Subspecies?

[rvanhuyssteen]

I was wondering if there is anywhere that I could get some reliable information on the currently recognised reptile and amphibian subspecies in Southern Africa.

Maybe I am out of my depth, but I am really determined to get my identifications right.

What I am looking for is an up to date list that experts (or most of them) agree on.

I have been using the SARCA virtual museum a lot to help with my identifications, but have been told that some of the animals that I have identified to the level of subspecies are no longer recognised as a sub-species but elevated to a single species. Then occasionally I identify the animal to a the species level and I am told that there is another level of identification that I omitted... the sub-species. This happens a lot on iSpot.

I am not trying to be the best at being right, I am just genuinely interested in getting my head around these classifications. I have all the field guides and try and keep up with new additions. At the moment I am using Branch 1998, Marais 2004 and Alexander and Marais 2007 for reptiles and du Preez and Carruthers 2009 and Channing 2001 (even thought the species names are outdated it is excellent for identification).

Any help in the form of websites, papers I can try and find or books will be appreciated.

I know there was a thread on new names, but I don't think this falls under there. If I have posted this topic in the wrong place I apologise.

Thanks.

[TJ&ACP]

Look on REPTILE VENTURES website, Johan added a list that was recently been updated.

[Westley Price]

Here's a link to the section on the forum where these changes are discussed (although very stagnant lately).

viewtopic.php?f=19&t=10708

And here is the link to Johan's list:

http://www.scribd.com/doc/124624895/Reptiles-of-Southern-Africa-Species-List-Feb-2013

You will see this was published in February this year so very up to date.

[rvanhuyssteen]

Great. Thanks a lot.