Abstract
Background
Algeria is situated at the crossroads between Europe and Africa. The northern part of the country is listed as an area of high biodiversity. Currently, the ecosystems (rivers, lakes, deserts, forests etc.) and the species are under more pressure than ever. The impact of humans is significant and many factors constitute a strong threat to this fauna, especially reptiles, which are the most vulnerable because of their low mobility. Thus, pollution, the drying up of wetlands and their conversion to agriculture have clearly affected the existence of many species. The herpetofauna of Algeria is one of the most diversified in the Mediterranean Basin, consisting of 104 species of which 16.98% are endemic. We suppose that the present list of reptilian fauna provided in this paper is not exhaustive and it is expected to include more species given the lack of research on reptiles in Algeria and its large area.
New information
Our dataset contains information on reptile occurrences in Algeria. The dataset is based on original research by the staff of the Laboratory of Environmental Sciences and Agroecology of Chadli Bendjedid University in Algeria. The conservation status of all recorded species is given.
Keywords: checklist, reptiles, conservation, Algeria, Chelonia, Sauria, Ophidia
Introduction
The documentation of herpetofauna of Algeria began a century and a half ago with the publication of the first notes by Gervais (1835), Gervais (1836) and Lataste (1880). The most important contribution in this period is from Boulenger (1891), who published a catalogue on the reptiles and amphibians of the "Barbarie", based chiefly upon the notes and collections made between 1880 and 1884 by M. Fernand Lataste. The document contains the identification keys of 62 species of reptiles listed with a precise description of every species and its distribution, but does not cover the entire geographical extent of Algeria. Later, Olivier (1894) published his document entitled "Herpétologie algérienne" or a catalogue of the reptiles and batrachians observed in Algeria. Doumergue (1901) published an essay on the herpetological fauna of Oranie with analytical tables and notes for the determination of all reptiles and batrachians of Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia. This work contains dichotomous tables that are very useful for the determination of the species. Beyond this period, the only published works, namely, the works of Gauthier (1965), Gauthier (1967), Grenot and Vernet (1972) and Grenot and Vernet (1973) were concerned mainly with Saharan herpetofauna. Currently, research on Algerian herpetological fauna is regaining interest with the appearance of many publications on the biology and ecology of some species (Benounnas 2021, Bezaz 2021, Mouane 2021, Rouag et al. 2016, Bouam et al. 2016, Mamou et al. 2016, Dellaoui et al. 2015, Rouag et al. 2007, Rouag et al. 2006, Rouag and Benyacoub 2006, Chirio and Blanc 1997, Chirio 1995, Laurent 1990). Additionally, taxonomic revision, based on molecular or morphological analyses recorded in Algeria and the Maghreb, has been the object of several publications in the last few years, in order to trace the biogeographic history of the Mediterranean herpetofauna (Beddek et al. 2018, Merabet et al. 2016, Tamar et al. 2016, Kapli et al. 2014, Stuckas et al. 2014, Anadón et al. 2012, Geniez et al. 2011, Fritz et al. 2009, Geniez et al. 2004, Geniez and Foucart 1995, Busack and McCoy 1990).
Situated in North Africa, Algeria comprises 2,381,740 km2 of land, more than 80% of which is desert. Algeria’s climatic regions and landscapes can be divided into four sections that run parallel to each other down the length of the country. The northernmost division, the Tell, is a coastal chain of mountains that extends from the northwest to the northeast over a distance of 1500 km. This chain contains the most important mountains (Ouarsenis, Atlas Blidéen, Djurdjura, Babors and Kroumerie). The altitudes of some summits are over two thousand metres (2308 m for Djurdjura). The diversity of relief and exposure allows the presence of a wide variety of bioclimates ranging from semi-arid in the highlands to humid in the coastal mountainous chains, always characterised by mild and humid winters and hot and dry summers (Daget 1977). The mountain range becomes High Plateaus, a massive area of mostly barren plains. The next landscape band is made up of further mountain ranges that are part of Algeria’s Saharan Atlas range, which is also the largest section. Certain sections of the Sahara Desert may not receive rain for periods of up to 20 years and the temperatures can exceed 55ºC. Rainfall in the northern areas of Algeria measures approximately 1000 mm annually.
The extensive size of Algeria, coupled with uncharted regions, challenging accessibility and a scarcity of field herpetologists, contribute to the limited availability of information on reptiles in the country. The aim of this study is to summarise all possible sources of occurrence records for reptiles in Algeria, including our data, published literature records, verified reports on social networks and records published in online databases.
Materials and methods
The present checklist is based on the available taxonomic and faunistic literature concerning the Algerian and North African herpetofaunas (Gherbi et al. 2023, Nouira et al. 2022, Bouazza et al. 2021, Martínez‐Freiría et al. 2021, Mouane 2021, Thomson 2021, Geniez et al. 2000, Fritz and Schmidtler 2020, Beddek et al. 2018, Kindler et al. 2017, Martínez-Freiría et al. 2017, Rato et al. 2016, Metallinou et al. 2015, Geniez 2015, Wagner et al. 2011, Fonseca et al. 2009, Wilms et al. 2009, Carretero 2008, Crochet et al. 2008, Rouag and Benyacoub 2006, Carranza et al. 2004, Bons and Geniez 1996, Schleich et al. 1996, Nouira 1995, Chirio 1995, Chirio and Blanc 1993, Nilson and Andrén 1988, Nouira and Blanc 1986). We also mainly used the checklists, the reports on the herpetofauna of the Mediterranean Basin and the field guides of the Reptiles for other regions of the Western Palearctic (Rhodin 2021, Trape et al. 2012, Cox et al. 2006, Trape and Mané 2006, Bons and Geniez 1996, Nouira and Blanc 1993, Gruber 1992, Mebs 1991, Blanc 1980, Bischoff 1981, Bons 1967, Guibé 1950) We collected reptilian species occurrence records through direct field observations, especially in the north-east of Algeria. A review of scientific literature published on the herpetofauna in different regions of Algeria was used to establish the list of reptiles. We used online databases, such as Inaturalist; the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF 2023); the Reptile Database (Uetz 2021) and also the IUCN Red List (IUCN 2023). Additionally, we used personal observations of the experts, unpublished reports and consultation with specialised groups on biodiversity and wildlife in Algeria. In all, 104 species were identified.
Geographic coverage
Description: Our database included all reptile species present in Algeria.
Coordinates: 28.033886 N; 1.659626 E.
Quality control
The aim of this work is to provide a checklist of Algerian reptiles, based on all studies published by researchers to date. The species were identified by comparison with the bibliography and with material from collections previously identified by specialists. All assessments were made at the taxonomic level of the species. We based our analysis on the lists of Scleich et al. (1996) and Beddek (2017) and a combination with data available on databases, such as the Reptile Database (Uetz 2021), the IUCN Red List (IUCN 2023), as well as the Inaturalist platforms and Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) where species identification has been confirmed by renowned specialists. We also consulted the websites of the Muséum d'histoire naturelle de Paris (MNHN) and the Musuem of Vertebrate Zoology (California Academy of Science). Recently-cited species were only added if they appeared in publications in specialised and indexed journals. Recent studies in molecular biology allowing the description of new species were also used to update the checklist.
Temporal coverage
Data range: 1835-1-01 - 2024-1-03.
Taxonomic coverage
Reptiles constitute a major component of vertebrates in Algeria, as is the case in all hot and arid countries. This class includes 104 species belonging to four orders of reptiles: Amphisbaenia (amphisbaenians); Ophidia (snakes); Sauria (lizards); and Chelonia (turtles and tortoises). However, the majority of species are lizards (67.62%) and snakes (25.71%) (Table 1). The most important reptile families in the region are Lacertidae (24 species), Gekkonidae (Geckos: 18 species), Scincidae (Skinks: 15 species) and Colubridae (Colubridae: 12 species).
The desert crocodile species Crocodylussuchus (Geoffroy Saint-Hilaire, 1807), which once inhabited the Algerian Sahara, is now considered extinct. This species ceased to exist in the Immidir and Ahaggar Regions of Algeria since the early 20th century, as noted by Lescure (2014).
Table 1
Table 1.
Diversity in reptile orders and families within Algeria.
| Orders | Suborders | Families | Species |
| Testudines | Cryptodira | 5 | 6 |
| Squamata | Sauria | 11 | 71 |
| Serpentes | 8 | 27 | |
| Total | 24 | 104 | |
Checklists
Checklist of Reptiles of Algeria
Mauremys leprosa
(Schweigger, 1812)
1FEFE5E4-7C4F-53D2-A407-59CDF7601083
Conservation status
VU
Distribution
The north of the country up to the limit of the Saharan Atlas (El Kala, Oum El Bouaghi, Alger, Oran, Laghouat).
Notes
Bezaz (2021); Bakhouche et al. (2019); Rouag and Benyacoub (2006); Schleich et al. (1996); Doumergue (1901) .
Emys orbicularis
(Linnaeus, 1758)
73A77719-67E6-5B53-89E3-33A87EBDE3F9
Conservation status
NT
Distribution
Coastal strip in the east of the country (El Kala, Annaba, Jijel, Skikda, Béjaia).
