Snakes of southern Jordan

Bolletino di zoologia ISSN: 0373-4137 (Print) (Online) Jourl homepage: http://www.tandfonline.com/loi/tizo19 Skes of southern Jordan Ratib M. El Oran, Walid N. Al Melhem & Zuhair S. Amr To cite this article: Ratib M. El Oran, Walid N. Al Melhem & Zuhair S. Amr (1994) Skes of southern Jordan, Bolletino di zoologia, 61:4, 359-367, DOI: 10.1080/11250009409355907 To link to this article: https://doi.org/10.1080/11250009409355907 Copyright Taylor and Francis Group, LLC Published online: 28 Jan 2009. Submit your article to this jourl Article views: 2661 View related articles Full Terms & Conditions of access and use can be found at http://www.tandfonline.com/action/jourlinformation?jourlcode=tizo20 Download by: [37.44.207.90] Date: 06 January 2018, At: 08:56

Boll. Zool. 61: 359-367 (1994) Skes of southern Jordan RATIB M. EL-ORAN Department of Biology, Mutah University, Mutah (Jordan) WALID N. AL-MELHEM ZUHAIR S. AMR Department of Biology, Jordan University of Science & Technology, Irbid (Jordan) INTRODUCTION Southern Jordan is defined here as the area that lies between Wadi El-Mujeb from the north to the Gulf of Aqaba to the south, and from Wadi Araba to the Saudi Arabian borders to the east (Fig. 1). This area covers three Governorates: Karak, At-Tafila, and Ma'an. The ske fau of southern Jordan is heterogeneous and influenced by different faui elements; the Ethiopian, Oriental and Palearctic. It includes some 27 species belonging to six families (Leptotyphlopidae, Typhlopidae, Boidae, Colubridae, Viperidae and Elapidae). Although southern Jordan covers a proportiolly large area, its reptiles did not receive proper attention until recently. Hart (1891) and Barbour (1914) reported on the skes of the Wadi Araba and Petra area, while Werner (1971) studied material from Petra. Disi (1983 and 1985) and Disi et al. (1988) added new records of skes from Jordan. Other studies, reported on the skes of this area (Schmidt, 1930; Haas, 1943, 1951). In his comprehensive work on the skes of Saudi Arabia, Gasperetti (1988) included several records from Jordan. The aim of this study is to document the ske fau of southern Jordan, and discuss their habitats and zoogeography. MATERIALS AND METHODS A total of 137 skes were collected by the authors or doted to the senior author. Specimens were preserved in 70% ethyl alcohol, numbered, measured for tail length (T) and snout vent (SV) both in \ \ \ ABSTRACT The skes of southern Jordan are studied on the basis of recent collections (1990-1993). A total of 24 ske species belonging to five families are included. Notes on their ecology and distribution are also given. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS We would like to thank Professor B. Lanza for his critical and instructive comments on the manuscript. We also extend our thank to Mutah University for the continuous support during this study. (Received 9 March 1994 - Accepted 20 June 1994) Fig. 1 - Map of southern Jordan, showing localities from which material is reported. 1. Ar-Rabba; 2. Batir; 3. Mutah; 4. Al-Mazar; 5. At-Taybba; 6. Es-Safi; 7. Al-Ay; 8. Qurayqira; 9. Al-Husayniyya; 10. Ash-Shawbak; 11. Petra; 12. Wadi Musa; 13. El-Jafr; 14. Ar-Risha; 15. Ar-Rajif; 16. Bayir; 17. Dilagha; 18. Abu Al-Lasan; 19. AI-Quwayra; 20. Wadi Rum.

