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Sulcal view of the hemipenes of (a) Uroplatus giganteus sp. n. (paratype ZSM 264/2004); (b) U. giganteus sp. n. (paratype ZFMK 75753) and (c) U. fimbriatus from Nosy Boraha (ZFMK 48169). Drawings: W. BÖHME.
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Data on mitochondrial DNA sequences, external morphology and hemipenis morphology sug-gest that the Madagascan gecko Uroplatus fimbriatus is a complex of at least two species. We therefore describe Uroplatus giganteus sp. n. from the mid-altitude rainforest of the Montagne d'Ambre National Park in northern Madagascar. It differs from U. fimbriatus...
Contexts in source publication
Context 1
... giganteus sp. n. , hemi- penis morphology (see Fig. 7) and brownish, concentrically arranged lines around the iris (see Fig. 3). It differs from the most similar species, U. fimbriatus, by larger size (SVL 182-200 mm vs. 150-189 mm, ToL up to 322 mm vs. 295 mm), white ground colour of the iris (vs. yellowish, Fig. 3), a special head colouration (see Fig. 3), terminal ele- ments of ...
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... holotype paratype paratype Sex female male male SVL 200 198 188 TaL 122 119 129 ToL 322 317 and not pointed vs. converging and pointed; median notch shallow vs. deep; 7-8 vs. 5-6 serrated longitudinal ridges on sulcal side; basal hardened papilla less strong vs. strong, see also Fig. 7) and strong genetic differentia- tion (4.8 % pairwise sequence divergence in a fragment of the 16S rRNA ...
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... and the other in front of the eyes. One, often poorly delimited, blackish spot is generally present between the nostrils and a further one posterior to the nostrils. The area between these spots and the two chev- rons is usually beige, brown or yellow. Two black spots are present behind the posterior chevron, and the combined appearance often (Fig. 7a) has two differentiated apical lobes between which the sperm groove is ending. Each lobe bears a pointed, coniform terminal element with a smooth surface. Its length is approxi- mately the half of apical lobe's height. The apical lobes are covered with indistinct shal- calyces; the truncus below them has a smooth surface (for ...
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... 75753 has a similarly stout organ with much thicker apical lobes (Fig. 7b). Here, these lobes are covered by very dis- tinct, deep calyces, and the ridges between them are a bit elongate and have slightly serrated margins. Also the proximal trunk of the organ is adorned with distinct calyces. The two terminal elements on the tip of the apical lobes, which resemble the pedunculi of Madagascan chameleons of the ...
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... hemipenial characters of the fully differentiated hemipenis (ZFMK 75753) of Uroplatus giganteus (Fig. 7b) differ mark- edly from those of U. fimbriatus from Nosy Boraha (Fig. 1b in BÖHME & IBISCH 1990). The additional drawing of a U. fimbriatus male from Nosy Boraha (ZFMK 48146: Fig. 7c) emphasizes the main differences of both species. They concern the shape of the termi- nal elements which are pointed in fimbriatus with converging (rather ...
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... hemipenial characters of the fully differentiated hemipenis (ZFMK 75753) of Uroplatus giganteus (Fig. 7b) differ mark- edly from those of U. fimbriatus from Nosy Boraha (Fig. 1b in BÖHME & IBISCH 1990). The additional drawing of a U. fimbriatus male from Nosy Boraha (ZFMK 48146: Fig. 7c) emphasizes the main differences of both species. They concern the shape of the termi- nal elements which are pointed in fimbriatus with converging (rather than almost parallel) lateral margins and a deep (rather than a shal- low) median notch. The serrated ridges on the sulcal side of these elements, only 5-6 in number, are also ...
Similar publications
The geckos in the genus Strophurus (Diplodactylidae) are one of only two squamate lineages with specialized caudal defensive glands. Many species in this genus also have distinctive caudal ornamentation combined with bright and/or contrasting colour pattern elements on the iris, tail and especially the lining of the mouth that are hypothesized to b...
Citations
... This applies also to the geckos of the genus Uroplatus, which have been the subject of several morphological and molecular studies (see e.g., [13][14][15][16][17][18][19][20][21][22][23]), but only U. phantasticus (Boulenger, 1888) has a known karyotype, leaving the chromosome diversity of the genus completely unexplored. Overall, the karyotypes of geckos exhibit a wide variability in terms of the total number of chromosomes, number of uni-armed and bi-armed chromosomes, localization of different chromosome markers and presence or absence of differentiated sex chromosomes [6,8,9,24]. ...
