taxonID	type	description	language	source
6091FA0F63E65F1BA2630541C68663AB.taxon	description	Figures 11, 12, 20 C – D	en	Becker, François S., Alexander, Graham J., Tolley, Krystal A. (2025): Singing on key: An integrative taxonomic revision of barking geckos (Gekkonidae: Ptenopus) with six additional species and keys for morphology and advertisement calls. Vertebrate Zoology 75: 277-323, DOI: 10.3897/vz.75.e153514
6091FA0F63E65F1BA2630541C68663AB.taxon	etymology	Etymology. This species is named in reference to the diamond-scattered coastline that forms its habitat, including the Sperrgebiet in Namibia and the Richtersveld in South Africa, where extensive diamond mining occurred historically and continues to this day. We use the specific epithet “ adamanteus ”, the Latin adjective meaning “ of diamond ”, framed in the male genitive to match the gender of Ptenopus.	en	Becker, François S., Alexander, Graham J., Tolley, Krystal A. (2025): Singing on key: An integrative taxonomic revision of barking geckos (Gekkonidae: Ptenopus) with six additional species and keys for morphology and advertisement calls. Vertebrate Zoology 75: 277-323, DOI: 10.3897/vz.75.e153514
6091FA0F63E65F1BA2630541C68663AB.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Southern populations of this member of the genus have a small body size (SVL max. 45.1 mm, mean 39.4 mm, n = 19) with long tails (TL 77 %, range 60 – 99 %, n = 19) while that of the northern populations is moderate (up to 50.8 mm, mean 49.7 mm, n = 6), with a moderately long tail (TL 71 %, range 67 – 76 %, of SVL) and an overall lean appearance. It is distinguished from P. kochi, P. carpi, and P. sceletus sp. nov. by: Toes being intermediately fringed laterally (vs. weakly fringed in P. carpi and P. sceletus sp. nov. and extensively fringed in P. kochi), with fringe length being at least half the breadth of the toe between fringes (vs. generally less than half in P. carpi and P. sceletus sp. nov., generally equal to in P. kochi); having MBSR 141 – 185 (vs. ≤ 131 in P. carpi and P. sceletus sp. nov. and> 185 in P. kochi); by having on the dorsum 4 – 5 paired, more-or-less symmetrical, light-coloured, ovoid markings on the body, about half the diameter of the eye or larger, interspaced by dark brown blotches (vs. more finely patterned dots in P. kochi and banded pattern in P. carpi and P. sceletus sp. nov.). It is further distinct from P. carpi and P. sceletus sp. nov. by the nasals being more swollen and the nostrils partially covered by internal projections of the upper labials; from P. kochi by having fingers laterally fringed with pointed triangular scales (vs. elongated pointed scales in P. kochi), and having white pigmented ventral scales on entire ventral surface (vs. pink, unpigmented patches on the tail and limbs in P. kochi). From congeners previously included in ‘ P. garrulus ’ it is distinguished by: Having immaculate white pigmented scales on soles, vs. some pink, unpigmented scales on soles of P. garrulus and P. australis sp. nov., and dark speckling on the soles of P. kenkenses sp. nov. and P. australis sp. nov.; having a usually smaller internasal scale than P. circumsyrticus sp. nov., with IN / INSBB ~ 8 (usually> 6.0, vs. usually <6.0 in P. circumsyrticus sp. nov.); higher RB / RH (~ 1.1, usually ≥ 1 and <1.2) than P. australis sp. nov. (usually ≤ 1.0), but lower than P. circumsyrticus sp. nov. (usually> 1.1); usually lower INSH / NB (usually <1.1) than P. circumsyrticus sp. nov. (usually> 1.1); having a generally higher IOS (mean 45, range 35 – 53, n = 30) and IOS / MBSR (mean 0.29, usually> 0.24) than P. maculatus (IOS usually <37, IOS / MBSR usually <0.24); having one or two inernasal scales in contact with the rostral vs. three in P. australis sp. nov.	en	Becker, François S., Alexander, Graham J., Tolley, Krystal A. (2025): Singing on key: An integrative taxonomic revision of barking geckos (Gekkonidae: Ptenopus) with six additional species and keys for morphology and advertisement calls. Vertebrate Zoology 75: 277-323, DOI: 10.3897/vz.75.e153514
6091FA0F63E65F1BA2630541C68663AB.taxon	description	Holotype description. (Fig. 11). Adult male, SVL 49.94 mm with original tail 35.20 mm (70.5 % of SVL). Body and head covered with minute hexagonal to round scales of a similar size, dorsally and ventrally, with scales on limbs notably larger. Small mid-ventral incision for removal of liver sample. Body slender, MBSR 170, IOS 53, HL 15.87 mm, HW 11.19 mm, HH 6.68 mm, EED 5.89 mm. Upper labials 8, lower enlarged labials 8 with an additional small, elongate scale on the inflection of the jaw; eight granules bordering the mental. Clear but not prominent superciliary ridges tapering above mid-eye level; a single row of elongated scales around the anterior and upper margins of the eye with curved tips posteriorly, the scales being smaller and rounder along the posterior and dorsal edges. Prenasal scales swollen, separated by one small, asymmetrical hexagonal internasal scale in contact with the rostral, with IN / INSBB 6.90, INSH / NB 0.50; nostrils partially covered by projection from the upper nasal. Rostral is narrow and tall, with RB / RH 0.76, MB / RB 0.89. Eyes intermediate, EYE 3.46 mm, pupil vertical; ear opening is oblique (~ 45 °), and narrow with small, slightly projecting scales at the anterior margin. Toes elongate, flattened, with elongate fringed scales, small, pointed, triangular fringes on the fingers; strong nails on fingers and toes, being larger and thicker on the fingers.	en	Becker, François S., Alexander, Graham J., Tolley, Krystal A. (2025): Singing on key: An integrative taxonomic revision of barking geckos (Gekkonidae: Ptenopus) with six additional species and keys for morphology and advertisement calls. Vertebrate Zoology 75: 277-323, DOI: 10.3897/vz.75.e153514
