Herpetofaunal Species Research Articles

Herpetological Collections in the Thailand Natural History Museum as a Valuable Resource for Conservation and Education

The history of collecting and cataloging Thailand’s diverse herpetofauna is long-standing, with many specimens housed at the Thailand Natural History Museum (THNHM). This work aimed to assess the diversity of herpetofauna within the THNHM collection, ascertain conservation status of species, and track the geographical coverage of these specimens within the country. The THNHM collection boasts an impressive inventory, numbering 173 amphibian species and 335 reptile species. This collection reflects the substantial biodiversity within these taxonomic groups, rivaling the total number of herpetofauna species ever recorded in Thailand. However, the evaluation of their conservation status, as determined by the IUCN Red List, CITES, and Thailand’s Wild Animal Preservation and Protection Act (WARPA), has unveiled disparities in the degree of concern for certain species, possibly attributable to differential uses of the assessment criteria. Notably, the museum houses a number of type specimens, including 27 holotypes, which remain understudied. Sampling efforts have grown considerably since the year 2000, encompassing nearly all regions of the country. This extensive and systematic collection of diverse herpetofauna at the THNHM serves as a valuable resource for both research and educational purposes, enriching our understanding of these species and their significance in the broader context of biodiversity conservation.

Amphibians and Reptiles of the Montagne des Français: An Update of the Distribution and Regional Endemicity.

The harmonious landscape of Montagne des Français is a protected area in the far north of Madagascar. Our herpetofauna surveys were conducted on the eastern and western slopes according to habitat variations within the massif for 2014 and 2020. Our research updates the herpetofauna species richness, spatial distribution ranges, and ecological guilds within the protected area. We used direct opportunistic observations, systematic refuge examinations, and pitfall traps with drift fences at three sites to sample animals. Nineteen amphibian and fifty reptile species were recorded during this study. Three amphibian species and one reptile species, in addition to the snake Langaha pseudoalluaudi, last recorded in 2007, were discovered at Montagne des Français. Here, we present a database update for the herpetofauna species from Montagne des Français and provide a specific morphological description of the morphospecies considered as a new extension or localized distribution. This new database can help site managers develop new strategic conservation plans in response to habitat modification.

Threat assessment and conservation challenges for the herpetofaunal diversity of Dampa Tiger Reserve, Mizoram, India

Herpetofauna is an important group of vertebrates with key functions in ecosystem sustenance. Nonetheless, with ever-increasing anthropogenic activities and lack of evidence-based studies, about 80% of the herpetofauna diversity of southern Asian region is threatened. Our study reports 80 herpetofauna species distributed across different habitat types in Dampa Tiger Reserve (DTR), Mizoram. We revise the amphibian list of DTR throughthe addition of seven species and establish the identity of cryptic species such as Microhyla ornata which is actually two distinct species,i.e., M. mukhlesuri and M. mymensinghensis. Through the questionnaire survey, it was found that 90% of the respondents depended on varied forms of forest resources. Herpetofaunal species account for 30% of the faunal resources with Varanus bengalensis, Ophiophagus hannah, and Python bivittatus being the most consumed reptile species. All chelonians and some amphibians like Duttaphrynus melanostictus, Pterorana khare, Hoplobatrachus tigerinus, Hoplobatrachus litoralis, Hydrophylax leptoglossa, Minervarya asmati, Polypedates teraiensis, and Sylvirana lacrima were also found to be consumed and used for their presumed medicinal values. In addition to hunting, road-kills, use of chemical pesticides, and habitat alteration were recorded to be the prominent threats in the region. The land use and land cover (LULC) data shows a steady recovery of dense forest and a better forest fire scenario as over 90% of the DTR core region falls in the ‘low severity’ and ‘unburned’ category. With continuous alteration in forested areas, the present study will not only provide a fundamental baseline for the conservation of herpetofauna and better management of protected areas but also stimulate future herpetological-based research.

