic divergence and separation in morphological and geographic space to designate taxonomic units.
Our work revealed the presence of a South Asian radiation of the clade Craspedocephalus, with a few Sundaic members. Our study reveals the systematic relationships of four Peninsular Indian species of Craspedocephalus, including Peltopelor macrolepis and C. strigatus, sequenced here for the first time, that are classified or confirmed as members of Craspedocephalus. Hence, we place
the genus Peltopelor in the synonymy of Craspedocephalus. Using our multi-criteria approach, we delimit four new cryptic evolutionary lineages within the Western Ghats escarpment of Peninsular India. These cryptic lineages belong to the C. malabaricus, C. gramineus and C. macrolepis complexes and are geographically and/or ecologically (in terms of habitat association) distinct from their sister lineages across their distributional range, while others are separated in morphological space. Our new phylogenetic tree and delimitation analysis thus reveals the presence of multiple clades with several cryptic lineages separated by geographical barriers or habitat association

Journal of Threatened Taxa, 2020

We describe a new species of shieldtail (uropeltid) snake, Uropeltis rajendrani sp. nov., from th... more We describe a new species of shieldtail (uropeltid) snake, Uropeltis rajendrani sp. nov., from the Kolli Hill complex of the southern Eastern Ghats in Tamil Nadu, India. The new species belongs to the U. ceylanica group and is differentiated from related species in having 16–17:16–17:15–16 dorsal scale rows; 145–158 ventral scales; 8–11 pairs of subcaudals; dorsum uniform brown, anteriorly powdered with yellow mottling; venter brown, scales outlined with yellow. This endemic species with a restricted range is known only from atop Kolli Hill complex, inhabiting higher elevation (> 900m) evergreen forests, where it is the only known member of this genus.

Journal of Threatened Taxa, 2020

Author contribution: SRG and SKD conceived the work. SRG collected data for both the species deal... more Author contribution: SRG and SKD conceived the work. SRG collected data for both the species dealt with; while MR, NAJ and AMJ collected data for one species. MR, NAJ and AMJ did most of the fieldwork, while SRG participated in some field tours. SRG studied the voucher materials, at least some of which were also perused by MR, NAJ and AMJ. SKD provided previous records from European and American museums and provided historical literature, besides advising this work overall. SRG and SKD led the writing in consultation with MR, NAJ and AMJ. All the authors equally participated in finalizing the write-up and read and approved the final version.

Asian Journal of Conservation Biology, 2020

Morphology of a hitherto fore unsampled population of Duttaphrynus hololius from Hyderabad in mid... more Morphology of a hitherto fore unsampled population of Duttaphrynus hololius from Hyderabad in mid-Deccan plateau (outlier), is presented and found consistent with that of populations characterised so far. We re-map its distribution based on further findings, since the last attempt (in 2013) and our revised analysis revealed a better resolution and refinement in the MaxEnt Species Distribution Modelling (SDM) range projections. We present the first ever information on its courtship and acoustic characterization (a mating call and a male release call), based on observations in Chittoor, Eastern Ghats. We also report the first case of deformity-macropthalmia with red eye syndrome, in this species based on field observations in Hampi, Deccan plateau. Findings of this species in peri-urban areas and with deformity are highlighted in a conservational perspective. Put together, the new information considerably adds to our knowledge on this uncommon species.

Taprobanica, 2020

Liopeltis calamaria, a rare non-venomous colubrid snake of South Asia, is redescribed. Its syntyp... more Liopeltis calamaria, a rare non-venomous colubrid snake of South Asia, is redescribed. Its syntypes and all the available type specimens of its recognized synonyms are examined, including information about the respective populations found across India and Sri Lanka. Our literature compilation and mapping analyses reveal three distinct populations-(I) Sri Lankan (probably also present in some parts of South India as well), (II) Peninsular Indian, and (III) Himalayan / Nepalese, separated by the Palk Strait and the Indo-Gangetic plains respectively.

