Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Herpetofauna and Mammals

  • Chapter
  • First Online:
Social and Ecological System Dynamics

Abstract

Of the 64 known amphibian species of Ethiopia, the Lake Tana Sub-basin is believed to contain 19 species of amphibian belonging to 12 genera and 9 families. All of these species are grouped under Order Anura (tail-less frogs). Most of the species found in the area appear to be those that are tolerant to changed habitats. Fourteen species of lizards, 20 species of snakes and one species of freshwater turtle, a total of 35 reptile species occur in the area. However, the herpetofauna taxonomic status and evolutionary relationships of many of the species has not been confirmed using molecular and biogeographic studies or updated using modern phylogeographic approaches. In addition a total of 27 species of mammals that belongs to 16 families are listed. But there is little information on Order-Rodentia (rodents), Lagomorphs (lagomorphs), Erinaceomorpha (hedgehogs and gymnures), Soricomorpha (shrews, moles, and soledons) and Chiroptera (bats). Depending on the land use/land cover history of the area, the wildlife habitats of the area can be categorized in many ways, and each habitat harbors a number of amphibians, reptiles, and mammals. The wildlife values can be expressed in terms of their economic importance, nutritional value, ecological role and socio-cultural significance. Still Ethiopia is not benefiting as there is little attention for the resource. The existence of proclamations specifically dealing with biodiversity does not guarantee conservation unless they are put into action. The main challenge faced in conservation of herpetofauna and mammals is habitat degradation and fragmentation.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Log in via an institution
Chapter
USD 29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD 99.00
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD 129.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info
Hardcover Book
USD 199.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

References

  • Adem G (2008) Assessment of ecotourism potentials for sustainable natural resources management in and around Abijata-Shala Lakes National Park in the Central Ethiopian Rift Valley. Thesis, Addis Ababa University

    Google Scholar 

  • Afework B, Yalden DW (2013) The mammals of Ethiopia and Eritrea. Addis Ababa University Press, Addis Ababa

    Google Scholar 

  • Beebee TJC (1996) Ecology and conservation of amphibians. Chapman and Hall, London

    Google Scholar 

  • Biru Y (2007) Land degradation and options for sustainable land management in the Lake Tana Basin (LTB), Amhara Region, Ethiopia. Dissertation, University of Bern

    Google Scholar 

  • Bojö J (1996) The economics of wildlife: case studies from Ghana, Kenya, Namibia and Zimbabwe. AFTES Working Paper No. 19, The World Bank, Washington DC

    Google Scholar 

  • Cardillo M, Mace GM, Jones KE et al (2005) Multiple causes of high extinction risk in large mammal species. Sc 309:1239–1241

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Carolyn HS (1987) Small mammals: Pests or vital components of the ecosystem (1987). Great plains wildlife damage control. In: Paper presented at the 8th wildlife damage control workshop, in Rapid City, South-Dakota, April 28–30, 1987

    Google Scholar 

  • Chardonnet P, Clers B, des Fischer J et al (2002) The value of wildlife. Rev sci tech Off Int Epiz 21(1):15–51

    Google Scholar 

  • Cheng S, Hiwatashi Y, Imai H et al (1998) Deforestation and degradation of natural resources in Ethiopia: forest management implications from a case study in the Belete-Gera Forest. J Res 3:199–204

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • East, R (1999). African antelope database 1998. IUCN/SSC Antelope Specialist Group

    Google Scholar 

  • Evans B, Bliss SM, Mendel SA et al (2011) The Rift Valley is a major barrier to dispersal of African clawed frogs (Xenopus) in Ethiopia. Molec Ecol 20(20):4216–4230. doi:10.1111/j.1365-294X.2011.05262.x

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Frost DR, AMNH (2010) Amphibian species of the world: an Online Reference. Version 5.3. Electronic Database accessible at http://research.amnh.org/herpetology/amphibia/ American Museum of Natural History, New York, USA. Accessed 12 February 2009

  • Getachew G, Afework B (2009) Human-wildlife conflict in Zegie peninsula (Ethiopia) with emphasis on grivet monkey (Cercopithecus aethiops aethiops). SINET: Ethiop J Sci 32(2):99–108

    Google Scholar 

  • Getahun A, Mengistu AM (eds) (2006) Field and laboratory techniques for zoological museum collections: manual on methods of collection, preservation and management. The Zoological Natural history museum, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa

    Google Scholar 

  • Gower D, Doherty-Bone TM, Aberra RK et al (2012a) High prevalence of the amphibian chytrid fungus (Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis) across multiple taxa and localities in the highlands of Ethiopia. Herpeto J 22:225–233

    Google Scholar 

  • Gower D, Garrett K, Stafford P (2012b) Snakes. The Natural History Museum, London

