Biodiv Sci ›› 2022, Vol. 30 ›› Issue (8): 22090.  DOI: 10.17520/biods.2022090

• Bioinventories • Previous Articles     Next Articles

An updated species checklist of amphibians and reptiles in Fujian Province, China

Chunpeng Guo1,3, Maojun Zhong1, Xiaoyi Wang1,3, Shengnan Yang1,3, Ke Tang1, Lele Jia1,3, Chunlan Zhang2,*(), Junhua Hu1,*()   

  1. 1. Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu 610041
    2. Institute of Zoology, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510260
    3. University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049
  • Received:2022-02-26 Accepted:2022-04-29 Online:2022-08-20 Published:2022-08-31
  • Contact: Chunlan Zhang,Junhua Hu

Abstract:

Aim: We aim to provide an updated species checklist for extant, native amphibians and reptiles of Fujian Province, China, to meet the conservation needs of the province by integrating previous modifications in herpetological taxonomy and nomenclature, as well as incorporating discoveries of newly recorded or resurrected species.

Methods: The updated species checklist was revised based on the results of 125 sample grids uniformly distributed across Fujian, and an extensive review of the literature up to December 2021. We incorporated any newly-recorded or resurrected species from the literature, excluding historical records that were misidentified or otherwise questioned, and updating scientific names and Chinese common names.

Results: Compared to previous checklists, we added 22 species, excluded 8 previously recorded species, and renamed 64 species. The updated species checklist contained 55 amphibian species, belonging to 29 genera across 9 families and 2 orders, and 126 reptile species, belonging to 72 genera in 25 families and 2 orders. Among them, 4 amphibians and 2 reptiles were endemic to Fujian. Additionally, Fujian represented the type locality of 24 amphibians and 18 reptiles. Six reptiles were listed as national first-class protected wild animals in China. Five amphibians and 25 reptiles were listed as national second-class protected wild animals. Ten amphibians were assessed as threatened species by China’s Red List of Biodiversity, with two Critically Endangered, one Endangered and seven Vulnerable (accounting for 3.64%, 1.82% and 12.73% of the amphibian species in Fujian, respectively); 41 reptiles were assessed as threatened species, with 11 Critically Endangered, 15 Endangered and 15 Vulnerable (accounting for 8.73%, 11.90% and 11.90% of the reptile species in Fujian, respectively).

Conclusions: By validating each species and assessing their threatened and protected status, this study provides up-to-date information for future biodiversity research and conservation in Fujian Province.

Key words: biodiversity inventory, threatened species, species list, taxonomic revision, new record