Abstract

This paper presents the state-of-the-knowledge on herpetofauna (reptiles and amphibians) of Bhutan. Through a comprehensive review of the literature, the paper identifies 84 snakes, 23 lizards, 20 tortoises and turtles, 56 anurans, one caecilian and a Himalayan Salamander known to occur in Bhutan. Based on the author’s fieldwork, six previously unreported species of herpetofauna viz. Russel’s Kukri (Oligodon taeniolatus), Yunnan Bamboo Pit Viper (Trimeresurus cf. stejnegeri yunnanensis), Tibetan Pit Viper (Trimeresurus cf. tibetanus), Blue Fan Throated Lizard (Ptyctolaemus gularis), Annandali’s Paa (Nanorana annandalii), and Pygmy Leaf Frog (Chiromantis vittatus) bring the total number of species known in Bhutan to 191. Two previously reported species, Gharial (Gavialis gangeticus) and the American Bull Frog (Lithobates catesbeianus) are removed from the list. The paper highlights which species need further confirmation, and which warrant further research or special conservation protection research.