New reptiles found in Tanzania
2009-01-06 12:06
London - Seventeen previously unknown
species of reptiles and amphibians have been found in the
threatened rainforests of eastern Tanzania, Italian and
Tanzanian scientists reported on Monday.
The haul of new species, which include chameleons, tree
frogs and snakes, highlights the rich biodiversity of the East
African country's South Nguru Mountains region, they wrote in
the journal Acta Herpetologica.
Authors Michele Menegon of the Natural Science Museum of
Trento in Italy and colleagues said the region's ecosystem was
under threat from fire, logging, collection of wood for fuel and
land clearance for cultivation.
To stem the damage, the government and villagers have
outlined a series of steps needed to improve conservation, such
as reducing the population's dependence on unsustainable methods
of growing cardamoms, a popular cooking spice and an important
cash crop for highland farmers.
"The programme represents an opportunity to reverse the
current trend of forest loss and degradation," the scientists
wrote.
"To succeed, the programme will need sustained commitment
from the government of Tanzania, civil society organisations,
the local communities and development partners."