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Zoologisch-Botanische Datenbank/Zoological-Botanical Database

Digitale Literatur/Digital Literature

Zeitschrift/Journal: Herpetozoa

Jahr/Year: 2005

Band/Volume: 18_1_2

Autor(en)/Author(s): Schmidt Almuth D., Snyman Peter H., Gruschwitz Michael

Artikel/Article: Diversity of in the of the Nature Reserve ( Province, South Afrika) 35-53 ©Österreichische Gesellschaft für Herpetologie e.V., Wien, Austria, download unter www.biologiezentrum.at

HERPETOZOA18(l/2):35-53 35 Wien, 30. Juni 2005

Diversity of reptiles in the bushveld of the (Limpopo Province, South ) (Reptilia)

Beitrag zur Artenvielfalt von Reptilien in der Buschsavanne des Blouberg Naturreservats (Provinz Limpopo, Südafrika) (Reptilia)

ALMUTH D. SCHMIDT & PETER H. SNYMAN & MICHAEL GRUSCHWITZ

KURZFASSUNG Die Vielfalt der Reptilienfauna des Blouberg Naturreservates im nördlichen Südafrika, Provinz Limpopo wurde untersucht. Vegetationsformen und Bodentypen dieses 1983 ausgewiesenen Schutzgebietes zeigen die typi- sche Ausprägung einer Buschsavanne ("bushveld"). Das 9360 ha große Schutzgebiet umfaßt in Teilen den Gebirgs- zug des Bloubergs, einen isolierten, 2051 m ü. M. hohen Inselberg. Insgesamt konnten über einen Zeitraum von 9 Jahren (1993 bis 2001) 62 Reptilienarten nachgewiesen werden (5 Schildkröten, 27 Eidechsen, 29 Schlangen, 1 Doppelschleiche). 29 Arten sind Erstnachweise für das Reservat. In Einzelkapiteln werden Fundorte und Verbreitung ausgewählter Arten beschrieben und durch ökologische, zoogeographische oder taxonomische Hinweise ergänzt. Vier Arten verdienen aufgrund ihres kleinräumigen Verbreitungsgebietes bzw. aufgrund ihrer Seltenheit besondere fauni- stische Beachtung {Xenocalamus transvaalensis, variegatum, limpopoensis albiventris, Brady- podion sp.). Zwei an Felshabitate gebundene Arten sind endemisch für den Blouberg (Lygodactylus nigropunctatus montiscaeruli, Platysaurus intermedius parvus). Die Zahl von 29 nachgewiesenen Schlangenarten ist angesichts der vergleichsweise geringen Größe des Untersuchungsgebietes bemerkenswert hoch. Die hohe Artenvielfalt der Reptilienfauna wird unter Gesichtspunkten der naturräumlichen Zuordnung sowie unter Aspekten der Habitatvielfalt im Reservat diskutiert. Ergänzend werden alle im Gebiet nachgewiesenen Arten in ihrer relativen Häufigkeit durch die jährliche Nachweisrate und nach ihrer Zugehörigkeit zu Habitattypen in tabellarischer Form charakterisiert sowie weitere Arten des Blouberg-Gebietes aufgelistet, die außerhalb der Reservatsgrenzen nachgewiesen wurden.

ABSTRACT An investigation of diversity was carried out in the Blouberg Nature Reserve, Limpopo Province, . Vegetation and soil conditions in this reserve, established in 1983, represent the typical types of bushveld in northern South Africa. The 9360 ha reserve includes parts of the Blouberg mountain range, an isolat- ed Inselberg of 2,051 m a.s.L During nine years of field survey from 1993 to 2001 a total of 62 reptile were recorded within the reserve (5 chelonians, 27 , 29 , 1 amphisbaenid). Twenty-nine species represent first records for the reserve. The distribution of selected species is described, including ecological and taxonomi- cal aspects as well as zoogeographical relationships. Because of their rarity or generally limited distribution, four species are of specific interest (Xenocalamus transvaalensis, , albiventris, Bradypodion sp.). Two species that live in rocky , Lygodactylus nigropunctatus montiscaeruli and Platysaurus intermedius parvus, are endemic to the Blouberg mountain range. In view of the comparatively small size of the area investigated the number of 29 recorded species is remarkable. The high species rich- ness of the reptile fauna in the reserve is discussed with regards to different biotic zones and the diversity of habi- tat types. requirements, annual records and distribution of all recorded species as well as a list of addition- al species of the Blouberg area (outside the reserve's boundaries) are presented.

