In:
Vertebrate Zoology, Pensoft Publishers, Vol. 73 ( 2023-01-26), p. 97-125
Abstract:
We investigated the taxonomic status of the recently described kukri snake Oligodon arenarius Vassilieva, 2015 and the morphologically similar Oligodon macrurus (Angel, 1927), two species endemic to the southern coast of Vietnam. Based on phylogenetic analyses using three mitochondrial genes (12S–16S rRNA, cytochrome b ), we recovered O. arenarius and O. macrurus in a clade within the O. cyclurus-taeniatus species group, agreeing with previous intrageneric classifications. Genetic distances between O. arenarius and O. macrurus are extremely low (less than 0.5% based on 12S–16S) and render O. arenarius paraphyletic. All preserved specimens of O. arenarius and O. macrurus convey little to no differences in color pattern, hemipenial morphology and osteological features; the latter of which is based on three dimensional micro computer tomography (µCT) scans of one specimen per species. Contrasting these results, univariate and multivariate analyses revealed significant differences in relative tail length, and the number of ventral and subcaudal scales between both species. Although the molecular and morphological datasets present conflicting results, integrating the evidence leads us to synonymize O. arenarius with O. macrurus . We provide a formal redescription of O. macrurus , designate a neotype specimen to avoid future taxonomic confusion, and provide the first detailed osteological description of this species. Oligodon macrurus sensu stricto is endemic to coastal dunefields and adjacent forest habitats in southern Vietnam, where ongoing human development, tourism and road mortality pose significant threats to its conservation. Consequently, we suggest that O. macrurus should be listed as “Vulnerable” based on the assessment criteria of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
Type of Medium:
Online Resource
ISSN:
2625-8498
,
1864-5755
DOI:
10.3897/vz.73.e96958
DOI:
10.3897/vz.73.e96958.figure1
DOI:
10.3897/vz.73.e96958.figure2
DOI:
10.3897/vz.73.e96958.figure3
DOI:
10.3897/vz.73.e96958.figure4
DOI:
10.3897/vz.73.e96958.figure5
DOI:
10.3897/vz.73.e96958.figure6
DOI:
10.3897/vz.73.e96958.figure7
Language:
Unknown
Publisher:
Pensoft Publishers
Publication Date:
2023
detail.hit.zdb_id:
2392087-7
SSG:
12
Bookmarklink
