New distribution record of Nagarjunasagar Racer Platyceps bholanathi (Reptilia: Squamata: Colubridae) in Sigur, Nilgiris landscape, India

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Arockianathan Samson
http://orcid.org/0000-0002-0804-7941
Palanisamy Santhoshkumar
http://orcid.org/0000-0002-8739-406X
Balasundaram Ramakrishnan
http://orcid.org/0000-0003-0698-1383
Sivaraj Karthick
http://orcid.org/0000-0002-0645-3647
Chandrashekaruni Gnaneswar
http://orcid.org/0000-0002-3744-2596

Abstract

On 3 September 2016 at 15.30hr, we came across a dead snake on a rock in the Sigur (11.5312700N & 76.7697310E, elevation 945m) a rain-shadow area in the Nilgiris landscape, Tamil Nadu, India. This specimen is confirmed to be Platyceps bholanathi following major key characters with available literature. Our record is important because it not only significantly extends the range from earlier records but it is also the first report of this species from the Nilgiri Landscape. We believe that our present note will encourage further studies on this group.

Article Details

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Notes
Author Biographies

Arockianathan Samson, Government Arts College Udhagamandalam The Nilgiris

Department of wildlife biology

Palanisamy Santhoshkumar, Government Arts College Udhagamandalam The Nilgiris

Department of wildlife biology

Balasundaram Ramakrishnan, Government Arts College Udhagamandalam The Nilgiris

Department of wildlife biology

Sivaraj Karthick, Government Arts College Udhagamandalam The Nilgiris

Department of wildlife biology

Chandrashekaruni Gnaneswar, Government Arts College Udhagamandalam The Nilgiris

Department of wildlife biology

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