FIGURE 2. Unvouchered species that we recorded during the survey of Bemaraha National Park, western Madagascar: (A) Trachylepis elegans, (B) Furcifer cf. petteri, (C) Zonosaurus karsteni, (D) Leioheterodon modestus. (Photographed by C. Randrianantoandro).
Abstract
We surveyed the Tsingy de Bemaraha plateau in central-western Madagascar for amphibians and reptiles. We recorded 19 species of amphibians and 60 species of reptiles by opportunistic searching, bioacoustic identification (frogs), and pitfall trapping. Among the species recorded, 13% were previously unknown to science and a further 15% are of uncertain taxonomic status and possibly represent undescribed species. Of all the species recorded, 28% are endemic to the Bemaraha plateau and 48% appear to be dependent on forest habitat. Phylogenetic relationships of Bemaraha amphibians suggest a biogeographic link to eastern rainforests; whereas, those of reptiles demonstrate a link to the forests of northern Madagascar. We comment on former species records from the area and discuss conservation issues for amphibians and reptiles related to the habitat alteration observed in several parts of the protected area complex.
Key Words.— Amphibia; biogeography; checklist; conservation, endemism; Madagascar; Tsingy de Bemaraha; Reptilia.
FIGURE 1. Schematic map of the southern portion of the Tsingy de Bemaraha area, western Madagascar, with the names of survey sites: Antsalova (S1); Andranopasazy (S2); Andafiabe (S3); Bendrao Forest (S4); Ankily (S5); Anjaha (S6); Ankazomanga (S7); Ranotsara (S8); Ankilogoa (S9); Andolombazimba (S10).
Bora, P., J. C. Randrianantoandro, R. Randrianavelona, E. F. Hantalalaina, R. R. Andriantsimanarilafy, D. Rakotondravony, O. R. Ramilijaona, M. Vences, R. K. B. Jenkins, F. Glaw & J. Köhler (2010): Amphibians and reptiles of the Tsingy de Bemaraha plateau, western Madagascar: checklist, biogeography and conservation.- Herpetological Conservation and Biology 5 (1): 111-125