... A fragment of about 450 bp of the mitochondrial 12S rRNA gene was amplified using the primer pair 12Sa 5 -AAACTGGGATTAGATACCCCACTAT−3 and 12Sb 5 -GAGGGTGAGGGCGGTG-TGT−3 [28]. This marker was chosen considering its wide use on Uroplatus geckos and the number of available sequences in public repositories [13,[15][16][17][18][19][20][21][22][23]. ...
... For taxonomic attribution, the newly determined sequences were compared with available homologous traits deposited in GenBank which were used in previous phylogenetic and taxonomic studies on the genus Uroplatus (see e.g., [13][14][15][16][17][18][19][20][21][22][23]. ...
We provide here the first karyotype description of eight Uroplatus species and a characterization of their chromosomal diversity. We performed a molecular taxonomic assessment of several Uroplatus samples using the mitochondrial 12S marker and a comparative cytogenetic analysis with standard karyotyping, silver staining (Ag-NOR) and sequential C-banding + Giemsa, +Chromomycin A3 (CMA3), +4′,6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI). We found chromosomal variability in terms of chromosome number (2n = 34–38), heterochromatin composition and number and localization of
loci or Nucleolar Organizer Regions (NORs) (alternatively on the 2nd, 6th, 10th or 16th pair). Chromosome morphology is almost constant, with karyotypes composed of acrocentric chromosomes, gradually decreasing in length. C-banding evidenced a general low content of heterochromatin, mostly localized on pericentromeric and telomeric regions. Centromeric bands varied among the species studied, resulting in CMA3 positive and DAPI negative or positive to both fluorochromes.
We also provide evidence of a first putative heteromorphic sex chromosome system in the genus. In fact, in U. alluaudi the 10th pair was highly heteromorphic, with a metacentric, largely heterochromatic W chromosome, which was much bigger than the Z. We propose an evolutionary scenario of chromosome reduction from 2n = 38 to 2n = 34, by means of translocations of microchromosomes on larger chromosomes (often involving the NOR-bearing microchromosomes). Adding our data to those available from the literature, we show that similar processes characterized the evolutionary radiation of a larger gecko clade. Finally, we hypothesize that sex chromosome diversification occurred
independently in different genera.
... The north of Madagascar is considered as the centre of endemism for this genus (Greenbaum et al. 2007;Ratsoavina et al. 2012Ratsoavina et al. , 2013, where several species have been recorded. The biggest species, U. giganteus, is among the largest geckos in the world (Glaw et al. 2006) with males reaching at least 198 mm SVL, while in the smallest species of the U. ebenaui group, male SVL is often only 50-60 mm. Their existence and diversification is related to the complexity of the topography and the hydrographic system supported by the mountains and the existing vegetation (Brown et al. 2016), though more research is needed into their evolution. ...
The Marojejy Massif in northern Madagascar is a constant source of herpetological surprises. Herein we describe a new species of leaf-mimicking leaf-tailed gecko, Uroplatus finaritra sp. nov., based on morphological and molecular phylogenetic evidence. This new species inhabits the rainforests of Marojejy National Park at low elevations and is morphologically similar to Uroplatus phantasticus, but differs by having a larger body size, relatively shorter tail, and dark-red pigmentation of the oral mucosa. Molecular data reveals a distance of 14.0–14.7% in the 16S rRNA gene to U. phantasticus, and haplotype sharing in the c-mos nuclear gene only with species of much shorter tails (i.e., with U. kelirambo and two undescribed candidate species). Similar to other members of the leaf-mimicking Uroplatus species in northern Madagascar, Uroplatus finaritra sp. nov. likely has a small geographic distribution, and is currently known only from the lowland rainforests of Marojejy. We discuss the value of the buccal mucosa colouration and tail dimensions of Uroplatus as taxonomic characters, and the potential drivers of their evolution. In order to reduce the risk of international trade under incorrect species names we suggest that exported CITES species should be obligatorily accompanied by information about their precide geographic origin within Madagascar.
... Uroplatus fimbriatus is one of the largest re-presentatives of these geckos and is one of the most famous reptile species from Madagascar. It was already mentioned in the literature of the 17th century (Flacourt 1658) and was formally described by Schneider in 1792 (for a detailed discussion see Glaw et al. 2006 andRatsoavina et al. 2013) with the imprecise type locality "Madagascar" (Angel 1929). Motivated by the lack of precision of the type locality and some major problems with the holotype, Bauer & Russell (1989) designated as neotype the specimen ZFMK 36503 from Nosy Mangabe, and thereby restricted the type locality to this tiny offshore island in the Bay of Antongil in the North East of Madagascar. ...
