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Home , Ahaetulla nasuta, Boiga multomaculata, Chirixalus, Chrysopelea ornata, Glyphoglossus, Glyphoglossus molossus

Hamadryad Vol 23, No. 2, pp. Ill - 120, 1998. Copyright 1998 Centre for Hcrpetology, Madras Crocodile Bank Trust

HERPETOFAUNA OF THE CHATTHIN WILDLIFE SANCTUARY, NORTH-CENTRAL WITH PRELIMINARY OBSERVATIONS OF THEIR NATURAL HISTORY

George R. Zug', Htun Win^ Thin ThinS Than Zaw MinS Win Zaw Lhon^ and Kyaw Kyaw^

Division of & , National Museum of Natural History, Washington, D.C. 20560, U.S.A. Email: zug.georgc @nmnh.si.edu. Chatthin Wildlife Sanctuary, c/o Nature and Wildlife Conservation Division, Forest Department, West Gyogone, Insein, Yangon Myanmar. (with two text-figures) ABSTRACT.- Sixteen of amphibians and 34 species of reptiles comprise the herpetofauna of a dry deciduous dipterocarp forest and adjacent farmlands of a wildlife preserve in north-central Myanmar. Numerically, several species of (e.g., Rana limnocharis, Rana rugulosa, sp.) are the most abundant components of the Chatthin herpetofauna, and no species of approaches their abundance or density. The area has a strong seasonal shift between wet (monsoon) and dry, and all species show distinct patterns of seasonal activity and associated abundance, no less so for any reptilian species.

KEY WORDS.- Amphibia, Reptilia, natural history, size of adults, Burma, Myanmar.

INTRODUCTION north-western edge of the W. S. The W. S. also The Chatthin Wildlife Sanctuary (23° 34.46'N; includes three small villages and their associated 95° 44.26'E) is a 268.2 km^ nature reserve ap- farmland. The eastern, northern, and western proximately 160 km north-west of Mandalay, in perimeter borders mainly rice paddies, the south- central Myanmar (Fig. 1). The sanctuary was em abuts secondary-growth forest. The indaing formed by the British Territorial Govenraient of is deciduous dipterocarp forest dominated by the Burma in 1941 by combining two adjacent forest In {Dipterocarpus tuberculatus); about reserves and unassigned forest (Salter and Sayer, two-thirds of the forest is low indaing with tree 1983). It was created mainly as a preserve for the tops at 8-10 m, the remainder high indaing reach- thamin or Eld's deer {Cervus eldi), but the Japa- ing 10-15 m. In both, the canopy is open, nese supported invasion in 1942, the subsequent 30-70%, and the forest floor has a mixture of war years, and the early years of independence forbs and grass or mainly grass, never dense be- offered little opportunity to protect the thamin or neath the canopy. The shrub layer ranges from other and plant species. Nonetheless, the sparse to moderate with a variety of other low reserve was recognized locally and received shrubs and trees and In sprouting from root some attention by the Myanmar Forestry Depart- stocks. ment. When the wildife division was established In 1994, the Smithsonian's National Zoologi- within the forestry department in 1986, the divi- cal Park/Conservation and Research Center be- sion established a station (San Myaung Camp) gan a collaborative research programme with the near the town of Chatthin, and they began a Myanmai^ature and Wildlife Conservation Di- programme of protection and regular patrols. vision on the ecology of the thamin. Subse- Chatthin W. S. (ca. 200 m above msl) is quently, they initiated a bird census programme mainly a secondary growth indaing forest with in late 1995, and in July 1997, we began a several seasonally flooded areas of open grass- herpetofaunal inventory and monitoring pro- land (Iwin) and a seasonally large lake near the gram. The programme has three components that 112 HAMADRYAD [Vol. 23, No. 2,

