Preliminary herpetological survey of Ngonye Falls and surrounding regions in south-western Zambia

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.