A partial systematic revision of the day geckos, Phelsuma Gray, of Madagascar (Reptilia: Squamata: Gekkonidae)

Recent survey work in Madagascar has led to significant changes in the systematics of Madagascan Phelruma. A new species from the Masoala Peninsula in northeastern Madagascar is described, which has a nostril position typical of Phelsuma from Mauritius, Reunion and Rodriguez islands. Phelsuma breviceps was rediscovered in extreme southern Madagascar and is resurrected from the synonymy of P. mutabilis. Phelsuma breviceps has fragile skin, a probable predator escape mechanism, similar to the condition found in geckos of the genera Ailurorpx and Geckolepis. Three new synonyms are recognized. Phelsuma befotakensis and P. checki are junior synonyms of P. abbotti, and P. minuthi is a junior synonym of P. lineata. Twenty species of Phelruma occur in Madagascar, of which 16 are endemic. A checklist and identification key are provided. Conservation problems of Phelsuma in the coastal regions of Madagascar are briefly discussed.