Agamidae - Systematics and Distribution

Systematics and Distribution

There have been very few studies of the Agamidae. The first comprehensive assessment was by Moody (1980) followed by a more inclusive assessment by Frost and Etheridge (1989). Subsequent studies were based on mitochondrial DNA loci by Macey et al. (2000) and Honda et al. (2000) and also by sampling across the Agamidae by Joger (1991). Few other studies focused on clades within the family, but the Agamidae have not been as well investigated as the Iguanidae.

The agamids show a curious distribution. They are found over much of the Old World, including continental Africa, Australia, Southern Asia and sparsely in warmer regions of Europe. They are however absent from Madagascar and from the New World. The distribution is the opposite of that of the iguanids, who are found in just these areas but absent in areas where agamids are found. A similar faunal divide is found in between the boas and pythons.