551D19700C445BC2A5C4EB5901ED0EE2.taxon	description	Figures 9, 10, 20 B	en	Becker, François S., Alexander, Graham J., Tolley, Krystal A. (2025): Singing on key: An integrative taxonomic revision of barking geckos (Gekkonidae: Ptenopus) with six additional species and keys for morphology and advertisement calls. Vertebrate Zoology 75: 277-323, DOI: 10.3897/vz.75.e153514
551D19700C445BC2A5C4EB5901ED0EE2.taxon	etymology	Etymology. This is the most southern Ptenopus species, occurring near the southernmost tip of Africa. Therefore, we use the specific epithet “> australis ”, the Latin (masculine) adjective meaning “ southern ”.	en	Becker, François S., Alexander, Graham J., Tolley, Krystal A. (2025): Singing on key: An integrative taxonomic revision of barking geckos (Gekkonidae: Ptenopus) with six additional species and keys for morphology and advertisement calls. Vertebrate Zoology 75: 277-323, DOI: 10.3897/vz.75.e153514
551D19700C445BC2A5C4EB5901ED0EE2.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. The smallest Ptenopus (SVL max. 44.6 mm, mean 42.7 mm, n = 5) with the shortest tail of any Ptenopus species (TL 61 % of SVL, only one specimen had full original tail, but other paratypes / holotype lost a very small portion of the tail tip and they still appear to be similarly short) and a moderately stout appearance. It is distinguished from P. kochi, P. carpi, and P. sceletus sp. nov. by: Being substantially smaller; toes being intermediately fringed laterally (vs. weakly fringed in P. carpi and P. sceletus sp. nov. and extensively fringed in P. kochi), with fringe length being at least half the breadth of the toe between fringes (vs. generally less than half in P. carpi and P. sceletus sp. nov., and generally equal to in P. kochi); ventral surface being generally white or cream with some unpigmented and / or dark brown-speckled scales on the (hand / foot) soles (vs. substantial pink, unpigmented patches on the tail and limbs in P. kochi, and immaculate white in P. carpi and P. sceletus sp. nov.); having MBSR 140 – 156, mean 148 (n = 5) (vs. ≥ 187 – 222 in P. kochi and usually <135 in P. carpi and P. sceletus sp. nov.); a generally brown-and-cream spotted appearance with some paired light and dark markings dorsally (vs. pinkish or orange, more evenly spotted pattern in P. kochi and banded pattern in P. carpi and P. sceletus sp. nov.). It is further distinct from P. carpi and P. sceletus sp. nov. by the nasals being more swollen and the nostrils partially covered by internal projections of the upper labials; from P. kochi by having fingers laterally fringed with pointed triangular scales (vs. elongated pointed scales in P. kochi). From congeners previously included in ‘ P. garrulus ’ it is distinguished by: A smaller internasal scale, with higher IN / INSBB (~ 10.6, range 7.3 – 11.6, n = 5) and lower INSH / NB (~ 0.65, range 0.57 – 0.97, n = 5) than P. circumsyrticus sp. nov. (IN / INSBB <6, INSH / NB usually> 0.97); having lower RB / RH (<1) than these congeners (usually> 1, except for some P. adamanteus sp. nov. individuals); having lower MBSR (~ 148, range 147 – 149, n = 5) than P. garrulus and P. kenkenses sp. nov. (≥ 158); IOS / MBSR (~ 0.26, range 0.24 – 0.29) usually higher than P. garrulus (~ 0.23, range 0.20 – 0.25, n = 10); having 3 internasal scales in contact with the rostral (vs. usually <3 for P. garrulus and P. adamanteus sp. nov., ≤ 2 for P. kenkenses sp. nov. and P. maculatus, and only 1 in P. circumsyrticus sp. nov.).	en	Becker, François S., Alexander, Graham J., Tolley, Krystal A. (2025): Singing on key: An integrative taxonomic revision of barking geckos (Gekkonidae: Ptenopus) with six additional species and keys for morphology and advertisement calls. Vertebrate Zoology 75: 277-323, DOI: 10.3897/vz.75.e153514
551D19700C445BC2A5C4EB5901ED0EE2.taxon	description	Holotype description. (Fig. 11). Adult male, SVL 44.63 mm with original tail short with blunt tip, 21.99 mm (49.3 % of SVL). Body and head covered with minute hexagonal to round scales of a similar size, dorsally and ventrally, with scales on limbs slightly larger. Mid-ventral incision, T-shaped, for removal of liver sample. Body stout, MBSR 149, IOS 43, HL 13.48 mm, HW 8.33 mm, HH 5.68 mm, EED 3.87 mm. Upper labials 7, lower enlarged labials 7; nine granules bordering the mental. Clear but not prominent superciliary ridges tapering above mid-eye level; right eyelid partially depressed by the fixing process with skin folds on the forehead. Prenasal scales slightly swollen, separated by three small, asymmetrical internasal scales in contact with the rostral, with IN / INSBB 17.14, INSH / NB 0.65; nostrils almost entirely covered by projection from the upper nasal. Rostral is large, with RB / RH 0.96; mental deep and slightly pointed ventrally. EYE 2.58 mm, pupil vertical; ear opening is oblique (~ 40 °), and narrow with small, slightly projecting scales at the anterior margin. Toes elongate, slightly flattened, with elongate fringed scales; small, pointed, barely projecting triangular fringes on the fingers; strong, recurved and pointed nails on fingers and toes.	en	Becker, François S., Alexander, Graham J., Tolley, Krystal A. (2025): Singing on key: An integrative taxonomic revision of barking geckos (Gekkonidae: Ptenopus) with six additional species and keys for morphology and advertisement calls. Vertebrate Zoology 75: 277-323, DOI: 10.3897/vz.75.e153514
