Historical context and results of a study on Racerunners (Sauria, Lacertidae, Eremias) in Kazakhstan

Abstract

This article provides a brief historical overview of studies dealing with the genus Eremias, from the late 19th century to present. Records show that in 2021, nine species of lizards are present in Kazakhstan (about one-third of the volume of the Saurofauna of Kazakhstan), which is 25% of the total volume of the genus Eremias. All of these belong to five subgeneric groups of the genus Eremias. Due to the active study of taxonomy and phylogeny using molecular genetic methods, the fauna of the genus Eremias in Kazakhstan has been enhanced with two new species Eremias dzhungarica and E. stummeri (E. multiocellata-przewalskii-complex). These species and E. vermiculata should be included in the new edition of the Red Data Book of Kazakhstan. The most studied species in the territory of Kazakhstan is E. arguta, but other species require the close attention of specialists.