360 EL-ORAN R. M., AL-MELHEM W. N., AMR Z. S. mm. Scale counts were performed according to Dowling (1951) for the ventral scales (VS), caudal scales (CS) and midbody scales (MBS), All specimens are deposited at the Mutah University Museum of Natural History (MUM). being established at Disah and Wadi Araba. It was collected from deserted rodent burrows and seen around sunset in farms near feed storage areas. TAXONOMIC ACCOUNTS TABLE I - Scale counts and measuremtmts (mm) for Coluber jugularis asianus. Family TYPHLOPIDAE Typhlops vermicularis Merrem, 1820 Description: Eyes are completely covered by scales. Body covered with scales of equal size. Midbody scale rows: 22-24. Tail short ending with a horny spine. Material examined: MUM0342, At-Tafila, 16.4.1993. Remarks: The blind ske is a fossorial species. It is found in burrows that are usually located under stones. Disi et al. (1988) reported this species from several localities in northern Jordan. Family BOIDAE Eryx jaculus (Lineus, 1758) Description: Head covered by small scales. Eyes very small with a vertical pupil. 9/9-11/11 upper labials, 14-18 lower labials. Ventral scales rrow, ranging from 166 to 190. Tail short. Subcaudals 21-32. Material examined: MUM0068 and MUM0076, Al- Mazar, April, 1991; MUM0079, Abu Al-Lasan, 10.7.1991: MUM-0318, Nakhal (Karak), 5.6.19. Measurements: (3) VS 138, CS 32, SV 370, T 55; SV 145-153, T 15-8. Remarks: The sand boa is associated with loose soil, but was also collected from areas with hard terra rossa soil. Disi et al. (1988) collected this species from different localities that belong to the Mediterranean and Irano- Turanian habitats. It has a wide range of distribution extending over southeastern Europe, North Africa, southwest Asia to western Chi. Family COLUBRIDAE MUM0159 MUMO3O3 MUM0306 MUMO5O5 VS 212 212 206 228 CS 94 120 120 128 SV 10 1400 1260 1400 T 940 580 560 530 VS, ventral scales; CS, caudal scales; SV, snout vent length; T, tail length. Coluber rubriceps (Venzmer, 1919) Description: Head covered by symmetrical shields. Eight or nine upper labials, 9/10-11/11 lower labials. 195-223 ventrals, 72-119 subcaudals. Scale rows at midbody 19. Black or brown spots extended for about 2/3 the dorsum, carted by white scale. Neck with 3-scales wide band carted by white scales. Materials examined: MUM007G-71, Ash-Shawbak, 1990; MUM0338, At-Tafila, 27.6.19; MUM0341, Rakeen, 1991; MUM0343-344, Batir, July, 19; MUMO37O, Al-Mazar, 25.7.19; MUMO43O, Dilagha, 28.8.1993. Remarks: This species was formerly known as Coluber jadum. Baran (1978) considered forms with only spots around the neck as C. jadum, while those with a ring as C. rubriceps. It was found under stones in agricultural areas. Number of ventral scales ranged from 197-207 and subcaudal from 65-106 (Table II). Its diet consists of liz- Coluber jugularis asianus (Boettger, 1880) Description: Large ske. Head covered by symmetrical shields. Eight upper labials, 9-10 lower labials. Scale rows 19. Ventral scales 200-228, 90-126 subcaudals. Al divided. Material examined: MUM0069, Adir, 16.6.1991; MUM-159, Ma'an, 18.8.1991; MUMO3O3, Mutah, 13.4.1993; MUMO3O4, Al-Mazar, 17.4.1993; MUM0306, Rakeen, 6.6.19; MUMO5O5, Mutah, 18.5.1991. Remarks: C. j. asianus is a common species in Jordan. Disi (1985) stated that C. j. asianus is associated with dense vegetation or farming areas irrespective of the amount of precipitation as suggested by Zinner (1972). This species was never seen or collected from arid regions, despite some farms and agricultural projects TABLE II - Scale counts and measurements rubriceps. MUM0070 MUM0071 MUMO338 MUM0341 MUMO343 MUMO37O MUMO43O VS 207 197 212 209 202 CS 98 72 106 110 104 103 (mm) for Coluber SV 189 417 590 424 515 578 130 T 65 114 260 178 234 210 105

