We herein describe a new colorful species of Polychrus with a conspicuous sexual dimorphism from the dry forest of the northern portion of Región de La Libertad, Peru. The new species differs from all other Polychrus species, in that this species has very small dorsal scales and thus a higher number of scales around midbody and in the middorsal line from behind the occipital scales to the level of the posterior edge of the thigh. Furthermore, we redescribe Polychrus peruvianus whose original description is short and lacks information on intraspecific variation and sexual dimorphism. Also, we add some information on intraspecific variation and ecology of Polychrus gutturosus. Finally, we synonymize Polychrus spurrelli Boulenger with Polychrus gutturosus.

The presence of the chytrid fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis in Chile was evaluated in 2 endangered frog species of the genus Rhinoderma. Specimens from a captive rearing facility, wild populations and preserved collection material were analyzed using histological and molecular techniques. The fungus was identified in the rearing facility and in wild populations, but not in the archived frogs. This study confirms, for first time, the presence of chytridiomycosis in Rhinoderma darwinii in Chile.

Comments on the proposed conservation of the specific name of Varanus teriae Sprackland, 1991 (Reptilia, Squamata)

No abstract