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| Oedura nesos
Oliver, Jolly, Skipwith, Tedeschi & Gillespie, 2020
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Abstract
Over the last decade, the combination of biological surveys, genetic diversity assessments and systematic research has revealed a growing number of previously unrecognised vertebrate species endemic to the Australian Monsoonal Tropics. Here we describe a new species of saxicoline velvet gecko in the Oedura marmorata complex from Groote Eylandt, a large island off the eastern edge of the Top End region of the Northern Territory. Oedura nesos sp. nov. differs from all congeners in combination of moderate size, and aspects of tail morphology and colouration. It has not been reported from the nearby mainland regions (eastern Arnhem Land) suggesting it may be an insular endemic, although further survey work is required to confirm this. While Groote Eylandt is recognised as a contemporary ecological refuge for declining mammal species of northern Australia, newly detected endemic species suggest it may also be of significance as an evolutionary refuge for many taxa, especially those associated with sandstone escarpments.
Keywords: Reptilia, Oedura nesos sp. nov., Australian Monsoonal Tropics, ecological refuge, insular, endemism hotspots, sandstone escarpment, Top End
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| Oedura nesos sp. nov. uncollected specimen, subadult with original tail, Groote Eylandt, Northern Territory. |
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| juvenile Oedura nesos sp. nov. uncollected specimen, Groote Eylandt, Northern Territory.
photo: Chris J. Jolly twitter.com/CJollyNT
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Oedura nesos sp. nov.
Groote Eylandt Marbled Velvet Gecko
Oedura bella (in part) Oliver & Doughty, 2016
Oedura “Marmorata North 6” Rosauer et al. 2016
Etymology. Nesos (Greek) meaning island, in reference to the insular distribution of this species. Used as a noun in apposition.
Paul M. Oliver, Chris J. Jolly, Phillip L. Skipwith, Leonardo G. Tedeschi and Graeme R. Gillespie. 2020. A New Velvet Gecko (Oedura: Diplodactylidae) from Groote Eylandt, Northern Territory. Zootaxa. 4779(3); 438–450. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4779.3.10
NEW SPECIES: VELVET GECKO DISCOVERED ON ONE OF AUSTRALIA’S NORTHERN ISLANDS
blog.qm.qld.gov.au/2020/05/21/new-species-velvet-gecko-discovered-on-one-of-australias-northern-islands