    Google Scholar 

  • Hillman JC (1993) Compendium of wildlife conservation information. Vol. 1: Wildlife conservation in Ethiopia. Ethiopian Wildlife Conservation Organization, Addis Ababa

    Google Scholar 

  • IBC (2005) National biodiversity strategy and action plan. Institute of Biodiversity Conservation, Government of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, Addis Ababa

    Google Scholar 

  • IUCN (2008) IUCN red list of threatened species. Version 2014.2. <www.iucnredlist.org>. Accessed 16 October 2014

  • IUCN (2013) IUCN red list of threatened species. Version 2010.4. <www.iucnredlist.org>. Downloaded on 20 February 2013 IUCN, Gland, and Cambridge

  • Kielgast J, Rödder E, Veith M et al (2010) Widespread occurrence of the amphibian chytrid fungus in Kenya. Anim Conserv 13(Suppl 1):1–8

    Google Scholar 

  • Lanly JP, Singh KD, Janz K (1991) FAO’s 1990 reassessment of tropical forest cover. Nat Resour 27(2):21–26

    Google Scholar 

  • Largen MJ (1977) The status of the genus Leptopelis (Amphibia, Anura, Hyperoliidae) in Ethiopia, including descriptions of two new species. Monit Zool Ital NS Suppl 9:85–136

    Google Scholar 

  • Largen MJ (2001) Catalogue of amphibians of Ethiopia, including a key for their identification. Trop Zool 14:307–402

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Largen MJ, Spawls S (2010) Amphibians and Reptiles of Ethiopia and Eritrea. Edition Chimaira. Frankfurt am Main

    Google Scholar 

  • Largen MJ, Rasmussen JB (1993) Catalogue of the Snakes of Ethiopia (Reptilia Serpentes) including identification keys. Trop Zool 6:313–434

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lötters S, Kielgast J, Bielby J et al (2010) The link between rapid enigmatic amphibian decline and the globally emerging chytrid fungus. Eco Health. I Asso Ecol Heal 6(3):358–372. doi:10.1007/s10393-010-0281-6

    Google Scholar 

  • Masood MF, Asiry AA (2012) Ecological studies on diversity of Herpetofauna in Asir region, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Egypt Acad J Biolog Sci 4(1):143–163

    Google Scholar 

  • Mengistu AA (2012) Amphibian diversity, distribution and conservation in the Ethiopian highlands: morphological, molecular and biogeographic investigation on Leptopelis and Ptychadena (Anura). Dissertation, University of Basel

    Google Scholar 

  • Mengistu AM, Nagel P, Getahun A et al (2013) Updated review of amphibian diversity, distribution and conservation in Ethiopia. Ethiopian J Biol Sci 12:81–116

    Google Scholar 

  • Pol JLV (2006) A guide to endemic birds of Ethiopia and Eritrea, 2nd edn. Shama Books, Addis Ababa

    Google Scholar 

  • Pough FH, Andrews RM, Cadle JE et al (2003) Herpetology, 3rd edn. Benjamin Cummings, San Francisco

    Google Scholar 

  • Poynton JC (1999) Distribution of amphibians in Sub-Saharan Africa, Madagascar and Seychelles. In: Duellman WE (ed) Patterns of distribution of amphibians: a global perspective. The John Hopkins University Press, Baltimore, pp 483–539

    Google Scholar 

  • Rödder D, Kielgast J, Bielby J et al (2009) Global amphibian extinction risk assessment for the panzootic chytrid fungus. Diversity 1:52–66

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Shimelis GS, Srinivasan R, Dargahi B (2008) Hydrological Modelling in the Lake Tana Basin, Ethiopia Using SWAT Model. Open Hydro J 2:49–62

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Smith RL (1992) Elements of ecology, 3rd edn. Harper Collins Publishers, New York

    Google Scholar 

  • Spawls S, Branch WR (1995) The dangerous snakes of Africa. Southren Book Publishers, Halfway House, South Africa

    Google Scholar 

  • Spawls S, Howell K, Drewes R et al (2002) A field guide to the reptiles of East Africa. Academic Press, San Diego, San Francisco

    Google Scholar 

  • Stuart C, Stuart T (2006) Field guide to the larger mammals of Africa. Struik Publishers, South Africa

    Google Scholar 

  • Stuart SN, Chanson JS, Cox NA et al (2004) Status and trends of amphibian declines and extinctions worldwide. Sci 306:1783–1786

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Wilkinson M, San Mauro D, Sherratt et al (2011) A nine-family classification of caecilians (Amphibia: Gymnophiona). Zootaxa 2874:41–64

