Amphibians of The Tanzanian Forests

Michele Menegon
John Lyakurwa
Simon Loader
THE
AMPHIBIANS
OF THE
TANZANIAN
FORESTS
A freely downloadable
visual guide
This is a:
Covid
Lockdown
Version 1.0 - December 2020 Output
Forests in Tanzania are among some of the oldest, climatically stable and rich in biodiversity of
the African continent. In some cases it is thought the forest has persisted for over 30 million years
though uctuating in extent during wetter and drier climatic phases. These forests host a high
number of species, and that is why they’re recognized as a global biodiversity hotspot. Almost all
the Tanzanian forest amphibian species are strictly dependent on forest habitats and are unable
to survive outside the forest. The forests contain many Tanzanian endemic species, often
occupying a single mountain or, sometimes even a single fragment of forest, and this micro-
endemism is why it is dif cult for one person to observe every single species in Tanzania.
Why
This book pictures almost all the species of amphibians that an attentive visitor might encounter
in the forests of Tanzania. The vast majority of the species included in the book are forest-
dependent. For example, almost all species in the bufonid genus Nectophrynoides and the
enigmatic microhylid genus Hoplophryne can only be found in pristine forest habitats. Other
species are associated with a mosaic of habitats including forests, or nearby habitats such as
grasslands at high elevation, or cultivated land. Species such as Leptopelis avomaculatus,
this book…
Afrixalus morerei and Hyperolius pseudargus dwell in these anthropogenically impacted habitats
as well as on the forest edges. Other species are able to live in many different habitats, and can
be found also inside forests, usually at low altitudes such as Phrynobatrachus natalensis or
Ptychadena anchietae. The Tanzanian amphibian forest assemblage shows a remarkable range of
adaptations to living in and on the edge of forest habitats. Most striking among such adaptations
include species giving birth to live young in mountain forest habitats, as in the Dwarf bufonid
genus Nectophrynoides.
The book includes a total of 152 species, for 117 of them, description and name have been
published in a scienti c publication. Of these species 111 are Tanzanian endemics. For about 20
of these formally described species, ongoing studies suggests that more than one cryptic taxa
are included under that one name. In addition, we include in this book a further 35 species which
have no formal name or published scienti c account but which published studies or ‘grey
literature’ have demonstrated to be distinct from already known taxa. During the coming years
the species identi ed as distinct, but lacking a formal description will be worked on by scientists
and we hope all these species will acquire a formal name. Naming of a species is a crucial rst
step towards understanding more about that species including its conservation.
In this book, taxa not yet formally described but with no obviously similar species, bear the
syllable 'sp.' instead of the speci c name. In many cases we have added the location where the
species was discovered (e.g. ‘Nectophrynoides sp. ‘udzungwa’), or a particular feature of the
animal in order to avoid confusion (e.g. ‘Nectophrynoides sp. ‘spiny’), which thus indicates the
species of Nectophrynoides, still without a name, bearing obvious spines. If the species is distinct
but similar to a known species, we have the syllable ‘cf.’ before the speci c name of the related
known species (e.g. Callulina cf. kreffti) meaning that the population is similar in form to Callulina
kreffti but known to be distinct. We have provided details of where species are found and the
type of habitat that they occupy. In addition to this we provide a brief description of the species,
noting some distinguishing features, however, these will not necessarily provide clear diagnoses
of the species. We summarise information known on the breeding biology, as this is often an
interesting feature of species. A lot of information is incomplete as little is known about many
species, in particular the habitats these species occupy and the their reproductive biology.
@ Copyright 2020. Images and text cannot be copied, printed or otherwise

