Papers by Mark O'Shea MBE
Bionomina, 2023
Roberts et al. (2022) presented a taxonomic decision, in which they proposed the species name lon... more Roberts et al. (2022) presented a taxonomic decision, in which they proposed the species name longhagen for a single, poorly preserved specimen of elapid New Guinean snake in the species assemblage known as the Toxicocalamus loriae Group. Geographically widespread populations in this species group had long been united under a single name even though some character variation had been noted, and only a thorough morphological study by Kraus et al. (2022), published shortly
after the description of T. longhagen, confirmed additional species-level diversity and the detail of character analysis needed to differentiate species in this group. Their work made clear that only examination of many specimens would allow an assessment of interspecific variation and species boundaries, and this had been explained to the authors of the Roberts et al. paper ahead of their manuscript submission. The authors of the Kraus et al. paper had examined the specimen used to diagnose T. longhagen, as well as a series of similar specimens, and found it impossible to make a reliable species-level determination. Our detailed evaluation of the taxon longhagen reveals that it is insufficiently differentiated from the now-known species of the T. loriae Group, that it cannot confidently be assigned to any of these species, and that none of the existing specimens of snakes in this group can be assigned to T. longhagen. It follows that T. longhagen as currently defined is a
taxonomic nomen dubium. It will retain this status until such time when additional data or additional material can lead to a resolution of its taxonomy.
Canadian Journal of Zoology, 2023
We describe a slender immature female blindsnake from the main airport in Dili, Timor-Leste, as a... more We describe a slender immature female blindsnake from the main airport in Dili, Timor-Leste, as a new species of Indotyphlops, adding a third species to the country's known blindsnake fauna of Sundatyphlops polygrammicus (Schlegel, 1839) and Virgotyphlops braminus (Daudin, 1803). The new species has the following combination of characteristics: small size (snout-vent length = 119 mm), slender body (relative body thickness 71), TV supralabial imbrication pattern, relative rostral width 0.36, 434 middorsal scales, relative tail length 1.7%, absence of enlarged occipital scales, and apical spine absent. The snake was found in an ant nest under several flat rocks near the fuel depot of Nicolau Lobato International Airport, and this habitat and the discovery in a busy location with heavy human impacts indicate that the species is likely a primarily subterranean myrmeco-or termitophage.
Zootaxa, 2023
The analyses of molecular genetic data (mtDNA markers 16S, ND4, CYTB, and the nuclear marker c-mo... more The analyses of molecular genetic data (mtDNA markers 16S, ND4, CYTB, and the nuclear marker c-mos) provided evidence that the Asian cat snake taxa Boiga multomaculata and B. ochracea actually represent a single species. They form mixed clades of low intraclade genetic differentiation. This evidence for conspecificy is supported by the lack of differentiation in all examined pholidotic and morphometric characters. Therefore, we formally place Dipsas ochracea Theobald, 1868 in the synonymy of Dipsas multomaculata Boie, 1827. We provide a summary of the tangled taxonomic history of the taxa involved in this study. Also, we resurrect Dipsadomorphus stoliczkae Wall, 1909 from synonymy of B. ochracea, for specimens exhibiting 21 midbody dorsal scale rows. Boiga stoliczkae is found in the Himalayas north and west of the Brahmaputra valley. Finally, based on the detection of historical genetic lineages within the newly defined species Boiga multomaculata we recognize three subspecies: Boiga multomaculata multomaculata (Boie, 1827), Boiga multomaculata ochracea (Theobald, 1868), and Boiga multomaculata septentrionalis n. ssp. which is distributed in northern Myanmar and Assam and Nagaland, India. We designate BMNH 1946.1.2.60 (1) as neotype of Dipsas ochracea Theobald, (2) as lectotype of D. ochraceus Günther, and (3) as lectotype of Boiga ochracea walli Smith, thereby making these names objective synonyms. Finally, we designate BMNH 94.12.31.55 as lectotype of Dipsadomorphus stoliczkae Wall.