Notes
Gherbi et al. (2023); Rouag and Benyacoub (2006); Samraoui and de Belair (1997)
Testudo graeca
Linnaeus, 1758
119D5958-46CA-5D2F-9E55-2EF8DB5B1DD0
Conservation status
VU
Distribution
The north of the country up to the limit of the Saharan Atlas.
Notes
Gherbi et al. (2023); Bezaz (2021); Rouag and Benyacoub (2006); ; Schleich et al. (1996)
Caretta caretta
(Linnaeus, 1758)
D013E0DB-400E-5D47-985B-F44E7BA1015B
Conservation status
VU
Distribution
Along the Algerian coast (Algiers, Skikda, Jijel, El Tarf, Mostghanem, Oran).
Notes
Bennounas and Bennounas (2020); Belmahi et al. (2020); Laurent (1990); Lallemant (1867).
Chelonia mydas
(Linnaeus, 1758)
3390A32C-1700-5A8F-A8FF-89220401C3BF
Conservation status
EN
Distribution
Rarest species (Ain Temouchent).
Notes
Dermochelys coriacea
(Vandelli, 1761)
3B24C9D2-1187-5168-8490-09FBCC3BC834
Conservation status
VU
Distribution
Along the Algerian coast (Algiers, Skikda, Béjaia, Jijel, Boumerdes, Oran, Ain Temouchent).
Notes
Tarentola mauritanica
(Linnaeus, 1758)
6402522E-6FEC-56F4-8987-1051C9B06829
Conservation status
LC
Distribution
The north of the country up to the limit of the Saharan Atlas (Oran, Aîn sefra, Mechria, El Kala, Annaba).
Notes
Benelkadi et al. (2021); Rouag and Benyacoub (2006); Doumergue (1901).
Tarentola deserti
Boulenger, 1891
195B78E3-1F35-5B0E-A8DE-2CC50A511CEC
Conservation status
LC
Distribution
the Saharan Atlas and the High Plateaus.
Notes
Tarentola annularis
(Geoffroy Saint-Hilaire, 1827)
E86E0B32-5C43-51C2-A7FD-755881330866
Conservation status
LC
Distribution
Relictual species in the Sahara near Tindouf.
Notes
Tarentola hoggarensis
Werner, 1937
C27E59A6-64B0-52E5-A07E-F1217A1DC20A
Conservation status
LC
Distribution
Ahaggar and Tassili n’Ajjer. Isolated populations exist near Tindouf.
Notes
Tarentola neglecta
Strauch, 1887
AB64C43D-F1A9-52E1-9375-E0C54309244F
Conservation status
LC
Distribution
Aurès, Biskra, Touggourt, Ouargla.
Notes
Ptyodactylus ragazzii
Anderson, 1898
D017BDCF-B3E5-52AC-904B-B625A33FA405
Conservation status
LC
Distribution
The south (Ahaggar, Tassili).
Notes
Metallinou et al. (2015); Trape et al. (2012); Schleich et al. (1996).
Ptyodactylus oudrii
Lataste, 1880
212752DC-583E-5748-92EF-8E04002512DE
Conservation status
LC
Distribution
Aurès, Bou saada, Beni Ouenif, Ghardaïa, Laghouat, El Goléa, Biskra, Béni Abbès, Aïn Sefra.
Notes
Hemidactylus turcicus
(Linnaeus, 1758)
D0BB1AE1-301A-5090-84D1-DDD4146A4D6F
Conservation status
LC
Distribution
El Kala, Oran, Algiers, Annaba, Oum El Bouaghi.
Notes
Bezaz (2021); Rouag and Benyacoub (2006); Schleich et al. (1996); Boulenger (1891).
Stenodactylus sthenodactylus
(Lichtenstein, 1823)
6888485B-72B0-595B-83E3-9FD60F5AB089
Conservation status
DD
Distribution
Aguelmane Assar (Tassili n'Ajjer), M'sila.
Notes
Stenodactylus mauritanicus
Guichenot, 1850
E5F86AC4-8EC8-59EF-8479-00928770E035
Conservation status
LC
Distribution
Oran; Tindouf, Aïn Séfra, Biskra, Ghardaïa, Bou Saada, Ouargla.
Notes
Schleich et al. (1996); Doumergue (1901); Boulenger (1891); Guichenot (1850).
Stenodactylus petrii
Anderson, 1896
4A5B5E43-5A7A-5FE7-990A-58BD86B184FF
Conservation status
LC
Distribution
Tindouf, Touggourt, M'raier, Aïn Séfra, Biskra, Ghardaïa, Zelfana, Bou Saada, El Goléa, Ouargla.
Notes
Tropiocolotes tripolitanus
Peters, 1880
0D288233-AA37-5767-969F-574B09B4B78F
Conservation status
LC
Distribution
Tindouf, Ahaggar, Biskra, Figuig and Kenadsa.
Notes
Tropiocolotes algericus
Loveridge, 1947
634450E9-C4B1-56E7-9CF4-491905CA35A5
Conservation status
LC
Distribution
Ahaggar, Tindouf, Biskra, Kenadsa.
Notes
Tropiocolotes nubicus
Baha El Din, 1999
0E82F39A-8C7B-5F97-A087-97C16DFDFF4A
Conservation status
LC
Distribution
Southern Algeria (Tassili n’Ajjer and Ahaggar).
Notes
Tropiocolotes chirioi
Ribeiro-Júnior, Koch, Flecks, Calv & Meiri, 2022
24FB8D81-91A8-5A79-82C1-6E1F34F40FA1
Conservation status
DD
Distribution
North-eastern Algeria (the Aurès Mountains).
Notes
Tropiocolotes tassiliensis
Ribeiro-Júnior, Koch, Flecks, Calv & Meiri, 2022
D4EA9EB4-941D-57F1-8567-1BF1D7B879B8
Conservation status
DD
Distribution
Southern Algeria (Tassili n’Ajjer and Ahaggar).
Notes
Cyrtopodion scabrum
(Heyden, 1827)
C679E345-D50B-5F38-BAAB-6C2013D6BC14
Conservation status
DD
Distribution
North-eastern Sahara (El Oued). South-eastern Algeria (El Menea and Ouargla Province)
Notes
Saurodactylus mauritanicus
(Duméril and Bibron, 1836)
028D6B1E-4EC0-5960-801C-2B53F9778170
Conservation status
LC
Distribution
Djebel Mizab (sebdou), Tiaret, Alger. A relict population north of Ghardaïa.
Notes
Chalcides minutus
Caputo, 1993
BEA771F6-B6A9-5591-AF57-D37A52FC0D11
Conservation status
VU
Distribution
Théniet El Had National Park.
Notes
Chalcides ocellatus
(Forskål, 1775)
763C1228-4DDD-5977-B263-C791FFEC6CFD
Conservation status
LC
Distribution
Oum El Bouaghi, Oran, El Oued, El Kala, Constantine.
Notes
Bezaz (2021); Rouag and Benyacoub (2006); Schleich et al. (1996); Gauthier (1967).
Chalcides parallelus
Doumergue, 1901
C997D9B5-F6E0-5F40-B6CC-2C81B607DD5A
Conservation status
EN
Distribution
North-western Algeria (occurring mainly along a narrow coastal strip).
Notes
Chalcides mauritanicus
(Lataste and Rochebrune, 1876)
1342BF62-83CC-538F-8FF7-91042396A171
Conservation status
EN
Distribution
Coastal districts of north-western Provinces (Oran).
Notes
Sindaco et al. (2013); Schleich et al. (1996); Doumergue (1901); Boulenger (1891).
Chalcides chalcides
(Linnaeus, 1758)
2D241888-6DBC-516C-B035-71BB18B7FFD1
Conservation status
DD
Distribution
Only one observation in the El Kala National Park.
Notes
Chalcides mertensi
Klausewitz, 1954
B78DB7B0-9D6F-59F7-BB4A-C9AACD966C54
Conservation status
LC
Distribution
Forest areas in northern Algeria.
Notes
Benelkadi et al. (2021); Rouag and Benyacoub (2006); Caputo et al. (1993).
Chalcides boulengeri
Anderson, 1892
26C25E86-A597-500A-8BE0-AA38835856D1
Conservation status
LC
Distribution
Southern Algeria (Tassili n'Ajjer and Ahaggar).
Notes
Chalcides delislei
(Lataste and Rochebrune, 1876)
349B84C2-E3F6-598D-BCE5-F965F09CA21B
Conservation status
LC
Distribution
Southern Algeria (Tassilli n'Ajjer et Ahaggar).
Notes
Heremites vittatus
(Olivier, 1804)
F0C694B5-B735-5230-B374-C67E5A7F8344
Conservation status
LC
Distribution
Oued Souf; Biskra.
Notes
Scincus scincus
(Linnaeus, 1758)
ADBFF0E8-54CD-5BFE-9EBB-8289704F546C
Conservation status
LC
Distribution
Oued Souf, Touggourt, Ouargla.