disseminated without express written permission by, respectively, the individual
photographer and the authors of this book.
fl
fi
fi
fi
fi
fi
fi
fl
fi
In total, we estimate that the Tanzanian amphibian forest fauna might be closer to around 200
species, substantially more than the 141 currently known. A large proportion of these 200 species
are found exclusively in the Eastern Arc forests, and this is probably the highest number of
amphibian species per km2 on the continent of Africa, and likely to equally some of the most
richly biodiverse regions of the world. Of these species described in this book one species is
current extinct in the wild (Nectophryoides asperginis), 57 are threatened with extinction
according to the IUCN redlist. That 38% of the species are threatened by extinction is extremely
worrying. Most of the reasons why species are of conservation concern is that habitats are rapidly
changing and this is narrowing the distribution of species. The forest amphibians of Tanzania
…and how
deserve protection and this starts with protecting their habitats. We publish this guide to display
the extraordinary variety of amphibians of the Tanzanian forests, which are just one of the many
wonderful, but sadly largely unknown to most, species found in the forests of Tanzania.
Our book aims to draw attention to the need to effectively preserve one of the most ancient,
unique and characteristic elements of the Natural History heritage of the Republic of Tanzania.
to use it The book is mainly photographic, the text is reduced to a minimum and provides, in addition to
the scienti c and common name, information on distribution and 'remarks', For each species,
when possible, we have tried to illustrate the possible variations of colouration or other
characteristics. Often these variations are related to the species in question containing other
'cryptic' species that have not yet been formally described and indicated in the 'remarks'. Some
pictograms, illustrated below, provide additional information.
For some species there are no photos available for them in life, we would be happy to include
photos of anyone lucky enough to nd and photograph them in the wild. See our contact details
at the end of the book.
Abbreviations: National Park = NP; Nature Reserve = NR; Forest Reserve = FR
Indicates the IUCN Red List category IUCN

Indicates the forest area to which the species is
restricted to, see map at page 6. 4a
Indicates that the species is endemic of Tanzania TZE
Indicates that the species occurs mainly in Tanzania NE

with populations in neighbouring countries
Indicates that the species has a wide range outside W

Tanzania
Contact: michele@pamsfoundation.org Cover photo: Leptopelis grandiceps in the Uzungwa Scarp Nature Reserve, @MicheleMenegon
fi
fi
This book has been made possible thanks to the results of research, published and
unpublished, information gathered and photographs taken during the biological
exploration of Tanzania's forests undertaken over 25 years. Such activities would not have
been possible, or as interesting and fun, without the company, assistance and expertise
of a number of people. It has been a privilege to have had the opportunity to work in the
extraordinary forests of Tanzania.
Thanks to all our friends and colleagues who have shared forests, discussions, projects,
research, in particular Kim Howell, Tim Davenport, Noah Mpunga, Sophy Machaga and
the staff of the Southern Highland Conservation Program of WCS, Nike Doggart, Andy
Perkin, Charles Meshak and the staff of TFCG, Sebastiano Salvidio, Francesco Rovero,
Lucinda Lawson, Christoph Liedtke, Charles Msuya, Flora Magige, Wilirk Ngalason and
the staff of the University of Dar es Salaam, Elena Tonelli, Stuart Marsden, Hendrik Müller,
THANKS TO…
David Gower, Mark Wilkinson, Gabriela Bittencourt-Silva, Chris Barratt, Jennifer Pantelios
and a special thought to our dear friend Bill Stanley. A particular thanks to Andrea Bianchi
who helped write the text on botanical aspects of the forests and on deforestation in
Tanzania. Hendrik Müller looked over earlier versions of the guide and provided
important feedback and is thanked for casting his expert eye over drafts. Thanks to
Yeremia Chuhila who helped editing the Kiswahili pages.
We thank the Tanzania Commission for Science and Technology (COSTECH) the
Tanzanian Wildlife Research Institute (TAWIRI), The Tanzania Forest Service (TFS), and the
Tanzania Wildlife Authority (TAWA) for issuing research permits over the many years of
our work in Tanzania.
PHOTO CREDITS
All photographs are by Michele Menegon except those which bear initials of the author in the
lower corner (either left or right). All photographs have copyrights and cannot be used without
the written consent of the author. John Lyakurwa pro le photo is credited National Geographic
Society
Tomas C. Buruwate TB John Lyakurwa JL
Alan Channing AC Hendrik Müller HM
Tim Davenport TD Wilirk Ngalason WN
Paul Freed PF Edoardo Razzetti ER
Frontier Tanzania FT Mark Oliver Rödel MO
Donyo Gabriel DG Bill Stanley BS
Vaclav Gvozdik VG Martin Vestergaard MV
Lucinda Lawson LL James Vonesh JV
Christoph Liedtke CL Luke Mahler & Breda Zimkus MZ

fi
FORESTS
OF
TANZANIA
Cloud forest in the Mkingu Nature Reserve, Nguru Mts.

