Research Article |
Corresponding author: Daniel G. Mulcahy ( mulcahyd@si.edu ) Academic editor: Johannes Penner
© 2018 Daniel G. Mulcahy, Justin L. Lee, Aryeh H. Miller, Mia Chand, Myint Kyaw Thura, George R. Zug.
This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY 4.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.
Citation:
Mulcahy DG, Lee JL, Miller AH, Chand M, Thura MK, Zug GR (2018) Filling the BINs of life: Report of an amphibian and reptile survey of the Tanintharyi (Tenasserim) Region of Myanmar, with DNA barcode data. ZooKeys 757: 85-152. https://doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.757.24453
|
Despite threats of species extinctions, taxonomic crises, and technological advances in genomics and natural history database informatics, we are still distant from cataloguing all of the species of life on earth. Amphibians and reptiles are no exceptions; in fact new species are described nearly every day and many species face possible extinction. The number of described species continues to climb as new areas of the world are explored and as species complexes are examined more thoroughly. The use of DNA barcoding provides a mechanism for rapidly estimating the number of species at a given site and has the potential to record all of the species of life on Earth. Though DNA barcoding has its caveats, it can be useful to estimate the number of species in a more systematic and efficient manner, to be followed in combination with more traditional, morphology-based identifications and species descriptions. Herein, we report the results of a voucher-based herpetological expedition to the Tanintharyi (Tenasserim) Region of Myanmar, enhanced with DNA barcode data. Our main surveys took place in the currently proposed Tanintharyi National Park. We combine our results with photographs and observational data from the Chaung-nauk-pyan forest reserve. Additionally, we provide the first checklist of amphibians and reptiles of the region, with species based on the literature and museum. Amphibians, anurans in particular, are one of the most poorly known groups of vertebrates in terms of taxonomy and the number of known species, particularly in Southeast Asia. Our rapid-assessment program combined with DNA barcoding and use of Barcode Index Numbers (BINs) of voucher specimens reveals the depth of taxonomic diversity in the southern Tanintharyi herpetofauna even though only a third of the potential amphibians and reptiles were seen. A total of 51 putative species (one caecilian, 25 frogs, 13 lizards, 10 snakes, and two turtles) were detected, several of which represent potentially undescribed species. Several of these species were detected by DNA barcode data alone. Furthermore, five species were recorded for the first time in Myanmar, two amphibians (Ichthyophis cf. kohtaoensis and Chalcorana eschatia) and three snakes (Ahaetulla mycterizans, Boiga dendrophila, and Boiga drapiezii).
Anura , biodiversity, Gymnophiona , Thai-Malay Peninsula, natural history, Southeast Asia, species diversity, Squamata , Testudines , Thailand
Despite advances in technologies, warnings of taxonomic crises, and increased interest in taxonomy (
The use of DNA barcoding offers a starting point for recording the number of species of life on Earth (
Presently, there are approximately 518,000 BINs, representing ~180,000 formally described animal species currently in BOLD. This indicates that there are currently only DNA barcodes for a fraction of formally described animal species (< 10%), and BINs for ~338,000 un-described animal species (granted legitimate species may occupy several BINs, thus reducing the estimated number of BINs of undescribed species). Contributions of DNA barcodes for known taxa (identified to species by traditional morphological characters – and complemented with molecular DNA data) are appreciated and can be provided in terms of “data release papers” (e.g.
Here, we provide an example by incorporating DNA barcode data with biodiversity inventory survey data of amphibians and reptiles collected in a poorly known region of the world, the Tanintharyi Region of Myanmar (the ‘Tenasserim’). This includes one of the most poorly known vertebrate groups in terms of taxonomy – anurans in Southeast Asia. Prior to this study, there were only 1259 anuran species with DNA barcodes in BOLD for the approximately 7727 currently recognized species of anurans known globally (
Map of Tanintharyi Region, Myanmar. The Tanintharyi Nature Reserve, north of Dawei, and the Lampi National Park, island northwest of Kawthoung, are officially designated as national parks in Myanmar. The other areas in Myanmar are proposed as national parks (Protected Areas) or being considered for future protection (Reserve Forests). The main survey reported here was conducted in the Yeybu area of the proposed Tanintharyi National Park (triangles: Forest 1–2 and Gardens sites). A shorter survey, with fewer people, was conducted in the Reserve Forest near the Chaung-nauk-pyan area (diamonds: Forest 3 and slash & burnt sites) and is also included in this report. Map provided by Grant M. Connette of the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute (SCBI).
Tanintharyi is the southern-most political division of Myanmar, now formally known as the Tanintharyi Region. This region occupies about the southern two-thirds of the former colonial British administrative unit of Tenasserim; the northern portion is now Mon State. Biological surveys of Tanintharyi have been limited in postcolonial times owing to political disagreements and military activities. The last herpetofaunal summary of Tanintharyi is
Lacking a recent review for the Tanintharyi, we relied on reptile and amphibian checklists and studies of Thailand (
The survey team for the proposed Tanintharyi National Park area comprised Myint Kyaw Thura (ENCA), Daniel G. Mulcahy (NMNH-SI)) and Thaw Zin, for the Reserve Forest area Myint Kyaw Thura and Thaw Zin.
1) Proposed Tanintharyi National Park – Yeybu area (Fig.
2) Reserve forest – Chaung-nauk-pyan area (Fig.
Collections of amphibians and reptiles were made at four sites: hotel in Myeik (commensal); Yeybuchaung-ngal stream Camp 1 (Forest 1); Yeybuchaung stream Camp 2 (Forest 2); and vicinity of Yeybu village (Gardens). Only observations and photographs were taken at two sites: near the village of Chaung-nauk-pyan in a Reserve Forest (Forest 3) and nearby in a recently cleared site (Slash & burnt). Dates and latitude and longitude coordinates are identified above in the itinerary. The survey protocol was visual searching along Yeybuchang-ngal stream and its smaller side-branches. The stream was searched both during the day and at night (with flash-lights and head lamps). All amphibians were captured by hand; reptiles by hand, rubber-bands, sling-shots (catapults), and snake tongs for large or dangerous species. Transport of specimens from the field to the camp was done in plastic bags for amphibians and cloth bags for reptiles. Unique individuals were usually photographed. All specimens to be retained as vouchers were euthanized following IUCAC protocols, with a drop of 5% benzocaine on the head (amphibians) or into the oral cavity (reptiles). Genomic tissue samples (piece of liver and/or muscle) were taken from all specimens. The genomic samples were harvested prior to formalin preservation; each sample was place in individual 1.5 ml tube with salt-saturated ethylene-diamine-tetracetic acid/ Dimethyl sulfoxide (EDTA/DMSO) buffer for long-term storage and future genetic analyses modified from
