 |
| Salamandra algira atlantica
Hernandez & Escoriza, 2019
|
Abstract
A new subspecies within the Salamandra algira species complex from north-western Africa is described. Previous molecular analysis showed that the populations of S. algira splendens from north-western Morocco consisted of two well supported clades: clade 1 distributed in the Rif Mountains, from Chefchaouen (type locality) to Al Hoceima, and clade 2, located southern from clade 1 being isolated in the northern and central Middle Atlas Mountains. Clade 2 is herein described as a distinct subspecies: Salamandra algira atlantica ssp. nov. based on morphological data, allopatric range and molecular divergence. This new subspecies shows an uncorrected pairwise distance of 0.0265 from clade 1 based on cytochrome b DNA sequences. Salamandra algira atlantica ssp. nov. is a slender and large sized salamander with a highly variable colouration pattern. It can be distinguished from S. algira splendens by the greater proportion of coral red in the background colouration, being the only known subspecies of S. algira in which coral red can exceed the proportion of black. Variable number (0–5) of yellow to golden yellow dorsal blotches, but usually in lower numbers than the nominotypical subspecies. Salamandra algira atlantica ssp. nov. inhabits subhumid to humid forests and karstic systems at mid to high elevations. We briefly discuss the phylogenetic and taxonomic issues among the genus Salamandra which encompasses more valid species than currently recognised.
Keywords: Amphibia, mitochondrial DNA, Salamandra algira atlantica ssp. nov., taxonomy, threatened species
 |
| Figure 2. Holotype of Salamandra algira atlantica ssp. nov. (MNCN 50499) in life.
Figure 4. Larva of Salamandra algira atlantica ssp. nov.
Photographs by Daniel Escoriza.
|
 |
| Figure 3. Variation in the colouration pattern of Salamandra algira atlantica ssp. nov.: A adult male from Jbel Sidi Ali, Midelt Province B adult female from Grotte de Chaâra, Taza Province C, D adult males from Grotte de Chaâra. Photographs by Axel Hernandez. |
Salamandra algira atlantica ssp. nov.
Atlas fire salamander
Etymology: The new taxon is named after the word ‘Atlas’ from Greek Aτλας in reference to the Atlas Mountains (Morocco), where this subspecies is found.
 |
| Figure 5. Map showing the distribution of the subspecies of Salamandra algira (red circles) and the localities included in the phylogenetic analyses (yellow crosses) in northern Morocco and Algeria. |
 |
| Figure 6. A Habitat of Salamandra algira atlantica ssp. nov. at the type locality, Taza Province, Middle Atlas Mountains, northern Morocco B Cave habitat at Grotte de Chaâra. Photographs by Axel Hernandez. |
Distribution: Salamandra algira atlantica ssp. nov. is endemic to the northern and central Middle Atlas Mountains, northern Morocco: Tazekka National Park, Bou Iblane Massif and Jbel Sidi Ali (Fig. 5).
Natural history: The new subspecies is found from 600–2455 m a.s.l. near springs and streams in humid mesothermal forests of conifers (Abies pinsapo, Cedrus atlantica, Pinus halepensis) and oaks (Quercus ilex, Q. canariensis, Q. suber; Fig. 6 A). There are also troglophile populations at Grotte de Chaâra, Grotte d’Izora. and Gouffre du Friouato which reproduce inside the caves at 400 m from the entrance (Fig. 6B). It is a crepuscular and nocturnal species having a surface activity from autumn to spring.
Conclusions:
This study increases the current known number of subspecies of S. algira found in northern Morocco, from three (S. algira tingitana, S. algira spelaea, S. algira splendens) to four subspecies in describing S. algira atlantica ssp. nov. It also supports this region as having the highest intraspecific diversity of S. algira. The taxonomic separation of a single widespread species into multiple small-ranged taxa in turn have important implications for the conservation status of the original species. We therefore recommend a re-assessment of the outdated Vulnerable status (VU) of S. algira (IUCN 2009) to reflect the current taxonomic revisions and the increasing threats from the international pet trade and habitat loss which have taken place over the last decade.
Axel Hernandez and Daniel Escoriza. 2019. A New Subspecies of African Fire Salamander Salamandra algira (Urodela, Salamandridae) from the Middle Atlas Mountains, Morocco. ZooKeys. 893: 143-158. DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.893.46649
