Taxonomic notes: Peters (1982) raised a number of subspecies of Acanthodactylus cyanogaster to full species status. The relationship between this form and A. atricollis remains unclear, and will require molecular research to resolve (Largen and Spawls 2006). Prior to Spawls et al. (2002), A. atricollis was typically considered a junior synonym of A. cyanogaster following Parker (1942). Largen and Spawls (2006) opin that two distinct phenotypes exist that justify the recognition of both species, and this concept is followed here. As defined by these authors, A. cyanogaster is confined to Ethiopia and Eritrea, and confusion between this form and A. atricollis may have been exacerbated by erroneous assignment of material from more southern territories to A. cyanogaster (Largen and Spawls 2006).

This species is known with certainty only from Ethiopia and Eritrea (Largen 1997, Largen and Spawls 2006, Largen and Spawls 2010). Records from other countries in eastern Africa (e.g. Spawls et al. 2002) represent confusion with A. atricollis (Largen and Spawls 2006). It is found at elevations of 1,400 to 2,500 m asl. (Largen and Spawls 2010).

Favours rocky areas in both moist and relatively dry montane grassland, it is not associated with trees (Largen and Spawls 2010). There is no evidence for any degree of association with trees (Largen and Spawls 2010).

There is no population information available for this species. Due to past taxonomic confusion with A. atricollis, a common species that occurs in sympatry, nothing can be said with certainly about its abundance or population status (Spawls pers. comm.)

This species is not used or traded.

It is unlikely that any major threat is impacting this species. The highlands within its entire range have been heavily converted for cultivation, however the species is likely to survive in rocky outcrops within the agricultural matrix or in rocky areas unsuitable for agricultural use (Spawls pers. comm.).

There are no known species-specific conservation measures in place for this species. Further research into the taxonomy of this species should be carried out.

Acanthocercus cyanogaster has been assessed as Least Concern due to its wide distribution throughout Ethiopia and Eritra any reported or suspected threats. It is however unknown whether the species is common due to taxonomic problems.

• Largen, M. and Spawls, S. 2010. The Amphibians and Reptiles of Ethiopia and Eritrea. Edition Chimaira, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.
• Loveridge, A. 1957. Check list of the reptiles and amphibians of east Africa (Uganda, Kenya, Tanganyika, Zanzibar). Bulletin of the Museum of Comparative Zoology at Harvard College 117(2): 153-362.
• Menegon, M. 2007. pers. comm. Red List Assessment.
• Spawls, S. 2007. pers. comm. Red List Assessment.
• Spawls, S., Howell, K.M., Drewes, R.C. and Ashe, J. 2002. A Field Guide to the Reptiles of East Africa. Academic Press, Elsevier Science.