Systematic revision of the ‘diminutive’ Kentish Plover (Charadriidae:<i> Charadrius</i>) with the resurrection of <i>Charadrius seebohmi </i>based on phenotypic and genetic analyses

The Kentish Plover Charadrius alexandrinus Linnaeus 1758 is a common shorebird in Eurasia and North Africa that breeds in a variety of habitats, exhibits different extents of migratory behaviour and is an emerging model species of breeding system evolution. Here we focus on the resident population found across the southern tip of India and Sri Lanka, and re-evaluate its systematic status based on phenotypic and genetic distinctiveness from a sympatric migrant, Charadrius alexandrinus sensu stricto, and the recently elevated closely related Charadrius dealbatus in East Asia. We show that the Sri Lankan and South Indian (South Asian) population differs in body size, moulting pattern and plumage coloration from C. alexandrinus and C. dealbatus. Furthermore, based on two mitochondrial, two sex-linked and 11 autosomal microsatellite markers from 378 individuals, we show that these three taxa have moderate genetic differentiation (Fst 0.078–0.096). The South Asian taxon is sister to the clade of C. alexandrinus sensu stricto and C. dealbatus with an estimated divergence time of 1.19 million years ago. We also examined ornithological records of major museum collections in Asia, Europe and North America for the south Asian taxon to evaluate its biogeographical and taxonomic status. Based on differences in genotype, phenotype, allochronic migratory pattern and breeding range, we resurrect the most suitable synonym, Charadrius alexandrinus seebohmi Hartert and Jackson, 1915, and elevate the nomen to the species level with the proposed English name ‘Hanuman Plover’.</p

Systematic revision of the ‘diminutive’ Kentish Plover (Charadriidae:<i> Charadrius</i>) with the resurrection of <i>Charadrius seebohmi </i>based on phenotypic and genetic analyses

The Kentish Plover Charadrius alexandrinus Linnaeus 1758 is a common shorebird in Eurasia and North Africa that breeds in a variety of habitats, exhibits different extents of migratory behaviour and is an emerging model species of breeding system evolution. Here we focus on the resident population found across the southern tip of India and Sri Lanka, and re-evaluate its systematic status based on phenotypic and genetic distinctiveness from a sympatric migrant, Charadrius alexandrinus sensu stricto, and the recently elevated closely related Charadrius dealbatus in East Asia. We show that the Sri Lankan and South Indian (South Asian) population differs in body size, moulting pattern and plumage coloration from C. alexandrinus and C. dealbatus. Furthermore, based on two mitochondrial, two sex-linked and 11 autosomal microsatellite markers from 378 individuals, we show that these three taxa have moderate genetic differentiation (Fst 0.078–0.096). The South Asian taxon is sister to the clade of C. alexandrinus sensu stricto and C. dealbatus with an estimated divergence time of 1.19 million years ago. We also examined ornithological records of major museum collections in Asia, Europe and North America for the south Asian taxon to evaluate its biogeographical and taxonomic status. Based on differences in genotype, phenotype, allochronic migratory pattern and breeding range, we resurrect the most suitable synonym, Charadrius alexandrinus seebohmi Hartert and Jackson, 1915, and elevate the nomen to the species level with the proposed English name ‘Hanuman Plover’.</p

Taxonomy and distribution of a common arboreal lizard, Bronchocela jubata Duméril & Bibron, 1837 (Reptilia: Agamidae), with designation of its lectotype from Java, Indonesia

Amarasinghe, A.A. Thasun, Ineich, Ivan, Riyanto, Awal, Hallermann, Jakob, Andayani, Noviar, Abinawanto, A., Supriatna, Jatna (2022): Taxonomy and distribution of a common arboreal lizard, Bronchocela jubata Duméril &amp; Bibron, 1837 (Reptilia: Agamidae), with designation of its lectotype from Java, Indonesia. Zootaxa 5150 (1): 65-82, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5150.1.

Human-crocodile conflict and conservation implications of Saltwater Crocodiles Crocodylus porosus (Reptilia: Crocodylia: Crocodylidae) in Sri Lanka