Ticks & Tick-borne Diseases, 2023
We report on the presence of the ixodid tick Amblyomma helvolum on three species of reptiles from... more We report on the presence of the ixodid tick Amblyomma helvolum on three species of reptiles from Timor-Leste. Among a total of 21 host specimens (lizards: 18 four-fingered skinks, Carlia sp. 'Meleotegi' and two forest skinks, Sphenomorphus sp. 'Meleotegi'; snake: one Coelognathus subradiatus) four were parasitized by ticks. Whereas nymphs were associated with the lizards, an adult male was retrieved from the snake. This report is the first of A. helvolum for Timor-Leste, the first for the skink genera Carlia and Sphenomorphus, and the first for C. subradiatus. We present a comprehensive table with updated taxonomy of known associations between A. helvolum and other vertebrates.
Pacific Conservation Biology, 2023
Context. Skinks comprise the dominant component of the terrestrial vertebrate fauna in Oceania, N... more Context. Skinks comprise the dominant component of the terrestrial vertebrate fauna in Oceania, New Guinea, and Eastern Wallacea (ONGEW). However, knowledge of their diversity is incomplete, and their conservation needs are poorly understood. Aims. To explore the diversity and threat status of the skinks of ONGEW and identify knowledge gaps and conservation needs. Methods. We compiled a list of all skink species occurring in the region and their threat categories designated by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. We used available genetic sequences deposited in the National Center for Biotechnology Information's GenBank to generate a phylogeny of the region's skinks. We then assessed their diversity within geographical subdivisions and compared to other reptile taxa in the region. Key results. Approximately 300 species of skinks occur in ONGEW, making it the second largest global hotspot of skink diversity following Australia. Many phylogenetic relationships remain unresolved, and many species and genera are in need of taxonomic revision. One in five species are threatened with extinction, a higher proportion than almost all reptile families in the region. Conclusions. ONGEW contain a large proportion of global skink diversity on <1% of the Earth's landmass. Many are endemic and face risks such as habitat loss and invasive predators. Yet, little is known about them, and many species require taxonomic revision and threat level re-assessment. Implications. The skinks of ONGEW are a diverse yet underexplored group of terrestrial vertebrates, with many species likely facing extreme risks in the near future. Further research is needed to understand the threats they face and how to protect them.
Vertebrate Zoology, 2022
With its conservative set of scalation characters, Toxicocalamus loriae is a morphologically conf... more With its conservative set of scalation characters, Toxicocalamus loriae is a morphologically confusing species to which a wide array of phenotypes has been assigned. Careful analysis of 224 museum specimens reveals that multiple distinct species remain hidden under the name T. loriae and that diagnostic, species-level differences are more nuanced in this group of snakes than among other members of the genus. Our taxonomic reassessment leads us to resurrect the species T. lamingtoni comb. nov., T. loennbergii comb. nov., and T. nymani comb. nov. from synonymy with T. loriae, retain only T. pratti as a synonym, and describe three new species. As a consequence, T. loriae is no longer recognized as ranging throughout the entire island of New Guinea but is instead restricted to the southern versant of the Papuan Peninsula, and T. lamingtoni and T. spilorhynchus sp. nov. are species restricted to that same peninsula's northern versant. Toxicocalamus loennbergii is known only from the type series taken on the Onin Peninsula in West Papua, Indonesia, Toxicocalamus atratus sp. nov. is a high-elevation (800-2200 m) Central Highlands endemic, and T. vertebralis sp. nov. ranges from the Central Highlands of Papua New Guinea eastward into the Wau area of Morobe Province. Toxicocalamus nymani inhabits a geologically more heterogenous region, occurring from the Central Highlands eastward to the Huon Peninsula, including Karkar Island, and adjacent areas of Madang Province as well as the northernmost reaches of the Papuan Peninsula. We expect that denser geographic sampling across New Guinea and focussed specimen collection of a few known populations will result in the recognition of additional species in this complex.
