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Issue: Vol. 5706 No. 1: 9 Oct. 2025
Type: Article
Published: 2025-10-09
DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5706.1.1
Page range: 1-35
Abstract views: 48
PDF downloaded: 0

Molecular and morphological evidences for considering Rhabdophis guangdongensis Zhu, Wang, Takeuchi & Zhao, 2014 a junior synonym of Rhabdophis angeli (Bourret, 1934) (Squamata: Natricidae)

The School of Medicine & Pharmacy; Duy Tan University; Da Nang; 550000; Vietnam; Center for Entomology & Parasitology Research; Duy Tan University; Da Nang; 550000; Vietnam
The School of Medicine & Pharmacy; Duy Tan University; Da Nang; 550000; Vietnam; Center for Entomology & Parasitology Research; Duy Tan University; Da Nang; 550000; Vietnam
Royal Ontario Museum; Department of Natural History; 100 Queen’s Park; Toronto; Ontario M5S2C6; Canada
Zoological Institute; Russian Academy of Sciences; Universitetskaya nab.; 1; St. Petersburg 199034; Russia
Center for Biodiversity Conservation and Endangered Species; 541 Nguyen Duy Trinh; Binh Trung Dong Ward; Thu Duc City; Ho Chi Minh City 700000; Vietnam
Department of Vertebrate Zoology; Lomonosov Moscow State University; Leninskiye Gory; GSP–1; Moscow 119991; Russia; Joint Vietnam–Russia Tropical Science and Technology Research Centre; Nghia Do; Cau Giay; Hanoi; Vietnam
Reptiles & Amphibiens; Institut de Systématique; Évolution et Biodiversité (ISYEB); CP 30; Muséum National d’Histoire Naturelle. 57 rue Cuvier; F-75231 Paris Cedex 05; France
Reptilia Rhabdophis nuchalis complex nomenclature systematics synonym Vietnam China

Abstract

We report the rediscovery of the keelback snake Rhabdophis angeli (Bourret, 1934) from its type locality in Tam Dao National Park, Phu Tho Province, Vietnam, nearly 90 years after its original description. Based on an integrative approach combining morphological examination and molecular phylogenetic analyses, we revise the diagnosis of Rhabdophis angeli and formally synonymise Rhabdophis guangdongensis Zhu, Wang, Takeuchi & Zhao, 2014, with R. angeli. Given the current distributional data, made of widely scattered localities, and the presence of potential threats, we recommend that Rhabdophis angeli be categorised as Near Threatened (NT) under the IUCN Red List criteria. This study highlights the importance of comprehensive taxon sampling, particularly in adjacent regions, to improve our understanding of species boundaries and conservation status. An updated identification key is provided for species within the Rhabdophis nuchalis group, highlighting the need for further integrative taxonomic work in this complex.

 

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How to Cite

Nguyen, T.V., Keetapithchayakul, T.S., Lathrop, A., Orlov, N.L., Nguyen, D.T., Poyarkov, N.A. & David, P. (2025) Molecular and morphological evidences for considering Rhabdophis guangdongensis Zhu, Wang, Takeuchi & Zhao, 2014 a junior synonym of Rhabdophis angeli (Bourret, 1934) (Squamata: Natricidae). Zootaxa, 5706 (1), 1–35. https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5706.1.1