Historical insights into the terrestrial herpetofauna of the Madeira Island

This review provides a comprehensive historical account of the terrestrial herpetofauna of Madeira Island, covering about six centuries of zoological records. It reassesses early species descriptions, misattributed specimens, and forgotten synonyms, highlighting persistent confusion of historical records surrounding species such as Teira dugesii, Pelophylax perezi, and Gallotia galloti. Special attention is given to 19th-century expeditions and the island’s role as a hub for species introductions. The study also revisits historical snake records, which, although probably based on misidentifications, represent the earliest documented attempts to describe and name a reptile species allegedly from Madeira. Special emphasis is given to Teira dugesii, considering that it is the only endemic reptile species found on Madeira Island. By addressing these historical inconsistencies, this work contributes to a clearer and more accurate understanding of the history of Madeira’s terrestrial herpetofauna records.

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