Zootaxa, 2021
We report on the discovery of a third, male specimen of Stegonotus lividus in the collection of t... more We report on the discovery of a third, male specimen of Stegonotus lividus in the collection of the Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle in Paris, France, and demonstrate that it is not only a member of the original type series but the only one of the three syntypes, whose morphology was detailed in the original description. We herein identify it as a paralectotype. In their description of S. lividus, Duméril et al. (1854) attributed authorship of the name to the German zoologist Salomon Müller, whose work was never published. By the rules of zoological nomenclature, author attribution solely via an unpublished manuscript is inadmissible, and the species is therefore properly listed as Stegonotus lividus (Duméril et al., 1854). The recent discovery of Müller's handwritten manuscript, along with an unpublished drawing of one of these snakes by the Dutch artist Pieter van Oort, allows a better assessment of color and pattern for a species that remains known from only three preserved vouchers, as well as improved differentiation from other taxa occurring in the Lesser Sundas and Moluccas.
Zootaxa, 2021
During the first amphibian and reptile survey of Timor-Leste, we discovered a population of groun... more During the first amphibian and reptile survey of Timor-Leste, we discovered a population of groundsnakes, genus Stegonotus, in the last remnant of lowland coastal forest along the country's southern coast, which represents a new species. This sexually dimorphic species can be differentiated from all other Wallacean Stegonotus by a combination of 17-17-15 dorsals, ventrals (female 206; males 197-207), paired subcaudals (female 61; males 71-75), the "gull wing +" condition of the rostral, large squared prefrontals that each are 2.5 times the area of the internasals and two-thirds the size of the frontal, a snout-scale ratio of near 0.4 and a frontal-parietal suture ratio of ≤ 1.0, a labial scale formula of 7 3+4 | 9 4 , five gulars separating the posterior genial and the anteriormost ventral, and an overall brown body coloration that lightens progressively from the vertebral scale row in a dorsal-lateral direction and features color gradients of dark brown posterior edges to lighter brown anterior edges on individual scales. The species is most similar in overall morphology to S. modestus from the central Moluccas and to S. lividus, a species known only from tiny Semau Island that lies off the western end of Timor Island, in close proximity to Kupang, the capital of the Indonesian province of East Nusa Tenggara.
Biodiversity, Biogeography and Nature Conservation in Wallacea and New Guinea, 2021
Sea kraits (Laticauda) and true seasnakes (Hydrophis) are omitted. 2 Antarctica is omitted.
Biological Journal of the Linnean Society, 2021
Self-published taxon descriptions, bereft of a basis of evidence, are a long-standing problem in ... more Self-published taxon descriptions, bereft of a basis of evidence, are a long-standing problem in taxonomy. The problem derives in part from the Principle of Priority in the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature, which forces the use of the oldest available nomen irrespective of scientific merit. This provides a route to 'immortality' for unscrupulous individuals through the mass-naming of taxa without scientific basis, a phenomenon referred to as taxonomic vandalism. Following a flood of unscientific taxon namings, in 2013 a group of concerned herpetologists organized a widely supported, community-based campaign to treat these nomina as lying outside the permanent scientific record, and to ignore and overwrite them as appropriate. Here, we review the impact of these proposals over the past 8 years. We identified 59 instances of unscientific names being set aside and overwritten with science-based names (here termed aspidonyms), and 1087 uses of these aspidonyms, compared to one instance of preference for the overwritten names. This shows that when there is widespread consultation and agreement across affected research communities, setting aside certain provisions of the Code can constitute an effective last resort defence against taxonomic vandalism and enhance the universality and stability of the scientific nomenclature. ADDITIONAL KEYWORDS: aspidonym-International Code of Zoological Nomenclature-nomenclatural stability-nomenclature-taxonomic vandalism-taxonomy-Principle of Priority. 'Erfüllen wir eine Pflicht gegen die Wissenschaft, die H. v. M[otschulsky] zur Befriedigung seiner unbegrenzten Autoreitelkeit und Mihisucht missbraucht, wenn wir gewissenhaft die wenigen Körner der M.'schen Arbeitsspreu sammeln, seine Arten und Gattungen deuten, um dafür von ihm geschmäht zu werden, oder erfüllen wir eine Pflicht gegen uns selbst, wenn wir ihn in seinen Etudes zu seinem Privatvergnügen drucken lassen, was er will und die entomologischen Zeit-und Vereinsschriften rein von seinen Arbeiten halten, weil wir ihren Werth kennen gelernt haben?'
