The British Herpetological Society

The Herpetological Bulletin is a quarterly publication in English. It includes full-length papers, natural history notes, book reviews, and other items of general herpetological interest. Emphasis is placed on natural history and conservation as well as captive care that includes breeding, husbandry, veterinary, and behavioural aspects.


Issue Number 174 - Winter 2025 Issue Number 174 - Winter 2025


pdf 01. Integrating baseline field surveys with local ecological knowledge to assess the diversity patterns and conservation needs of herpetofauna in highly disturbed areas of Uganda

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https://doi.org/10.33256/hb174.19

AUTHORS: MWIJUKYE BRIAN, JANE YATUHA, JOHN BOSCO NKURUNUNGI, JULIUS TUMUSIIME, MATHIAS BEHANGANA & LUCA LUISELLI

ABSTRACT: Uganda hosts a rich diversity of amphibians and reptiles, although many species remain Data Deficient, highlighting the need for comprehensive field studies. We report on the species richness, diversity patterns and local distribution of amphibians and reptiles in the Kagera riverine landscape of Uganda. A multidisciplinary approach was used, combining visual surveys, acoustic monitoring and Local Ecological Knowledge gathered through interviews. The study identified 21 amphibian and 12 reptile species, with distribution patterns influenced by both environmental conditions and human activities. Quantitative analysis demonstrated varying species richness across different sites, with mining activities showing the most pronounced negative effects on amphibian diversity. Ethno-herpetological surveys, based on a semi-structured questionnaire, revealed that local perceptions, particularly associating herpetofauna with misfortune and fear, could impact conservation efforts. This study emphasises the need for continued research to inform conservation strategies, particularly in unprotected and vulnerable habitats such as the Kagera basin.



pdf 02. The diet of invasive red-eared sliders Trachemys scripta elegans includes the invasive red swamp crayfish Procambarus clarkii in the Nogawa River, central Japan

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https://doi.org/10.33256/hb174.1014

AUTHORS: YOSHIKAZU SEKI & TAKUMI KANDO

ABSTRACT: Invasive alien species affect ecosystems worldwide, and the red-eared slider Trachemys scripta elegans is among the most successful invaders. Analysis of the gut contents of 11 individuals revealed a primarily herbivorous diet, with frequent consumption of large quantities of grasses. Red-eared sliders were also found to consume animal material, including crayfish, bivalve molluscs, insects, fish and birds. The species preys on the invasive red swamp crayfish Procambarus clarkii, of which they appear to be a prominent predator. Thus, to conserve the native fauna, implementing removal strategies for both red-eared sliders and red swamp crayfish is considered essential.


pdf 03. A headstarting programme for the Critically Endangered Manapany day gecko Phelsuma inexpectata on Réunion Island

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https://doi.org/10.33256/hb174.1522

AUTHORS: MARKUS A. ROESCH, CHLOÉ BERNET, ARTHUR CHOEUR, ANTOINE GUILLOUX, NICOLAS HUET, MARION NEYMEYER, MICKAËL SANCHEZ, SÉBASTIEN DERVIN & JÉRÉMIE SOUCHET

ABSTRACT: The Manapany day gecko Phelsuma inexpectata has experienced drastic population declines over the past decade in its native range on Réunion Island. We detail the establishment of a headstarting programme aimed at improving juvenile survival. Between January 2021 and November 2022, 40 wild-caught hatchlings were raised in captivity until they reached adult size and then reintroduced into their original populations. Geckos were kept in outdoor exo-terrariums within a predator-proof facility. To ensure a consistent food supply for captive geckos, we set up captive breeding of the tropical house cricket, Gryllodes sigillatus. The geckos developed well in captivity and all 40 geckos reached adulthood. Our headstarting programme represents the first local captive management initiative for a Phelsuma gecko.


pdf 03a. Supplementary material for 03. A headstarting programme for the Critically Endangered Manapany day gecko Phelsuma inexpectata on Réunion Island

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AUTHORS: MARKUS A. ROESCH, CHLOÉ BERNET, ARTHUR CHOEUR, ANTOINE GUILLOUX, NICOLAS HUET, MARION NEYMEYER, MICKAËL SANCHEZ, SÉBASTIEN DERVIN & JÉRÉMIE SOUCHET


pdf 04. New records and notes on the morphology and diet of short-legged frog Pseudopaludicola javae from Pará and Mato Grosso States, Brazil

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https://doi.org/10.33256/hb174.2327

AUTHORS: LUCAS S.F. RACHID, GABRIEL N.C. COELHO, AUGUSTO NUNES CARVALHO, RENATO RECODER, CAROLINA FARHAT, MIGUEL TREFAUT RODRIGUES & LEANDRO J.C.L. MORAES

ABSTRACT: Based on morphological and molecular analyses, we report new records, an updated geographic distribution map, and insights into the diet of Pseudopaludicola javae, a recently described species from the transition zone between the Amazonia and Cerrado biomes in Brazil. The new records represent the first known occurrences of the species in the Brazilian states of Mato Grosso and Pará, as well as the confirmation of its presence on the left bank of the Araguaia River, providing valuable data for future conservation assessments of the species.


pdf 04a. Supplementary material for 04. New records and notes on the morphology and diet of short-legged frog Pseudopaludicola javae from Pará and Mato Grosso States, Brazil

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AUTHORS: LUCAS S.F. RACHID, GABRIEL N.C. COELHO, AUGUSTO NUNES CARVALHO, RENATO RECODER, CAROLINA FARHAT, MIGUEL TREFAUT RODRIGUES & LEANDRO J.C.L. MORAES


pdf 05. Rediscovery of the endangered Hoge’s side-necked turtle Ranacephala hogei in the Itapemirim River, south-eastern Brazil

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https://doi.org/10.33256/hb174.2830

AUTHORS: CLODOALDO LOPES ASSIS, RAFAEL MARTINS VALADÃO, CAMILA MOURA NOVAES, ANA PAULA GOMES LUSTOSA, RAFAEL MIRANDA DE VASCONCELOS, ALINE PEREIRA MOTA & RENATO NEVES FEIO







pdf 11. Arboreal mating by rough-necked monitors Varanus rudicollis in Sabah, Malaysia

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https://doi.org/10.33256/hb174.4243

AUTHORS: PRZEMYSŁAW ZDUNEK, MARIAN DOMAGAŁA & BARNA TAKÁTS




pdf 14. Toe tapping by the yellow cururu toad Rhinella icterica, with a review of this behaviour as a supplement

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https://doi.org/10.33256/hb174.46

AUTHORS: KARINA RODRIGUES DA SILVA BANCI, WILIAN BARBOSA BORGES & DIEGO FERREIRA MUNIZ-DA-SILVA


pdf 14a. Supplementary material for 14. Toe tapping by the yellow cururu toad Rhinella icterica, with a review of this behaviour as a supplement

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AUTHORS: KARINA RODRIGUES DA SILVA BANCI, WILIAN BARBOSA BORGES & DIEGO FERREIRA MUNIZ-DA-SILVA



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