SNAKES OF SOUTHERN JORDAN 361 ards; one Acanthodactylus lizard was recovered from the stomach of a specimen taken from Al-Mazar. In August 1993, several hundreds of C. rubriceps were found under a cement pavement around a 4-years old house in Dilagha village. Upon visiting the area, hundreds of newly hatched skes were found in addition to many unhatched eggs. Only one adult ske was collected among the hatchlings. Coluber rhodorachis rhodorachis (Jan, 1865) Description: 19 scale rows, 230-238 ventrals, 133-154 subcaudals, 9 upper labials, usually fifth and sixth enters the eye, 10 lower labials. Material examined: MUM0014, El-Naqah (Wadi Araba), 1978; MUM0072, Ash-Shawbak, 1990; MUM0083, El-Disah (Wadi Rum), 10.7.1991; MUM-0366-367, Aqaba, 17.7.19; MUMO371, Ma'an, 2.5.19. Remarks: The whip ske is a desert-dwelling species. It was collected and seen during daytime near Petra and El-Disah. Specimens collected from Aqaba have higher ventrals count (Table III) compared with those collected from Ash-Shawbak and Wadi Araba. TABLE III - Scale counts and measurements (mm) for Coluber rhodorachis. MUM0072 MUM0083 MUM0366 MUM0367 MUM0371 218 242 252 127 140 148 103 305 995 655 667 490 Coluber nummifer (Reuss, 1834) 105 375 295 275 190 Description: Scale rows 23-25, 9 upper labials, 9-10 lower labials, 210-221 ventrals, 82-91 subcaudals. Materials examined: MUM0042, Qurayqira (Wadi Araba), 29.5.1991; MUM00Ö0-61 and 103, Wadi Musa, 12.6.1991; MUM0141, Ma'an, 19.8.1991; MUMO163, Ma'an, 18.8.1991; MUM-0312-313, El-Shehabieh; (Karak), 10.6.19; MUMO334, El-Hawieh (Karak), 4.6.1993; MUMO35O, Kuthraba (Karak), 1.11.19; MUM0348, Karak, 7.11.19, MUM0349, Al-Husayniyya, 5.10.19; MUM03, Al-Mazar, 1980; MUM0394, Rakeen, 20.9.1991; MUM0396, El-Qa (Ma'an), April 19; MUM0398, El-Jydideh (Karak), April 19; MUM0409, Ar- Rabba, 17.8.19. Remarks: Collected from Karak by Barbour (1914). Schatti & Agasian (1985) recognized C. ravergieri and C. nummifer as two separate species based on scale rows of midbody, subcaudal scales and the morphology of the hemipenes. Mount Hermon is the southern most limit of distribution for C. ravergieri, while C nummifer with 23-25 midbody scales occurs in Jordan, Syria, Egypt and Cyprus. It seems that C. nummifer is fairly common in southern Jordan, particularly the Karak area. Haas (1951) stated that C. nummifer is the most common species in the Jerusalem area, similarly, it is the most common species in the Karak Governorate. TABLE IV - Scale counts and measurements (mm)for Coluber nummifer. MUM0042 MUM0060 MUM0061 MUM0103 MUM0141 MUMO136 MUMO312 MUMO313 MUM0348 MUM0349 MUMO35O MUM03 MUMO393 MUM0394 MUMO396 MUM0398 MUM0409 212 211 224 202 212 225 203 220 208 214 216 203 90 83 89 78? 90 91 84 95 85 87 87 88 916 734 220 232 885 252 900 960 235 246 295 650 700 320 351 284 690 260 197 60? 70 259 67 300 270 71 67 69 210 70 77 72 239 In some specimens, the fifth upper labial enters the eye, while in others it is divided. The number of blotches varies from 54-63 on the dorsum, while the tail has 7-10 fused blotches. Blotches are 4-6 scales wide. Colouration is also variable; from dark brown to light olive. Several young specimens were obtained during April. Coluber elegantissimus (Günther, 1878) Description: Snout projecting and slightly pointed. Eight upper labials. 187-200 ventral scales, 78-85 caudal scales. Dorsum with 21-28 black bands the first crossing the eyes. Material examined: MUM0374, Al-Quwayra, June 19. Measurements: VS 187, CS 85, T 110, SV 315. Remarks: Collected from Aqaba (Hart, 1891) and from Wadi Rum. This species is known to occur in northern Arabia and southern Jordan and Palestine. Eirenis rothi Jan, 1863 Description: Seven upper labials. Head and pe black. Scale rows 15, ventrals 168-190, subcaudals 48-70.

3 EL-ORAN R. M., AL-MELHEM W. N., AMR Z. S. Material examined: MUMOO59, WadiMusa, 12.6.19; MUM0073, El-Rajif, 1991; MUM0104, Ash-Shawbak, 1991, MUM0105, Ghwair (Karak), 12.4.1991; MUMO33O, Al-Mazar, 17.5.1993; MUMO345, Mutah, 14.5.1993; MUM0346, El-Adneyeh, 14.6.1993; MUMO361, Mutah, 21.9.19; MUM03, Ar-Rabba, May 19; MUMO4O5, Mutah, 19; MUMO435, Ghwair (Karak), August 1993; MUM0437, El-Adneyeh, 14.6.1993- Remarks: This species "was collected from several localities throughout northern Jordan (Disi et al., 1988). The distribution of E. rothi is confined to the Mediterranean biotope. TABLE V - Scale counts and measurements (mm) for Eirenis rothi. MUM0059 MUM0073 MUM0105 MUMO33O MUMO345 MUM0346 MUM0361 MUM03 MUM0405 MUMO435 MUM0437 190 188 185 181 171 181 183 159 189 170 70 49 48 55 50 53 54 59 56 168 245 275 250 207 179 208 286 115 256 185 Eirenis coronella coronella (Schlegel, 1837) Description: Body short and cylindrical and covered with brown