Geographic range extension of Speke's hinge-back tortoise kinixys spekii gray, 1863

Research output: Contribution to journalResearch articleContributedpeer-review

Contributors

  • Flora Ihlow - , State Museum of Zoology, Dresden (Author)
  • Harith M. Farooq - , Lúrio University, University of Gothenburg, University of Aveiro (Author)
  • Václav Gvoždík - , Czech Academy of Sciences (Author)
  • Margaretha D. Hofmeyr - , University of the Western Cape (Author)
  • Werner Conradie - , Bayworld, Nelson Mandela University (Author)
  • Patrick D. Campbell - , The Natural History Museum, London (Author)
  • James Harvey - (Author)
  • Luke Verburgt - , University of Pretoria (Author)
  • Uwe Fritz - , State Museum of Zoology, Dresden (Author)

Abstract

Kinixys spekii has a wide distribution range across sub-Saharan Africa, having been reported from Angola, Botswana, Burundi, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, eSwatini, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. Kinixys spekii inhabits savannah and dry bushveld habitats and was previously considered an inland species. However, recent records suggest a more extensive geographical distribution. Here, we provide genetically verified records for Angola, South Africa, and Mozambique, and discuss reliable sightings for Rwanda. These new records extend the range significantly to the east and west, and provide evidence for the occurrence of this species along the coast of the Indian Ocean in South Africa and Mozambique.

Details

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)61-67
Number of pages7
Journal Amphibian & reptile conservation : the international journal devoted to the worldwide preservation and management of amphibian and reptilian diversity ; ARC
Volume13
Issue number2
Publication statusPublished - 2019
Peer-reviewedYes
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

Keywords

  • Africa, Angola, Chelonians, Distribution, Mozambique, Reptilia, Rwanda, Testudinidae