The British Herpetological Society

The Herpetological Journal is the Society's prestigious quarterly scientific journal. Articles are listed in Biological Abstracts, Current Awareness in Biological Sciences,Current Contents, Science Citation Index, and Zoological Record.

 ISSN 0268-0130

2021 Impact Factor from Clarivate for the Herpetological Journal is 1.194, an increase of 0.332 from 2020.


Volume 8, Number 3, July 1998 Volume 8, Number 3, July 1998


pdf 01. A review of the genus Atheris Cope (Serpentes: Viperidae), with the description of a new species from Uganda

3423 downloads

Open Access

pp.117-135

Authors: Donald G. Broadley

Abstract: The genus Atheris Cope [sensu stricto, after assignment of superciliaris (Peters) and hindii (Boulenger) to monotypic genera (Broadley, 1 996)] is reviewed in order to determine the affinities of a distinctive new species, Atheris acuminata, described from a single specimen collected in western Uganda. A key is provided to the ten species recognized, and A. anisolepis Mocquard and A. rungweensis Bogert are recognized as full species


pdf 02. On the rictal glands of some atractaspid snakes

1595 downloads

Open Access

pp.137-143

Authors: Miriam Wollberg , Elazar Kochva And Garth Underwood

Abstract: Structures around the corner of the mouth of atractaspid snakes are examined in serial sections. In addition one Madagascan and two African species of Geodipsas are reported. For Atractaspis corpulenta presence of a serous superior rictal gland is confirmed and the discovery of a hitherto unnoticed serous inferior rictal gland is reported. Inferior rictal glands are also reported for species of Aparallactus, Chilorhinophis, Geodipsas, Poecilopholis and Polemon. Neither superior nor inferior rictal glands are found in Amblyodipsas, Hypoptophis, Macrelaps or Xenocalamus. African species of "Geodipsas", now placed in the genus Buhoma, agree with aparallactines and differ from the Madagascan type species, G. infralineata, in the configuration of the rictal glands.


pdf 03. Identification of Bufo larvae by molecular methods

991 downloads

Open Access

pp.145-148 

Authors: Louise Bardsley, Sean Smith And Trevor J . C. Beebee

Abstract: We have characterized two molecular techniques, protein typing and RAPD analysis, for the identification of two species of European Bufo larvae (Bufo bufo and B. calamita). These tadpoles are very difficult to distinguish on morphological grounds. Protein typing was improved by the use of a sensitive (silver-based) staining method, and replacement of low temperatures with ethanol submergence for tissue storage. Both techniques reliably resolved the two species and required very small amounts (<2 mg) of tissue, which could be obtained easily and without sacrificing the animals.


pdf 04. A new [i]Mantidactylus[i] from south eastern Madagascar, with a review of [i]Mantidactylus peraccae[i] (Ranidae: Mantellinae)

941 downloads

Open Access

pp.149-159

Authors: Franco Andreone , Frank Glaw , Miguel Vences And Denis Vallan

Abstract: In the course ofa herpetological survey in southern Malagasy rainforest, a new species of the endemic genus Mantidactylus was discovered and is here described as M. brunae n. sp. This frog is similar to M. peraccae for which a redescription, new locality records, and natural history notes are provided. The examined M. peraccae specimens are slightly warty dorsally, with small, dark protruding dots surrounding brown rounded patches on the light brown dorsum. Mantidactylus peraccae has a wide distribution in eastern Madagascar, occurring at elevations between 900 and 1 800 m. M. brunae n. sp. inhabits the low-altitude rainforest of Andohahela and differs from M. peraccae in its slender form and smoother skin. In contrast to M. peraccae (which is arboreal), M. brunae n. sp. was found on the ground in crevices along rocky forest brooks. Its acoustic repertoire consists of a rapid trill-like series of 3-4 cl ick notes with a frequency ranging from about  1.4 to 6.7 kHz, whereas M. peraccae emits metallic sounds, single or in series, from elevated positions. Morphological and bioacoustic differences between populations attributed to M. peraccae indicate that they may constitute more than one species, but available data are insufficient to corroborate taxonomic conclusions. A redescription of M. elegans, phenetically similar to M. brunae n. sp. and M. peraccae, is provided based on specimens from Andringitra, together with a diagnostic key to the currently known species of the subgenus Spinomantis.


pdf 05. Sexual and size related differences in the diet of the snake Natrix maura from the Ebro Delta, Spain

1051 downloads

Open Access

pp.161-165

Authors: Xavier Santos And Gustavo A. Llorente

Abstract: The Ebro Delta is a wetland area partially covered by rice fields.The viperine snake Natrix maura, is a common colubrid snake in this ecosystem. Males delayed feeding activity by one month, and foraged for a shorter time, compared to females. Diet consisted mainly of fish and frogs, although size-related and sexual differences were found: immature snakes had a more diverse diet than adults, and adult females ate more frogs than adult males. Males captured larger numbers of smaller fish than females. Like other water snakes, large viperine snakes avoid small prey. The biomass ingested is higher in large females, providing supplementary resources for reproduction. These dietary differences may be related to the ecological needs of each category of snakes and reflect the influence of the rice cycle on diet dynamics.




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IMPORTANT NOTE - JUNE 2020

Please note that as from Volume 31 Number 1 (January 2021) on, the Herpetological Journal will be available as an online publication only - the last print edition will be Volume 30 Number 4.   

Aligning with this change, it is now no longer possible to purchase a subscription that includes a print copy of the HJ.  All members who have existing HJ print subscriptions that remain active as at end June 2020 will receive the full four 2020 print editions.  New subscribers or renewals after this time will only have option to subscribe to the online only subscription package.  Subscription pricing has been amended to reflect the content changes.

 

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