... In 2006, populations of U. fimbriatus from mid-altitude rainforests of Montagne d' Ambre in northern Madagascar were described as a new species, U. giganteus, based on morphology, colouration, hemipenis structure, and a substantial genetic distance to U. fimbriatus (Glaw et al. 2006). Uroplatus giganteus was diagnosed from U. fimbriatus by having a larger size (snout-vent length 182-200 mm vs. 150-189 mm, total length up to 322 mm vs. 295 mm), a white ground colour of the iris with brownish lines around the vertical pupil, and a particular colouration of the head as follows (Glaw et al. 2006): two distinct, chevronshaped, blackish markings, both pointing posteriorly, one between the eyes and the other in front of the eyes. ...
... In 2006, populations of U. fimbriatus from mid-altitude rainforests of Montagne d' Ambre in northern Madagascar were described as a new species, U. giganteus, based on morphology, colouration, hemipenis structure, and a substantial genetic distance to U. fimbriatus (Glaw et al. 2006). Uroplatus giganteus was diagnosed from U. fimbriatus by having a larger size (snout-vent length 182-200 mm vs. 150-189 mm, total length up to 322 mm vs. 295 mm), a white ground colour of the iris with brownish lines around the vertical pupil, and a particular colouration of the head as follows (Glaw et al. 2006): two distinct, chevronshaped, blackish markings, both pointing posteriorly, one between the eyes and the other in front of the eyes. One, often poorly delimited, blackish spot is generally present between the nostrils and a further one posterior to the nostrils. ...
The taxonomy of the Malagasy leaf-tailed geckos Uroplatus fimbriatus and U. giganteus is in need of revision since a molecular study casted doubt on the species status of U. giganteus from northern Madagascar. In this study we separately analyse DNA sequences of a mitochondrial gene (12S rRNA) and of four nuclear genes (CMOS, KIAA1239, RAG1, SACS), to test for concordant differentiation in these independent markers. In addition to the molecular data we provide a comprehensive review of colour variation of U. fimbriatus and U. giganteus populations from the entire distribution area based on photographs. The molecular evidence clearly supports a two-species taxonomy, with U. fimbriatus corresponding to a southern clade and U. giganteus to a northern clade. This conclusion relies on the high mitochondrial divergence among these units, and especially on the full concordance of the mitochondrial signal with differentiation in two of the four nuclear genes, which show no haplotype sharing among the northern and southern clade. This suggests limited or absent gene flow among these units, even in areas where they occur in rather close proximity to one another. The only consistent difference in colour variation between the two species is the whitish iris with rather indistinct brown vertical lines in U. giganteus, versus a yellowish iris with more distinct, continuous lines of typically a more reddish brown tone in U. fimbriatus. In the U. giganteus population of Montagne d’Ambre, a particular colour pattern on the head prevails which is not present in all the specimens studied from Marojejy. The Marojejy population of U. giganteus is also genetically distinct, as is one sample from Ankavanana included in a previous study, requiring in-depth future study. © 2018 Deutsche Gesellschaft für Herpetologie und Terrarienkunde e.V. (DGHT), Mannheim, Germany.
... Among amphibians and reptiles, several groups have their species richness centered in northern Madagascar (Brown et al. 2016) and contain cryptic diversity in the Tsaratanana massif. The leaf-tailed geckos of the genus Uroplatus are one such clade; their relationships and taxonomy have been assessed in various recent studies (Glaw et al. 2006;Greenbaum et al. 2007;Raxworthy et al. 2008b;Ratsoavina et al. 2012Ratsoavina et al. , 2013, and several candidate species await taxonomic revision and formal description. A subclade of small-bodied species, the Uroplatus ebenaui group, has the highest species diversity in the genus, with numerous new candidate species in northern Madagascar (Ratsoavina et al. 2011(Ratsoavina et al. , 2012(Ratsoavina et al. , 2013(Ratsoavina et al. , 2015. ...