MAP OF TANZANIAN FORESTS
Guineo-Congolian forests 1 Eastern Arc Mts. forests - North 4a
Western Tanzania, bordering Uganda North-eastern corner of the country, these
in the north and Lake Tanganyika in are among the amphibian-richest sites of
the east. Main forests are: Minziro NR; all of Africa.
Mahale NP; Ntakata FR Forests are on the East and West
Usambara Mts.and North and South Pare
Mts. Amani, Mazumbai, Chome NR and
3 Kindoroko FR are among the largest
Southern Highlands forests 2 forest fragments.
South-western Tanzania, bordering

Malawi and Zambia and along the Eastern Arc Mts. forests - Central 4b
northern and eastern shores of Lake
Nyasa.
4a Central-eastern Tanzania, these are
Main forests are: Mount Rungwe NR among the amphibian-richest sites of all
Poroto Ridge FR, Livingstone FR in of Africa. Forest are on Nguu North,
the Kitulo NP, Madehani Bulongwa, 5 Ukaguru, Nguru, Kanga, Uluguru,
Mdandu, Mandege and Sakara- Malundwe and Rubeho Mts. Uluguru and
Nyumo FRs on the Livinstone Mkingu NR, Kanga, Nguu North, Mamiwa-
Mountains and Mbizi FR south of Lake 4b Kisara, Ukwiva, Ilole and Mafwomero FR
Rukwa. are among the largest forest fragments.
1 Eastern Arc Mts. forests - South 4c

Neogene volcanoes forests 3
Central-southern Tanzania, these are
Northern Tanzania, bordering Kenya. among the amphibian-richest sites of all
Main forests are those on Mount of Africa. Forest are on the Udzungwa and
Kilimanjaro, Meru, Longido, Mahenge Mts., Udzungwa Mts. NP,
Kitumbeine and Hanang. On the Uzungwa Scarp NR, Kilombero NR,
slopes of the Ngorongoro crater and 4c Kigogo FR on the Udzungwa Mts. and Sali
surrounding smaller volcanic FR on the Mahenge Mts.
mountains. Also Manyara and Nou
forests along the Great Rift valley
Escarpment.
Coastal forests 5
Legend Eastern Tanzania and the islands of

Pemba, Unguja (Zanzibar) and Ma a.
Main forest remnants are Jozani and
Dark green areas: closed canopy intact
Ngezi forest on Unguja and Pemba
forests
islands respectively. Lowland Usambara
Light green areas: Tree cover with 75%
and Kiboza FR at the Uluguru Mts,
canopy density. 2 foothills. Gendagenda, Litipo, Zaraninge
and Rondo forests along coastal Tanzania.
Forest data from Global Forest Watch: https://www.globalforestwatch.org/