We attempted several rounds of PCR and sequencing for each specimen collected, with the exception of four Odorrana hosii Boulenger and three Ansonia thinthinae Wilkinson, Sellas, & Vindum. In addition to our samples from our expedition, we DNA barcoded 108 additional specimens of amphibians from previous
Sequences for uncertain taxa were further assessed by multiple methods. First, we considered specimens placed in the same COI BINS (
Our compiled list of species documented in the Tanintharyi contains 46 amphibians and 110 reptiles, including one caecilian, 45 anurans, 100 squamates (42 lizards and 58 snakes), and 10 turtles (Table
The herpetofauna of southern Tanintharyi. Marine or estuarine species are excluded. Occurrence data is derived from the California Academy of Sciences (
Order | Family – Subfamily/Species |
|
PNP Area‡ | RF |
---|---|---|---|---|
ANURANS | Bufonidae | |||
Ansonia thinthinae | D | √ | – | |
Duttaphrynus melanostictus | DK | – | – | |
Ingerophrynus parvus | DK | √ | + | |
Phrynoidis asper | DK | √ | + | |
Ceratobatrachidae | ||||
Alcalus tasanae | K | – | – | |
Dicroglossidae – Dicroglossinae | ||||
Fejervarya sp. (hp2) | ? | √ | – | |
Fejervarya sp. (hp3) | ? | √ | + | |
Hoplobatrachus rugulosus | D | – | – | |
Limnonectes blythii | DK | √ | + | |
Limnonectes doriae | DK | √ | + | |
Limnonectes hascheanus | DK | – | – | |
Limnonectes kohchangae | D | – | – | |
Limnonectes laticeps | K | – | – | |
Limnonectes limborgi | D | √ | – | |
Limnonectes macrognathus | D | – | – | |
Dicroglossidae – Occidozyginae | ||||
Ingerana tenasserimensis | D | √ | – | |
Occidozyga lima | ? | √ | – | |
Occidozyga martensii | DK | √ | + | |
Megophryidae | ||||
Leptobrachium smithi | DK | – | – | |
Megophrys sp. | D | – | – | |
Microhylidae – Kalophryninae | ||||
Kalophrynus interlineatus | D | – | – | |
Microhylidae – Microhylinae | ||||
Kaloula latidisca | D | √ | – | |
Kaloula pulchra | DK | – | M√ | |
Microhyla berdmorei | DK | – | – | |
Microhyla butleri | ? | √ | – | |
Microhyla heymonsi | DK | √ | – | |
Microhyla fissipes | ? | √ | + | |
Microhyla pulchra | D | – | – | |
Micryletta inornata | DK | – | – | |
Ranidae | ||||
Amolops marmoratus | D | – | – | |
Amolops panhai | D | √ | – | |
Chalcorana eschatia | ? | √ | – | |
Clinotarsus alticola | DK | – | – | |
ANURANS | Hydrophylax leptoglossa | D | – | – |
Hylarana erythraea | DK | √ | – | |
Odorrana hosii | K | √ | – | |
Odorrana livida | D | √ | – | |
Sylvirana malayana | ? | √ | – | |
Sylvirana nigrovittata | DK | – | – | |
Rhacophoridae – Rhacophorinae | ||||
Chirixalus vittatus | D | – | – | |
Nyctixalus pictus | K | – | – | |
Polypedates mutus | ? | √ | – | |
Polypedates leucomystax | DK | √ | + | |
Rhacophorus cyanopunctatus | D | – | – | |
Rhacophorus verrucosus | D | – | – | |
Theloderma phyrnoderma | D | – | – | |
CAECILIANS | Ichthyophiidae | |||
Ichthyophis cf. kohtaoensis | DK | √ | – | |
TESTUDINES | Geoemydidae | |||
Cyclemys dentate | D | – | – | |
Testudinidae | ||||
Indotestudo elongata | – | + | – | |
Trionychidae – Trionychinae | ||||
Dogania subplana | – | + | – | |
Nilssonia formosa | D | – | – | |
SQUAMATES – LIZARDS | Agamidae | |||
Acanthosaura crucigera | DK | √ | – | |
Bronchocela burmana | K√ | – | – | |
Calotes emma | DK | √ | + | |
Calotes “versicolor” | DK | – | – | |
Draco blanfordii | DK | √ | – | |
Draco maculatus | DK | – | – | |
Draco taeniopterus | DK | – | + | |
Gekkonidae | ||||
Cyrtodactylus brevipalmatus | D | – | – | |
Cyrtodactylus lenya | √ | – | – | |
Cyrtodactylus oldhami | DK | – | – | |
Cyrtodactylus payarhtanensis | √ | – | – | |
Gehyra mutilata | DK | – | – | |
Gekko gecko | DK | √ | + | |
Hemidactylus frenatus | DK | – | M√ | |
Hemidactylus garnotii | DK | √ | – | |
Hemidactylus karenorum | ? | – | – | |
Hemidactylus platyurus | K | – | – | |
Hemidactylus tenkatei | K | – | M√ | |
Lacertidae | ||||
Takydromus sexlineatus | – | √ | – | |
Scincidae | ||||
Dasia olivacea | K√ | – | – | |
Eutropis longicauda | ? | – | – | |
SQUAMATES – LIZARDS | Eutropis macularia | DK | √ | – |
Eutropis multifasciata | DK | √ | + | |
Lipinia vittigera | DK | – | – | |
Lygosoma bowringii | K | – | – | |
Scincella reevesi | D | – | – | |
Sphenomorphus maculatus | DK | √ | + | |
Tropidophorus robinsoni | DK | – | – | |
Varanidae | ||||
Varanus rudicollis | – | + | – | |
SQUAMATES – SNAKES | Acrochordidae | |||
Acrochordus granulatus | D | – | – | |
Colubridae – Colubrinae | ||||
Ahaetulla mycterizans | K | √ | – | |
Ahaetulla fronticincta | D | – | – | |
Ahaetulla prasina | DK | – | + | |
Boiga cyanea | DK | – | – | |
Boiga dendrophila | – | √ | – | |
Boiga drapiezii | K | √ | – | |
Boiga multomaculata | D | – | – | |
Boiga siamensis | D | – | – | |
Coelognathus radiatus | M | – | – | |
Dendrelaphis formosanus | K | – | – | |
Dendrelaphis haasi | D | – | – | |
Dendrelaphis pictus | D | – | + | |
Dendrelaphis striatus | DK | – | + | |
Dryocalamus subannulatus † | – | – | – | |
Gonyosoma oxycephalum | D | – | – | |
Lycodon aulicus | D | – | – | |
Lycodon subcinctus | D | – | – | |
Colubridae – Natricinae | ||||
Rhabdophis chrysargos | DK | √ | – | |
Rhabdophis nigrocinctus | D | – | + | |
Xenochrophis piscator | D | √ | + | |
Xenochrophis punctulatus | D | – | – | |
Xenochrophis trianguligerus | DK | √ | – | |
Elapidae | ||||
Bungarus sp. | K | – | – | |
Calliophis maculiceps | D | – | – | |
Hydrophis schistosus | D | – | – | |
Naja kaouthia | – | – | + | |
Homalopsidae | ||||
Cantoria violacea | D | – | – | |
Homalopsis semizonata | D | – | – | |
Cerberus rynchops | D | – | – | |
Fordonia leucobalia | D | – | – | |
Lamprophiidae – Pseudaspidinae | ||||
Psammodynastes pulverulentus | DK | – | – | |
SQUAMATES – SNAKES | Pareatidae | |||
Pareas carinatus | DK | – | – | |
Pareas macularius | D | – | – | |
Pareas margaritophorus | ? | – | – | |
Pythonidae | ||||
Malayopython reticulatus | – | + | – | |
Typhlopidae | ||||
Indotyphlops braminus | D | – | – | |
Uropeltidae | ||||
Cylindrophis burmanus | K | – | – | |
Viperidae – Crotalinae | ||||
Trimeresurus purpureomaculatus | DK | – | – | |
Trimeresurus stejnegeri | K | – | – | |
Trimeresurus sp.§ | √ | – | – | |
Xenopeltidae | ||||
Xenopeltis unicolor | D | – | – |
Additional species for which DNA barcodes were generated from the reference material from northern Myanmar. Asterisks indicate species also detected in the Tanintharyi Region.
