title: An annotated checklist of the herpetofauna of beris valley, kedah, malaysia.
abstract: The herpetofauna of Beris Valley, Kedah, Malaysia, was studied using a rapid assessment survey during a scientific expedition organised by the School of Biological Sciences at the Universiti Sains Malaysia, from 14-17 August 2009. All amphibians and reptiles were observed and captured during the four-day survey along the ditches, roads, dam areas, swamps, forest trails and streams. The results showed that 14 species of amphibians from 9 genera and 5 families inhabit the area, and 7 species of lizards, 5 species of snakes and 2 species of freshwater turtles were also present in the area. Fejervarya limnocharis and Microhyla butleri seemed to be the most common amphibians, while Hemidactylus frenatus and Varanus salvator were the most common reptiles in the area. This report constitutes a preliminary checklist and first record of amphibians and reptiles in Beris Valley, Kedah. The number of specimens was less than expected because of the very short survey period, but we hope to record more species in future studies.
authors.affiliation: School of Pharmaceutical Sciences.
authors.forename: Shahriza
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Shahrudin
authors.affiliation: School of Distance Education.
authors.forename: Ibrahim Haji
authors.initials: IH
authors.lastname: Jaafar
authors.affiliation: School of Distance Education.
authors.forename: Nurul Dalila Abdul
authors.initials: ND
authors.lastname: Rahim
authors.affiliation: Center for Drug Research, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 11800 USM Pulau Pinang, Malaysia.
authors.forename: Mohd Abdul Muin Mohd
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Akil
keywords: Amphibians; Beris Valley; Kedah; Peninsular Malaysia; Reptiles