The Tsaratanana Massif is the highest mountain massif of Madagascar and is characterized by a high species-level endemism of its biota. Here we describe two new small-sized species of leaf-tailed geckos of the Uroplatus ebenaui group from this region. Named in a preliminary way as confirmed candidate species Uroplatus ebenaui [Ca1] and [Ca2] in previous studies, we here provide detailed data on their molecular and morphological differentiation and describe them as Uroplatus fotsivava sp. nov. and Uroplatus kelirambo sp. nov. Their closest relatives are U. fiera and U. finiavana, respectively, as revealed by a phylogeny based on DNA sequences of four mitochondrial genes. However, integration of various lines of evidence confirms that the new species are independent evolutionary lineages, differing from other Uroplatus by high mitochondrial divergences, lack of haplotype sharing in the nuclear CMOS gene, and shape and relative size of the tail. While U. fotsivava is known from multiple sites at elevations between 1100–1538 m above sea level, U. kelirambo was found only at high elevations between 2000–2200 m a.s.l.; it therefore is the only known forest-dwelling nocturnal gecko reaching such high elevations in Madagascar, and might be narrowly endemic to montane forests of the Tsaratanana Massif.
... There are 14 species of Uroplatus recognized, of which some rank among the most emblematic reptiles of Madagascar (Ratsoavina et al. 2013). Previous studies (Glaw et al. 2006;Greenbaum et al. 2007;Raxworthy et al. 2008, Ratsoavina et al. 2011, 2013 employed DNA sequences to clarify phylogenetic relationships within the genus, and have revealed a striking diversity of candidate species requiring further taxonomic revision. Often, these belong to the clade of small-sized Uroplatus species named the U. ebenaui species group (Ratsoavina et al. 2013). ...
We describe a new leaf-tailed gecko species of the Uroplatus ebenaui group from the eastern central rainforests of Madagascar, which had previously been considered as a confirmed candidate species. Our description of Uroplatus fiera sp. nov. relies on integrating evidence from molecular and morphological characters and is based on newly collected material from two localities. A phylogenetic analysis based on multiple mitochondrial DNA fragments places the new species as sister to a lineage of uncertain status (Uroplatus ebenaui [Ca8]), and the clade consisting of these two lineages is sister to a further undescribed candidate species (U. ebenaui [Ca1]). This entire clade is sister to U. phantasticus plus another candidate species. The new species differs from these close relatives, and all other congenerics, by strong differences in DNA sequences of mitochondrial genes (>8.5% uncorrected p-distance in 16S rDNA to all nominal species of the genus) and lacks shared alleles with any of the nominal species in the nuclear CMOS gene. From its closest relatives the new species further differs in its much smaller tail size (relative to U. phantasticus), and a narrower tail, fewer supralabials, and more toe lamellae (relative to U. ebenaui [Ca1]). Morphologically the new species is most similar to U. ebenaui but differs in its larger body size and unpigmented oral mucosa. Given its distribution in central eastern Madagascar, with records from near Fierenana and Ambatovy, its range overlaps with that of U. phantasticus. Based on examination of the U. phantasticus holotype, we confirm that this latter has a blackish pigmented oral mucosa as do those specimens typically attributed to this nomen, thereby confirming its distinctness from U. fiera sp. nov., in which the mucosa is unpigmented.
... Previous molecular phylogenetic studies of Uroplatus [32,33] suggested a sister relationship between U. fimbriatus and U. sikorae; however, they are not sister species but are nested in a clade of other Uroplatus species (i.e., U. guentheri, U. ebenaui, U. phantasticus, U. pietschmanni, and U. lineatus). If true, this raises the possibility that the mitogenome of the most recent common ancestor of all Uroplatus taxa had the tRNA Glu gene at the 5' end of the major noncoding region and that it has disappeared from descendant Uroplatus lineages multiple times. ...
Background:
Vertebrate mitochondrial genomes (mitogenomes) are 16-18 kbp double-stranded circular DNAs that encode a set of 37 genes. The arrangement of these genes and the major noncoding region is relatively conserved through evolution although gene rearrangements have been described for diverse lineages. The tandem duplication-random loss model has been invoked to explain the mechanisms of most mitochondrial gene rearrangements. Previously reported mitogenomic sequences for geckos rarely included gene rearrangements, which we explore in the present study.
Results:
We determined seven new mitogenomic sequences from Gekkonidae using a high-throughput sequencing method. The Tropiocolotes tripolitanus mitogenome involves a tandem duplication of the gene block: tRNAArg, NADH dehydrogenase subunit 4L, and NADH dehydrogenase subunit 4. One of the duplicate copies for each protein-coding gene may be pseudogenized. A duplicate copy of the tRNAArg gene appears to have been converted to a tRNAGln gene by a C to T base substitution at the second anticodon position, although this gene may not be fully functional in protein synthesis. The Stenodactylus petrii mitogenome includes several tandem duplications of tRNALeu genes, as well as a translocation of the tRNAAla gene and a putative origin of light-strand replication within a tRNA gene cluster. Finally, the Uroplatus fimbriatus and U. ebenaui mitogenomes feature the apparent loss of the tRNAGlu gene from its original position. Uroplatus fimbriatus appears to retain a translocated tRNAGlu gene adjacent to the 5' end of the major noncoding region.