Family | Species | State/Province |
---|---|---|
Ichthyophiidae | Ichthyophis multicolor | Ayeyawady |
Bufonidae | Duttaphrynus melanostictus | Sagaing |
Dicroglossidae | Fejervarya sp. (BFL2007) | Sagaing |
Magway | ||
Fejervarya sp. A (DGM2018) | Sagaing | |
Mandalay | ||
Fejervarya sp. (hp2)* | Yangon | |
Bago | ||
Fejervarya sp. (hp3)* | Bago | |
Hoplobatrachus litoralis | Yangon | |
Bago | ||
Hoplobatrachus rugulosus | Sagaing | |
Ingerana tenasserimensis* | Mon State | |
Limnonectes doriae* | Yangon | |
Bago | ||
Mon State | ||
Limnonectes limborgi* | Bago | |
Mon State | ||
Dicroglossidae | Limnonectes longchuanensis | Mandalay |
Occidozyga lima* | Mandalay | |
Sagaing | ||
Occidozyga sp. A (DGM2018) | Yangon | |
Occidozyga sp. B (DGM2018) | Yangon | |
Occidozyga sp. C (DGM2018) | Bago | |
Sphaerotheca breviceps | Sagaing | |
Megophryidae | Leptobrachium smithi | Mon State |
Leptolalax sp. A (DGM2018) | Mandalay | |
Microhylidae | Glyphoglossus molossus | Sagaing |
Kalophrynus anya | Sagaing | |
Kaloula pulchra* | Yangon | |
Bago | ||
Sagaing | ||
Mandalay | ||
Microhyla berdmorei | Yangon | |
Bago | ||
Microhyla fissipes* | Yangon | |
Sagaing | ||
Bago | ||
Mandalay | ||
Magway | ||
Microhyla heymonsi* | Bago | |
Mandalay | ||
Microhyla sp. A (DGM2018) | Sagaing | |
Microhyla sp. B (DGM2018) | Magway | |
Ranidae | Amolops marmoratus | Mon State |
Humerana humeralis | Bago | |
Hylarana erythraea* | Yangon | |
Hylarana lateralis | Yangon | |
Sagaing | ||
Hylarana sp. A | Sagaing | |
Hylarana tytleri | Bago | |
Odorrana cf. chloronota | Mandalay | |
Odorrana livida* | Mon State | |
Sylvirana nigrovittata | Mon State | |
Mandalay | ||
Sylvirana lacrima | Mandalay | |
Rhacophoridae | Chiromantis sp. A (DGM2018) | Sagaing |
Chiromantis doriae | Mandalay | |
Polypedates teraiensis | Yangon | |
Sagaing | ||
Bago | ||
Rhacophorus rhodopus | Mandalay |
A single individual was found. Not dissected, sex and maturity unknown, likely juvenile; 144 mm SVL, 2 mm TailL. This individual had a bright yellow ventrolateral stripe in life (white in preservation) on each side ending below eye, ~273 primary annuli, 3 caudal annuli, eye visible, and tentacle opening much nearer eye than external choana.
This individual was discovered on the forest floor, immediately following a heavy rain.
Tanintharyi and peninsular Thailand.
The 16S sequence is 98% identical to several sequences in GenBank, including GB AB686168, Ichthyophis cf. supachaii UKMHC 877 and KUHE 23189 from Malaysia and Thailand, respectively. However, our specimen fell outside of the 16S clade containing I. cf. supachaii, I. cf. hypocyaneus, and I. cf. kohtaoensis in a neighbor-joining tree of Ichthyophis 16S sequences in GenBank. Additional 12S data for our specimen (GenBank MG944814) placed it in the “Ichthyophis cf. kohtaoensis” clade (Suppl. material
Ichthyophis kohtaoensis listed as LC (Least Concern).
We included one caecilian from the legacy collection, an Ichthyophis multicolor from Ayeyarwady Region, Myanmar (
Sample of two immature males 22.0, 22.3 mm SVL, mature males 19.5–23.4 mm (n = 5), immature females 21.1–22.8 (n = 6) and two mature females 23.3–25.6 mm SVL.
All individuals were on rocks in and alongside small cascades in full canopied areas of forest streams.
Known only from Tanintharyi, Myanmar.
Our specimens form a single clade with 99–100% similarities based on 16S data, and are 96–97% similar to the type series from northern Tanintharyi, Myanmar (
The sample appears to represent a single reproductive-season cohort amid maturation. If our assessment of maturity is correct, this population has slightly smaller adults than the more northern topotypic population where adult males were 22–28 mm SVL and a single adult female was 31.8 mm.
EN (Endangered).
Adult male 37.7 mm and adult female, 45.2 mm SVL.
Both individuals were found in the leaf-litter of forest sites 1–2, and also observed in the slash & burnt area.
Southern Myanmar and southwestern Thailand through Malay Peninsula into Greater Sunda Islands.
Our specimens are genetically similar to one another (99.6% identical) and, based on 16S data are placed in a clade with other I. parvus, though showing substantial genetic differences (91–94% identical) from GenBank material (AB746455 and AB530649–51). GenBank specimens are from Malaysia, suggesting either this may represent a species complex, or this represents a single species that shows high genetic diversity, possibly attributed to a low dispersal rate of a leaf-litter species.
LC.
Three adult males 103.0, 104.3, 104.5 mm SVL, and juvenile 34.5 mm SVL.
Selected amphibians found during this study’s expedition. A Phrynoidis aspera (
This riverine species occurs along stream borders but is principally a terrestrial species.
Tanintharyi, peninsular Thailand and Malaysia to Sumatra, Java, and Borneo.
Our specimens are genetically nearly identical to one another (99–100% identical) and some are identical to one specimen in GenBank (DQ158432; FMNH 248148) from Brunei, suggesting low genetic diversity in a potentially high rate of dispersal species. These specimens form a clade with other P. asper from GenBank (Suppl. material
LC.
We also sequenced two specimens of Duttaphrynus melanostictus from Sagaing, Myanmar (
Medium-sized morph, adult females (7) 41.1–55.3 mm, adult males (16) 38.5–45.0 mm SVL.
These frogs occur in a variety of human-modified habitats from drainage ditch to rice fields. All females are gravid and bear a mix of pigmented ova and small developing follicles, although only one had a full complement of pigmented ova. Presumably the other females had bred and deposited about half of their mature ova.
Western Thailand, Bangkok to Mae Hong Son and Three Pagoda Pass, to Yangon, Bago, and Tanintharyi, Myanmar.
In addition to the specimens collected in Tanintharyi, we sequenced three other individuals from Magway (
Our material extends the range of this clade from Mae Hong Son and Bangkok, Thailand to the Tanintharyi, Myanmar.
MBM-JBS 19825,
NE (Not Evaluated).
Adult females (n = 3) 32.3–38.5 mm, adult males (n = 4) 31.0–33.5 mm SVL.
These frogs occurred in a variety of human-modified habitats from drainage ditch to rice fields.
Pilok, western Thailand, to Bago and Tanintharyi, Myanmar.
We included two individuals from Bago (
Our material extends the range of this clade from Bangkok, Thailand to Bago and the Tanintharyi, Myanmar. The Grassfrogs, Fejervarya limnocharis complex, has gone from a single species of widespread tropical Asian frog in the early 1950s to twenty plus species in 2008 (
NE.
We sequenced three specimens from Sagaing (
Adult females (2) 114.8, 127.6 mm SVL, immature female 89.1 mm, presumed adult males 88.1 mm SVL. The vouchers, also including three juveniles, range from 30.2 to 56.3 mm SVL. All individuals have dark or black soles of hindfeet.
These frogs occurred in or at the edge of the forest streams.
Southern Myanmar and western Thailand southward to Sumatra and Borneo.
Our specimens were placed in a 16S clade with material from GenBank identified as L. blythii from neighboring Thailand (GU934328) and elsewhere (RBU55270, RBU66127, RBU66131, RBU66133, and RBU66135; no locality data provided). There are several other sequences from GenBank identified as “L. blythii” elsewhere in the tree (e.g. RBU55269, RBU66115). The type locality for L. blythii is “Tenasserim valley”, Myanmar. Therefore, we consider our specimens to represent L. blythii based on material closest to the type locality (and fitting the description), and the other specimens in GenBank are misidentified.
