OVERVIEW

Reptiles and national parks in , Western Central Africa

Olivier S. G. Pauwels1,2, Patrice Christy3 and Annabelle Honorez4

1Research Associate, Smithsonian Institution, National Zoological Park, Monitoring and Assessment of Biodiversity Program, Gamba, Gabon. 2Mailing address: Department of Recent Vertebrates, Institut Royal des Sciences Naturelles de Belgique, Rue Vautier 29, 1000 Brussels, Belgium. Email: [email protected] 3B.P. 2240, , Gabon. 4Email: [email protected] (with two text-figures)

ABSTRACT.− A synthesis of the current state-of-knowledge of herpetofaunal diversity in the recently-created Gabonese national park system is provided. A provisional reptile list is currently available for only four of the 13 parks: Crystal Mountains, Loango, Lopé and Moukalaba-Doudou. Representation of endemic, near-endemic and legally-protected Gabonese reptiles in the parks is analyzed. Only one of the seven (near-)endemic species is recorded from a national park. Among non-park sites, Mount Iboundji and the Rabi oil field (including Lake Divangui) were shown to be of high herpetological interest, enough to constitute adequate biodiversity sanctuaries. Enforcement and revision of protection laws, especially regarding sea turtles, softshell turtles and crocodiles, is urgently needed.

KEYWORDS.− Reptiles, Cheloniidae, Trionychidae, Crocodylidae, biodiversity, conservation, national parks, Iboundji, Rabi, Gabon, Africa.

In memory of the late Jens B. Rasmussen (University of Copenhagen), a brilliant herpetologist and a dearly missed friend

INTRODUCTION (just south of the latter Reserve), Mount Iboundji In 2002, H. E. Omar Bongo Ondimba, President (Ogooué-Lolo Province), Rabi-Ndogo (Ogooué- of Gabon, officially declared the establishment Maritime Province), “Northeast”, and Minkol- of 13 national parks covering 30,000 square km, Makok (inselbergs in - Province) i.e., 10% of the country’s territory (Anonymous, (Anonymous, 2002a; 2002b). The Ogooué Wet- 2002b:3; see Figures 1−2). The main objective lands were proposed as a “Biosphere Reserve of these parks is to preserve the high biodiver- (UNESCO)”, due to their rich aquatic fauna, in- sity of the pristine ecosystems of Gabon, and, cluding crocodiles and chelonians (Anonymous, through ecotourism, to contribute to diversifica- 2002b:83). No precise geographical delimita- tion of the national economy, presently based on tions were specified for these six sites except for oil exploitation and logging. A detailed descrip- the Wonga-Wongué Reserve. tion of the parks with their geographical situa- Our current state-of-knowledge validates the tion and potential ecotourist attractions has been 13 parks as of high biodiversity value and as po- provided by Anonymous (2002a, b). Six other tential refuges for most ecological assemblages sites of particular conservation interest which and species of Gabon, yet detailed inventories did not receive the status of national park are: are lacking for most biological groups in most Wonga-Wongué Reserve, the Ogooué Wetlands parks, including for reptiles, the least-studied 182 Hamadryad [Vol. 30, Nos. 1 & 2 vertebrates in Gabon. A comprehensive list of eroon, Equatorial Guinea and/or Congo-Braz- the reptiles of the country was indeed not avail- zaville. able until 2004 (Frétey and Blanc, no date), and In addition to continuing taxonomic and field moreover that list has to be seriously revised research towards the establishment of a more (Pauwels, 2004a). Many old literature spe- accurate national reptile list, a herpetological cies records are doubtful and have to be care- conservation priority in Gabon is to evaluate fully checked, due notably to the fact that what the representation of the herpetofauna in its na- was formerly called Gabon does not necessar- tional parks, especially for (near-)endemic and ily correspond to today’s actual borders of this endangered species. A synthesis of current (May country. Also in recent literature, some species 2005) knowledge, as presented below, will help records were shown to be erroneous (Pauwels orient future efforts. and Branch, 2003). Based on the current state-of-knowledge, Ga- MATERIALS AND METHODS bonese reptile endemic taxa are the worm-liz- The following compilation on the reptile fauna ards Cynisca bifrontalis (Boulenger, 1906) and of each park is based on a detailed study of all C. haughi (Mocquard, 1904) (Amphisbaenidae), reliable literature available on the reptiles of the legless skink Feylinia boulengeri Chaba- Gabon, and on intensive field work made by naud, 1917 (Scincidae) and the newly-described the first author from 2001 to 2005 in all parts blind snake Letheobia pauwelsi Wallach, 2005 of Gabon except the north-east (Minkébé area) (Typhlopidae). Near-endemic taxa (known so and the southeast (Franceville area, Bateke far to be limited to Gabon and directly bor- Plateaux). Our field surveys were mainly spon- dering countries) include the recently-discov- sored by WWF-CARPO (in Monts de Cristal, ered mud terrapin Pelusios marani Bour, 2000 Massif du Chaillu and central Gabon) and by (Pelomedusidae) and forest gecko Hemidacty- the Smithsonian Institution, Shell Founda- lus kamdemtohami Bauer and Pauwels, 2002 tion and Shell Gabon (in the Gamba Complex (Gekkonidae), and the aquatic snake Hydraethi- of Protected Areas, southwestern Gabon) and ops laevis Boulenger, 1904 (Colubridae). These were documented through voucher specimens near-endemic species are known only by either deposited in museum collections in Gabon and one or two localities outside Gabon, in Cam- abroad (specified in our publications, see liter- ature cited). Species records not strictly made within actual park borders are not considered for the park lists. National Park delimitations agree with those presented by Anonymous (2002a; 2002b). Abbreviations: N. P.: National Park; SI/MAB: Smithsonian Institution/Monitoring and Assess- ment of Biodiversity Program.

