10 Number 108 - Herpetological Bulletin [2009] C alliophis bibroni Jan, 1858 is endemic to the Western Ghats, southern India. It is terrestrial in habit, inhabiting moist deciduous forests within an altitudinal range 900-1000 m. Its distribution records are from three fragmented localities; Muthanza, Wyanad wildlife sanctuary, Kannur district, Silent Valley. The most recent field studies on this species were in 1996 from Parasanikadavu Snake Park, Kerala. The IUCN status for this species has is Endangered (EN), based on criteria that include; restricted distribution, limited location, continuing decline in extent of occurrence, severely fragmented area of occupancy and or quality of habitat. However, as per the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, it is listed in Schedule IV (Anonymous, 2001). This species is known from the Western Ghats as far north as Coorg (Smith, 1943). This article provides a record of two live individuals of Calliophis bibroni observed during reptile surveys in and around Agumbe, Karnataka, India. The photographs herein are the first for the species. MATERIALS AND METHODS Meristic and morphological characters such as standard scalation detail, measurement, coloration and body pattern of both the snakes were recorded. These details were collected from the live individuals without using any chemical immobilizing agents. Meristic data included the main, species-specific characters like the number of scales in a row around the body (near the neck, at mid-body and near the vent), number of ventrals, subcaudals, labials and internasals. The dorsal scale rows were counted one head length posterior to head (near neck), in the middle of snout-vent length (at mid-body) and at one head length anterior to vent (near tail) (David & Vogel, 1998). Scales after the preventrals up to the scale before the anal scale were counted as ventrals (Dowling, 1951) and those after the anal, up to the penultimate scale (i.e., prior to terminal scale) were counted as subcaudals. Scales between rostral and the final scale bordering the jaw angle were counted as supralabials. Scales between the mental and final scale bordering the posterior genials were counted as infralabials. Scales surrounded by supralabials, postoculars and parietals were counted as temporals (Whitaker & Captain, 2004). Symmetrical head scalation character values were given in left, right order. In addition to meristic data, morphologically diagnosable qualitative characters are also equally significant in species-identification (Vogel et al., 2007). Coloration and pattern present on the dorsum, venter and tail were noted. Morphometry (i.e., snout-vent length, and total body length) were measured with a string and a standard measuring tape (L.C = 1 mm; Butterfly brand) and the values recorded in mm. Sex-determination was done by inserting a thin, smooth, metallic probe. Photographs of the live specimens were taken prior to release. Photographs were documented in natural habitat background, using a Canon EOS 400 D model camera. Geographic coordinates and altitudes (m) of localities of capture were recorded using a Garmin 12 TM Channel GPS. Habitat type followed Champion & Seth (1968). The map was modified from Gururaja et al., (2007). Coloration in Life (Figs. 1-3 and 5-6) The snakes were dark purplish above with black Sighting record and range extension of Calliophis (=Callophis) bibroni Jan, 1858 (Reptilia, Squamata, Serpentes, Elapidae) P. GOWRI SHANKAR 1 and S. R. GANESH 2 1 agumbe rainforest research station, agumbe, Thirthahalli Thaluk, shimogga, Karnataka, india. pogirishankar@rediffmail.com 2 Dept. of Zoology, Divn. of Wildlife, a.V.C. College, Mannampandal, Mayiladuthurai, Tamil nadu, india.