Journal of Environmental Biology

A new state report of two striped Ichthyophis Fitzinger (Amphibia: Gymnophiona: Ichthyophiidae) from Mizoram, Northeast India 

V. L. Malsawmhriatzuali, Lalbiakzuala, G. Z. Hmar, Lalmuansanga, Lalrinsanga and H. T. Lalremsanga* 

Department of Zoology, Mizoram University, Aizawl-796 004, India

*Corresponding Author Email : htlrsa@yahoo.co.in

Paper received: 22.01.2020 ?????? ???????????????????????????????????????Revised received: 26.06.2020 ???????????? ???????????????????????????????????Accepted: 10.07.2020

Abstract

Aim: To survey and document the Ichthyophiids caecilians fauna in Mizoram, north-eastern India with anticipation on the occurrence of other species other than the earlier recorded Ichthyophis.

Methodology: During extensive surveys conducted, 22 specimens of striped Ichthyophis species were collected from Mizoram, India, obtained over a period of 9 years from 2010 to 2019. Standard procedures for sexing, preservation and storage of specimens were followed. All nomenclature herein follows the taxonomy as suggested in literatures and identification solely based on the morphology.            

Results: Four distinct striped Ichthyophis species were identified on the basis of their morphological characters. Out of which, two species have already been reported from the state. In this study two additional species of striped Ichthyophis namely, I. garoensis and I. sendenyu have been reported.      

Interpretation: This report represents a new state report of the species and also extends their geographic distribution range.  

Key words: Caecilians, Distribution, Gymnophiona, Ichthyophis, Mizoram

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