Bolyeriidae

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Bolyeriidae
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Reptilia
Order: Squamata
Suborder: Serpentes
Infraorder: Alethinophidia
Family: Bolyeriidae
Hoffstetter, 1946
Synonyms
  • Bolyerinae - Hoffstetter, 1946
  • Bolyeriinae - Goin & Goin, 1962
  • Bolyeroidae - McDowell, 1987
  • Bolyeriidae - McDowell, 1987[1]
Common names: Mauritius snakes,[2] Round Island boas, splitjaw snakes.

The Bolyeriidae are a family[2] of snakes native to Mauritius and a few islands around it, especially Round Island. In the past they also occurred on the island of Mauritius, but were extirpated there due to human influence and foraging pigs in particular.[3] These snakes were formerly placed in the Boidae, but are now classed as a separate family. Currently, two monotypic genera are recognized.[2]

Contents

[edit] Geographic range

Found in Mauritius.[1]

[edit] Genera

Genus[2] Authority[2] Species[2] Common name Geographic range[1]
BolyeriaT Gray, 1842 1 Round Island burrowing boa[4] Mauritius.
Casarea Gray, 1842 1 Round Island ground boa[5] Mauritius.

T) Type genus.[1]

Both of these monotypic genera once inhabited Mauritius and/or a number of islands around it. However, Bolyeria hasn't been reported since 1975 and is believed to be extinct, while Casarae is presently known to survive only on Round Island.[1]

[edit] See also

[edit] References

  1. ^ a b c d e McDiarmid RW, Campbell JA, Touré T. 1999. Snake Species of the World: A Taxonomic and Geographic Reference, vol. 1. Herpetologists' League. 511 pp. ISBN 1-893777-00-6 (series). ISBN 1-893777-01-4 (volume).
  2. ^ a b c d e f Bolyeriidae (TSN 202188). Integrated Taxonomic Information System. Retrieved on 16 August 2007.
  3. ^ Bolyeridae at the TIGR Reptile Database. Accessed 19 August 2007.
  4. ^ Species Bolyeria multocarinata at The Reptile Database. Accessed 17 August 2007.
  5. ^ Species Casarea dussumieri at The Reptile Database. Accessed 17 August 2007.