Notes
Eumeces algeriensis
Peters, 1864
006E4AC7-99F8-5DFC-AE45-D51965EDE517
Conservation status
LC
Distribution
The northwest (Oran; Aïn-Temouchent).
Notes
Eumeces schneideri
(Daudin, 1802)
DBD0B181-F1AC-5446-B988-5D0B98F74F93
Conservation status
LC
Distribution
North-eastern Algéria.
Notes
Scincopus fasciatus
(Peters, 1864)
6B813D01-42C3-52D3-A7D9-F5A8434B1768
Conservation status
LC
Distribution
Relictual species in Touggourt and Biskra.
Notes
Scincus albifasciatus
Boulenger, 1890
FEFC447D-62EF-5C21-8C66-4015C99E122D
Conservation status
LC
Distribution
Tassili n'Ajjer, d’El-Meniaa (El-Goléa).
Notes
Trachylepis quinquetaeniata
(Lichtenstein, 1823)
63D1779E-AB6D-5449-8E7E-5E47AB5B14A2
Conservation status
NE
Distribution
Only one observation in El Hamdania (50 km au sud d’Alger).
Notes
Acanthodactylus erythrurus
(Schinz, 1833)
F1F59B5C-513C-5208-A525-F2B137B57494
Conservation status
LC
Distribution
Northern Algeria (El Kala, Oran, Algiers, Bordj-Bou-Arrerij, Tebessa, M'sila).
Notes
Acanthodactylus boskianus
(Daudin, 1802)
E95308F9-0BEF-55DB-86DE-01E490C9D2E8
Conservation status
LC
Distribution
Arid and Saharan areas (Ghardaia, Berrian, Laghouat, Bou-Saada).
Notes
Tamar et al. (2016); Sindaco et al. (2013); Trape et al. (2012); Schleich et al. (1996); Boulenger (1891).
Acanthodactylus maculatus
(Gray, 1838)
FF4ECF2F-ED16-5880-9E38-C7FFF0B3D674
Conservation status
LC
Distribution
Covers the north of the country in the High Plateaus.
Notes
Tamar et al. (2016); Schleich et al. (1996); Salvador (1982);Doumergue (1901).
Acanthodactylus scutellatus
(Audouin, 1827)
69E21E62-41CD-53AD-A2A5-6F59C2090E04
Conservation status
LC
Distribution
Béni Abbès, Béchar, In Salah, Tassili, Touggourt, Ouargla, Biskra, Laghouat, Bou Saada.
Notes
Acanthodactylus dumerilii
(Miline-Edwards, 1829)
27DF4F97-E6F0-5762-B169-CFDDCDA821F5
Conservation status
LC
Distribution
Ergs of the north of the Sahara (Biskra, Tougourt, Laghouat and Bou Saada).
Notes
Trape et al. (2012); Wilms et al. (2009); Crochet et al. (2008); Schleich et al. (1996); Boulenger (1891).
Acanthodactylus longipes
Boulenger, 1918
002A5889-9098-5856-9007-612C98FC970B
Conservation status
LC
Distribution
Ergs of the Sahara (Oued Souf, Ouargla).
Notes
Acanthodactylus bedriagai
Lataste, 1881
19A6B8BF-4B09-5A62-9417-5BDCF2E66B3D
Conservation status
NT
Distribution
The Oriental Plateaux of Algeria (Constantine, Setif; Batna, Oum El Bouaghi).
Notes
Acanthodactylus savignyi
(Audouin, 1827)
32ECC374-D3AE-58D1-8AF6-AA0E4A0D21DB
Conservation status
NT
Distribution
Dune beaches of Mostaganem, Oran and Ain T’émouchent.
Notes
Acanthodactylus spinicauda
Doumergue, 1901
69AE334B-4293-5C60-9913-6A3A6D0D4007
Conservation status
CR
Distribution
El Abiod Sidi Cheikh.
Notes
Acanthodactylus taghitensis
Geniez and Foucart, 1995
47B6196F-3750-58AA-BD9C-26BA25C5CFF1
Conservation status
DD
Distribution
Tindouf and Taghit.
Notes
Acanthodactylus blanci
Doumergue, 1901
8B8A0680-8FC1-5883-B2A7-BC77B0F2F34D
Conservation status
EN
Distribution
Eastern Algeria extending from Tebessa to Algiers.
Notes
Psammodromus algirus
(Linnaeus, 1758)
65530E9A-2B4F-57FC-B82B-E6AFBEB95D39
Conservation status
LC
Distribution
Northern Algeria (Annaba, El Kala, Oum El Bouaghi, M'sila, Oran).
Notes
Benelkadi et al. (2021); Rouag and Benyacoub (2006); Schleich et al. (1996); Boulenger (1891) .
Psammodromus blanci
(Lataste, 1880)
7E36D398-8CD7-5B7B-969E-F3A72E78B930
Conservation status
NT
Distribution
The Aurès and the steppes of the High Plateaus.
Notes
Ophisops occidentalis
(Boulenger, 1887)
9FB73CF2-CC27-51ED-815B-A54E2A492B9F
Conservation status
LC
Distribution
The Saharan Atlas (Batna, Oum El Bouaghi, Tebessa).
Notes
Ophisops elegans
Menetries, 1832
A9CBF174-352C-5DF6-AD63-CEC02FF63BFD
Conservation status
DD
Distribution
The Saharan Atlas (Aurès).
Notes
Mesalina olivieri
(Audouin, 1829)
8186D440-231A-5CC9-9FF9-B1E30DAED3D0
Conservation status
LC
Distribution
Steppes and arid regions (Oran, Oum El Bouaghi).
Notes
Bezaz (2021); Pizzigalli et al. (2021); Trape et al. (2012); Schleich et al. (1996); Doumergue (1901); Boulenger (1891).
Mesalina guttulata
(Lichtenstein, 1823)
CE5191F9-8781-531E-8FED-303435AC2E61
Conservation status
LC
Distribution
Tlemcen, Bou Saada; Mecheria, Saïda, Béni Abbès, Erg Occidental, Erg Chech, Laghouat, Ahaggar.
Notes
Trape et al. (2012); Schleich et al. (1996); Doumergue (1901); Strauch (1862).
Mesalina pasteuri
(Bons, 1960)
5403BA42-ADFF-5281-984B-649BB57F0824
Conservation status
LC
Distribution
The dunes of ergs (Beni Abbès, Amguid, Ahaggar).
Notes
Mesalina rubropunctata
(Lichtenstein, 1823)
4B631306-60F8-510F-A42F-469B1B7FAFCE
Conservation status
LC
Distribution
In the Sahara, in arid areas with stony or rocky soil, rarely sandy.
Notes
Trape et al. (2012); Gauthier (1967); Gauthier (1965); Seurat (1930).
Timon pater
(Lataste, 1880)
BF37D1D4-65E5-5610-A833-04661305B9E4
Conservation status
LC
Distribution
North of Algeria (Khroumirie, High Plateaus, Aures, Kabylie).
Notes
Timon tangitanus
(Boulenger, 1889)
F66DFCF2-B043-5F9B-A46D-55DDC8EF5D1A
Conservation status
LC
Distribution
North-west of Algeria (Senalba in Djelfa, Stiten, El Bayad).
Notes
Podarcis vaucheri
(Boulenger, 1905)
CF04CB39-787C-5549-BE13-CA63F5EAF642
Conservation status
LC
Distribution
Tlemcen, Constantine, Setif, Beni Mansour, Tebessa, Oran, El Kala, Oum El Bouaghi.
Notes
Bezaz (2021); Rouag and Benyacoub (2006) Strauch (1862); Boulenger (1891); Doumergue (1901).
Scelarcis perspicillata
(Duméril and Bibron, 1839)
06A68DF1-CFFC-5C6A-A3FF-8019CB6A720C
Conservation status
LC
Distribution
Northwest of Algeria (Oran).
Notes
Philochortus zolii
Scortecci, 1934
C5890493-703C-5ECA-9576-1AB55918B144
Conservation status
DD
Distribution
Tamanrasset (on the road to Adriane and in the Municipality of Tagmart-East
Notes
Chamaeleo chamaeleon
(Linnaeus, 1758)
FE8C9981-90F4-5716-8F5F-36146E4C1E3E
Conservation status
LC
Distribution
The north (Oum El Bouaghi, M'sila, Oran).
Notes
Bezaz (2021); Benelkadi et al. (2021); Trape et al. (2012); Schleich et al. 1996; Boulenger (1891); Doumergue (1901).
Varanus griseus
(Daudin, 1803)
1B02A84A-E741-5429-92B7-7AA90BDF38ED
Conservation status
LC
Distribution
Occupies the entire Sahara.
Notes
Benelkadi et al. (2021); Trape et al. (2012); Schleich et al. (1996); Boulenger (1891); Doumergue (1901).
Hyalosaurus koellikeri
(Günther, 1873)
B2AD4282-F1C1-5202-B8CB-F77DA3D36E4E
Conservation status
DD
Distribution
Northwest of Algeria (Tlemcen Mountains).