Zootaxa, 2021
We describe a new species of groundsnake of the genus Stegonotus (Colubridae) from the Purari Riv... more We describe a new species of groundsnake of the genus Stegonotus (Colubridae) from the Purari River basin in Gulf Province, Papua New Guinea. The new species can be most readily distinguished from all other New Guinean Stegonotus by its unique dorsal colour pattern which consists of a dark head and creamy-white anterior one third to two thirds of the body, grading into increasingly dense dark pigmentation on the posterior of the body and tail. It is most similar to S. iridis from the Raja Ampat Archipelago off western New Guinea, but that species has a different pattern of pigmentation dorsally, has a lower ventral scale count (198-211 vs. 229-239), and exhibits a different temporal scale arrangement. The description of S. aplini sp. nov. brings to fourteen the number of Stegonotus species described from New Guinea. A dichotomous key to described species in the New Guinea region is provided.
Zootaxa, 2020
During a taxonomic revision of species in the genus Stegonotus Duméril et al., 1854, we reexamine... more During a taxonomic revision of species in the genus Stegonotus Duméril et al., 1854, we reexamined over 90% of all known museum specimens from this taxon. Of the five specimens available to us from the island of Borneo, three are clearly distinct from the other two. The latter are from the lowland rainforest in Sarawak, Malaysia, which includes the type locality of S. borneensis, and therefore these specimens retain that name. We here describe the other three, which include the paratype of S. borneensis, as a new species from Sabah, Malaysia. The new species can be differentiated from S. borneensis and all other species of Stegonotus by the combination of a high number of ventrals (> 210) combined with a low number of subcaudals (< 70), a short tail (indicated by a low subcaudal ratio of < 0.25), 17-17-15 dorsal scale rows, a snout-scale ratio of 1/4-1/3, the "gull wing +" condition of the rostral, the number of supralabials touching the eye, and a dorsal color pattern featuring a dark gray-brown head offset from a lighter-brown rest of the body. The number of subcaudals in the holotype of the new species is only 21% of the number of ventrals, the lowest proportion in the genus. The new species is found at elevations above 1000 m in the cool, montane habitats of the Crocker Range and around the foot of Mt. Kinabalu, Southeast Asia's tallest mountain, from where it has been known but taxonomically unrecognized since at least the 1880s.
Bonn zoological Bulletin, 2020
Examination of historical specimens from western New Guinea in the Zoologische Staatssammlung Mun... more Examination of historical specimens from western New Guinea in the Zoologische Staatssammlung Munich, Germany, led to the discovery of only the second specimen of the rarely encountered Star Mountains Worm-eating Snake, Toxicocalamus ernstmayri. This specimen is the first record of the species from the Indonesian part of New Guinea,
extending its known range northwestward by 150 km. We also question the long-accepted collection locality for another poorly known species, T. grandis and document that it was most likely collected further up the Setekwa River at a higher elevation, in habitat more conducive to the ecology of a terrestrial to semi-fossorial genus and in keeping with the known mainland distribution of Toxicocalamus.
Toxicon, 2020
Examination of 18 cobras brought to three hospitals in the Mandalay Region by patients bitten or ... more Examination of 18 cobras brought to three hospitals in the Mandalay Region by patients bitten or spat at by them distinguished 3 monocled cobras (Naja kaouthia) and 15 Mandalay spitting cobras (N. mandalayensis), based on their morphological characteristics. We confirm and extend the known distributions and habitats of both N. mandalayensis and N. kaouthia in Upper Myanmar. Clinical symptoms of local and systemic envenoming by N. mandalayensis are described for the first time. These included local swelling, blistering and necrosis and life-threatening systemic neurotoxicity. More information is needed about the clinical phenotype and management of bites by N. mandalayensis, the commoner of the two cobras in Upper Myanmar. Since the current cobra an-tivenom manufactured in Myanmar has lower pre-clinical efficacy against N. mandalayensis than N. kaouthia, there is a need for more specific antivenom therapy.
