IUCN Red List Category: (Draft)
Taxonomy
| Animalia | Chordata | Vertebrata | Reptilia | Squamata | Sauria | Agamidae | Agama | Agama bottegi |
Taxonomic notes: This species is known from a small number of specimens and has rarely been considered in the literature (Wagner and Bauer 2011). Wagner and Bauer (2011) examined the holotype and determined that it was distinct from other taxa examined in their review of Ethiopian "Agama agama", however these authors noted similarities with A. spinosa (not treated in this research) and concluded that "the status of A. bottegi is still doubtful", listing this form in their review as Agama bottegi incertae sedis.
Comments
Geographic Range
This species is endemic to Somalia. It is known from only three sites: the type locality Lugh (=Luug) and Dinsór, both in southern Somalia, and a recent record from Karin in the country's far north (Wagner and Bauer 2011). The Karin specimen was collected at 325 m asl. (California Academy of Sciences 2011).
Habitat
No natural history data was provided in the original description (Boulenger 1898), and likewise there is no information on the habitat or ecology of this species in either Dinsór or Karin. The Lugh area is semi-desert, although as the River Juba runs through this area it is possible it is associated with riparian areas (Spawls).
Population
There is no population information for this species, which is "only known from a few specimens" (Wagner and Bauer 2011). The most recent record of this species is of a specimen from Karin collected in 2003 by T. Papenfuss (California Academy of Sciences 2011), and reported by Wagner and Bauer (2011).
Threats
There is no information on any threats to this species. Semi-desert in this area of Somalia is probably not under threat, but it is unknown whether this species is associated with riparian areas that may be subject to exploitation.
Conservation Actions
Research is needed to determine the validity of this species and, if valid, to obtain data on its distribution, population status, ecology and any threats.
Red List Rationale
Listed as Data Deficient on the basis that this species is known from only two historical and one recent site record, its taxonomic status requires clarification, and there is no information on its distribution, population status, natural history or any threats to which it may be exposed.
Bibliography
- Boulenger, G.A. 1898. Concluding report on the late Capt. Bottego’s collection of reptiles and batrachians from Somaliland and British East Africa. Annali del Museo Civico di Storia Naturale di Genova 18(2): 715-723.
- Wagner, P. and Bauer, A. 2011. A new dwarf Agama (Sauria: Agamidae) from Ethiopia. Breviora 527: 1-19.
Meanwhile Agama bottegi is recognized as valid species by Wagner et al. (in press) who also revalidate Agama smithi, from the same geographic area, which was recognized as synonym of Agama agama.