A targeted survey for the Durban Dwarf Burrowing Skink Scelotes inornatus (Smith 1849) at Bluff Nature Reserve and Treasure Beach in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, with notes on sympatric herpetofauna

ABSTRACT A survey for the Critically Endangered Durban Dwarf Burrowing Skink Scelotes inornatus (Smith 1849) was conducted in two protected areas in Durban, South Africa, in August and September 2021. Twelve sites, each encompassing a combination of vegetation type, elevation, slope and aspect, were sampled for S. inornatus using dug quadrats, pitfall-and funnel-trap arrays, and coverboard arrays. Seven S. inornatus were recorded, at least one by each sampling method. Individuals were captured at the forest edge and in the grassland part of the forest-grassland ecotone and none were captured in the interior of the forest. None of the sampling methods were suitable for the long-term monitoring of S. inornatus, although a modification of the coverboard array using terracotta tiles instead of corru-board tiles should be tested. Five S. inornatus captured were introduced to the Johannesburg Zoo’s ex-situ insurance and captive-breeding population. Nine other sympatric species of herpetofauna were recorded during the survey, with the Bush Squeaker Arthroleptis wahlbergii Smith, 1849 the most caught and S. inornatus ranking fifth. This study provides information that is useful for addressing some of the conservation actions and research needed for S. inornatus, but more research on the biology of this skink (particularly on its life history and population size) and habitat management interventions (restoration and rehabilitation of its habitat) are required to assist with improving its conservation status.

Estimating the effectiveness of using wildlife cameras versus visual-encounter surveys to detect herpetofauna

Context Efficient monitoring of herpetofauna can prove challenging to agencies and NGOs responsible for their management. Wildlife cameras have been proposed as a method to monitor herpetofauna; however, estimates of detection rates and factors affecting detection by cameras are generally lacking and therefore limiting their application. Aims We determined the effect of body size and temperature differential on the detection of snakes and frogs by passive infrared (PIR) wildlife cameras. We hypothesised that detection would differ among models and be positively correlated with body size and surface-temperature differential between the animal and substrate. We then conducted a field study to compare the detection of herpetofauna by a traditional method with PIR cameras. Methods We tested 10 cameras of seven models on five snakes and one camera on six frogs. Photographs were downloaded to determine the detection rate of each species by each camera. We then chose a camera model to compare two herpetofauna survey methods, namely, drift fences equipped with cameras and visual-encounter surveys. Surveys were conducted monthly over 12 months in Irwin County, GA, USA. Key results The highest mean detection rates of snakes were 0.65 (s.e. = 0.33), 0.50 (s.e. = 0.34), and 0.49 (s.e. = 0.34) for the Browning Dark Ops, Reconyx Hyperfire 2, and Mossy Oak Covert Scouting Camera respectively. The detectability of larger snakes was greater than that of smaller snakes and increased as the absolute temperature differences between the snake and the substrate increased. The detectability of frogs was influenced by absolute temperature differential alone. PIR cameras generated five times more observations, documented more herpetofauna species, and were seven times more efficient than traditional surveys. Conclusions The effectiveness of PIR cameras to detect herpetofauna varies among models and depends on the likelihood that the animal will have a body temperature significantly different from the temperature of the substrate. PIR cameras generated observations far more efficiently than traditional sampling methods. Implications PIR wildlife cameras may be most effective at detecting larger, diurnal herpetofauna and least effective at detecting smaller, nocturnal species. Wildlife cameras have the potential to efficiently monitor some herpetofauna, providing a means to better evaluate management objectives.