Wildnerness & Environmental Medicine, 2020
A case of midget-faded rattlesnake (Crotalus oreganus concolor) envenomation of an adult male pro... more A case of midget-faded rattlesnake (Crotalus oreganus concolor) envenomation of an adult male professional herpetologist occurred in a rural setting and resulted in an array of venom induced myoneurologic symptoms. The patient experienced blurry vision, total body paresthesia, dyspnea, chest tightness, and waves of spastic muscle movements of the hands and feet that resembled tetany. It was not apparent whether these symptoms were potentially venom induced or were related to stress-induced physiologic responses. Local envenomation effects were minimal, and coagulation parameters remained within normal limits. Antivenomwas not administered per patient concerns related to a history of acute allergic reactions to antivenom. Venom was collected from the Crotalus oreganus concolor responsible for the bite, and analysis revealed the presence of high levels of myotoxins (SR calcium pump antagonists) and concolor toxin, a presynaptic
neurotoxin that can have myotoxic effects and cause respiratory paralysis; several serine proteinases associated with coagulopathies were also present in the venom profile.
Zootaxa, 2019
Kaiser et al. (2018) recently presented a comprehensive history of snakes in the genus Stegonotus... more Kaiser et al. (2018) recently presented a comprehensive history of snakes in the genus Stegonotus Duméril et al., 1854 that included substantial taxonomic revisions. Given the scope and production of this work a few issues remained uncorrectedduring several proof stages, which we correct herein. Furthermore, after the paper was published some relevant information emerged that we do not want to leave unexposed, and which we hereby add to our discussion.
Zootaxa, 2019
We describe a new species of Indo-Papuan groundsnake (Stegonotus) from a single adult male specim... more We describe a new species of Indo-Papuan groundsnake (Stegonotus) from a single adult male specimen collected in 1953 near Kamro, a village in Maybrat Regency, West Papua, Indonesia. The specimen had been considered a member of S. batjanensis, a well-defined species from the northern Maluku Islands over 500 km to the northwest with which it shares the key characteristic of having the 3rd, 4th, and 5th supralabial scales touching the eyes. The new species can be differentiated from S. batjanensis as well as all other species of Stegonotus by having its 5th supralabial scale projecting forward from behind the eye to form a narrow contact zone with the eye. In addition, it is differentiated by the combination of thefollowing characteristics: seven supralabials, the 3rd–5th touching the eye; eight infralabials, the 1st–4th touching the anterior
genial; four scales separating the posterior genial and the first gastrostege; dorsal scales in 17 rows, diminishing to 15 posteriorly; a low number of ventrals (181 in the holotype) combined with a high number of subcaudals (105 in the holotype), the latter comprising 37% of the scales on the ventral surface, the highest proportion in the genus. The description of this species is of interest beyond adding to the species diversity of Stegonotus: it allowed us to explore additional characteristics to resolve taxonomic questions in a morphologically conservative genus, it illustrates the need for additional herpetological survey work on the Bird’s Head Peninsula, and its initial misidentification serves as a reminder of the continued relevance and importance of natural history collections as repositories for specimens and data that influence our knowledge today by reaching out from the past.