Notes
Uromastyx acanthinura
Bell, 1825
74B8E143-E93E-5A14-97AB-5A28D991CCB9
Conservation status
LC
Distribution
Central and eastern Algeria (Tlemcen, Bou-Saada and the Mzab; Mecheria, Saïda).
Notes
Uromastyx alfredschmidti
Wilms and Böhme, 2001
B4A9B063-7050-558F-9701-1243B8AE1EDE
Conservation status
NT
Distribution
South-eastern Algeria and bordering regions of Libya (Tassili n' Ajjer).
Notes
Uromastyx dispar
Heyden, 1827
CB91F48A-28C5-578E-B650-C117740CACFA
Conservation status
LC
Distribution
Uromastyxdisparmaliensis Joger and Lambert, 1996 in south-western Algeria (Taoudrart en Tanezrouft). Uromastyxdisparflavifasciata Mertens, 1962 in Tindouf.
Notes
Trape et al. (2012); Wilms et al. (2009); Wilms et al. (2009).
Uromastyx geyri
Müller, 1922
20AA1AE6-CDBE-5523-91F9-C73FC31F5E5A
Conservation status
NT
Distribution
Southern Algeria (Ahaggar and Tassili n’Ajjer).
Notes
Uromastyx nigriventris
Rothschild and Hartert, 1912
F52A07EB-E71D-5664-8D86-4433E39124A0
Conservation status
LC
Distribution
Western Algeria (du Mzab au Guir).
Notes
Trapelus tournevillei
(Lataste, 1880)
9FCCA73D-C39F-527E-915A-FA44B72D4EC1
Conservation status
LC
Distribution
Central Algeria in ‘Erg Oriental’ (Touggourt, Ouargla), ‘Erg Occidental’ (El Goléa, Béni Abès) and ‘Erg er Raoui’.
Notes
Trapelus schmitzi
Wagner et Böhme, 2007
59E14B8C-0495-5D9E-A913-65FAEEE9C793
Conservation status
LC
Distribution
Southern Algeria (Tassili n'Ajjer).
Notes
Trapelus boehmei
Wagner et al., 2011
3E66D99F-4AC3-5380-AC95-A15B51122388
Conservation status
LC
Distribution
Sahara (Bechar).
Notes
Agama bibronii
A. Duméril in Duméril & Duméril, 1851
F5B8B200-B4A6-5266-AFE7-E0D7EEBD0B28
Conservation status
LC
Distribution
Nortwestern Algeria (Tlemcen, Bou Saada and the Mzab; Mecheria, Saïda)
Notes
Uetz (2021); Trape et al. (2012); Doumergue (1901); Strauch (1862).
Agama tassiliensis
Geniez, Padial and Crochet, 2011
040A7AF1-304E-5AA5-A494-D336FD128748
Conservation status
LC
Distribution
Tassili n'Ajjer and Ahaggar.
Notes
Trogonophis wiegmanni
Kaup, 1830
48D0C8A4-3806-55E7-9973-6A01B4A3DC10
Conservation status
LC
Distribution
Mostaganem, Algiers, Oran, Biskra, Oum El Bouaghi.
Notes
Bezaz (2021); Schleich et al. (1996); Boulenger (1891); Lallemant (1867); Strauch (1862).
Malpolon monspessulanus
(Hermann, 1804)
981C0756-411D-551A-B902-757D22FD171A
Conservation status
LC
Distribution
North-western Algeria (Mecheria, Saida, M'sila).
Notes
Benelkadi et al. (2021); Schleich et al. (1996): Doumergue (1901).
Malpolon insignitus
(Geoffroy Saint-Hilaire, 1827)
98D8B2D7-59A2-57F3-AA17-148B3D414C23
Conservation status
LC
Distribution
The north-eastern and the centreof Algeria (Oum El Buaghi, El Kala).
Notes
Bezaz (2021); Rouag and Benyacoub (2006); Schleich et al. (1996); Doumergue (1901).
Malpolon moilensis
(Reuss, 1834)
55A28E9A-6532-5B3D-A427-8DF78875EDAE
Conservation status
LC
Distribution
Wide distribution throughout the Algerian Sahara (Bou Saada, Biskra, El-Abiod-Sidi-Cheikh).
Notes
Natrix astreptophora
(Seoane, 1884)
FD776E8D-E016-5F7A-8E38-3942BB38540A
Conservation status
LC
Distribution
La Chiffa, El Kala.
Notes
Rouag and Benyacoub (2006); Schleich et al. (1996); Doumergue (1901).
Natrix maura
(Linnaeus, 1758)
1C6E218A-FBC8-5F4E-9139-AE2C6B5264F1
Conservation status
LC
Distribution
Algiers, El Kala, Oum El Bouaghi.
Notes
Bezaz (2021); Rouag and Benyacoub (2006); Schleich et al. (1996); Lallemant (1867).
Hemorrhois hippocrepis
(Linnaeus, 1758)
722BEC1A-EDEE-535C-991F-3E21F34F6FAF
Conservation status
LC
Distribution
Northern Algeria (El Kala, Sebdou, Oum El Bouaghi, M'sila).
Notes
Benelkadi et al. (2021); Bezaz (2021); Rouag and Benyacoub (2006); Schleich et al. (1996); Doumergue (1901).
Hemorrhois algirus
(Jan, 1863)
D09F3210-0639-50A0-B526-E3480D325A45
Conservation status
LC
Distribution
In the North, the steppe environments (Oran, Nâama, Ain Ain Sefra, Oum El Bouaghi). In the South in Tassili.
Notes
Bezaz (2021); Trape et al. (2012); Doumergue (1901); Boulenger (1891).
Lytorhynchus diadema
(Duméril, Bibron and Duméril, 1854)
B3B42D2D-8F04-5F28-A40F-95237C4494E7
Conservation status
LC
Distribution
Bénis Abbès, El Oued, Mraïer, Sud Oranais, Souf, Ahaggar, Tassili n'Ajjer.
Notes
Trape and Mané (2006); Schleich et al. (1996); Boulenger (1891).
Spalerosophis diadema
(Schlegel, 1837)
00696AB2-C103-513F-AA44-6E6419A1D544
Conservation status
LC
Distribution
Ouargla, Biskra.
Notes
Spalerosophis dolichospilus
(Werner, 1923)
05103A04-D54A-535E-A5E2-6CC3947F2DEF
Conservation status
DD
Distribution
M'sila, Beni Abbès, Ouargla, Ghardaïa, Ahaggar, Aïn Sefra, Biskra, Oued Rhir.
Notes
Benelkadi et al. (2021); Schleich et al. (1996); Gauthier (1967); Doumergue (1901); Boulenger 1891.
Telescopus obtusus
(Reuss, 1834)
66350B26-118E-577D-9616-8AAE467F2F69
Conservation status
DD
Distribution
Mertoutek (Ahaggar) and In-Sebuk Oua Mellen (Immidir).
Notes
Telescopus tripolitanus
(Werner, 1909)
92BA8E5E-5F59-5D9F-B654-268CAE6C2CEF
Conservation status
DD
Distribution
Tindouf.
Notes
Coronella girondica
(Daudin, 1803)
DEC0DF16-1FA7-5D5E-AD69-C1B985497D96
Conservation status
LC
Distribution
Northern Algeria (Djelfa).
Notes
Macroprotodon abubakeri
Wade, 2001
20E5DE8A-466D-53D2-8899-24347AF7626C
Conservation status
DD
Distribution
North-western Algeria (Oran, Habibas Islands).
Notes
Macroprotodon mauritanicus
Guichenot, 1850
73FA8F8C-E6CA-5981-B1E1-A7414CEA4D0E
Conservation status
LC
Distribution
North-eastern Algeria (Oum El Bouaghi).
Notes
Macroprotodon brevis
(Günther, 1862)
025A8682-AC53-5D9A-8BA5-F7EB705CFD28
Conservation status
LC
Distribution
Northern Sahara from the Moroccan border to the Tunisian border. Isolated population also exists in the Ahaggar in southern Algeria.
Notes
Platyceps saharicus
Schätti and McCarthy, 2004
E820D00F-DC21-5E7E-8828-03BFA9D963DE
Conservation status
LC
Distribution
Southern Algeria (Immdir Massif).
Notes
Psammophis schokari
(Forskal, 1775)
7F030D15-1C69-5145-ABAA-9216EF407461
Conservation status
LC
Distribution
Aïn-Sefra; Béni Ounif, Reggane, Beni-Abbès, Oum El Bouaghi, Ahggar, Djbel Aissa.
Notes
Benelkadi et al. (2021); Gauthier (1967); Lallemant (1867); Gervais (1836).
Psammophis aegyptius
Marx, 1958
A7D88E04-61C2-5BA6-845F-34E16FC98CAA
Conservation status
DD
Distribution
Tassili, Ahaggar.
Notes
Boulaouad (2023); Trape and Mané (2006); Schleich et al. (1996).
Myriopholis algeriensis
(Jacquet, 1896)
AC84BBBC-1B35-5718-B927-4A0CFCAC2020
Conservation status
LC
Distribution
Beni Abbès, Biskra, Tassili n'Ajjer.
