Ecology and altitudinal distribution of herpetofauna on mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania

A study on the diversity, habitat use, activity and reproduction of herpetofaunal species with respect to altitude and climatic conditions was conducted on Mt. Kilimanjaro between 2011 and 2012. Standard methods for the study of herpetofaunal species were used. The surveys were conducted along an altitudinal gradient from 1500 m a.s.l. and above during both the dry and the rainy seasons. Twenty-four herpetofaunal species were detected. The diversity of the species declined with an increase in elevation. Sites that were adjacent to each other had greater species similarity than did sites far from one another. Furthermore, species diversity was significantly higher on the leeward than on the windward side, and the number of species varied significantly between different habitat types. Additionally, habitat utilisation by herpetofaunal species varied with elevation. The proportion of diurnal species increased whereas that of nocturnal species decreased with an increase in elevation. Moreover, the proportion of egg-laying (oviparous) species decreased while that of live-bearing (viviparous) species increased with an increase in elevation. The large proportion of species at lower altitudes was seasonal breeders whereas that at higher elevations exhibited extended breeding patterns. The relatively young geological age of the mountain, the decrease in temperature and precipitation with an increase in altitude accompanied by altitudinal zonation of vegetationappeared to be the major determinants of the findings obtained. Future studies are recommended to fill the gaps identified in this study. Additionally, the conservation and management of different habitat types on Mt. Kilimanjaroare recommended for the continued existence of varied herpetofaunalspecies