Taxonomy, Natural History, and Distribution of Boiga forsteni (Duméril, Bibron et Duméril, 1854) (Serpentes: Colubridae) from Orissa, India

Pratyush P. Mohapatra, Abhijit Das, Frank Tillack, Sushil Kumar Dutta

Abstract


The systematics, distribution and natural history of Boiga forsteni (Duméril, Bibron et Duméril, 1854), a widely distributed species in India have been re-evaluated in the present work. The species is polymorphic in nature and is represented by four morphotypes in the eastern Indian State of Orissa, India. Based on available specimens, published distribution records and recent collections, the taxonomic status of the species is established. Morphological character assessment (morphometrics and color pattern) indicates the variation within the sympatric population.


Keywords


Reptilia; Serpentes; Colubridae; Colubrinae; Boiga forsteni; taxonomy; morphotypes; natural history; distribution; Orissa; India

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DOI: https://doi.org/10.30906/1026-2296-2009-16-4-243-252

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