3CDFB40878D25FF390CEBBA7D255FA8D.taxon	description	Figures 17, 20 J	en	Becker, François S., Alexander, Graham J., Tolley, Krystal A. (2025): Singing on key: An integrative taxonomic revision of barking geckos (Gekkonidae: Ptenopus) with six additional species and keys for morphology and advertisement calls. Vertebrate Zoology 75: 277-323, DOI: 10.3897/vz.75.e153514
3CDFB40878D25FF390CEBBA7D255FA8D.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. A large Ptenopus (SVL max. 64.7 mm, mean 53.7 mm, n = 33) with a moderate tail (TL 66.7 % [range 61 – 72] of SVL) and lean appearance, with slender limbs and reduced toe fringes compared to other species. Preserved specimens are morphologically indistinguishable from P. sceletus sp. nov., but usually have a longer snout or narrower head (than P. sceletus sp. nov.), clearly visible from below (compare Figs 17 E and 19 E); live specimens can be distinguished by lack of sexual dichromatism, with females having a yellow gular patch as in males (Fig. 17 E, vs. no female gular patch or very faint yellow in P. sceletus sp. nov.), and by red or ochre iris colouration (Fig. 17 F, vs. silver to brown in P. sceletus sp. nov.). This species and P. sceletus sp. nov. are the only members of the genus with a clearly banded dorsal colour pattern on the body and tail. For a more detailed morphological diagnosis and description, see Haacke (1975).	en	Becker, François S., Alexander, Graham J., Tolley, Krystal A. (2025): Singing on key: An integrative taxonomic revision of barking geckos (Gekkonidae: Ptenopus) with six additional species and keys for morphology and advertisement calls. Vertebrate Zoology 75: 277-323, DOI: 10.3897/vz.75.e153514
3CDFB40878D25FF390CEBBA7D255FA8D.taxon	distribution	Distribution and habitat. Ptenopus carpi occurs on hard gravel plains in the central Namib Desert, Namibia, from the northern banks of the Kuiseb River to the southern banks of the Swakop River, central Namib Desert (Fig. 5). It does not tolerate soft, sandy substrates. Ptenopus carpi occurs in the Atlantic fog band, from the high water mark to approximately 50 km inland. It is one the most common vertebrates on these coastal desert plains, but becomes increasingly rare to the east of its range. Here, it occurs syntopically with P. maculatus, and parapatrically with P. kochi and P. circumsyrticus sp. nov. along the Kuiseb River (the latter species occurring in or south of the river, while P. carpi occurs north of it). Ptenopus carpi and P. kochi can occasionally be found only metres from each other, on two different substrates. Ptenopus carpi occurs parapatrically with P. sceletus sp. nov. across much of the Swakop River, and sympatrically in the Rössmund area just south of the river. In light of this revision, P. carpi has a restricted range, estimated at ~ 1400 km 2. While most of its range is presently encapsulated by statutory protected areas (Namib-Naukluft National Park and Dorob Park), on the ground management of the habitat in these areas is poor. In particular, mining and industrial activities and the degradation of the gravel plains by motorists occurs within this the protected areas. The result is that more than 80 % of the species range is currently within zones encompassing active mining licenses, exclusive prospecting licenses, and reconnaissance licenses (Spatial Dimension 2024), and / or occupied by urban and industrial developments, an airport, and a military base. Considering the extensive geographic scope of these claims and properties, there are likely between four and ten threat locations according to IUCN guidelines (IUCN 2022). Given the continued decline in the extent and quality of its habitat, and the range of threats noted here, a full IUCN assessment could result in the species qualifying for a range of threat categories falling between NT and EN (B 1 ab).	en	Becker, François S., Alexander, Graham J., Tolley, Krystal A. (2025): Singing on key: An integrative taxonomic revision of barking geckos (Gekkonidae: Ptenopus) with six additional species and keys for morphology and advertisement calls. Vertebrate Zoology 75: 277-323, DOI: 10.3897/vz.75.e153514
4B51728C2E4F5576A4CA25972D9646E5.taxon	description	Figures 13, 14, 20 E	en	Becker, François S., Alexander, Graham J., Tolley, Krystal A. (2025): Singing on key: An integrative taxonomic revision of barking geckos (Gekkonidae: Ptenopus) with six additional species and keys for morphology and advertisement calls. Vertebrate Zoology 75: 277-323, DOI: 10.3897/vz.75.e153514
4B51728C2E4F5576A4CA25972D9646E5.taxon	etymology	Etymology. This species is named in reference to its habitat: It occurs in and around the sand sea, on interdune plains or dune streets, and on sandy plains at the edge of the sand sea. They do not occur on the dunes themselves. Thus, we use the specific epithet “ circumsyrticus ”, the Latin adjective meaning “ around the dune ”, framed in the male genitive to match the gender of Ptenopus.	en	Becker, François S., Alexander, Graham J., Tolley, Krystal A. (2025): Singing on key: An integrative taxonomic revision of barking geckos (Gekkonidae: Ptenopus) with six additional species and keys for morphology and advertisement calls. Vertebrate Zoology 75: 277-323, DOI: 10.3897/vz.75.e153514
