Phylogenetic partitioning of the third-largest vertebrate genus in the world, Cyrtodactylus Gray, 1827 (Reptilia; Squamata; Gekkonidae) and its relevance to taxonomy and conservation

Abstract

The gekkonid genus Cyrtodactylus is the third most speciose vertebrate genus in the world, containing well over 300 species that collectively range from South Asia to Melanesia across some of the most diverse landscapes and imperiled habitats on the planet. A genus-wide phylogeny of the group has never been presented because researchers working on different groups were using different genetic markers to construct phylogenies that could not be integrated. We present here Maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference mitochondrial and mito-nuclear phylogenies incorporating of 310 species that include dozens of species that had never been included in a genus-wide analysis. Based on the mitochondrial phylogeny, we partition Cyrtodactylus into 31 well-supported monophyletic species groups which, if used as recommended herein, will increase the information content of future integrative taxonomic analyses that continue to add new species to this genus at an ever-increasing annual rate. Data presented here reiterate the outcome of several previous studies indicating that Cyrtodactylus comprises an unprecedented number of narrow-range endemics restricted to single mountain tops, small islands, or karst formations that still remain unprotected. This phylogeny can provide a platform for various comparative ecological studies that can be integrated with conservation management programs across the broad diversity of landscapes and habitats occupied by this genus. Additionally, these data indicate that the true number of Cyrtodactylus remains substantially underrepresented.

The biogeography of bent-toed geckos, Cyrtodactylus (Squamata: Gekkonidae)

“…The gekkonid genus Cyrtodactylus is the third largest vertebrate genus on the planet (following the frog genus Pristimantis and the lizard genus Anolis ) with well over 300 species whose extensive distribution occupies at least eight biogeographic regions and crosses a number of well-established current biogeographic barriers from South Asia to Melanesia ( Grismer et al, 2021a ; Uetz, Freed & Hošek, 2021 ). Recent studies concerning habitat preference within Cyrtodactylus ( Grismer et al, 2020 ; Grismer et al, 2021a ), underscore the evolution of its broad ecological diversity and plasticity which likely has contributed to its taxonomic diversity and vast distribution.…”

Two new Cyrtodactylus (Squamata, Gekkonidae) from Northeast India

“…The genus Cyrtodactylus Gray, 1827 is represented by around 320 species worldwide and is the third most speciose vertebrate genus in the world (Grismer et al 2021). The members of the genus range from South Asia to Melanesia with high diversity in south Asia (Malaysia: 49 species, Vietnam: 48 species, Myanmar: 45 species, Thailand: 38 species, Indonesia: 37 species, Laos: 25 species; see Uetz et al 2022).…”

Taxonomic reassessment and phylogenetic placement of Cyrtodactylus phuketensis (Reptilia, Gekkonidae) based on morphological and molecular evidence

“… Cyrtodactylus is a genus of the bent-toed geckos which is widely distributed across South Asia to Melanesia (Wood et al 2012; Grismer et al 2020 , 2021a ). This genus is the most speciose group of gekkotans, with 306 species currently recognized ( Uetz et al 2020 ).…”

“…Due to discoveries of hidden taxa within species complexes over decades, species diversity of Cyrtodactylus has remarkably increased, especially in Southeast Asia (e.g., Grismer et al 2012 , 2018 ; Riyanto et al 2017 ; Pauwels et al 2018 ; Murdoch et al 2019 ; Quah et al 2019 ). In the last decade, the integrative approach of molecular and morphological data has been applied to study species boundaries, evaluate taxonomic status, and the adaptive evolution in habitat preference in Cyrtodactylus ( Grismer et al 2015 , 2020 , 2021a , b ; Nielsen and Oliver 2017 ).…”

“…The Cyrtodactylus pulchellus group ( Grismer et al 2021a ) is widely distributed along the Thai-Malay Peninsular region and extends from lowland to over 1,500 meters above sea level ( Grismer 2011 ). It was recognized as a single species until morphological differences from an insular population (Pulau Langkawi, Kedah, Malaysia) were noticed and a new species, C. macrotuberculatus Grismer and Ahmad, 2008 was recognized.…”