Conclusions:
The present study describes several new mitochondrial gene rearrangements from Gekkonidae. The loss and reassignment of tRNA genes is not very common in vertebrate mitogenomes and our findings raise new questions as to how missing tRNAs are supplied and if the reassigned tRNA gene is fully functional. These new examples of mitochondrial gene rearrangements in geckos should broaden our understanding of the evolution of mitochondrial gene arrangements.
... Despite the general interest in these geckos, little is known about the ecology, biology, and distribution ranges of most of the recognized forms, and species diversity within Uroplatus remains rather poorly understood (Glaw et al. 2006, Raxworthy et al. 2008. Recent molecular studies revealed the presence of several distinct populations, characterized by deep divergences in mitochondrial genes and often also in nuclear genes. ...
... However, translating these complex data into a stable taxonomy is challenging, and a thorough conservation assessment for these newly discovered lineages is hampered by differing interpretations of the observations. A typical example is the case of the northern giant leaf tailed gecko populations that are considered a separate species, Uroplatus giganteus (Glaw et al. 2006), or a deep genetic lineage within U. fimbriatus (Raxworthy et al. 2008). ...
... After a small-scale data set of 16S rDNA sequences published by Glaw et al. (2006) focusing on U. giganteus and U. fimbriatus, the first comprehensive molecular multigene phylogeny of the genus Uroplatus was published by Greenbaum et al. (2007). These authors used a combination of nuclear (RAG1 and PDC) and mitochondrial (COB and ND2) gene fragments. ...
The spectacular appearance of Malagasy leaf-tailed geckos (genus Uroplatus) makes them one of the most fascinating reptile groups of Madagascar. However, species delimitation in these nocturnal geckos is notoriously difficult due to a high intraspecific genetic variability and an insufficient knowledge of the distribution and taxonomy of the 14 recognized species. Numerous surveys with new records have been published over the last 20 years, and molecular analyses have demonstrated the existence of several candidate species in this genus. Apart from a compilation of locality records in a field guide, the distribution ranges and species boundaries have not been reviewed recently in a comprehensive manner. Because the various recent studies in part used DNA sequences from different, non-homologous gene fragments, and applied different provisional names to these candidate species, it remains a major challenge to understand how these correspond to each other. Here we provide an updated list of Uroplatus species and candidate species resulting from an integrative taxonomic approach that mainly relies on analysis of published as well as newly determined mitochondrial DNA sequences, combined with preliminary data on morphological characters including pigmentation of the oral mucosa, tail length and tail shape. The present study focuses on Uroplatus species diversity and distribution, in order to provide baseline data for future taxonomic revisions, spatial prioritisation of conservation efforts, and management of the pet trade. We recognize 14 named species and another 11 undescribed candidate species, and allocate them to five species groups: the U. ebenaui group (U. ebenaui, U. finiavana, U. malama, U. phantasticus, four confirmed candidate species, CCS, and six unconfirmed candidate species, UCS), the U. alluaudi group (U. alluaudi, U. pietschmanni), the U. guentheri group (U. guentheri, U. malahelo), the U. lineatus group (U. lineatus), and the U. fimbriatus group (U. fimbriatus, U. giganteus, U. henkeli, U. sameiti, U. sikorae, and one CCS). Certain species (e.g., U. phantasticus, U. sikorae) are further subdivided into deep conspecific lineages that require further taxonomic revision. The U. ebenaui group is the most species-rich with numerous candidate species that are still in need of thorough investigation. Most of these candidate species are distributed in northern Madagascar and confined to mountain massifs including Marojejy, Anjanaharibe-Sud and Tsaratanana. © 2013 Deutsche Gesellschaft für Herpetologie und Terrarienkunde e.V. (DGHT), Mannheim, Germany.
... species of many clades being insular (Hooijer, 1967; Berry, 1998; Greer, 2001; Glaw et al., 2006; Whittaker & Fernández- Palacios, 2007; Hedges, 2008; Losos & Ricklefs, 2009). For example, the St Helena earwig, Labidura herculeana, the Indonesian stick insect, Pharnacia serratipes, and the New Zealand giant wetas (Deinacrida spp.) are probably the largest representatives of their clades (Chown & Gaston, 2010). ...
