[Herpetology • 2021] Hemidactylus cinganji, H. faustus, ... • Between Sand, Rocks and Branches: An Integrative Taxonomic Revision of Angolan Hemidactylus Goldfuss, 1820 (Squamata, Gekkonidae), with Description of Four New Species

  Hemidactylus cinganji
H. carivoensis
H. faustus 
H. pfindaensis 

 Lobón-Rovira, Conradie, Iglesias, Ernst, Veríssimo, Baptista & Vaz Pinto, 2021 

       

 DOI: 10.3897/vz.71.e64781 

 facebook.com/JavierLobonRovira

 

Abstract

The taxonomy of Angolan Hemidactylus has recently been revised. However, the lack of fresh material for some groups and regions, has led to the misidentification of some taxa and an underestimation of actual diversity in others. To shed light on the evolutionary history and systematics of Angolan Hemidactylus, we generated a new phylogenetic hypothesis for the group, and updated the taxonomy following an integrative approach. This resulted in the description of four new species (Hemidactylus pfindaensis sp. nov., H. faustus sp. nov., H. carivoensis sp. nov. and H. cinganji sp. nov.), the reevaluation of two recently described species (H. vernayi and H. paivae) and the synonymization of a recently described species (H. hannahsabinnae). We estimate divergence times for these lineages, providing a preliminary interpretation of their speciation process. Moreover, we suggest and outline 13 Angolan Main Biogeographic Units (AMBUs) in the area, defining a new biogeographic context for future works on Angolan herpetofauna. We now recognize eleven Hemidactylus species in Angola, and we provide here a new morphological key for Angolan Hemidactylus to help with identifications and species assignments in this group.

Keywords: Angola, biogeography, Gekkota, Hemidactylus, systematics, taxonomy

Hemidactylus bayonii-group 

Hemidactylus vernayi Ceríaco, Agarwal, Marques and Bauer 2020

Hemidactylus pfindaensis sp. nov.

Etymology: The name “pfindaensis” derives from the local word “pfinda” which in Kikongo – the main language used in Uíge Province and northwestern Angola – refers to a “gallery forest” or a “continuous block of thick forest”, the main habitat type associated with the species.

Hemidactylus longicephalus-group

Hemidactylus paivae Ceríaco, Agarwal, Marques and Bauer 2020

A – From top, dorsolateral view of Hemidactylus cinganji sp. nov. (FKH0435), H. benguellensis (FKH0413) and H. carivoensis sp. nov. (MNCN 50543);
B – records of H. benguellensis–group (purple color represents records of H. cinganji sp. nov.; blue H. benguellensis; dark green H. carivoensis sp. nov.; circles represent genetically assigned records, while triangles represent historical or non-genetically assigned records by Ceríaco et al. 2020a; color stars depict type or neotype localities; black star depicts original type locality of H. benguellensis assigned by Bocage (1893);
C – habitat of H. cinganji sp. nov. at Ebanga; D – habitat of H. carivoensis sp. nov between Dombe–Echimina. E – habitat of H. benguellensis at Tchivinguiro.

 Photos Javier Lobón–Rovira (A–D) and William R. Branch (E).

Hemidactylus benguellensis-group

Hemidactylus cinganji sp. nov.

Etymology: The name “cinganji” is a widespread traditional word used in Angolan local languages that represents an ancestral spiritual entity that reincarnates assuming different physical forms in different places and occasions. This name is suitable as the new species corresponds to a taxon that was first described under a different name, then became lost and now resurfaces after its original name had been hijacked by a surrogate sister-species. The species epithet is used as a neuter singular noun in opposition to the generic name.

Hemidactylus carivoensis sp. nov.

Etymology: The species epithet “carivoensis” refers to the Farm Carivo, an old estate situated along the banks of the mid-lower Coporolo River on the coastal plain of Benguela Province, and where most of the type series was collected. The species proved to be common in the area, and by recognizing the farm, we also acknowledge the ongoing support from the owners to researchers, similar to the Chapmans nearly a century ago.

Species not assignable to specific species groups

Hemidactylus faustus sp. nov.   

  

Etymology: The name “faustus” applies to a Latin word that designate ‘good luck’, evoking the serendipitous discovery of this species. The species epithet is used as a masculine adjective singular. The first specimen was found by Beatriz Vaz Pinto, daughter of PVP, under a small stone which was removed while preparing a campsite. This unexpected find led to further collecting of this new and previously unrecorded form, albeit from a locality that had been regularly surveyed since the mid-19th century.  

