Range extension of Oziothelphusa mineriyaensis Bott, 1970 (Decapoda, Gecarcinucidae) in North Central Province, Sri Lanka

Abstract

The known distribution in Sri Lanka of the endemic freshwater crab Oziothelphusa mineriyaensis Bott, 1970 was limited to 2 known localities in the dry zone. In this study of the distribution of this species in the North Central Province of Sri Lanka, we identified 5 new localities. Our findings expand the extent of occurrence from 168 km2 to 1467 km2. Our new records are 62 km from the type locality and up to 89 km from the previous records in Anuradhapura District and 20 km from previous record in Polonnaruwa District. These data provide important new information needed for the conservation of this endangered species in Sri Lanka.