Saturday, September 24, 2022

[Herpetology • 2022] Rediscovery of Luperosaurus sorok Das, Lakim, & Kandaung, 2008 (Squamata: Gekkonidae) With Notes on Its Taxonomy and Natural History


Luperosaurus sorok Das, Lakim, and Kandaung, 2008

in Fukuyama, Hossman & Nishikawa, 2022. 


Abstract
Gekko (Rhacogekkosorok is a small gecko species that was described in 2008 based on a single specimen from Borneo. We rediscovered multiple specimens of this species in the Lambir Hills National Park, Malaysian Borneo. The specimens constitute the second record of the species and the first record from Sarawak State. We describe the specimens and validate the taxonomic status of the species, which was formerly treated as Luperosaurus until recently and is now placed within the genus Gekko (Rhacogekko). Molecular phylogenetic analysis revealed that G. sorok is nested within a clade that includes Luperosaurus sensu stricto and is strongly supported as the sister lineage to L. joloensis. We tentatively propose that this species not be treated as Gekko (Rhacogekkosorok, but rather as Luperosaurus sorok. We also comment on the natural history of this rare species and suggest that it is a high canopy dweller.

   



Ibuki Fukuyama, Mohamad Yazid Hossman and Kanto Nishikawa. 2022. Rediscovery of Luperosaurus sorok Das, Lakim, and Kandaung, 2008 (Squamata, Gekkonidae) With Notes on Its Taxonomy and Natural History. J. of Herpetology. 56(2); 241-248. DOI: 10.1670/21-043
Researchgate.net/publication/362587005_Rediscovery_of_Luperosaurus_sorok