 

 Javier Lobón-Rovira, Werner Conradie, David Buckley Iglesias, Raffael Ernst, Luis Veríssimo, Ninda Baptista and Pedro Vaz Pinto. 2021. Between Sand, Rocks and Branches: An Integrative Taxonomic Revision of Angolan Hemidactylus Goldfuss, 1820, with Description of Four New Species. Vertebrate Zoology. 71: 465-501. DOI: 10.3897/vz.71.e64781

  facebook.com/JavierLobonRovira/posts/3969307526513233

[Botany • 2025] Petalidium engoense (Acanthaceae) • A New Species from Angola and Namibia, with notes on phenotypic plasticity in the genus

 

Petalidium engoense

in Swanepoel, Becker Van Wyk, 2025. 

 DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.734.1.2

Abstract 

Petalidium engoense, first collected in May 2025, is here described as a new species. It is a range-restricted species, only known from the western edge of the escarpment zone (Great Escarpment of southern Africa), in the hilly area bordering the Engo Valley (northwestern Namibia), and to the north of Espinheira (southwestern Angola), in the Kaokoveld Centre of Endemism. It grows amongst boulders on arid hillsides, and along an ephemeral riverbed. Diagnostic characters for P. engoense include the pale greyish green appearance of the plants, ashy-grey to white fissured bark on older stems, vegetative parts with a dense white indumentum of very small stellate (stellulate) and dendritic trichomes appearing tomentose, semi-succulent leaves, burgundy flowers borne in short few-flowered dichasia with inflorescence axis becoming spiny with age, and narrowly ovate, attenuate to acute, prominently reticulate bracteoles. The flowers of P. engoense are distinctive in having all lobes coloured burgundy, and the anterior lobe with two yellow ensiform nectar guides. A comparison of key morphological features distinguishing P. engoense from P. namibense, its closest relative in appearance, is provided. Based on IUCN Red List criteria, a provisional conservation assessment of Critically Endangered (CR) is recommended for the new species. The paper also summarises current knowledge of phenotypic plasticity within Petalidium in response to environmental variation. This contribution forms part of ongoing taxonomic studies on the genus.

endemism, Engo River, Engo Valley, flora, Hartmann Valley, Iona National Park, Kaokoveld Centre of Endemism, Kunene Region, Namib Desert, Namibe Province, Ruellieae, taxonomy, variation, Eudicots

Petalidium engoense. Habit, vegetative and reproductive features.   
A. Woody stem with fissured bark at the base of a mature plant. B. Flowering shoot with semi-succulent leaves, which are covered in matted, greyish white indumentum and typically ca. folded upward along the midrib for their full length. C. Portion of a plant showing an open flower along with several old inflorescences; the inflorescence axes usually persist and have become spiny with age.

Photographs by W. Swanepoel.

Petalidium engoense. Morphology of inflorescences and flowers.
A. Distal part of a shoot showing both an open flower and a faded, brownish one, along with several bracteoles. B. Old inflorescences with dried, shriveled bracteoles and persistent axes that have become spiny (indicated by arrows). C, E. Frontal view of a flower showing uniformly coloured corolla lobes; the anterior lobe with two yellow, ensiform nectar guides. Visiting ants were feeding on scale insect larvae. D, G. Flower and bracteoles in lateral view. F. Flower with bracteoles, viewed from above. Photographs by W. Swanepoel.

Petalidium engoense. Habitat and habit.
A. Several plants growing among rocks along a seasonal drainage line in the Engo Valley, Kunene Region, Namibia. B. A mature plant (ca. 800 mm tall) displaying a densely branched structure with greyish green foliage. Photographs by W. Swanepoel.

Wessel SWANEPOEL, Rolf W. BECKER and Abraham E. VAN WYK. 2025. Petalidium engoense (Acanthaceae), A New Species from Angola and Namibia, with notes on phenotypic plasticity in the genus.  Phytotaxa. 734(1); 9-19. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.734.1.2 [2025-12-16]

 

[Herpetology • 2025] Pachydactylus namibensis & P. ovahimba • Two New Species of Pachydactylus (Squamata: Gekkonidae) from the Kaokoveld

Parrinha, Marques, Picelli, Jordaan, Bishop-Schouster, Heinicke, Bauer & Ceríaco, 2025

 DOI: doi.org/10.1643/h2024108  

  x.com/IchsAndHerps

 Abstract 

Recent surveys in southwestern Angola uncovered cryptic diversity within Pachydactylus caraculicus. Phylogenetic analyses of nuclear and mitochondrial DNA recover three distinct lineages. Two of these lineages, characterized by their typical banded dorsal pattern, show clear geographic structuring: a “northern” lineage corresponding to true P. caraculicus, and a distinct “southern” lineage extending into neighboring Namibia. The third lineage, sister to the clade of banded caraculicus, comprises morphologically divergent specimens resembling P. punctatus. All three lineages within the P. caraculicus complex are diagnosable based on morphological and coloration characters. We formally describe the two unnamed lineages of P. caraculicus as new species and discuss these findings in the biogeographic context of the Kaokoveld's lizard fauna.