Human-wildlife conflict occurs when human requirements encroach on those of wildlife populations, with potential costs to both humans and wild animals.  As top predators in most inland waters, crocodilians are involved in human-wildlife conflicts in many countries.  Here we present findings of a 5-year survey on human-crocodile conflict on the island of Sri Lanka and relate the results to improving management practices. We aimed to quantify and understand the causes of human-crocodile conflict in Sri Lanka, and propose solutions to mitigate it.  Visual encounter surveys were carried out to estimate the population size of Saltwater Crocodiles. We recorded 778 sightings of Saltwater Crocodiles at 262 of 400 locations surveyed, and estimate the total population to comprise more than 2000 non-hatchlings and to have increased at an average rate of 5% p.a. since 1978. We propose four crocodile vigilance zones within the wet zone and one crocodile vigilance zone within the dry zone of the country. Specific threats to Saltwater Crocodiles identified in crocodile vigilance zones were: habitat destruction and loss; illegal killing and harvesting (17 killings out of fear, ~200 incidents of killing for meat and skins, ~800 eggs annually for consumption); unplanned translocations; and, interaction with urbanization (10 incidents of crocodiles being run over by trains/vehicles and electrocution). Additionally, 33 cases of crocodile attacks on humans were recorded [8 fatal, 25 non-fatal (minor to grievous injuries)] and more than 50 incidents of attacks on farm and pet animals. </div

Human-crocodile conflict and conservation implications of Saltwater Crocodiles Crocodylus porosus (Reptilia: Crocodylia: Crocodylidae) in Sri Lanka

Human-wildlife conflict occurs when human requirements encroach on those of wildlife populations, with potential costs to both humans and wild animals.  As top predators in most inland waters, crocodilians are involved in human-wildlife conflicts in many countries.  Here we present findings of a 5-year survey on human-crocodile conflict on the island of Sri Lanka and relate the results to improving management practices. We aimed to quantify and understand the causes of human-crocodile conflict in Sri Lanka, and propose solutions to mitigate it.  Visual encounter surveys were carried out to estimate the population size of Saltwater Crocodiles. We recorded 778 sightings of Saltwater Crocodiles at 262 of 400 locations surveyed, and estimate the total population to comprise more than 2000 non-hatchlings and to have increased at an average rate of 5% p.a. since 1978. We propose four crocodile vigilance zones within the wet zone and one crocodile vigilance zone within the dry zone of the country. Specific threats to Saltwater Crocodiles identified in crocodile vigilance zones were: habitat destruction and loss; illegal killing and harvesting (17 killings out of fear, ~200 incidents of killing for meat and skins, ~800 eggs annually for consumption); unplanned translocations; and, interaction with urbanization (10 incidents of crocodiles being run over by trains/vehicles and electrocution). Additionally, 33 cases of crocodile attacks on humans were recorded [8 fatal, 25 non-fatal (minor to grievous injuries)] and more than 50 incidents of attacks on farm and pet animals. </div

Taxonomy, distribution, and conservation status of a rare arboreal lizard Bronchocela hayeki (Müller, 1928) (Reptilia: Agamidae) from northern Sumatra Indonesia

Amarasinghe, A.A. Thasun, Kamsi, Mistar, Riyanto, Awal, Putra, Chairunas A., Hallermann, Jakob, Andayani, Noviar, Abinawanto, A., Supriatna, Jatna (2022): Taxonomy, distribution, and conservation status of a rare arboreal lizard Bronchocela hayeki (Müller, 1928) (Reptilia: Agamidae) from northern Sumatra Indonesia. Zootaxa 5120 (3): 409-422, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5120.3.

Herpetofaunal diversity of West Bali National Park, Indonesia with identification of indicator species for long-term monitoring

We report on the results of a survey of the herpetofauna of West Bali National Park (Taman Nasional Bali Barat in Indonesian, hereafter TNBB) that was carried out in 2015. The survey also included other taxa and the motivation for it was to identify a species or group of species that could be used as indicators of management success for Protected Area Credits (PAC) under the Rainforest Standards (RFS™) system. Four major ecosystems, moist forest, deciduous monsoon forest, savanna and an abandoned Teak plantation, were sampled over a period of 10 days, using belt transects and pitfall traps. We measured species richness, abundance and density, herpetofaunal diversity (Simpson’s Index of Dominance and the Shannon Weiner Index) and community similarity. We also estimated the indicator value to determine which species, if any, might be suitable as indicators of environmental conditions. The survey yielded 30 species, 12 frogs and toads, 7 snakes and 11 lizards. Out of them there is an endangered gecko, Cyrtodactylus jatnai, a vulnerable frog, Microhyla orientalis, and a vulnerable tree-skink, Cryptoblepharus baliensis. Diversity was highest in the moist forest, followed closely by both the deciduous forest and the savanna. The greatest abundance was found in the savanna, followed by the moist forest and then the deciduous forest. Both diversity and abundance were extremely low in the abandoned teak plantation. Eleven species were identified as potential indicators of environmental deterioration if their numbers were to decrease. Frogs and toads were the best indicators in the moist forest, while lizards were the most suitable indicators for savanna and deciduous forest. No snakes were identified as indicators. It is concluded that herpetofauna can be useful and cost-effective indicators of environmental change