Abstract

The study on herpetofauna in selected protected areas of Malawi was undertaken from July 2001 to February 2003 in Mughese, Ntchisi and Tsamba Forest Reserves. Specifically, the study aimed at investigating the herpetofauna, collect data on human use, determine the conservation status and sustainable utilization of the herpetofauna of Mughese, Ntchisi and Tsamba Forest Reserves. Data for the research were collected by reviewing the existing literature, carrying out primary field data collection as well as conducting socio-economic surveys through use of questionnaires. The results of the study revealed that each study area had a high level of herpetofaunal diversity. Endemics were restricted to Mughese Forest and these were France’s Squeaker (Arthroleptis francei) and Reiche’s Squeaker (Arthroleptis reichei). However, the three study areas also share a number of species. New records were also recorded: the Common Platanna (Xenopus laevis) and Savanna Ridged Frog (Ptychadena anchietae) at Mughese Forest; and Marbled Snout-burrower (Hemisus marmoratus), Guibe’s Ridged Frog (Ptychadena guibei), Mascarene Ridged Frog (Ptychadena mascareniensis), the Gray Tree Frog (Chiromantis xerampelina) and all but two species of snakes; Puff Adder (Bitis arietans) and Striped Skaapsteker (Psammophis tritaeniatus tritaeniatus) at Ntchisi Forest. However, due to lack of previous records, all amphibians and reptiles of Tsamba Forest are new distributional records. Two threatened species: A. reichei and A. francei were also recorded. Both of them were recorded at Mughese Forest and none at Ntchisi and Tsamba Forests. For reptiles, the Striped Skink (Mabuya striata), Variable Skink (Mabuya varia) and Flap-necked Chameleon (Chamaeleo dilepis) were the most common species at all three study areas. However, due to lack of previous records on reptiles, all the recorded species are new records for the areas. Results of the socio-economic survey revealed that the local people in these areas derive some benefits from herpetofauna. Some species are harvested for food while others are harvested for medicinal purposes. Herpetofaunal species exploited for medicine purposes include: - the Black Mamba (Dendroaspis polylepis), Monitor viLizard (Varanus niloticus), the African Python (Python sebae), Flap-necked Chameleon (C. dilepis), Puff Adder (B. arietans), Mozambique’s Rain Frog (Breviceps mossambica), the M. striata, just to mention a few. Leopard Tortoise (Geochelone pardalis) is exploited for both food and medicine. Threats to herpetofauna are numerous. These include killing out of fear and dislike for certain classes of reptiles e.g. snakes. Other threats include habitat loss and pollution. Very few are harvested for food. To address the situation, there is need to carry our more research on herpetofauna in other protected areas to determine their current distribution and conservation assessment. Hence, the need to have well trained personnel who should do the job cannot be overemphasized. The survival of our biodiversity, including herpetofauna would very much depend on carrying out sensitization campaigns to educate the communities living in areas surrounding the forests on the dangers of environmental degradation and loss of biological diversity and bring in the concept of sustainable utilization of our biodiversity.

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School	: School of Natural and Applied Sciences
Issued Date	: 2007

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