or gray cross bars about 2-3 scales wide. Collar, 3-5 scales wide, is present. Seven upper labials. Scale rows 15, 127-150 ventrals, 35-50 subcaudals. Material examined: MUM0058 and 77-78, Wadi Musa, 12.6.1991; MUM0063, Ash-Shawbak, 12.6.1991; MUM0095-96 and 99, Al-Quwayra, 11.7.1991; MUMO331, At-Tayyba, 2.5.1993; MUM0332 and 337, Kathreba, 22.5.1993; MIM0336, Rakeen, 20.5.1991; MUM0395, Wadi Ibn Hammad, 23.7.1993; MUM0411, Ay (Karak), 13.7.1993; MUM0432, Kuthruba, 22.5.1993. Remarks: Scale counts for collected specimens ranged from 119-156 ventrals and 35-54 subcaudals (Table VI). It was mainly found under stones without a defined burrow. Malpolon moilensis (Reuss, 1834) Description: Head convex with a longitudil furrow in between the eyes. Scale rows at midbody 17. Ventrals 154-174 and subcaudals 48-73. One loreal is present and located on the second and third upper labials. Material examined: MUM0074, El-Rajif, 1991; MUM0129 and 132, El-Jafr, 17.8.1991; MUMO133* and 39 64 61 52 52 78 22 65 48 TABLE VI - Scale counts and measurements coronella. MUM0058 MUM0063 MUM0077 MUM0078 MUM0095 MUM0096 MUM0099 MUMO331 MUMO332 MUMO336 MUM0337 MUM0395 MUM0411 MUM0432 VS CS SV 137 154 156 142 137 152 154 145 123 119 1 117 127 125 53 48 49 54 51 49 43 40 35 39 38 42 (mm) for Eirenis 186 200 120 235 235 201 195 186 250 54 46 25 46 61 58 60 51 51 45 60 50 48 140, Ma'an, 18.7.1991; MUM0408, Al-Hisa, 12.1.1991; MUM0418, Ma'an, 16.8.1991. Remarks: This is a common diurl species of dry arid regions of Jordan. Perhaps the specimen from El-Rajif represents a range extension of this xerophilous ske. TABLE VII - Scale counts and measurements (mm) for Malpolon moilensis. MUM0074 MUM0132 MUMO133 MUM0140 MUM0408 MUM0418 172 167 166 164 1 72 54 54 53 59 53 382 305 232 708 367 310 126 68 48 170 83 70 Malpolon monspessulanus insignitus (Geoffroy, 1827) Description: Distinguished from M. moilensis in possessing 2 loreals, ventrals 159-195, subcaudals 89-97, scale rows 19- Material examined: MUM0014, Ma'an, 18.8.1991; MUM0074, Ash-Shawbak, 1991; MUMO, Mutah, 9.9.1991; MUMO333, Zahoom, 28.5.1993; MUMO335, Mutah, 30.6.1993; MUM0401, Al-Ay (At-Tafila), 19.7.19; MUM-0420, Batir, July 19; MUM0421, Karak, 19; MUM-0424, Al-Wasieh (Karak), 2.5.1993. Remarks: The distribution of this species extends within the Mediterranean and the Irano-Turanian

SNAKES OF SOUTHERN JORDAN 363 biotopes. Adult form of M. m. insignitus has a browngray colouration, while young specimens have light colour, dark brown spots on beige background dorsally. TABLE VIII - Scale counts and measurements (mm) for Malpolon monspessulanus insignitus. MUM0074 MUM0142 MUM0 MUMO333 MUMO335 MUM0410 MUM0420 MUM0421 MUM0424 VS 172 173 172 167 177 172 175 CS 72 86 88 86 90 80 70 SV 383 1110 260 425 420 320 590 970 227 Natrix tessellata (Laurenti, 1768) T 126 360 77 130 140 270 300 Description: Head moderately distinct from neck. Scales strongly keeled, 159-175 ventrals, 58-69 subcaudals, 19 scale rows. Material examined: MUM0138-139, Ma'an, 18.8.1991; MUMO339, Wadi Ibn Hammad, 12.6.19; MUM0372, Karak, 26.5.19; MUM0403, Rakeen, 15.5.1991. Remarks: The water ske is common in most of the freshwater aquatic habitats in Jordan. TABLE IX - Scale counts and measurements (mm) for Natrix tessellata. Measurements: VS 182, CS, SV 204 mm, T 31 mm. Remarks-. Reported from Petra, Ael, Bast'a near Ma'an, and from northern Jordan (Hart, 1891; Disi et al., 1988). Psammophis schokari (Forsskal, 1775) Description: Head distinct from neck. Nine upper labials, 9-11 lower labials. Loreal 3-4 times as long as wide, 17 scale rows, al divided, ventrals 163-180, subcaudals 110-120. Material examined: MUM005, As-Safi, 26.5.1991; MUM0011; El-Naqah; 26.5.1991; MUM0097; Al-Quwayra; 11.7.1991; MUMO13O-131, El-Jafr; 17.8.1991; MUM0145; Ma'an; 18.8.1991; MUM0173-175, El-Jafr, 20.9.1991; MUMO323, At-Tafila, 17.4.1990; MUMO34O; El- Shehabieh, 24.1.19; MUM0402, Mutah, 21.8.19; MUM0406, At-Tayyba (Karak), Feb. 1993. Remarks: Contrary to its common me, the sand ske, it was collected from several localities representing the Mediterranean biotope as well as dry arid regions in the Eastern Desert. TABLE X - Scale counts and measurements schokari MUM0005 MUM0011 MUM0097 MUM0130 MUM0131 MUM0173 MUM0174 MUM0323 