These semi-aquatic frogs are the largest anurans in this area in both mass and length.
NT (Near Threatened).
Juveniles (n = 4) 27.6–33.1 mm, subadult female 48.6 mm, adult males (4) 48.7–53.5 mm SVL.
The collection contains two distinct size classes. The gonads of the adults were sexually quiescent; this information and the “half-grown” juveniles indicate an end of the monsoon- early dry season breeding cycle.
Myanmar and western and peninsular Thailand.
We included other individuals from Yangon (
LC
A single juvenile, 24.8 mm SVL.
Found along forest stream.
Northwestern Myanmar and adjacent Thailand.
We included two individuals, one each from Bago (
LC
We sequenced an additional specimen (MBM-
Adult females (n =3) 17.6–19.7 mm SVL.
These frogs were found along the edges of streams in areas of low falls caused by flat rocky outcrops. All were gravid with two or three unpigmented ova.
Eastern Myanmar and adjacent Thailand to northern West Malaysia.
We included three individuals from Mon State (
Two other specimens in GenBank are placed sister to our clade based on 16S, one (KR827831) identified as I. tenasserimensis from Thailand (
MBM-
LC.
Adult females (n = 3) 26.5–32.3 mm SVL, adult male (n = 1) 26.5 mm SVL. All had strongly tuberculate skin dorsally on trunk, bold black horizontal stripe on rear of thighs, and strongly patterned venter with pair of dark chin stripes.
These frogs occurred in human-modified habitats. All females were gravid.
Widespread, eastern India to southern China southward through Southeast Asia to Java.
We included one individual from Sagaing (
The Common Puddlefrog in Myanmar or the frogs that have been identified as O. lima contain at least three distinct morphotypes. The taxa vary in size and coloration. The southern Tanintharyi “O. lima” is smaller and has a bold black and white ventral pattern lacking in the “O. lima” from northern Mon State and adjacent Bago, but it does share the bold, dark thigh stripe of the northern frogs.
MBM-JBS 5405,
LC.
Adult females (n = 7) 26.4–28.4 mm SVL, adult males (n = 7) 19.0–24.3 mm SVL. Dorsal skin lightly rugose; dorsum dusky brown and few individuals with a faint pattern of mid-dorsal dark stripe bordered by lighter parasagittal stripe on each side; posterior thigh with faint and narrow dark horizontal stripe; venter immaculate from chest to pubis, chin and throat dark in males, dusky to immaculate in females.
Found in flooded fields and other human-modified habitats.
Tanintharyi to northern West Malaysia, Thailand to southern China.
The Tanintharyi specimens were nearly identical to each other (<1% sequence divergence COI and 16S) and formed a 16S clade with specimens in GenBank identified as O. martensii (AB530610 and KP318725) from Thailand. Other sequences in GenBank identified as O. martensii from Vietnam (AF285214, DQ283357) and Yunnan China (DQ458255–56) form a separate clade sister to ours, indicating this may represent a species complex.
LC.
We were unable to identify two of the Tanintharyi specimens to species, an adult female 20.8 mm, adult male 22.1 mm SVL. Dorsal skin lightly rugose; broad mid-dorsal brown stripe bordered by broad parasagittal tan stripes on dorsum; posterior thigh without dark horizontal bar although with sharp delineation between dorsal brown and ventral white; venter immaculate white.
Occurred in the same area as the previous two Occidozyga species.
Occidozyga sp. A–B are known from Yangon, Occidozyga sp. C is known from Bago, and Occidozyga sp. D is known from Tanintharyi.
We included other Occidozyga from the legacy collection for comparative purposes. These individuals were very different genetically from the Tanintharyi specimens, and some from each other, including individuals from the same geographic regions forming different clades. This is likely a cryptic species complex; therefore, we treat each of these clades as separate, unidentified species, each was placed in its own COIBIN: O. sp. A from Yangon (
spA-DGM2018:
NE.
We sequenced several other dicroglossids for comparison, including three specimens of Hoplobatrachus tigerinus from Yangon (
Though we did not encounter any megophryid frogs during our surveys, we sequenced one Leptobrachium smithi (
Immature female 41.6 mm SVL.
This single individual was found in a field near the village.
Tanintharyi, Myanmar to northern peninsular Malaysia.
Our individual was placed at the base of a 16S clade containing many other specimens in GenBank, some labeled K. baleata (AB634687, KC822570, KM509153) and many others labeled K. sp. from Palawan, Peninsular Malaysia, Sulawesi, and Vietnam. Two other individuals in GenBank identified as K. baleata (KC179969, KC180032) were placed elsewhere in the tree with other specimens identified as K. sp. from Vietnam. These sequences are from a study focused on the Philippine Archipelago (
NE.
Immature female 52.8, immature male 52.9 mm SVL.
Both individuals were collected from the border of a hotel’s parking lot in Myeik.
Widespread, northeast India and Bangladesh to southern China and Thailand southward through Thai-Malay Peninsula to Greater Sunda Islands.
We sequenced other individuals from Sagaing (
LC.
Immature males 22.9, 24.2 mm SVL.
All three species of Microhyla were captured in the same flooded fields. Data were not taken on which species were calling or difference in vocalization.
Northeast India to southern China and Taiwan southward through Myanmar and Southeast Asia to Singapore.
We sequenced one individual from Yangon (MBM-JBS 2952). It was placed in a separate COIBIN from our Tanintharyi specimen, and they were placed in a 16S clade with many other M. butleri sequences in GenBank.
Of the three species in the voucher collection, the two M. butleri do not display expanded vocal sacs and internally the testes appear immature.
LC.
Adult females (n = 3) 24.6–28.3 mm, adult males (n = 3) 25.9–27.0 mm SVL.
Based on our limited sampling, this species appears to have been the most abundant of the breeding Microhyla in the flooded fields.
Southern and central China, Myanmar and Southeast Asia to Singapore.
We sequenced other individuals from Sagaing (
Microhyla fissipes was recently resurrected (
LC.
Adult female (n = 1) 25.1 mm, adult males (2) 20.1, 20.6 mm SVL.
From flooded fields.
Northeast India through southern China to Taiwan, southward through Southeast Asia to Sumatra.
We sequenced four other individuals, two from Bago (
LC.
We sequenced nine additional specimens of Microhyla from northern Myanmar. Four (
Because a considerable amount of COI barcode data are available for ranid frogs, we also conducted a similar comparison using a neighbor-joining tree with material from GenBank.
All juveniles (n = 12) 29.4–35.2 SVL.
Moderately common in the areas of large rocks and splash zones.
Tanintharyi, Myanmar and western/central peninsular Thailand.
Our specimens were less than 1% (COI and 16S) sequence divergence from each other. These were placed in a COIBIN with two individuals of A. panhai from Thailand (
LC.
We included three individuals (
An immature female, 35.4 mm SVL, two adult females, 47.3–48.4 mm and five adult males, 30.5–34.6 mm SVL. Both adult females are gravid.
Streamside in the primary forest.
Tanintharyi Myanmar to southern Thailand.
Our specimens were placed in a single COIBIN with four specimens from Thailand identified as Hylarana eschatia. Our specimens were placed in a 16S clade with material from GenBank, with all specimens of C. eschatia from neighboring Thailand, including type material (e.g. FMNH 268523–30,
The Malayan populations were formerly included in Hylarana chalconota, which is now restricted to southern Sumatra, Java, and Bali. Our findings represent new country records for this species.
NE.
Adult female, 71.8 mm SVL.
This gravid female was found in a flooded field.
Eastern Myanmar and Southeast Asia southward to Borneo.