4B51728C2E4F5576A4CA25972D9646E5.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. A moderately small Ptenopus (SVL max. 54.9 mm, mean 48.6 mm, n = 16) with a short tail (TL 62 % [range 48 – 73] of SVL, n = 8) and a lean appearance. It is distinguished from P. kochi, P. carpi, and P. sceletus sp. nov. by being substantially smaller; toes being intermediately fringed laterally (vs. weakly fringed in P. carpi and P. sceletus sp. nov. and extensively fringed in P. kochi), with fringe length being at least half the breadth of the toe between fringes (vs. generally less than half in P. carpi and P. sceletus sp. nov., generally equal to in P. kochi), although fringing can be more extensive in specimens found in looser sand, such as close to Walvis Bay or Far East Dunes; by dorsal colour pattern, characterised by paired, large, subsymmetrical, light ovoid markings interspaced by dark blotches (vs. spotted pattern in P. kochi and banded pattern in P. carpi and P. sceletus sp. nov.). It is further distinct from P. carpi and P. sceletus sp. nov. by the nasals being more swollen and the nostrils partially covered by internal projections of the upper labials; from P. kochi by having fingers laterally fringed with pointed triangular scales (vs. elongated pointed scales in P. kochi), having white pigmented scales on entire ventral surface (vs. pink, unpigmented patches on the tail and limbs in P. kochi), and having MBSR 108 – 179 (vs.> 180 in P. kochi), with finer lepidosis presenting in specimens found in looser sand. From congeners previously included in ‘ P. garrulus ’ it is distinguished by: The internasal scale usually being larger and broader than other species, with IN / INSBB being generally lower (median 4.5, range 3.6 – 5.8, but usually <4.7) than other species (usually> 5.0); having higher RB / RH (median 1.27, usually> 1.17) than P. adamanteus sp. nov., P. australis sp. nov., and P. garrulus (usually <1.17); having higher INS / NB (~ 1.61, usually> 1.10) than P. adamanteus sp. nov., P. australis sp. nov., and P. garrulus (usually <1.20); having lower MBSR (median 144, usually <160) than P. kenkenses sp. nov. and P. garrulus (usually> 160); higher IOS / MBSR (median 0.31, usually> 0.25) than P. maculatus and P. garrulus (usually ≤ 0.25); having only one inernasal scale in contact with the rostral, while P. australis sp. nov. has three; having no pink, inpigmented scales on the soles (vs. some unpigmented scales in P. garrulus and P. australis sp. nov.).	en	Becker, François S., Alexander, Graham J., Tolley, Krystal A. (2025): Singing on key: An integrative taxonomic revision of barking geckos (Gekkonidae: Ptenopus) with six additional species and keys for morphology and advertisement calls. Vertebrate Zoology 75: 277-323, DOI: 10.3897/vz.75.e153514
4B51728C2E4F5576A4CA25972D9646E5.taxon	description	Holotype description. (Fig. 13). Adult male, SVL 48.75 mm with original tail 35.79 mm (73.42 % SVL). Body and head covered with minute hexagonal to round scales of a similar size, dorsally and ventrally, with scales on limbs notably larger. Small mid-ventral incision for removal of liver sample. Body and head slender, MBSR 129, IOS 53, HL 14.62 mm, HW 10.99 mm, HH 5.57 mm, EED 5.81 mm. Upper and lower labials 8, six granules bordering the mental. Clear but not prominent superciliary ridges tapering above mid-eye level; a single row of elongated scales around the anterior and upper margins of the eye with curved tips posteriorly, the scales being smaller and rounder along the posterior and dorsal edges; nasal scales swollen, the prenasals separated by one large, hexagonal internasal scale in broad contact with the rostral, with IN / INSBB 4.69, INSH / NB 1.09; nostrils partially covered by projection from the upper nasal. Rostral broad, with RB / RH 1.44, MB / RB 0.81. Eyes intermediate, EYE 3.15 mm, pupil vertical. Ear opening is oblique (~ 45 °) and narrow, with small, slightly projecting scales at the anterior margin. Toes elongate, flattened, with elongate fringed scales, small, pointed, triangular fringes on the fingers; strong nails on fingers and toes, being larger and thicker on the fingers.	en	Becker, François S., Alexander, Graham J., Tolley, Krystal A. (2025): Singing on key: An integrative taxonomic revision of barking geckos (Gekkonidae: Ptenopus) with six additional species and keys for morphology and advertisement calls. Vertebrate Zoology 75: 277-323, DOI: 10.3897/vz.75.e153514
66796650A0F35723A35A2F2C3EEBCBDD.taxon	description	Figures 7, 20 A	en	Becker, François S., Alexander, Graham J., Tolley, Krystal A. (2025): Singing on key: An integrative taxonomic revision of barking geckos (Gekkonidae: Ptenopus) with six additional species and keys for morphology and advertisement calls. Vertebrate Zoology 75: 277-323, DOI: 10.3897/vz.75.e153514