Pachydactylus namibensis, new species 

Namibe Thick-Toed Gecko 

Osga de Dedos Grossos do Namibe 

Etymology.—The specific epithet namibensis is here applied as a substantive in apposition and is given in reference to the known distribution of the species in Namibe Province, Angola. We suggest “Namibe Thick-Toed Gecko” and “Osga de Dedos Grossos do Namibe” as the English and Portuguese common names, respectively. 

Pachydactylus ovahimba, new species  

Himba Thick-Toed Gecko 

Osga de Dedos Grossos Himba

Etymology.—The specific epithet ovahimba is a noun in apposition, given in honor of the dominant ethnolinguistic group in the region where the species is known from. The OvaHimba are a semi-nomadic Herero people who inhabit the Kaokoveld of northwestern Namibia and southwestern Angola, a harsh and rugged region that roughly corresponds to the distribution of the newly described species. The name is given in recognition of the support and enthusiasm received from the Himba people during fieldwork. We suggest “Himba Thick-Toed Gecko” and “Osga de Dedos Grossos Himba” as the English and Portuguese common names, respectively.

Diogo Parrinha, Mariana P. Marques, Amanda M. Picelli, Adriaan Jordaan, Lacey J. Bishop-Schouster, Matthew P. Heinicke, Aaron M. Bauer and Luis M. P. Ceríaco. 2025. Two New Species of Pachydactylus (Squamata: Gekkonidae) from the Kaokoveld. Ichthyology & Herpetology. 113(3); 412-432. DOI: doi.org/10.1643/h2024108 (8 August 2025)

  x.com/IchsAndHerps/status/1957833346387431573 

[Herpetology • 2025] Holaspis ngalangi • The Genus Holaspis (Squamata: Lacertidae) in Angola: A Tale of forgotten specimens and disappearing forests, with the Description of A New Species

 Holaspis ngalangi 

Parrinha, Marques, Gonçalves, Tiutenko, Bauer & Ceríaco, 2025

 SALAMANDRA. 61(1);   

 Researchgate.net/publication/388994950 

 facebook.com/DGHTeV 

Drawing by Arthur Tiutenko.

 Abstract

 The members of the Afrotropical lacertid genus Holaspis are strikingly specialized lizards, adapted for gliding in forest canopies, with serrated blue tails. Two species are currently recognized within the genus: Holaspis guentheri from West and Central Africa, and Holaspis laevis from East Africa. The currently known southern limits of H. guentheri are in the northern Angolan Guineo-Congolian habitats, which are remnants of forests connecting the country to West/Central Africa. The oldest record of the species in Angola, dating back to the 19th century, is based on a currently lost specimen collected by José d’Anchieta near Caconda, southwest Angola. Caconda is situated on the Angolan Central Plateau, which is part of the Great Escarpment of southern Africa. The loss of Anchieta’s specimen and its geographic context led most authors to disregard it, leaving its taxonomic identity dubious until now. The rediscovery of two additional specimens from Caconda, collected by William John Ansorge in the early 20th century and deposited in the Natural History Museum, London, allowed us to confirm the presence of the genus in the region, prompting targeted surveys and examination of additional material. Our surveys failed to locate any Holaspis near Caconda, with alarming rates of deforestation in the region raising the possibility that this population may already be extinct. The reexamination of the extant Caconda specimens and comparison with H. guentheri and H. laevis revealed consistent morphological differences that suggests that the Caconda population may represent a distinct taxonomic unit. Here we describe the Holaspis from Caconda as a new species, presumably endemic to the Angolan Central Plateau. These findings and their implications are discussed in the biogeographical context of the highlands of western Angola, a recognized hotspot of diversity and endemism for several taxonomic groups.  

Key words. Taxonomy, biogeography, natural history collections, deforestation, highlands.

Illustration of Holaspis ngalangi sp. n. in its putative habitat, with threats such as deforestation represented in the background.

Drawing by Arthur Tiutenko.

Holaspis ngalangi sp. n. 

Defnition: Holaspis ngalangi sp. n. is defned by the following combination of characters: 1) Head, body and tail strongly depressed, with serrated fringes on hindlimbs and tail; 2) frontoparietals fused with interparietal; 3) two series of transversely enlarged vertebral plates along dorsum and tail; 4) dorsum black with three pairs of pale stripes, with paravertebral stripes confned to enlarged dorsal plates; 5) an uninterrupted series of paired, transversely enlarged scales between ventral and precloacal scales (see Fig. 7). 