Records of ZSI, 2021

Against the backdrop of published cryptic genetic diversity and partly resolved taxonomy of the E... more Against the backdrop of published cryptic genetic diversity and partly resolved taxonomy of the Eutropis macularia complex of skinks in the Indian Peninsula, we reassess the taxonomic status of the Western Ghats populations. Based on our examination of name-bearing types of two synonymised nomina (Euprepes brevis, Lygosoma dawsoni) and a valid (Mabuya gansi) nomen, we recognise two species: E. brevis and E. dawsoni, with E. gansi being the synonym of the latter. We characterise and distinguish these southwest Indian taxa from the allopatric E. macularia s. str. In keeping with studies on the nearby island of Sri Lanka, cryptic diversity within the peninsular Indian E. macularia complex has resulted in the resurrection of these long-synonymised nominal taxa

Sauria, 2018

Die Verbreitung von Trimeresurus strigatus Gray, 1842-Eine korrigierende Notiz Art befassten. Jer... more Die Verbreitung von Trimeresurus strigatus Gray, 1842-Eine korrigierende Notiz Art befassten. Jerdon's (1854) Trigonocephalus (Cophias) neelgherriensis war in den "Neelgherries" (=Nilgiris) der Western Ghats entdeckt worden. Ein paar Jahre darauf erwähnte sie Beddome (1862) unter ihrem korrekten Seniornomen, als T. strigatus, aus den Anamallay Hills. In Beddome's (1863) Arbeit über die Nilgiris im darauf folgenden Jahr wird sie hingegen nicht erwähnt, vielleicht aber einfach nur, weil sie dem Autor dort nicht erneut begegnet war. Günther (1864) umriss ihre Verbreitung als die Nilgherries und den Dekkan. In seinem Katalog gab Theobald (1868) ihre Herkunft als die Nilgiris an, und bemerkte, dass sie in bei Ootakamund (=Ootacamund) häufig sei. Dagegen werden wieder der Dekkan und die Nilgiri Hills als Verbreitungsgebiete bezeichnet (Theobald 1876). Vidal (1890) statuierte dann ausdrücklich, dass diese Art in Nordkanara unweit der nördlichen Western Ghats vorkäme, und berief sich dabei auf ein Exemplar im Bombay Museum (BNHM), das von einem gewissen H. S. Wise angeblich dort gesammelt worden war. Möglicherweise auf dieser Grundlage gab Boulenger (1890) ihr Verbreitungsgebiet als von den Bombay Hills (nördliche Western Ghats) bis nach Anaimalai und die Nilgiris reichend an. Ferguson (1895), der die Travancore Hills in den südlichen Western Ghats bereiste, verzeichnete die Art hingegen nicht. Im folgenden Jahrhundert berichtete Wall (1919) aufgrund von Feldbeobachtungen in den Nilgiris über die Art und lieferte damit einen der wenigen veröffentlichten Berichte über diese Schlange aus erster Hand. Später (1928) durchforstete er auch die Palni Hills, erwähnte sie aber nicht erneut. Roux (1928) verzeichnete diese Art während seiner Untersuchungen in den Nilgiris und im Gebiet Anaimalai-Palni nicht. Smith (1943) fasste die Verbreitung von T. strigatus als die Nilgiris, Anaimalai, Palni,

Asian Journal of Conservation Biology, 2018

We surveyed for herpetofauna along the poorly-explored sections of Southern Eastern Ghats. This 1... more We surveyed for herpetofauna along the poorly-explored sections of Southern Eastern Ghats. This 1000 hours-long large scale survey covered ranges stretching from near Western Ghats eastwards to the Coromandel Coastal Plains, across a longitudinal gradient. Study area consisting of the tall and wet Bilgiri-Melagiri massifs to the west and the low and dry South Arcot and North Arcot ranges to the east were selected and surveyed. We recorded a total of 95 species including 23 species of amphibians, 35 species of lizards and 37 species of snakes. A descriptive species accounts with photographic vouchers is presented. Noteworthy findings include significant new range records for many wet-zone taxa and a few dry-zone taxa from hitherto fore under-surveyed regions. This includes many rare and range-restricted ones and newly described little-known taxa. The study highlights the importance of landscape-level, long-term fieldwork to unravel the hidden diversity of tropical montane regions like the Eastern Ghats.

