Authors: Bivek Gautam, Santosh Bhattarai, Bishal Prasad Neupane, Chiranjibi Prasad Pokheral, Tejas Thackeray, Akashay Khandekar, Vivek Phillip Cyriac, Ishan Agarwal

Abstract: A new species of ground-dwelling gecko of the genus Cyrtodactylus (Geckoella) is described
from the low elevation Terai-Duar region of southeastern Nepal using molecular
and morphological data. Cyrtodactylus teraiensis sp. nov. is the first new species of
the C. nebulosus species complex, the remaining members of which are distributed
in the northern Eastern Ghats and Satpuras; a lectoype for C. nebulosus is also designated.
The new species is the first Geckoella described from outside peninsular India
and distributed north of the Indo-Gangetic Plains. Cyrtodactylus teraiensis sp. nov.
forms the deeply divergent sister taxon to Indian members of the C. nebulosus complex
with 15.7–18.1% uncorrected mitochondrial sequence divergence from them, and
21.0–28.5% from other Geckoella. The new species is also recognised in tree-based delimitation
methods and can be morphologically distinguished from other Cyrtodactylus
and Geckoella species by a small body size (snout to vent length, SVL up to at least
45.5 mm), length of original tail < SVL, 16–18 rows of dorsal tubercles, 30–32 ventral
scales across belly at midbody; dorsal colour pattern of four or five paired spots between
neck and hindlimb insertions alternating with two or three much smaller paired
spots. The divergence between Cyrtodactylus teraiensis sp. nov. and Indian members
of the C. nebulosus complex is estimated to have occurred in the Middle Miocene, and
it may be that tropical forest expansion during the Mid-Miocene Climatic Optimum allowed
dispersal across the Indo-Gangetic Plains.

Keywords: Endemic species, Indian subcontinent, integrative taxonomy, mitochondrial
DNA, taxonomy

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Authors: Bivek Gautam and Santosh Bhattarai

Paper link: pdf

Authors: Dol Raj Thanet, Saneer Lamichhane, Tirtha Bahadur Kshetri, Madhu Chaudhari, Santosh Rayamajhi, Thakur Silwal

Abstract: Human recreation increasingly influences wildlife behavior, yet spatial and temporal responses
are rarely studied together. We used the COVID-19 lockdown and pre-lockdown survey periods in Bardia National Park, Nepal, as a quasi-experiment to investigate how sudden relaxation in human recreation alters site use and diel activity patterns of predator–prey assemblage. Using camera trapping data, we analyzed camera stations that were in operation during both survey periods within an identical 48-day temporal window [24 March–10 May; pre-lockdown (2019) vs. lockdown (2020)]. Spatial responses were estimated using a two-season, multi-species hierarchical site use model, and temporal responses with kernel density overlap and a probability of diurnality. Site use increased during the lockdown for apex predators and several ungulate prey, especially tiger, wild boar, and nilgai, while chital showed little change, and others showed highly uncertain changes with credible intervals overlapping zero. Prey ungulates broadly reclaimed daylight: chital and barking deer shifted mean activity peaks 2–3 h later, hog deer shifted earlier with a marked reshaping of its activity curve, and sambar moved from nocturnal to
crepuscular peaks. Tiger activity changed little overall, though diurnal activity decreased. Yearspecific
functional responses to greenness (NDVI), elevation, and human disturbance were mostly similar across years but with higher predicted site use in 2020, indicating increased habitat permeability rather than changes in habitat selection. These patterns suggest that spatial and temporal responses are only partly aligned across species, so management strategies that protect both where and when wildlife can operate—for example, zoning away from key corridors and quiet hours around dawn and dusk—may be most effective in maintaining access to critical habitats and activity periods.

Keywords: Human disturbance, Site use, Multi-species occupancy model, Diurnality, Diel activity patterns, Predator-prey interactions

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Authors: Basant Subedi, Sandeep Oli, Chiranjeevi Khanal, Santosh Bhattarai

Abstract: We herein present a checklist of 28 species of snakes in 20 genera and seven families recorded as rescues or opportunistic sightings between July 2018 and December 2024 in Dang District, Lumbini Province, Nepal. Fifteen species are in the family Colubridae, five in the family Elapidae, two each in the families Erycidae, Natricidae, and Viperidae, and one each in the families Pythonidae and Typhlopidae. We provide photographic evidence of the Streaked Kukri Snake (Oligodon taeniolatus) from the Deukhuri Valley as a new record for Nepal and an additional 13 species were new records for Dang District. The major threats observed during the study period were forest fires, forest encroachment, construction activities, and intentional killing of snakes.

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Authors: Bivek Gautam, Santosh Bhattarai

Published in: FrogLog

Link: https://www.iucn-amphibians.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2025/12/FrogLog-127-12th-December-2025.pdf

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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Authors: Santosh Bhattarai, Bivek Gautam, Bishal Prasad Neupane, Akshay Khandekar, Tejas Thackeray, Ishan Agarwal, Ashley R. Olson, Fiona Hogan, Wendy Wright

Journal: Zookeys

Abstract: Two new species of Cyrtodactylus from the khasiensis group are described using morphological characters supported by molecular analyses based on the mitochondrial ND2 gene. Cyrtodactylus makwanpurgadhiensis sp. nov. and C. chure sp. nov. from the Siwalik Mountains in central Nepal are at least 11.2% divergent from other Nepalese congeners and 16.7% from each other and can be distinguished by a combination of morphometric and meristic traits. The description of two new species from the Siwalik Mountains underscores the conservation significance of this region, a relatively young, dry, and geologically unstable range of the Himalayan orogen. Despite serving as a border between the lowland (Terai) and Himalayan range, it remains underrepresented in both biodiversity assessments and conservation planning in Nepal. Our findings suggest the need for a robust and targeted species research program and to prioritise this landscape for conservation actions.

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