Body color abnormalities can significantly affect reptile fitness, as coloration plays a key role in ecological interactions such as mate selection, predator avoidance, and protection from environmental factors. Albinism—one of the most well-known color abnormalities—is caused by the absence of melanin. In wild snake populations, albinism cases are rare. This study reports the first documented cases of albino Aesculapian snakes ( Zamenis longissimus ) in Hungary.

The genus Boulenophrys is predominantly distributed in China and exhibits high species diversity. However, accurate conservation assessments for this genus are hindered by its unresolved taxonomy, which is linked to morphological conservatism, sympatric distribution patterns, and limited field survey data. In this study, we describe a new species, namely Boulenophrys yangchunensis sp. nov. , and report new locality records for B. acuta (Wang, Li & Jin, 2014) and B. yunkaiensis Qi, Wang, Lyu & Wang, 2021 from western Guangdong Province, China. Additionally, we propose downlisting B. acuta , currently listed as Critically Endangered (CR) on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, to a lower threat category, and we recommend an extinction risk category update for Boulenophrys yangchunensis sp. nov. , B. yunkaiensis , and B. gaolanensis Song, Wang, Qi, Wang & Wang, 2024. We further discuss key conservation challenges and provide targeted management recommendations to address these challenges.

A new species of the genus Hemiphyllodactylus (slender geckos) is described from the Tirumala Hill ranges in the Seshachalam Biosphere Reserve of the southern Eastern Ghats, Andhra Pradesh, southern India. This novel species exhibits 9.7–12.9% divergence in uncorrected pairwise distances of NADH dehydrogenase subunit 2 (ND2) sequence data from its closely related congeners in peninsular India, namely H. jnana (9.5–12.6%), H. nilgiriensis (10.9–12.9%), and H. peninsularis (10.5–11.2%), and had previously been suggested as an undescribed species by earlier researchers based on molecular phylogenetic analyses. The new species, represented by five individuals, reached a maximum observed snout–vent length (SVL) of 33.7 mm and differs from its peninsular Indian congeners by the following combination of characters: 12–16 chin scales; 16–17 dorsal scales; 9–11 ventral scales at midbody; males with 6–8 precloacal pores and 5–7 femoral pores on each thigh, separated by 7–10 poreless scales; and lamellar formula of manus 2-2-2-2 and pes 2-2-2-2. This is the second species of the genus Hemiphyllodactylus to be reported from Andhra Pradesh, after H. arakuensis .

In this study, we describe a new species of the species-rich genus Leptobrachella, Leptobrachella yachangensissp. nov., from northwestern Guangxi, China, based on a combination of molecular and morphological data. The new species is a sister taxon to L. wumingensis Chen, Peng, Li & Yu, 2023, with discrete, diagnostic differences from all other congeners. We also discussed the phenomenon and causes of the high diversity within this genus as well as the conservation of its congeners.

During a rapid survey in Wuyishan, China, tadpoles of three Quasipaa species were collected from the same stream. Molecular data confirmed that these tadpoles belong to Q. exilispinosa, Q. spinosa, and Q. jiulongensis. Their external morphology was examined and described. Based on our initial observations, the tadpoles of these three species can be distinguished in the field by the following coloration patterns: Q. jiulongensis lacks large spots on the upper tail musculature; Q. spinosa exhibits a dark stripe at the body–tail junction when viewed from above; and Q. exilispinosa has large spots on the upper tail musculature but lacks a dark stripe at the body–tail junction. This study provides the first description of the tadpole of Q. jiulongensis.

The genus Tropiocolotes comprises small geckos distributed across the Saharo–Arabian biogeographic realm, yet the taxonomy and distribution of several species, particularly those in Saudi Arabia, remain poorly understood. Historical confusion between T. nattereri and T. steudneri has been compounded by the recent description of T. yomtovi, a species morphologically very similar to T. nattereri, and the discovery of another genetically distinct lineage closely related to the two species. Here, we combine data obtained from recent field surveys in northwestern Saudi Arabia (Tabuk and Medina Provinces) with mitochondrial (12S and ND2) and nuclear (c-mos and MC1R) genetic markers to clarify species identities and assess the presence of cryptic diversity. DNA barcoding confirms that all newly collected material belongs to T. yomtovi, including populations previously assigned to T. nattereri. Mitochondrial genetic distances between the lineages are comparable to interspecific levels, and the haplotype network analyses revealed no allele sharing amongst the lineages of the T. nattereri group. Species distribution modelling further suggests that suitable habitats for T. yomtovi extend well beyond its currently known range. In addition to showing new data supporting the distribution of T. yomtovi in Saudi Arabia, we provide an overview of the Saudi endemic T. wolfgangboehmei, including a new record from approximately 200 km south of its type locality in central Saudi Arabia.