MUMO34O MUMO4O2 MUM0406 160 1 169 184 188 168 176 172 175 1 179 112 109 91 114 109 111 115 98 119 (mm) for Psammophis 277 573 335 297 550 530 480 560 595 530 450 138 217 157 123 250 240 222 210 235 260 30 MUM0138 MUM0139 MUM0339 MUM0372 MUM0403 157 149 163 167 166 59 67 64 69 60 415 217 270 650 250 114 63 78 195 Rhynchocalamus melanocephalus (Jan, 18) Description: Head small and black, unconnected black collar dorsally near the neck. Six upper labials, seven lower labials, scale rows 15, ventrals 182-217, subcaudals -67. Material examined: MUMOO75, Mamoneyeh (Karak), 9.4.991; MUM0399, Karak, 14.6.19. Spalerosophis diadēma cliffordi (Schlegel, 1837) Description: Upper labials never enter the eye. Upper labials 11-12, 11-13 lower labials, 9-11 oculars around the eye. Dorsal covered by two lateral and one central interrupted markings. Ventrals -236, subcaudals 61-83- Middorsal scales 25-31. Material examined: MUM0102, Ma'an, 1.7.1991; MUMO134, 135 and 143, Ma'an, 18.8.1991; MUM0144, Wadi El-Shamyeh (Ma'an), 5.5.1973. Remarks: This is a desert-dwelling ske. Colouration of dorsal blotches may vary from light to dark brown, with a light-yellow to light orange background. Remarkable differences between the Jordanian and the Palestinian forms have been reported by Haas (1951).

364 EL-ORAN R. M., AL-MIiLHEM W. N., AMR Z. S. TABLE XI - Scale counts and measurements (mm) for Spalerosophis diade cliffordi. MUM0102 MUMO134 MUMO135 MUM0144 VS 227 236 210 194 CS 75 81 73 77 SV 996 325 327 312 Telescopus fallax nigriceps (Ahl, 17) T 195 66 73 74 Description: Head entirely dark in colour, 9 upper labials, 10 lower labials. Vertical pupil. Middorsal scales 19, dorsal covered by 18 to 22 dark bands, 178-188 ventrals, 50-58 subcaudals. Material examined: MUM0064; Ash-Shawbak; 11.6.1991; MUM0094; Al-Quwayra; 11.7.1991; MUM0369, Karak, 15.9.19; MUM0431, Zahoom (Karak), 3-4.1993; MUM0438, Zahoom, 20.4.1993; MUM0500, El-Mamoneyeh (Karak), 9.4.1991. Remarks: Despite the publications of Zinner (1977), we are uble to assess the taxonomic status of T. f. nigriceps in Jordan. However, we agree with Leviton et al. (19) who assign T. nigriceps as a subspecies of the T. fallax complex. TABLE XII - Scale counts and measurements (mm) for Telescopus fallax nigriceps. MUM0064 MUM0094 MUM0369 MUMO431 MUMO438 MUM0500 237 190 193 181 183 57 46 57 52 Family VIPERIDAE 720 206 365 312 290 236 Echis coloratus Günther, 1878 138 33 59 33 Description: Head very distinct from neck, Three to four scale rows between the eyes and upper labials. 12-15 upper labials. Al scale entire, subcaudals single. Scale rows 33-35, ventral scales 175-, caudal scales 44-57. Material examined: MUM0301, El-Ayneh (At-Tafila), 27.6.19. Remarks: Two road kills of the saw-scaled viper were collected from El-Ayneh (At-Tafila). Another specimen was found dead near Petra. It was reported from Karak (Barbour, 1914). This is one of the vipers responsible for the epidemiology of skebites in Jordan. Cerastes cerastes gasperettii Leviton & Anderson, 1967 Description: Head very distinct from neck. Upper labials 12-13, scale rows 25-35, 146-172 ventrals, 30-41 caudal scales, subcaudals divided. Material examined: MUM0029 and 30, Ar-Risha (Wadi Araba), 28.5.1991; MUM0404 and 425, Disah (Wadi Rum), April, 19; MUM0400-401, 414-417, 419, Wadi Araba, 19. Remarks: This species is very common in Wadi Araba. Recently, Werner & Sivan (19) referred to the Wadi Araba population as C. c. gasperettii. An interesting horned population was seen in the Wadi Rum area. The entire collection of this species have a horny projection above the eye. While the Wadi Araba population lacks such structures. TABLE XIII - Scale counts and measurements (mm) for Cerastes cerastes. MUM0029 MUM0030 MUM0404 MUM0416 130 157 156 28 31 31 30 630 509 300 460 Pseudocerastes persicus fieldi Schmidt, 1930 Description: Head distinct from neck. Horny projections above the eyes are present. 13 upper labials. Ventral scales 144-158, caudal scales 41-48. Tip of the tail black. Material examined: MUM0146, Ma'an, 18.8.1991: MUM0187, El-Jafr, 20.9.1991: MUM0300, Ma'an, 16.1.1993; MUMO315 a and b, El-Jafr, April, 19: MUMO373, Ma'an, 6.10.19. Remarks: The false-horned viper is distributed in the Eastern Desert. It prefers solid hard terrain. Many specimens were found in deserted rodent burrows. Vipera palaestie Werner, 1938 Description: Head triangular, distinct from neck and covered by small scales. 9-11 upper labials, l60-l66 ventral scales, 35-43 caudals. Dorsum covered by large rhomboid blotches sometimes forming a zig-zag pattern. Material examined: MUM0501, El-Mazar (Karak), 29.11.1993. 51 30 42