Asian Journal of Conservation Biology, 2019

Analysis of mitochondrial 16s rDNA data from a nearly topotypical specimen of the common Indian c... more Analysis of mitochondrial 16s rDNA data from a nearly topotypical specimen of the common Indian cricket frog (Minervarya agricola) sequenced during this study revealed a potential conspecificity among samples of Minervarya originating from different parts of the Indian subcontinent including Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and the Western Ghats. As this includes the type specimens of the supposedly Western Ghats-endemic Minervarya granosa, we synonymize M. granosa under M. agricola and expand the geographic distribution of M. agricola throughout most parts of the Indian subcontinent.

Reptiles and Amphibians, 2020

Biological Conservation, 2021

Our knowledge of the conservation status of reptiles, the most diverse class of terrestrial verte... more Our knowledge of the conservation status of reptiles, the most diverse class of terrestrial vertebrates, has improved dramatically over the past decade, but still lags behind that of the other tetrapod groups. Here, we conduct the first comprehensive evaluation (~92% of the world's ~1714 described species) of the conservation 1 Joint senior authors. D.G. Chapple et al.

Journal of Threatened Taxa, 2021

A new species of shieldtail snake, Uropelts jerdoni, is here described based on eight specimens f... more A new species of shieldtail snake, Uropelts jerdoni, is here described based on eight specimens from Devarayana Durga and Nandi Durga that are under-researched hills near Bengaluru in southern India. The new species is a member of the Uropelts ceylanica group that can be distnguished from related taxa as follows: a truncate and fatened caudal shield with a circumscribed concave disc; part of rostral visible from above subequal to its distance from frontal; rostral partally separatng nasal scales; 17: 17: 17 dorsal scale rows; 140–148 ventral scales; 7–9 pairs of subcaudals; dark blackish-grey above, powdered with minute yellow specks, yellow lateral stripes on neck and tail; ventrolateral region with yellow motling; venter black. This new species is currently known only from two ranges Devarayana Durga and Nandi Durga but judging by the presence of similar, adjacent massifs, is hypothesized to be present in nearby hillocks surrounding Bengaluru City.

Journal of Animal Diversity, 2021

We report on a topotypical specimen of the spot-tailed pit viper Trimeresurus erythrurus recorded... more We report on a topotypical specimen of the spot-tailed pit viper Trimeresurus erythrurus recorded from Sunderbans in India and a distant, southerly, range extension from Kakinada mangroves, based on preserved (n= 1, seen in 2019) and live uncollected (n= 2; seen in 2014) specimens, respectively. The specimens (n= 3) share the following characteristics: verdant green dorsum, yellow iris, white ventrolateral stripes in males, 23 midbody scale rows, 161-172 ventrals, 61-76 subcaudals, and reddish tail tip. Drawing on the published records, its apparent rarity within its type locality and lack of records from the Circar Coast of India, our study significantly adds to the knowledge of the distribution and morphology of this species. Being a medically important venomous snake, its presence in the Godavari mangrove basin calls for wider dissemination of this information among medical practitioners, in addition to fundamental researchers like academics and herpetologists.

Journal of Threatened Taxa

We present new records of the Indian Sand Snake Psammophis condanarus from southern India, where ... more We present new records of the Indian Sand Snake Psammophis condanarus from southern India, where its existence has remained doubtful till date. Our records are based on both live and preserved voucher specimens that are illustrated and described here. We furnish distribution records of this species from two sites belonging to two different ecoregions in southern India—Tirupati in the Eastern Ghats and Hospete in the Deccan plateau. Our work highlights the obscurity of certain, large-growing, diurnal land snakes that have as yet managed to evade the attention of field biologists largely due to a lack of field surveys in certain ecoregions.

Asian Journal of Conservation Biology, 2020

We provide further notes on taxa assigned to little-known uropeltid snake genus Platyplectrurus. ... more We provide further notes on taxa assigned to little-known uropeltid snake genus Platyplectrurus. Based on our field surveys and in situ wild encounters of live specimens we illustrate P. trilienatus in life for the very first time and provide what is perhaps the first report of albinism in this group. We also provide live colouration data for both adult and juvenile P. madurensis. Additionally, based on our perusal of original description papers, subsequent taxonomic treatises and photos of name-bearing types (featured herein), we add complimentary clauses to better diagnose and distinguish these taxa. We herein indicate that the status of the nominate taxon P. bilineatus, currently considered a subjective junior synonym (young one) of P. trilineatus must be reconsidered in light of these findings. Our results bolster the continued use (after Beddome) of both ventral and dorsal colouration in addition to head-scale configurations to better diagnose congeners in this group.