KEY WORDS Reptilia, Xenocalamus transvaalensis, Lycophidion variegatum, Hemirhagerrhis nototaenia nototaenia, Scelotes limpopoensis albiventris, Platysaurus intermedius parvus, Bradypodion sp., Lygodactylus nigropunctatus montiscaeruli, diversity, zoogeography, conservation, faunistics, ecology, bushveld, Blouberg, Limpopo Province, South Africa

INTRODUCTION

The geographic and taxonomic data- of the protected areas lack species lists for base for most South African these groups (SIEGFRIED 1989). Little infor- groups (except for fish) is poorly developed mation about species richness and biodiver- (DRINKROW et al. 1994), and more than half sity is available, and thus, species lists for ©Österreichische Gesellschaft für Herpetologie e.V., Wien, Austria, download unter www.biologiezentrum.at

36 A. D. SCHMIDT & P. H. SNYMAN & M. GRUSCHWITZ

reserves are urgently required (DRINKROW & on the Platysaurus occurring in the CHERRY 1995). western foothills of the mountain were pub- The Blouberg Nature Reserve is situat- lished by JACOBSEN & NEWBERRY (1989) ed within the bushveld zone in the north of and JACOBSEN (1994). South Africa. Previously, no inventory of The following paper documents the reptiles and of this reserve or the reptile diversity recorded during nine years Blouberg Mountain has been published. of investigation (1993 -2001) inside the JACOBSEN (1989) investigated the Blouberg boundaries of the Blouberg Nature Reserve area during his reptile survey of the Trans- and discusses the reptiles' ecology and zoo- vaal for a short period (few days). Some geographic affinities. A list of species found occasional collecting took place in the area in the Blouberg region, however outside the of the Blouberg Mountain by different scien- reserve boundaries, is added. tists (HAACKE pers. comm. 2000). Studies

STUDY AREA AND METHODS

Study area Vegetation: The Blouberg is situated in the arid sweet Bushveld. The vegetation Topography: The Blouberg is an iso- of the mountain itself and the surrounding lated inselberg west of the areas is different depending on altitude and range in the Limpopo Province of South local situation. Small patches of high-alti- Africa. The mountain range is 50 km long tude forest are found in val- and its highest peak reaches 2051 m a.s.l. leys and moist basins throughout the moun- (fig. 1). The altitude of the surrounding tains. The slopes are covered by mountain plains is approximately 900 metres. The sour-bushveld with Minusops zeyheri, Olea Blouberg Nature Reserve is situated in the europaea, Bequaertiodendron magalismon- eastern part of the mountain between 22°57' tanum, Kirkia acuminata, Combretrum api- to 23°04' south and 29°02' to 29°10' east culatum and others as dominant tree species (fig. 2). Farms on the eastern tip of the (SCHOLES 1978). The types in the sur- mountain were purchased from farmers in rounding areas belong to the arid sweet the middle 1970's by the South African bushveld in the north and to the mixed Development Trust and first proclaimed as a bushveld in the south (ACCOCKS 1988). nature reserve during 1983. In June 1993, a The main part of the Blouberg Nature Non-Governmental Organization environ- Reserve is situated in the northeast of the mental education and conservation pro- mountains with the veld types mainly gramme (Blouberg Conservation Project) belonging to the arid sweet bushveld. De- was established in the Blouberg Nature pending on the soil structure vegetation Reserve including an Environmental Edu- varies from a Grewia flava veld with Grewia cation Centre inside the Reserve (fig. 3). flava, Acacia mellifera, A. tortilis, A. karroo, Currently, the reserve is 9360 ha in Dichrostachys cinera, Boscia albitrunca as size, of which 2000 ha are mountainous. the dominant trees on harder compact red- The reserve includes areas on the northern dish loam soil to a mixed Terminalia veld on side as well as on the southern side of the deep, loose red sand (Kalahari sandveld) mountains. The highest peak inside the with Terminalia sericea, T. prunoides, Scle- reserve is 1491 m a.s.l. rocarya birrea, Burkea africana, Combre- The non-perennial flows tum apiculatum, Grewia flava, Acacia nig- through the southeastern part of the reserve. rescens and other dominant trees and shrubs. A dense Ficus sycomorus forest on heavy A small dense forest with Ficus syco- clay soil covers the northwestern foothills of morus and F. ingens and with a dense grass the mountain and a swamp and marsh area cover (mainly Eragostris racemosa, E. rigi- stretches northwards. Large areas in the nor- dor and E. pollens) is situated at the foot of thern and northeastern parts of the reserve the mountains in the northwestern part of the are covered with deep red Kalahari sand. reserve on heavy clay soil. The lower parts ©Österreichische Gesellschaft für Herpetologie e.V., Wien, Austria, download unter www.biologiezentrum.at