RESULTS (540 sq. km).− In the chapter devoted to Akanda N. P., Anonymous (2002b:17) noted that “the undersea pastures of Corisco bay are important feeding zones for turtles, which come from as far afield as Brazil.” Fretey and Girardin (1988) considered local accounts of nesting by Dermochelys coriacea (Vandelli, 1761) in the Park near Moka doubtful since the beaches seem very muddy and thus not suitable for the turtles. Pauwels and Vande weghe (2005) Figure 1. Map of Africa showing the position of Gabon. and Vande weghe (2005) listed Osteolaemus t. March, 2006] OVERVIEW 183

Table 1. List of reptile species for the nine Gabonese national parks for which records are available. Only records from strictly within the park borders are taken into account. Literature and sources for species records is speci- fied in the account for each park. Akanda Crystal Loango Lopé Mayumba Minkebe Moukalaba Pongara

Taxa/Parks

Chelonii Pelomedusidae Pelusios castaneus X X Pelusios marani X Pelusios niger X Cheloniidae Chelonia mydas X X X Eretmochelys imbricata X Lepidochelys olivacea X X Dermochelyidae Dermochelys coriacea X X X Testudinidae Kinixys erosa X X X X X Trionychidae Cycloderma aubryi X Trionyx triunguis X X Crocodylia Crocodylidae Crocodylus cataphractus X X X Crocodylus niloticus X X Osteolaemus t. tetraspis X X X X X X Lacertilia Agamidae Agama agama X X X X Agama cf. paragama X Chamaeleonidae Chamaeleo dilepis X Rhampholeon s. spectrum X X Gekkonidae Hemidactylus fasciatus X X X X Hemidactylus mabouia X X X X X X Hemidactylus muriceus X X Gerrhosauridae Gerrhosaurus nigrolineatus X X X X Lacertidae Poromera fordii X Scincidae Feylinia currori X 184 Hamadryad [Vol. 30, Nos. 1 & 2

Feylinia grandisquamis X X Lygosoma fernandi X Panaspis breviceps X X X Panaspis reichenowii X X Panaspis rohdei X Trachylepis affinis X X X X X Trachylepis albilabris X X X X Trachylepis maculilabris X X Trachylepis polytropis X X X Varanidae Varanus ornatus X X X X X X Serpentes Atractaspididae Aparallactus modestus X X Atractaspis corpulenta X Boidae Calabaria reinhardtii X X Colubridae Boiga blandingii X X X Boiga cf. pulverulenta X X Bothrophthalmus brunneus X Crotaphopeltis hotamboeia X Dasypeltis fasciata X Dasypeltis scabra X Dipsadoboa duchesnii X X Dipsadoboa underwoodi X Dipsadoboa viridis X X Dipsadoboa weileri X Gonionotophis b. brussauxi X Grayia ornata X X Hapsidophrys smaragdinus X X X X Hydraethiops melanogaster X Lamprophis olivaceus X Mehelya guirali X Mehelya poensis X Mehelya savorgnani X Mehelya stenophthalmus X Natriciteres fuliginoides X X X Philothamnus carinatus X X X X Philothamnus heterodermus X Psammophis cf. phillipsii X X Rhamnophis aethiopissa X X X Thelotornis kirtlandii X March, 2006] OVERVIEW 185

Thrasops flavigularis X Elapidae Boulengerina a. annulata X X Dendroaspis j. jamesoni X X X Naja melanoleuca X X X X Pseudohaje goldii X Pythonidae Python sebae X X X X X X Typhlopidae Typhlops angolensis X Typhlops congestus X Viperidae Atheris squamiger X X X X Bitis arietans X Bitis gabonica X X X X Bitis nasicornis X X Causus lichtensteini X Causus maculatus X Total: 75 6 22 1 37 34 3 9 44 10 tetraspis Cope, 1861 (Crocodylidae), Hemi- Crystal Mountains National Park (1,200 sq. km).− dactylus mabouia (Moreau de Jonnès, 1818) Field surveys have been conducted by Goss- (Gekkonidae), Trachylepis affinis (Gray, 1838) mann et al. (2002) and Pauwels et al. (2002b) in (Scincidae), Varanus ornatus (Daudin, 1803) the Park and its immediate vicinity, providing a (Varanidae), Python sebae (Gmelin, 1789) (Py- preliminary list of 48 species. Among them only thonidae) and Bitis nasicornis (Shaw and Nod- 22 species were actually recorded strictly within der, 1792) (Viperidae) from the park. No data the Park borders (see Table 1), but all 48 spe- are available for other reptiles, but, due to the cies and many others can be expected from the homogeneity of biotopes, the total diversity is park, since the other records were made in the most probably low. Park’s immediate vicinity in similar biotopes, Bateke Plateaux National Park (2,050 sq. km).− and the total search effort so far was limited. No herpetological data are available for the The herpetofauna is expected to be similar to Park, which harbors biotopes that are unique that of Monte Alen in Equatorial Guinea. All but in Gabon. The Park could constitute a sanctu- ten of the 48 species recorded from the Crys- ary for the uncommon terrapin Pelusios carina- tal Mountains, thus 79%, were indeed recorded tus Laurent, 1956, known so far in Gabon from from Monte Alen N. P. (compare with the list only five localities situated just north of the Park provided by Lasso et al., 2002), and all the re- (Maran, 2002:51). Geographically-close records maining species of the 65 found in Monte Alen of other savanna-dwelling species, like Elapsoi- can be expected from Crystal Mountains N. P. dea semiannulata moebiusi Werner, 1897 (Elap- (3,000 sq. km).− Steel idae) in Franceville (Broadley, 1971), seem to (1994:4) recorded Crocodylus cataphractus Cu- indicate the local existence of a typical savanna vier, 1825 and C. niloticus Laurenti, 1768 from herpetofauna. We expect that thorough surveys the “Réserve d’Ipassa” and mentioned that 65 will bring a number of new records for the coun- reptile species were recorded from the same try, especially among savanna-dwelling species, part of the Park (including Crocodylus cata- since the park’s savanna is a continuation of the phractus, Osteolaemus tetraspis and Varanus Congolese savanna. niloticus (Linnaeus, 1766) [probably V. ornatus] 186 Hamadryad [Vol. 30, Nos. 1 & 2