SNAKES OF SOUTHERN JORDAN 365 TABLE XIV - Scale counts and measurements (mm) for Pseudocerastes persicus fleldi. MUM0187 MUM0300 MUMO315a MUMO315b MUMO373 VS 136 132 135 138 135 CS 35 42 37 36 37 SV 168 370 1 166 460 T 22 55 25 25 64 Remarks: This is the first record for the Palestine viper from the south of Wadi El-Mujib. All the previous studies failed to obtain specimens from southern Jordan (Disi, 1983, 1985; Disi etal., 1988). It is known to occur in the Jordan Valley and many other localities in the Irbid, Balqa and Amman Governorates. Family ELAPIDAE Walterinnesia aegyptia Lataste, 1887 Description: Head not distinct from neck as in vipers. Black and large ske. The first 2-9 subcaudals are single and the rest are divided. Scale rows 23. Ventrals 180-200, caudals 40-55. Material examined: MUM0407, Mutah, 9-6.19; MUM0502, Karak, 24.6.19. Measurements: VS190-210, CS 42, SV 1200-350, T 230-49. Remarks: Watterinnesia aegyptia has a scattered distribution in Jordan. It was reported from the Mediterranean, Saharo-Sindian and the Irano-Turanian biotopes (Disi, 1983; Disi et al., 1988). ZOOGEOGRAPHIC REMARKS Southern Jordan represents the southern most limit of distribution in the Near East for several palearctic or oriental species as: Typblops vermicularis, Coluber j. asianus, C. rubriceps, C. rogersi, C. nummifer, Eirenis rothi, Malpolon m. insignitus, Natrix tessellata, Telescopus nigriceps and T. f. syriacus. These species are absent from northern Saudi Arabia, in particular, and the Arabian peninsula as a whole. Typhlops vermicularis is known to occur in southeastern Europe, Turkey, Iraq, Iran and Palestine (Leviton et al., 19). The black ske, C. j. asianus, has been reported from southern Turkey, northern Iraq, Syria, Lebanon and Palestine. It is associated with the Mediterranean biotope which is characterized by a usually high precipitation. Coluber rubriceps distribution is restricted to southern Turkey to the north and reaches the desert frontiers in southern Jordan. All localities from which this species was collected represent the Mediterranean biotope. It was referred to as C. jadum before the work of Basoglu & Baran (1980). Disi et al., (1988) considered C. jadum to be C. rubriceps, while Leviton et al. (19) stated that C. n. dahlii is known from eastern Europe, Cyprus, to the east through Turkey Syria and Iraq. Coluber rogersi is confined in its distribution from western Egypt to Palestine and Jordan and ends towards western Iraq. Disi (1987) concluded that C. rogersi is a Saharo-Sindian species that penetrated into the Irano-Turanian biotope. Coluber nummifer was the most common species collected in southern Jordan, especially the Karak Governorate. This species has a restricted distribution within the Mediterranean biotope. Disi (1987) indicated that humidity is an important factor limiting the distribution of this species, while, temperature is not a critical factor. According to Leviton et al. (19), C. nummifer is distributed from northern Egypt to the Soviet Central Asia to the west, Cyprus and Turkey to the north and Palestine and Jordan to the south. The water ske, N. tessellata, is a freshwater-dwelling species associated with permanent water bodies. It was collected from Azraq oasis to the east and as far as Ma'an in the south. The Telescopus fallax complex, including T. f. nigriceps and T. f. syriacus is troublesome and needs further investigation. This conclusion is shared by Leviton et al., (19). T. f. nigriceps was reported from Iraq (Khalaf, 1959), while T. f. hoogstraali occurs in Sii and the Negeb Desert (Leviton et al., 19). On the other hand, the T. dhara complex seems to have African origin, since its distribution is mainly restricted to North Africa, the Sahara and Eastern Africa. It occurs in a rrow strip across Palestine, Jordan and western Saudi Arabia. Several specimens