Mahenge Scarp Forest Reserve - Frontier-publications.co.uk

Mahenge Scarp Forest Reserve: a biodiversity survey
(Rhampholeon brevicaudatus) and the Forest gecko (Cnemaspis cf udzungwae). Both the Bearded pygmy
chameleon and Forest gecko have a conservation status of vulnerable (UDSM 1997), due to habitat
fragmentation and destruction. The chameleon is an East African endemic and the Udzungwa forest gecko
is endemic to the Udzungwas, Tong’omba FR and Kiwengoma Forest. Therefore, if the identification of
this gecko is confirmed this is a range extension.
A variety of snakes were either caught or observed. The Black-necked spitting cobra (Naja nigricollis) and
Savanna twig snake (Thelotornis capensis) were both recorded casually, and together with the Forest cobra
(Naja melanoleuca) are all dangerous to man. The house snake (Laporphis sp.), Cape file snake (Mehelya
carpenis), Forest green snake (Philothamnus heterodermus)and the Snouted night adder (Causus defilipii)
were also recorded.
A Tree gecko (Hemidactylus playcephalus) and Dwarf geckoes (Lygodactylus angularis and Lygodactylus
manni) were caught within the zoological trapsites. The Great plated lizard (Gerrhosaurus major) and two
skinks (Mabuya megalura and Mabuya sp.) were also recorded. Most of these reptiles are adapted to a
range of more open habitats and are common and widespread.
Amphibians
Twelve species of amphibian representing five families were recorded in the reserve (Appendix 11). All
identifications remain tentative whilst awaiting taxonomic verifications. All taxonomy and nomenclature
follows that of Channing (2001).
Of particular interest was the presence of Kirk’s Caecilian (Scolecomorphus kirkii) caught at two
zoological trapsites, submontane forest and lowland forest. This is a forest dependent species. Caecilians
are leg-less worm-like amphibians of the order Gymnophoinia. Although widespread in distribution, they
are are difficult to observe and capture. They are thought to feed on earthworms and other invertebrates –
little else is known of their ecology.
Two toads, Microtoad (Mertensophryne micronotis) and Loveridge’s toad (Stephopaedes loveridgei),
caught within forest, are both endemic to the Coastal forest and Eastern Arc Mountains. The former is a
forest dependent, whilst the latter generally lives in closed canopy but has been observed in more open
areas. The Microtoad has a conservation status of endangered (UDSM 1997), whilst the Loveridge’s toad is
near threatened.
Of the Arthroleptidae family, the ‘Squeakers’, three species of frog were caught; the Common squeaker
(Arthroleptis stenodactylus) a generalist species found in many habitats providing there is leaf litter, and
the most numerous capture in the reserve; an unknown squeaker species (Arthroleptis sp.), and; the Dwarf
squeaker (Schoutedenella xenodactyloides), a resident of both forest and grassland swamps. It’s only
known predator is the vine snake, Thelotornis capensis, also recorded within the reserve.
Within the microhyliidae family, the Mozambique rain frog (Breviceps mossambicus) and the Banded
rubber frog (Phrynomantis bifasiatus) were both caught within miombo woodland. They are essentially
savanna forms of the genus, miombo being a part of the savanna ecosystem complex.
Three frogs were caught within the Ranidae family; Angola river frog (Afrana angolensis), Moss frog
(Athroloptella sp.) and the Dainty frog (Cacosternum sp.). The Angola river frog is widespread and is
found in most permanent water bodies within its range.
Butterflies
Seventy-seven species of butterfly representing five families were recorded in Mahenge Scarp FR
(Appendix 12) with a total of 354 captures made. At least two species from the family Hesperidae, seven
species of the family Lycaenidae, 54 species of Nymphalidae, five species of Papilionidae and nine species
of Pieridae were recorded. Identifications remain tentative whilst awaiting taxonomic verifications. All
taxonomy and nomenclature follows that of Larsen (1991).
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