Paroedura vahiny
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| Paroedura vahiny | |
|---|---|
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Reptilia |
| Order: | Squamata |
| Suborder: | Gekkota |
| Family: | Gekkonidae |
| Genus: | Paroedura |
| Species: | P. vahiny |
| Binomial name | |
| Paroedura vahiny Nussbaum & Raxworthy, 2000 | |
 | |
| Approximate distribution of Paroedura vahiny | |
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.
The species was first described in 2000 from specimens collected in 1996, though an additional specimen collected in 1969 was later concluded to also represent this P. vahiny. It is a small reptile, measuring only 4.2 cm (1.7 in) in snout–vent length.
The species Paroedura vahiny was erected in 2000, with the holotype (UMMZ 224236) being an adult female found in Dabara Forest, Toliara Province on 27 January 1996. However, the species was first collected 27 years prior, as analysis has revealed that a specimen in the Paris Museum of Natural History collected on 23 January 1969 also represents P. vahiny. No paratypes are designated. The specific name is Malagasy for "newcomer" or "stranger".[2]
Distribution and habitat
This species is endemic to Madagascar, and is found in deciduous dry forests in the south and southwest of the island nation. Known specimens were collected at night, indicating it is nocturnal, and it can be seen on the ground or climbing inches above the ground onto vegetation. This lizard has an estimated extent of occurrence of 42,726 km², and is present at elevations between 30 and 800 m. When it was initially described, it was known only from Dabara Forest and the nearby town of Manja in Toliara Province.[2] Later surveys would discover it in other locations such as Kirindy, Mikea, Tsimanampetsotsa and Isalo.[3][4]
