New records and potential geographic distribution of Elongated Caecilian, Ichthyophis elongatus Taylor, 1965 (Amphibia, Gymnophiona, Ichthyophiidae), endemic to West Sumatra, Indonesia

Abstract

We present new records of Ichthyophis elongatus Taylor, 1965 in West Sumatra. These records extend the known distribution of the species which was previously only known from the type locality in Padang, West Sumatra. We assess the morphology and habitats of this species and estimate its distribution. Predicted distribution based on maximum entropy modeling suggests a highly suitable habitat for the species throughout the Barisan Mountains at 500–1000 m above sea level. Our models suggest swamps, paddy fields, and secondary forests that are 100–150 m from rivers as the highest possible habitats for the species. Further surveys in two predicted areas based on the models discovered new populations of the species.

Keywords

• Conservation
• herpetofauna
• spatial distribution m