Diagnosis: Holaspis ngalangi sp. n. can be readily distinguished from both of its congeners, H. guentheri and H.  laevis, by the presence of an uninterrupted series of paired, transversely enlarged scales between the last row of ventral scales and anteriormost precloacal scale (versus last ventral scales and anteriormost precloacal scale separated by at least one row of small granular scales in H. guentheri and H. laevis; see Fig. 7); it can be further distinguished from H. laevis by having a pair of dorsolateral stripes (versus only paravertebral and lateral stripes in H. laevis) and a pair of paravertebral stripes confned to enlarged dorsal plates (versus paravertebral stripes not confned to enlarged dorsal plates in H. laevis). 

Etymology: Te specifc epithet “ngalangi” is a noun in apposition and is given in honor of the Ovimbundu Kingdom of Ngalangi, which dominated northern Huila Province and had its capital in present day Caconda. Te Kingdom of Ngalangi was dismantled by the Portuguese during the Portuguese-Ovimbundu wars in the late 1760s. We suggest “Ngalangi Gliding Lizard” and “Lagartixa Planadora Galangue” as the English and Portuguese common names, respectively.

 

Parrinha, D., M. P. Marques, F. M. P. Gonçalves, A. Tiutenko, A. M. Bauer and L. M .P. Ceríaco. 2025. The Genus Holaspis (Squamata: Lacertidae) in Angola: A Tale of forgotten specimens and disappearing forests, with the Description of A New Species. SALAMANDRA. 61(1); 53-69. 

  Researchgate.net/publication/388994950_The_genus_Holaspis_in_Angola

  facebook.com/DGHTeV/posts/1138667334936081

[Herpetology • 2025] Rhoptropus minimus, R. megocellus & R. crypticus • Three New Endemic Species of Namib Day Geckos (Gekkonidae: Rhoptropus) From the Namibe Province, Angola

 Rhoptropus minimus, R. megocellus & R. crypticus  

Lobón-Rovira, Heinicke, Bauer, Conradie & Pinto, 2025 

 

DOI: doi.org/10.1002/ece3.71609 

  facebook.com/JLRWildLifePhotography 

Researchgate.net/publication/393103136

 

ABSTRACT

Angola remains one of the least explored countries in Africa, and several groups of reptiles still require taxonomic and phylogenetic revision. To shed light on the true diversity of geckos in this gecko diversity hotspot of southwestern Africa, we conducted fieldwork in some of the less explored coastal regions of southern Angola. As a result, we identified previously unknown populations of Namib day geckos (genus Rhoptropus) which represent candidate new species. Through a comprehensive revision of the group, we describe three new endemic Rhoptropus spp. from the northern region of Namibe Province in Angola, based on morphological, phylogenetic and biogeographic data: R. minimus sp. nov., R. megocellus sp. nov., and R. crypticus sp. nov. These findings contribute to a better understanding of the biogeographic patterns of gecko diversity in Angola, highlighting the importance of this region as a significant center of endemism and diversification in Africa.

Keywords: Africa, endemism, Gekkonidae, Namib desert, Rhoptropus crypticus sp. nov., Rhoptropus megocellus sp. nov., Rhoptropus minimus sp. nov.

Rhoptropus crypticus sp. nov. 

Osga-diurna-críptica do Namibe 

Rhoptropus megocellus sp. nov. 

Osga-diurna-de-manchas-grandes do Namibe  

Rhoptropus minimus sp. nov. 

Osga-diurna-miniatura do Namibe 

 

Javier Lobón-Rovira, Matthew P. Heinicke, Aaron M. Bauer, Werner Conradie and Pedro Vaz Pinto. 2025. Three New Endemic Species of Namib Day Geckos (Gekkonidae: Rhoptropus) From the Namibe Province, Angola. Ecology and Evolution. DOI: doi.org/10.1002/ece3.71609 [27 June 2025]

  facebook.com/JLRWildLifePhotography/posts/1315086743954254 

 Researchgate.net/publication/393103136_Three_New_Endemic_Species_of_Rhoptropus_from_the_Namibe_Province_Angola

[Herpetology • 2025] Sepsina caluanda • Buried in the Sands of Time: A New Species of Sepsina Bocage, 1866 (Squamata: Scincidae), from Angola

 Sepsina caluanda

 Parrinha, Marques, De Sousa, Bauer & Ceríaco, 2025

DOI: doi.org/10.2992/007.090.0302 

 Abstract

Burrowing skinks of the genus Sepsina Bocage, 1866 (Squamata: Scincidae) have a complex taxonomic history and are particularly diverse, although poorly known, in Angola. With elongated bodies and reduced limbs, the five recognized species of the genus can be diagnosed based on the presence or absence of forelimbs and the number and relative size of digits. Sepsina bayonii (Bocage, 1866) is the most distinctive species of the genus, being the only taxon without forelimbs and a single digit on the hind limbs. Revision of historical material from the collections of the California Academy of Sciences revealed the presence of two specimens without forelimbs, but differing from S. bayonii in the number of digits on each hind limb. Considering this unique combination of morphological diagnostic characters, we herein describe a new species from Angola, Sepsina caluanda. This discovery highlights the importance of natural history collections and the revision of historical material for the description of biodiversity and alerts to the threat of habitat loss due to rapid urban growth.