Notes
Naja haje
(Linnaeus, 1758)
60638E5E-BA1E-5296-BE08-FA70E644BCE5
Conservation status
LC
Distribution
Biskra, Beni Ounif, Chott Melghir, Beni Abbès, Bir El Ater.
Notes
Cerastes cerastes
(Linnaeus, 1758)
28B4AA28-9833-53C1-8506-3861F4197155
Conservation status
LC
Distribution
Wide distribution throughout the Algerian Sahara (Ahaggar, Tassili n'Ajjer, Beni Ounif, Biskra, Saïda; M'sila).
Notes
Benelkadi et al. (2021); Schleich et al. (1996); Boulenger (1891); Strauch (1862).
Cerastes vipera
(Linnaeus, 1758)
3208BDD5-3D12-5BBE-9AC6-6E4B25D0A35A
Conservation status
LC
Distribution
Wide distribution throughout the Algerian Sahara (Béni Abbès Ahaggar, Tassili n'Ajjer).
Notes
Daboia mauritanica
Gray, 1849
989CA850-4941-53FF-A323-E33C43ED53E5
Conservation status
LC
Distribution
Between the Tellian Atlas and the Saharan Atlas (Oum El Bouaghi, Nâama, M'sila, Oran).
Notes
Bezaz (2021); Benelkadi et al. (2021); Schleich et al. (1996); Doumergue (1901).
Echis pyramidum
(Geoffroy Saint-Hilaire, 1827)
20D432F7-FFF4-5493-AB52-E5ADFB54A7BC
Conservation status
LC
Distribution
Biskra, Constantine, isolated populations in the Ahaggar and Tassili n’ajjer.
Notes
Vipera monticola
Saint Girons, 1953
E74414A5-29EE-5A4D-89AA-E989302F6E45
Conservation status
VU
Distribution
Restricted to the Tell Atlas in the mountain ranges of the north of Algeria (Annaba, Jijel, Tizi Ouzou, Bejaia, Tlemcen, Skikda).
Notes
Martínez‐Freiría et al. (2021); Bouam et al. (2018); Schleich et al. (1996); Olivier (1894).
Eryx jaculus
(Linnaeus, 1758)
5F6C2071-5A39-592A-A879-3F5FB18AF63D
Conservation status
LC
Distribution
The north especially the High Plateaus and semi-arid zones (Oran, Oued Magra, Biskra, Batna, M'sila).
Notes
Benelkadi et al. (2021); Schleich et al. (1996); Boulenger (1891); Strauch (1862).
Analysis
Conservation status of Reptiles
In this study, all the reptile species were evaluated for their global conservation status according to the IUCN system. This status represents an important tool with regard to identifying priorities for species conservation. All reptile species in Algeria are included in the IUCN Red List. As very few works cover the distribution of reptiles in Algeria, this evaluation is only approximate and requires a continuous update of the data. The number of species in the different IUCN Red List Categories is shown in Table 2.
Table 2.
Summary of the global Red List status for Reptiles of Algeria.
| Least Concern (LC) | Near Threatened (NT) | Vulnerable (VU) | Endangered (EN) | Critically Endangered (CR) | Data Deficient (DD) | Not Evaluated (NE) |
| 73 | 06 | 05 | 04 | 01 | 15 | 0 |
To summarise, 30.19% of Algerian reptile species are globally threatened, with 0.96% Critically Endangered, 3.85% Endangered, 4.81% Vulnerable and 5.77% Near Threatened. A total of 70.19% (73 species) were assessed as Least Concern and 15 (14.42%) species were considered to be Data Deficient. It should be mentioned that all species of Testudines are threatened (Fig. 1).
Figure 1.
Summary of the conservation status of reptiles in Algeria.
Endemic status of Reptiles
The richness of the Algerian herpetofauna is a result of various factors, including geographical, climatic and topographical conditions. These factors have further contributed to the isolation and diversification of many taxa which has allowed the presence of several species that are endemic to Algeria or that are shared with Tunisia, Morocco or Libya. A total of 16.98% of the Reptiles in Algeria (18 species) are endemic species to the Maghreb, of which 22.22% are endemic to Algeria and are represented by four species of lizards (Table 3).
Table 3.
Status of sensitive species.
| Species | Endemic | Population trend | Geographic range |
| Acanthodactylusbedriagai | Algeria | Unknown | Northeast (Aurès) |
| Acanthodactylussavigny | Algeria | Unknown | Northeast (Coastal regions) |
| Tropiocoloteschirioi | Algeria | Unknown | Northeast (Aurès) |
| Tropiocolotestassiliensis | Algeria | Unknown | Tassili n’Ajjer |
| Chalcidesmertensi | Algeria-Tunisia | Unknown | Northern |
| Timonpater | Algeria-Tunisia | Decreasing | Northeast |
| Tarentolaneglecta | Algeria-Tunisia | Stable | Saharan |
| Timontangitanus | Algeria - Morocco | Decreasing | Northwest |
| Scelarcisperspicillata | Algeria - Morocco | Stable | Northwest |
| Hyalosauruskoellikeri | Algeria – Morocco | Unknown | Northwest |
| Trapelustournevillei | Algeria - Morocco | Stable | Saharan |
| Chalcidesminutus | Algeria - Morocco | Decreasing | Tlemcen Mountains |
| Chalcidesparallelus | Algeria - Morocco | Decreasing | Northwest |
| Chalcidesmauritanicus | Algeria - Morocco | Decreasing | Oran-Algiers (Coastal regions) |
| Eumecesalgeriensis | Algeria - Morocco | Stable | Northwest |
| Viperamonticola | Algeria - Morocco | Decreasing | Tellian Atlas |
| Saurodactylusmauritanicus | Algeria - Morocco | Decreasing | Northwest |
| Uromastyxalfredschmidti | Algeria - Libya | Stable | Southern (Tassili n’Ajjer) |
Hotspots for herpetological diversity
To highlight the most important areas for reptile diversity, information related to the status of the different species was compiled. Thus, the different criteria, namely endemism, rarity, IUCN conservation status and species richness by region were combined. Four main regions have been identified through the distribution analysis of vulnerable reptile species:
1. A large region in the north of the country extends over the large coastal mountain ranges and contains the Edough Massif, the Babors and Djurdjura. These regions include threatened and vulnerable species.
Mauremysleprosa (Vulnerable);
Testudograeca (Vulnerable);
Emysorbicularis (Near Threatened);
Viperamonticola (Vulnerable)
2. The Mountains of Aures represent the region in Algeria with the highest reptile diversity. It includes threatened, rare and endemic species:
Mauremysleprosa (Vulnerable);
Testudograeca (Vulnerable);
Acanthodactylusbedriagai (endemic);
Viperamonticola (rare, Vulnerable);
Tropiocoloteschirioi (Data Deficient);
Ophisopselegans (Data Deficient).
3. Northwest Region (Oranie)
Mauremysleprosa (Vulnerable);
Testudograecagraeca (Vulnerable);
Chalcidesminutus (Vulnerable);
Chalcidesparallelus (Endangered);
Chalcidesmauritanicus (Endangered);
Scelarcisperspicillata (endemic);
Hyalosauruskoellikeri (endemic);
Eumecesalgeriensis (endemic).
4. A fourth zone in the middle of the Sahara represented by the Massifs of Tassili n’Ajjer and Ahaggar harbouring a particular herpetofauna with rare and threatened species:
Uromastyxalfredschmidti (Near Threatened);
Tropiocolotestassiliensis (Data Deficient);
Trapelusschmitzi (Data Deficient);
Uromastyxgeyri (Near Threatened);
Philochortuszolii (Endangered);
Psammophisaegyptius (Data Deficient).
Fig. 2
Some species of Reptiles of Algeria:
Figure 2a.
Emysorbicularis (Annaba, July 2023) (Photo by R. Rouag);
Figure 2b.
Cerastescerastes (Oued Souf, September 2023) (Photo by S. Sidali);
Figure 2c.
Viperamonticola (Djurdjura National Park, June 2012) (Photo by R. Rouag);
Figure 2d.
Chalcidesmertensi (El Kala National Park, July 2000) (Photo by S. Benyacoub).
Discussion
The distribution of reptiles is related to several factors, mainly habitat diversity and also climatic factors. With an average of 45 species, the Aurès Mountains are the most diversified region of northern Algeria. The topography and the mountainous character of the region, as well as the diversity of its plant cover and the Mediterranean and Saharan climatic influences, have allowed a diversity of reptilian fauna to exist here. Indeed, this area is a real junction where desert and Mediterranean species co-exist.