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FIGURE 1: Location of the Chatthin Wildlife Sanctuary in north-central Myanmar. operate. weekly or monthly year around. Al- adult females and males, and sample sizes; un- though we do not yet know all of the amphibians less noted otherwise, all measurements were and reptiles of the sanctuary, we believe that it is taken pre-preservation), an estimate of abun- appropriate to provide a preliminary list of the dance (abundant, common, uncommon, rare), herpetofauna and some of our observations on main habitat and microhabitat occurrence, and their natural history from our first year of moni- miscellaneous observations on the biology of the toring. This goal is important, because aside species. Sex and maturity were determined by from Dowling and Jenner's (1987) check- dissection and examination of gonads in reptiles, list, the most recent published observations on examination on gonads and/or presence of fiinc- the Myanmar herpetofauna derive from the time tional vocal sacs in frogs. All species reported of British administration (e.g., Shreve, 1940; here are represented by voucher specimens in the Smith, 1940; 1943). Chatthin W.S. Collection (ChWS) and/or Na- tional Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian CHATTHIN HERPETOFAUNA Institution (USNM); see Appendix I. . The Chatthin fauna contains at least 16 species of frogs, two turtles, 12 , and 20 (Ta- FROGS ble 1). The following accounts provide data on Bufo melanostictus (Bufonidae). 99-113 mm, adult snout-vent length (SVL, separately for 74-101 mm SVL, n = 3 females, 2 males. Un- December, 1998] CHATTHIN HERPETOFAUNA 113

TABLE 1: Species of amphibians and reptiles occurring in the Chatthin Wildhfe Sanctuary and adjacent farm- lands. The number in brackets denotes the number of species for each group.

AMPHIBIA Hemidactylus frenatus ANURA [16] Family Scincidae [5] Family Bufonidae [1] Lygosoma lineolatum Bufo melanostictus Mabuya dissimilis Family [5] Mabuya novemcarinata molossus Mabuya quadricarinata Kalophrynus interlineatus maculatus Kaloula pulchra Family [1] Microhyla ornata Varanus bengalensis Microhyla sp Family Ranidae [8] SNAKES [20] Occidozyga lima Family /Colubrinae [12] Rana lateralis nasuta Rana Umnocharis/large multomaculata Rana limnocharis/small Boiga ochracea Rana macrodactyla ornata Rana rugulosa Dendrelaphis subocularis Rana tigerina Elaphe radiata Tomopterna breviceps Lycodon aulicus Family [2] Oligodon cruentatus Chirixalus nongkhorensis Oligodon quadrilineatus Polypedates leucomystax Oligodon splendidus Ptyas mucosus REPTILIA collaris TESTUDINES [2] Colubridae/Natricitiae [1] Family Testudinidae/Testudininae [1] Amphiesma stolatum Indotestudo elongata Family Cylindrophiidae [1] Family Trionychidae/Lissemyinae [1] ruffus Lissemys scutata Family /Elapinae [2] Bungarus fasciatus LIZARDS [12] Naja kaouthia Family [3] Family [1] Calotes mystaceus Ramphotyphlops braminus Calotes versicolor /Crotalinae [1] Leiolepis peguensis Trimeresurus erythurus Family [3] ViperidaeA^iperinae [1] Gekko Daboia russelii Hemidactylus bowringii Family Xenopeltidae [1] unicolor common; single individuals found occasionally this treefrog calls from late May through mid near camp buildings in forest; no breeding aggre- October and breeds during the early to middle gations seen or heard locally. monsoon (May-August) based on the occurrence Chirixalus nongkhorensis (Rhacophoridae). of amplexing pairs; males typically call from 31 -34 mm, 23-31 mm SVL, n = 7,20. Common; shrubs and trees, 1-3 m above ground, rarely 114 HAMADRYAD [Vol. 23, No. 2,