A review of the taxonomic status of the Ingerophrynus parvus species complex, based on morphological, bioacoustic, and molecular data, revealed a new species from southern Thailand, which we describe as Ingerophrynus сhrysolophussp. nov. The new species is distinguished from its congeners by the combination of the following morphological characters: parotoid elongate, narrow, and sharply raised; warts on flanks less elevated than those of dorsum; cranial crests not thickened behind eyes; lores vertical; tympanum distinct, its diameter slightly exceeding two-thirds of eye length; tibia short; first finger longer than second; tip of third toe not reaching median subarticular tubercle of fourth toe; subarticular tubercles not enlarged; tarsal spine bases small; nuptial pads present; venter with low warts; ground color of flanks and dorsum light brown; dark brown stripes along the midline of the back; cranial ridges well-developed, bright orange. Phylogenetic analysis of the mtDNA fragment, including the 12S rRNA, 16S rRNA, and ND1 gene sequences (up to 4,479 bp), confirms the placement of the new species as a sister of Ingerophrynus parvuss. str. (p-distance 5.37%). The genetic distinctiveness of Ingerophrynus сhrysolophussp. nov. and I. parvuss. str. is further confirmed by not sharing haplotypes of three nuclear genes (POMC, BDNF, and RAG1). Bioacoustic analysis revealed stable differences between the male advertisement calls of the two species. Furthermore, ecological modeling shows that the new species is allopatric with respect to I. parvuss. str.; their ranges are likely separated by a biogeographical boundary of the Kangar-Pattani Line. The new species is currently known from low- to mid-elevations (ca. 65–1,000 m a.s.l.) in tropical forests of southern and western Thailand, southern Myanmar, and southwest Cambodia. We suggest the new species be considered Least Concern (LC) according to the IUCN Red List criteria. Our study further underscores the urgent need for intensified integrative taxonomic research of the genus Ingerophrynus to clarify the taxonomy of wide-ranging species complexes and to elaborate effective conservation measures.

The number of alien freshwater turtle records has increased in Greece in recent years. These species happen to be high in demand by the aquatic pet trade, and thus anthropogenic mediation has facilitated their dispersal beyond any natural barriers. The deleterious effects of these species on native biodiversity have long been documented. Here, we report for the first time the presence of the Chinese stripe-necked turtle (Mauremys sinensis) on the island of Lesvos, Greece. Lesvos Island has been heavily monitored in the past, revealing the presence of Trachemys scripta. Mauremys sinensis is now the second invasive species on an island, where the population of Emys orbicularis is decreasing faster than previously expected. We urge swift action to assess the population status of the newly discovered invasive species as well as the added effects it may have along with T. scripta on the two native species, Emys orbicularis and Mauremys rivulata.

Previous phylogeographic assessments within species of the lacertid genus Ophisops have consistently revealed high levels of genetic diversity, suggestive of multiple cryptic species complexes. The snake-eyed lizard Ophisops elegans, endemic to the Mediterranean region and Central Asia, is no exception, although specimens of the North African endemic Ophisops occidentalis from Libya were not distinct from sympatric O. elegans individuals based on mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) markers. However, the most westerly populations of these two species from Morocco and Algeria were not assessed. Here, we analyzed partial 16S rRNA mtDNA sequences and partial MC1R nuclear sequences from Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia for comparison with previously published data. Our estimates of relationships based on both markers support the hypothesis that all North African populations form a clade, consistent with an east-to-west colonization pattern across this region. Additional mtDNA sublineages were identified, further highlighting genetic diversity in remote areas. While the genetic data indicate that a single species should be recognized in North Africa, high diversity within O. elegans across the remainder of its range still requires further investigation prior to a taxonomic revision differentiating taxa within this species complex.

Understanding the factors shaping species distributions is essential for predicting their responses to environmental change. The genus Hemorrhois (horseshoe whip snakes) comprises ecologically diverse colubrid snakes found across the Mediterranean Basin, North Africa, the Middle East, and Central Asia. Despite this broad range, their ecological niches and distributional dynamics remain understudied. This study employs ecological niche modeling (ENM) to assess the biogeography, niche differentiation, and potential climate-driven range shifts of H. algirus, H. hippocrepis, H. nummifer, and H. ravergieri under future climate scenarios. Using species occurrence data and bioclimatic variables, I constructed ensemble models to predict suitable habitats, evaluate niche overlap, and quantify potential range changes. Results indicate significant variation in climate-driven distributional responses among species. Hemorrhois algirus is projected to expand across North Africa, whereas H. hippocrepis, H. nummifer, and H. ravergieri may face range contractions under high-emission scenarios. Niche analyses suggest moderate overlap between H. algirus and H. hippocrepis, implying historical and ecological connectivity, while H. nummifer and H. ravergieri display distinct environmental preferences. Climatic and geographic barriers—such as the Sahara Desert, the Dardanelles and Istanbul Straits, the Alps, and the Pyrenees Mountains—play crucial roles in shaping their evolutionary trajectories. Given the increasing threats of climate change and habitat loss, this study underscores the need for conservation strategies prioritizing habitat connectivity, species-specific management, and climate refugia. By integrating ecological and evolutionary perspectives, this research contributes to understanding Mediterranean and Western Palearctic reptile biogeography and their responses to environmental change.