Sea turtles
The presence of sea turtles along the Algerian coast is regularly reported, with many beachings, of which 70% are the loggerhead turtle, Carettacaretta (Linnaeus, 1758) and 30% of the leatherback Sea turtle, Dermochelyscoriacea (Vandelli, 1761) (Bennounas and Bennounas 2020, Belmahi et al. 2020). The green Sea turtle Cheloniamydas (Linnaeus, 1758) is the rarest species, having been recorded only once since 2003 (Bennounas and Tifoura 2020). The first study of sea turtle nesting on the Algerian coast dates back to 1998 (Laurent 1990), when surveys were unsuccessful and no nests were found. Since then, nesting attempts have been reported on the east coast of Algeria, most recently in 2017, when a loggerhead nest was discovered in Collo (Skikda) (Benabdi and Belmahi 2020). In the summer of 2023, loggerhead nesting was confirmed on the Algerian coast, with hatchlings observed on the "Aftissen" beach of Béni Fergane in the wilaya of Jijel, still in eastern Algeria (Ahmim et al. 2024). Newly-hatched loggerheads were also reported on a beach in Algiers. This confirms the conclusion of Carreras et al. (2018) that these nests represent a new colonisation of the Western Basin by this species of sea turtle, mainly as a result of climate change impacts on migration and reproduction. There may be other nesting sites along Algeria's 1,000 km coastline that have not been identified because there is no dedicated sea turtle monitoring instance.
Testudograeca Linnaeus, 1758
The Spur-thighed tortoises (Testudograeca) represent the most widely distributed species of tortoise in the Western Palaearctic (Buskirk et al. 2001, Iverson 1992). It is the only terrestrial species that exists in Algeria; it has a wide distribution from the north to the limit of the Saharan Atlas. Phylogeography of North African populations of T.graeca has received important interest (Graciá et al. 2017, Fritz et al. 2009, Salinas et al. 2009, Fritz et al. 2007, van der Kuyl et al. 2005, Pieh 2000). Actualy, T.graeca comprises five subspecies: Testudograecagraeca (Linnaeus, 1758), older synonym of T.g.soussensis Pieh, 2000; Testudograecacyrenaica Pieh & Perälä, 2002; Testudograecamarokkensis Pieh & Perälä, 2004; Testudograecanabeulensis Highfield, 1990 and Testudograecawhitei (Bennett in White (1836)). It was previously thought that the nominotypical form T.g.graeca occurred in the Iberian Peninsula (Alvarez et al. 2000), but Schweiger and Gemel (2020) corrected the confusing history regarding the type locality of T.g.graeca, documenting it as Agadir in south-western Morocco, thereby rendering T.g.whitei the apparently most correct name for the subspecies on the Iberian Peninsula and north-eastern Morocco and western Algeria (Uetz 2021). In Algeria, two subspecies are identified: Testudograecanabeulensis occurs in eastern Algeria, inhabiting mainly humid to semi-arid Mediterranean climates and T.g.whitei occurs mainly in Algeria (Graciá et al. 2017) in mixed oromediterranean forests of Cedrusatlantica (Endl.) Manetti ex Carrière, 1855 and Quercusilex Linnaeus, 1753 (Escoriza et al. 2022). This species is considered endangered across its entire range. In Algeria, the capture and trade of this species has been illegal since 1983 (Décret No. 83-509). This species is threatened by the destruction of its habitats and by the trade, particularly in hatchling and juvenile turtles which are commonly traded in markets as household pets (Rouag 2016, Atoussi et al. 2022).
Genus Acanthodacylus
Acanthodactylus Fitzinger, 1834 constitutes the most species-rich genus in the family Lacertidae, with over 40 recognised species inhabiting a wide variety of dry habitats. The genus has seldom undergone taxonomic revisions and, although there are a number of described species and species-groups, their boundaries, as well as their interspecific relationships, remain largely unresolved (Tamar et al. 2016). The situation in North Africa is complex and the relationships with other species unclear (Harris et al. 2004, Fonseca et al. 2009, Psonis et al. 2016).
In North Africa, Acanthodactylus species are divided within three clades: the erythrurus and pardalis groups occupying the Sub-Saharan Region and the coastal areas of North Africa; the scutellatus group, occurring mainly in the sandy areas of North Africa (Tamar et al. 2016).
Acanthodactyluserythrurus species complex
Acanthodactyluserythrurus (Schinz, 1833), A.lineomaculatus Duméril & Bibron, 1839 and A.blanci Doumergue, 1901 are part of a group called «A.erythrurus species complex» whose taxonomy is complex and unstable because of their wide distribution and also their great genetic variation (Fonseca et al. 2009).
The Spiny-footed Lizard, Acanthodactyluserythrurus is widespread in the Iberian Peninsula and the Maghreb, from Morocco to Tunisia (Fonseca et al. 2009). Numerous attempts have been made to subdivide it into subspecies on the basis of phylogenetic studies (Fonseca et al. 2009, Harris et al. 2004). Miralles et al. (2020) highlighted the existence of five clades in the Maghreb where the divergence between them is broadly similar, supporting the existence of at least five species in the Acanthodactyluserythrurus complex: an Ibero-Moroccan clade, a Central Algerian clade (found on the Mediterranean coast, formed by two inland populations situated north and south of the High Plateaux, near Theniet-El-Had and around Djelfa), an Algero-Tunisian clade (Tunisia and coastal populations of eastern Algeria extending from Zemmouri to Sidi Abdelazziz, including populations described under the name Acanthodactylusblanci) and two clades from the Eastern and Western High Atlas newly described as Acanthodactyluslacrymae Miralles et al., 2020 and Acanthodactylusmontanus Miralles et al., 2020 (Miralles et al. 2020).
Acanthodactyluspardalis group
In northern Africa, with the exception of Acanthodactylusspinicauda Doumergue, 1901, the systematics of this group is not clear and there is profound disagreement amongst authors (Fonseca et al. 2008). According to Salvador (1982), this group includes five species: A.pardalis (Lichtenstein, 1823), A.busacki Salvador, 1982, A.maculatus (Gray, 1838), A.bedriagai Lataste, 1881 and A.spinicauda Doumergue, 1901. A.maculatus is covering the Algerian High Plateaux; A.bedriagai is restricted to the Oriental Plateaux of Algeria and A.spinicauda known only from a place called “Berr’mad” situated 50 km south of El Abiod Sidi Cheikh. However, the systematics of Acanthodactylus of the pardalis group in the Maghreb needs to be revised as it presents high levels of intraspecific variability and clear evidence of phylogenetic complexity such as A.maculatus and A.bedriagai populations of the eastern Morocco and Algeria. Tamar et al. (2016) confirmed that A.maculatus complex is not a monophyletic taxon, but corresponds to two species (A.bedriagai and A.maculatus) forming a paraphyletic group.
Acanthodactylusscutellatus group
The Acanthodactylusscutellatus species group comprises seven recognised species (A.aegyptius Baha El Dine, 2007, A.aureus Gûnther, 1903, A.dumerilii Miline-Edwards, 1829, A.longipes Boulenger, 1918, A.scutellatus Audouin, 1827, A.senegalensis Chabanaud, 1918 and A.taghitensis Geniez and Foucart, 1995) which are abundant and conspicuous across xeric environments of North Africa and the Middle East (Liz et al. 2022). This group is represented in Algeria by Acanthodactylustaghitensis, Acanthodactyluslongipes, Acanthodactylusdumerilii and the nominate species A.scutellatus which is represented by the monophyletic lineage corresponding to the subspecies A.s.audouini Boulenger, 1918 (Tamar et al. 2016). Most species are linked to sandy habitats, but their ecology varies from the soft-sand specialist A.longipes to the more generalist A.scutellatus. The only exception is A.taghitensis, which only occurs in gravel plains (Liz et al. 2022).
Acanthodactylusboskianus group
The boskianus group is represented by two paraphyletic species, Acanthodactylusboskianus in North Africa and Acanthodactylusschreiberi Boulenger, 1878 in the Middle East (Tamar et al. 2014). Acanthodactylusboskianus is the most widely distributed species of the genus, ranging from Morocco through North Africa to Iran (Uetz 2021). Five morphological subspecies are currently recognised in Bosk's fringe-fingered lizard (Uetz 2021). A.boskianusasper (Audouin, 1827) is the only representative of this group in Algeria (Tamar et al. 2016). It has a wide distribution in sandy habitats.
Genus Mesalina
Mesalina species are small, fast, ground-dwelling, diurnal lizards, well-adapted to desert and xeric shrublands. All Mesalina taxa can be divided according to their phylogenetic relationships into the following seven assemblages: M.watsonana (Stoliczka, 1872), M.martini (Boulenger, 1897), M.rubropunctata (Lichtenstein, 1823), the M.adramitana group, the M.brevirostris group, the M.guttulata group and M.olivieri (Simó-Riudalbas et al. 2019, Pizzigalli et al. 2021). In Algeria, we record M.guttulata (Lichtenstein, 1823) and M.olivieri (Audouin, 1829) which are a species complex including a main clade in the Middle East and another in North Africa (Nouira et al. 2022). M.rubropunctata (Lichtenstein, 1823) and M.pasteuri (Bons, 1960) are monophyletics and occupy most of the Algerian Sahara. M.rubropunctata affects arid areas with stony or rocky soil, rarely sandy, whereas Mesalinapasteuri occupies the driest regions of the Sahara and is found in the dunes of ergs as well as in plains with more compact sandy soils (Trape et al. 2012).