calls on ground. It is arboreal, occurring in fence individuals have been found in forest litter sur- rows and isolated trees in the farmland and for- veys. Chorus activity begins in early monsoon est; diurnal "rain-calls" demonstrate its presence and continues throughout the monsoon. The tiny to 6-8 m height in densely foliaged trees. males call from land and always beneath vegeta- Polypedates leucomastyx (Rhacophoridae). tion. 77 mm, 48-60 mm SVL, n = 1,12. Uncommon; Occidozyga lima (Ranidae). 24-40 mm, this species breeds with the earliest rains 22-30 mm SVL, n = 6,33. Abundant; it occurs in (May-eaFly June) of the monsoon and is seen forest and farmland. It is a most common paddy only sporadically thereafter during the monsoon. and regularly found in ditches and puddles. Males occasionally call from the ground, but Although it moves overiand, it is seldom far from more frequently from shrubs near temporary for- water. Chorusing and breeding occurs from early est pools, usually < 2 m from ground. to late monsoon. Males call mainly from a float- (Microhylidae). 86 ing posture and occasionally sitting on vegeta- mm, 63-77 mm SVL, n = 1,6. Uncommon; juve- tion in the water. niles and adults have been found in our forest Rana lateralis (Ranidae). 55-64 mm SVL, n = floor surveys and in breeding aggregations. 0, 10. Uncommon; this species has been found Body form and the large heel spade suggest a only as single individuals within the forest or at fossorial life-style. Breeding occurs in the early forest edge. Adult males have been found most monsoon in deep, temporary forest pools. Males frequently in early monsoon, but we have not call from a floating posture, usually clustered in found a breeding aggregation or even a single the middle of the pool. They are extremely wary calling male. and sink with the slightest disturbance. The size Rana limnocharis group. Two species of the disparity between the sexes prevents typical R. limnocharis group occur. Both species are amplexus, and the male is broadly glued to the abundant, and the larger species matches the female's back. Thai populations identified as this species. The Kalophyrnus interlineatus (Microhylidae). small species initially were mistaken for juve- 39-44 mm SVL, n = 4, 0. Rare; this species has niles, but calling males are common. been found only as single individuals within the Rana limnocharis/large (Ranidae). 47-67 forest on the forest floor. mm, 39-52 mm SVL, n = 27, 34. Abundant; this Kaloula pulchra (Microhylidae). 67 mm, species occurs throughout the forest and farm- 61 -70 mm SVL, n = 1,3. Uncommon; it is found lands, usually associated with water although it predominantly in the forest, and all breeding is occasionally seen, both during the day and males have been found in forest or forest-edge night, foraging 100 m or more from the nearest pools, although it is a known resident of garden water. Males call year around when conditions and landscaped sites in villages and towns. are wet, and even sporadically during the day; al- Breeding occurs in the early monsoon with the though main breeding choruses are nocturnal, males calling in the water at the edge of pools. usually beginning several hours after sunset and Microhyla ornata (Microhylidae). 20-27 mm, continuing into the early morning. Males call 20-25 mm SVL, n = 7,11. Common; it occurs in from the water's edge, sitting in the water or on forest and farmland. Its breeding season extends land. R. limnocharis is wary and escapes by a se- from early through mid-monsoon with peak cho- ries of leaps away from the intruder. This species rusing activity in the latter half of this period. and R. rugulosa are collected by the locals and Males call from the ground and typically par- are sold as "fmger-food" at the Chatthin village tially or completely hidden under vegetation. market. Microhyla sp. (Microhylidae). 16-18 mm, Rana limnocharis/small (Ranidae). 30-39 14-17 mm SVL, n = 6,22. Abundant; most speci- mm, 24-29 mm SVL, n = 6, 18. Conrimon; this mens derive from breeding choruses which oc- species is a paddy frog and otherwise has been cur in farmland or at forest edge, although a few seen only at the forest edge. Choruses appear December, 1998] CHATTHIN HERPETOFAUNA 115 once the monsoon rain have flooded the paddies graphed and released) was hiding at midday be- with persistent water; although an occasional side a termite mound in the high indaing. It pos- male is heard nearly year around. Males call sessed a single growth annulus on each scute from land, at the edge of the water to 1 m away. suggesting that it was in its second growth sea- Rana macrodactyla (Ranidae). Rare; only son or would soon renew its growth in the forth- two juveniles (34.5, 25.2 mm SVL, July & No- coming monsoon. vember, respectively) have been captured. The Lissemys scutata (Trionychidae). Uncom- occurrence of these juveniles indicates that mon; we obtained two individuals ( 100,102 mm breeding occurs near the Sanctuary's headquar- CL/preserved, presumed juveniles) in July 1997. ters, although we have not seen a breeding aggre- It occurs year around in permanent streams and gation or an adult. the deep pools in the forest chaungs (streambeds) Rana rugulosa (Ranidae). 70-107 mm, 49-54 that persist through the dry season. Local farm- mm SVL, n = 8, 9. Common; R. rugulosa. is a ers report that it aestivates in burrows adjacent to wetlands species, always in association with wa- chaungs or ponds during the dry season. One of ter from the rice paddies of the farmlands to tem- our vouchers was found in a roadside puddle porary pools in the forest and the flooded near a monsoon-filled stream; the other was pur- grasslands (Iwin) within the forest. In small chased from a local farmer, both in pools of water, this species commonly escapes mid-monsoon. This species is also collected by by hopping out of the water and hiding in the ad- villagers for food. jacent vegetation or leaf litter. Choruses begin prior to the monsoon rains and continue through LIZARDS the entire monsoon, although reproduction ap- Calotes mystaceus (Agamidae). 104-112 pears to be early to mid-monsoon (May-August) mm, 134-158 mm SVL, n = 2,2 possible males. based on the occurrence of gravid females. Uncommon; this species occurs mainly in farm- Males call sitting in the water, either at the edge lands and fence rows and is rarely seen in the for- or in shallow areas. est. Although arboreal, one individual was found Rana tigerina (Ranidae). 83 mm SVL, n = 0, beneath leaf litter in January, suggesting terres- 1. Rare; a single adult male was found in the low trial hibernation during the cool-dry season. One indaing beneath leaf litter in the late dry season of the females had four oviducal , each ap- (mid-May). A darkening of the throat over the proximately 18 mm in maximum length.. vocal sac areas suggest it was approaching Calotes versicolor (Agamidae) 63-80 mm, 80 breeding condition. mm SVL, n = 5, 1. Uncommon; although this Tomopterna breviceps (Ranidae). 53-61 mm, species is a forest to forest edge and fencerow 50-54 mm SVL, n = 5, 9. Common but strongly species, it is not abundant in the forest. Our vari- seasonal; this frog breeds with the first monsoon ous census protocols indicate less than one indi- rains and then largely disappears with only an vidual per hectare. C. versicolor IS semiarboreal, occasional individual calling to mid-monsoon. appearing to forage on the ground, but usually The well-developed heel spade denotes at least a escaping to and up trees. At night, it is found semifossorial life-style, and our forest litter sur- sleeping on trees and shrubs near the end of the veys indicate that it is a denizen of the forest. branches and from 1-4 m above the ground. Adult females collected May-August had either TURTLES mid-vitellogenic follicles or oviducal eggs (4-5; Indotestudo elongata (Testudinidae). Un- approximately 10-14 mm maximum length). common; this species has long been collected by Two juveniles with yolk-sac scars were collected villagers for food. It is a deciduous forest spe- in late July, suggesting a late June to mid-July cies. A single juvenile was found in May 1998; hatching. all other records derive from carapaces found Leiolepis peguensis (Agamidae). Uncom- near villages. This juvenile (77 mm CL; photo- mon; we have captured only two individuals 116 HAMADRYAD [Vol. 23, No. 2,

