Authors: Santosh Bhattarai, Bivek Gautam, Chiranjibi Prasad Pokheral, Ram Chandra Kandel

Abstract: An updated checklist of amphibians and reptiles of Chitwan National Park and its buffer zone is presented, which is essential for conservation management decision-making as the area is experiencing frequent stochastic events in recent years. A total of 89 species is listed from Chitwan National Park including—20 frogs & toads, 42 snakes, 14 lizards, 11 turtles, and two crocodile species. The confirmed
record of Dudhwa Reed Frog Chirixalus dudhwaensis in Nepal is provided, and the occurrence of Eastern Bronze-back Tree Snake Dendrelaphis proarchos from Chitwan National Park, representing its westernmost known distribution in Nepal. In addition the presence of Hylarana tytleri and Sitana sivalensis is confirmed from Chitwan National Park. These findings contribute to filling critical knowledge gaps in species richness and offer updated insights into the taxonomy, natural history, and conservation status of herpetofauna in the park. Recent IUCN Red List mentions the geographic range of the Torrent Paha Frog Nanorana ercepeae from Chitwan National Park; based on the absence of verified records, we exclude it from updated checklist. We also suggest integrative taxonomic and ecological studies to uncover hidden diversity, and to inform evidence-based conservation strategies for amphibians and reptiles in Nepal.

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