On the systematics, distribution and conservation status of Ichthyophis longicephalus Pillai, 1986 (Amphibia: Gymnophiona: Ichthyophiidae)

Abstract

The caecilian Ichthyophis longicephalus was described in 1986 based on a single specimen. Only one specimen has been referred subsequently to this species, and the validity of that referral has been questioned. Seven specimens discovered in 2009–2010 at two new localities and two specimens collected in 1990 from a third locality are referred here to I. longicephalus. These specimens are described and compared with the poorly preserved holotype. Mitochondrial DNA data are consistent with the interpretation that the new specimens represent a single species distinct from (and most closely related to I. tricolor among) sampled congeners. The previously referred specimen, from c. 320 km south of the type locality, is not I. longicephalus and probably represents an undescribed species. The “rediscovery” of I. longicephalus in forests and disturbed habitats indicates that the species probably could be transferred from the Data Deficient to the Least Concern category of the IUCN Red List.

Keywords:

• caecilians
• DNA
• India
• morphology
• taxonomy
• Western Ghats

Acknowledgements

The authors are grateful to the Amphibian Specialist Group of Conservation International for funding some of the fieldwork (as part of the worldwide “Search for the Lost Amphibians” campaign, 2010). In particular, we thank Robin Moore for support and encouragement. We are grateful to the Director, ZSIM for providing access to the holotype in their care. OVO and RK are grateful to the Forest Department, Government of Kerala for providing permits; the Special Assistance Programme, University of Kerala and University Grants Commission, CSIR (ES), New Delhi for partial financial support. DJG and MW were able to visit India to interact with RK and OVO with funding from the Royal Society and Indian DST (Joint project to DJG and SD Biju) and CEPF-funded Western Ghats Network of Protected Areas for Threatened Amphibians project, for which they thank SD Biju. DJG and MW visited UMMZ with support, in part, by an award from the UK SynTax scheme; they thank Greg Schneider for help while working with the UMMZ collection. RK is very grateful to many people for help in the field, especially VG Sujith, CB Binu, CB Bineesh, Lewis, P Narayanan, K Hareesh, Bhagavathy Sharan Sharma, Suraj Tewari and Umesh.