Herpetological Review, 2018
Access to preserved specimens in museum collections is one of the key needs of those engaged in s... more Access to preserved specimens in museum collections is one of the key needs of those engaged in systematics research (e.g., Bi et al. 2013; Rocha et al. 2014; McLean et al. 2016). Yet, sometimes the constraints of research budgets and time prevent the optimal use of this critical resource, resulting in project delays, incomplete information, or flawed scientific conclusions. With many natural history museums now digitizing information related to specimens in their collections, imaging of specimens is a logical next step, and one of critical importance to make holdings available electronically to a broader audience (Baird 2010; Lister et al. 2011; Knight-Davis et al. 2015; Page et al. 2015). A complete 2D image library of all specimens in a collection may appear utopian at the moment, given the millions of specimens and lack of financial support for collections (e.g., Paknia et al. 2015). However, outside of visiting each collection to study individual specimens, or requesting loans of unique and valuable specimens, the lack of suitable specimen images means that some data may simply remain unavailable to researchers who cannot afford to obtain them. We wish to emphasize that the approach we advocate herein in no way negates the need to maintain and make accessible physical specimens in a collection. Although in rare cases where the lack of specimens is unavoidable (e.g., Marshall and Evenhuis 2015; Pape et al. 2016), there is no replacement for examining a well-preserved specimen. Our method should be regarded as an ancillary technique, useful when it is necessary to obtain preliminary data or when it is not possible to examine the specimen in person, and for archival purposes. Here we describe a simple, flexible, low-cost methodology for 2D imaging, which two of us (CK, HK) have tested extensively during our research at various institutions whose research space (in terms of size, quality, and access) and supportive equipment (lighting and suitable backgrounds) ranged widely. Our cost-conscious approach produces an image that is adequate for research and publication, although better equipment and alternative setups may provide images of higher quality but at higher cost in time and materials. While we realize that many of our more experienced colleagues may have their own protocols according to their experiences and equipment, our method is designed as a practical, entry-level compromise designed to make good 2D imaging accessible to most researchers. The process we have developed is also appropriate for use on any taxon for which two-dimensional images can assist in data collection, including many fish species but also for the head scalation in reptiles, whose deviation from a flat surface can be shown to be mathematically insignificant (< 1% measurement error; pers. obs.). Our recommended approach makes 2D imaging easy for visiting researchers or collection staff, thereby facilitating the establishment of image databases in a relatively rapid and economical manner. Furthermore, the technique would provide a permanent record of a specimen as it existed at the time it was imaged, a hedge against the loss of all or part of the collection, as regretfully has happened in years past and present (e.g., Staatliches Museum
Uploads
Papers by Mark O'Shea MBE
after the description of T. longhagen, confirmed additional species-level diversity and the detail of character analysis needed to differentiate species in this group. Their work made clear that only examination of many specimens would allow an assessment of interspecific variation and species boundaries, and this had been explained to the authors of the Roberts et al. paper ahead of their manuscript submission. The authors of the Kraus et al. paper had examined the specimen used to diagnose T. longhagen, as well as a series of similar specimens, and found it impossible to make a reliable species-level determination. Our detailed evaluation of the taxon longhagen reveals that it is insufficiently differentiated from the now-known species of the T. loriae Group, that it cannot confidently be assigned to any of these species, and that none of the existing specimens of snakes in this group can be assigned to T. longhagen. It follows that T. longhagen as currently defined is a
taxonomic nomen dubium. It will retain this status until such time when additional data or additional material can lead to a resolution of its taxonomy.
extending its known range northwestward by 150 km. We also question the long-accepted collection locality for another poorly known species, T. grandis and document that it was most likely collected further up the Setekwa River at a higher elevation, in habitat more conducive to the ecology of a terrestrial to semi-fossorial genus and in keeping with the known mainland distribution of Toxicocalamus.
neurotoxin that can have myotoxic effects and cause respiratory paralysis; several serine proteinases associated with coagulopathies were also present in the venom profile.
genial; four scales separating the posterior genial and the first gastrostege; dorsal scales in 17 rows, diminishing to 15 posteriorly; a low number of ventrals (181 in the holotype) combined with a high number of subcaudals (105 in the holotype), the latter comprising 37% of the scales on the ventral surface, the highest proportion in the genus. The description of this species is of interest beyond adding to the species diversity of Stegonotus: it allowed us to explore additional characteristics to resolve taxonomic questions in a morphologically conservative genus, it illustrates the need for additional herpetological survey work on the Bird’s Head Peninsula, and its initial misidentification serves as a reminder of the continued relevance and importance of natural history collections as repositories for specimens and data that influence our knowledge today by reaching out from the past.