Figure 2. Map of Gabon, showing the relief and hydrography, and the national parks and other sites and localities mentioned in the text. according to Anonymous, 1994:9). It is likely the regional endemic snakes Gonionotophis b. that Steel (1994) was referring to the unpub- brussauxi (Mocquard, 1889) (Colubridae) and lished report by Anonymous (no date - b) who Paranaja multifasciata (Werner, 1902) (Elapi- listed 65 reptile species from the Ivindo Basin dae). Knoepffler’s records from Loa-Loa (13 (see also Blanc and Frétey, 2000:289); however species) and his record of Cycloderma aubryi this latter anonymous report does not give any (Duméril, 1856) from “en aval des chutes de precise indication on the localities, nor any ref- Mingouli” (“downstream Mingouli waterfalls”) erence to preserved museum material. Steel’s might actually have been made within the parks (1994) record of Crocodylus niloticus requires borders. In conclusion, the only reptile record confirmation. A number of the species recorded unambiguously made within the Park limits to by Knoepffler (1966, 1974) at and around Ma- date is that of Crocodylus cataphractus by Steel kokou must be present in the park, including (1994). Within the park, Mont Kinguié (749 m March, 2006] OVERVIEW 187 asl) is possibly home to high altitude taxa and Camp. Many additional species should be added would deserve dedicated herpetological sur- to the Park herpetofauna, notably through sur- veys. veys in the hilly southern part of the park which (1,550 sq. km).− On the belongs to the Massif du Chaillu. entire West African coast, Loango N. P. may be (80 sq. km).− Fretey and the most beautiful, ecologically-intact example Girardin (1988) considered the park the most of the juxtaposition of lowland forest, savanna, important nesting site for Dermochelys coriacea swamp, lagoon and marine ecosystems (Anony- in Gabon. The Park was, moreover, qualified as mous, 2002b:31; Lee et al., 2005). A two-month the “most important nesting site for leather- herpetological survey of the Park was conduct- back turtles on Earth,” and proposed as a World ed in 2002, recording 37 species (Pauwels et al., Heritage Site (Anonymous, 2002b:11, 41, 43). 2004a; see Table 1). Among others, evidence of Billes (2003) provided data on the locally-nest- the nesting of Chelonia mydas (Linnaeus, 1758), ing population of Dermochelys, and stressed Lepidochelys olivacea (Eschscholtz, 1829) and important conservation problems, including lo- Dermochelys coriacea was found, although cal human predation on Dermochelys, Chelonia Anonymous (2002b) did not mention sea turtles mydas and Lepidochelys olivacea. Data on other in the brief description and highlights for Loan- reptile species are totally lacking for the park, go N. P. The occurrence and seasonal abundance but its small land surface and high homogeneity of sea turtles might, however, become a popular in biotopes suggests that herpetofaunal diver- attraction for ecotourism in the Park. Pauwels et sity must be low, i.e., probably even lower than al. (2004a) provided a list of species that could those of Akanda and Pongara Parks. be expected from the Park, and predicted a total Minkebe National Park (7,570 sq. km).− Nearly of about 50 species. no herpetological data are available for the park, Lopé National Park (4,970 sq. km).− This was which is, nonetheless, by far the largest in Ga- the first protected area of the country, declared bon. Anonymous (no date - a:9) mentioned that as such in 1946 (Anonymous, 2002b:7). This is Sally Lahm recorded eight reptile species from also the first Gabonese protected area to have the Minkébé area. Steel (1992) mentioned the benefitted from a herpetological survey: a list of 11 reptile species listed by Lahm (1991) from 38 species was established by Blanc and Frétey Minkebe forest: Kinixys erosa (Schweigger, (2000). It includes two crocodile and other pro- 1912), Osteolaemus t. tetraspis, Varanus nilo- tected species, and an Agama population re- ticus (probably V. ornatus), Thrasops sp., Den- ferred as to A. paragama Grandison, 1968 by droaspis jamesoni (Traill, 1843), Naja mela- these authors and as A. cf. paragama by Pau- noleuca Hallowell, 1857, Pseudohaje goldii wels et al. (2002a); the status of this population (Boulenger, 1895), Python sebae, Typhlops sp., requires further study. Blanc and Frétey (2000) Atheris chloroechis (sic; probably A. squamiger included records that were actually made just [Hallowell, 1854]) and Bitis gabonica (Duméril, outside the park; moreover, the Park delimita- Bibron and Duméril, 1854). These records of tions were partly modified after their work. If Thrasops sp. and Typhlops sp. require vouch- one considers today’s delimitations (according ers and confirmation, since they might concern to Anonymous, 2002a; 2002b), only 34 records other genera as well (respectively Rhamnophis were made within the Park (see Table 1). The Günther, 1862 and Leptotyphlops Fitzinger, remaining four species recorded by Blanc and 1843 or Ramphotyphlops Fitzinger, 1843 – this Frétey (2000) might, however, be expected from latter genus having recently been added in Ga- the Park, as they were recorded from biotopes bon by Pauwels et al., 2004b). With its large represented within the park next to the Park surface of pristine forest, its high peaks (par- borders. Christy and Wilmé (2003) mentioned ticularly those above 650 m asl) and inselbergs, the “crocodile à museau court” (Osteolaemus Minkebe N. P. undoubtedly harbors a rich her- tetraspis tetraspis), “varan” (Varanus orna- petofauna, among them probably a number of tus; with picture in loc. cit.:91) and “python” species yet-unrecorded from Gabon, but known (Python sebae) from Offoué River near Ololo from southern Cameroon, or even new taxa. 188 Hamadryad [Vol. 30, Nos. 1 & 2