(74.9,110.7 mm S VL, the larger one is an imma- man buildings appears to be a hybrid between H. ture female). L.peguensis is largely inactive for bowringi and H. frenatus. about half of the year. It is restricted to elevated, Hemidactylus frenatus (Gekkonidae). 48-56 well-drained, open sandy areas in the forest. In- mm, 53-57 mm SVL, n = 5, 3. Common; H. dividuals live in burrows and are active during frenatus is strictly a human commensal, on the dry season from March through June, "re- buildings or vegetation adjacent to buildings. Al- quiring" hot sunny weather. It is most visible though principally a noctural , it appears when daily temperatures exceed 30°C and is and captures insects from 1-2 hr prior to sunset seen outside of its burrows even in midday when through the night to about 1 hr after sunrise. temperatures approach 40°C. Most often, it es- Lygosoma lineolatum (Scincidae). 47-52 capes by running to its burrow, but if cutoff from mm, 46-51 mm SVL, n = 8, 3. Common; this the burrow, it may climb a tree. In the monsoon is a forest floor inhabitant, occasionally season, it closes its burrow, presumably for hi- seen foraging above the leaf litter but most fre- bernation. We suspect that only one lizard occu- quently found beneath floor litter, seeming ex- pies a burrow system, which consists of a "main" clusively so during the heavy rain periods of the entrance and an accessory or escape exit. They mid-monsoon. Reproductive states show several have been observed eating plants and , peculiarities. One specimen is hermaphroditic, including Brassa grass and termites. possessing testes and a left oviduct. Gravid fe- Gekko gecko (Gekkonidae). 161-162 mm males occurred only in the late July sample and SVL, n = 0, 2. Uncommon; it occurs most fre- have either two or three oviducal eggs (7.0-9.3 quently as a commensal in buildings but also mm, max. length). The minimum of size of sexu- lives in the forest. Usually, only one individual ally mature females is 47.1 mm SVL, yet three occurs in a building or a set of adjacent buildings. females > 50 were immature. When two individuals are present, one of them is Mabuya dissimilis (Scincidae). Rare; we smaller, perhaps a female and male sharing over- have seen only a few individuals of this species lapping territories. G. gecko, presumably males, and only in July. Both specimens appear im- call irregularly throughout the day and night mature: the male (49.6 mm SVL/preserved) from February into June. This gecko stays high has moderate-sized testes and small in buildings and trees. It eats large insects, mice, epididymides; the female (72.0 mm SVL) has and perhaps other , such as Hemidactylus previtellogenic follicles and unconvoluted frenatus, although we have observed no chases oviducts. or captures of smaller geckos. Chatthin individu- Mabuya novemcarinata (Scincidae). 78 mm als move about their "territories" throughout the SVL, n = 0,1. Rare; a single individual has been night. One individual occupied three adjacent collected in the sanctuary in August. buildings and moved among them on an irregular Mabuya quadricarinata (Scincidae). 45-46 pattern, although it did not change its hunting mm SVL, n = 0, 2. Rare; we have seen only two building during a single foraging night. individuals. Both were adult males and were Hemidactylus bowringi (Gekkonidae). 43-44 captured in early August in the forest. mm, 44-47 mm SVL, n = 3, 2. Uncoimnon; H. Sphenomorphus maculatus (Scincidae). 56 bowringi is a forest gecko, most commonly mm, 50-51 mm SVL, n = 1, 2. Uncommon; S. found on the forest floor beneath detritus and maculatus is a forest floor species. It has a sea- also at the base of trees and beneath bark of sonal activity pattern and is most abundant (= standing dead trees. Our preliminary observa- visible) in the dry season, February through tions suggest a seasonal activity pattern, being mid June, although it has been seen in most most active during the monsoon; we saw individ- months. uals in July-September and January-February. A Varanus bengalensis (Varanidae). 326 mm gravid female (USNM 520557, 44 mm SVL) SVL/preserved, n = 0, 0, 1 not sexed. Rare; few collected in the forest more than 1 km from hu- monitors are seen within the forest. December, 1998] CHATTHIN HERPETOFAUNA 117

