Paroedura manongavato

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Paroedura manongavato
Adult Paroedura manongavato.jpg
Adult from Anja Reserve
Scientific classification OOjs UI icon edit-ltr.svg
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Reptilia
Order: Squamata
Family: Gekkonidae
Genus: Paroedura
Species:
P. manongavato
Binomial name
Paroedura manongavato
Piccoli, Belluardo, Lobón-Rovira, Alves, Rasoazanany, Andreone, Rosa & Crottini, 2023
P. bastardi clade range map.jpg
Range of the species within the Paroedura bastardi clade, with P. manongavato indicated by the five-pointed stars

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 (Anja Reserve and Tsaranoro) in Madagascar. [1]

Contents

Taxonomy

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

Paroedura manongavato was formerly not recognized as a separate species from the Mocquard's Madagascar ground gecko (Paroedura bastardi), with collected specimens being referred to P. bastardi or P. sp. aff. bastardi in 2021. [2] [3] A study in 2023 found that P. manongavato is a distinct species using genetic and morphological data. The holotype specimen was collected on 27 November 2014 and represents an adult female. The specific name is derived from the Malagasy words “manonga” (meaning “to climb”) and “vato” (meaning “rock”). [1]

Phylogenetic analysis has found this species to be a sister taxon to the Paroedura guibeae lineage. [1] However, the P. guibeae clade requires taxonomic assessment to clarify their species status as it has been found to include at least four mitochondrial lineages, of which two have been deemed distinct candidate species. [4] The following cladogram shows the position of P. manongavato among its closest relatives according to Piccoli et al. (2023):

Paroedura picta (Outgroup)

Paroedura bastardi

Paroedura guibeae

Paroedura manongavato

Paroedura rennerae

Paroedura ibityensis

Paroedura neglecta

Paroedura tanjaka

Distribution and habitat

Large boulders in Tsaranoro Tsaranoro reserve 2013 13.jpg
Large boulders in Tsaranoro

This gecko is currently only known from two localities on the south-central plateau of Madagascar: Tsaranoro Valley Forest (Forêt Sacrée) and Anja Reserve, which are about 25 km apart. The species is described as microendemic, and has an estimated Extent of Occurrence and Area of Occupancy of 3.032 km² and 12 km² respectively. Both these localities represent semi-arid deciduous forests. Individuals have been observed on granitic boulders and in cavities below them, and the species appears closely associated with these boulders. Although smaller areas of forest such as Sakaviro and Ambatomainty exist nearby, this reptile is not known to occur in them, potentially indicating a certain forest structure and canopy cover are needed to maintain populations. [1]

Description

Dorsal and ventral views of the holotype after 9 years in 70% ethanol Paroedura manongavato dorsal & ventral.jpg
Dorsal and ventral views of the holotype after 9 years in 70% ethanol

The holotype individual has a snout–vent length of 68.3 mm, with a triangular head measuring 19.9 mm long, 15.3 mm wide and 8.7 mm tall. The rostral scale and nostrils are separated by prenasals. Regular longitudinal rows of dorsal-enlarged keeled scales are prominently present. The tail is 49 mm long, with very spiny and mostly keeled scales. The dorsal scales of the limbs are similarly keeled, and the digits possess expanded tips with downward-curving claws and adhesive pads. This lizard has ochre and light brown background colors with contrasting darker brown markings across the body. In juveniles, the dorsum has three broad light crossbands. [1]

Juvenile P. manongavato showing the three light crossbands Juvenile Paroedura manongavato.jpg
Juvenile P. manongavato showing the three light crossbands

Biology

Individual from Anja Reserve in leaf litter Paroedura manongavato.jpg
Individual from Anja Reserve in leaf litter

