https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3294-9056
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Abstract
The known diversity of the genus Liolaemus continues to increase, principally due to its great degree of endemism, the increasing number of researchers working on it, and advances in the taxonomic and phylogenetic knowledge of the genus. This diversity positions Liolaemus as the second most species-rich tetrapod genus. The present work adds to evidence for the great diversity of Liolaemus through the description of two new species, endemic to saline environments in the Argentinian Puna. Both species are members of the Liolaemus montanus group within the subgenus Eulaemus. To determine the taxonomic status of these lizards, we used integrative taxonomy as a tool, incorporating phylogenetic, morphological, and molecular genetic evidence, as well as the anatomy of hemipenes, statistical morphological analysis, and ecological characteristics. Our analyses supported the conclusion that both sampled populations of lizards are species new to science. One of these is found along the margins of the Antofalla salt flats in the Catamarca Province and the Hombre Muerto salt flats in the Salta Province. The other new species inhabits saline habitats vegetated by Lycium humile, principally between the salt crusts of the Antofalla salt flats. Both species are small to medium sized and can be distinguished from all other species of the L. montanus group by unique combinations of morphological characters, primarily pholidosis and dorsal and ventral colour patterns.
urn:lsid:zoobank.org:act:29B39613-3298-4B43-A13A-9F950051BD04
urn:lsid:zoobank.org:act:A97A5AA8-7295-4882-9809-CEFAD72E7202
Acknowledgements
We are indebted to Kolla-Atacameña community of Antofalla, Las Quinuas, Calalaste and Los Colorados, especially to the cacique Eliseo Miguel Ramos, to Anibal Ramos, Marcos Salva and Olga Ramos, to Alancay family, Antonio Alankay, Catalina Ramos and Isidora Alancay. We want to make special mention of the performance and collaboration in the campaigns of Fatima Ramos, we appreciate her guidance, friendship and warm company. We are also grateful to Don Simón Morales who from his solitude in the Botijuela place knew how to give us hospitality and wisdom for our stay. To Sofia Nanni, Oriana Osinaga for forming a working group of excellence and friendship in the trips that we made. To Andrea Izquierdo, Carlos Navarro and Julieta Carilla for their support and collaboration in the campaigns. To Luis Ahumada for his support in the fieldwork, confidence, predisposition and constant assistance. We thank E. Lavilla and S. Kretzschmar (FML), F. Lobo (MCN), J. Williams (MLP), J. Faivovich (MACN), and Santiago Nenda (MACN) for granting us access to collections under their care. To Marta Canepa (FML) for her unconditional support and infinite patience. We are indebted to Colección Boliviana de Fauna (CBF) of La Paz, Bolivia for giving us thoughtful insights about the Liolaemus montanus group to examine specimens under their care. We are also grateful to Secretaria de Medio Ambiente and Dirección de Fauna de la provincia de Catamarca. We are grateful to the staff at the Ministerio de Medio Ambiente y Agua, Viceministerio de Medio Ambiente, Biodiversidad y Cambio Climático. To Universidad Nacional de San agustin de Arequipa, Perú. To Albemarle S.A. for trusting us, and our ability to develop the baseline study. To CONICET and Agencia Nacional de Ciencia y Técnica, PICT 2015-1398.
Associate Editor: David Gower