Mount (690 sq. km).− No we do not expect it to house an especially rich herpetological collection has been done within nor unique herpetofauna. the park, but survey work has taken place in its (870 sq. km).− Dermo- immediate vicinity in the Itsiba and Moudouma chelys coriacea was mentioned from the park areas by Pauwels et al. (2002a, c). The altitude by Fretey and Girardin (1988) and Vande weghe of Mount Birougou is 975 m (Anonymous, (2005). Pauwels and Vande weghe (2005) and 2002b:21). With one of the highest peaks of Ga- Vande weghe (2005) also listed Chelonia mydas bon, a largely-intact forest, and its remote situ- and Eretmochelys imbricata (Linnaeus, 1766) ation in the heart of the Massif du Chaillu, this (Cheloniidae), Osteolaemus t. tetraspis (Croco- park is a very promising research field site for dylidae), Hemidactylus mabouia (Gekkonidae), herpetologists. Gerrhosaurus nigrolineatus Hallowell, 1857 Moukalaba-Doudou National Park (4,500 sq. (Gerrhosauridae) and Python sebae (Pytho- km).− Crocodylus cataphractus was mentioned nidae). On 12 Sept. 2004, we (OSGP and J. P. from Lake Kivoro by Dijkstra (1993:259). Vande weghe) caught, identified and released Obame Ondo (2000:8) reported that about specimens of Agama agama (Linnaeus, 1758) 16 reptile species were listed from the Monts (Agamidae), Gerrhosaurus nigrolineatus (Ger- Doudou, without specifying which, but more rhosauridae), Mabuya affinis and M. albolabris information on this inventory was available in (Scincidae), all locally abundant. Vande weghe the report of Bagafou et al. (2000) where some (2005) mentioned that Crocodylus niloticus was taxa are identified down to the specific level. probably once present, but is surely absent to- The detailed results of this first survey were day from the park. The whole herpetofauna is eventually provided by Burger et al. (2004), probably not very diverse, and identical to that who produced the first documented reptile of Akanda N. P. list for the park. A more recent second survey (1,070 sq. km).− No herpe- brought in a number of new records, giving a tological information is available for the park, current total list of 42 species (Pauwels et al., which is probably home to the species recorded 2005; see Table 1). Minko Ekomo (no date:11) from low and middle altitude by Pauwels et al. listed Crocodylus niloticus from the Monts (2002a) in other parts of the Massif du Chaillu. Doudou (see also Burger et al., 2004:175). On The highest summits might harbour Hemidacty- 30 April 2005, we (OSGP) observed two sub- lus kamdemtohami or Letheobia pauwelsi, both adult C. niloticus basking on partly-immersed known from Mount Iboundji situated at less logs in the Nyanga River within the Park, and than 70 km. examined a large skull in Igotchi (, Basse-Banio Dept.), which is said DISCUSSION to have been caught in the Nyanga in front of General representation of reptiles in Gabon’s national the village. A specimen of Bitis arietans (Mer- parks.− Seventy-five reptile species are so far rem, 1820) was observed in 1987 in the park known to be represented in the national parks near Mourindi (PC, unpubl. data). Although of Gabon (Table 1). The total number of rep- this viper species was not listed for Gabon by tiles currently recorded from the whole country Frétey and Blanc (no date), it might be found in is still a matter of discussion, since a number of the savanna areas of Gabon (another specimen historical and non-documented records have to caught in the savanna along Road 16 between be re-evaluated. Lötters et al. (2000) and Pau- Udéac and Lékoni, just north of Bateke Pla- wels (2004) estimated a total number of 95 and teaux N. P., was examined by J. Maran, pers. 140 reptile species for Gabon (respectively). The comm.). Field surveys in the highest peaks of longest list currently available is that of Frétey the park will certainly add new records, and and Blanc (no date) who mentioned 160 species. possibly new taxa. These latter authors did not include Hemidac- Mwagne National Park (1,160 sq. km).− No her- tylus kamdemtohami, Letheobia pauwelsi, Ram- petological data are available for the park. Due photyphlops braminus, Hydraethiops laevis nor to its relatively small size and mainly low relief, Bitis arietans, added to the Gabonese herpeto- March, 2006] OVERVIEW 189 fauna after submission of their manuscript (see Feylinia boulengeri, regarded by some au- Pauwels, 2004a; Pauwels et al., 2002a, 2004b; thors (e.g., Frétey and Blanc, no date) as belong- Wallach, 2005; and the present work). A number ing to the monotypic Feyliniine genus Chaba- of species should also probably be withdrawn naudia de Witte and Laurent, 1943, is known from their list (see Pauwels, 2004a). from only two localities and two specimens: If one considers the highest figure of 160 spe- “N’Gomo, Ogooué, Gabon” (MNHN 1917.120; cies and 76 genera by Frétey and Blanc without holotype) and “Riv. Bilogone, Gabon” (MNHN corrections, 47% of the species, 66% of the gen- 1969.105) (Brygoo and Roux-Estève, 1983). era, and all families (22) except Amphisbaeni- N’Gomo (= Ngomo; see Figure 2) is situated in dae and Leptotyphlopidae are currently record- Moyen-Ogooué Province, Dept. de l’Ogooué et ed from the parks. In view of the early stage of des Lacs. Bilogone (= Mbilagone) River flows herpetological inventory of the parks of Gabon, from Wonga-Wongué Reserve to Pongara N. P. a representation of nearly half of all species, and Mount Iboundji’s blind snake Letheobia pau- all families but two (moreover discreet fossorial welsi is still known by a single specimen that taxa that can be easily overlooked) is satisfying. was caught on the flank of Mount Iboundji (Pau- Future surveys will undoubtedly increase the wels et al., 2002a). Due to its obvious fossorial present figures, and we strongly encourage a fo- habits, the species could be more common than cused effort on research in national parks, both it seems; it could be searched for in the south- to increase their scientific and ecotouristic value ern, hilly, part of Lopé N. P., and in Mount Bi- and to ensure that listed species are effectively rougou N. P. protected. We also encourage inventories in Near-endemics: Since its discovery, Pelusios geographically-exceptional sites outside parks, marani has been found in a dozen localities in like mountain tops, inselbergs, caves, water- Gabon, and in a single locality, “environs de falls, isolated lakes, etc., to increase their state Brazzaville” (“surroundings of Brazzaville”), of biological knowledge and possible justifica- in Congo-Brazzaville (Bour et al., 2001; Maran, tion as biodiversity sanctuaries. 