    Google Scholar 

  • Yalden DW, Largen MJ, Kock D et al (1996) Catalogue of the mammals of Ethiopia and Eritrea. 7. Revised Checklists. Zoogeography and Conservation. Trop Zoo 9:73–160

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Zimkus B (2008) Phrynobatrachus bullans: geographic distribution (Tanzania, Kenya, and Ethiopia). Herpet Rev 39(2):235

    Google Scholar 

Further Reading

  • Largen M, Spawls S (2010) The amphibians and reptiles of Ethiopia and Eritrea. Edition Chimaira. Andreas S. Brahm publisher

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Blue Nile Water Institute and College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, Bahir Dar University, P.O. Box 2205, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia

    Shimelis Aynalem

  2. Department of Biology, Adama University, Nazareth, Ethiopia

    Abebe Ameha Mengistu

  3. College of Natural Science, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

    Shimelis Aynalem

  4. Research Associate of International Crane Foundation, Baraboo, USA

    Shimelis Aynalem

Authors
  1. Shimelis Aynalem
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Abebe Ameha Mengistu
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Shimelis Aynalem .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. School of Public Policy and Leadership, University of Nevada Las Vegas, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA

    Krystyna Stave

  2. Blue Nile Water Institute and College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia

    Goraw Goshu

  3. Blue Nile Water Institute and College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia

    Shimelis Aynalem

Appendices

Annex 14. 1

Amphibian species of Lake Tana Sub-basin (Mengistu 2012 and Mengistu et al. 2013)

Family

Scientific name and authority

Common name

Endemicity to Ethiopia

Arthroleptidae Mivart 1869

Leptopelis bocagii (Günther 1865)

–

Non-endemic

Leptopelis yaldeni (Largen 1977)

Grassland forest tree frog

Endemic

Bufonidae Gray 1825

Amietophrynus kerinyagae (Keith 1968)

Keith’s toad

Non-endemic

Amietophrynus regularis (Reuss 1833)

African common toad

Non-endemic

Hemisotidae Cope 1867

Hemisus marmoratus (Peters 1854)

Marbled snout-burrower

Non-endemic

Hemisus microscaphus (Laurent 1972)

Ethiopian snout-burrower

Endemic

Hyperoliidae Laurent 1943

Hyperolius acuticeps (Ahl 1931)

–

Non-endemic

Kassina senegalensis (Duméril & Bibron 1841)

Senegal kassina

Non-endemic

Paracassina obscura (Boulenger 1894)

Ethiopian striped frog

Endemic

Petropedetidae Noble 1931

Conraua beccarii (Boulenger 1911)

Beccari’s giant frog

Non-endemic

Phrynobatrachidae Laurent 1941

Phrynobatrachus minutus(Boulenger 1895)

Ethiopian dwarf puddle frogs

Endemic

Phrynobatrachus natalensis(Smith 1849)

Natal dwarf puddle frog

Non-endemic

Pipidae Gray 1825

Xenopus clivii (Peracca 1898)

Peracca’s clawed frog

Non-endemic

Ptychadenidae Dubois 1987

Ptychadena porosissima(Steindachner 1867)

–

Non-endemic

Ptychadena pumilio(Boulenger 1920)

–

Non-endemic

Ptychadena sp. (Debre Markos)

–

Endemic

Ptychadena wadei (Largen 2000)

Tisisat grassland frog

Endemic

Pyxicephalidae Bonaparte 1850

Amietia angolensis (Bocage 1866)

Angola river frog

Non-endemic

Cacosternum boettgeri (Boulenger 1882)

Boettger’s dainty frog

Non-endemic

Annex 14. 2

Reptile species of Lake Tana Sub-basin (Largen and Spawls 2010 and Abebe A. Mengistu, unpublished data)

Order

Family

Scientific name

Common name

Sauria (Lizards)

Agamidae

Acanthocerus cyanogaster

Blue-bellied Ridgeback Agama

Acanthocerus zonurus

Ethiopian Ridgeback Agama

Agama doriae

Doria’s Agama

Chamaeleonidae

Chamaeleo affinis

Ethiopian Highland Chameleon

Chamaeleo africanus

Sahel Chameleon

Chamaeleo gracilis

Gracile Chameleon

Gekkonidae

Hemidactylus laticaudatus

Andersson’s Gecko

Scincidae

Chalcides ragazzii

Ragazzi’s Bronze Skink

Mabuya isselii

Issel’s Skink

Mabuya maculilabris

Speckle-lipped Skink

Mabuya quinquetaeniata

Five-lined Skink

Mabuya wingatii

Wingate’s Skink

Panaspis tancredii

Ethiopian Snake-eyed Skink

Varanidae

Varanus niloticus

Nile Monitor

Serpentes (Snakes)