In addition to our single specimen, we sequenced two individuals (
LC.
When we began the barcode analysis of our Tanintharyi Hylarana, the genus contained more than three dozen species. Hylarana sensu lato was clearly not a monophyletic group, as
A total of 17 individuals were collected in the Tanintharyi. Two adult females, 78.3, 87.8 mm SVL, adult males (n = 13) 52.5–60.4 mm SVL (measurements for adults only). All individuals share dark lores, a white upper lip with white stripe extending to above axilla, and an immaculate (nearly white) venter from chin to pubic area.
The unpigmented follicles and enlarging oviducts in females and the modest ductus deferens and no external visible vocal sacs of males suggest that breeding had not yet begun in this population. All were found on branches over and adjacent to forest streams.
Peninsular Myanmar, Thailand, West Malaysia to Sumatra and Borneo.
Our specimens ranged from 0–0.5% sequence divergence from each other based on COI data and were placed in one BIN. These were also placed in a 16S clade identical to other individuals (e.g. DQ650595–604) identified as O. hosii from neighboring Thailand (
Least Concern.
Single adult female 86.8 mm SVL, adult male 73.0 mm SVL. These individuals have strongly dusky colored chins and anterior chests.
N/A
Northeast India to peninsular Myanmar and Thailand.
We included two individuals from Mon (MBM-
DD (Data Defficient).
We sequenced one individual (
Immature female, 39.9 mm SVL.
Specimen was found adjacent to the forest stream.
Once thought to be widespread, Nepal, northern peninsular and Northeast India to southwest China and Southeast Asia. However, several recent studies based on molecular data suggest “S. nigrovittata” represents a multiple-species complex, with this species (S. malayana) being recently described from the Thai-Malay Peninsula our our specimen extends the range into central Tanintharyi, ostensibly overlapping with S. nigrovittata sensu strico (see below).
One specimen was collected in 2014, it was placed in its own COIBIN and in a 16S clade with other individuals identified as S. nigrovittata in GenBank from Phang-Nga, Thailand (KR827826,
LC.
We sequenced several other individuals from northern Myanmar identified as Sylvirana/Hylarana sp. We found several clades of “S. nigrovittata” in our 16S tree. We sequenced two individuals from Mon State (
Three immature females 61.7, 62.8, 69.7 mm, adult female 82.0, and two adult males 45.7, 45.8 mm SVL.
Two species of Polypedates were found in a rural landscape during heavy rains. At the time of collection, all specimens (six adult males and ten females) were assumed to represent a single species and the location of individual specimens was not noted, though all were collected from the same flooded fields. The results from the barcode analysis revealed that two genetic lineages were present in the total Polypedates sample, and one of lineages was represented by only males and the other by only females. The males (45.3–50.2 mm SVL) have the vocal sacs open although there is no indication externally (i.e., stretched throat skin and pigmented) and the testes are enlarged. The majority (n = 9) of the females range from 60.7–70.0 mm SVL; their oviducts have only begun to enlarge and the follicles within the ovaries are small and presumably pre-vitellogenic or in early vitellogenesis; a single large female 82.0 mm SVL has mature oviducts and ovarian follicles are well yolked but not pigmented. All females have distinct dark brown longitudinal stripes (commonly broken) on the dorsum; stripes are absent or reduced on most of the males. Additionally, the lower lip of the females is black bordered and immaculate in the males. It is notable that without the barcode data, we would have interpreted the vouchers as a single species with distinctly smaller males and larger females. The reproductive data suggest that the smaller species breeds early in the monsoon and the larger one in the late monsoon or early dry season.
Widespread in South Asia, eastern India to southwestern China through Southeast Asia to the Greater Sunda Islands and Philippine Islands.
Our specimens were placed in their own COIBIN, and were placed at the base of a large 16S clade of P. leucomystax, from GenBank (sensu
Initially, the specimens collected were considered to represent a single species, but the DNA barcoding revealed two distinct lineages. The P. leucomystax complex of frogs remains contentious. Several recent studies have produced 16S (e.g.
Polypedates leucomystax is listed as LC.
All individuals are immature; six females 59.9–66.6 mm, three males 45.3–50.3, and a sex indeterminate specimen 45.2 mm SVL (n=10).
See preceding species account.
Tanintharyi Myanmar, Thailand, Yunnan and Guangxi, China.
The second clade of our Polypedates, and an additional specimen from Mandalay (
LC.
We sequenced three individuals initially identified as Polypedates teraiensis from Sagaing (
A shell of this species was seen in Yeybu village. Carapace length (straight) was approximately 22 cm; sex indeterminate owing to absence of a plastron. Nine distinct growth annuli were visible on the second right pleural scute.
Selected turtles and lizards found during this study’s expedition. A Indotestudo elongata (
The tortoise from which the shell was derived was presumably from the adjacent forest.
Widespread, Nepal, northern peninsular and Northeast India to Southeast Asia into northernmost West Malaysia.
No molecular data available.
The specimen was found in a camp and photo vouchered.
EN (Endangered); CITES Appendix II.
No measurements were taken.
Uncertain origin, but presumably from the nearby river.
Myanmar and Thailand through Peninsular Malaysia, south to Sumatra, Java, and Borneo.
No molecular data available.
This individual was seen in Yeybu village. No measurements were taken.
LR/LC (Low Risk/Least Concern; needs updating); CITES Appendix II.
Adult male 110.4 mm SVL, 222 mm TailL, 27.3 mm HeadL; 42% TrunkL/SVL, 30% Forarm/CrusL, 25% HeadL/SVL, 82% HeadW/HeadL, 61% HeadH/HeadL, 61% SnEye/HeadL, 23% EyeEar/HeadL.
Acanthosaura crucigera is a striking lizard with its postorbital and nape spines, highlighted by dark brown face mask bordered below by white lips and jowl. This specimen has seven cervical spines, 20 fourth finger lamellae and 26 fourth toe lamellae.
Only one individual was seen during the six days of survey days in the forest. This individual was on a branch overhanging the stream.
Tanintharyi Myanmar through southern Thailand and Cambodia, southward to northern West Malaysia.
No COI sequences are currently available for A. crucigera, and our specimen was placed in its own COIBIN and differs from other Acanthosaura species by 16–18%. Our specimen is 97% similar to an A. crucigera in GenBank (AB031980) from Koh Chang Island, Thailand (
NE.
Adult females (n = 2) 101.7, 106.1 mm SVL, 279, 284 mm TailL, adult males (n = 2) 84.5, 102.2 mm SVL, 236, 279 mm TailL; 16.4 , 17.4 mm & 12.2, 16.7 mm, respectively HeadL; 46–50% TrunkL/SVL,14–17% HeadL/SVL, 68–79% HeadW/HeadL, 33–46% HeadH/HeadL, 43–44% SnEye/HeadL, 25–29% EyeEar/HeadL. Dorsal spines range from 39 to 52, fourth finger lamellae 22 to 25, and fourth toe lamellae 25 to 31.
Although C. emma was found within the forest, these individuals were in an area of open canopy. It appears to be mainly a forest-edge and woody fencerow denizen.
Northeast India to southwestern China southward to northern West Malaysia.
Our specimens were placed in their own COIBIN. No other COI sequences are currently available for C. emma, and our sequences differ from other Calotes species by 10–12%. Based on 16S data, our specimens were placed sister to all other sequences of Calotes currently in GenBank.
NE.
Adult females (n = 2) 101.4, 107.9 mm SVL, adult male (n = 1) 96.4 mm SVL, 183–190, 178 mm TailL respectively; 175, 178 mm & 174 mm HeadL; 46–50% TrunkL/SVL, 16–18% HeadL/SVL, 68–74% HeadW/HeadL, 42–51% HeadH/HeadL, 11% SnEye/HeadL, 25–29% EyeEar/HeadL. Fourth finger lamellae range from 26 to 28 and fourth toe lamellae 26 to 30.