Diversity of reptiles in the bushveld of the Blouberg Nature Reserve 37

Fig. 1 : Blouberg Nature Reserve during the dry season - in the background the mountain massif of the Blouberg (Limpopo Province, Republic of South Africa, July 1999). Abb. I: Trockenzeit-Aspekt des Blouberg Naturreservates mit dem Gebirgsmassiv des Blouberg im Hintergrund (Provinz Limpopo, Südafrika, Juli 1999).

1

Botswana

- 24°S • Pietersburg

South Africa 31 °E I Fig. 2: Location of the Blouberg Mountains and the Blouberg Nature Reserve (BNR) in the north of South Africa. Abb. 2: Geographische Lage des Blouberg Gebirgsmassivs und des Blouberg Naturreservates (BNR) im Norden Südafrikas. ©Österreichische Gesellschaft für Herpetologie e.V., Wien, Austria, download unter www.biologiezentrum.at

38 A. D. SCHMIDT & P. H. SNYMAN & M GRUSCHWITZ / b=

Maln-road \<- •— MC \ \ V B3 --S y^-~

\ Mountain-area / 2000 m \ oV- \ _-—- Blouberg Nature Reserve

a buildings; EEC: Environmenta Educationen Centre; OF: Office; • waterholes; MC: Mashatu camp; TC: Tamboti camp; O study sites; FW: old farmhouse: FF: Ficus sycomore forest; —«. roads;

Fig. 3: Map of the Blouberg Nature Reserve (Limpopo Province, Republic of South Africa), with the locations of trie study areas. Abb. 3: Karte des Blouberg Naturreservates (Provinz Limpopo, Südafrika), mit der Lage der Probeflächen.

of the southern side belong to the reserve and Blouberg endemics (seven plant species) are get a higher average of annual rainfall than found in the and montane grassland the northern side. Therefore the vegetation is (SCHOLES 1978). Evergreen montane forest much denser here, the dominant trees are occurs only in small patches in the Trans- Acacia nigrescens, Combretum apiculatum, vaal. The Yellowwood forests (Podocarpus und Kirkia acuminata. latifolius) on these isolated mountains are of Two-thousand ha of the reserve are considerable geographical and ecological mountainous and therefore covered with the significance as the north-westernmost out- described sour and mixed bushveld on the lier of evergreen montane forest in South mountain slopes and grassveld with fynbos Africa (SCHOLES 1978). vegetation at the top of the mountains. The Climate: In the study area rainfall Blouberg occupies a unique geographical decreases gradually from East to West, the position between the central and southern main rain-bearing winds are eastern to African Afromontane floras; most of the northeastern. This effect is accentuated by ©Österreichische Gesellschaft für Herpetologie e.V., Wien, Austria, download unter www.biologiezentrum.at