SNAKES the camp shortly after sunset. Although L. Ahaetulla nasuta (Colubridae). 295 mm SVL, aulicus is principally a terrestrial species, it will n=0,1. Rare; this species has been seen only once attempt to avoid capture by climbing trees using near the forest edge in a cluster of trees at 3 m. concertina locomotion. Amphiesma stolatum (Colubridae). 340-556 Oligodon cruentatus (Colubridae). 305 mm mm SVL, n = 5, 0. Common; A. stolatum is the SVL, n = 0,1. Unconmion; three individual were most frequently encountered of the Chatthin captured in the forest. snakes. It is seen mainly at the forest edge and in Oligodon quadrilineatus (Colubridae). 537 the adjacent farmlands; however, it is also seen mm SVL, n = 0, 1. Uncommon; O. in the forest, usually near or in open habitats. A quadrilineatus is a forest floor inhabitant and the gravid female (533 mm SVL, 6 June 1998) bore most abundant (n = 6) of the three Chatthin 10 oviducal eggs, 21-24 mm maximimi length. Oligodon sp. It was seen in early morning and Boiga multomaculata (Colubridae). 678 mm late afternoon moving on the surface of the litter, SVL, n=0,1. Uncommon; this species is a forest and discovered at other times beneath the leaves species. All specimens have been found on the and logs. A juvenile female (234 mm SVL) re- ground beneath leaf litter or logs. gurgitated two lizard eggs (17 mm maximum Boiga ochracea (Colubridae). 666 mm SVL, length, presumably Calotes mystaceus eggs). n = 1,0. Rare; a single individual was found in Oligodon splendidus (Colubridae). 460 mm, the forest beneath leaf litter. 519 mm SVL, n = 0, 1, 1 not sexed. Rare; this Chrysopelea ornata (Colubridae). 883 mm snake is a forest-floor inhabitant. SVL, n = 0,1. Uncommon; C. ornata is a forest Ptyas mucosus (Colubridae). 1651 mm SVL, species and an exceptional climber. When dis- n = 0, 0,1 not sexed. Rare; we saw a single indi- turbed on the ground, it moves to the nearest tree vidual in the forest. This species may be more and rapidly ascends whether bark is smooth or common in the farmlands surrounding the sanc- rough by concertina locomotion that is per- tuary. formed so rapidly that it appears serpentine. In (Colubridae). Rare; one the trees, it is commonly seen at heights > 4 m juvenile male (161 mm SVL) was captured in the and does glide from tree to tree or ground when forest. chased. Cylindrophis ruffus (Cylindrophidae). 270 Dendrelaphis subocularis (Colubridae). mm SVL/preserved, n = 0, 0, 1 not sexed. Rare; 411-426 mm SVL, n = 0, 2. Rare, this species this species was seen only once, several years lives in the forest. Both individuals have large ago. testes and small epididymides; nonetheless, we Bungarus fasciatus (Elapidae). 1290 mm assume that they are mature. They are dimor- SVL, n = 1,0. Uncommon; all specimens (two phic; one has a dark grey venter except for a juveniles, one adult) were found in the farmlands white chin and throat, the other has a white and at night. venter from chin to posterior third of trunk then Naja kaouthia (Elapidae). 945 mm SVL, n = gradually becoming grey. 1, 0. Uncommon; all specimens were found in Elapheradiata{Co\\ibúádi•). 1336 mm, 1630 the farmlands, both at day and night mm SVL, n = 0, 1, 1 not sexed. Rare; although Ramphotyphlops braminus (Typhlopidae). this species is likely an inhabitant of farmlands, Common; this species is found on the forest floor we have observed it only in the forest. and beneath floor-debris in the monsoon season. Lycodon aulicus (Colubridae). 479 mm, The largest individual captured was 120 mm 305-324 mm SVL, n = 1,3. Common; this spe- SVL, but most are less than 90 mm SVL; we cies occurs in forest and forest-edge habitats. It is have not attempted to determine the size at sex- a terrestrial species, occurring beneath logs and ual maturity in our sample. leaf litter. It is likely a crepuscular or nocturnal Daboia russelii (Viperidae). 819-830 mm species as we have captured specimens around SVL, n = 0, 2. Rare in the forest, uncommon in 118 HAMADRYAD [Vol. 23, No. 2,