Amphibians and reptiles of the Sierra Gorda de Querétaro Biosphere Reserve, Mexico: species richness, conservation status and comparison with other natural protected areas in central Mexico

The Sierra Gorda de Querétaro Biosphere Reserve (SGQBR) is one of the largest natural protected areas in Mexico; however, little is known about the richness and diversity of amphibians and reptiles. We present an updated list of species of both groups, the conservation status of these species, as well as an analysis of their diversity with respect to other protected natural areas (NPAs) in central Mexico. The SGQBR contains 132 herpetofauna species (35 amphibians and 97 reptiles). The richest and most diverse families for amphibians were Hylidae (anurans) and Plethodontidae (caudates), and for reptiles Phrynosomatidae (lizards), Colubridae and Dipsadidae (snakes). The values of taxonomic diversity of the SGQBR were similar to those for the regional pool considering others NPAs. However, it did not achieve the highest values compared to the adjacent Los Mármoles National Park or Sierra Gorda de Guanajuato Biosphere Reserve. There was a high complementarity in the species composition between El Chico National Park and SGQBR for both herpetofauna groups. Although a formal list is presented, it is necessary to carry out a greater number of studies focused on analyzing diversity, considering functional attributes of the species and the richness by vegetation types.

Economic Valuation of Sumber Semen Nature Tourism Park in Rembang Regency

The Sumber Semen Nature Tourism Park is the only conservation area in Rembang Regency. This area is designated as a protected area by two ministries mainly because this area is the largest water catchment area in Rembang Regency, which is part of the North Kendeng Karst Mountains. However, some people dos not realize the value of the Sumber Semen area resulting low management participation level. This study aims to identify the area potential, estimate the total economic value of the Sumber Semen area, and determine the level of community dependence. The exploration results showed that there were 124 species of flora, six species of birds, one species of mammal, two species of herpetofauna, and butterflies. Water is utilized for tourism activities, agricultural irrigation, and household necessities. The minimum estimated carbon stock is 468.31 tons/ha. The estimated total economic value is IDR 12,486,219,121/year. The highest economic value is obtained from agricultural activities and the fulfillment of household clean water. The analysis results of economic benefits in the income sharing from total income are included in the very low category (18%). Meanwhile, the income to household expenditures is included in the low category (25%).

Impacts of climate change on herpetofauna diversity in the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau.

Although numerous studies on the impacts of climate change on biodiversity have been published, only a handful are focused on the intraspecific level or consider population-level models (separate models per population). We endeavored to fill this knowledge gap relative to the Qinghai-Tibetan plateau (QTP) by combining species distribution modeling (SDMs) with population genetics (i.e., population-level models) and phylogenetic methods (i.e., phylogenetic tree reconstruction and phylogenetic diversity analyses). We applied our models to 11 endemic and widely distributed herpetofauna species inhabiting high elevations in the QTP. We aimed to determine the influence of environmental heterogeneity on species' responses to climate change, the magnitude of climate-change impacts on intraspecific diversity, and the relationship between species range loss and intraspecific diversity losses under 2 shared socioeconomic pathways (SSP245 and SSP585) and 3 future periods (2050s, 2070s, and 2090s). The effects of global climatic change were more pronounced at the intraspecific level (22% of haplotypes lost and 36% of populations lost) than the morphospecies level in the SSP585 climate change scenario. Maintenance of genetic diversity was in general determined by a combination of factors including range changes, species genetic structure, and the part of the range predicted to be lost. This is owing to the fact that the loss and survival of populations were observed in species irrespective of the predicted range changes (contraction or expansion). In the southeast (mountainous regions), climate change had less of an effect on range size (>100% in 3 species) than in central and northern QTP plateau regions (range size <100% in all species). This may be attributed to environmental heterogeneity, which provided pockets of suitable climate in the southeast, whereas ecosystems in the north and central regions were homogeneous. Generally, our results imply that mountainous regions with high environmental heterogeneity and high genetic diversity may buffer the adverse impacts of climate change on species distribution and intraspecific diversity. Therefore, genetic structure and characteristics of the ecosystem may be crucial for conservation under climate change.