66796650A0F35723A35A2F2C3EEBCBDD.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. A small Ptenopus (SVL max. 53.4 mm, mean 46.6 mm, n = 22) with a moderate tail (TL 69 % [range 50 – 86 %] of SVL, n = 17) and a generally slender appearance. This species is easily distinguished from P. kochi, P. carpi and P. sceletus sp. nov. by a combination of the following morphological characters: Toes extensively fringed laterally (similar to P. kochi vs. weakly fringed in P. carpi and P. sceletus sp. nov.), with fringe length roughly equal to the breadth of the toe between fringes (vs. fringe length generally less than half toe breadth in P. carpi and P. sceletus sp. nov.); having white pigmented ventral scales with some pink, unpigmented scales on the (hand / foot) soles (vs. pink, unpigmented patches also on the tail and limbs in P. kochi, and white entire in P. carpi and P. sceletus sp. nov.); having MBSR ~ 182 (range 156 – 202, n = 31) (vs. 187 – 210 in P. kochi and usually <135 in P. carpi and P. sceletus sp. nov.). It is further distinct from P. carpi and P. sceletus sp. nov. by the nasals being more swollen and the nostrils partially covered by internal projections of the upper labials, and by more-or less speckled dorsal colour pattern (vs. banded pattern in P. carpi and P. sceletus sp. nov.); from P. kochi by having fingers laterally fringed with pointed triangular scales (vs. elongated pointed scales in P. kochi). From congeners previously included under ‘ P. garrulus ’, P. garrulus sensu stricto is distinguished by: (when live) patches of pink, unpigmented scales on soles (vs. white pigmented in other species and white or slightly pinkish with dark brown speckles in P. kenkenses sp. nov. and P. australis sp. nov.); having higher RB / RH (~ 1.12, range 0.95 – 1.24, n = 10) than P. australis sp. nov. (≤ 0.97); having higher MBSR (~ 182, range 156 – 202, n = 31) than P. australis sp. nov., P. circumsyrticus sp. nov., and P. maculatus sensu stricto (usually <149); dorsal colour pattern relatively speckled, consisting of> 2 longitudinal rows of white spots (rows may join to form irregular bands), including 5 – 7 clear (but not large) dorsolateral pairs of light spots between pectoral and pelvic girdles, with indistinct dark patches not touching the white, or dark patches absent, and indistinct or no patterning on ventro-lateral sides of the face, vs. 4 – 5 large and distinctive paired, light, ovoid markings interspaced by distinct dark mottled patches usually touching the light markings, and ovoid patterning on ventro-lateral portions of the face being more distinctive in P. kenkenses sp. nov. (and some populations of P. adamanteus sp. nov. or P. circumsyrticus sp. nov.); toe fringes being generally more extensive (with fringe length roughly equal to the breadth of the toe between fringes) than other species (fringe length usually about half toe breadth), but similar to P. australis sp. nov.	en	Becker, François S., Alexander, Graham J., Tolley, Krystal A. (2025): Singing on key: An integrative taxonomic revision of barking geckos (Gekkonidae: Ptenopus) with six additional species and keys for morphology and advertisement calls. Vertebrate Zoology 75: 277-323, DOI: 10.3897/vz.75.e153514
CD74DC4946D65EF9A502DC9CEABFD570.taxon	description	Figures 15, 16, 20 F	en	Becker, François S., Alexander, Graham J., Tolley, Krystal A. (2025): Singing on key: An integrative taxonomic revision of barking geckos (Gekkonidae: Ptenopus) with six additional species and keys for morphology and advertisement calls. Vertebrate Zoology 75: 277-323, DOI: 10.3897/vz.75.e153514
CD74DC4946D65EF9A502DC9CEABFD570.taxon	etymology	Etymology. This species is named after the Nama name for the gecko, “ || en || enses ”, pronounced with two lateral clicks (produced by clicking with one’s tongue on the posterior-lateral roof of one’s mouth, similar to the typical command given for a horse to speed up), in reference to the clicking sound that it makes. The name is usually formed in the Nama female genitive, indicated by the suffix “ s ”, because the animal is small. This gecko occurs throughout the Nama Karoo and various places that were historically, and are currently, occupied by the Nama people. The Nama are highly familiar with its call, and believe the bite of this gecko to be extremely venomous. Nama children are taught to treat it with caution. However, the authors have been bitten by this species, and have survived. We use the specific epithet “ kenkenses ”, a noun in apposition. Since the Nama symbols cannot be included in a scientific name, the phonetically similar letter “ k ” is used instead. However, the use of Nama lateral clicks is recommended in the pronunciation of this name.	en	Becker, François S., Alexander, Graham J., Tolley, Krystal A. (2025): Singing on key: An integrative taxonomic revision of barking geckos (Gekkonidae: Ptenopus) with six additional species and keys for morphology and advertisement calls. Vertebrate Zoology 75: 277-323, DOI: 10.3897/vz.75.e153514
