Abstract
This study summarises amphibian and reptile records from ad hoc surveys in a series of localities in the North-West of Madagascar, largely centred on the delta of the Betsiboka River. Eleven amphibian and approximately 32 reptile species were found, with taxonomic uncertainties remaining for some of them. Among the most relevant findings, we report on range extensions northwards of Aglyptodactylus laticeps (verified by DNA sequencing), and of an enigmatic skink of the Trachylepis aureopunctata group, possibly close to T. dumasi, T. tandrefana, or T. volamenaloha. We furthermore provide anecdotal information on habitat and natural history of several rare and regionally endemic burrowing skinks, i.e., Voeltzkowia mira, V. yamagishii, and Pygomeles petteri.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 535-543 |
Journal | Herpetology Notes |
Volume | 8 |
Publication status | Published - 2015 |
Keywords
- Aglyptodactylus laticeps
- Natural history
- Pygomeles petteri
- Range extension
- Trachylepis sp. aff. dumasi
- Voeltzkowia mira