Comparison of species diversity of mammals and herpetofauna between burnt and unburnt land after one year of fire in RAJ Oil Palm Estate, South Sumatera

Frequent fires are common in Indonesia, particularly within oil palm plantations, and are believed to negatively affect the diversity of native plants and animals. In 2018, the RAJ oil palm plantation in South Sumatra experienced a fire incident. This study aimed to assess the contrasting diversity of mammal and herpetofauna species and the impact of fire on species abundance over one year. Data were collected in burnt and unburnt areas with two land cover types, grass and gelam. Transect strips, 1 km long and 50 m wide, were established in each land cover for mammal observations, while the Visual Encounter Survey (VES) method was used for herpetofauna. Data were collected during active animal hours: 06:00-08:00 and 16:00-18:00 for mammals, and 19:00-21:00 for herpetofauna, with three observation rounds each. The analysis included number of eah species, species richness and evenness indices, community similarity index, and percentage of species loss and gain. Results revealed 5 mammal and 5 herpetofauna species in both land cover types. Species Diversity (H′) and Richness (Dmg) Indices differed for each animal group. Generally, H′ and Dmg were higher in burnt areas for mammals, while for herpetofauna, values were greater in unburnt land. Mammal species loss was lower than in burnt areas, with 20% loss and 60% gain in grassland, and 33% loss and gain in gelam land. Herpetofauna loss and gain percentages were similar in unburnt and burnt lands, at 20% for grassland and 33% for gelam land.

The potential role of herpetofauna species diversity on palm oil agro-ecosystems: a case study in the plantation of PT BSM South Sumatra

The palm oil industry is one of the national strategic industries that must gradually apply the concept of green economy where the use of biodiversity (to reduce the use of chemicals in increasing land fertility and controlling pests/diseases) should be optimized in various aspects of management. Therefore, the potential for species diversity and the role of biodiversity in palm oil agro-ecosystems needs to be investigated, one of which is herpetofauna diversity. Data collection on the diversity of herpetofauna species was carried out simultaneously on seven types of land cover for PT BSM’s palm oil plantations using the Visual Encounter Survey (VES) method. The results showed that the number of herpetofauna species varied according to land cover type with a total of 26 species. The highest number of species and individuals was found in shrubs (12 species and 18 individuals). While the lowest number of species and individuals was found in smallholder palm oil plantations 1 (5 species and 9 individuals). Based on the list of herpetofauna species in the study area, nine of these species have potential roles for the oil palm agro-ecosystem. These roles as biological control (predators, parasitoids, pathogens) include Takydromus sexlineatus, Eutropis multifasciata, Chalcorana chalconota, Occydoziga sumtrana, Malayopython reticulatus, Bungarus candidus, and Naja sumatrana, as well as decomposition controllers, Varanus salvator. The Shrubs land cover has a complete composisition of the roles of herpetofauna, while in the others land cover, have one individuals that play a role in the oil palm agroecosystem.

HERPETOFAUNA DAN HABITATNYA DI AREA FAKULTAS KEHUTANAN UNIVERSITAS PAPUA, MANOKWARI

Herpetofauna is a group of animal that make up the ecosystem and has an important role both ecologically and economically. Along with the fragmentation of ​​the Faculty of Forestry area at the University of Papua due to campus development, the diversity of the existing Herpetofauna may change. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the diversity of Herpetofauna and the habitat in the area of Faculty of Forestry at the University of Papua. The collection of data was carried out for one month using visual encounter survey with timed count technique. The results showed that there were 14 species of Herpetofauna consisting of one species of Frog (Platymanthis papuensis), ten species of lizards (Sphenomorphus muelleri, Sphenomorphus jobiensis, Emoia caeruleocauda, ​​Emoia jakati, Eutrophis multifasciata, Nactus pelagicus, Lemprolephis smaragdina, Cyrtodactylus sp., Gehira sp. and Hemydactylus frenatus) and three species of snakes (Micropechis ikaheka, Boiga irregularis and Candoia carinata). The most of Herpetofauna were found in the Arboretum Fahutan, seven species. Amphibians are only found at night while lizards and snakes were discovered both during the day and at night.