... The seemingly conflicting discussion of insular size extremes on the one hand, and insular medium sizes on the other hand, stems in part from the different phylogenetic and temporal scope of studies dealing with them. Studies of size extremes are usually conducted at the inter-specific level (Glaw et al., 2006; Hedges, 2008), and often deal with extinct taxa (Kurten, 1953; Sondaar, 1977; Steadman et al., 2002; Raia et al., 2003). The study of evolution towards medium sizes usually involves intra-specific studies of insular and mainland populations of extant species (e.g. ...
Giant tortoises, enormous flightless birds and huge bears, alongside minute deer, tiny lizards, dwarf elephants and, lately, pygmy humans all spring to mind when the body sizes of island vertebrates is discussed. Body size evolution on islands is perceived to be fast (Lister, 1989; Millien, 2006) and has produced extreme phenotypes, with the smallest or the largest ABSTRACT Aim Island taxa often attain forms outside the range achieved by mainland relatives. Body size evolution of vertebrates on islands has therefore received much attention, with two seemingly conflicting patterns thought to prevail: (1) islands harbour animals of extreme size, and (2) islands promote evolution towards medium body size ('the island rule'). We test both hypotheses using body size distributions of mammal, lizard and bird species. Location World-wide.
... The relatively large elevational range within the Montagne Uroplatus giganteus is also recorded from this reserve for the first time. This species is the second largest extant gecko in the world and is currently considered to be at serious conservation risk as a result of its limited distribution which is believed to be restricted to the Montagne d'Ambre mountain range (Glaw et al. 2006). This survey also extends the known habitat for several species that are more typically associated with dry deciduous forest: Blaesodactylus boivini, Leioheterodon modestus, Phelsuma abbotti and Stenophis inopinae. ...
We surveyed the lowland rainforest of the Forêt d’Ambre Special
Reserve in north Madagascar for amphibians and reptiles. We
recorded a total of 20 amphibian and 39 reptile species via
opportunistic searching and pitfall trapping in the first published
survey to focus on this area. Consequently most of the species
found were new records for the area. Approximately half of the
species (51 %) were only found in relatively undisturbed areas
of forest and 61 % appear to be restricted to lowland rainforest
below 900 m elevation. The most vulnerable elements of this
herpetofauna are the three species that appear to be locally
endemic to Forêt d’Ambre (according to the current knowledge):
Boophis baetkei, Brookesia sp. nov., and Rhombophryne sp.
nov. An additional 25 species are considered regional endemics,
14 species are threatened according to the 2007 Red List
of Threatened Species and 15 species are listed on the CITES
appendices. This paper contributes to the current understanding
of Malagasy patterns of biodiversity by documenting the composition, geographical and ecological distribution of the herpetofauna found at this site. Despite its protected status, currently the Reserve is not being managed sufficiently as it is subject to numerous human - induced environmental problems resulting in habitat destruction and should therefore be considered a high conservation management priority. Herein, we provide conservation and development recommendations for this highly diverse site of herpetological importance. Furthermore, we provide an updated and revised species list of the amphibians and reptiles of Montagne d’Ambre National Park and a species list for the private Fontenay Nature Park.
... last ten years (the other being C. irianjayaensis, Rösler 2000). At around 160mm SVL and with a correspondingly very robust build, both new species are amongst the largest geckos in New Guinea (C. louisiadensis and C. novaeguineae are known to reach similar sizes (Rösler et al. 2007)), and they are also amongst the largest geckos in the world (see Glaw. et al. 2006). New Guinea's two smallest geckos have also been described in the last five years, from islands to the south-east of Papua New Guinea (Kraus 2005). The fact that such distinctive species are still being described serves to underline both the diversity of the Papuan herpetofauna, and the need for further research into its taxonomy, distr ...
A new species of large Cyrtodactylus is described from lowland rainforest on Batanta Island in the Raja Ampat Archipelago, Papua Barat Province, Indonesian New Guinea. The new species can be distinguished from all other Melanesian Cyrtodactylus by the combination of large size (over 110 mm SVL), very robust build, presence of enlarged ventral tubercles below the lateral fold and around the angle of the lower jaw only, and dorsal colouration consisting of three to four irregular dark greyish-brown blotches. It is the second species of Cyrtodactylus known with certainty only from the Raja Ampat Islands. The morphology of the new species places it within the C. loriae group and suggests that it is closely related to Cyrtodactylus irianjayaensis.