were collected from Wadi Araba (Disi, 1993). Eirenis rothi, is reported from Turkey, Syria, Palestine and Jordan. It is associated with Mediterranean biotope. In this regard, we disagree with Disi (1987) where he suggested that E. rothi is an Irano-Turanian species that moved into the Mediterranean biotope. All the localities representing this species in this work and in earlier reports are indeed within the Mediterranean biotope (Disi etal, 1988). Malpolon monspessulanus insignitus was collected from both Irano-Turanian and Mediterranean biotopes. Werner (1971) reported its occurrence in Azraq, a desert oasis east of Jordan. We have no records of this ske from the Saharo-Sindian or extremely arid regions. The presence of V. palaestie in the Karak area was surprising, since this viper has never been collected from southern Jordan over the past 20 years of active collecting. It was thought that wadi El-Mujib represents the southermost border for its distribution. The cleared forested areas of Karak, Ash-Shawbak and Ma'an were perhaps a suitable habitat for it. This species is known to prefer the Mediterranean biotope and the cultivated and

366 EL-ORAN R. M., AL-MELHEM W. N., AMR Z. S. humid areas of the Jordan Valley'. Other species that are found in the Arabian peninsula and southern Jordan include; L. macrorhynchus, C. elegantissimus, C. ventromaculatus, C. r. rhodorachis, E. coronella, R. melanocephalus, P. schokari, S. d. cliffordi, L. diadēma, E. coloratus, C. cerastes, P. persicus fieldi, and W. aegyptia. Leptotyphlops macrorhynchus is distributed over North and East Africa, penetrating through the Sahara into Liberia to the southwestern coasts of Africa, and extends through southern Turkey into Iran, Afghanistan and Pakistan. Coluber elegantissimus is restricted to central and western Saudi Arabia and southern Jordan. It is a species endemic to the Arabian peninsula. Coluber veniromaculatus was collected from several localities around agricultural projects in dry arid regions (Disi, 198?). Coluber rhodorachis rhodorachis has a wide range of distribution extending from the southeastern states of the former Soviet Union, Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq and into the Arabian peninsula and North Africa. This is a true xerophilic species. All localities from Jordan for this species belong either to Saharo-Sindian or Irano-Turanian biotopes. The distribution of E. coronella is rather unique to some extent. It is found in the intermediary region representing the Mediterranean and either Saharo- Sindian or Irano-Turanian. Disi (1987) indicated that E. coronella penetrated the Mediterranean from the Irano- Turanian. However, this ske has never been collected from extremely arid regions. Malpolon moilensis has a similar distribution and habitat preference to C. r. rhodorachis. It is a common species in the Eastern Desert and Wadi Araba. Rhynchocalamus is considered an oriental genus, with most of its species known to occur in the Philippines, India, Ceylon, Iran and Baluchistan (Haas, 1952). In our area R. melanocephalus is distributed through Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, Palestine and upper Egypt. Another related subspecies, R. m. satunini, occurs in eastern Turkey, northern Iraq and Iran (Leviton et al., 19). It is believed that Rhynchocalamus is relict of the Pleistocene and the late pluvials (Gasperetti, 1988). Its distribution is restricted to the Mediterranean biotope. Psammophis schokari is not confined to xeric habitats as thought to be. It occurs in the Mediterranean biotope, however, most abundat in dry arid regions. This species has a wide range of distribution extending from western and north Africa through Arabia to India. Spalerosophis diadēma cliffordi occurs in the Saharo- Sindian and Irano-Turanian bioptopes, with minor occurrence in the dry variety of the Mediterranean biotope. It is associated with humid and agricultural areas. Lytorhynchus diadēma has a wide range of distribution extending through North Africa, the Arabian peninsula, Jordan, Palestine and Iraq to western Iran. Disi (1985) reported a specimen from the Petra area. No further material is avaiable to discuss its distribution in Jordan. The distribution of E. coloratus