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Advances in Diversity, Conservation, and Taxonomy of Madagascar’s Amphibians and Reptiles - Feature Issue of the Section Herpetology

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A special issue of Animals (ISSN 2076-2615). This special issue belongs to the section "Herpetology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 June 2023) | Viewed by 13776

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Special Issue Editors

Dr. Franco Andreone

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Guest Editor

Museo Regionale di Scienze Naturali, Sezione di Zoologia, I-10123 Torino, Italy
Interests: amphibians; reptiles; taxonomy; ecology; tropical biodiversity; longevity; conservation; Madagascar

Dr. Angelica Crottini

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Guest Editor

CIBIO-InBIO, Universidade do Porto, Rua Padre Armando Quintas, 4485-661 Vairão, Portugal
Interests: amphibians; reptiles; Madagascar; Europe; taxonomy; systematic; evolutionary genetic; evolutionary genomic; natural history

Dr. Andolalao Rakotoarison

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Guest Editor

Mention Zoologie et Biodiversité Animale, Faculté des Sciences, Université d’Antananarivo, Antananarivo 101, Madagascar
Interests: amphibians; evolutionary biology; evolutionary genetics; Madagascar; natural history systematic; reptiles; taxonomy

Fandresena Rakotoarimalala

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Guest Editor Assistant

Mention Zoologie et Biodiversité Animale, Faculté des Sciences, Université d’Antananarivo, Antananarivo 101, Madagascar
Interests: amphibians; biogeography; ecology; evolutionary genetics; reptiles; systematics

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Madagascar, the fourth largest island in the world, is characterized by high levels of endemicity. This is particularly evident among amphibians and reptiles, which both show a conspicuous diversity. The herpetological research carried out in recent decades has allowed a significant increase in species knowledge, and new species are continuously being described from the island. Rampant deforestation and increasing habitat loss have led to a significant shrinkage of the available natural areas. As a result, several species of both amphibians and reptiles (including newly described species) are currently classified within the most highly threatened categories of the IUCN red listing. This Special Issue aims to provide a platform to showcase research and conservation on Malagasy amphibians and reptiles. With this set of contributions, we also aim to highlight how taxonomic research and field explorations continue to play a key role in describing this unique diversity, in order to better understand the origin and historical factors that explain the current distribution pattern of Malagasy biodiversity. Authors are invited to contribute original manuscripts and reviews that focus on the description of new taxa or on the survey of protected or unprotected areas, or that show how amphibians and reptiles are currently responding to increasing levels of habitat alteration.

Dr. Franco Andreone
Dr. Angelica Crottini
Dr. Andolalao Rakotoarison
Guest Editors

Fandresena Rakotoarimalala
Guest Editor Assistant

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

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Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this Special Issue is completely waived (0 CHF, Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

Madagascar
biodiversity
amphibians
reptiles
endemicity
conservation

Published Papers (10 papers)

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Research

15 pages, 6927 KiB

Open AccessArticle

In Search of Suitable Breeding Sites: Habitat Heterogeneity and Environmental Filters Determine Anuran Diversity of Western Madagascar

by Nanäa Mausberg, Kathrin H. Dausmann and Julian Glos

Animals 2023, 13(23), 3744; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13233744 - 04 Dec 2023

Viewed by 789

Abstract

Environmental filtering shapes animal communities by preventing the colonization and persistence of certain species in a given habitat. More heterogenous environments are presumed to support a greater number of species and, consequently, increased species diversity, as environmental filters are also likely more heterogenous. Amphibians are especially sensitive to environmental influences due to distinct characteristics like permeable skin and low mobility. By analyzing the species richness and assemblage composition of tadpoles in 132 breeding ponds, we examined how the interplay of environmental variables shapes anuran species assemblages in breeding habitats of the dry forest of Western Madagascar. We found that environmental filtering is prevalent and habitat heterogeneity not only increases larval species richness but also alters species composition between these assemblages. Our study highlights the need for conserving heterogenous habitats to maintain local diversity. Furthermore, we recommend including multivariate modelling approaches to conservation efforts to acknowledge differences between specific habitats and beta diversity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Diversity, Conservation, and Taxonomy of Madagascar’s Amphibians and Reptiles - Feature Issue of the Section Herpetology)

