Oligodon nikhili
| Oligodon nikhili | |
|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Reptilia |
| Order: | Squamata |
| Suborder: | Serpentes |
| Family: | Colubridae |
| Genus: | Oligodon |
| Species: | O. nikhili
|
| Binomial name | |
| Oligodon nikhili | |
Oligodon nikhili, known commonly as Nikhil's kukri snake, is a species of snake in the subfamily Colubrinae of the family Colubridae. The species is endemic to the Palani Hills of southern India.[1][2][3]
Etymology
Both the specific name, nikhili, and the common name, Nikhil's kukri snake, are in honor of Nikhil Whitaker (born 1979), the son of herpetologist Romulus Whitaker.[4]
Description
The holotype of Oligodon nikhili, an adult male, has a snout-to-vent length (SVL) of 35 cm (14 in), plus a tail length of 7.3 cm (2.9 in). The smooth dorsal scales of the body are arranged in 17 rows on the neck, in 15 rows at midbody, and in 15 rows slightly anterior to the vent. The holotype has 144 ventrals, a divided anal scale, and 33 pairs of subcaudals.[3]
Habitat
The preferred natural habitat of Oligodon nikhili is forest, at elevations of approximately 1,500 m (4,900 ft).[1]
Behavior
Oligodon nikhili is terrestrial.[1]
Reproduction
Oligodon nikhili is oviparous.[5]
References
- ^ a b c d Srinivasulu, C.; Srinivasulu, B.; Thakur, S.; Mohapatra, P. (2013). "Oligodon nikhili ". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2013 e.T15199A585677. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2013-1.RLTS.T15199A585677.en. Retrieved 11 November 2021.
- ^ Whitaker R, Captain A (2008). Snakes of India: The Field Guide. Chennai, India: Draco Books. 495 pp. ISBN 978-8190187305.
- ^ a b Whitaker R, Dattatri S (1982). "A new species of Oligodon from the Palni Hills, south India (Serpentes: Colubridae)". Journal of the Bombay Natural History Society 79 (3): 630–631 + Plate I. (Oligodon nikhili, new species).
- ^ Beolens, Bo; Watkins, Michael; Grayson, Michael (2011). The Eponym Dictionary of Reptiles. Baltimore: Johns Hopkins University Press. xiii + 296 pp. ISBN 978-1-4214-0135-5. (Oligodon nikhili, p. 190).
- ^ Species Oligodon nikhili at The Reptile Database www.reptile-database.org.
Further reading
- Wallach, V.; Williams, K.L.; Boundy, J. (2014). Snakes of the World: A Catalogue of Living and Extinct Species. Boca Raton, Florida: CRC Press. ISBN 978-1-4822-0847-4. xxviii + 1,209 pp. (Oligodon nikhili, p. 500).