Reptiles and frogs of the Eastern Highlands

The range of Rhampholeon marshalli approximates the Eastern Highlands of Zimbabwe and Mozambique

The reptiles and frogs of the Eastern Highlands of Zimbabwe and Mozambique mark a biodiversity hotspot for herpetofauna. Diverse frog and reptile communities include endemic species.

Geography and climate

The Eastern Highlands extend 300 kilometres (190 mi) along Zimbabwe's eastern border with Mozambique. There are two broadly defined high-altitude ecological habitats in the Eastern Zimbabwe montane forest-grassland mosaic; a wet lowland forest ecology predominates the eastern side of the mountain ranges, while a more arid ecology dominates the western side. The Highlands have a more equable climate than Zimbabwe's central plateau, with higher rainfall, low cloud and heavy mists and dew as moisture moves inland from the Indian Ocean. Many streams and rivers originate in these mountains, which form the watershed between the Zambezi and Save River systems.[1]

Species lists

Tortoises

Lizards and amphisbaenians

Skinks

Geckos

Chameleons

Amphisbaenians

Snakes

Frogs

Bibliography

References

  1. ↑ Encyclopedia Zimbabwe (2nd ed.). Worcester: Arlington Business Corporation. 1989. ISBN 0-9514505-0-6.
  2. 1 2 3 Branch, Bill (1998). Field guide to snakes and other reptiles of southern Africa (3 ed.). Cape Town: Struik. pp. 122–125. ISBN 9781868720408.
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