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13 pages, 7737 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Overview of Reptile Diversity from Bobaomby Complex, Northern Tip of Madagascar

by Randriamialisoa, Raphali R. Andriantsimanarilafy, Alain J. V. Rakotondrina, Josué A. Rakotoarisoa, Ranaivoson T. Nasaina, Jeanneney Rabearivony and Achille P. Raselimanana

Animals 2023, 13(21), 3396; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13213396 - 01 Nov 2023

Viewed by 1409

Abstract

Many studies on reptiles have been conducted across Madagascar but some areas are poorly known in terms of the diversity of reptiles such as the Bobaomby Complex in the northern tip of Madagascar. In February and March 2018, we conducted a biodiversity survey within five sites. This biological survey is to collect scientific information for helping new protected creations. Three main methods were used including pitfall trap, visual and acoustic searching along the transect and refuge examination. In total, we recorded 42 species including 5 chameleons, 8 skinks, 11 geckos, 16 snakes and 2 blinds snake species. All recorded species are endemic to Madagascar except Hemidactylus frenatus, Ebenavia inunguis and Phelsuma abbotti. Rare species known only from a few specimens have been recorded in the Bobaomby Complex: Heteroliodon fohy, Pseudoxyrhopus ambreensis, and Madascincus arenicola. Thirteen species are classified as threatened on the IUCN Red List, of which three are Critically Endangered: Paracontias minimus, Madascincus arenicola, and Paroedura lohatsara; three are Endangered: Heteroliodon fohy, Lycodryas inopinae, and Phisalixella variabilis; and seven are Vulnerable: Brookesia ebenaui, Furcifer petteri, Blaesodactylus boivini, Uroplatus ebenaui, Uroplatus henkeli, Liophidium therezieni and Flexiseps ardouini. Our results reveal the importance of the Bobaomby Complex for conserving reptile diversity and highlight the need to protect it. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Diversity, Conservation, and Taxonomy of Madagascar’s Amphibians and Reptiles - Feature Issue of the Section Herpetology)

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11 pages, 1720 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Amphibians and Reptiles of the Montagne des Français: An Update of the Distribution and Regional Endemicity

by Herizo Oninjatovo Radonirina, Bernard Randriamahatantsoa, Nirhy H. C. Rabibisoa and Christopher John Raxworthy

Animals 2023, 13(21), 3361; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13213361 - 29 Oct 2023

Viewed by 849

Abstract

The harmonious landscape of Montagne des Français is a protected area in the far north of Madagascar. Our herpetofauna surveys were conducted on the eastern and western slopes according to habitat variations within the massif for 2014 and 2020. Our research updates the herpetofauna species richness, spatial distribution ranges, and ecological guilds within the protected area. We used direct opportunistic observations, systematic refuge examinations, and pitfall traps with drift fences at three sites to sample animals. Nineteen amphibian and fifty reptile species were recorded during this study. Three amphibian species and one reptile species, in addition to the snake Langaha pseudoalluaudi, last recorded in 2007, were discovered at Montagne des Français. Here, we present a database update for the herpetofauna species from Montagne des Français and provide a specific morphological description of the morphospecies considered as a new extension or localized distribution. This new database can help site managers develop new strategic conservation plans in response to habitat modification. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Diversity, Conservation, and Taxonomy of Madagascar’s Amphibians and Reptiles - Feature Issue of the Section Herpetology)

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12 pages, 2195 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Spatial Ecology of an Arboreal Iguana (Oplurus cyclurus) in a Treeless Landscape

by Fulvio Licata, Paolo Eusebio Bergò, Devin Edmonds, Franco Andreone and Gonçalo M. Rosa