As for the preceding C. emma, Draco occurs in open-canopied situations and along forest edges. Each of the females was gravid; the smaller female bears four eggs, two on each side; the larger one has seven eggs, three on right, four on left. The shelled eggs are ~10–12 mm in length.
Bangladesh through southern Myanmar and Thailand to northern West Malaysia, also Vietnam.
Our specimens were placed in their own COIBIN, no other COI sequences are currently available for D. blanfordii. Our 16S sequences are 100% identical to D. blanfordii specimens in GenBank (AB023751) from Thailand and Peninsular Malaysia (
NE.
Adult male 179 mm SVL, 111 mm TailL (half regenerated), 81.7 mm TrunkL, 19.7 ForeaL, 24.3 mm CrusL, 43.9 mm HeadL, 35.4 mm HeadW, 17.9 mm SnEye, 13.7 mm NarEye, 16.4 mm SnW. Adult proportions 46% TrunkL/SVL, 34% SnFor/SVL, 41% ForeaL/CrusL, 18% CrusL/SVL, 24% HeadL/SVL (23.0±1.0), 81% HeadW/HeadL, 41% SnEye/HeadL, 43% EyeEar/HeadL.
Head and trunk scalation predominantly granular, enlarged scales bordering the mouth, 13 supralabials to rictus, 10 infralabials; 96 scales at midbody, 148 scales ventrally from mental to vent border; 21 enlarged lamellae on 4th finger, 20 on fourth toe.
This specimen derived from Yeybu village; others were heard in the residual forest at the July slash and burnt site.
Widespread, Nepal and Northeast India to South China southward into Lesser Sundas.
Our specimen was placed in its own COIBIN and was between 94.5–96.3% similar to other G. geckoCOI in GenBank. Our sequence was placed in a clade at the base of the G. gecko clade; these basal diverging clades show substantial sequence divergence, indicating this may represent a species complex.
NE.
No species of the Hemidactylus bowringii group were seen at any of the sites visited. Hemidactylus berdmorei is known only from a disintegrating holotype collected in 1853 in Mergui (= Myeik), hence vouchers of the Smooth Gecko from this area are essential for resolving the taxonomic status of this named taxon (
NE.
Adult females (n = 2) 52.1–53.2 mm SVL, 51–37 mm TailL; both regenerated; adult male (n = 1) 54.9 mm SVL; 25.3 mm TailL; 23.8 mm HeadL; 43–49% TrunkL/SVL, 13–15% CrusL/SVL, 25–26% HeadL/SVL, 38–39% HeadW/HeadL, 64–66% HeadH/HeadL, 42–44% SnEye/HeadL, 29–33% EyeEar/HeadL.
A synanthrope. Collected on the outside wall of the hotel in Myeik.
Widespread human commensal, worldwide in subtropics and tropics.
Three specimens of H. frenatus were collected in Myeik. They were placed in two COIBINs, two (
Individuals collected from the outside wall of a hotel.
The House Gecko is a widespread and invasive species. It seldom occurs on vegetation away from human buildings. The tissue gathered from this small sample and barcode analyzed reveals that the Myeik population contains two genetic lineages.
LC.
Adult female 59.0 mm SVL. 14.6 mm HeadL; 47% TrunkL/SVL, 14% CrusL/SVL, 25% HeadL/SVL, 79% HeadW/HeadL, 34% HeadH/HeadL, 47% SnEye/HeadL, 28% EyeEar/HeadL, 14% SnW/HeadL.
A synanthrope.
Widespread human commensal, native to South Asia and Pacific islands.
Our specimen was placed in a COIBIN with three other H. garnotii, and two H. stejnegeri. There are currently no COI nor 16S sequences available in GenBank for H. garnotii. Ours is 100% identical to two other sequences in BOLD, not publicly available (from New Caledonia). However, these are also identical to two H. stejnegeri in BOLD, also not publicly available (from Vietnam and the United States).
The Fox Gecko is an all-female species with a broad distribution in Asia and the Pacific. Of all invasive Hemidactylus, it regularly occurs in the vegetation of disturbed habitats rather than on human buildings.
NE.
Adult males (n = 2) 60.8–61.3 mm SVL, 43–30 mm TailL both regenerated; 15.7–15.8 mm HeadL; 44–45% TrunkL/SVL, 80–87% Forearm/CrusL, 26% HeadL/SVL, 75–76% HeadW/HeadL, 36–39% HeadH/HeadL, 13% SnEye/HeadL, 28–31% EyeEar/HeadL. .
Collected on the outside wall of the hotel in Myeik.
Myanmar, West Malaysia, Timor; although likely more widespread in South Asia.
Two specimens initially thought to be H. frenatus were placed at the base of the H. frenatusCOI tree (see above), these were each placed in their own COIBIN. We then sequenced the ND2 locus (GenBank MG948675 and MG944816) for these individuals to align with the sequences from
NE.
Small adult female 48.2 mm SVL, 94 mm TailL tip regenerated; 10.8 mm HeadL; 44% TrunkL/SVL, 12% CrusL/SVL, 22% HeadL/SVL, 52% HeadW/HeadL, 38% HeadH/HeadL, 45% SnEye/HeadL, 29% SnW/HeadL.
Head with 7 supralabial scales, 5th very large and beneath eye, 6 infralabials; 34 dorsal scales at nape, midbody, and above vent; 17 enlarged lamellae on 4th finger, 20 on fourth toe. In preservative, dark above and white below, dorsal ground color medium olive with lighter olive dorsolateral stripe from snout onto base of tail, medium brown loreal stripe from snout through eye to inguina and border below by white stripe from snout tip across supralabials onto trunk, fading at two-third of trunk.
This species was seen in the weedy fencerows of the June gardens survey and subsequently at the July slash & burnt site. The June voucher specimen is gravid with large yolked but unshelled follicles.
Widespread, Northeast India through southern China to Taiwan and southward into Greater Sunda Islands.
Our specimen was placed in its own COIBIN, it is 3.0–7.7% sequence divergence (COI) from four specimens in BOLD. Three of those were mined from GenBank (AY248546–48), with no locality data available.
LC
Two adult females 59.4 (crushed), 61.8 mm SVL, incomplete, 83 mm regenerated TailL; NA, 12.6 mm HeadL; 45–53% TrunkL/SVL, 37–42% HindlL/SVL, NA, 20% HeadL/SVL, NA, 84% HeadW/HeadL, 51% HeadH/HeadL, NA, 47% SnEye/HeadL, NA, 32% EyeEar/HeadL. Supralabials 7, 5th largest and beneath eye, 7 or 8 infralabials; 34, 36 dorsal scale rows from nape to above vent, dorsal scales 5 to 7 keeled, predominately 7 keels; 30, 32 scales around midbody; 11 fourth finger lamellae, 14 fourth toe lamellae. In preservative, dark above and dusky below; dorsum medium reddish brown from snout onto tail, laterally lighter reddish brown broad stripe from snout to hind limbs, bordered above by tannish stripe from snout to mid trunk and below by white stripe from snout across supralabials to anterior trunk.
Seen on the banks of a forest stream.
Widespread, Pakistan through northern peninsular India to Southeast Asia and northern West Malaysia.
Our specimens were placed in their own COIBIN and are 15–16% divergent from six E. macularia in BOLD from Vietnam (not public). The 16S sequences are 98–99% similar to two specimens in GenBank (AY159078, KX231450) from Myanmar, Ayeyarwady Region (
This taxon likely contains multiple cryptic species (
NE.