2002; Pauwels et al., 2002d). Its recent record Representation of endemics and near-endemics.− from Moukalaba-Doudou N. P. (Pauwels et al., Endemics: Cynisca bifrontalis was only known 2005) represented its first mention from a pro- by its holotype from Omboué (Ogooué-Mari- tected area. In view of the high predation pres- time Province, Etimboué Dept.) until our re- sure by humans, P. marani will soon be under cent discovery of five additional specimens in threat, and this Moukalaba-Doudou record is Rabi/Toucan oilfields, ca. 90 km south-east of thus very important. the type locality (Branch et al., 2003). The pres- Kamdem Toham’s gecko Hemidactylus kam- ence of C. bifrontalis in Loango N. P. is very demtohami was first collected on the flank of probable, and it might also be expected from Mount Iboundji in the Massif du Chaillu, and Moukalaba-Doudou N. P., since Rabi is situ- observed in Monte Alen N. P. in Equatorial ated between both parks. The other Gabonese Guinea (Pauwels et al., 2002a). It was then later endemic amphisbaenian Cynisca haughi is still reported from southern Cameroon (Pauwels, known only by its holotype from “Gabon, à en- 2004b) and will probably be found on more viron 50 km au sud-ouest de Lambaréné” (Ga- mountains in the region. bon, about 50 km SW of Lambaréné), along the Pauwels et al. (2002a) rediscovered in Mou- Ogooué wetlands which was proposed as a Bio- douma (660 m asl) the aquatic snake Hydrae- sphere Reserve (Anonymous, 2002b). Addition- thiops laevis, which was formerly only known al specimens of C. haughi should be collected from its two syntypes from Efulen (670 m asl) in order to confirm it is not conspecific with C. in Cameroon. Since Moudouma village is situat- bifrontalis, since the female holotype is in poor ed less than 10 km from Mount Birougou N. P., condition and does not allow the examination of this rare snake most likely occurs in the park. some important diagnostic characters (Branch et Representation of locally-protected species.− al., 2003)– in the case of synonymy the name C. Decree nº32/PR/MEF of 11 January 1966 gave haughi would have priority. integral protection of the three crocodiles spe- 190 Hamadryad [Vol. 30, Nos. 1 & 2 cies, with a derogation every year for a hunting Gabon might be wider. The status of this species period. Commercial hunting hence, took place, in Gabon should be urgently evaluated. especially in the area of Lambaréné, in Ogooué Osteolaemus t. tetraspis was inventoried River and adjacent lakes. This decree was re- from six parks, recorded from less than 15 km newed every year until 1975, when intensive from Crystal Mountains N. P. (Pauwels et al., hunting had so depleted the natural stocks that 2002b), and found on the border area of Ivindo commercial hunting became non-viable. Ac- N. P. (Knoepffler, 1974). In Gabon this species cording to the present Gabonese laws, no rep- is widespread (see also Waitkuwait, 1985) and tile is integrally protected, but the following six still common (pers. obs.) and will probably be species are partly protected following decree found in every park. 189/PR/MEFCR of 4 March 1987 relative to Varanus niloticus is recorded from Gabon the protection of fauna: Dermochelys coriacea without exact locality (Böhme and Ziegler, (Dermochelyidae), Crocodylus cataphractus 1997). In fact the decree was published before congicus and C. niloticus, Osteolaemus t. tet- the revision of the Varanus niloticus species raspis (Crocodylidae), Varanus niloticus (Vara- complex by the latter authors who demonstrated nidae) and Python sebae (Pythonidae). that Varanus niloticus ornatus had to be raised Dermochelys, although suffering from human to full species status. From a zoogeographical predation, is recorded from three coastal parks, point of view, the confirmation of the presence among them Mayumba N. P. which is one of the of the savanna-dwelling V. niloticus in Gabon most important nesting sites worldwide for the would be very interesting, since that population species (Billes, 2003). would be isolated (see map in Böhme and Zie- The subspecies Crocodylus cataphractus gler, 1997) and efforts could be made to study congicus Fuchs, Mertens and Wermuth, 1974, its exact distribution and taxonomic status. is not universally accepted. Besides its records However, at the time the decree appeared, it was from three parks, C. cataphractus still has a probably meant to protect what was later shown wide distribution in Gabon (Waitkuwait, 1985), to be V. ornatus, which is very widespread and but is heavily hunted everywhere (Gramentz, abundant in Gabon (see also Böhme and Ziegler, 1999; Pauwels et al., 2003). Conservation meas- 2004; Pauwels et al., 2002a; 2002b), in cities as ures are urgent. well as in cultivated lands, primary forests, sa- Dupuy et al. (1998:27) indicated that Croco- vannas and beaches, and already known to oc- dylus niloticus was probably extinct in Gabon cur in six national parks. because of intensive hunting. Fortunately this Python sebae was already recorded from not is wrong, since C. niloticus is presently known less than six parks, and is thus very satisfacto- with certainty from Loango and Moukalaba- rily represented. Like Varanus ornatus, it is very Doudou parks, but it is not sure whether it common everywhere in Gabon and will prob- occurs in other parks. The Nile crocodile was ably be recorded soon from all parks. probably once more common (Anonymous, Representation of internationally-protected spe- 2004), and probably present in at least Pongara cies.