Paroedura manongavato has been observed to be active during both day and night, and always in close association with large granitic boulders. It is a terrestrial species which climbs on said boulders and can reach heights of around 1.5 meters off the ground. One individual is noted to have jumped off the boulder it was climbing and onto the leaf litter below when spotted, suggesting this may be a defensive behavior of the species. Though found in semi-arid forests, this gecko may have a preference for humid environments such as the cavities and caves formed by the granitic boulders. [1]

In both localities it is known from, P. manongavato lives alongside the related P. rennerae, which is a more widespread species occurring in a wider range of habitats. [2] The analysed genes of the two species in the same localities show no gene flow, indicating reproductive isolation between them (possibly due to differing substrate use). [1]

Conservation

Agricultural land in Anja Reserve Depuis la reserve Anja, Madagascar (25991584901).jpg
Agricultural land in Anja Reserve

Due to its narrow extent of occurrence and the decline of its extremely fragmented habitat, it has been proposed that Paroedura manongavato be listed as Critically Endangered under the IUCN Red List guidelines. [1] Severe deforestation and slash-and-burn since the 1950s have drastically changed the landscape in south-central Madagascar, increased soil erosion and affected water retention of the soil. [5] [6] This gecko is now found only in two fragmented areas of forest surrounded by anthropogenically-modified habitats such as roads, settlements and farmland. [7]

Though the species itself has not been the subject of conservative measures, both its known localities (Anja Reserve and Tsaranoro) are managed by local community associations which actively protect these areas from deforestation using the income from donations and ecotourism, with Anja being designated as a community-managed reserve in 1999. The continued protection of these sites and promotion of sustainable land use is deemed essential for the survival of multiple microendemic species found within, including this gecko. [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.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cophylinae</span> Subfamily of amphibians

Cophylinae is a subfamily of microhylid frogs endemic to Madagascar. It has over 100 species in eight genera. Members of this subfamily range from minute to fairly large, and they are highly ecologically diverse. DNA barcode research has revealed a significant taxonomic gap in this subfamily, and an estimated 70+ candidate species were identified. Many of these have subsequently been described, as well as numerous new discoveries.

<i>Stumpffia</i> Genus of amphibians

Stumpffia is a genus of microhylid frogs that are endemic to Madagascar. They are mostly brown frogs that typically live among leaf litter. S. contumelia has a snout–vent length of about 8–9 mm (0.31–0.35 in), making it one of the world's smallest frogs, and several others in the genus are only slightly larger. The largest species is no more than 28 mm (1.1 in).

<i>Mantidactylus</i> Genus of amphibians

Mantidactylus is a frog genus in the mantellid subfamily Mantellinae. This genus is restricted to Madagascar. The genus is divided into several subgenera that form monophyletic genetic clusters and are ecologically similar.

<i>Rhombophryne</i> Genus of amphibians

Rhombophryne is a genus of microhylid frogs endemic to Madagascar. It is currently estimated to include more than 23 species, but only 20 of these are currently described. The common name 'diamond frog' has been proposed and used for members of this genus.

<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>Boophis ankarafensis</i> Species of frog

Boophis ankarafensis also known as Ankarafa skeleton frog is a species of frog in the family Mantellidae. It is endemic to Madagascar's northwestern coast where it is only known from Ankarafa Forest, a forest fragment in the Sahamalaza-Iles Radama National Park.

<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">Ibity ground gecko</span> Species of lizard

The Ibity ground gecko 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.

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

Paroedura maingoka, the scorpion leaf-toed gecko, is a species of lizard in the family Gekkonidae. It is endemic to southwest Madagascar, where it occurs on rock outcrops in dry forests and scrubland. It is a nocturnal species, emerging to feed at night.

<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>Paroedura neglecta</i> Species of lizard

Paroedura neglecta is a species of lizard in the family Gekkonidae. It was first discovered in 2006, but the species was not named until 2019, hence the specific name meaning "neglected". It is endemic to Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park in northwestern Madagascar.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Andolalao Rakotoarison</span> Malagasy Herpetologist

Andolalao Rakotoarison is a Malagasy herpetologist.

<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.

References

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