Tanzania's reptile biodiversity : Distribution, threats and climate change vulnerability

摘要: Assessments of biodiversity patterns and threats among African reptiles have lagged behind those other vertebrate groups regions. We report the first systematic assessment distribution, threat status, climate change vulnerability for Tanzania. A total 321 reptile species (including 90 Tanzanian endemics) were assessed using global standard IUCN Red List methodology 274 also guidelines vulnerability. Patterns richness confirm conservation importance Eastern Arc Mountains, as previously demonstrated birds, mammals amphibians. Lowland forests savannah-woodland habitats support important assemblages. Protected area gap analysis shows that 116 less than 20% their distribution ranges protected, which 12 are unprotected, eight threatened 54 vulnerable to change. Tanzania's northern margins drier central corridor high numbers species, together with eastern coastal region between Lake Victoria Rwanda. This paper fills a major in our understanding facing reptiles, demonstrates more broadly explicit integration Listing criteria may revise spatial priorities conservation.