Platyceps noeli

Platyceps noeli, the Brahui racer, is a species of non-venomous snake of the family Colubridae endemic to Pakistan.^[2]

First formally described in 2014, it is part of the genus Platyceps. The species is noted for its slender physique; its holotype specimen, a male, measures 611 mm in total length. Males typically possess 199-204 ventral scales and 108-112 subcaudal scales.^[3] Its dorsal coloration varies, showing a pattern towards the rear. The species was named in recognition of Dan Noël-Stevens for his contributions to herpetological studies in the region.^[3]

Platyceps noeli is restricted to Pakistan's Baluchistan Province, with confirmed occurrences in the Quetta and Ziarat districts as well as the Nushki region. Its range is confined to montane environments in northeastern Baluchistan, typically at elevations of about 2,000 to 2,400 meters.^[3]

The species type locality is Spin Karez in Quetta District, situated at roughly 2,00 meters above sea level. Additional specimens have been documented from nearby areas, including Ziarat (around 2,400 m), the Mt. Kholi area (approximately 2,000 m), Urak, and Nushki. These sites collectively define the currently verified distributions of the species, based largely on specimens collected during the mid-20th century.^[4]

Earlier records include specimens gathered in May 1962 near Ziarat by S.A. Minton and associates, along with older collections that were initially misidentified as closely related species such as Platyceps rhodorachis. Although its confirmed range remains limited to Baluchistan, it is possible the species extends into the neighboring arid mountainous regions, including areas south toward the Brahui Range, and north into the Toba Kakar Mountains, though such occurrences have yet to be verified.^[4]