Taxonomic and conservation review of the New Zealand herpetofauna

Abstract

Abstract The extant New Zealand herpetofauna is now considered to consist of at least 65 endemic species of terrestrial reptiles and amphibians, an increase of about 64% in the size of the known fauna since 1980. The list includes four species of Leiopelma*, two species of Sphenodon, seven Naultinus, 22 Hoplodactyius, eight Cyclodina, and 22 Leiolopisma, all endemic to New Zealand. Discoveries in the past decade include many cryptic species identified using allozyme data, but also some morphologically well‐differentiated forms not previously known. At least 30 species (46%) are rare, threatened, or endangered, and 26 species (40%) are restricted largely or entirely to offshore islands. All but three species are protected. The New Zealand Department of Conservation has developed a comprehensive scheme for establishing management priority for indigenous species. At present, formal Recovery Plans exist in draft or approved form for at least 11 species, and more are in preparation.