syn_novataxa: [Herpetology • 2020] Rediscovery, New Island Record, and Clarification of the Geographic Distribution of Oligodon perkinsi (Taylor, 1925) (Squamata, Colubridae), A poorly Known Endemic Snake from the Palawan Faunal Region of western Philippines

[Herpetology • 2020] Rediscovery, New Island Record, and Clarification of the Geographic Distribution of Oligodon perkinsi (Taylor, 1925) (Squamata, Colubridae), A poorly Known Endemic Snake from the Palawan Faunal Region of western Philippines

Oligodon perkinsi (Taylor, 1925)

in Supsup & Carestia, 2020.

DOI: 10.15560/16.4.877

Abstract

Snakes of the genus Oligodon Fitzinger, 1826 are rarely observed and infrequently collected in the Philippines. Here we report the rediscovery and first documentation of Oligodon perkinsi (Taylor, 1925) after nearly 60 years. Our observation extends the species distribution to Busuanga, an island located north of Culion (type locality) and on the western side of the archipelago.

Keywords: Busuanga, Calamian Islands, range extension, reptiles

Oligodon perkinsi from Busuanga Island, Philippines.
A. Live photograph; note the clouded eye, indicating the specimen was about to shed.
B, C. The same specimen in preservative (CES.Pal.0011): (B) ventrum; (C) dorsum.

Map of the Philippines showing the hypothesized distributional range of the six recognized species of Oligodon (left panel) and the occurrence records of Oligodon perkinsi (right panel). Previous records are indicated by black circles and our new record from Busuanga Island is marked by red square. Question marks indicate the unconfirmed and questionable records of O. perkinsi from Calauit and Coron Islands.

Christian E. Supsup and Uldarico V. Carestia Jr. 2020. Rediscovery, New Island Record, and Clarification of the Geographic Distribution of Oligodon perkinsi (Taylor, 1925) (Squamata, Colubridae), A poorly Known Endemic Snake from the Palawan Faunal Region of western Philippines. Check List. 16(4): 877-881. DOI: 10.15560/16.4.877