On Saturday, August 19, 2023, a herpetofauna sampling activity was conducted by the Herpetology Study Group from the Faculty of Biology UGM in the Mudal River Ecotourism Area, Jatimulyo Village, Kulon Progo Regency. The purpose of this activity was to introduce the diversity of amphibians and reptiles, as well as the methods of herpetofauna sampling, to KSH members. The sampling activity itself took place from 8:00 PM to 9:00 PM. The methods used were Time Constrained and Visual Encounter System (VES).
The herpetofauna sampling activity in the Mudal River Ecotourism Area was attended by 16 individuals, including members of the Young XXXIII KSH and the Senior Council of KSH. During the sampling activity, the participants were divided into two groups. The first group explored the riverbank area, while the second group explored the forested area. Additionally, the sampling activity of the forested area was guided by Dwi Agus Stiana (Mas Tyo).
During this sampling activity, we encountered 11 species of herpetofauna, consisting of 7 amphibians and 4 reptiles. The amphibians found during the sampling included the river toad (Phrynoidis asper), the rock frog (Limnonectes macrodon), the leaf litter frog (Leptobrachium hasseltii), the pond frog (Chalcorana chalconota), the toxic tree frog (Odorrana hosii), the golden tree frog (Philautus aurifasciatus), and the striped tree frog (Polypedates leucomystax). Meanwhile, the reptiles found during the sampling were the frilled lizard (Bronchocela jubata), the forest chameleon (Gonocephalus chamaeleontinus), the Javanese bent-toed gecko (Cyrtodactylus marmoratus), and the crimson-headed snake (Craspedocephalus puniceus).
