Preliminary herpetological survey of Ngonye Falls and surrounding regions in south-western Zambia
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Date
Authors
Pietersen, Darren William
Pietersen, Errol W.
Conradie, Werner
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Craig Hassapakis
Abstract
The herpetofauna of Zambia has been relatively well-studied, although most surveys were conducted
decades ago. In western Zambia in particular, surveys were largely restricted to a few centers, particularly
those along the Zambezi River. We here report on the herpetofauna of the Ngonye Falls and surrounding
regions in south-western Zambia. We recorded 18 amphibian, one crocodile, two chelonian, 22 lizard, and 19
snake species, although a number of additional species are expected to occur in the region based on their
known distribution and habitat preferences. We also provide three new reptile country records for Zambia
(Long-tailed Worm Lizard, Dalophia longicauda, Anchieta’s Worm Lizard, Monopeltis anchietae, and Zambezi
Rough-scaled Lizard, Ichnotropis grandiceps), and report on the second specimen of Schmitz’s Legless Skink,
Acontias schmitzi, a species described in 2012 and until now known only from the holotype. This record also
represents a 140 km southward range extension for the species.
Description
Keywords
Sioma Ngwezi National Park, Barotseland, Western Province, Africa, Distribution, Reptiles, Lizards, Amphibians phibians, Zambia
Sustainable Development Goals
Citation
Pietersen D.W., Pietersen E.W., Conradie W. 2017. Preliminary herpetological survey of Ngonye Falls and surrounding regions in southwestern
Zambia. Amphibian & Reptile Conservation 11(1) [Special Section]: 24–43 (e148).