fi
Guineo-Congolian forests
The Guineo-Congolian rainforests are the second largest forests in the world, however
they occupy only a relatively small area of Tanzania, notably in Minziro Nature Reserve
and Mahale, Gombe and Ntakata forests along the shores of Lake Tanganyika. These
particular forests, within the broader de nition of Guineo-Congolian forests, belong to
the Albertine Rift ecoregion, which is characterised by different altitudinal zones and
particular species in each zone - from lowland forest, montane forest, bamboo/el n
forest, and grasslands. The Guineo-Congolian forest biota is home to no less than 600
tree species and 9000 species of herbaceous plants. The forests of the Guineo-
Congolian centre of endemism are usually found at less than a 1000m in elevation and
in areas of high precipitation, ranging from 1500 to 2000 mm per annum, they are
characterized by a tree cover between 90-100% and by a canopy 35-45 metres tall. The
richness of these forests is due to persistence of forest even during Pleistocene climatic
uctuations. These Pleistocene refuges, which were located in wetter areas, facilitated
the survival of rainforest species. Characteristic tree species of the semi-deciduous
rainforests are various Entandrophragma species, whilst ooded forests are often
dominated by striking Uapaca sp., recognizable for their many stilt roots.
Minziro Nature Reserve, NW Tanzania
Ntakata FR, Mahale Mts. The forest of Mahale Mountains NP, from Lake Tanganyika
fl
fi
fl
fi
Southern highlands forests
The southern highlands, ranging west of the Makambako gap in Rukwa, Mbeya and
Iringa regions, are characterized by a complex and rich mosaic of upland alpine and
montane grasslands and rain forests. The former, such as the area of Kitulo Plateau, have
been long recognized for their immense botanical richness, with the main drivers
affecting and effectively shaping their oristic composition being re and frosts.
Montane forests, scattered across the region, occupy a smaller area and are re-free,
and can be found between 1800 and 2900 masl. These forests hosts a number of
important and easily recognizable tree species such as Podocarpus latifolius, Juniperus
procera and Parinari excelsa. The understory is characterized and often dominated by
treeferns, the wild banana Ensete ventricosum, and a high number of Impatiens sp.
Extensive areas of the mountain bamboo, Sinarundinaria alpina, can be found on wetter
slopes.
Forest interior at about 1700 m asl, in the Rungwe NR, Mt. Rungwe
The Ngozi crater lake bordered by montane forest in the Poroto Mts. Forest interior in the Mdandu FR at about 1800 m asl, Livingstone Mts.
fl
fi
fi
Neogene volcanoes forests
The tallest mountains in Tanzania are all relatively recent volcanoes, such as the world
famous Mount Kilimanjaro (5895 metres above sea level) and Meru (4566 metres above
sea level). These giant mountains are surrounded by a multitude of smaller cones and
calderas in fertile volcanic soils, such as Ngurdoto.
Neogene volcanoe forests of Tanzania are geographically located close to the Eastern
Arc Mountains, with Kilimanjaro adjacent to North Pare Mountains, but are quite
different in their species composition. The Neogene volcano forests are historically more
recent and therefore relatively species poor in comparison to the older Eastern Arc
Mountain forests. Closed-canopy forests cover large areas of these forests, from the
plains up to 3000 metres above sea level (locally up to 4100 metres above sea level),
where Erica excelsa, Hagenia abyssinica and Prunus africana form pure stands. At lower
altitudes forests are often dominated by camphor, Ocotea usambarensis. The deep
valleys of Kilimanjaro host the tallest tree in Africa, Entandrophragma excelsum,
measuring 81.5 metres.
Montane forest in the Kilimanjaro NP. Mt. Kilimanjaro
Ngurudoto crater bordered by montane forest in the Arusha NP. Mt. Meru Mount Meru with its extensive forest
Eastern Arc Mountains forests
The forests covering the geologically ancient crystalline mountains of Eastern Tanzania
and Kenya, from the Taita Hills south to the Makambako Gap, are some of the most
diverse and rich biota on earth. There are a number of reasons why these forests are so
rich, including the climatic and geological history of the area which combined have
permitted long term persistence of habitats and the survival of groups that might have
perished otherwise.
Eastern Arc forests are rich in groups of organisms that have a long evolutionary history,
often termed “archeoendemics” and which often have relatives in geographically distant
areas, such as Central Africa or Madagascar, areas connected a long time ago. An
example of these archaeoendemics includes the owering plant Ternstroemia
polypetala, which has a disjointed distribution, occurring in montane forests of