− Two international conventions on fauna N. P. (Vande weghe, 2005) and Akanda N. P. conservation were ratified by Gabon on the Blaney et al. (1997:67) mentioned it from “riv- same day (laws of 29 July 1987 and decrees ière Mougouambi, tronçon Mayonami-Mou- of 30 May 1988): the Convention of Algiers londo” (Nyanga Province, Basse-Banio Dept.). and the Convention on International Trade of Today it seems limited to the coastal areas of the Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna Gamba Complex of Protected Areas and to the (CITES; see Anonymous, 1987a-b). The Afri- Nyanga River (Bourobou Bourobou, 1999:12; can Convention for Nature Conservation was Camara Gakou, 1992:23; Dijkstra, 1993; Pau- signed in Algiers on 15 September 1968. This wels et al., 2005). In 1996, Gramentz (1999) convention presents two levels of protection: however observed several dead specimens sold total (A) and partial (B). All Cheloniidae and as food on fishermen’s markets at Lambaréné, Dermochelyidae are listed in class A, and all which suggests that its present distribution in crocodilians in class B. The terms of the Con- March, 2006] OVERVIEW 191 vention of Algiers were never concretely ap- Fretey, 2001), the current presence of the spe- plied in Gabon. CITES species for Gabon were cies should be evaluated. listed by Anonymous (2005), with mention of Kinixys erosa is heavily hunted in Gabon, but IUCN categories in case of listing. In Appendix is widespread and still very common (see a.o. I: Chelonia mydas (EN – A1abd), Eretmochelys Maran, 2002:62-63). It is already known from imbricata (CR - A1abd+2bcd) (Cheloniidae), five national parks. The status of Kinixys bel- Dermochelys coriacea (CR – A1abd) (Dermo- liana and K. homeana in Gabon has still to be chelyidae), Crocodylus cataphractus (DD) and evaluated. Neither of these two latter species C. niloticus (Appendix I/II), Osteolaemus tet- was listed by Maran (2002), who restricted his raspis (VU – A2cd) (Crocodylidae); and in Ap- list to the available museum material and per- pendix II: Kinixys belliana Gray, 1831, K. erosa sonal field observations (Maran, pers. comm., (DD), K. homeana Bell, 1827 (DD) (Testudi- Apr. 2005), and of both, only K. homeana was nidae), Chamaeleo africanus Laurenti, 1768, listed by Frétey and Blanc (no date). Both spe- C. camerunensis (Müller, 1909), C. chapini de cies might, however, be eventually documented Witte, 1964, C. cristatus (Stutchbury, 1837), from Gabon through additional field work, par- C. dilepis (Leach, 1819), C. gracilis Hallow- ticularly in savanna (K. belliana) and in the for- ell, 1842, C. oweni Gray, 1831 and C. quilensis ests near Equatorial Guinea (K. homeana) (Ma- Bocage, 1866 (Chamaeleonidae), Varanus nilo- ran, pers. comm.). ticus and V. ornatus (Varanidae), Calabaria re- The distribution and conservation status of inhardtii (Schlegel, 1851) (Boidae) and Python Chamaeleo spp. in Gabon is very poorly known, sebae (Pythonidae). Although Caretta caretta and only C. dilepis was reported from a national (Linnaeus, 1758) and Lepidochelys olivacea are park (see Table 1). Anonymous (2005) listed C. not listed for Gabon by Anonymous (2005), all camerunensis, but this species was not included Cheloniidae, thus including those two species, by Frétey and Blanc (no date). are listed on Appendix I on http://www.cites. Calabaria reinhardtii is very common in Ga- org/eng/app/appendices.shtml (last visited by us bon, especially in secondary forest, and is not on 2 April 2005). The species that are also lo- eaten by locals (pers. obs.), nor does it seem to cally protected are treated in the section above. be under any other specific threat. It was so far Chelonia mydas was recorded from three of recorded from three parks, but should be found the four Gabonese coastal national parks, so its in most. representation is satisfying, but its conservation Suggestions for modifications to the Gabonese pro- status is, however, alarming, due to the enor- tection laws on reptiles.− Due to currently avail- mous human predation pressure. In 2004 we able data on distributions, conservation status (OSGP and J. P. Vande weghe) observed on sev- and human consumption of reptiles in Gabon eral occasions numerous green turtle carcasses (including Billes, 2004; Gramentz, 1999; Lahm, near Cap Esterias where the species is still com- 1993; Mengome Ango, 1998; Steel, 1994), we monly and openly offered in restaurants. This suggest the following changes from the decree happened just a few km from Akanda N. P. It is 189/PR/MEFCR of 4 March 1987 relative to obvious that such an exploitation is unsustain- their protection: a) Dermochelys coriacea and able. Maran (2002) was even offered a carapace Crocodylus cataphractus be integrally protect- of C. mydas to buy near Makokou, about 400 ed; b) all Cheloniidae (including Caretta caret- km inland. ta) be partly protected; c) Varanus niloticus and Eretmochelys imbricata and Lepidochelys Python sebae be withdrawn from the list of lo- olivacea are respectively known from one and cally-protected species; d) Cycloderma aubryi two coastal parks in Gabon (see Table 1). They be added to the partly-protected species. are rare and preyed upon by humans; a detailed Unprotected areas of demonstrated herpetologi- summary of the exploitation was presented by cal interest.− Field surveys that took place out Fretey (2001). of the established national parks showed two Although a few records of Caretta caretta particular sites to be of special herpetologi- were reported from Gabon (Dijkstra, 1993; cal interest, both cited by Anonymous (2002a; 192 Hamadryad [Vol. 30, Nos. 1 & 2