CD74DC4946D65EF9A502DC9CEABFD570.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. A medium-sized Ptenopus (SVL max. 58 mm, mean 51.3 mm, n = 10) with a short tail (TL 65 % [range 60 – 72] of SVL, n = 7) and a stout appearance. It is distinguished from P. kochi, P. carpi, and P. sceletus sp. nov. by the following characters: Toes being intermediately fringed laterally (vs. weakly fringed in P. carpi and P. sceletus sp. nov. and extensively fringed in P. kochi); having MBSR ~ 162, range 158 – 169 (vs.> 180 in P. kochi and <135 in P. carpi and P. sceletus sp. nov.); by dorsal colour pattern being characterised by large, paired, light, subsymmetrical ovoid markings interspaced with or dominated by dense, dark brown mottled patches (vs. more finely spotted pattern in P. kochi and banded pattern in P. carpi and P. sceletus sp. nov.). It is further distinct from P. carpi and P. sceletus sp. nov. by the nasals being more swollen and the nostrils partially covered by internal projections of the upper labials; from P. kochi by having fingers laterally fringed with pointed triangular scales (vs. elongated pointed scales in P. kochi) and having entire ventrum covered in white / cream ventral scales with some dark brown / grey specking (vs. pink, unpigmented patches on the limbs and tail of P. kochi). From congeners previously included in ‘ P. garrulus ’ it is distinguished by: Having a generally smaller internasal scale with higher IN / INSBB (median 7.4, range 5.6 – 11.0, n = 12), than P. circumsyrticus sp. nov. (usually <5.6); having a broader rostral with higher RB / RH (median 1.21, range 0.98 – 1.42, n = 12) than P. australis sp. nov. (<0.98); having generally higher MBSR (≥ 147) than P. australis sp. nov., P. circumsyrticus sp. nov., and P. maculatus (usually <147 except some P. circumsyrticus sp. nov.); having 2 or fewer internasal scales in contact with the rostral, while P. australis sp. nov. has three; colour pattern distinct from P. garrulus in having 4 – 5 large and distinctive paired, light, ovoid markings interspaced by distinct dark mottled patches usually touching the light markings (vs. more rows of and smaller white spots and overall more speckled pattern in P. garrulus), and ovoid patterning on ventro-lateral portions of the face being more distinctive (vs. indistinct or absent in P. garrulus).	en	Becker, François S., Alexander, Graham J., Tolley, Krystal A. (2025): Singing on key: An integrative taxonomic revision of barking geckos (Gekkonidae: Ptenopus) with six additional species and keys for morphology and advertisement calls. Vertebrate Zoology 75: 277-323, DOI: 10.3897/vz.75.e153514
CD74DC4946D65EF9A502DC9CEABFD570.taxon	description	Holotype description. (Fig. 15). Adult male, SVL 51.41 mm with original tail 30.61 mm (59.54 % SVL). Body and head covered with minute hexagonal to round scales of a similar size, dorsally and ventrally, with scales on limbs notably larger. Small mid-ventral incision for removal of liver sample. Body slender, MBSR 166, IOS 48, HL 15.97 mm, HW 11.15 mm, HH 6.85 mm, EED 5.93 mm. Upper labials 6 enlarged, with 4 – 5 small granules up to the angle of the jaw, lower labials 8, the posterior scale elongate and thin, and six granules bordering the mental. Clear but not prominent superciliary ridges tapering from above mid-eye level. Around the eye is a single row of elongated scales around the anterior, dorsal, and posterior margins, but more rounded and smaller along the ventral margin. Nasal scales slightly swollen, the prenasals barely separated by one small, rounded internasal scale in meagre contact with the rostral, with IN / INSBB 8.71, INSH / NB 1.03. Nostrils partially covered by projection from the upper nasal. Rostral broad, with RB / RH 1.42, MB / RB 0.75. Pupil vertical, EYE 3.46 mm. Ear opening is oblique (~ 45 °) and narrow with small projecting scales at the anterior margin. The neck region behind the cheeks is slightly swollen with internal calcium deposits. Arms, legs, and tail stout in appearance. Toes elongate, flattened, with moderately elongate fringed scales, small, pointed, triangular fringes on the fingers; strong nails on fingers and toes, being larger and thicker on the fingers.	en	Becker, François S., Alexander, Graham J., Tolley, Krystal A. (2025): Singing on key: An integrative taxonomic revision of barking geckos (Gekkonidae: Ptenopus) with six additional species and keys for morphology and advertisement calls. Vertebrate Zoology 75: 277-323, DOI: 10.3897/vz.75.e153514
1638BF11B3EE50EB9673F33AFB46A9DE.taxon	description	Figures 6, 20 I	en	Becker, François S., Alexander, Graham J., Tolley, Krystal A. (2025): Singing on key: An integrative taxonomic revision of barking geckos (Gekkonidae: Ptenopus) with six additional species and keys for morphology and advertisement calls. Vertebrate Zoology 75: 277-323, DOI: 10.3897/vz.75.e153514
1638BF11B3EE50EB9673F33AFB46A9DE.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. The largest Ptenopus (SVL max. 65.1, mean 61.1, n = 23) with the longest tail (TL 83 % [range 63 – 96 %] of SVL, n = 23), an overall plump appearance, extensive toe fringes and elongated fringed scales on the fingers compared to other species. It is distinguished from all other congeners by a combination of the following characters: Body and head scales finer than other species, with MBSR 187 – 210 (vs. generally <200 for P. garrulus and <180 for other species); dorsal colour pattern (Fig. 6) finely speckled with a few somewhat enlarged cream or yellow spots (somewhat similar to P. garrulus, vs. banded in P. carpi and P. sceletus sp. nov. and large paired, oval marking in P. maculatus, P. circumsyrticus sp. nov., P. kenkenses sp. nov., and northern populations of P. adamanteus sp. nov.); the tail, fore- and hind-foot soles are completely or partially pink and unpigmented, whereas the rest of the ventrum is white (similar to P. garrulus except for the tail, vs. immaculate white in P. maculatus, P. adamanteus sp. nov., P. circumsyrticus sp. nov., and black- or dark grey-speckled in P. kenkenses sp. nov.); the yellow pigment in males is not limited to the throat, but extends over the sides of the snout, head, neck, and body (also the case in some P. garrulus). For a more detailed morphological description, see Haacke (1964, 1975).	en	Becker, François S., Alexander, Graham J., Tolley, Krystal A. (2025): Singing on key: An integrative taxonomic revision of barking geckos (Gekkonidae: Ptenopus) with six additional species and keys for morphology and advertisement calls. Vertebrate Zoology 75: 277-323, DOI: 10.3897/vz.75.e153514