Cameroon, Tanzania and Malawi. More recent radiations of species are also found in
Eastern Arc forests with numerous species and which have close relatives across the
fragmented mountain chain of the Eastern Arc. Examples include the genus Impatiens,
that has its world centre of diversity in the Ulugurus with other species spanning out
across the Eastern Arc forests. The endemic genus Saintpaulia, well known for its
ornamental value, can be found growing on rocks and logs in the understory, often in
the proximity of streams and rivers. About a third of the Eastern Arc ora is made up of
species with restricted ranges, often single forest fragments or mountain regions.
A gaboon viper concealed in the leaf litter, Amani NR, East Usambara Mts.
Montane forest interior in Chome NR, South Pare Mts. A massive tree in the submontane forest of the Kilindi FR, Nguu Mts.
fl
fl
Aerial view of the montane forest on Mkingu NR, Nguru Mts. Forest interior at about 1800m asl in Mkingu NR, Nguru Mts.
Aerial view of the forest on Mt. Kanga in the Nguru landscape Submontane forest on Mt. Kanga in the Nguru landscape
A forest patch on the Lukwangule Plateau at about 2400m asl, Uluguru NR Montane forest in the Uluguru NR, Uluguru Mts.
Ilole forest surrounded by man made grasslands, Rubeho Mts. Montane forest in Mafwomero FR, Rubeho Mts.
Submontane forest in Mikuvi FR, Ukaguru Mts. Forest interior in Sali FR with Scadoxus multi orus blooming, Mahenge Mts.
Uzungwa Scarp NR at about 1600m asl, Udzungwa Mts. Montane forest in the Udzungwa Mts. NP, Udzungwa Mts.
fl
Coastal forests
Tanzanian coastal forests are part of the more extensive Zanzibar-Inhambane regional
mosaic, running from Somalia to Mozambique, usually at altitudes less than 1000 metres
and extending up to 200 km inland (such as the Kilombero Valley). These forests are
severely fragmented and that have been heavily exploited, with only 10% of the original
forest area remaining. Most of the coastal forests left in Tanzania are less than 20 square
km in size. Coastal forests are varied in their composition, including closed canopy
forests, woodlands, bushlands and mangrove forests along the rivers deltas and coasts.
Characteristic species of the closed canopy, heavily extracted, are the African teak
Milicia excelsa and the Mpingo Dalbergia melanoxylon.
The biogeographic history of this region is poorly known but it’s an area that has been
impacted by climatic uctuations which has in uenced biodiversity patterns. Species are
often widely distributed and show a more recent evolutionary history, not as ancient as
the Eastern Arc Mountain forests which have persisted for longer. There are evident
connections to the Eastern Arc Mountain fauna and ora, which likely formed refuge for
costal forest species given its close proximity. Tanzania contains the highest number of
endemic genera in the Coastal Forest biota of East Africa, so conservation of the few
forests remaining is of the utmost priority. Many tree species, such as the monotypic
Stephanostema stenocarpum, are likely to be of major conservation concern.
Coastal forest in the Jozani NP., Unguja Island (Zanzibar)
VG
Kimboza forest at the Uluguru Mts. foothills Coastal forest in the Kilombero valley
fl
fl
fl
Deforestation in Tanzania
This book focuses on the striking amphibian diversity of the Tanzanian forests,
however it would be irresponsible not to brie y explain the main threat
endangering these environments. Habitat destruction, through deforestation, is still
the rst cause for species loss is Eastern Africa, as in many other areas of the world.
Only 1.1% of Tanzania total area is covered with ‘dense-canopy’ forests, and yet
these are the most fragmented and exploited habitats, with a 15% loss in the last
20 years. Nationwide, Tanzania loses 1% of it forests every year, a staggering
400,000 hectares. The causes driving deforestation are many, varied and hardly
tackled, such as charcoal making. Roughly 85% of the total energy consumption in
Tanzania derives from fuel-wood. Other causes include, extraction of timber, slash-
and-burn agriculture, as well as the space needed for a country undergoing rapid
development.
Tanzania’s forests are of uttermost importance not only for the biodiversity that they
host, but they should be found as such by the communities living in and around
them. Forests provide valuable ecosystem services, medicinal plants, as well as
important income, though not yet fully exploited, through ecotourism. Some of the
forests covering Tanzanian mountains are well over 30 million years old, it is in our
hands and responsibility to preserve them for future generations.
Data on forest cover and forest cover loss from Global Forest Watch.
Forest cover loss between 2001 and 2018, in purple Forest cover in 2019, in green
fi
fl
WHY AMPHIBIANS?
Parker’s Tree Frog (Leptopelis parkeri), Uluguru Mountains