Animals 2023, 13(20), 3198; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13203198 - 13 Oct 2023

Viewed by 779

Abstract

Understanding the spatial ecology of species has important implications for conservation, as it helps identify suitable habitats and minimum requirements for biodiversity monitoring and management. The spiny-tailed lizard Oplurus cyclurus is a widespread endemic iguanid occurring in dry areas of southern and western Madagascar. While the species is known to be mostly arboreal, populations of the Isalo sandstone massif suggest local adaptation to a less forested savannah and a more exposed habitat. We radio-tracked 19 spiny-tailed lizards to investigate the species’ rock-dwelling behaviour and spatial ecology at Isalo National Park. Tracked individuals showed high site and burrow fidelity, and a basking behaviour mostly tied to the accessibility of their burrow, the time of day, and their life stage. Activity peaked during the sunniest hours, while juveniles were more active than adults with unfavourable weather conditions. Despite high burrow fidelity, lizards used shelters non-exclusively, regularly changing (approx. once a week) with neighbouring burrows (average distance between burrows = 13.6 m). However, there was no obvious relation between lizards’ body and/or tail size and the width and depth of selected burrows. Dynamic Brownian Bridge Movement Models estimated frequented areas over 247.8 m² (95% isopleth), where territorial overlap is common. Our results challenge the notion that burrow-site fidelity is the sole driving factor behind space utilization in the studied population. We argue that the apparently unusual saxicolous habits imposed by habitat features (the absence of trees) may lead to local behavioural adjustments influencing antipredatory and foraging strategies, as well as intraspecific interactions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Diversity, Conservation, and Taxonomy of Madagascar’s Amphibians and Reptiles - Feature Issue of the Section Herpetology)

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67 pages, 24125 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Revision of the Subgenus Ochthomantis Frogs from Madagascar (Amphibia: Mantellidae) with the Description of Four Species and Resurrection of Mantidactylus catalai and M. poissoni

by Nirhy H. C. Rabibisoa, Rachel S. Welt and Christopher J. Raxworthy

Animals 2023, 13(17), 2800; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13172800 - 03 Sep 2023

Viewed by 1474

Abstract

The subgenus Ochthomantis is an obligate forest and stream-dwelling group of mantellid frogs, endemic to Madagascar, with six species currently recognized. However, this group suffers from ongoing taxonomic confusion due to low numbers of examined specimens, and failure to consider morphological variation from development and sexual dimorphism. Here, we examined the morphology of 637 sexed adult specimens collected by us in the field and from other museum collections. We also sequenced a DNA fragment of the 16S mtDNA gene for each lineage to determine congruence between morphological and molecular data sets and to help delimit species. Our results demonstrate that the subgenus Ochthomantis includes eleven valid species: five already recognized, M. catalai and M. poissoni that we resurrect from synonymy, and four new species which we describe for the first time here. In some analyses, Mantidactylus majori groups with other Mantidactylus subgenera, so we do not consider it a member of the subgenus Ochthomantis in this study. All species have restricted distributions and elevational ranges in the humid forests of Madagascar. This study demonstrates the utility of assessing cryptic species using both diagnostic morphological characters and molecular data. The discovery of this new cryptic biodiversity, and the taxonomic revision herein, will likely require conservation activities for those species with the most restricted distributions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Diversity, Conservation, and Taxonomy of Madagascar’s Amphibians and Reptiles - Feature Issue of the Section Herpetology)

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12 pages, 1982 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Population Status and Vulnerability of Mantidactylus pauliani from Ankaratra Protected Area, Madagascar

by Herizo Oninjatovo Radonirina, Bernard Randriamahatantsoa and Nirhy H. C. Rabibisoa

Animals 2023, 13(17), 2706; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13172706 - 25 Aug 2023

