Mgambo Forest Reserve: A biodiversity survey. - Eastern Arc ...

Mgambo Forest Reserve
An additional one near endemic reptile species was recorded through observation, Lygodactylus
lutecpicturatus (Yellow-headed dwarf gecko).
Additionally, two species of Chameleon were observed just outside of the forest reserve,
Chameleo dilepsis (Flap-necked chameleon), a widespread forest dwelling species, and Chameleo
melleri (Giant one-horned chameleon), mostly distributed along the coast in well-wooded
savannah and woodland.
Many of the species found in Mgambo predominantly range in the Eastern coastal forests with
some patchy distribution in other more central parts of east and central Africa. Therefore, although
they cannot be categorised as ‘near endemic’ based on the definition given in this report, they are
of limited distribution. For example, Dendroaspis angusticeps (Green mamba, see Figure 22),
Heliobolus spekii spekii (Speke’s sand lizard), Holaspis guentheri laevis (Blue-tailed lizard) and
Cnemaspis africana (Usambara forest gecko).
Both the forest dependent reptiles were captured in good quality patchily distributed riverine
forest. The presence or absence of Holaspis guentheri laevis may be a good future indicator of the
levels of deforestation to the remaining areas of lowland forest.
Of interest was the capture of 5 junevile Scaphiophus albopunctatus (Hook-nosed snake) at
trapsite 4, an area of scrub forest. This species is not currently on the East Usambara database
(available from EUCAMP). The East African population of this genus seems to be isolated
(Spawls et al 2002). Also interesting was the sighting of an adult Varanus niloticus (Nile monitor
lizard).
Most of the reptiles species captured and observed seemed to be indicative of the disturbance seen
throughout the reserve, reflecting a tendency for dry habitat, open woodland / savannah species to
dominate, such as Latastia longicaudata (Southern long-tailed lizard), Pachydactylus sp. (Thicktoed
gecko) and Natriciteres olivecea (Olive marsh snake). Even the near endemic Rhampholeon
k. kerstenii (Kenyan pygmy chameloen) prefers a dry habitat.
Figure 22 Green mamba (Dendroaspis angusticeps), found in riverine forest.
This individual was approximately 2m in length.
East Usambara Conservation Area Management Programme Technical Paper 59
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