Typhlopidae

Afrotyphlops blanfordii

Blanford’s Blind Snake

Letheobia somalica

Ethiopian Blind Snake

Pythonidae

Python sebae

African Rock Python

Lamprophiidae

Lamprophis erlangeri

Erlanger’s House Snake

Lamprophis fuliginosus

Brown House Snake

Pseudoboodon lemniscatus

Striped Ethiopian Snake

Lycophidion capense

Cape Wolf Snake

Psammophis angolensis

Dwarf Sand Snake

Psammophis sibilans

Hissing Sand Snake

Psammophylax variabilis

Grey-billed Skaapsteker

Colubridae

Dasypeltis scabra

Common Egg-eater

Dasypeltis atra

Montane Egg-eater

Meizodon regularis

Eastern Crowned Smooth Snake

Platyceps florulentus

Geoffroy’s Racer

Philothamnus battersbyi

Battersby’s Green Snake

Scaphiophis raffreyi

Ethiopian Hook-nosed Snake

Crotaphopeltis hotamboeia

White-lipped Herald Snake

Natriciteres olivacea

Olive Marsh Snake

Elapidae

Dendroaspis polylepis

Rhombic Night Adder

Viperidae

Causus rhombeatus

Black Mamba

Testudines (Tortoises and Turtles)

Trionychidae

Trionyx triunguis

African Softshell Turtle

Annex 14. 3

List of Mammals in the Area (Shimelis a 2006–2013, Unpublished Data)

Order

Family name

Scientific name and authority

Common name

Conservation status

Primate

Cercopithecidae

Papio cynocephalus Anubis (Linnaeus 1766)

Savanna (common) Baboon

LC

 

Cercopithecus pygerythrus (F. Cuvier 1821)

Vervet (Green) Monkey

LC

Suiformes

Phacochoerus africanus (Gmelin 1788)

Common Warthog (Kerkero)

LC

Ruminatia

Bovidae

Sylvicapra grimmia (Linnaeus 1758)

Bush Duiker (Midaqua)

LC

 

Tragelaphus scriptus (Pallas 1766)

Bushbuck* (Dikula)

LC

 

Oreotragus oreotragus (Zimmerman 1783)

Klipspringer (Sessa)

LC

 

Ourebia ourebi (Zimmermann 1782)

Oribi (Feko)

LC

 

Kobus ellipsiprymnus (Ogilby 1833)

Waterbuck (Difarsa)

LC

Carnivora

Canidae

Canis aureus (Linnaeus 1758)

Golden (common) Jackal

LC

 

Mellivora capensis (Storr 1780)

Honey Badger (ratel)

LC

Viverridae

Civettictis civetta (Schreber 1776)

African Civet

LC

Herpestidae

Galerella sanguine Rüppell 1836

Slender mongoose

LC

Hyaenidae

Crocuta crocuta (Erxleben 1777)

Spotted hyaena

LC

Felidae

Leptailurus serval (Schreber 1776)

Serval cat

LC

 

Panthera pardus (Linnaeus 1758)

Leopard

NT

Hyracoidea

Procaviidae

Procavia capensis (Pallas 1766)

Rock hyrax

LC

Tubulidentata

Orycteropodidae

Orycteropus afer (Pallas 1766)

Aardvark

LC

Lagomorpha

Leporidae

Lepus fagani (Thomas 1903)

Bush hare

LC

Rodentia

Sciuridae

Heliosciurus gambianus (Ogilby 1835)

Sun squirrels

LC

Hysticidae

Hystrix cristata (Linnaeus 1758)

African porcupines

LC

Muridae

Arvicanthis abyssinicus (Rüppell 1842)

Grass rats

LC

 

Arvicanthis dembeensis (Rüppell 1842)

–

LC

 

Desmomys harringtoni (Thomas 1902)

Harrington’s rat

LC

 

Mus musculus (Linnaeus 1758)

House mouse

LC

Suiformes

Suidae

Potamochoerus larvatus

Bushpig*

LC

 

Phacochoerus africanus

Common Warthog

LC

Whippomorpha

Hippopotamidae

Hippopotamus amphibius

Hippopotamus

LC

  1. LC Least concern NT Near Threatened (IUCN 3.1)

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2017 Springer International Publishing Switzerland

About this chapter

Cite this chapter

Aynalem, S., Mengistu, A.A. (2017). Herpetofauna and Mammals. In: Stave, K., Goshu, G., Aynalem, S. (eds) Social and Ecological System Dynamics. AESS Interdisciplinary Environmental Studies and Sciences Series. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-45755-0_14

Download citation

Publish with us

Policies and ethics

Search

Navigation