the farmlands. This viper becomes active at twi- countered all species that occur in the sanctuary. light. However, we are using a variety of survey proto- Trimeresurus erythurus (Viperidae). Rare; cols, thus it seems likely that we now have identi- this snake is a forest species. Two juveniles (390, fied the major herpetofaunal components. The 400 mm SVL; late November and early Decem- species accumulation curve (Fig. 2) shows that , ber) were found during the cool dry season, one our survey efforts are approaching an asymptote on the forest floor and the other in a shrub at < 1 and the total Chatthin herpetofauna is likely 60 ± m above the ground. species. (Xenopeltidae). Rare; The herpetofauna seems depauperate, al- this species seems to require moist forest soils. though we have no other Burmese sites with Both individuals are immature (ca. 400 mm which to compare it. The closest locality that has SVL) and were found in forest litter near the been thoroughly surveyed (Inger and Colwell, kitchen water-overflow at the sanctuary's head- 1977) is the Sakaerat forest reserve in quarters. north-eastern (14° 30'N; 101° 55'E). Although Sakaerat is at a lower latitude, it shares DISCUSSION climatic and floral similarities with a strong sea- Our inventory of the Chatthin herpetofauna is sonal rainfall, also an elevation of about 200 m, only one year old, and we certainly have not en- and an open deciduous dipterocarp forest with 60 ^

