Biogeography of New Zealand Lizards

摘要: New Zealand has a diverse lizard fauna, comprising diplodactylid geckos and skinks over 100 recognised species or taxa. Geckos are thought to have colonised during the Eocene Oligocene (40.2–24.4 mya), prior ‘Oligocene drowning’ event. In contrast, reached Miocene (~18.3 mya) via long-distance overwater dispersal from Caledonia along Lord Howe Rise Norfolk Ridge. Investigations of biogeography lizards long been hampered by two key factors: recent range contractions local extinctions following successful establishment 31 exotic mammalian taxonomic gaps limited grasp on true diversity endemic fauna. However, subfossil records improved our understanding prehuman distributions several previously widespread species, intensive activity last decades provided more accurate estimate diversity. This enhanced knowledge enabled historical processes responsible for diversification within be identified. These include sea-level changes Pliocene–Pleistocene in northern Zealand, Pliocene marine inundation lower North Island, impact water barriers such as Cook Strait (separating South Islands) Foveaux Island Stewart island), tectonic Alpine Fault regional north–south differentiation Island. We provide an updated list 22 biogeographic categories lizards. highlight that essential framework is now place with which investigate patterns evident fauna examine created them.