Ibity ground gecko

Last updated

Ibity ground gecko
Paroedura ibityensis 18164295.jpg
Scientific classification OOjs UI icon edit-ltr.svg
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Reptilia
Order: Squamata
Family: Gekkonidae
Genus: Paroedura
Species:
P. ibityensis
Binomial name
Paroedura ibityensis
Rösler & Krüger, 1998
P. bastardi clade range map.jpg
Range of the species within the Paroedura bastardi clade, with P. ibityensis indicated by the purple decagrams
Synonyms
  • Paroedura bastardi ibityensis(Rösler & Krüger, 1998)

The Ibity ground gecko (Paroedura ibityensis) is a species of lizard in the family Gekkonidae. Though initially described in 1998 as a subspecies of the Mocquard's Madagascar ground gecko, it has been recognized as a distinct species within the species complex since 2008. It is endemic to Ibity and Itremo in the Central Highlands of Madagascar, and is named after Mount Ibity where it was first discovered.

Contents

This species reaches a snout–vent length of just over 6 cm and has enlarged keeled scales. While not currently deemed an endangered species, it has a limited and specialized habitat which could be easily impacted the climate change in the future.

Taxonomy

Mocquard's Madagascar ground gecko, a closely related species which the Ibity ground gecko was formerly thought to be conspecific with Paroedura bastardi.jpeg
Mocquard's Madagascar ground gecko, a closely related species which the Ibity ground gecko was formerly thought to be conspecific with

The Ibity ground gecko was first described in 1998 by Rösler & Krüger under the scientific name Paroedura bastardi ibityensis, with the authors believing it to be a subspecies of the Mocquard's Madagascar ground gecko (Paroedura bastardi). [2] However, later studies would find that it differs both morphologically and genetically from the nominate form of Paroedura bastardi, and it has been recognized as a separate species since 2008, now known as Paroedura ibityensis. The specific name refers to Mount Ibity, the type locality. [3]

The following cladogram shows the position of P. ibityensis among its closest relatives according to Piccoli et al. (2023): [4]

Paroedura picta (Outgroup)

Paroedura bastardi

Paroedura guibeae

Paroedura manongavato

Paroedura rennerae

Paroedura ibityensis

Paroedura neglecta

Paroedura tanjaka

Distribution and habitat

Rock outcrops in Ibity Ibity 1.jpg
Rock outcrops in Ibity

The Ibity ground gecko is endemic to the Central Highlands of Madagascar, and is only known from the localities of Ibity and Itremo. It has been observed from 1,600 m above sea level, and may range to over 2,000 m to the tops of the massifs. [1] This montane species inhabits rocky crevices in highland savannahs, such as those in cliffs or mountain peaks. [5] While other species of the Paroedura bastardi species complex are known to coexist with each other, the Ibity ground gecko is not known to occur in sympatry with its relatives in this highland habitat. [6]

Description

Specimen collected from Itremo Paroedura ibityensis.jpg
Specimen collected from Itremo

This species is a moderately-sized gecko, with a maximum snout–vent length of 61 mm. Like other members of the Paroedura bastardi clade, the Ibity ground gecko has prominent longitudinal rows of enlarged keeled scales on its dorsal surface, including on the limbs and tail. The digits end with widened toe pads which help the animal in climbing low tree trunks and rock surfaces. The body is grey or light brown, with light crossbands that are most prominent in juveniles. [6]

Conservation

Although the Ibity ground gecko remains common in rocky outcrops within its range and its population is presumed stable, the species has been listed as Near Threatened by the IUCN due to its narrow extent of occurrence, being known from only two localities. Mining for granite may pose a potential threat, though plans to do so within the range of this reptile do not currently exist. [1] Future impacts from climate change may alter the specialized montane habitat of this lizard, with the warming climate causing upslope displacement of the population. [7]

Though the species itself has not been the subject of conservative measures, both its known localities (Ibity and Itremo) are protected areas subject to conservation. Ecological restoration projects and ongoing efforts to reduce fire frequency have been involved in the initiative to protect these areas. [8]

Related Research Articles

<i>Lygodactylus</i> Genus of lizards

Lygodactylus is a genus of diurnal geckos with 82 species. They are commonly referred to as dwarf geckos. They are mainly found in Africa and Madagascar although two species are found in South America. Lygodactylus picturatus, the best known species, is found in Kenya and commonly known as the white-headed dwarf gecko. Recently, illegal importation from Tanzania of brightly colored, Lygodactylus williamsi, known as electric blue geckos, has been gaining attention for Lygodactylus geckos in the reptile trade.