0 10 20 30 40 50 Weeks FIGURE 2: Species accumulation curve for the herpetofaunal survey of the Chatthin Wildlife Sanctuary. The survey began on 14 July 1997, and this graph reports our inventory results through 16 June 1998. December, 1998] CHATTHIN HERPETOFAUNA 119

adjacent agricultural lands. It also possesses a Another comparison of the fauna lowland evergreen forest, but the herpetofauna is possible with Ma Da, , approximately of that habitat is excluded from the following 650 km south-east of Sakaerat. This site is pri- discussion because no such forest exists near marily secondary forest with scattered stands (a Chatthin. Sakaerat has 24 amphibians (a caecili- hectare or less) of primary dipterocarp forest an, 23 frogs) and 57 reptiles (two turtles, 21 liz- (Tarkhnishvili, 1994). Nineteen species of frog ards, 35 snakes). With a herpetofauna x 1.5 occur at Ma Da. Eight species are shared with larger than Chatthin, the impression of a Chatthin and 11 species with Sakaerat. This depauperate fauna is supported, but the intensity comparison and the one with Sakaerat are, of of sampling at Sakaerat exceeds that performed course, dependent upon the correct identification at Chatthin even though the former sampling oc- of the amphibians and species, as well as the as- curred only for 11 months. sumption that a named taxon in Myanmar is the We are struck more by the similarities of the same as the one in Thailand as in Vietnam. In two faunas than by their differences, considering spite of these potential difficulties, the Chatthin that the two herpetofaunas are 1,200 km apart frog fauna shows decreasing similarities with in- and separated by a major mountain range. They creasing distance even though the structure of share the same species or ecologi- the habitat appears similar. cally-equivalent species. For example, among The Thai and Vietnamese frog faunas suggest the frogs, they share ten species (more than half that the central Myanmar fauna has closer of the known Chatthin anuran fauna); ecologi- biogeographic affinities with the south-east cal-equivalents would make this number higher. Asian one than to the Indian fauna. Chanda's The similarities are at about the same level (1994) report on the north-east Indian frog fauna among the reptiles (e.g., seven shared lizard spe- lists 54 species. Chatthin shares only five species cies and 12 snakes; both more than half the with this area that is geographically closer than Chatthin faunas). Our ongoing monitoring activ- the south-east Asian sites. This lack of shared ities and forest-floor quadrate sampling will al- fauna reinforces Chanda's conclusion that the low us to make a more rigorous and statistical frog fauna of north-eastern India is largely de- comparison of these two faunas in the ñiture. rived from the Indian subcontinent. Such a comparison will also be possible on the relative abundance of the herpetofaunal com- ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ponents. At this time, we are struck by the greater The investigation of the Chatthin herpetofauna abundance (= visibility) of the anuran fauna in owes its support and thanks to numerous individ- contrast to the reptilian fauna. This abundance is uals and organizations. We wish to thank the evident in the forest and paddies. The slightest Myanmar Ministry of Forestry and its Division amount of moisture increases the exposed activ- of Nature and Wildlife Conservation (U Uga, Di- ity of frogs, particularly Rana limnocharis, and rector) for encouraging the collaborative pro- in the forest, this species is as likely to be ob- grams between the wildlife division staff and served as any lizard. Indeed, most reptiles are un- Smithsonian research scientists. Many members common to rare, and many show a strong of the Chatthin Wildlife Sanctuaiy community seasonality of occurrence. There seems to be an have caught or drawn our attention to unique especially low abundance of lizards. Is it possi- specimens of the herpetofauna, and some have ble that the high diversity of birds suppresses liz- joined n« in our various surveys; we greatly ap- ard abundance by both a competition for insect preciate their labours and encouragement. Brit- prey resources and prédation of all life stages of ish Airways has generously provided lizards? Lizard abundance may also be sup- transportation