Genus Tarentola
Algeria harbours five different species of Tarentola, namely: T.mauritanica (Linnaeus, 1758), T.deserti Boulenger, 1891, T.neglecta Strauch, 1887, T.annularis (Geoffroy Saint-Hilaire, 1827) and T.hoggarensis Werner, 1937, recently elevated to the rank of species based on molecular and morphological data (Trape et al. 2012). Tarentolamauritanica is characterised by an extremely high mitochondrial genetic variation in North Africa, which led to the hypothesis that this taxon could be, in fact, a species complex (Harris et al. 2004). In Algeria, its distribution is wide in the northern part up to the Saharan Atlas where it occupies rocky habitats and tree formations; discreetly anthropophilic, it frequents habitations. The Desert Wall Gecko Tarentoladeserti is a Saharan species endemic to the Maghreb (Joger et al. 2006) not usually present in areas with rainfall below 100 mm annually (Schleich et al. 1996). In Algeria, it is widely distributed in the northern Saharan oases, in the Saharan Atlas and on the High Plateaus. It inhabits rocky deserts (regs), sandy deserts (ergs), dry wadis, palm oases and ruins, where they usually hide in cracks and crevices. Two subspecies have been described from T.neglecta Strauch, 1887: Tarentolaneglecta neglecta Strauch, 1895, in the south of the Sahara-Atlas from Algeria, Tunisia to west Libya and Tarentolaneglectageyri Joger, 1984 which occurs in south Algeria in central Sahara, from the south-western edge of the great eastern Erg to the foothills of the Ahaggar Mountains; the exact delimitation of the distribution area is still unclear (Joger 1984).
Genus Cyrtopodion
This new genus for Algerian herpetofauna, considered invasive, is represented by Cyrtopodionscabrum (Heyden, 1827). This species is widely distributed in Afghanistan, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Iraq, Palestine, Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Syrian Arab Republic, Turkey, United Arab Emirates and Yemen) (Khan 2005, Khan 2008, Cogălniceanu et al. 2014). Moreover, this species is also introduced outside of its native geographical range in Iran Islamic Republic (Rastegar-Pouyani et al. 2010) and in Texas and Nevada in the United States (Bartlett and Bartlett 1999, Stocking and Jones 2017). The first documented record of C.scabrum in Algeria was on 27 June 2009 in the north-eastern Sahara from five different locations at El Oued (Mouane 2020) and then also in El Menea (Sadine et al. 2021). A new locality was recorded from Ouargla Province, south-east Algeria (Mouane 2022). The causes of C.scabrum's invasion are most likely due to an accidental introduction linked to the importation of various agricultural products which constitute the main commerce in this region (Mouane 2020). C.scabrum is currently more abundant in sites where agricultural activities are important (expanding irrigated lands), specifically the urban areas near date palm plantations (Mouane 2020).
Genus Tropiocolotes
A total of 12 species are recognised within the genus Tropiocolotes, covering a distribution range from Atlantic Sahara, Maghreb, Levant, Arabian Peninsula and Iran (Machado et al. 2021). Tropiocolotes was divided into two highly-divergent groups, one comprising the African clade formed by Tropiocolotesalgericus Loveridge, 1947 and Tropiocolotestripolitanus Peters, 1880 and the other comprising the Saharo-Arabian clade (T.nattereri/ T.confusus/ T.scorteccii/ T.naybandensis/ T.bisharicus/ T.somalicus/ T.steudneri/ T.nubicus) (Machado et al. 2018). In Algeria, we found the two groups represented by:
-Tropiocolotestripolitanus Peters, 1880, in the Algerian Sahara and reported in Tindouf, Ahaggar, Biskra, Figuig and Kenadsa (Schleich et al. 1996);
-Tropiocolotesalgericus Loveridge, 1947, in the westernmost portion of the Saharan Atlas Mountain Range, with a disjunct population in the northern portion of the Tademaît Rocky Plateau (Ribeiro-Júnior et al. 2022). Considered as a subspecies of T.tripolitanus, it was elevated to species rank by Baha El Din (2001).
-Tropiocolotesnubicus Baha El Din, 1999, in southern Algeria (Tassili n’Ajjer and Ahaggar). Phylogenetic results of Machado et al. (2021) grouped Tropiocolotessteudneri from Niger and southern Algeria within Tropiocolotesnubicus Baha El Din, 1999, while T.steudneri specimens were only found east of the Nile River.
Recently, two new species were reported for Algerian Tropiocolotes by Ribeiro-Júnior et al. (2022) on the basis of external morphologyand osteological characters; these are:
-Tropiocoloteschirioi Ribeiro-Júnior, Koch, Flecks, Calv & Meiri, 2022; Described on specimens collected by Laurent Chirio. The type-locality is situated in the Aurès Mountains (north-eastern Algeria).
-Tropiocolotestassiliensis Ribeiro-Júnior, Koch, Flecks, Calv & Meiri, 2022, in southern Algeria (Tassili n’Ajjer and Ahaggar). The type-locality is situated 3 km east of Tamanrasset on the road to Adriane in the Tassili n’Ajjer mountain (south-eastern Algeria).
Genus Uromastyx
On molecular biology arguments, Wilms et al. (2009) elevated the subspecies Uromastyxacanthinurusnigriventris Rothschild & Hartet, 1912 to the status of a separate species Uromastyxnigriventris Rothschild and Hartert, 1912 which is distributed in Morocco and western Algeria (from Mzab to Guir) (Trape et al. 2012). This species is replaced in central and eastern Algeria by the North African spiny-tailed Lizard Uromastyxacanthinura Bell, 1825. The species Uromastyxalfredschmidti Wilms and Böhme, 2001, is a large lizard occupying the Tassili Massif n' Ajjer in south-eastern Algeria and bordering regions of Libya where it is often associated with areas of large boulders (Trape et al. 2012). The distribution area of Saharan Spiny-tailed Lizard Uromastyxgeyri Müller 1922 extends from the mountainous massifs and rocky plateaus of the central Sahara, from the Aïr in Niger to the Adrar des Iforas in Mali towards the North, where it reaches Ahaggar and the Amguid Region of Tassili n’Ajjer in Algeria (Trape et al. 2012). Uromastyxdisparmaliensis Joger and Lambert, 1996 also lives in north-western Mali, in the Tilemsi Valley, on the edge of the Adrar des Iforas and in south-western Algeria (Taoudrart en Tanezrouft) (Wilms et al. 2009). Uromastyxdisparmaliensis and U.geyri are sympatric in the Adrar des Iforas Region (Joger and Lambert 1996). The northernmost locality of U.d.maliensis is Gara Djenoum / Monts du Ahaggar (Wilms and Böhme 2001). Uromastyxdisparflavifasciata Mertens, 1962 occupies the north of Western Sahara and the Tindouf Region in Algeria near the Moroccan border where it exists in rocky areas and stony plains (Trape et al. 2012).
Genus Tournevillei / Agama
Agamabibronii A. Duméril in Duméril & Duméril, 1851 is the valid name for the North African rock agama (Denzer 2021). This species ranges from the Atlantic coastal region of Western Sahara, through most of Morocco to north-western Algeria (Trape et al. 2012). Agamatassiliensis (Geniez, 2011) is a newly-described species (Geniez et al. 2011) previously part of the populations of Agamaimpalearis Boettger, 1874. The range of this species extends over the large mountain massifs and rocky areas of the central Sahara: Adjar des Ifhoras (Mali), Aïr (Niger) and Tibesti (Chad). In Algeria, it is present in Tassili n'Ajjer and Ahaggar. Another species newly described by Wagner et al. (2011) on the bases of molecular phylogeny and morphology is Trapelusboehmei (Wagner 2011) which occurs in Mauritania, Morocco and Algeria where its presence covers the entire Sahara. Previously, it was part of Trapelusmutabilis Merrem, 1820 which is found throughout the Saharan desert region, from the Saharan Atlas in the north and to the Saharan-Sudanese borders, from the Atlantic to Egypt. The Sahara Agama Trapelustournevillei (Lataste 1880) is located in two distinct parts of central Algeria and is also present in ‘Erg Oriental’ (Touggourt, Ouargla), ‘Erg Occidental’ (El Goléa, Béni Abès) and ‘Erg er Raoui’ (Schleich et al. 1996). Trapelusschmitzi Wagner & Böhme, 2007 was recently described on the basis of a single specimen from the Ennedi Mountains (Chad). The second voucher from The Natural History Museum of the City of Geneva (MHNG 901.70) collection was collected by J. Juge in 1952 in Algeria at Tassili n'Ajjer, a 500 km long mountain chain in south-eastern, near the Ahaggar Mountains (Wagner et al. 2008). No data are available on this species in Algeria; it is classified as Data Deficient (DD) on the IUCN Red List.