Diversity of reptiles in the bushveld of the Blouberg Nature Reserve 39

the rain shadow of the mountains. The Nature Reserve area. This survey is part of northern and north-western slopes of the the field activities of the Nature Con- mountains are much drier than the southern servation Centre, situated within the reserve and eastern slopes. The average annual ("Blouberg Conservation Project"). Under rainfall in the lowlands is between 350-450 the management of the second author, this mm in the North and 450-550 mm in the project strives to conserve and protect bio- South. Usually rainfall comes with thunder- diversity and endangered and reptile storms between November and February/ species of the Blouberg Mountain and sur- March. The average daily temperatures are rounding areas, including different captive maximum 29°C in January and 20°C in July breeding programmes (for more informa- and are minimum 16°C in January and 4°C tion see GRUSCHWITZ & SCHMIDT 2001 and in July. Frost is infrequent. the internet site http://www.blouberg.org). Geology: The Blouberg area is the Sampling and monitoring efforts are only area where strata of the Waterberg and described as follows: The second author Soutpansberg group are developed in close was permanently present in the reserve proximity to each other (JANSEN 1976; throughout the year during the whole nine BUMBY 2000). The Blouberg has a complex years investigation period. The data of his structural pattern and is made up of rock observations, monitoring- and sampling formations of three different groups (Sout- activities on reptiles are completely part of pansberg group, Waterberg group, Blouberg the reptile list. During the nine-years inves- formation) (BUMBY 2000). The tectonic tigation period, the first and third authors model or the precise sequence of events collectively spent 7.5 months in the reserve; which led to the deposition of the different seven months of these belonged to the rainy strata is a matter of some controversy season and two weeks to the dry season. (JANSEN 1976; BARKER 1976; BUMBY 2000). There were two main points in the The Soutpansberg rock, as it exists field work. First an intensive monitoring today, is just the remains of a once very over a period of nine years, in different widespread basin which stretched as far spots of herpetological interest in the north as Messina (northernmost South reserve, such as swamp and marsh areas, the Africa) and as far west as . It is an Ficus sycomorus forest, waterholes, deep interesting question for how long the sand areas, the foot and slopes of the moun- Blouberg was effectively an isolated habitat tains, roadsides and around the houses of the and had lost the topographical link between education centre, the office area, the camp the Blouberg and Soutpansberg mountains, sites, and the hide (compare fig. 3), mainly along which the migration of species could during the rainy season with the highest rep- have occurred. There are unfortunately no tile activity, but generally throughout the rocks of younger age preserved which could year. Spotlight surveys were made during give a clue to the more recent palaeotopog- nights, especially after rainfall, in order to raphy (BUMBY pers. comm. 2001). There is record nocturnal species during all years of no evidence of a bridge between the Sout- the investigation. pansberg and Blouberg within more recent Second a number of specific field times (there is no topographical structure in studies on the reptile fauna were carried out the Vivo area that may be the eroded root of by the first author and the third author (peri- a linking mountain). Any connections be- odically) between 1999 and 2001. Within tween the Blouberg and Soutpansberg that three representative study areas, different in may have existed have been gone for many vegetation, altitude and soil types, amphib- millions of years (probably at least for 20 ians and reptiles were trapped by daily-con- million years) (BUMBY pers. comm. 2001). trolled live traps over a period of nearly five months (3 December 1999 to 15 April 2000). Methods The traps were situated in the northern part of the reserve in a deep sand area (Sandveld, During a period of nine years, contin- B1, fig. 3) and in the western part next to the uous records and observations of the her- marsh area (Hardveld, B2, fig. 3) and at the petofauna were made in the Blouberg foot of the mountain (B3, fig. 3). Eighteen ©Österreichische Gesellschaft für Herpetologie e.V., Wien, Austria, download unter www.biologiezentrum.at