1638BF11B3EE50EB9673F33AFB46A9DE.taxon	distribution	Distribution and habitat. Occurs throughout the Namib erg in the central Namib Desert, Namibia, except possibly in the southwestern extreme of this erg in the winter rainfall zone, near Lüderitz. The northern limit of its distribution is generally aligned with the northern extent of the sand sea. The habitat of this species was initially described as the silts in Kuiseb River and the interdune plains by (Haacke 1964), and was even referred to afterwards as the “ interdune barking gecko ” (Branch 1998). In reality, this species rarely occurs on the interdunes and its occurrence in and around the Kuiseb River is more coincidental with sandy intrusions from the adjacent Namib erg. Its primary habitat is characterised by the dune plinth, being the base of the dune where the sand is loose, but before it slopes more steeply. “ Dune plinth barking gecko ” would thus be a more suitable substitute common name. Its occurrence on the interdunes is only peripheral, except in instances where the interdunes sand is very loose, similar in composition to a typical dune plinth. True interdune plains in the Namib erg are occupied primarily, or solely, by P. circumsyrticus sp. nov. Ptenopus kochi occurs parapatrically alongside P. circumsyrticus sp. nov. throughout the Namib erg, and in occasional sympatry or occasional syntopy. It also occurs parapatrically with P. carpi and P. maculatus along the Kuiseb River. Some P. kochi do occur on the northern banks of the Kuiseb River, occasionally in sympatry with P. maculatus and P. circumsyrticus sp. nov., on sandier patches of the gravel plains. These animals are genetically divergent from those on the southern side of the river.	en	Becker, François S., Alexander, Graham J., Tolley, Krystal A. (2025): Singing on key: An integrative taxonomic revision of barking geckos (Gekkonidae: Ptenopus) with six additional species and keys for morphology and advertisement calls. Vertebrate Zoology 75: 277-323, DOI: 10.3897/vz.75.e153514
F0DC5704D2B559259A6B5BEE04576FD5.taxon	description	Figures 8, 20 G – H	en	Becker, François S., Alexander, Graham J., Tolley, Krystal A. (2025): Singing on key: An integrative taxonomic revision of barking geckos (Gekkonidae: Ptenopus) with six additional species and keys for morphology and advertisement calls. Vertebrate Zoology 75: 277-323, DOI: 10.3897/vz.75.e153514
F0DC5704D2B559259A6B5BEE04576FD5.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. A moderately large Ptenopus (SVL max. 60 mm, mean 51.7 mm, n = 34) with a moderate tail (TL 69 % [range 58 – 78 %] of SVL, n = 21) and stout appearance. It is easily distinguished from P. kochi, P. carpi, and P. sceletus sp. nov. by the following characters: Toes being intermediately fringed laterally (vs. weakly fringed in P. carpi and P. sceletus sp. nov., and extensively fringed in P. kochi), with fringe length being at least half the breadth of the toe between fringes; having MBSR ~ 135 (range 126 – 146, n = 35; vs.> 180 in P. kochi and usually <135 in P. carpi and P. sceletus sp. nov.); by dorsal colour pattern with four to five large, paired, ovoid markings on a darker background, interspaced by dark brown wavy or broken blotches (vs. more finely spotted in P. kochi and banded in P. carpi and P. sceletus sp. nov.). From congeners previously included in ‘ P. garrulus ’ it is distinguished by: Higher IN / INSBB ~ 7.2 (range 4.9 – 8.8, n = 8) than P. circumsyrticus sp. nov. (median 4.5, range 3.6 – 5.8, n = 13); higher RB / RH ~ 1.17 (range 0.97 – 1.32, n = 8) than P. australis sp. nov. (<0.97) and P. adamanteus sp. nov. (usually <1.1); higher INSH / NB ~ 1.53 (range 0.60 – 2.49, n = 8) than P. australis sp. nov. (usually <0.80) and P. adamanteus sp. nov. (usually <1.00); lower MBSR (~ 135, range 126 – 146, n = 35) than P. kenkenses sp. nov. (≥ 158) and P. garrulus (≥ 156, usually> 170), and somewhat lower than P. adamanteus sp. nov. (median 160, range 141 – 185, n = 30); lower IOS ~ 34 (range 29 – 40, n = 35) than other species (usually> 37); lower IOS / MBSR ~ 0.23 (range 0.21 – 0.27, n = 8) than P. circumsyrticus sp. nov. (usually> 0.27), P. adamanteus sp. nov., and P. australis sp. nov. (usually> 0.25); having 1 – 2 internasal scales in contact with the rostral, vs. three in P. australis sp. nov.; having a different colour pattern than P. garrulus (usually more finely speckled, ovoid markings being much smaller).	en	Becker, François S., Alexander, Graham J., Tolley, Krystal A. (2025): Singing on key: An integrative taxonomic revision of barking geckos (Gekkonidae: Ptenopus) with six additional species and keys for morphology and advertisement calls. Vertebrate Zoology 75: 277-323, DOI: 10.3897/vz.75.e153514
BCB7B0EF4A465DAC8D414B90784B0A44.taxon	description	Figures 18, 19, 20 K	en	Becker, François S., Alexander, Graham J., Tolley, Krystal A. (2025): Singing on key: An integrative taxonomic revision of barking geckos (Gekkonidae: Ptenopus) with six additional species and keys for morphology and advertisement calls. Vertebrate Zoology 75: 277-323, DOI: 10.3897/vz.75.e153514