2002b): Mount Iboundji, in the middle of the inselbergs, none has so far benefitted from a Massif du Chaillu, and the Rabi oil field, ly- dedicated herpetological survey, and the scarce ing between Loango and Moukalaba-Doudou data currently available do not allow pertinent national parks. Mount Iboundji is described by evaluation. However, one might expect insel- Anonymous (2002b:11) as a “rocky tableland bergs to house zoogeographically-interesting overlooking forest rich in biological diversity.” and possibly-unique taxa. One of the only two It is specified (loc. cit.:87) that new species of known localities for the endemic legless skink reptiles were discovered on its flanks, which are Feylinia boulengeri is situated in the Ogooué actually those found by Pauwels et al. (2002a): Wetlands which were also shown to be home Hemidactylus kamdemtohami and Letheobia for at least five terrestrial and freshwater- tur pauwelsi. While the former is currently re- tles: Pelusios castaneus (Schweigger, 1812), P. corded from three countries (Pauwels, 2004b), niger (Duméril and Bibron, 1835), Cycloderma the Letheobia is still known only from a single aubryi, Trionyx triunguis (Forsskål, 1775) and specimen. Since two new reptile species and Kinixys erosa (see Gramentz, 2001; Maran, other uncommon taxa (such as the endemic bu- 2002). We suggest an evaluation of the current fonid Werneria iboundji Rödel, Schmitz, Pau- populations of crocodiles and freshwater turtles wels and Böhme, 2004) were discovered during in this area. the short time dedicated to the herpetological study of the mountain, we can reasonably ex- CONCLUSION pect that intensive surveys will lead to many Although the 13 recently established national additional interesting findings. Mount Iboundji parks seem to represent all the major biotopes has been proposed as a “Sanctuary”, a term that of Gabon, it is not yet demonstrated that all Anonymous (2002b:11) defined as: “area high unique reptile species of Gabon are included. in biological diversity or of special interest too None of the four endemics and only one of the small for National Park status.” According to three near-endemics are recorded so far from a the law, the surface of a national park can not be national park in Gabon. Specific surveys should less than 1000 hectares (Anonymous, 2002a:9; be conducted for these species in convenient bi- this being not specified in the English version otopes of possible occurrence in the parks. Al- of the book). though improbable, if high search efforts seem The Rabi oil field was intensively herpeto- to demonstrate that they are not present in any logically explored in 2002-3, and proved to be park, conservation measures should be taken, exceptionally rich (Branch et al., 2003; Burger notably through the proposition of sanctuaries et al., 2002; Lavoué et al., 2003; Pauwels et for localities where these species do occur. al., 2005), with not less than 66 species docu- The numbers of species recorded to date from mented, i.e., so far the longest list for any lo- the parks of Gabon vary from one to 44. These cality in Gabon. Although hunting is presently numbers reflect more the search effort than real locally strictly forbidden, and access and log- differences in diversity. However, some parks ging controlled by the oil company Shell Ga- can be expected to be home to more taxa than bon, the question remains of what will become others on the basis of their biotope diversity of this area when declining reserves force the and the presence of altitudinal areas, with more company to leave. Lake Divangui is situated at chances to discover taxa new to science in the direct proximity to the Rabi oil field, and was latter zones. Akanda, Pongara and especially shown to harbor an important population of Mayumba national parks show a low diversity Crocodylus cataphractus (Pauwels et al., 2003); of biotopes, no altitudinal zones, and probably it is also home to Osteolaemus t. tetraspis (Barr house the lowest numbers of species. Bateke et al., unpubl. data). Plateaux, Ivindo, Loango, Lopé, Moukalaba- Among the four other exceptional sites men- Doudou, Mwagne and Waka national parks tioned by Anonymous (2002a-b), i.e., Wonga- should show a higher diversity, due to their Wongué Reserve and the adjacent Ogooué wider representation of biotopes. The most di- Wetlands, “Northeast,” and Minkol-Makok verse and original herpetofaunas are probably March, 2006] OVERVIEW 193 to be found in Crystal Mountains, Minkebe and diles in coastal parks, should protection laws be Mount Birougou national parks, which show adequately and quickly enforced. A revision of peaks above 900 m asl. and particular biotopes the list of protected reptile species is also be- such as inselbergs (Minkebe), caves (Birougou) coming a necessity. or