Resolving an enigma by integrative taxonomy: Madagascarophis fuchsi (Serpentes: Lamprophiidae), a new opisthoglyphous and microendemic snake from northern Madagascar

Author:

Glaw, Frank  Kucharzewski, Christoph  Koehler, Joern  Vences, Miguel  Nagy, Zoltan T.  

Journal:

ZOOTAXA

Issue Date:

2013

Abstract(summary):

Herpetological surveys in the dry forests of the limestone massif Montagne des Francais in the far north of Madagascar have recently yielded a number of undescribed reptile species. Here we describe an additional new and potentially microendemic species of the snake genus Madagascarophis (Squamata: Serpentes: Pseudoxyrhophiinae) which lives in this massif syntopically with M. colubrinus septentrionalis and differs distinctly from M. colubrinus and M. meridionalis in its mitochondrial and nuclear DNA sequences. Morphologically Madagascarophis fuchsi sp. nov. is characterized by a broad contact between the posterior inframaxillaries (genials), 25 dorsal scale rows at midbody, and a low number of ventrals (171-172). We re-describe the holotype of M. ocellatus and present new data on the morphological variation of the northern subspecies M. c. septentrionalis and M. c. citrinus. Although Montagne des Francais has recently been included into the network of nature reserves in Madagascar, continuous deforestation is strongly threatening this important center of reptile endemism. In line with the assessment of other microendemic reptiles of this massif we suggest to consider the new species as Critically Endangered according to the IUCN criteria and encourage new efforts to protect this area more efficiently.

Page:

317---332