KEYWORDS: Africa, Endemism, herpetofauna, Luanda, natural history collections, taxonomy

 Sepsina caluanda sp. nov. 

Diogo Parrinha, Mariana P. Marques, Ana Carolina Andrade De Sousa, Aaron M. Bauer and Luis M.P. Ceríaco. 2025. Buried in the Sands of Time: A New Species of Sepsina Bocage, 1866, from Angola (Squamata: Scincidae). Annals of Carnegie Museum. 90(3); 183-193. DOI: doi.org/10.2992/007.090.0302 (10 January 2025) 

[Botany • 2021] Aloe uigensis (Asphodelaceae: Alooideae) • A New Species from northwestern Angola

 Aloe uigensis Gideon F. Sm. & T. Lautenschl.,

in Smith et Lautenschläger, 2021. 

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.521.3.8

 

Abstract

A new species of Aloe, A. uigensis (Asphodelaceae subfam. Alooideae), is described from northwestern Angola. It is a non-proliferous, single-stemmed species that bears narrowly elongated, acuminate racemes with orange to pale reddish flowers. Aloe uigensis is compared to some long-known as well as recently described species of Aloe from Angola, but does not have close relatives with which it can be confused in the country.

Ambuila, inselbergs, limestone rocks, taxonomy, Uíge, Monocots

Aloe uigensis Gideon F. Sm. & T. Lautenschl. 2021, sp. nov.

Etymology:— Aloe uigensis is named for the province of Uíge in northern Angola, from where the type specimen was collected.

Gideon F. SMITH and Thea LAUTENSCHLÄGER. 2021. Aloe uigensis (Asphodelaceae subfam. Alooideae), A New Species from northwestern Angola.  Phytotaxa. 521(3); 227-231. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.521.3.8

https://tu-dresden.de/tu-dresden/newsportal/news/neue-aloe-art-entdeckt

[Herpetology • 2022] Prosymna lisima & P. confusa • Taxonomical Review of Prosymna angolensis Boulenger, 1915 (Elapoidea: Prosymnidae) with the Description of Two New Species

Prosymna lisima

Conradie, Keates, Baptista & Lobón-Rovira, 2022

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1121.85693  

Abstract

African Shovel-snout snakes (Prosymna Gray, 1849) are small, semi-fossorial snakes with a unique compressed and beak-like snout. Prosymna occur mainly in the savanna of sub-Saharan Africa. Of the 16 currently recognised species, four occur in Angola: Prosymna ambigua Bocage, 1873, P. angolensis Boulenger, 1915, P. frontalis (Peters, 1867), and P. visseri FitzSimons, 1959. The taxonomical status and evolutionary relationships of P. angolensis have never been assessed due to the lack of genetic material. This species is known to occur from western Angola southwards to Namibia, and eastwards to Zambia, Botswana and Zimbabwe. The species shows considerable variation in dorsal colouration across its range, and with the lower ventral scales count, an ‘eastern race’ was suggested. In recent years, Prosymna material from different parts of Angola has been collected, and with phylogenetic analysis and High Resolution X-ray Computed Tomography, the taxonomic status of these populations can be reviewed. Strong phylogenetic evidence was found to include the angolensis subgroup as part of the larger sundevalli group, and the existence of three phylogenetic lineages within the angolensis subgroup were identified, which each exhibit clear morphological and colouration differences. One of these lineages is assigned to the nominotypical P. angolensis and the other two described as new species, one of which corroborates the distinct eastern population previously detected. These results reinforce that a considerable part of Angolan herpetological diversity is still to be described and the need for further studies.  

Keywords: Africa, Angola, cryptic species, fossorial, Kalahari, Serpentes

Reptilia

Squamata

Prosymnidae

Photos of live Prosymna lisima sp. nov. from eastern Angola
A PEM R23457 from Quembo River Source, Moxico Province, Angola B PEM R23483 from Cuando River Source, Moxico Province, Angola
C PEM R23512 from Cuito Source Lake, Moxico Province, Angola D PEM R27381 from Quembo River bridge camp, Moxico Province, Angola.