<i>Paroedura</i> Genus of lizards

Paroedura is a genus of geckos, endemic to Madagascar and the Comoros. These geckos are typically terrestrial, though the young of most species can climb until they are too heavy for their feet to support.

<i>Uroplatus</i> Genus of lizards

Uroplatus is a genus of geckos, commonly referred to as leaf-tail geckos or flat-tailed geckos, which are endemic to Madagascar and its coastal islands, such as Nosy Be. They are nocturnal, insectivorous lizards found exclusively in primary and secondary forest.

<i>Paroedura masobe</i> Species of lizard

Paroedura masobe, also called masobe gecko, is an endangered species of gekkonid gecko. They are known for their white-speckled dark skin and big eyes. The average life span of the Paroedura masobe is approximately eight years. Paroedura masobe reaches lengths of up to 17 centimetres (6.69 in).

<i>Blaesodactylus boivini</i> Species of lizard

Blaesodactylus boivini is a species of gecko, a lizard in the family Gekkonidae. The species is endemic to Madagascar.

<i>Matoatoa brevipes</i> Species of lizard

Matoatoa brevipes is a species of gecko, a lizard in the family Gekkonidae. The species is endemic to Madagascar.

<i>Phelsuma hielscheri</i> Species of lizard

Phelsuma hielscheri is a species of gecko, a lizard in the family Gekkonidae. The species is endemic to Madagascar.

<i>Matoatoa spannringi</i> Species of lizard

Matoatoa spannringi is a species of gecko part of the lizard family Gekkonidae. The species is endemic to Madagascar.

Paragehyra gabriellae is a species of lizard in the family Gekkonidae. The species is endemic to Madagascar.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Angel's petite gecko</span> Species of lizard

Angel's petite gecko is a species of lizard in the family Gekkonidae. The species is endemic to Madagascar.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mocquard's Madagascar ground gecko</span> Species of lizard

Mocquard's Madagascar ground gecko is a species of lizard in the family Gekkonidae. It is a moderately-sized reptile reaching just over 7 cm (2.8 in) in snout–vent length. The species is endemic to southeastern Madagascar, where it can be found on the ground or climbing tree trunks.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Northern Madagascar ground gecko</span> Species of lizard

The northern Madagascar ground gecko is a species of lizard in the family Gekkonidae. It is endemic to Madagascar.

<i>Paroedura tanjaka</i> Species of lizard

Paroedura tanjaka is a species of lizard in the family Gekkonidae. It is endemic to northwestern Madagascar, and is currently known only to occur in Bemaraha and Namoroka. This nocturnal species is found in karstic dry forests at night, and is known to dwell in caves during the day. It is one of the largest species in the genus Paroedura, reaching up to 18 cm in length.

<i>Paroedura vahiny</i> Species of lizard

Paroedura vahiny is a species of lizard in the family Gekkonidae. This nocturnal species is terrestrial and can be found on the ground or climbing onto vegetation. It is endemic to southwest Madagascar, where it is found in deciduous dry forests.

<i>Phelsuma borai</i> Species of lizard

Phelsuma borai is a species of gecko, a lizard in the family Gekkonidae. The species is endemic to Madagascar.

<i>Phelsuma roesleri</i> Species of lizard

Phelsuma roesleri, also known commonly as Rösler's day gecko, is a species of lizard in the family Gekkonidae. The species is endemic to Madagascar.

<i>Paroedura guibeae</i> Species of lizard

Paroedura guibeae, Guibé's ground gecko, is a species of lizard in the family Gekkonidae. The species was formerly synonymized with Paroedura bastardi, but a study in 2021 found that it represents a separate species within the species complex. It is endemic to Madagascar.

<i>Paroedura rennerae</i> Species of lizard

Paroedura rennerae is a species of lizards in the family of the Gekkonidae. Members of this species were formerly assigned to Paroedura bastardi, but a study in 2021 found that they represent a separate species within the species complex. It is endemic to Madagascar, where it occurs in a variety of habitats.

