The Lizards, Crocodiles, and Turtles of Honduras. Systematics, Distribution, and Conservation

Abstract I discuss the taxonomy, distribution, and conservation of the lizards, crocodiles, and turtles occurring in the Central American country of Honduras. This is the fourth and final work in this series documenting the amphibians and reptiles of that country. I propose three new species: one of Laemanctus and two of the Sceloporus malachiticus species complex of the S. formosus group. I also suggest several other taxonomic changes, including elevating Laemanctus waltersi, Leiocephalus varius, Sceloporus schmidti, and Kinosternon albogulare to valid species. I also place Ctenosaura praeocularis in the synonymy of C. quinquecarinata and Laemanctus serratus mccoyi in the synonymy of L. serratus. All of those decisions are documented with specimens examined (with the exception of L. s. mccoyi) and data and were reviewed by experts on those groups. Several geographically wide-ranging species appear to represent more than one species (i.e., Phyllodactylus tuberculosus, Sphaerodactylus continentalis, Basiliscus vittatus). Also discussed is the uncontested, illegal forest destruction occurring throughout the country, including in areas designated as national parks and other types of reserves. The reader is urged to refer to the materials and methods section for an explanation of the procedures used in this work. In total, 107 species of lizards, 2 species of crocodiles, and 17 species of turtles are discussed. Full species accounts of 86 nominal forms are included herein, since a recent review of the anoles had included full species accounts for 39 of those species (one anole species recently added not included in a species account).