40 A. D. SCHMIDT & P. H. SNYMAN & M. GRUSCHWITZ

live traps systems were distributed over the collecting of voucher specimens were not study areas. Each trap system was made of granted, but were issued only for special cir- four 10 or 20-liter buckets, which were dug cumstances (e.g., for dead collected speci- in the ground and connected through 10 mens). The voucher specimens are stored at meter long, strong plastic fences, similar to the Museum (TM), Pretoria and at classic fences. The size of these the Education Centre in the Blouberg Nature areas varied between 2 and 5 ha. Addition- Reserve. Due to the conservation status of ally these study areas were monitored about the study area, the main goal of these field twice a day in the morning and afternoon by studies was the investigation of aspects of two to three people. This monitoring contin- reptile ecology and population biology. ued up to 2001 for some weeks during the Scientific nomenclature and determi- rainy seasons. Within a fourth study area 17 nation of species (except Chelonians) fol- spotlight surveys were made during the 5th lows FITZSIMONS (1943, 1962) as modified of January and the 20th of February 2000 by BALLETO (1968), BRANCH & BROADLEY (B4, fig. 3). All together field work on trap (1985), BROADLEY (1968, 1972, 1977a,b,c, systems and spotlight surveys accounted for 1978, 1990), BROADLEY & BAUER (1998), about 244 person-days spent in the field. BROADLEY & WATSON (1976), BROADLEY et Specimens were live-captured, studied, al. (1976), HAACKE (1975, 1976), JACOBSEN determined at species/ level and (1987, 1989,1992,1994), JACOBSEN & NEW- released after taking photographs. Details of BERRY (1989) and LOVERIDGE (1957) and for locality, habitat, date, sex and reproductive the chelonians LOVERIDGE (1941) and LOVE- state were recorded. The study was permit- RIDGE & WILLIAMS (1957) as modified by ted by the Nature Conservation Department BROADLEY (1981a,b, 1993) and BOUR of the Limpopo Province. Permits for the (1983).

RESULTS

Species records recorded just in one or two years of the sur- in the Blouberg Nature Reserve vey. They will be mentioned in more detail in "Discussion". During a nine year field survey from Seven out of 62 reptile species record- 1993 to 2001 a total of 62 reptile species ed are of special biogeographical or her- were recorded within the reserve, of which petofaunal interest and are addressed below: five species are chelonians, 27 are lizards, 29 are snakes and one belongs to amphisbaeni- Xenocalamus transvaalensis ans (fig. 4). All recorded species are listed METHUEN, 1919 in the tables 1 (Chelonia), 2 (Serpentes) and 3 (Sauria and ), compiled by We found three specimens of the ecological aspects and zoogeographical slender fossorial Transvaal Quill-snouted relationships as well as the abundance Snake in the reserve; two on the main road (observation) in the reserve. The year- early in the morning after rain in Novem- round observations were compiled (tab. 1-3) ber 1996, a third at a depth of ca. 30 cm in to provide at least an idea of the presence deep sandy soil at the beginning of the and abundance of wide-ranging species in mountain road, dug out during fieldwork in the reserve (compare also RODEL et al. March 2000, (TM 83340 - fig. 5). This 1999). Nearly half of the reptile species (29 endemic species has a restricted distribu- species) were continuously recorded in tion from the Limpopo Province through almost every year by the resident author. southern and northern Natal. Eight species were recorded in five to seven In the Limpopo Province, the species was years of the investigation period. Seven known before from two other localities species were observed discontinuously only only (Njelele River, 25 miles south of the in three to four years, while 18 species were and Farm Weipe (47 MS) - ©Österreichische Gesellschaft für Herpetologie e.V., Wien, Austria, download unter www.biologiezentrum.at

Diversity of reptiles in the bushveld of the Blouberg Nature Reserve 41

70- 62 a, 60-

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Taxa

Fig. 4: Number of reptile species per family recorded in the Blouberg Nature Reserve (Limpopo Province, Republic of South Africa). Abb. 4: Anzahl der im Blouberg Naturreservat (Provinz Limpopo, Südafrika) nachgewiesenen Reptilien-Arten, aufgeschlüsselt nach den Familien.