after the description of T. longhagen, confirmed additional species-level diversity and the detail of character analysis needed to differentiate species in this group. Their work made clear that only examination of many specimens would allow an assessment of interspecific variation and species boundaries, and this had been explained to the authors of the Roberts et al. paper ahead of their manuscript submission. The authors of the Kraus et al. paper had examined the specimen used to diagnose T. longhagen, as well as a series of similar specimens, and found it impossible to make a reliable species-level determination. Our detailed evaluation of the taxon longhagen reveals that it is insufficiently differentiated from the now-known species of the T. loriae Group, that it cannot confidently be assigned to any of these species, and that none of the existing specimens of snakes in this group can be assigned to T. longhagen. It follows that T. longhagen as currently defined is a
taxonomic nomen dubium. It will retain this status until such time when additional data or additional material can lead to a resolution of its taxonomy.
extending its known range northwestward by 150 km. We also question the long-accepted collection locality for another poorly known species, T. grandis and document that it was most likely collected further up the Setekwa River at a higher elevation, in habitat more conducive to the ecology of a terrestrial to semi-fossorial genus and in keeping with the known mainland distribution of Toxicocalamus.
neurotoxin that can have myotoxic effects and cause respiratory paralysis; several serine proteinases associated with coagulopathies were also present in the venom profile.
genial; four scales separating the posterior genial and the first gastrostege; dorsal scales in 17 rows, diminishing to 15 posteriorly; a low number of ventrals (181 in the holotype) combined with a high number of subcaudals (105 in the holotype), the latter comprising 37% of the scales on the ventral surface, the highest proportion in the genus. The description of this species is of interest beyond adding to the species diversity of Stegonotus: it allowed us to explore additional characteristics to resolve taxonomic questions in a morphologically conservative genus, it illustrates the need for additional herpetological survey work on the Bird’s Head Peninsula, and its initial misidentification serves as a reminder of the continued relevance and importance of natural history collections as repositories for specimens and data that influence our knowledge today by reaching out from the past.
argue that what is not acceptable are self-authored and edited works that barely meet Code standards and certainly do not stand up to scientific rigor. Ray Hoser has published 24 volumes of his own selfedited reviews, describing well over 750 taxa from many parts of the world. He has attacked
researchers who disagree with him and others. He has taken the works of others and named clades to obtain “naming rights,” and he claims to be the world expert on herpetology and a representative of the principles of the Code. He has attempted to have the genus name Spracklandus and the journal (Australasian Journal of Herpetology) in which it is published declared available for nomenclature. In response, we have spearheaded a major attempt to have this unacceptable situation dealt with. 70
authors have come together to comment on the case, including many taxonomists, IUCN chairs, CITES chair, and the Red List Chair, former commissioners, museum collection managers, and editors of journals. We have asked that v1–24 of AJH be declared unavailable for nomenclature and further have enacted article 82.1 of the Code, which states that whilst a decision is pending no nomenclatural act from AJH 1–24 needs to be recognized until the ICZN makes a decision.
"Boas and Pythons of the World" comprises five chapters arranged geographically
as in its sister volume "Venomous Snakes of the World":
INTRODUCTION: Evolution of leglessness as an advanced state; Anatomy of snakes;
Basal snake diversity and distribution; Constriction: Giant snakes: myth or monster?;
Man-eating snakes; Life underground, and Conservation.
THE AMERICAS: American blindsnakes; American basal snakes;
American Macrostomatan snakes, andAmerican boas.
EUROPE AND ASIA: European and Asian blindsnakes; Asian basal snakes;
Asian macrostomatan snakes; Eurasian sand boas, and Asian pythons.
AFRICA AND THE INDIAN OCEAN ISLANDS: African blindsnakes; African boas;
African pythons, and Indian Ocean boas.
