Walia Special Edition on the Bale Mountains (2011) - Zoologische ...

Amphibians and Reptiles Recorded from the Bale Mountains
Malcolm Largen 1 and Stephen Spawls 2 *
1 5 Ash Grove, Formby, Liverpool L37 2DT, England; e-mail: ptychadena@aol.com
2 7 Crostwick Lane, Spixworth, Norwich NR10 3PE, England; e-mail: stevespawls@hotmail.com
Introduction
It is not yet possible to compile a complete list of the amphibians and reptiles present in the Bale
Mountains; merely a few of those few species that have been recorded to date (Largen and Rasmussen
1993; Largen 2001; Largen and Spawls 2006). There is considerable scope for fieldwork leading to
new discoveries, particularly of still undescribed endemic taxa.
It is already clear that the region is a significant centre of amphibian diversity, with the Bale
Mountains National Park providing an important refuge for at least 17 species. These include 48% of
those that are endemic in Ethiopia and no fewer than five of the six endemic genera (Altiphrynoides,
Spinophrynoides, Balebreviceps, Ericabatrachus, Paracassina).
In contrast, reptiles generally fare less well at high elevations. Only three Ethiopian
snakes have yet been recorded at altitudes in excess of 2800 m, all of which are found in the Bale
Mountains (Psammophylax variabilis: 1900-3000 m, Duberria lutrix: 1800-3100 m, Pseudoboodon
lemniscatus: 1750-3300 m).
Our knowledge of Bale Mountains lizards is clearly inadequate and one can confidently
predict that there must be many more montane and forest specialists, in addition to the two endemic
chameleons already identified.
There are, of course, many reasons to conserve the environment in the Bale Mountains
National Park, with amphibians and reptiles being included among the numerous beneficiaries of good
management practices. However, the two Endangered frogs (Balebreviceps and Ericabatrachus)
perhaps deserve special mention, because currently known from only two sites, most important of
which is the narrow belt of Erica woodland lying just below the timber-line at 3200 m (12 km N
of Katcha). This is such a restricted and obviously fragile biome that special measures may well be
justified to ensure its continued survival and that of its amphibian inhabitants. Also vitally important
is further fieldwork to provide essential data on the distribution, abundance and general biology of
these enigmatic species.
<strong>Walia</strong>-<strong>Special</strong> <strong>Edition</strong> on the Bale Mountains 89