Abstract:
Kinixys spekii has a wide distribution range across sub-Saharan Africa, having been reported from
Angola, Botswana, Burundi, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, eSwatini, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique,
Namibia, South Africa, Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. Kinixys spekii inhabits savannah and dry bushveld
habitats and was previously considered an inland species. However, recent records suggest a more extensive
geographical distribution. Here, we provide genetically verified records for Angola, South Africa, and
Mozambique, and discuss reliable sightings for Rwanda. These new records extend the range significantly to
the east and west, and provide evidence for the occurrence of this species along the coast of the Indian Ocean
in South Africa and Mozambique.
