The Herpetofauna of Komodo, with Notes on Adjacent Areas

Abstract

The reptiles and amphibians of Komodo are reviewed; their taxonomy, distinguishing features, habitat preferences, parasites, and food habits are discussed. Zoogeography of the Lesser Sunda Islands is reconsidered in the light of new geologic data. A number of the included species have never before been reported from Komodo—some constitute considerable range extensions. New taxa are Typhlops schmutzi (n. sp. from Komodo), Hemiphyllodactylus typus pallidus (n. ssp. from Komodo), and Cyrtodactylus laevigatus uniformis (n. ssp. from Flores). Leilopisma kadarsani Darevsky is placed in the synonomy of Emoia similis Dunn, and Sphenomorphus mertensi Darevsky is olaced in S. emigrans emigrans (Lidth de Jeude). Cryptoblepharus boutonii burdeni (Dunn) is given specific status as C. burdeni Dunn.