Fig. 5: Xenocalamus transvaalensis METHUEN, 1919 (Blouberg N.R., March 2000), a rare and restricted species of high priority in the South African Red Data Book (TM 83340). Abb 5: Xenocalamus transvaalensis METHUEN, 1919 (Blouberg N.R., März 2000), eine seltene und in ihrer Verbreitung sehr begrenzte Art Südafrikas, mit höchster Schutzpriorität nach der Roten Liste (TM 83340). ©Österreichische Gesellschaft für Herpetologie e.V., Wien, Austria, download unter www.biologiezentrum.at

42 A. D. SCHMIDT & P. H. SNYMAN & M. GRUSCHWITZ

Fig. 6: Platysaurus intermedius parvus BROADLEY, 1976, male (Blouberg N.R., March 2000), an endemic flatlizard of the Blouberg mountain area. Abb. 6: Platysaurus intermedius parvus BROADLEY, 1976, Männchen (Blouberg N.R., März 2000), eine endemische Plattechse der offenen Felsformationen des Blouberg Gebietes.

Fig. 7: Monopeltis infuscata BROADLEY, 1997, (Blouberg N. R., March 2000), an entirely fossorial species, which is almost extinct in agricultural areas, (TM 83350). Abb 7: Monopeltis infuscata BROADLEY, 1997, (Blouberg N.R., März 2000), eine unterirdisch lebende Art, die in landwirtschaftlich genutzten Gebieten nahezu ausgerottet ist (TM 83350). ©Österreichische Gesellschaft für Herpetologie e.V., Wien, Austria, download unter www.biologiezentrum.at