Holotype of Prosymna lisima sp. nov. (PEM R23512) from Cuito River source, Moxico Province, Angola
A dorsal and ventral full body B dorsal head C ventral head D lateral head.

Prosymna lisima sp. nov. 

Common names: Kalahari Shovel-snout snake (English); 

Cobra-de-focinho-de-pá-do-kalahari (Portuguese).

Etymology: The name lisima is derived from the locally spoken Luchaze language in the region of the type locality meaning ‘source’. The full phrase used, ‘Lisima Lwa Mwondo’, is translated as “source of life”. This is a reference to central Angola, a high rainfall area where some of the most important rivers in Angola arise. This water makes it its way to the Okavango Delta, sustaining wildlife and local communities in Angola, Namibia and Botswana.

Live Prosymna confusa sp. nov. (PEM R24013) from 20 km west of Lola on the road northwest to Camacuio and on the edge of Bentiaba River, Namibe Province, Angola (Photo: Bill Branch).

Holotype of Prosymna confusa sp. nov. (PEM R24013) from 20 km west of Lola on the road northwest to Camacuio and on the edge of Bentiaba River, Namibe Province, Angola
A dorsal and ventral full body B dorsal head C ventral head D lateral head.

Prosymna confusa sp. nov.

 Common names: Plain Shovel-snout Snake (English); 

Cobra-de-focinho-de-pá-lisa (Portuguese).

Etymology: When the late Bill Branch collected the holotype, he was unsure of its identification and referred to it as an unusual specimen that could not be assigned to any known species from Angola. He later referred to it as P. ambigua (Branch 2018), presumably based on its uniform grey colouration. The name confusa is a reflection of the confusion this specimen has caused and of the general confusion in the P. angolensis group.

 Werner Conradie, Chad Keates, Ninda L. Baptista and Javier Lobón-Rovira. 2022. Taxonomical Review of Prosymna angolensis Boulenger, 1915 (Elapoidea, Prosymnidae) with the Description of Two New Species. ZooKeys. 1121: 97-143. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1121.85693  
 

  

Resumo: As cobras-de-focinho-de-pá africanas (Prosymna) são pequenas cobras semi-fossoriais com um focinho único, achatado e em forma de bico, que ocorrem principalmente na savana da África subsaariana. Das 16 espécies actualmente reconhecidas, quatro existem em Angola: Prosymna ambigua Bocage, 1873, P. angolensis Boulenger, 1915, P. frontalis (Peters, 1867), e P. visseri Fitz-Simons, 1959. O estatuto taxonómico e as relações evolutivas de P. angolensis nunca foram avaliados devido à falta de material genético. A espécie ocorre desde o oeste de Angola, para sul até a Namíbia, e para este em direcção à Zâmbia, Botswana e Zimbábue. Na sua área de ocorrência, esta espécie tem variação principalmente na coloração dorsal, e com base no menor número de escamas ventrais, foi sugerida a existência de uma raça oriental. Recentemente foi amostrado material de Prosymna de várias partes de Angola, e com recurso a análises filogenéticas e a tomografia computadorizada de raios-X de alta resolução, foi possível rever o estatuto taxonómico destas populações. Encontrámos fortes evidências filogenéticas para incluir o subgrupo angolensis como parte do grupo sundevalli. Revelámos a existência de três linhagens filogenéticas no subgrupo angolensis. Atribuímos uma dessas linhagens ao P. angolensis nominotípico, e descrevemos as outras duas como espécies novas, uma das quais corrobora a população oriental previamente detectada. Estes resultados reforçam a ideia de que uma parte considerável da diversidade herpetológica angolana está ainda por descrever, e a necessidade de mais estudos.

Palavras-chave: África, Angola, espécies crípticas, fossorial, Kalahari, Serpentes

[Herpetology • 2024] Panaspis ericae & P. mundavambo • A Treasure Trove of Endemics: Two New Species of Snake-eyed Skinks of the Genus Panaspis Cope, 1868 (Squamata: Scincidae) from the Serra da Neve Inselberg, southwestern Angola

 Panaspis ericae  

 Marques, Parrinha, Lopes-Lima, Tiutenko, Bauer & Ceríaco, 2024

   DOI: 10.3897/evolsyst.8.121103

photos by Arthur Tiutenko.