<i>Paroedura manongavato</i> Species of lizard

Paroedura manongavato is a species of lizard in the family Gekkonidae. It was described as a distinct species in 2023, and while specimens have been known for years prior, they were formerly assigned to Paroedura bastardi. It is a microendemic species found only in two locations in Madagascar.

References

  1. 1 2 3 Raxworthy, C.J.; Ratsoavina, F.; Rabibisoa, N.; Rakotondrazafy, N.A.; Bora, P. (2011). "Paroedura ibityensis". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species . 2011: e.T172985A6953139. doi: 10.2305/IUCN.UK.2011-2.RLTS.T172985A6953139.en . Retrieved 18 November 2021.
  2. ↑ Rösler, Herbert; Krüger, Jens (1998). "Eine neue Unterart von Paroedura bastardi (Mocquard, 1900) (Sauria: Gekkonidae) aus dem zentralen Hochland von Madagascar". Sauria. 20 (2): 37–46.
  3. ↑ Jackman, Todd R.; Bauer, Aaron M.; Greenbaum, Eli; Glaw, Frank; Vences, Miguel (2008-01-01). "Molecular phylogenetic relationships among species of the Malagasy-Comoran gecko genus Paroedura (Squamata: Gekkonidae)". Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution. 46 (1): 74–81. doi:10.1016/j.ympev.2007.10.018. ISSN   1055-7903. PMID   18077188.
  4. ↑ Piccoli, Costanza; Belluardo, Francesco; Lobón-Rovira, Javier; Alves, Ivo Oliveira; Rasoazanany, Malalatiana; Andreone, Franco; Rosa, Gonçalo M.; Crottini, Angelica (2023-04-10). "Another step through the crux: a new microendemic rock-dwelling Paroedura (Squamata, Gekkonidae) from south-central Madagascar". ZooKeys (1181): 125–154. doi: 10.3897/zookeys.1181.108134 . ISSN   1313-2970. PMC   10568478 . PMID   37841030.
  5. ↑ Glaw, Frank; Vences, Miguel (2007). A field guide to the amphibians and reptiles of Madagascar (3rd ed.). Köln: Vences & Glaw. ISBN   978-3-929449-03-7.
  6. 1 2 Miralles, Aurélien; Bruy, Teddy; Crottini, Angelica; Rakotoarison, Andolalao; Ratsoavina, Fanomezana M.; Scherz, Mark D.; Schmidt, Robin; Köhler, Jörn; Glaw, Frank; Vences, Miguel (2021-02-26). "Completing a taxonomic puzzle: integrative review of geckos of the Paroedura bastardi species complex (Squamata, Gekkonidae)". Vertebrate Zoology. 71: 27–48. doi: 10.3897/vz.71.e59495 . ISSN   2625-8498.
  7. ↑ Raxworthy, Christopher J.; Pearson, Richard G.; Rabibisoa, Nirhy; Rakotondrazafy, Andry M.; Ramanamanjato, Jean‐Baptiste; Raselimanana, Achille P.; Wu, Shenghai; Nussbaum, Ronald A.; Stone, DáIthí A. (2008-07-08). "Extinction vulnerability of tropical montane endemism from warming and upslope displacement: a preliminary appraisal for the highest massif in Madagascar". Global Change Biology. 14 (8): 1703–1720. Bibcode:2008GCBio..14.1703R. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2486.2008.01596.x. ISSN   1354-1013. PMC   3597264 .
  8. ↑ Alvarado, Swanni T.; Buisson, Elise; Carrière, Stéphanie M.; Rabarison, Harison; Rajeriarison, Charlotte; Andrianjafy, Mamisoa; Randriatsivery, Fleuria M.; Rasoafaranaivo, Margiane H.; Raharimampionona, Jeannie; Lowry, Porter P.; Birkinshaw, Chris (2015-06-01). "Achieving Sustainable Conservation in Madagascar: The Case of the Newly Established Ibity Mountain Protected Area". Tropical Conservation Science. 8 (2): 367–395. doi: 10.1177/194008291500800207 . hdl: 11449/158672 . ISSN   1940-0829. S2CID   53580981.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.