Diversity of reptiles in the bushveld of the Blouberg Nature Reserve 43

JACOBSEN 1989). It is listed as a high pri- determine the systematic status of the Blou- ority species (rare, restricted) in the South berg specimens. African Red Data Book, recorded only from about six localities (BRANCH 1988). Scelotes limpopoensis albiventris Following BROADLEY (1971, 1990) and JACOBSEN, 1987 BRANCH (1998) the species of the genus Xenocalamus exclusivly feed on amphis- Three specimens of the rare and baenians. In this respect the syntopic record endemic Limpopo Dwarf Burrowing of Monopeltis infuscata BROADLEY, 1997 were found between January and (TM 83350, TM 83351) together with the March 2000. This skink is a fossorial and specimen TM 83340 is of high interest. solitary species, living under logs and stones in the shade of trees and shrubs on Lycophidion variegatum sandy soils (JACOBSEN 1987, 1989). It is BROADLEY, 1969 very locally distributed and has been recorded before only from 4 localities in One adult specimen of the rare two adjacent 0.25° grid squares in the Variegated Wolf Snake, 25 cm in length, Limpopo Province. One of these is the was found in November 1999 near the former farm area "Auf der Haard", which house of the Education Centre after a late' now' belongs lo the reserve. Two speci- afternoon thunderstorm. This is- the most mens had dropped into a pitfall trap western distribution record of the species in installed in a deep sand area; the third was the Limpopo Province as well as South found near the road to the Sycomore-Fig- Africa. The nearest neighboring records of Forest {Ficus sycomorus - see fig. 3) on a this species are south (Louis Trichardt) and hard compact sandy loam soil mixture. north (Waterpoort) of the Soutpansberg This soil condition is in contrast to the (BRANCH 1976; BROADLEY 1990). The species' preferred habitats which are char- species is listed in the South African Red acterized by aeolian sand areas (JACOBSEN Data Book as a rare peripheral species 1987). Probably the habitat requirements which is only recorded from about 10 local- of S. I. albiventris are more variable and ities in South Africa since its description in the species occurs also on harder soil 1969 (BRANCH 1988). structures. Three records in two different areas within one rainy season of this rare Hemirhagerrhis nototaenia nototaenia species indicate that the species is possibly (GÜNTHER, 1864) more common and more widely distrib- uted than believed. One reason for the Three observations of the Eastern scarcity is probably its secretive life. Bark or Mopane Snake were made in the Further investigations are necessary. The Blouberg Nature Reserve. Two adult speci- subspecies albiventris inhabits a small mens were found at about 1,100 - 1,200 m area in the center of the distribution range altitude on the mountain road in December of S. 1. limpopoensis FITZSIMONS, 1930. 1994 and 1995; a third subadult specimen in Both have not been found in sympatry till the office-area in November 1999. The now, although they occupy similar habitats record of this savannah woodland species (JACOBSEN 1987). BROADLEY (1994) there- represents the south-easternmost record in fore mentioned that S. I. albiventris is the Limpopo Province. This snake is nor- probably a full species. The species is list- mally associated with areas where the dom- ed in the South African Red Data Book as inant tree species is the Mopane tree (Colo- of restricted distribution (BRANCH 1988). phospermum mopané) which is absent from the Blouberg Mountain. In an unusual man- Platysaurus intermedius parvus ner, the records were made in a mountain- BROADLEY, 1976 ous area at higher altitudes than elsewhere in the species' range. Further investigations Platysaurus intermedius parvus (fig. seem to be necessary to better delimit the 6) is endemic to the rocky outcrops and actual distribution of the species and to cliff faces on the Blouberg Mountain ©Österreichische Gesellschaft für Herpetologie e.V., Wien, Austria, download unter www.biologiezentrum.at

44 A. D. SCHMIDT & P. H. SNYMAN & M. GRUSCHWITZ

Fig. 8: Aspidelaps scutatus scutatus (A. SMITH, 1848), female (Blouberg N.R., November 2001), a small robust elapid snake, which uses the prominent rostral scale to push through loose soil. Abb. 8: Aspidelaps scutatus scutatus (A. SMITH, 1848), (Blouberg N.R., November 2001), eine kleine robuste Giftschlange, die mit Hilfe ihres vorstehenden großen Rostralschildes im losem Substrat gräbt.

Fig. 9: defilippü (JAN, 1862) (Blouberg N.R., Dezember 2002), a snake entirely specialized on small amphibian prey with a distinctive up-turned tip of the snout. Abb 9: Causus defilippü (JAN, 1862) (Blouberg N.R., Dezember 2002), eine gänzlich auf Amphibiennahrung spezialisierte Schlangenart mit auffälliger nach oben gebogener Schnauzenspitze. ©Österreichische Gesellschaft für Herpetologie e.V., Wien, Austria, download unter www.biologiezentrum.at

Diversity of reptiles in the bushveld of the Blouberg Nature Reserve 45

(BROADLEY 1976, 1978; JACOBSEN 1989, 1994). One population of this shy c M was observed on the northern slopes of the mountains, close to the western border of ••S H oo on c/3 oo oo the reserve. The lizard has been known only from six farm areas in the south-east- ern and southern side of the mountains. Our record is the first on the northern side of the mountain and the first in a provincial II Nature Reserve. Altogether, five Platy- 3

Dam (JACOBSEN & NEWBERRY 1989; JACOB- x> ' SEN 1994). This is ecologically and sys- o tematically a unique situation, because the species do live parapatric, strictly separated from each other within very small distances between isolated rocky outcrops (JACOBSEN 1994). Three of these Platysaurus taxa are §-2 endemic to the Blouberg region (P. mono- 9. £ tropis JACOBSEN, 1994, P. intermedius in- opinus JACOBSEN, 1994, P. intermedius II parvus). xi