IRCF Reptiles & Amphibians, 2021

Taprobanica, 2020

A new cryptic lineage of bush frogs of the genus Raorchestes from the understudied Eastern Ghats ... more A new cryptic lineage of bush frogs of the genus Raorchestes from the understudied Eastern Ghats of India is described. Molecular phylogenetic reconstructions using mitochondrial 16S rRNA gene sequences suggest that the new species belongs to the Raorchestes charius clade, is sister to the allopatric R. charius of the Western Ghats and support the species-level distinctiveness of the lineage. The new species morphologically resembles R. charius from which it can be distinguished using the following characters: narrower head (HW/SVL 0.31 vs 0.34-0.36), wider inter upper eyelid (IUE/SVL 0.14-0.16 vs 0.11-0.13), greater maximum upper eyelid width (UEW/SVL 0.10-0.12 vs 0.06-0.09) and shorter thigh (TL/SVL 0.32-0.43 vs 0.44-0.51). Acoustic observations from the breeding males further corroborate the distinct specific status of the new species. The discovery of this new species of bush frog from an understudied landscape suggests that additional extensive surveys in the Eastern Ghats would yield several more amphibian lineages yet unknown to science.

Taprobanica, 2020

We redescribe the poorly-known peninsular India endemic colubrid snake Lycodon travancoricus base... more We redescribe the poorly-known peninsular India endemic colubrid snake Lycodon travancoricus based on its traceable syntype. We elaborate on the geographic range of the species and reveal its distribution in several disjunct hill ranges scattered across its rangethe Western Ghats, the Eastern Ghats and the Central Indian Highlands. Discussions about a suggested relegation of its status as a subspecies of the widespread L. aulicus are revisited, in light of new knowledge on the species complex to which it belongs. Our perusal of extralimital records allocated to this species reveals frequent incorrect identification and provenance of specimens. Our results bolster the view that the existing diagnosis is sufficient to distinguish this species from regional congeners supporting its continued recognition as a valid species restricted to peninsular India.

Amphibian & Reptile Conservation, 2020

We redescribe the poorly-known peninsular India endemic colubrid snake Lycodon travancoricus base... more We redescribe the poorly-known peninsular India endemic colubrid snake Lycodon travancoricus based on its traceable syntype. We elaborate on the geographic range of the species and reveal its distribution in several disjunct hill ranges scattered across its rangethe Western Ghats, the Eastern Ghats and the Central Indian Highlands. Discussions about a suggested relegation of its status as a subspecies of the widespread L. aulicus are revisited, in light of new knowledge on the species complex to which it belongs. Our perusal of extralimital records allocated to this species reveals frequent incorrect identification and provenance of specimens. Our results bolster the view that the existing diagnosis is sufficient to distinguish this species from regional congeners supporting its continued recognition as a valid species restricted to peninsular India.

Journal of Threatened Taxa, 2020

We list the herpetological voucher specimens in the holdings of the Sálim Ali Centre for Ornithol... more We list the herpetological voucher specimens in the holdings of the Sálim Ali Centre for Ornithology & Natural History (SACON), a wildlife research institute in India. Most of the collections are the fruition of fieldwork by SACON's herpetologist and a coauthor of this work-late Dr. Subramanian Bhupathy (1963-2014). Taxonomically, the collection represents 125 species, comprising 29 amphibian species belonging to eight families and 96 reptilian species belonging to 17 families. Geographically, the material in this collection originates from the Western Ghats, the Eastern Ghats, the Deccan Plateau, and the Coromandel Coast, comprehensively covering all ecoregions of peninsular India. A total of 15 taxa (three amphibians, 12 reptiles) remain to be fully identified and are provisionally referred to mostresembling taxa, with cf. prefix. All the specimens in this collection are non-types as on date.