BCB7B0EF4A465DAC8D414B90784B0A44.taxon	etymology	Etymology. This species is named in reference to the Skeleton Coast, which generally refers to the coastal Namib Desert between the Swakop River and the Kunene River, encapsulating the species’ entire distribution and type locality. In addition, the white or grey dorsal surfaces of the head and feet give the gecko a ghostly or skeletal appearance (Fig. 19 B). We therefore use the specific epithet “ sceletus ”, the Latin noun in apposition meaning “ skeleton ”.	en	Becker, François S., Alexander, Graham J., Tolley, Krystal A. (2025): Singing on key: An integrative taxonomic revision of barking geckos (Gekkonidae: Ptenopus) with six additional species and keys for morphology and advertisement calls. Vertebrate Zoology 75: 277-323, DOI: 10.3897/vz.75.e153514
BCB7B0EF4A465DAC8D414B90784B0A44.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. A moderately large Ptenopus (SVL max. 57.1 mm, mean 52.7 mm, n = 18) with a moderate tail (TL 70 % [range 62 – 80] of SVL, n = 12), an overall lean appearance, and comparatively slender limbs. In preserve state it is morphologically indistinguishable from P. carpi except by having a generally broader or shorter head / snout, when viewed from beneath (Fig. 19 E). Live specimens are more easily distinguished, with only males possessing a bright yellow gular patch, as is typical for the genus (Fig. 19 E, vs. gular patch in both sexes in P. carpi sensu stricto); by silver to brown iris colouration (Fig. 19 F, vs. red or ochre in P. carpi). It is distinguished from all other congeners except for P. carpi, by a combination of the following characters: Banded dorsal colour pattern on the body and tail (vs. spotted or speckled pattern in P. garrulus and P. kochi, and large, paired, ovoid light markings interspaced by darker mottled patches in other species); weakly fringed toes, with fringe length being generally less than half the breadth of the toe between fringes (vs. more than half for other species); nostrils not covered internally by a projection from the upper nasal scale (vs. is covered partially or completely in other species); being larger than most congeners (except P. kochi), and having longer, leaner limbs.	en	Becker, François S., Alexander, Graham J., Tolley, Krystal A. (2025): Singing on key: An integrative taxonomic revision of barking geckos (Gekkonidae: Ptenopus) with six additional species and keys for morphology and advertisement calls. Vertebrate Zoology 75: 277-323, DOI: 10.3897/vz.75.e153514
BCB7B0EF4A465DAC8D414B90784B0A44.taxon	description	Holotype description. (Fig. 18). Adult male, SVL 52.4 mm with original tail 37.2 mm (70.0 % SVL). Body and head covered with minute hexagonal to round scales of a similar size, dorsally and ventrally, with scales on limbs notably larger. Body slender, MBSR 123, IOS 44, HL 16.9 mm, HW 12.3 mm, HH 7.5 mm, EED 6.6 mm. Upper labials 9 enlarged, the last being smaller at the angle of the jaw; lower labials 9 enlarged and one smaller scale posteriorly; four granules bordering the mental. Clear, but not prominent, superciliary ridges tapering from above mid-eye level. Around the eye is a single row of elongated scales around the anterior, dorsal, and posterior margins, but more rounded and smaller along the ventral margin. Nasal scales very slightly swollen, the prenasals barely separated by one tall, thin, triangular internasal scale in narrow contact with the somewhat round, septagonal rostral. Eyes large, EYE 3.9 mm. Ear opening oblique (~ 45 °), short and relatively broad, set on the far posterior corner of the head, with small, rounded, projecting scales at the anterior margin. The neck region behind the cheeks is barely swollen with internal calcium deposits. Arms, legs, and tail lean. Toes elongate, moderately flattened and weakly fringed; small, pointed fringed scales on finger margins; strong nails on fingers and toes, being larger and thicker on the fingers.	en	Becker, François S., Alexander, Graham J., Tolley, Krystal A. (2025): Singing on key: An integrative taxonomic revision of barking geckos (Gekkonidae: Ptenopus) with six additional species and keys for morphology and advertisement calls. Vertebrate Zoology 75: 277-323, DOI: 10.3897/vz.75.e153514
BCB7B0EF4A465DAC8D414B90784B0A44.taxon	distribution	Distribution and habitat. This species occurs from the southern banks of the Swakop River, northwards in a narrow strip along the Skeleton Coast (northern Namib Desert), to the southern tip of the northern Namib erg, near the Kunene River (Namibia-Angola border; Fig. 5). Its habitat falls within the coastal fog zone and it occurs on compact, gravelly substrates. This species occurs parapatrically with P. carpi across the Swakop River and sympatrically in the Rössmund area, just south of the river. Ptenopus sceletus sp. nov. occurs in sympatry or parapatry with P. maculatus in the eastern portions of its range (P. maculatus occurs only on silts in the northern limits of its range, while P. sceletus sp. nov. remains on gravels in that area).	en	Becker, François S., Alexander, Graham J., Tolley, Krystal A. (2025): Singing on key: An integrative taxonomic revision of barking geckos (Gekkonidae: Ptenopus) with six additional species and keys for morphology and advertisement calls. Vertebrate Zoology 75: 277-323, DOI: 10.3897/vz.75.e153514