An extended mtDNA phylogeography for the alpine newt illuminates the provenance of introduced populations

Abstract Many herpetofauna species have been introduced outside of their native range. MtDNA barcoding is regularly used to determine the provenance of such populations. The alpine newt has been introduced across the Netherlands, the United Kingdom and Ireland. However, geographical mtDNA structure across the natural range of the alpine newt is still incompletely understood and certain regions are severely undersampled. We collect mtDNA sequence data of over seven hundred individuals, from both the native and the introduced range. The main new insights from our extended mtDNA phylogeography are that 1) haplotypes from Spain do not form a reciprocally monophyletic clade, but are nested inside the mtDNA clade that covers western and eastern Europe; and 2) haplotypes from the northwest Balkans form a monophyletic clade together with those from the Southern Carpathians and Apuseni Mountains. We also home in on the regions where the distinct mtDNA clades meet in nature. We show that four out of the seven distinct mtDNA clades that comprise the alpine newt are implicated in the introductions in the Netherlands, United Kingdom and Ireland. In several introduced localities, two distinct mtDNA clades co-occur. As these mtDNA clades presumably represent cryptic species, we urge that the extent of genetic admixture between them is assessed from genome-wide nuclear DNA markers. We mobilized a large number of citizen scientists in this project to support the collection of DNA samples by skin swabbing and underscore the effectiveness of this sampling technique for mtDNA barcoding.

Comments on the taxonomic status of Cyrtodactylus zebraicus Taylor, 1962 (Squamata: Gekkonidae) from Northern Peninsular Malaysia.

The taxonomic status of Cyrtodactylus zebraicus in Peninsular Malaysia has been plagued with uncertainty over the last three decades owing to a lack of vouchered material. Recent collections confirmed the presence of this species in the northernmost state of Perlis and for the country. An expanded description of the newly collected Peninsular Malaysian specimens as well as the holotype of C. zebraicus is provided along with a comparison with other Cyrtodactylus species in the country. This study adds to the growing number of herpetofaunal species with Indo-Burmese affinities discovered in northern states of the country and the biogeographic importance of this region for the exchange of fauna and flora. The findings also highlight the importance of continued field work along the biogeographic interchange of the Banjaran Nakawan that separates southwestern Thailand from northwestern Peninsular Malaysia and the need to sample and collect voucher specimens that can be deposited in proper scientific collections for current and future research.

Composition of herpetofauna in the ecotone between the Cerrado and Atlantic Forest with ecotourism activity around the Itambé Cave and Waterfall, Altinópolis – SP

São Paulo state is renowned for its extensive research on herpetofauna. However, there are still unexplored areas within the state, creating knowledge gaps in biodiversity. This study focused on the Itambé cave and waterfall in Altinópolis, São Paulo, which is an ecotone between the Cerrado and Atlantic Forest and popular among ecotourists. The research aimed to describe the herpetofauna composition in this area. Data collection occurred from April 2022 to January 2023, utilizing various methods. The study assessed the influence of climate variables and seasons on species richness and abundance. The findings identified eight herpetofauna species distributed across six genera. Among them, three lizard species and five anuran species were classified as generalists. Lizard richness peaked in winter, while anuran richness was highest in spring. Precipitation significantly influenced anuran abundance throughout the data collection period. Lizards were evenly distributed between the Cerrado and Atlantic Forest, while anurans were predominantly found in the Atlantic Forest. The research highlights the diverse herpetofauna present in the Itambé cave and waterfall region. However, all species encountered were generalists, suggesting potential human activity impacts on species with specific habitat requirements.

