Diversity and Endemism of Southern African Gekkonids Linked with the Escarpment Has Implications for Conservation Priorities

South Africa is recognised for its high reptile diversity and endemism, specifically among lizards. Phylogenetic diversity, richness can have clear implications or raise important questions in a range of fields, most urgently conservation. Among squamate reptiles, these indices are very commonly associated with temperatures topographic heterogeneity. Indeed, mountainous biogeography has been critical driver the radiation family Gekkonidae within subregion. Here, we assess species richness, endemism inhabiting Africa, Lesotho, Eswatini, accounting phylogenetic relationships. We also employ CANAPE method to identify regions that neo- and/or paleoendemics. Southern African gekkonids appear be diverse show levels three Africa: northwestern Richtersveld, escarpment running west southeast, northeastern Limpopo province. Implications conservation priorities discussed.