Diversity and natural history of reptiles from coastal environments in Gilé National Park, northern Mozambique

We analysed the abundance, richness, diversity, habitat use, and microhabitat of reptiles in Gilé National Park, Mozambique, based on samples collected using pitfall traps, active searches, and incidental encounters. We recorded 36 species during our survey, consisting of 16 lizard, 16 snake, three turtle, and one crocodile species. The interpolation and extrapolation curves for both lizards and snakes did not reach an asymptote, indicating that neither inventory is complete. Species richness in each of three habitats surveyed increased with sampling effort as expected, with Miombo woodland presenting the highest value (25 species). Similarity analysis confirmed differences in species composition between habitats, with five species contributing > 50% to the differences in paired habitat comparisons between Miombo woodland and riparian forest or Miombo woodland and dambo (seasonally flooded areas), while between dambo and riparian forest four species each contributed 60%. Both lizard and snake communities in this area are composed predominantly of terrestrial species. This study expands our knowledge of reptile diversity in coastal environments of Mozambique, whose herpetofauna remains understudied. It also provides some insight into the structure of lizard and snake communities in Gilé National Park and a baseline for management and conservation initiatives in the area. We were able to extend the known range of Rieppeleon brachyurus by 350 km to the southeast of the nearest earlier records.