First Herpetological Surveys Of Mount Lico And Mount Socone, Mozambique

The first herpetological surveys of two mountains in northern Mozambique, Mount Lico and Mount Socone, are presented. A total of 19 species of amphibians (two orders, eight families, and 11 genera) and 21 species of reptiles (two orders, 11 families, and 17 genera) were recorded. Mount Lico is a unique site with representatives of both moist evergreen forest and miombo woodland herpetofaunal species. Noteworthy records for Mount Lico include an undescribed species of Arthroleptis, and a Lygodactylus that either represents a range extension of L. regulus or an undescribed species. Similarly, the Nothophryne found at the base of Mount Lico either represents a range extension of N. baylissi or an undescribed species. The finding of a Mertensophryne from the base of Mount Lico is reported and taxonomic confusion between M. anotis and M. loveridgei is highlighted. The findings presented here show that Mount Socone has a similar herpetofaunal composition to Mount Namuli, including the Pygmy Chameleon, Rhampholeon tilburyi, which was previously thought to be restricted to the latter mountain. A new species of Breviceps was found on Mount Socone, and the record of Arthroleptis aff. francei represents either a range extension for A. francei or an undescribed species. This survey provides a small but important contribution to the knowledge of Mozambican herpetofauna and biodiversity in general.