 Abstract

Four species of the genus Panaspis – P. cabindae, P. wahlbergii, P. maculicollis and P. mocamedensis – are currently known from Angola. The analysis of recently collected specimens from Serra da Neve Inselberg, an isolated mountain located in northern Namibe Province, revealed unexpected taxonomic diversity in the group. Using an integrative taxonomy approach based on morphological and DNA sequence data, with both mitochondrial (16S) and nuclear (RAG-1) genes, we were able to distinguish two distinct populations, described here as two new species, Panaspis ericae sp. nov. and P. mundavambo sp. nov. Both species are assumed to be endemic to the inselberg. This reinforces our notion of southwestern Angola as a hotspot of skink diversity, and highlights the urgent need for the conservation of Serra da Neve.

Key Words: Reptiles, integrative taxonomy, Africa, herpetofauna, cryptic species

Live photos of Panaspis ericae sp. nov. 
the holotype (MUNHAC/MB03-001525) from vicinity of Catchi, Serra da Neve.  
 the paratype (MUNHAC/MB03-001531) from vicinity of Maylowe, Serra da Neve.

photos by Arthur Tiutenko.

 Panaspis ericae sp. nov.

Etymology: The specific epithet “ericae” is formed in the genitive singular and is feminine. It is given in honor of Erica Tavares (1997–), an Angolan biologist and conservationist. Through her work in the Angolan environmental platform “Eco Angola” (of which Erica is a co-founder), Erica has revolutionized the Angolan conservation and ecological discourse, providing opportunities for members of the Angolan civil society, students, and young researchers to learn, debate and contribute to environmental causes. We suggest “Erica’s Snake-Eyed Skink” and “Lagartixa da Manta-Morta de Erica” as the English and Portuguese common names, respectively, for this species.

 Panaspis mundavambo sp. nov.

Etymology: The specific epithet “mundavambo” refers to the Mukwando (local tribe) name for Serra da Neve Inselberg (Opunda Mundavambo), to which the species is endemic, and is applied here as a substantive in apposition. We propose the English vernacular name “Serra da Neve Snake-Eyed Skink” and the Portuguese vernacular name of “Lagartixa da Manta-Morta da Serra da Neve”.

 

Mariana P. Marques, Diogo Parrinha, Manuel Lopes-Lima, Arthur Tiutenko, Aaron M. Bauer and Luis M. P. Ceríaco. 2024. A Treasure Trove of Endemics: Two New Species of Snake-eyed Skinks of the Genus Panaspis Cope, 1868 (Squamata, Scincidae) from the Serra da Neve Inselberg, southwestern Angola. Evolutionary Systematics. 8(2): 167-182. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/evolsyst.8.121103

[Botany • 2024] Triaspis bicuarensis (Malpighiaceae) • A New Angolan Species from the Triaspis hypericoides complex based on Macromorphology and Palynology

Triaspis bicuarensis R.F.Almeida & Goyder, 

in Almeida, Antonio-Domingues, Gonçalves et Goyder, 2024. 

DOI: 10.1111/njb.04336 

 twitter.com/The_Al_meida

 

Abstract

Triaspis hypericoides currently comprises three accepted subspecies endemic to woodland savannas of southern continental Africa. After an unusual population belonging to this complex was collected in southwestern Angola, we re-evaluated the classification of this group. This study was based on the analysis of type specimens, protologues, field photographs and herbarium sheets of all subspecies within T. hypericoides. We reinstate T. canescens, T. hypericoides and T. nelsonii based on differences in leaf, flower and fruit traits. Additionally, the Angolan population is proposed here as a new species of Triapis endemic to the dry miombo woodlands of Bicuar National Park, Huíla Province, southwestern Angola. Triaspis bicuarensis sp. nov. is easily distinguished from T. nelsonii by its alternate (versus opposite) leaves, ovate to widely ovate (versus widely ovate to very widely ovate) leaf laminas, rounded (versus sagittate) leaf base, flat (versus undulate) margins, sparsely white-tomentose (versus glabrous to glabrescent) abaxial leaf surface, petiole 4–8 mm long (versus 2–3 mm long), compound inflorescences in thyrses (versus corymbs) and bracteoles inserted below apex of peduncles (versus in the middle of peduncles). An identification key to all species belonging to this species complex is presented alongside a complete morphological description for the new species, photographic plates and comments on the distribution, ecology, palynology and taxonomy. These results underline the need for continued revisions of the taxonomy of the neglected African genera of Malpighiaceae.

Keywords: Angola, Malpighiales, Malpighioid clade, savanna, tropical Africa

Triaspis bicuarensis R.F.Almeida and Goyder, sp. nov. 

Diagnosis: A species differing from T. nelsonii due to its alternate (versus opposite) leaves, with ovate to widely ovate (versus widely ovate to very widely ovate) lamina, rounded at base (versus sagittate), with flat margin (versus undulate), abaxially sparsely white-tomentose (versus glabrous to glabrescent), petiole 4–8 mm long (versus 2–3 mm long), flowers in thyrses (versus corymbs) and bracteoles inserted below apex of peduncles (versus inserted at the middle of peduncles).

