Herpetofauna
(Reptiles and Amphibians)
Varinidae - Varanus indicus daudin -
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Dactyloidae - Anolis carolinensis Voigt - Green Anole
Distribution: Although it is native to the southeastern United States, populations have been established in the Caribbean and regions of the Pacific Ocean including the Ogasawara Islands, serving as alien species. Generally in forested habitats, the Green Anole can also be found in vegetation - i.e., shrubs - of suburban and urban regions.
Endemism: It is not endemic to the region Natural History and Interesting Information: Although they are not chameleons, they are capable of turning from green to brown. Their distribution as invasive species has lead to the decline of native populations of insects and plants on Ogasawara. In order to curb their dispersal range, adhesive trapping techniques and exclusionary fencing techniques have been utilized. Both males and females can have pink dewlaps for use in inter- and intra-specific communication. They have been utillized to study biochemical pathways, neurological disorders, and drug delivery systems. Conservation: The endangerment of these lizards are of least concern (LC) by the IUCN. |
Typhlopidae - Ramphotyphlops braminus -
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Bufonidae - Rhinella marina - Bullfrog
Distribution: A very widely distributed species, the native populations of the bullfrog are found in central and parts of South America including but not limited to: Belize, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Peru, Trinidad and Tobago, Venezuela, and The Unites States (Texas). The invasive populations affect remaining areas of Central and South America, Japan, Taiwan, China, Southeast Asia, the Caribbean, and the United States (Hawaii and Florida).
Endemism: It is not endemic to the region. Natural History and Interesting Information: Its skin is used for bags or drum skins, stuffed and sold as souvenirs, used for educational purposes, and occasionally used for traditional medicine. As a highly adaptable species it is a threatening invasive species that accumulates and transfers contaminants and diseases. Conservation: The endangerment of these lizards are of least concern (LC) by the IUCN. Rather the eradication efforts to contain the range of this species are more strongly emphasized. |
Gekkonidae - Lepidodactylus lugubris -
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