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On collections of amphibians from Hainan Island

1973; Volume: 19; Linguagem: Inglês

0001-7302

C. Liu, Songmei Hu, Luhuan Fei, Zongguang Huang,

Wildlife Ecology and Conservation

From 1963 to 1964, three herpetological explorations were carried out in Hainan Island. 37 species and subspecies of amphibians belonging to 13 genera, 7 families and 2 orders were collected. 3 new species (Nectophryne scalptus, Rana fragilis and Philantus ocellatus), a new record for China (Bufo galeatus Guenther), 7 new Hainan records (table 1) have been found and 5 topotypes have been collected. Micrixalus torrentis Smith actually belongs to the genus Staurois. Kaloula pulchra hainana Gressitt is verified as a valid subspecies. Megophrys hasgeltii (Tschudi) is a species of Vibrissaphora.As the natural conditions of the different parts of Hainan do not vary much, there is no significant regional herpetological fauna. The Hainan herpetofauna, as a whole, conspicuously belongs to South China Region. 20 out of 37 species of amphibians (54%) from Hainan are confined in distribution to South China. Among them 8 species of amphibians are found to be endemic to Hainan. Hainan may thus be considered as a subregion of South China Region.The diagnoses of 3 new species are given in English as follows:1. Nectophryne scalptus Liu et Hu, sp. nov. (Color plate, fig. 1; Text fig. 1) Holotype: No. 64III0604, adult male; type locality : Xin-min Ziang, Wuzhi Shan,Hainan, altitude 750m; May 20, 1964; collected by Xiau Han-chi.Allotype: No. 64III0605, adult female; collected with the holotype.Paratypes: 21 , 3 from Wuzhi Shan and Dali of Diaulo Shan, Hainan; altitude 350-1,400 m; from April 23 to June 12, 1964.Diagnosis: Nectophryne scalptus is a new distinct species which differs from all other species of this genus in having: 1) a dark triangular mark in the interorbital region and two wide dark -shaped marks on the dorsum; 2) wrinkled skin like scales in appearance in the thoracic region; 3) a small triangular dermal fold covering the anal opening at the rear dorsal region.This genus is new to China.2. Rana fragilis Liu et Hu, sp. nov. (Color plate, figs. 2-3; Text fig. 2) Holotype: No. 64III3963, adult male; type locality: Jingko Ling, Baisha Hsien,Hainan, altitude 780 m; August 27, 1964; collected by Wang I-sheng.Allotype: No. 64III0673, adult 'female; Wuzhi Shan, Hainan, altitude 800 m; May 4, 1964.Paratypes: 10 , 32 and tadpoles of different stages including metamor-phosized individuals, from Jingko Ling, Wuzhi Shan, Dali of Diaulo Shan, Gianfen Ling and Dan Hsieh, Hainan, altitude 290-900 m; from April 25 to August 27, 1964. Diagnosis: The adult of Rana fragilis is similar to that of Rana kuhlii Dumeril et Bibron, but Rana fragilis can be readily distinguished from the latter species by the most peculiar mouth-parts of its tadpole. The lower labial lip of the tadpole is broadly expanded and divided into several lobes. There are many small scattered papillae on the free surface of this broad lip, the tooth formula for lower lip being constantly I:1-1. The skin of Rana fragilis is very delicate. A mere cratch made by hard pebbles or a forceful catching may cause the skin to break.3. Philautus ocellatus Liu et Ha, sp. nov. (Color plate, fig. 4)Holotype: No. 64III1371, adult male; type locality: Wuzhi Shan, Hainan, altitude 700 m; May 14, 1964; collected by Fei Liang.Allotype: No. 64III1370, adult female; collected with the holotype.Paratypes: 5 , 3 from Wuzhi Shan, Dali of Diaulo Shan and Gianfen Ling, Hainan; altitude 400-700 m; from April 25 to June 24, 1964.Diagnosis: This new Philautus resembles P. parvulus (Boulenger) in size and color pattern on the sides, but differs from the latter in: 1) tympanum very distinct; 2) nostril nearer to the tip of snout than, to the eye; 3) legs long, with tibio-tarsal articulation reaching beyond the anterior corner of the eye or between the eye and the snout. In comparison with P. hazelae Taylor, the body and finger discs of the new species are smaller in size, and it has no tubercle at the distal part of the tibia.