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Issue: Vol. 5768 No. 2: 10 Mar. 2026
Type: Article
Published: 2026-03-10
DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5768.2.2
Page range: 193-215
Abstract views: 71
PDF downloaded: 1

Systematic review of the insular endemic lizard genus Coryphophylax Fitzinger in Steindachner, 1867 (Reptilia: Agamidae) from the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, with the description of a new species from Car Nicobar, India

Department of Ecology and Environmental Sciences; Pondicherry University; Puducherry 605014; India.; Kalinga Foundation; Agumbe; Shivamogga; Karnataka – 577411; India.
Reptilia agamid lizard cryptic species complex enlarged subcaudals dewlap spots

Abstract

The insular endemic Agamid genus Coryphophylax, restricted to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands of India was studied to document morphological variation shown across various islands. Based on available genetic and morphological evidence, a new species is described from the geographically isolated Car Nicobar Island and re-characterizations of the currently recognized species are presented. The new species, Coryphophylax krishnani sp. nov. differs from congeners in having enlarged hexagonal subcaudals (versus small and uniform in all other species) and dewlap in males yellow with black markings (versus uniform in all other species). The new species has the narrowest geographic range among the four congeners. The conservation status of each member of the genus is proposed based on observed geographic distribution, threats and abundance.

 

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How to Cite

Chandramouli, S. (2026) Systematic review of the insular endemic lizard genus Coryphophylax Fitzinger in Steindachner, 1867 (Reptilia: Agamidae) from the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, with the description of a new species from Car Nicobar, India. Zootaxa, 5768 (2), 193–215. https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5768.2.2