Viewed by 1265

Abstract

Mountain summits in Madagascar generally have species with specific habitat requirements, providing a home to a unique and locally endemic herpetofauna. Among them is M. pauliani, a typically aquatic and critically endangered amphibian found on the Ankaratra Massif. This species inhabits high elevations with a limited distribution range. Our study aimed to present new data on the distribution and elevational range, habitat use, and threats to M. pauliani and its occurrence according to habitat changes. To achieve this, annual monitoring was carried out from 2018 to 2021. Nine 100 m transects were established along streams at elevations ranging from 1762 to 2378 m a.s.l. along which we conducted visual encounter surveys. Data analysis was performed using a χ² test and Factor Correspondence Analysis. We found that M. pauliani occupies elevations between 1900 and 2378 m a.s.l. within humid forests and savannah habitats. The results showed a fluctuation in the number of animals observed and a higher occurrence at higher elevations throughout the years according to the season, stream quality, and water volume. Ongoing habitat alteration makes M. pauliani vulnerable to population decline, with annual bushfires likely having a negative impact on habitat. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Diversity, Conservation, and Taxonomy of Madagascar’s Amphibians and Reptiles - Feature Issue of the Section Herpetology)

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13 pages, 887 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Malagasy Amphibian Wildlife Trade Revisited: Improving Management Knowledge of the Trade

by Angus I. Carpenter and Franco Andreone

Animals 2023, 13(14), 2324; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13142324 - 17 Jul 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1487

Abstract

Madagascar is a biodiversity hotspot with a long history of trading in its wildlife, especially its hyper-diverse amphibian taxa. Due to globally raised concerns over the conservation of harvested species, CITES was introduced as a global mechanism with which to monitor and regulate the trade. Utilising data collated from the CITES Trade database, this study sought to investigate the trade and CITES’ effectiveness in managing the trade with respect to Madagascar. Over a 28-year period, 20 known amphibian species were exported from Madagascar, constituting a total of nearly 271,000 individuals. Formal descriptions of Malagasy amphibian species have increased and continue to increase greatly over time. However, there was no longitudinal relationship regarding the numbers of individuals traded as new species were described. Overall, the number of individuals traded has declined over time, but where assessments were provided by the IUCN Redlist, population declines were reported in all but one species of Malagasy amphibian. Mantella (97.5%) continues to be the predominantly traded genus, with certain, high-conservation-concern, species continuing to be traded. Despite initial concerns over the effectiveness of CITES’s actions, after concerted efforts, it appears that CITES’ actions were having positive impacts on regulating the trade. However, going forward, concerns remain over the appropriateness of the quotas set and the robustness of their underpinning NDFs. Furthermore, with the increase in the number of recognised species, the potential for incorrect species labelling on the CITES permits increases and requires greater attention. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Diversity, Conservation, and Taxonomy of Madagascar’s Amphibians and Reptiles - Feature Issue of the Section Herpetology)

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12 pages, 1874 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Life History Traits and Longevity of the Invasive Asian Common Toad Duttaphrynus melanostictus (Schneider, 1799) in Madagascar

by Fabio Maria Guarino, Franco Andreone, Marcello Mezzasalma, Fulvio Licata, Simona Puoti, Bárbara Santos, Walter Cocca, Jean Francois Solofoniaina Fidy, Serge Herilala Ndriantsoa, Jean Noel, Tsanta Fiderana Rakotonanahary, Rodino Fetrarijahona Harison, Gaetano Odierna and Angelica Crottini

Animals 2023, 13(13), 2099; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13132099 - 24 Jun 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1858

