Amphibians and reptiles of the ankaratra massif: Reproductive diversity, biogeography and conservation of a montane fauna in Madagascar

The Ankaratra Massif in central Madagascar includes rainforest between ca. 1500 and 2000 m elevation and montane savannah and heathland between ca. 2000 and 2642 m elevation. It is populated by 15 species of amphibians and 12 species of reptiles, all of which were observed in our surveys between 1992–2001. Additionally, the Ankaratra material housed in several herpetological collections was revised. Examination of type material showed that Scaphiophryne madagascariensis is the name to be applied to the scaphiophrynine microhylid frog occurring at Ankaratra; the previously used name S. pustulosa is a junior synonym, while populations from the Andringitra Massif so far considered as S. madagascariensis do not belong to this species. Reproductive behaviour and advertisement calls are described for S. madagascariensis. Two other frog species (Boophis williamsi, Mantidactylus pauliani) were observed for the first time for almost 30 years; their live coloration and morphology are described. The skink Amphiglossus macrocercus is shown to be live-bearing. Breeding in the austral summer could be demonstrated for most species, including the geckos Lygodactylus mirabilis and Phelsuma barbouri which are known to lay eggs also in the cold winter months (July-September). The higher-level taxonomic composition of the Ankaratra herpetofauna recalls that of the rainforests of eastern Madagascar, and also the species show mainly eastern affinities. A number of groups (especially snakes) are under-represented and some (e.g., nocturnal geckos and dwarf chameleons) are totally lacking. Three high-elevation specialists (B. williamsi, M. pau-liani, L. mirabilis) appear to be Ankaratra endemics (11% of the overall community). Pending further surveys and taxonomic revisions, more that one fifth of the herpetofauna (six species or more) may be endemic or semi-endemic to the region, which is not included in the network of Madagascar's protected areas. A monitoring program is therefore proposed to assess the conservation status of these poorly known taxa. © 2002 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.