Systematics and Distribution of the Iranian Plateau Leaf-toed Geckos of the Genus Asaccus (Sauria: Gekkonidae)

A review of the known Iranian species of the genus Asaccus is presented. The genusAsaccus is divided into two distinct geographical lineages. The nominotypical group isendemic to the Mesopotamian region (western Iran, eastern Iraq, Turkey and Syria), andincludes Asaccus elisae, A. griseonatus, A. kermanshahensis, A. kurdistanensis, A. nasrullahi and A. saffinae, all restricted to the Zagros Mountains and neighboring regions. The second group, occurring in the northern Oman Mountains as well as some areas in the United Arab Emirates, includes A. caudivolvulus, A. gallagheri, A. montanus and A. platyrhynchus.Historical and biogeographical events in the Middle East have had a major impact on thedistribution and subsequent evolution of Asaccus. A key to all species of Asaccus isprovided.