if. confined to eastern Egypt, the Arabian peninsula, Jordan and Palestine. In Arabia, it coexits with two other species; E. pyramidum and E. caritus. It prefers rocky outcrops and steppe regions. Cerastes cerastes gasperettii is the most common viper in Wadi Araba and Wadi Rum. This is; a true psammophile species associated with sandy dunes in southern Jordan. The Wadi Araba population lacks a horn-like scale above the eye, while horned specimens were collected from the Wadi Rum area. Perhaps the Wadi Rum population represents the extension of the horned Arabian population. These two populations are separated by the Sherah mountains extending from At-Tafila to Aqaba. Pseudocerastes persicus fieldi has a uniform distribution in arid regions of the Middle East. It occurs in the deserts of Jordan, southern Palestine, northern Saudi Arabia and southwestern Iraq (Joger, 1984). Perhaps to consider this species a psammophile one as suggested by Werner (1987), is not adequate, since most of our collection came from dry, arid basalt desert. Also this species was taken from dry solid soil with scattered vegetation and we have no record from sandy regions as in Wadi Rum or Wadi Araba. Walterinnesia aegyptia has a scattered distribution in Jordan. It was collected from the three prevailing biogeographical territories in the country. Disi (1987) indicated that W. aegyptia showed negative correlation with humidity and a positive one with temperature. Perhaps the fossorial life of the bkick desert cobra explains its scattered distribution. To this end, man-made changes contributed to the range expansion of some ske species, such as C. j. asianus, M. m. insignitus, V. palaestie and W. aegyptia. These four species are agriculture followers and abundant around established agricultural projects and chicken farms. However, other species are affected adversely by environmental and man-made changes to the point of eradication, as is the case oîn. tessellata, where changes in water courses and severe habitat destruction are obvious. List of reported skes from southern Jordan Family TYPHLOPIDAE 1. Typhlops vermicularis Merrem, 1820 Family LEPTOTYPHLOPIDAE 2. Leptotyphlops marcorhynchus* (Jan, 18) Family BOIDAE 3. Eryx jaculus (Lineus, 1758) * Not reported in this work.

SNAKES OF SOUTHERN JORDAN 367 Family COLUBERIDAE 4. Coluber jugularis asianus Boettger, 1880 5. Coluber rubriceps (Venzmer, 1919) 6. Coluber rogersi* (Anderson, 1893) 7. Coluber rhodorachis rhodorachis (Jan, 1865) 8. Coluber nummij'er Reuss, 1834 9. Coluber elegantissimus (Günther, 1878) 10. Coluber ventromaculatus* Gray, 1834 11. Eirenis rothi Jan, 1863 12. Eirenis coronella coronella (Schlegel, 1837) 13. Malpolon moilensis (Reuss, 1834) 14. Malpolon monspessulanus insignitus (Geoffroy, 1827) 15. Natrix tessellata (Laurenti, 1768) 16. Rhynchocalamus melanocephalus (Jan, 18) 17. Psammophis schokari (Forsskal, 1775) 18. Spalerosophis diadēma cliffordi (Schlegel, 1837) 19. Lytorbynchus diadēma* (Dumeril, Bibron & Dumeril, 1854) 20. Telescopus nigriceps (Ahl, 14) 21. Telescopus fallax syriacus Boettger, 1880 22. Telescopus dhara* (Forsskal, 1775) Family VIPERIDAE 23. Echis coloratus Günther, 1878 24. Cerastes cerastes gasperettii Leviton & Anderson, 1967 25. Pseudocerastes persicus fieldi Schmidt, 1930 26. Vipera palaestie Werner, 1938 Family ELAPIDAE 27. Walterinnesia aegyptia Lataste, 1887 REFERENCES Baran I., 1978 - Some rare species of skes from Turkey. Ann. Naturhist. Mus. Wien, 81: 261-265. Barbour T., 1914 - Notes on some reptiles from Sii and Syria. Proc. New Engl. zool. Club, 5: 73-. Basoglu M., Baran I., 1980 - The reptiles of Turkey. Part II. The skes. Ege Univ. Fen. Fak. Kitaplar ser., 81: 218 pp. Disi A. M., 1983 - Contribution to the herpetofau of Jordan. 1. Venomous skes. Dirasat, 10: 167-180. Disi A. M., 1985 - Contribution to the herpetofau of Jordan. 2. New records and systematic list of skes from Jordan. Ske, 17: 31-42. Disi A. M., 1987 - Environmental factors affecting ske distribution in Jordan. In F. Kruppo, W. Schnider & R. Kinzelbach (eds), Proceedings of the Symposium on the Fau and Zoogeogarphy of the Middle East. Mainz, 1985. Beihefte zum TAVO A, 28, pp. 296-310. Disi A. 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