Vertebrate Zoology, 2021

Asian pit vipers belonging to the genus Craspedocephalus are a complex group of vipers, distribut... more Asian pit vipers belonging to the genus Craspedocephalus are a complex group of vipers, distributed in South and Southeast Asia. Their taxonomy is unresolved in many lineages across their distributional range. Here, we reassess the taxonomy and systematics of pit vipers of the genus Craspedocephalus in Peninsular India based on extensive field sampling, in particular in the Western Ghats. We build and expand on the previous findings of genetic relatedness between the peninsular Indian lineages with the Sundaic clade (C. puniceus complex) with greater evidence, based on additional taxa sequenced herein. We reconstruct the phylogeny of the group using three mitochondrial genes and delineated lineages using coalescent species delimitation methods. We then used multiple criteria including genetic divergence and separation in morphological and geographic space to designate taxonomic units.
Our work revealed the presence of a South Asian radiation of the clade Craspedocephalus, with a few Sundaic members. Our study reveals the systematic relationships of four Peninsular Indian species of Craspedocephalus, including Peltopelor macrolepis and C. strigatus, sequenced here for the first time, that are classified or confirmed as members of Craspedocephalus. Hence, we place
the genus Peltopelor in the synonymy of Craspedocephalus. Using our multi-criteria approach, we delimit four new cryptic evolutionary lineages within the Western Ghats escarpment of Peninsular India. These cryptic lineages belong to the C. malabaricus, C. gramineus and C. macrolepis complexes and are geographically and/or ecologically (in terms of habitat association) distinct from their sister lineages across their distributional range, while others are separated in morphological space. Our new phylogenetic tree and delimitation analysis thus reveals the presence of multiple clades with several cryptic lineages separated by geographical barriers or habitat association

Journal of Threatened Taxa, 2020

We describe a new species of shieldtail (uropeltid) snake, Uropeltis rajendrani sp. nov., from th... more We describe a new species of shieldtail (uropeltid) snake, Uropeltis rajendrani sp. nov., from the Kolli Hill complex of the southern Eastern Ghats in Tamil Nadu, India. The new species belongs to the U. ceylanica group and is differentiated from related species in having 16–17:16–17:15–16 dorsal scale rows; 145–158 ventral scales; 8–11 pairs of subcaudals; dorsum uniform brown, anteriorly powdered with yellow mottling; venter brown, scales outlined with yellow. This endemic species with a restricted range is known only from atop Kolli Hill complex, inhabiting higher elevation (> 900m) evergreen forests, where it is the only known member of this genus.

Journal of Threatened Taxa, 2020

Author contribution: SRG and SKD conceived the work. SRG collected data for both the species deal... more Author contribution: SRG and SKD conceived the work. SRG collected data for both the species dealt with; while MR, NAJ and AMJ collected data for one species. MR, NAJ and AMJ did most of the fieldwork, while SRG participated in some field tours. SRG studied the voucher materials, at least some of which were also perused by MR, NAJ and AMJ. SKD provided previous records from European and American museums and provided historical literature, besides advising this work overall. SRG and SKD led the writing in consultation with MR, NAJ and AMJ. All the authors equally participated in finalizing the write-up and read and approved the final version.

Asian Journal of Conservation Biology, 2020

Morphology of a hitherto fore unsampled population of Duttaphrynus hololius from Hyderabad in mid... more Morphology of a hitherto fore unsampled population of Duttaphrynus hololius from Hyderabad in mid-Deccan plateau (outlier), is presented and found consistent with that of populations characterised so far. We re-map its distribution based on further findings, since the last attempt (in 2013) and our revised analysis revealed a better resolution and refinement in the MaxEnt Species Distribution Modelling (SDM) range projections. We present the first ever information on its courtship and acoustic characterization (a mating call and a male release call), based on observations in Chittoor, Eastern Ghats. We also report the first case of deformity-macropthalmia with red eye syndrome, in this species based on field observations in Hampi, Deccan plateau. Findings of this species in peri-urban areas and with deformity are highlighted in a conservational perspective. Put together, the new information considerably adds to our knowledge on this uncommon species.