AUSTRALASIA AND THE PACIFIC OCEAN ISLANDS: Australasian blindsnakes;
Indo-Australian basal snakes; Australasian pythons, and Pacific boas.
Please note: It would be a breach of copyright to upload a copy of this book for download as the book is still available from booksellers.
"Venomous Snakes of the World" comprises seven chapters arranged geographically:
INTRODUCTION: Anatomy of snakes; Venomous snake diversity and distribution;
Snake venoms and their actions;
Life in the sea; Conservation and Venomous lizards.
THE AMERICAS: American elapids; American pitvipers;
Venomous snakes of the Caribbean, and South American rear-fanged colubrids.
EURASIA: Eurasian true vipers; Eurasian pitvipers; Eurasian cobras;
Arabian burrowing asps, and European rear-fanged colubrids.
AFRICA: African cobras; Other African elapids; African vipers;
African burrowing asps and African rear-fanged colubrids.
TROPICAL ASIA: Asian cobras; Other Asian elapids; Asian true vipers;
Fea's viper, and Asian pitvipers.
AUSTRALASIA: Australian elapids;
Snakes of Melanesia, and Australasian rear-fanged colubrids.
THE OCEANS: Sea kraits, and True seasnake.
Please note: It would be a breach of copyright to upload a copy of this book for download as the book is still available from booksellers.
Please note: It would be a breach of copyright to upload a copy of this book for download as the book is still available from booksellers.
I. Introduction
II. Amphibians of Timor-Leste
A. Duttaphrynus melanostictus (Bufonidae)
B. Genus Fejervarya (Dicroglossidae)
C. Limnonectes timorensis (Dicroglossidae)
D. Litoria everetti (Hylidae)
E. Litoria infrafrenata (Hylidae)
F. Genus Polypedates (Rhacophoridae)
III. Conservational Challenges
A. Colonialism and Environmental
Degradation
B. Subsistence Farming and
Environmental Degradation
C. Inadequate Taxonomy
D. Introduced Species
E. Nation-building Issues
IV. Outlook for Conservation
V. Acknowledgments
VI. References
lizards and 34 snakes.
Maraca's reptile fauna was compared statistically with those of eight other neotropical sites (six Amazonian and two lower Central American), using the methodology of Duellman (1990) in an effort to determine its 'coefficient of biogeographical resemblance' (CBR) to the other sites, and to predict its species richness. Not surprisingly, Maraca demonstrated greatest similarity to the Amazon basin sites to the south.
However, it was apparent from the data that Maraca has been incompletely sampled and that a further 20 species may yet be recorded if its species richness is compatible
with those of the other sites studied. Maraca is already the type locality for two lizard species with restricted ranges, and others amongst the specimens collected may prove to represent new taxa in the light of further research.
Resumo: Urn levantamento herpetológico da Ilha de Maracá foi realizado durante urn periodo de 10 meses entre junho de 1987 e março de 1988. Durante este periodo, a fauna conhecida de répteis aumentou em 46%, de 45 para 66 especies. Em adiçáo, duas subespécies novas (de espécies já conhecidas na ilha) foram registradas. A herpetofauna réptil de Maracá compreende pelo menos sete tartarugas, um jacaré, dois anfisbenideos, 22 lagartos e 34 serpentes.
Comparações estatísticas foram feitas entre a herpetofauna réptil da Ilha de Maracá e a de oito outros lugares neotropicais (seis na Amazônia e dois na América Central), usando a metodologia de Duellman (1990) para determinar semelhança e prognosticar a diversidade total. Como esperado, Maracá mostrou o maior indice de semelhanca com os outros sitios Amazônicos ao suI.
Entretanto, ficou aparente que a Ilha de Maracá tinha sido incompletamente estudada, e que, se a diversidade for comparável com ados outros sítios, ainda podem existir umas 20 espécies para serem registradas.
Maracá já representa a localidade do típo de duas espécies de distribuição restrita, e, entre o material coletado, estudos futuros poderiam revelar mais taxa novos.