Paroedura manongavato
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| Paroedura manongavato | |
|---|---|
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| Adult from Anja Reserve | |
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Reptilia |
| Order: | Squamata |
| Suborder: | Gekkota |
| Family: | Gekkonidae |
| Genus: | Paroedura |
| Species: | P. manongavato |
| Binomial name | |
| Paroedura manongavato Piccoli, Belluardo, Lobón-Rovira, Alves, Rasoazanany, Andreone, Rosa & Crottini, 2023 | |
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| 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]
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):
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Distribution and habitat
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
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]
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