Report of Nagarjunasagar Racer <i>Coluber bholanathi</i> Sharma, 1976 (Squamata: Serpentes: Colubridae) from the Gingee Hills, Tamil Nadu, India

Abstract

Since its initial description in 1976 from Nagarjuna Hills, Andhra Pradesh, the endemic Nagarjaunasagar Racer Coluber bholanathi has remained elusive for over 30 years, only to be re-discovered in 2012. Here, we report this rare snake from the Gingee Hills, Tamil Nadu, extending the known geographic range by 495km south of the type locality and 194km south-east of Thally, Tamil Nadu, its previously southernmost locality. We also provide comparative information consisting of locality data, morphology and color pattern for both the Nagarjunasagar Racer and a similar-looking species The Slender Racer.