Immature male 60.8 mm SVL, 82 mm regenerated TailL; 27.2 mm HeadL; 45% TrunkL/SVL, 41% HindlL/SVL, 23% HeadL/SVL, 65% HeadW/HeadL, 42% HeadH/HeadL, 40% SnEye/HeadL, 30% EyeEar/HeadL. Supralabials 7, 5th largest and beneath eye, 7 infralabials; 47 dorsal scale rows from nape to above vent, dorsal scales tricarinate; 32 scales around midbody; 13 fourth finger lamellae, 19 fourth toe lamellae. In preservative, dark above and dusky white below; scattered small white spots laterally between ear and forelimb.
Specimens were seen in both primary and secondary forest.
Widespread, Northeast India through southern China to Taiwan southward into Sundanese Indonesia and Philippines.
Our specimen was placed in its own COIBIN and is 3.65–7.9% sequence divergence from many other specimens in BOLD, ranging from Vietnam to Indonesia. Our 16S sequence is 98–99% similar to specimens in GenBank, including
NE.
Seen in the slash & burnt site.
Widespread, northern peninsular India and Nepal eastward to southern China southward into Myanmar and Southeast Asia.
No molecular data available.
There are no vouchers to confirm this field identification. Because these specimens were observed in the slash & burnt site versus the forest and lack vouchers, we tentatively accept the field identification.
Field observation by Myint Kyaw Thura; captured for confirmation of identification and then released.
NE
Two adult males 49.9–54.7 mm SVL, 97–98 regenerated mm SVL; 11.5–12.2 mm HeadL; 45–48% TrunkL/SVL, 54–55% HindlL/SVL, 22–23% HeadL/SVL, 62–63% HeadW/HeadL, 44–46% HeadH/HeadL, 39–40% SnEye/HeadL, 33–34% EyeEar/HeadL.
Seen and captured among forest leaf litter.
Widespread, Nepal to western China southward through Myanmar and Southeast Asia into Peninsular Malaysia.
Our COI sequences are 7.1–7.5% divergent from specimens in BOLD from Vietnam (not publicly available). Our 16S sequences are 100% identical to a specimen in GenBank (AB028821) from Kaeng Krachan, Thailand (
NE.
Sex unknown, 57.0 cm SVL, 70.0 cm TailL.
Southern Myanmar and Thailand through Malay Peninsula into Greater Sunda Islands.
No molecular data available.
Captured by a villager (Yeybu); photographed; likely subadult or adult.
NE; CITES II.
Female, maturity uncertain, 119 cm SVL, 18.5 cm TailL.
Selected snakes found during this study’s expedition. A Malayopython reticulatus (
The specimen was collected in a fisherman’s net, in the stream, near Camp 1.
Widespread, Bangladesh through Southeast Asia to Philippines and the Maluku Islands.
No molecular data available.
We note that the genus name Broghammerus is not nomenclaturally available for the Reticulated Python, because it was promulgated in a herpetological blog, which did not and does not meet the International Nomenclatural Code’s criteria for the valid establishment of formal taxonomic names. A recent study (
Specimen remained in FFI field office in Yangon, but it was subsequently destroyed.
NE; CITES II.
Adult female 745 mm SVL, 385 TailL in life; dorsal scales in 15-15-13 rows, ventrals 190, 148 paired subcaudals with undamaged tip; single precloacal (anal) scale. Snout is blunt, rostral scale truncate anteriorly; 2 loreal scales on right, 1 left, each a small lanceolate scale, isolated in suture between the supralabials and internasal and prefrontal scales; internasal (dorsal surface of snout) flat anteriorly and convex posteriorly. In preservative, the head and nuchal area are bright green dorsally and laterally; trunk gradually become darker green and at about one-third length is olive to tip of tail; laterally trunk pale green to narrow white ventrolateral edge of upturned ventral scales (forming longitudinal stripe), then bordered medially by narrow dark green longitudinal stripe; white stripe becomes yellow by midbody and continues yellow onto base of tail; green stripe disappears 15–20 ventrals anterior to the vent; remainder of venter is white from tip of chin to about midbody then becoming greenish yellow continuing onto tail.
Collected at 1000 hours near Yeybuchaung-ngal stream, approximately 100 meters downstream from Camp 1.
Tanintharyi southward through Malaya Peninsula to Java and Sumatra.
There are no other COI sequences in BOLD for A. mycterizans. Our specimen was placed in its own COIBIN and the 16S is 99% similar to other A. mycterizans in GenBank (KX660161, KX660205; no locality data provided) and was placed in a 16S clade with these specimens and an “A. prasina” (FMNH 269042 from Borneo) that is likely misidentified (KX660195).
This species was an unsuspected find, because it had not been reported previously from Myanmar and the closest Thai records are in southern Thailand south of the Isthmus of Kra. This specimen represents the northernmost record of this species (see
LC.
Adult female 1450 mm SVL, 362 mm TailL in life; dorsal scales in 21-21-17 rows, ventrals 225, subcaudals 96 with single precloacal scale; 8 supralabials, 3rd, 4th & 5th touch eye; 44 lateral white bars on trunk from neck to vent, venter become entirely black at ventral 126. Adult male 1450 mm SVL, 350 mm TailL in life; dorsal scales in 21-23-17 rows, ventrals 211, subcaudals 91 with single precloacal scale; 8 supralabials, 3rd, 4th & 5th touch eye; 42 lateral white bars on trunk from neck to vent, venter becomes entirely black at ventral 84.
Collected in primary rainforest along a small tributary to Yeybuchaung-ngal downstream from Camp 1.
Widespread, Tanintharyi to Greater Sunda and Philippine Islands.
Our COI sequences are 1% different (and placed in the same BIN) from two specimens in BOLD (currently private), from Nakhon Si Thammarat Province, Thailand, south of the Isthmus of Kra. There are currently no other 16S sequences available for B. dendrophila.
This species was also an unsuspected find owing to the absence of previous records for Myanmar; the closest Thai records are from southern Thailand south of the Isthmus of Kra (see
Adult female, adult male (
NE.
Adult female 1340 mm SVL, 380 mm TailL in life; dorsal scales in 19-19-15 rows, ventrals 279, subcaudals 144 with single precloacal scale; 8 supralabials, 3rd, 4th & 5th touch eye. 48 dark brown lateral blotches from neck to above vent, venter tan heavily dusted with brownish gray.
Collected at 1900–2000 hours in primary rainforest near Yeybuchaung-ngal stream, approximately 100 meters upstream from Camp 1 (N 12.43413’, E 99.14505’) at an elevation of 179 meters ASL The female is gravid, bearing four shelled eggs, each ~34 mm long, 19 mm diameter.
Tanintharyi and Thai-Malay Peninsula through Greater Sundas to Philippines.
There are currently no other available COI sequences for B. drapiezii, it was placed in its own BIN. Our 16S sequence is 99% similar to two B. drapiezii in GenBank (KX660209–10; no locality data provided).
This species was also an unsuspected find owing to the absence of previous records for Myanmar and the closest Thai records in southern Thailand south of the Isthmus of Kra. Two unreported specimens (
LC.
Not sexed or measured; field identification.
From disturbed areas.
Bangladesh and Northeast India through southern Myanmar to northern West Malaysia.
No molecular data available.
Field observation by Myint Kyaw Thura; captured for confirmation of identification, photographed and then released.
NE.
Juvenile, not sexed, 258 mm SVL, 88 mm TailL; dorsal scales in 17-15-15 rows, ventrals 168, subcaudals 112 with divided precloacal scale; 9 supralabials, 4th, 5th & 6th touch eye. 12–14 anterior maxillary teeth, 2 or 3 short ones, then 2 to 3 slightly enlarge posterior maxillary teeth. White nuchal chevron with arms extending onto supralabials to beneath eye; dorsum and sides of trunk medium olive brown with lateral series of small, faint light spots; venter immaculate white.