Why Amphibians?
Around 40% of amphibian species are threatened with extinction and this is a shocking statistic which
reveals the impact humans are having on the natural world. Despite this unprecedented threat on
amphibians, their importance are commonly questioned "Why do we need them?” - such a view is
common and needs challenging.
When we read about why a species or groups of animals should be protected there is usually a list of
things these animals do or can do for us. For example, if species are useful from our point of view, such as
eating mosquitoes, or pollinating the plants we eat. Amphibians must be protected on their own merit,
not for their usefulness or apparent roles they play for humans. Basing our decisions on usefulness is
unlikely to work. For example, if we lost nearly half of all the amphibian species as seems currently
possible, we might not necessarily see increases in their prey due to this change (such as numbers of
mosquitoes). Global ecosystems do not function in this way and are much more complex, and it is a
misconception on how communities function and therefore a species utility. Furthermore, why would we
protect species like sharks or vipers, which sometimes kill people? The value and role of species are often
dif cult to understand or justify from a human perspective and we must look beyond the current simple
and anthropogenically centred values of species we currently ascribe to them.
Amphibians, like all other organisms, should be understood as parts of a complex system of relationships,
which form the matrix of the world that supports us. So when we lose a species of amphibian, we do not
lose an isolated organism, but we compromise a part of the complex network of relationships and
feedbacks that keep the system functioning. When the functionality of the system is compromised
beyond a certain limit, the systems collapse to the detriment of the amphibians, but above all to our own
detriment. Being a key part of the system is the main reason why they should be valued and protected.
We can of course, list many things amphibians do for us, like feeding on pest insects, which bene ts
agriculture around the world and helps minimise the spread of disease, including malaria which has a
huge impact on the Tanzanian population or having a skin rich in a number different types of compounds,
offering possible medical cures for a variety of human diseases. From an aesthetic perspective, Frogs calls
are emblematic of the noises heard at night in Tanzanian wilderness - the “quacking” noise of Leptopelis
avomaculatus - they’re to the night what birds are to the dawn and dusk choruses during the day. From
an evolutionary perspective, Amphibians were the rst vertebrates to colonise land evolving around more
than 365 million years ago and have survived several extinction events. Protecting amphibians today is
something in our gift and we have a responsibility to protect this extraordinary evolutionary diversity and
fundamental component of global ecosystems.
Tanzanian Amphibians are understudied. The efforts to describe the species of Tanzania is not complete,
we probably know only 50% of the species found in Tanzania. Future work is required to collect, identify
and described its hidden diversity. This taxonomic work needs to be carried out principally by experts
based in Tanzania. The efforts to do so have no direct material gains or rewards but increases our
knowledge of the species and the habitats they occupy and therefore offer priceless knowledge of
Tanzania biodiversity. This knowledge is key for better understanding the value ecosystems (such as water
and forests) have for ensuring human wellbeing in Tanzania.
fl
fi
fi
fi
Misitu ya Tanzania ni kati ya misitu mikongwe, yenye kuhimili mabadiliko ya tabia nchi, na iliyo na
utajiri mkubwa wa bioanuai kwenye bara la Africa. Inasemekana kuwa misitu hii imestahimili
mabadiliko ya tabia ya nchi kwa zaidi ya miaka milioni 30, japo kwa mabadiliko kiasi, kwenye awamu
za hali ya hewa za ukame au unyevu wa hali ya juu. Misitu hii inatunza idadi kubwa ya spishi, na ndio
maana inatambulika kama moja ya maeneo yenye spishi nadra duniani. Karibia spishi zote za am bia
zinazopatikana katika misitu ya Tanzania, zinategemea zaidi mazingira ya misitu pekee na haziwezi
kuishi sehemu nyingine nje ya misitu. Misitu hii ina spishi wengi sana ambao wanapatikana Tanzania
tu (hawapatikani popote nje ya Tanzania), na wengi wao wanapatikani ama kwenye msitu mmoja tuu
au kipande cha msitu, hali ambayo inaleta changamoto kwa mtu mmoja kuona spishi wote wa
Tanzania.
UMUHIMU
Hiki kitabu kina picha za am bia wote ambao mtu makini anaweza kuwaona kwenye misitu ya
Tanzania. Sehemu kubwa ya spishi walio ainishwa kwenye kitabu hiki ni wale wanaotegemea misitu
kuishi na hawawezi ishi nje ya msitu. Kwa mfano, karibia spishi wote kwenye jenasi ya vyura matomvu
inayoitwa Nectophrynoides, na vyura wa jenasi ya aina yao inayoitwa Hoplophryne wanaishi kwenye
misitu asili, ambayo haijafanyiwa uharibifu pekee. Spishi wengine wanahusiana na mazingira
mchanganyiko, kama misitu na maeneo jirani na misitu kama nyika zilizopo uwanda wa juu au maeneo
WA HIKI
yenye shughuli za binadamu kama kilimo karibia na misitu. Spishi kama Leptopelis avomaculatus,