waterfalls. All four Gabonese endemic reptiles are small- ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS sized fossorial species known from one to six We warmly thank Chucheep (Teak) Chimsun- specimens, and from one to two localities. This chart (Phetchaburi), Brady Barr (National Geo- indicates a paucity of herpetological knowledge graphic Television), William R. Branch (Port for the country, and suggests high likelihood of Elizabeth Museum), Marius Burger (Univer- discovering additional endemic taxa. sity of the Western Cape), Sébastien Lavoué The herpetological inventory of the parks of (MNHN, Paris), Jean-Eric Mackayah (Setté- Gabon is at its beginning and is hence, totally Cama), Victor Mamonekene (Université Marien incomplete. In order to raise the proportion of Ngouabi, Brazzaville), Richard Oslisly (WCS species represented in the parks, we would en- Gabon), Tariq Stévart (ULB, Brussels), Elie courage surveys a.o. in Bateke Plateaux N. P. Tobi (SI/MAB Gamba) and Jean-Pierre Vande to search for more savanna species, and possi- weghe (WCS, Libreville) for companionship in bly new records for the national list. All parks the field. We are very grateful to Sally A. Lahm comprising altitudinal zones should be explored (IRET, Makokou), Aaron M. Bauer (Villanova since they might reveal new taxa for science, Univ.), Roger Bour and Patrick David (MNHN, and caves, waterfalls and inselbergs should be Paris), Ignacio De la Riva (MNCN, Madrid), systematically inventoried. Thierry Frétey (Association Racine, Médréac), In the frame of the current development of Dieter Gramentz (Berlin), Allen Greer (Aus- Gabon for ecotourism, several parks seem par- tralian Museum, Sydney), Philippe J. R. Kok ticularly well-placed because they simultane- (IRSNB, Brussels), Jérôme Maran (Aygues- ously offer landscapes which are unique within vives), Augustin Mihindou (Loango N. P.), the Gabon and are logistically feasible. These are late Jens B. Rasmussen (University of Copenha- Loango, Lopé, and Crystal Mountains, three of gen), Van Wallach (Harvard University), Wolf- the four parks for which preliminary reptile lists Ekkehard Waitkuwait (PSVAP, Libreville), are already available. Abundances of sea turtles Chris Wilks (WCS Gabon) and Thomas Ziegler and Dwarf and Nile crocodiles are among the (Zoologischer Garten, Köln) for useful infor- highlights of Loango N. P. Lopé offers a rich mation. Michelle E. Lee, Alfonso Alonso and lowland and savanicolous herpetofauna, and is Francisco Dallmeier (Smithsonian Institution), situated in close proximity of the exceptional René Hilaire Adiaheno (National Parks Coun- site- Mount Iboundji- which we strongly sug- cil, Libreville), Faustin Bangole, Frank Denelle, gest for protection integrally. The Crystal Moun- Roger Ratanga, Pierre Reteno Ndiaye and Jean- tains harbour a rich mid-altitude herpetofauna, Pierre Tallon (Shell Gabon) and André Kam- including regional endemics. These three parks dem Toham (WWF-CARPO, Kinshasa) pro- combined offer an opportunity to view a wide vided much appreciated help and support. We portion of the Gabonese herpetofauna. Among thank Julie Luetzelschwab (US Fish and Wild- unprotected areas, Rabi offers so far the richest life Service), Mike Fay (National Geographic known assemblage of lowland forest reptile spe- Society) and Lee White (WCS Gabon) for the cies and is situated in direct proximity to Lake permission to use ArcGIS for the elaboration Divangui, a perfect place to observe large num- of the maps. We are indebted to Adèle Sambo bers of Crocodylus cataphractus and a poten- (CENAREST, Libreville) for research permits tial sanctuary for the species. Potential impacts and to Emile Mamfoumbi Kombila and Adrien of ecotourism on crocodiles and their nesting Noungou (DFC, Libreville) for entry and col- should of course first be evaluated. It is evident lecting permits. This research was supported that some reptiles could play a positive role in by the Smithsonian Institution/Monitoring and ecotourism, in particular sea turtles and croco- Assessment of Biodiversity Program and grants 194 Hamadryad [Vol. 30, Nos. 1 & 2 from Shell Foundation and Shell Gabon. This Bagafou, Y., L. Bikie & S. Ekaghba. 2000. Contribu- publication is contribution 39 of the Gabon Bio- tion à l’évaluation de la biodiversité au Gabon. diversity Program (contribution 38 was made by Inventaires fauniques aux Monts Doudou. Un- Pauwels, 2004b). published “Rapport de Formation” [Training Report], WWF, Libreville. vi + 34 pp. LITERATURE CITED Bauer, A. M. & O. S. G. Pauwels. 2002. A new for- Anonymous. 1987a. Loi nº 24/87 du 29 juillet est-dwelling Hemidactylus (Squamata: Gek- 1987, autorisant la ratification de la Conven- konidae) from Gabon, West Africa. 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