Collected at Camp 1 along the Yeybuchaung-ngal stream.
Southern Southeast Asia through Sundas to Philippines.
Our COI sequence was placed in its own BIN and is 5.3% divergent from a specimen in BOLD (private) from Vietnam. There are currently no other COI sequences are available at this time. There are currently no other 16S sequences with which to compare.
Rhabdophis chrysargos occurs widely through the southern half of Southeast Asia including the Greater Sunda Islands, the Philippines and Peninsular Malaysia. All records from Myanmar are from the Tanintharyi (
LC.
Not sexed or measured; field identification.
Seen in the slash & burnt site.
Southeast Asia, Myanmar and Yunnan, China.
No molecular data available.
Field observation by Myint Kyaw Thura; captured for confirmation of identification, photographed, and then released.
LC.
Juvenile 225 mm SVL, 101 mm TailL; 131 ventrals, 89 subcaudals, 19-19-17 dorsals; adult male 515 mm SVL, 261 mm TailL; 130 ventrals, 93 subcaudals, 19-19-17 dorsals. In both specimens a single rectangular loreal, single preocular, 3 postoculars, 9 supralabials with the 4th–5th touching eye, 10 infralabials. No data recorded for the individual observed in the slash & burnt area. Dorsum olive-brown, gray-brown with rows of darker rectangular checkered blotches, “V” nuchal mark on the head. Venter plain, lighter, dark fringes on ventrals absent, but some speckling along the margins.
Occurs in ponds and streams in human-impacted areas.
Widespread, Pakistan to Southeast Asia and southern China.
There are currently no other COI sequence for X. piscator available for comparison. The closest COI sequences available are from X. flavipunctatus and they are more than 10% divergent. Our 16S sequences are 4% different from a X. piscator in GenBank (KX277271; no locality data provided).
Vogel & David (2012) did not record this species from the Tanintharyi. However, recent records deposited from
NE.
Not sexed, juvenile specimen 245 mm SVL, 95 TailL; 225 ventrals, 96 subcaudals, 19-19-15 dorsals; single loreal rectangular, preocular single, 3 postoculars. Dorsum olive brown, dark rectangular blotches laterally with the anterior portion of the sides yellow and red, fading in coloration towards the midbody. Head hued with blue, dark sutures on some of the supralabials.
Discovered streamside in the primary forest.
Northeast India to Southeast Asia through Malay Peninsula into Greater Sunda Islands.
There are currently no other COI nor 16S sequences available for X. trianguligerus with which to compare.
Earlier country-wide herpetofaunal surveys of Myanmar indicate that X. trianguligerus occurs only in Tanintharyi.
LC.
Juvenile, not sexed or measured; field identification.
Found in human-disturbed habitats. Field observation at Forest 3 site by Myint Kyaw Thura; photographed for confirmation of identification and then released.
Widespread, Nepal and northern peninsular India to Southeast Asia and southern China.
No molecular data available.
LC; CITES II.
The DNA barcode data greatly improved our estimate of species numbers in the Tanintharyi, within anurans in particular, similar to another recent study using DNA barcode data for estimating species diversity (
The DNA barcode data allowed us to identify several cryptic species of anurans in multiple genera and families, including Rhacophoridae: Polypedates – two species in the Tanintharyi, and a third in the north; Microhylidae: Microhyla – three species in the Tanintharyi, all of those and a three more species in the north; Dicroglossidae: Fejervarya – two species in the Tanintharyi, and two in the north; and Occidozyga – three species in the Tanintharyi, one of the same and three additional species in the north. Likewise, we were able to determine the number of species present at the forest sites based on the COI barcode data, in the family Dicroglossidae: Limnonectes – three species in the Tanintharyi, two of the same and a fourth in the north; the family Microhylidae: Kaloula – two species in the Tanintharyi, one also occurring in the north; Ranidae: Hylarana – one species in the Tanintharyi and the north, and three additional species in the north; Odorrana – two species in the Tanintharyi, one of these and a third in the north. Because a comprehensive COI barcode library is lacking for southeast Asian anurans, we relied on 16S sequence data as a supplemental barcode marker to help identify specimens to species based on comparisons with known material published in GenBank. The inclusion of the 16S data allowed us to compare our specimens with published material in GenBank, and enabled us to identify several specimens to named species (e.g. Limnonectes blythii, L. doriae, L. limborgi, and L. longchuanensis, Microhyla berdmorei, M. butleri, M. fissipes, and M. heymonsi), including several recently described species (Hoplobatrachus litoralis, Kaloula latidisca), and some recently identified, but not formally described, species such as Fejervarya sp. ‘hp2–3’ (
A recent study suggests that species delimitations based solely on mtDNA may be misleading, and over-estimating species in biodiversity studies (
Our brief surveys are inadequate to address the presence or absence of all potential members of the southern Tanintharyi herpetofauna. Studies of the herpetofauna of the Myanmar Central Dry Zone at the Chatthin Wildlife Sanctuary (
At this stage of our inventory of the Tanintharyi proposed National Park and its environs, we wish to emphasize the discovery of taxa previously undocumented for Myanmar. Surprisingly these undocumented taxa include only two amphibians (Ichthyophis cf. kohtaoensis and Chalcorana eschatia) and three species of snakes (Ahaetulla mycterizans, Boiga dendrophila, and Boiga drapiezii; see
Some recently described taxa were also detected in Myanmar based on our study, including the likely occurrence of Kaloula latidisca, a species recently described from Peninsular Malaysia (
The use of DNA barcoding allowed us to determine how many species were present at the site of our biodiversity inventory survey. The inclusion of the supplementary marker 16S allowed us to assign several individuals to named species for which 16S data were available for comparison (whereas the COI reference library is less complete), and to identify others as previously identified, undescribed species. The use of the DNA barcode database (BOLD) allows us to “BIN” these un-named species, such that researchers conducting future expeditions can compare their specimens to ours to determine if they are the same un-named species. Biodiversity research needs more “boots on the ground,” because an incomplete taxonomy hinders our ability to protect biodiversity and guide conservation (
The herpetofaunal surveys were proposed and directed by Flora & Fauna International–Myanmar Programme (FFI). In country funding was provided by this organization; travel to and from Myanmar was supported by the National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Institution (NMNH-SI) Grand Challenges Consortia Award (to Melissa Songer). Laboratory expensed were provided by NMNH-SI Global Genome Initiative (GGI). All of the laboratory and/or computer work were conducted in and with the support of the L.A.B. facilities of the NMNH. We thank the NMNH-SI Internship program for hosting authors JLL and AHM to collect measurements of many of the amphibian and reptile voucher specimens, and the NMNH-SI Youth Engagement through Science (YES!) Program for hosting M. Chand for DNA barcoding the specimens. We appreciate and thank the director and staff of the Nature and Wildlife Conservation Division, Forestry and Environmental Conservation Ministry, for permission to conduct the survey and to allow the export specimens to permit accurate identification. Thaw Zin provided exceptional assistance in the collection and preparation of voucher specimens. The cook, U Win, allowed us to share his home and access to the garden habitats thereabout at camp 3. We thank Zin Win Htun (Nature and Wildlife Conservation Division, The Republic of the Union of Myanmar) for his escort service into the proposed park area, and Aung Lin (FFI), for his guidance and logistical support. We also thank Frank Momberg and Mark Grindley (FFI), for organizing the survey, arranging for the various government authorizations that allowed the survey team to concentrate on the survey and to allow study of specimens at the NMNH-SI for accurate identification of the vouchers. We thank Grant M. Connette (SCBI) for providing the map for Figure
12S and 16S neighbor-joining trees