Afrixalus morerei na Hyperolius pseudagus wanapatikana kwenye haya maeneo yenye shughuli za
kibinadamu, na kwenye kingo za misitu. Spishi wengine wanauwezo wa kuishi kwenye mazingira
mengi tofauti ikiwa ni pamoja na misitu, mara nyingi katika uwanda wa chini kutoka usawa wa bahari
kama vile Phrynobatrachus natalensis au Ptychadena anchietae. Am bia wapatikanao kwenye misitu
ya Tanzania wanaonesha uwezo mpana wa kustahimili mazingira ya misituni au karibia na mipaka ya
KITABU…
misitu. Jambo la kushangaza zaidi katika uwezo huo ni pamoja na spishi kuzaa watoto kama ilivyo
kwa jenasi ya vyura matomvu kibete/kibushuti iitwayo Nectophrynoides.
Kitabu hiki kinajumuisha spishi 152 ambazo zinatambulika, kwa kuwa uainishaji wao pamoja na majina
yao yamechapishwa kwenye majarida yanayotambulika kisayansi. Kati ya spishi hizo, 111 zinapatikana
Tanzania pekee. Uta ti unaoendelea umebaini kuwa, takribani spishi 20 kati ya hizo zinamkusanyiko
wa spishi zinazofanana sana, kwenye jina moja. Kwa kuongezea, tumejumuisha katika kitabu hiki
spishi zaidi ya 35 ambazo hazijaainishwa rasmi, au taarifa zake kuchapishwa kisayansi lakini ambazo
kuna taarifa za kisayansi au taarifa zisizo rasmi kuwa ni spishi tofauti na zile zinazotambulika kwa sasa.
Kwa miaka inayokuja hizi spishi ambazo zimeonekana tofauti, ila bado hazina utambuzi rasmi,
zitafanyiwa kazi na wanasayansi na ni matumaini yetu spishi hizi zote zitafanyiwa uainishaji rasmi.
Uainishaji rasmi wa spishi ni hatua muhimu sana ya kwanza kwenye kuijua zaidi pamoja na kuchukua
hatua za uhifadhi wake.
Katika kitabu hiki, kundi ambalo bado halijaainishwa ila lina tofauti za wazi na spishi wanaotambulika,
limepewa jina la jenasi ikifuatiwa na silabi ‘sp’ badala ya jina kamili la spishi (ambalo huwa na majina
mawili, la jenasi linalofuatiwa na la spishi). Sehemu nyingi tumeongeza pia jina la mahali spishi hiyo
inapopatikana (kwa mfano Nectophrynoides sp. ‘Udzungwa’) au sifa ani aliyo nayo huyo mnyama ili
kuondoa mkanganyiko unaoweza kujitokeza (kwa mfano Nectophynoides sp. ‘miiba’ ambapo
inamaanisha spishi ya Nectophrynoides ambayo haijaainishwa rasmi, lakini mwenye kama miba
inayooneakana waziwazi. Kama spishi ni ya tofauti, lakini inafanana sana na spishi inayofahamika rasmi
kwa sasa, tumetumia silabi cf. kabla ya jina la kisayansi la mwisho, katikati ya jina la jenasi na jina la
spishi ambayo inatambulika rasmi na yenye kufanana na hii. Kwa mfano Callulina cf. kreftii ikimaanisha
hii ni jamii inayofanana na ile ya Callulina krefftii ila si spishi moja. Tumeweka taarifa za mahali na aina
ya mazingira spishi zinapopatikana. Pamoja na hayo, tumeweka maelezo mafupi ya kila spishi kwa
kuanisha sifa zinazowatofautisha na wengine, japo sifa hizi si lazma kusaidia kuitambua spishi kwa
uhakika. Pia tumetoa maelezo mafupi yanayofahamika juu ya biolojia ya uzazi, kwani mara nyingi hii ni
sifa muhimu kwa spishi hizi. Taarifa nyingi zinakosekana kwani mambo mengi sana hayajulikani
kuhusu spishi wengi, hasa mazingira wanayoishi pamoja na biolojia yao ya uzazi.
fi
fi
fi
fl
fl
fi
Kiujumla, tunakadiria idadi ya am bia wa misitu ya Tanzania ku kia takribani spishi 200, kiasi
kikubwa sana ukilinganisha na spishi 141 wanaojulikana kwa sasa. Sehemu kubwa ya hizi spishi
200 zinapatikana katika misitu ya Milima ya Tao la Mashariki pekee, na inawezekana huu ndo
msongamano mkubwa wa spishi za am bia kwa kilomita za mraba katika bara la Africa, na pia
inakaribiana na baadhi ya maeneo yanayoongoza kwa utajiri wa bioanuai duniani. Kati ya spishi
zilizoainishwa katika kitabu hiki, moja imeshatoweka porini (Nectophrynoides asperginis), na
nyingi zipo kwenye hatari ya kutoweka kwa mujibu wa orodha nyekundu ya IUCN. Asilimia ya
am bia walioko kwenye tishio la kutoweka kabisa duniani inatisha. Sababu kuu za uhifadhi wa
spishi kuwa kwenye hali hii yakutia shaka ni kutokana na mabadiliko ya haraka ya mazingira yao,
ambapo mazingira yanayofaa kwa kuishi kwa spishi yamepunguzwa kwa kiasi kikubwa sana
…NA NAMNA
jambo linaloathiri sana uwezo wao wa kusambaa. Am bia wa misitu ya Tanzania wanastahili
kuhifadhiwa na hii inaanzia kwenye uhifadhi wa mazingira yao. Tunachapisha kitabu hiki kuonesha
aina za kipekee za vyura kwenye misitu ya Tanzania, ambazo ni sehemu tuu ya uzuri usiojulikana
kwa wengi, juu ya spishi za misitu ya Tanzania.
Kitabu hiki kinashabaha ya kuonyesha umuhimu wa kuhifadhi moja ya rasilimali za kale sana,
YA KUKITUMIA
upekee na Urithi wa Kihistoria wa Bionuai za Jamhuri ya Muungano wa Tanzania
Kitabu hiki kimebeba zaidi maelezo kwa mfumo wa picha huku maandishi yakiwa yamepunguzwa
sana, ambapo mbali na majina ya spishi, maelezo kuhusu maeneo spishi inapopatikana, na
‘maoni mafupi’, tumejitahidi pia kuonesha tofauti ya mwonekano (rangi au sifa nyingine). Mara
nyingi tofauti hizi za mwonekano zinashabihiana sana kwenye spishi ambazo bado
hazijaainishwa rasmi na tumeeleza kwenye maelezo mafupi. Vifupisho vilivyoelezewa hapa chini
vimeongeza taarifa za ziada.
Hatuna picha za baadhi ya spishi, zilizopigwa wakiwa hai, hivyo tutapenda kuongeza picha za
yeyote atakayebahatika kupata moja ya vyura hawa porini na kumpiga picha. Mawasiliano yetu
yanapatikana mwishoni mwa kitabu hiki.
Vifupisho: Hifadhi ya Taifa = NP; Hifadhi ya Misitu Asilia = NR; Pori la Akiba = FR
Inaonesha makundi ya hali ya uhifadhi ya orodha nyekundu ya IUCN IUCN