Taprobanica, 2020

Liopeltis calamaria, a rare non-venomous colubrid snake of South Asia, is redescribed. Its syntyp... more Liopeltis calamaria, a rare non-venomous colubrid snake of South Asia, is redescribed. Its syntypes and all the available type specimens of its recognized synonyms are examined, including information about the respective populations found across India and Sri Lanka. Our literature compilation and mapping analyses reveal three distinct populations-(I) Sri Lankan (probably also present in some parts of South India as well), (II) Peninsular Indian, and (III) Himalayan / Nepalese, separated by the Palk Strait and the Indo-Gangetic plains respectively.

Records of ZSI, 2021

Against the backdrop of published cryptic genetic diversity and partly resolved taxonomy of the E... more Against the backdrop of published cryptic genetic diversity and partly resolved taxonomy of the Eutropis macularia complex of skinks in the Indian Peninsula, we reassess the taxonomic status of the Western Ghats populations. Based on our examination of name-bearing types of two synonymised nomina (Euprepes brevis, Lygosoma dawsoni) and a valid (Mabuya gansi) nomen, we recognise two species: E. brevis and E. dawsoni, with E. gansi being the synonym of the latter. We characterise and distinguish these southwest Indian taxa from the allopatric E. macularia s. str. In keeping with studies on the nearby island of Sri Lanka, cryptic diversity within the peninsular Indian E. macularia complex has resulted in the resurrection of these long-synonymised nominal taxa

Zoological Survey of India 2 | P a g e documented and nomenclatural changes were effected, resurr... more Zoological Survey of India 2 | P a g e documented and nomenclatural changes were effected, resurrecting synonyms, elevating subspecies to species and reallocating genera ; Giri et al.

An overview of the venomous snake fauna of India is presented. Regions having high diversity of v... more An overview of the venomous snake fauna of India is presented. Regions having high diversity of venomous snakes that are consequent on the presence of distinct ecoregions are projected. Annual statistics from India as to the number of snakebites and deaths from snakebite are reviewed. The lack of a consensual estimate of snakebite statistics from India is highlighted. Differences in methods of data collection, time span used for the study, and venomous snake diversity among the Indian states are presumed to be the causal factors. The concept of “Big Four venomous snakes” in the current context is reviewed in light of the venomous snake diversity of the country. Among the “other venomous snakes,” identification of lethal (e.g., sea snakes, king cobra, banded krait) and nonlethal though venomous ones (most species of Indian pit vipers) is highlighted for snakebite management. Lastly, for those that do not necessitate the use of antivenom for treatment, acquisition of knowledge on effects and appropriate medical intervention is highlighted.

The Western Ghats Mountains of southwestern India harbours a unique, endemic radiation of biogeog... more The Western Ghats Mountains of southwestern India harbours a unique, endemic radiation of biogeographically ancient reptile fauna. This fauna is now facing increasing threat due to several man-made factors such as habitat loss, alteration, wanton killing, killing out of fear and vehicular traffic mediated road-kills. Given that there are some taxonomically cryptic groups such as the shieldtail snakes (Uropeltidae), the day-geckoes (Gekkonidae: Cnemaspis) and such, some reptiles endemic to this region are at the grave risk of becoming extinct even before being taxonomically described and known. To add to this, some enigmatic taxa such as the Hutton’s pitviper and the Beypore skink are “Data Deficient” taxa that are quite rare and have evaded field herpetologists for decades and hence became obscure in scientific literature. Therefore measures needed to be put in place to protect the Western Ghats ecoregion as a whole and also its fragile and poorly-known, reptile fauna.

Conference Proceedings Govt. Arts College, Ooty, 2020

Had not a little more than 1000 localities been visited at least once, the number of amphibian sp... more Had not a little more than 1000 localities been visited at least once, the number of amphibian species recognised by taxonomists would be one quarter lower than now."-Dubois (2004) Biological diversity and its variations across space and time have been the central themes which have kept classical naturalists gravitated towards their wild pursuits. The above quote amply conveys the concomitant problems in bioinventories-of species and of its geographic range. In a sense, the number of species one discovers could become a proxy to the area of ground one covers. In the pages to come, I sketch an overview of the diversity and distribution of a remarkable vertebrate fauna known from what is perhaps one of the earliest regions where biological explorations happened in the Orient-the Indes Orientales or the 'East Indies' and its rich herpetofauna-reminiscing the past, calculating the present and contemplating the future.