for GZ and his field gear. The pressed by forest-floor fires (P. P. van Dijk, pers. Smithsonian Biological Survey and Inventory comm.) that occur moderately frequently in Program has provided ftinding to permit the year •these dry dipterocarp forests. around inventory and monitoring program, as 120 HAMADRYAD [Vol. 23, No. 2, well as for field equipment and supplies and species occurring in Chatthin Wildlife Sancturary. Abbrevia- GZ's in-country expenses. We also note our spe- tion: ChWS, Chatthin Wildlife Sanctuary collection; USNM, National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Institu- cial appreciation to C. Wemmer for his enthusi- tion. astic encouragement of studies of the Burmese biota. P. Zug assisted us with data entry and anal- AMPHIBIA ysis. We thank A. M. Bauer and P. P. van Dijk for Anura. Family Bufonidae, Bufo melanostictus, USNM their advice that improved the accuracy and clar- 520316-17. Family Microhylidae, Glyphoglossus molossus, USNM 520318-20; Kalophrynus interlineatus, USNM ity of this report. 520321; Kaloula pulchra, USNM 520322-31; Microhyla ornata, USNM 520349-67; Microhyla sp, USNM LITERATURE CITED 520333-48. Family Ranidae, Occidozyga lima, USNM CHANDA, S. K. 1994. Anuran (Amphibia) 520368-82; Rana lateralis, USNM 520399-405; Rana limnocharis, USNM 520438-50; Rana limnocharis/smaW, fauna of northeast India. Mem. Zool. Surv. India USNM 520406-20; Rana macrodactyla, USNM 520469; 18(2): 1-143+ 21 maps. Rana rugulosa, USNM 520470-80; Rana tigerina, ChWS DOWLING, H. G. & J. V. JENNER. 1988. 34195; Tomoptema breviceps, USNM 520490-499. Family Snakes of Burma. Checklist of reported species Rhacophoridae, Chirixalus nongkhorensis USNM 520503-20; Polypedates leucomystax, USNM 52035-39. & bibliography. Smithsonian Herpetol. Inf. Serv. (76): 1-19. REPTILIA INGER, R. F. & R. K. COLWELL. 1977. Or- Tcstudines. Family Testudinidae, Indotestudo elongata ganization of contiguous communities of am- USNM 520645. Family Trionychidae, Lissemys scutata, phibians and reptiles in Thailand. Ecol. Mong. USNM 520643-44. Squamata/lizards. Family Agamidae, Calotes mystaceus, Al: 229-253. USNM 520540-41; Calotes versicolor, USNM 520542-47; SALTER, R. E. & J. A. SAYER. 1983. Leiolepis peguensis, USNM 524046. Family Gekkonidae, Kyatthin Wildlife Sanctuary draft management Gekko gecko, USNM 520548; Hemidactylus bowringii, plan. F.A.O., Rangoon Field Document 6/83: USNM 520551-57; Hemidactylus frenatus, USNM 520560-65. Family Scincidae, Lygosoma lineolatum, USNM 1-49 pp. 520566-75; Mabuya dissimilis, USNM 520631-14; Mabuya SHREVE, B. 1940. Reptiles and amphibians novemcarinata, ChWS 34127; Mabuya quadricarinata, from Burma with descriptions of three new USNM 520616; Sphenomorphus maculatus, USNM skincs [sic]. Proc. New England Zool. Club 18: 520618-21. Family Varanidac, Varanus bengalensis, ChWS 34194. 17-26. Squamata/snakcs. Family Colubridac, Ahaetulla nasuta, SMITH, M. A. 1940. The amphibians and ChWS 34147; Amphiesma stolatum, USNM 520630-34; reptiles obtained by Mr. Ronald Kaulback in Up- Boiga multomaculata, USNM 520622; Boiga ochracea, per Burma. Rec. Indian Mus. 42: 465-486. USNM 524064; Chrysopelea ornata, USNM 520623; Dendrelaphis subocularis, USNM 524066; Elaphe radiata, . 1943. The fauna of British India, USNM 524067; Lycodon aulicus, USNM 520627-29; Ceylon and Burma, including the whole of the Oligodon cruentatus, USNM 524068; Oligodon Indo-Chinese region. Reptilia and Amphibia. quadrilineatus, USNM 52064-25; Oligodon splendidus, Vol. III.- Serpentes. Taylor and Francis, London, USNM 520626; Ptyas mucosus, ChWS 34174; Sibynophis collaris, ChWS 34154. Family Cylindrophiidae, xii + 583 pp + 1 map. Cylindrophis rujffus, ChWS unnumbered. Family Elapidae, TARKHNISHVILI, D. N. 1994. Amphibian Bungarus fasciatus, USNM 520635-36; Naja kaouthia, communities of the southern Viet Nam: prelimi- USNM 524075. Family Typhlopidac, Ramphotyphlops nary data.y. Rengainât. Hist. Soc.,n.s. 13:3-62. braminus, USNM 520637-42. Family Viperidae, Daboia russelii, USNM 524077; Trimeresurus erythurus, USNM 524076. Family Xenopeltidae, Xenopeltis unicolor, USNM APPENDIX I 524062. Representativo voucher specimens of the Chatthin hcrpctofauna. For brevity, we have not listed all specimens examined but provide one or more voucher records for each Received: 4 July. 1998. Accepted: 17 November, 1998.