Abstract

We analyzed the body length, age structure, and age at sexual maturity of the invasive Asian common toad Duttaphrynus melanostictus from different sites in Toamasina, east Madagascar. We used skeletochronology as a proxy for age estimation, while gonads were histologically analyzed to determine the age of sexual maturity. The analysis of pooled age data from three sites investigated in 2016 showed that both sexes were larger, although not older, than those of native populations. For the individuals from Madagascar, the males were significantly smaller and younger (mean ± SD, SVL: 71.4 ± 1.6 mm; age: 1.8 ± 0.7 years) than the females (SVL: 78.42 ± 1.9 mm; age: 2.7 ± 1.3 years), when the data were pooled, but when the data were analyzed separately for each of the three sites, similar results were obtained only for one site. The oldest recorded male and female were 3 and 6 years old, respectively. Gonadal histology showed that the males and females reach sexual maturity after the first and second years of age, respectively. Further studies are needed to understand if the larger size and faster growth rates observed in the invasive population of D. melanostictus in Madagascar are a consequence of more favorable environmental conditions with respect to the native range (e.g., the availability of larger trophic niches, a lack of competitors, and lower predatory pressure), and we suggest to extend the monitoring of these life history traits to understand how they might influence the invasion. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Diversity, Conservation, and Taxonomy of Madagascar’s Amphibians and Reptiles - Feature Issue of the Section Herpetology)

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12 pages, 2286 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Chromosome Diversity and Evolution of the Endemic Malagasy Velvet Geckos of the Genus Blaesodactylus (Reptilia, Gekkonidae)

by Marcello Mezzasalma, Elvira Brunelli, Gaetano Odierna and Fabio Maria Guarino

Animals 2023, 13(13), 2068; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13132068 - 22 Jun 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 796

Abstract

We performed a molecular and phylogenetic analysis and a comparative cytogenetic study with standard karyotyping, silver staining (Ag-NOR) and sequential C-banding + Giemsa, + fluorochromes on several Blaesodactylus samples. The phylogenetic inference retrieved two main clades, the first comprises B. victori, B. microtuberculatus and B. boivini, while the second includes B. sakalava, B. antongilensis and B. ambonihazo. The available samples of B. sakalava form two different clades (here named B. sakalava clade A and clade B), which probably deserve a taxonomic re-evaluation. We found a karyological variability in Blaesodactylus in terms of chromosome number (2n = 40–42), morphology, location of NORs, and heterochromatin distribution pattern. Blaesodactylus antongilensis and B. sakalava clade A and B showed a karyotype of 2n = 40 mostly telocentric chromosomes. Pairs 1 and 6 were metacentric in B. sakalava clade A and B, while pair 1 was composed of subtelocentric/submetacentric elements in B. antongilensis. In contrast, B. boivini displayed a karyotype with 2n = 42 only telocentric chromosomes. NORs were on the first chromosome pair in B. boivini, and on the second pair in B. antongilensis. Adding our data to those available from the literature on evolutionarily related species, we highlight that the chromosome diversification in the genus probably proceeded towards a progressive reduction in the chromosome number and the formation of metacentric elements. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Diversity, Conservation, and Taxonomy of Madagascar’s Amphibians and Reptiles - Feature Issue of the Section Herpetology)

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10 pages, 993 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Empirical Evidence for the Rescue Effect from a Natural Microcosm

by Richard M. Lehtinen

Animals 2023, 13(12), 1907; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13121907 - 07 Jun 2023

Viewed by 1137

Abstract

Ecological theory predicts that populations which receive immigrants are less vulnerable to extinction than those that do not receive immigrants (the “rescue effect”). A parallel but opposite process may also exist, where emigration increases the risk of local extinction (the “abandon-ship effect”). Using a natural microcosm of plant-specialist frogs from Madagascar, empirical evidence for both processes is provided. Populations receiving immigrants were less extinction-prone than those without immigration, and those populations losing individuals through emigration were more extinction-prone than those in which no emigration occurred. The number of immigrants and emigrants was also elevated and depressed (respectively) in patches that did not go extinct. These data provide some of the first definitive empirical evidence for the rescue effect and provide suggestive initial data on the abandon-ship effect. Both of these processes may be important to understanding the dynamics of populations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Diversity, Conservation, and Taxonomy of Madagascar’s Amphibians and Reptiles - Feature Issue of the Section Herpetology)

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