The taxonomy and phylogeny of the Cyrtodactylus brevipalmatus group (Squamata: Gekkonidae) with emphasis on C. interdigitalis and C. ngati

A new taxonomic and phylogenetic study of the Cyrtodactylus brevipalmatus group reveals significant diversity within two species, C. interdigitalis and C. ngati, challenging previous assumptions about their distribution and morphology. The research stabilizes the taxonomy of C. interdigitalis by confirming it as a range-restricted upland endemic in northern Thailand's Phetchabun massif, distinct from other specimens previously misidentified. Additionally, it extends the known range of C. ngati hundreds of kilometers farther south into Thailand and Laos, suggesting potential local adaptations for karst environments. Phylogenetic and multivariate analyses also identify two potentially new species: one from Phu Hin Rong Kla National Park in northern Thailand and another from Khlong Naka Wildlife Sanctuary in southern Thailand. The study highlights the importance of examining type material in constructing proper taxonomies, underscoring the high diversity of range-restricted upland endemics in Thailand.

Grismer, L. L., Rujirawan, A., Yodthong, S., Stuart, B. L., Le, M. D., Le, D. T., Chuaynkern, Y., Wood, Jr., P. L., & Aowphol, A. (2022). The taxonomy and phylogeny of the Cyrtodactylus brevipalmatus group (Squamata: Gekkonidae) with emphasis on C. interdigitalis and C. ngati. Vertebrate Zoology, 72, 245–269. https://doi.org/10.3897/vz.72.e80615