Leaping Forward or Crawling Backward? Efforts and Biases in Amphibian and Reptile Research on a Megadiverse Faunal Region in the Philippines

Research efforts to protect Philippine biodiversity have increased significantly. However, there is an imbalance in the distribution of published studies, with specific territories receiving more attention than others. Mindanao, a southern Philippine group of islands, is known for its high levels of endemism for amphibians and reptiles. Despite this, research on these groups remains scattered. To address this gap, we conducted a literature review focusing on amphibians and reptiles in the Mindanao faunal region. We found an increasing effort towards herpetofauna over the two decades, yet there is a clear bias in the effort towards amphibians compared to reptiles. Furthermore, we found that amphibians have a significantly higher species threat index than reptiles and all other vertebrate groups, regardless of species endemism and conservation status. Yet, threatened herpetofauna species and those facing greater threats are poorly studied in general. Understanding the factors driving research biases in Mindanao and the Philippines is essential to allow us to redirect research efforts to the most needed areas, particularly understudied and neglected taxa in Mindanao. This is especially urgent in the face of a changing climate, where diverse herpetofauna communities are at an increased risk of extinction. Consequently, by bridging these gaps in biodiversity information, we can effectively contribute to the conservation and understanding of biodiversity in the region.

Citizen science reveal new distribution record and possibility of herpetofauna alien species spread in Java – Bali Region

In Indonesia, several reports have been related to the distribution of alien herpetofauna species, especially in Java-Bali. This research aims to reveal the distribution record and possible new distribution of herpetofauna species in the Java-Bali region, including the possibility of alien species. Amfibi Reptil Kita (ARK) uses citizen science methods to collect herpetofauna data from 2017 – 2020 to see possible distribution of herpetofauna new species in the Java – Bali region. The data are then separated by year and region for analysis. After sorting, the data matched the distribution of species through various libraries and geotagged references based on each account. There are six new species recorded in Java-Bali referred to alien species. There are six new species recorded in Java-Bali reffered to alien species. Polypedates macrotis is a new record for Java, while two other amphibian species, Ranoidea caerulea and Lithobates catesbeianus are species whose natural distribution is not in Java-Bali. For reptiles, three types are indicated as alien species in Java-Bali, namely Calotes versicolor, Lamprolepis smaragdina and Pelodiscus sinensis. If alien species such as Lithobates catesbeianus, Calotes versicolor and Lamprolepis smaragdina are not managed properly there are possibility of becoming invasive species and threatening the existence of local species.

Rapid Herpetofauna Assessment at Tumring REDD+Community Forests in Kampong Thom Province, Cambodia

Many community forests are located in the area surrounding the Prey Lang Wildlife Sanctuary, which is currently managed by the local communities. Among those, eight community forests in Kampong Thom province have been included in the pilot project of Tumring REDD+. While these areas are likely to support a high diversity of wildlife, a limited amount of wildlife research and monitoring has been conducted for them, especially herpetofauna studies. To support Tumring REDD+-related work, research was conducted to collect information of herpetofauna species in the targeted eight community forests. Opportunistic searches for amphibians and reptiles and pitfall traps, were applied to collect data. Captured species were photographed and released back unharmed. A total of 36 herpetofauna species (16 amphibian and 20 reptile species) were recorded across all survey sites. Most of the recorded species from this survey are listed as of the Least Concern by the IUCN Red List. The most detected amphibian species were Microhyla fissipes and Eutropis macularia reptile species. In terms of diversity scores, the O’Kranhak community forest was identified as the site with the highest diversity for herpetofauna species, and this area was observed to contain more flowing streams and puddles than other studied sites. This good habitat condition supports more species and organisms’ ability to keep active even in the dry season. The lowest diversity score was at Prey Ang Taen Forest. This area was observed to be more degraded and isolated from other forest fragments. Illegal logging and wildlife hunting were observed as the main threats to these community forests. Our findings provide a species list of the herpetofauna in these studied community forests useful for supporting the development of long-term biodiversity monitoring and conservation. We recommend conducting further study and restoration of these community forests, preservation of swamps and streams, and tackling illegal logging and wildlife hunting in these areas.

Singapore's herpetofauna: updated and annotated checklist, history, conservation, and distribution.

