Issue Thirteen 30 June 2012 - Taxonomic issue - all - Smuggled.com

Hoser 2012 - Australasian Journal of Herpetology 13:15-34.
Australasian Journal of Herpetology 15
Australasian Journal of Herpetology 13:15-34.
Published 30 June 2012.
INTRODUCTION
The so-called Kukri Snakes from south and east Asia got their
name from a distinctively shaped Nepalese knife, which is
similar in shape to the broad, flattened, curved hind teeth these
snakes possess.
These teeth are designed to assist in feeding on eggs, a
dominant part of the diet of many species. They slit open eggs
as they are being swallowed, allowing for easier digestion.
These specialized teeth are in addition to the functional venom
glands possessed by the rear-fanged Colubrids. None are
believed to be dangerous to humans.
Available online at www.herp.net
Copyright- Kotabi Publishing - All rights reserved
ISSN 1836-5698 (Print)
ISSN 1836-5779 (Online)
A review of Kukri Snakes, currently referred to the
genus Oligodon Fitzinger, 1826, with a division
into twelve genera, four further subgenera and the
creation of a tribe to accommodate them
(Serpentes:Colubridae).
Raymond T. Hoser
488 Park Road, Park Orchards, Victoria, 3114, Australia.
Phone: +61 3 9812 3322 Fax: 9812 3355 E-mail: viper007@live.com.au
Received 18 April 2012, Accepted 1 May 2012, Published 30 June 2012.
ABSTRACT
The taxonomy of the Kukri Snakes, long placed in the genus Oligodon Boie, 1827 has
been in urgent need of a taxonomic overhaul for some years.
This paper reviews the approximately 70 recognized species taxa and places them within
twelve (12) genera, only two of which have available names.
As a result ten new genera are created and named according to the Zoological Code.
These are, Smythkukri gen. nov., Cottonkukri gen. nov., Funkikukri gen. nov., Hoserkukriae
gen. nov., Oxykukrius gen. nov., Daviekukri gen. nov., Moseselfakharikukri gen. nov.,
Dannyelfakharikukri gen. nov., Hugheskukri gen. nov. and Ninkukri gen. nov..
Four subgenera are also created, namely Geddykukrius subgen. nov., Sammykukriae
subgen. nov., Crottykukrius subgen. nov. and Harrigankukriae subgen. nov..
Furthermore, the group are sufficiently divergent from other Colubrids to be placed within
their own tribe Oligodonini tribe nov.
Keywords: Taxonomic revision; new tribe; new genera; Smythkukri; Hoserkukriae;
Oxykukrius; Cottonkukri; Ninkukri; Hugheskukri; Funkikukri; Daviekukri;
Moseselfakharikukri; Dannyelfakharikukri; new subgenera; Crottykukrius; Sammykukriae;
Geddykukrius; Harrigankukriae; Oligodonini; Kukri snake.
Most species are egg eaters, but they also feed on lizards, frogs
and small rodents.
They are generally small to medium in size, (usually under 90
cm) innocuous, often move about at night and are most likely to
be found on the floor of mature forests.
Color and pattern varies, but is often bright and distinctive.
There are approximately 70 recognized described species,
although the exact number isn’t certain due to the fact that some
described taxa may be synonymous with others and there’s no
doubt that undescribed forms remain to be named.