Family Scincidae
Chalcidesminutus Caputo, 1993, is a little-known species found in northern Morocco. In 2014, Montero-Mendieta et al. discovered a skink belonging to the Chalcides genus in Théniet El Had National Park (Algeria). Initially classified as Chalcidesmertensi Klausewitz, 1954 due to its morphological similarity and distribution, this skink was surprisingly found to be genetically closely related to specimens of Chalcidesminutus (Caputo, 1993). Genetic analysis can help to understand the phylogeny of the Chalcidesminutus-mertensi species complex (Montero-Mendieta et al. 2017). Chalcidesmauritanicus (Duméril and Bibron 1839) endemic to north-eastern Morocco and north-western Algeria was first described by Doumergue (1901) from the littorial area of north-western Algeria; it is narrowly restricted to coastal districts of the Algiers and Oran Provinces (Pasteur 1981). Chalcidesparallelus (Doumergue, 1901) is also endemic to north-eastern Morocco and north-western Algeria occurring mainly along a narrow coastal strip of approximately 250 km between Nador in north-eastern Morocco and Cape Carbón in north-western Algeria. This species has a similar distribution to Chalcidesmauritanicus, but is found far from the dune cordon, especially on islands (Beddek 2017). The main distribution of this species is on beaches. Its presence in sandy biotopes indicates the potential dangers of excessive sand extraction from beaches (Beddek 2017). Within the Sincusscincus complex, Arnold and Leviton (1977) identified two subspecies in Algeria: S.s.cucullatus Werner, 1914, in north-eastern Algeria and S.s.laterimaculatus Werner, 1914, in north-western Algeria.
Genus Macroprotodon
Macroprotodon are colubrines that are found in mainly Mediterranean areas of North Africa, the Iberian Peninsula (Iberia) and on some western Mediterranean islands (Doumergue 1901, Busack and McCoy 1990, Wade 2001, Carranza et al. 2004). The taxonomy of this genus in North Africa is still largely unclear and systematic studies integrating genetics and morphology are necessary to clarify the situation (Nouira et al. 2022). In Algeria, Wade (2001) recognises three species: Macroprotodoncucullatus (Geoffroy de St Hilaire, 1827) occurs in relatively arid areas and divided in two subspecies: M.c.cucullatus and M.cucullatustextilis (Duméril and Bibron, 1854), while M.mauritanicus Guichenot, 1850 and M.abubakeri Wade, 2001, occurs mainly further north and even occupying some islands. Macroprotodonabubakeri was recently described by Wade (2001) and its status has recently been confirmed from genetic data (Carranza et al. 2004). This species is known from north-western Algeria and also occurs on Habibas Islands. There is very little recent information on this species and it apparently lives in semi-arid and sub-humid Mediterranean habitats. On the other hand, M.mauritanicus is distributed according to Busack and McCoy (1990) in north-eastern Algeria. Macroprotodoncucullatus requires a taxonomic revision as it appears to be paraphyletic, as indicated by Carranza et al. (2004). Macroprotodoncucullatustextilis is the subspecies found in the entire northern part of the Algerian Sahara and isolated population exists also in the Ahaggar in southern Algeria. Geniez (2015), based exclusively on morphology, considers that M.cucullatustextilis should be included within Macroprotodonbrevis (Günther 1862), which was also reflected in later works (Martínez del Mármol et al. 2019). In the present work, we will also consider this classification. A proper understanding of M.cucullatus must await the availability of DNA samples from a much wider range of populations, including ones distant from M.brevis and M.mauritanicus, such as the isolates in the Ahaggar (Algeria) (Carranza et al. 2004).
Genus Daboia
Algerian Daboia vipers include two species, Daboiamauritanica Gray, 1849 and Daboiadeserti (Anderson, 1892) with controversial range delimitations where Daboiamauritanica is distributed between the Tellian Atlas and the Saharan Atlas and Daboiadeserti occupies a narrow strip of the Saharan Atlas, from western Algeria, towards Tunisia. Based on a molecular study on North African Daboia vipers, Martínez-Freiría et al. (2017) do not support the occurrence of two distinct taxa, revealing that the deserti taxon can no longer be admitted as a valid species and all North African species should thus be referred to as D.mauritanica. Furthermore, D.deserti is identified as an invalid taxon.
Genus Echis
The genus Echis Merrem, 1820 is one of the most complex genera of snakes in Africa, its being found throughout the semi-arid/xeric regions of Western Africa, thence eastwards to southern Asia (Uetz 2021). Recent genetic studies have subdivided the genus Echis into four main clades consisting of the E.ocellatus, E.coloratus, E.pyramidum and E.carinatus groups (Pook et al. 2009). Within the E.pyramidum (Geoffroy Saint-Hilaire, 1827) clade, E.leucogaster Roman, 1972 inhabits the western Sahel Region, with possibly isolated populations in the Algerian Ahaggar massif and Tassili n’ajjer (Pook et al. 2009, Geniez 2015). In North Africa, recent genetic analysis has shown that the genetic variability between the Echisleucogaster and Echispyramidum group is very low and some authors suggest the existence of a single species with several subspecies (Arnold et al. 2009). Due to its low genetic variability, it has been proposed that the species Echisleucogaster is considered a subspecies of Echispyramidum (Sindaco et al. 2013, Geniez 2015).
Data deficient and unconfirmed Species
Some of species cited for the Algerian herpetofauna are classified in the Data Defficient category, while others should be noted as "unconfirmed", such as the Puff Adder Bitisarietans (Merrem, 1820), which is mentioned by some authors, but for which we have found no bibliographical reference confirming its presence in Algeria. Identification difficulties also occur between taxonomically related species, this being the case of Stenodactylussthenodactylus (Lichtenstein, 1823), which is indistinguishable from Stenodactylusmauritanicus Guichenot, 1850. Its presence in Algeria has only been reported in the south by Metallinou et al. (2012) in Oued Dider, Aguelmane Assar (Tassili n'Ajjer). Another rare species recorded from southern Algeria is the Egyptian Grass-loving lizard, Philochortuszolii (Scortecci, 1934). It was first recorded in May 1974, when T.J. Pappenfuss, R.C. Drewes and E.J. Morris collected two specimens (Scheinberg and Fong 2024), 3 km east of Tamanrasset on the road to Adriane. The specimens are currently at the California Academy of Sciences (CAS). This is a very rare species, which occur in small sub-populations. New observations were made recently in the Municipality of Tagmart-East, in the wilaya of Tamanrasset on 23 July 2023 by Haddad et al. (2024), confirming the presence of this species in Algeria. The Egyptian Catsnake Telescopusobtusus (Reuss, 1834) is a poorly-known species, little data exist on its distribution in Algeria; the only stations cited in the literature are located in Mertoutek (Ahaggar) and In-Sebuk Oua Mellen (Immidir), those populations in the mountains of southern Algeria being presumably isolated (Crochet et al. 2008). Another viper reported in Algeria is suspected of being part of the genus Daboia; it is, in fact, The Levant Viper Macroviperalebetinus (Linnaeus, 1758). Specimens from northern Algeria and Tunisia, preserved for a long time in museums, have been attached to the subspecies Macroviperalebetinustransmediterranea (Nilson & Andrén 1988). One of the few specific localities is Djebel Murdjajo near Oran in western Algeria. The validity of the taxa M.l.transmediterranea as full species is currently uncertain due to the scarcity of records along all of its supposed distribution (Jiménez Robles and del Mármol Marín 2012). It is not impossible that the presence of M.lebetinus in North Africa results from introductions from Asia Minor during Antiquity (Martínez-Freiria pers. comm. in Nouira et al. (2022)). A new species has just been identified in the Algerian herpetofauna: The Saharan Sand Snake, Psammophisaegyptius Marx, 1958. This species, already described in south-eastern Algeria by Schleich et al. (1996) and in the Ahaggar by Trape and Mané (2006), was recently reported by Boulaouad A. on 21 December 2021 at In Guezzam (Tamanrasset), near the border with Niger (https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/185341814).
Conservation strategy for Reptiles
Many reptiles are facing threats due to habitat degradation, but the current conservation measures are insufficient to address the critical concerns for their survival. The studies and reports on biodiversity in Algeria are focused on the fauna as a whole, without carrying out specific studies on the state of conservation of the herpetological communities and their habitats. Additionally, Algerian legislation does not offer total protection to those species and their habitat. Incentives and legislative measures must be established. Thus, the protection of Algerian reptiles requires a better knowledge of their ecology and distribution. The deficiencies of knowledge of their taxonomy, biology, dynamics and rate of evolution are significant. The status of several species remains to be defined. This lack of data limits the conservation of these species and makes their management quite difficult. Therefore, it is fundamental to establish a national strategy for better knowledge and thus better conservation of this fauna.
Acknowledgements
The research was carried out within the framework of the research topic (Host-parasite interactions in reptiles and amphibians and their roles in the emergence of vector-borne diseases - PRFU: D01N01UN360120220004) of the Laboratory of Biodiversity and Pollution of Ecosystems of Chadli Bendjedid University in Algeria. We also thank Slim Benyacoub and Salim Sidali for the loan of photographs illustrating this article.
Author contributions
R. Rouag - species identification, data preparation, manuscript editing.
N. Ziane - data preparation.
M. De Sousa - Software, data preparation, manuscript editing.
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