Etymology: The epithet refers to the restricted distribution of the new species, known only from Bicuar National Park in Huíla Province, southwestern Angola.

Rafael Felipe de Almeida, Higor Antonio-Domingues, Francisco Maiato P. Gonçalves and David J. Goyder. 2024. A New Angolan Species from the Triaspis hypericoides complex (Malpighiaceae) based on Macromorphology and Palynology. Nordic Journal of Botany. DOI: 10.1111/njb.04336

  twitter.com/The_Al_meida/status/1773323873204744489

[Herpetology • 2024] Trachylepis attenboroughi, T. ovahelelo, T. vunongue, ... • The Trachylepis (Squamata: Scincidae) of Angola : An Integrative Taxonomic Review with the Description of Seven New Species

 

 1. Trachylepis albilabris; 2. T. albopunctata; 3. T. ansorgii.

4. Trachylepis attenboroughi, sp. nov.; 8. Trachylepis bouri, sp. nov.; 13. T. hilariae, sp. nov.;

18. T. ovahelelo, sp. nov.; 19. T. suzanae, sp. nov.; 

 22. T. vunongue, sp. nov.; 25. T. wilsoni, sp. nov. 

Ceríaco,  Marques, Parrinha, Tiutenko, Weinell, Butler & Bauer, 2024

hdl.handle.net/2246/7345 

 twitter.com/redgcko7

Drawings by Arthur Tiutenko.

Abstract

The genus Trachylepis is currently represented by 21 species in Angola, most of them part of nomenclaturally and taxonomically challenging species complexes. In this study we present an integrative taxonomic revision of the genus in Angola and describe seven new species: Trachylepis attenboroughi, sp. nov., Trachylepis bouri, sp. nov., Trachylepis hilariae, sp. nov., Trachylepis ovahelelo, sp. nov., Trachylepis suzanae, sp. nov., Trachylepis vunongue, sp. nov., and Trachylepis wilsoni, sp. nov. As result of our taxonomic revisions, 25 valid Trachylepis species are now confirmed from Angola. A phylogenetic analysis using a combination of mitochondrial (16S, ND2) and nuclear (RAG1) markers, as well as morphological data, supports the recognition of the new species. In addition, data support the revalidation of Trachylepis albopunctata (Bocage, 1867), Trachylepis notabilis (Peters, 1879), and Trachylepis ansorgii (Boulenger, 1907). We also provide a redefinition of Euprepes anchietae Bocage, 1866, which we synonymize with Trachylepis maculilabris (Gray, 1845). Given that the type material for Trachylepis albopunctata, T. angolensis, and T. anchietae has been lost or destroyed, we designate neotypes for the purpose of nomenclatural stability. The description of the new species and the revision and revalidation of previously described Angolan species contribute to a better understanding of the taxonomy and biogeography of the genus, as well as to the general biogeographic patterns and evolution of the Angolan fauna.

 

Keywords: Skinks, Angola, Classification, Squamata, Trachylepis attenboroughi, Trachylepis bouri, Trachylepis hilariae, Trachylepis ovahelelo, Trachylepis suzanae, Trachylepis vunongue, Trachylepis wilsoni

 1. Trachylepis albilabris; 2. T. albopunctata; 3. T. ansorgii.

4. Trachylepis attenboroughi, sp. nov.; 5. T. bayonii; 6. T. binotata; 7. T. bocagii.

8. Trachylepis bouri, sp. nov.; 9, T. chimbana; 10. T. damarana; 11. T. hoeschi; 12. T. huilensis; 13. T. hilariae, sp. nov.; 14. T. laevis. 

Drawings by Arthur Tiutenko.

  15. Trachylepis maculilabris; 16. T. notabilis.  

17. Trachylepis occidentalis; 18. T. ovahelelo, sp. nov.; 19. T. suzanae, sp. nov.; 20. T. punctulata; 21. T. raymondlaurenti.  

 22. T. vunongue, sp. nov.; 23. T. sulcata; 24. T. wahlbergi; 25. T. wilsoni, sp. nov. 

Drawings by Arthur Tiutenko.

Luis M. P. Ceríaco, Mariana P. Marques, Diogo Parrinha, Arthur Tiutenko,  Jeffrey L. Weinell, Brett O. Butler and Aaron M. Bauer. 2024. The Trachylepis (Squamata: Scincidae) of Angola : An Integrative Taxonomic Review with the Description of Seven New Species. Bulletin of the American Museum of Natural History. 465. hdl.handle.net/2246/7345

  twitter.com/redgcko7/status/1762174590745280730