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Global diversity of snakes (Serpentes; Reptilia) in freshwater

  • FRESHWATER ANIMAL DIVERSITY ASSESSMENT
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Abstract

A list of the snake species inhabiting freshwaters is provided. It includes 153 species, which represents about 5% of all known snakes. These freshwater snakes belong to 44 genera distributed among the families Acrochordidae, Boidae, Colubridae, Elapidae, Homalopsidae and Viperidae. The highest diversities in freshwater snakes are found in the Oriental (64 species) and Neotropical (39 species) Regions. Conservation actions are needed for several overcollected species with a limited distribution.

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Correspondence to Olivier S. G. Pauwels.

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Guest editors: E. V. Balian, C. Lévêque, H. Segers, & K. Martens

Freshwater Animal Diversity Assessment

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Pauwels, O.S.G., Wallach, V. & David, P. Global diversity of snakes (Serpentes; Reptilia) in freshwater. Hydrobiologia 595, 599–605 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10750-007-9118-x

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10750-007-9118-x

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