Given Singapore's location at the confluence of important maritime trading routes, and that it was established as a British East India Company trading post in 1819, it is unsurprising that Singapore has become one of the centres of natural history collecting and research in Southeast Asia. Despite its small size, Singapore is home to a diverse herpetofauna assemblage and boasts a rich herpetological history. The first systematic studies of Singapore's herpetofauna (within the Linnaean binomial framework) date back to Stamford Raffles and the naturalists hired by him who first came to the island in 1819. Specimens that were collected during and after this time were deposited in museums worldwide. Over time, 39 species from Singapore were described as new to science. Due to the entrepôt nature of Singapore with its associated purchasing and trading of specimens (both alive and dead), poor record-keeping, and human introductions, numerous extraneous species from outside of Singapore were reported to occur on the island. Such issues have left a complicated legacy of ambiguous records and taxonomic complications concerning the identity of Singapore's species-rich herpetofauna, many of which were only resolved in the past 30-40 years. By compiling a comprehensive collection of records and publications relating to the herpetofauna of Singapore, we construct an updated and more accurate listing of the herpetofauna of Singapore. Our investigation culminated in the evaluation of 309 species, in which we compiled a final species checklist recognising 166 species (149 native and 17 non-native established species). Among the 149 native species are two caecilians, 24 frogs, one crocodilian, 13 turtles (three visitors), 34 lizards, and 75 snakes. Of the 17 non-native species are five frogs, four turtles, six lizards, and two snakes. The remaining 143 species represent species to be excluded from Singapore's herpetofauna species checklist. For each of the 309 species examined, we provide species accounts and explanatory annotations. Furthermore, we discuss Singapore's herpetofauna from a historical and conservation perspective. Immediate deforestation and nationwide urbanisation following colonisation completely eliminated many species from throughout much of the country and restricted them to small, degraded forest patches. We hope this publication highlights the importance of publishing observations and serves as a valuable resource to future researchers, naturalists, biological consultants, and policy makers in initiating studies on species ecology, distribution, status, and promoting conservation efforts to safeguard Singapore's herpetofauna.

The Cyprus Herp Atlas: An initiative for systematic recording of amphibian and reptile occurrences in Cyprus.

Even though the reptiles and amphibians of Cyprus are of scientific and conservation importance and although several books, guides and scientific reports have been published the past 30 years, there is a clear absence of a systematic recording and archiving scheme of all available data in a structural database. Towards this end, the Cyprus Herp (= reptiles and amphibians) Atlas has been developed. The Atlas constitutes the first effort to collect all existing locality data of the herpetofauna species of the island (i.e. scientific reports, books, journals, grey literature) in a single database and simultaneously promote a citizen-science approach in order to collect and constantly update the database with new records. The website of the Atlas contains basic educational and informational material for the public, along with the visibility tool of the database in the form of occurrence maps, in 5 km x 5 km grid cells, openly available for download in kmz format. The Atlas is a powerful tool for citizens, scientists and decision-makers, aiming to contribute to the study and conservation of the reptile and amphibian species of Cyprus. In this short communication, we give details on the structure of the Atlas.

Study of Fauna Diversity in Ujung Kulon National Park Banten Indonesia

National parks are natural conservation areas that have native ecosystems, managed with a zoning system that is used for research, science, education, tourism, cultivation and recreation purposes. Ujung Kulon National Park (TNUK) is one of Indonesia's national parks, located on the western tip of Java Island, Pandeglang Regency, Banten Province. The various kinds of ecosystems in Ujung Kulon National Park are a habitat for various endemic animals or those with a protected and endangered conservation status. However, climate change and poaching that have occurred over the years, land transfers, and climate change have created distinct threats to the preservation of fauna in this region. One of the efforts to preserve the environment in and around TNUK is to carry out in-depth research on habitat conditions and the diversity of species present inside the area. This research aims to obtain information on the diversity of fauna in the TNUK and identify the various types of fauna found in the TNUK area. Fauna's diversity information was carried out in September 2022 by exploring areas in Cilintang to Legon Pakis with a total distance of 9.7 km. The study found the diversity of fauna, and there are nine species of large mammals, seven species of herpetofauna (amphibian reptiles), 13 species of butterflies, and 30 species of avifauna (aves).