The Ibity ground gecko (''Paroedura ibityensis'') is a species of

lizard Lizards are a widespread group of squamate reptiles, with over 7,000 species, ranging across all continents except Antarctica, as well as most oceanic island chains. The group is paraphyletic since it excludes the snakes and Amphisbaenia alt ...

in the family Gekkonidae. Though initially described in 1998 as a subspecies of the Mocquard's Madagascar ground gecko, it has been recognized as a distinct species within the species complex since 2008. It is endemic to Ibity and Itremo in the Central Highlands of

Madagascar Madagascar (; mg, Madagasikara, ), officially the Republic of Madagascar ( mg, Repoblikan'i Madagasikara, links=no, ; french: République de Madagascar), is an island country in the Indian Ocean, approximately off the coast of East Africa ...

, and is named after Mount Ibity where it was first discovered. This species reaches a

snout–vent length Snout–vent length (SVL) is a morphometric measurement taken in herpetology from the tip of the snout to the most posterior opening of the cloacal slit (vent)."direct line distance from tip of snout to posterior margin of vent" It is the most c ...

of just over 6 cm and has enlarged keeled scales. While not currently deemed an

endangered species An endangered species is a species that is very likely to become extinct in the near future, either worldwide or in a particular political jurisdiction. Endangered species may be at risk due to factors such as habitat loss, poaching and inv ...

, it has a limited and specialized habitat which could be easily impacted the

climate change In common usage, climate change describes global warming—the ongoing increase in global average temperature—and its effects on Earth's climate system. Climate change in a broader sense also includes previous long-term changes to E ...

in the future.

Taxonomy

The Ibity ground gecko was first described in 1998 by Rösler & Krüger under the scientific name ''Paroedura bastardi ibityensis'', with the authors believing it to be a subspecies of the Mocquard's Madagascar ground gecko (''Paroedura bastardi''). However, later studies would find that it differs both morphologically and genetically from the nominate form of ''Paroedura bastardi'', and it has been recognized as a separate species since 2008, now known as ''Paroedura ibityensis''. The specific name refers to Mount Ibity, the type locality. The following cladogram shows the position of ''P. ibityensis'' among its closest relatives according to Piccoli ''et al.'' (2023):

Distribution and habitat

The Ibity ground gecko is endemic to the Central Highlands of Madagascar, and is only known from the localities of Ibity and Itremo. It has been observed from 1,600 m above sea level, and may range to over 2,000 m to the tops of the massifs. This montane species inhabits rocky crevices in highland savannahs, such as those in cliffs or mountain peaks. While other species of the ''

Paroedura bastardi Mocquard's Madagascar ground gecko (''Paroedura bastardi'') is a species of lizard in the family '' Gekkonidae''. It is a moderately-sized reptile reaching just over in snout–vent length. The species is endemic to southeastern Madagascar, whe ...

'' species complex are known to coexist with each other, the Ibity ground gecko is not known to occur in

sympatry In biology, two related species or populations are considered sympatric when they exist in the same geographic area and thus frequently encounter one another. An initially interbreeding population that splits into two or more distinct species sh ...

with its relatives in this highland habitat.

Description

This species is a moderately-sized gecko, with a maximum

of 61 mm. Like other members of the ''

'' clade, the Ibity ground gecko has prominent longitudinal rows of enlarged

keeled scales Keeled scales refer to reptile scales that, rather than being smooth, have a ridge down the center that may or may not extend to the tip of the scale, Campbell, J. A., Lamar, W. W. (2004). ''The Venomous Reptiles of the Western Hemisphere''. Ithac ...

on its dorsal surface, including on the limbs and tail. The digits end with widened toe pads which help the animal in climbing low tree trunks and rock surfaces. The body is grey or light brown, with light crossbands that are most prominent in juveniles.

Conservation

Although the Ibity ground gecko remains common in rocky outcrops within its range and its population is presumed stable, the species has been listed as

Near Threatened A near-threatened species is a species which has been categorized as "Near Threatened" (NT) by the International Union for Conservation of Nature as that may be vulnerable to endangerment in the near future, but it does not currently qualify fo ...

by the

IUCN The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN; officially International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources) is an international organization working in the field of nature conservation and sustainable use of natu ...

due to its narrow extent of occurrence, being known from only two localities. Mining for granite may pose a potential threat, though plans to do so within the range of this reptile do not currently exist. Future impacts from

may alter the specialized montane habitat of this lizard, with the warming climate causing upslope displacement of the population. Though the species itself has not been the subject of conservative measures, both its known localities ( Ibity and Itremo) are protected areas subject to conservation. Ecological restoration projects and ongoing efforts to reduce fire frequency have been involved in the initiative to protect these areas.

References

{{Taxonbar, from=Q3365654 Paroedura Reptiles of Madagascar Reptiles described in 1998