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Four species of the genusPanaspis–P. cabindae,P. wahlbergi,P. maculicollisandP. 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 ericaesp. nov.andP. mundavambosp. 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.
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This content will become publicly available on January 15, 2026
A new species of Namib Day Gecko (Gekkonidae: Rhoptropus Peters, 1869) from the Serra da Neve inselberg, southwestern Angola
The genus Rhoptropus comprises nine recognized species of diurnal geckos endemic to the arid regions of Angola and Namibia. Seven species occur in Angola, including the widespread R. boultoni and the poorly known Angolan endemics R. benguellensis and R. montanus, formerly recognized as subspecies of R. boultoni. While R. benguellensis is relatively widespread in the Angolan Escarpment highlands, R. montanus is geographically restricted to the Huíla Plateau. Recent fieldwork on the Serra da Neve inselberg, a herpetological diversity hotspot in southwestern Angola, revealed the presence of an undescribed species of Rhoptropus at an elevation of approximately 1600 m. An integrative taxonomic approach combining coloration, morphological and molecular data supports the recognition of this population as a distinct taxonomic unit with affinities to R. montanus, which we describe herein as Rhoptropus nivimontanus sp. nov. The discovery of a new species of Rhoptropus endemic to Serra da Neve is discussed in the biogeographic context of the region.
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- Award ID(s):
- 2146654
- PAR ID:
- 10588578
- Publisher / Repository:
- Magnolia Press
- Date Published:
- Journal Name:
- Zootaxa
- Volume:
- 5569
- Issue:
- 3
- ISSN:
- 1175-5326
- Page Range / eLocation ID:
- 439 to 458
- Format(s):
- Medium: X
- Sponsoring Org:
- National Science Foundation
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