Filling the Gaps: Updated Distribution of the Caspian Whip Snake ( Dolichophis caspius , Reptilia: Colubridae) in Romania

The Caspian whip snake (Dolichophis caspius) occurs at its north-western distribution range limit in Romania, where it is only present in the southern part of the country, but the overall range pattern is problematic and poorly understood. Here we compiled an updated distribution for the species in Romania, adding 29 new distribution records spread across 25 new UTM grids, information collected during 2011 - 2015. We add new locations to the historic region of Moldova and fill gaps in the south-central part of the country, and perhaps more surprisingly in the intensively surveyed area of Dobrogea. We present a tentative distribution range for the Caspian whip snake in Romania, but future surveys are still required in order to understand if the remaining distribution gaps are real or if they result from sampling bias.