Inaonesha eneo pekee la msitu ambapo spishi
inapatikana (pia angalia ramani ukurasa wa 22) 4a
Inaonesha spishi inapatikana Tanzania pekee TZE
Inaonesha sehemu kubwa ya spishi inapatikana NE

Tanzania, ila wapo kwa uchache pia kwenye nchi jirani
Inaonesha spishi imesambaa eneo kubwa pia nje ya W

Tanzania
Picha ya jalada la mbele: Leptopelis grandiceps kwenye Hifadhi ya Misitu Asilia ya Miteremko ya Uzungwa
@Michele Menegon
Contact: michele@pamsfoundation.org
fi
fi
fi
fi
fi
Uandishi wa kitabu hiki umewezeshwa na matokeo ya ta ti, machapisho na taarifa
ambazo hazijachapishwa, pamoja na picha zilizokusanywa kwa zaidi ya miaka 25 ya
uchunguzi wa bioanui ya Misitu ya Tanzania. Kazi za aina hiyo zisingewezekana, au kuwa
za kuvutia na kufurahisha bila ushirikiano, msaada na utaalamu wa watu mbalimbali.
Imekua ni fahari kupata nafasi hii ya kufanya kazi kwenye misitu hii ya kipekee ya Tanzania.
SHUKRAN
Shukrani ziwaendee mara ki na wenzetu tulioshirikiana nao kwenye miradi, majadiliano,
na waliotupatia taarifa za misitu, haswa Kim Howell, Tim Davenport, Noah Mpunga, Sophy
Machaga na wafanyakazi wote wa programu ya uhifadhi wa nyanda za juu kusini ya WCS,
Nike Doggart, Andy Perkin, Charles Meshak na wafanyakazi wa TFCG, Sebastiano
Salvidio, Francesco Rovero, Lucinda Lawson, Christoph Liedtke, Charles Msuya, Flora
Magige, Wilirk Ngalason na wafanyakazi wote wa Chuo Kikuu cha Dar es Salaam, Elena
KWA…
Tonelli, Stuart Marsden, Hendrik Müller, David Gower, Mark Wilkinson, Gabriela
Bittencourt-Silva, Chris Barratt, Jennifer Pantelios na kumbukumbu ya aina yake kwa ra ki
yetu Bill Stanley. Shukrani za pekee zimuendee Andrea Bianchi aliyeandika sehemu ya
mimea na uharibifu wa misitu Tanzania. Tunamshukuru Hendrik Müller ambaye alipitia
rasimu ya awali na kutoa mapendekezo ya kitaalamu, na Yeremia Chuhila aliyepitisha
jicho kwenye sehemu ya Kiswahili.
Tunawashukuru Tume ya Sayansi na Teknolojia Tanzania (COSTECH), Taasisi ya Uta ti wa

Wanyamapori Tanzania (TAWIRI), Wakala wa Huduma za Misitu Tanzania (TFS), na
Mamlaka ya Wanyamapori Tanzania (TAWA) kwa kutupatia vibali vya uta ti kwa hii miaka
yote ya kufanya kazi zetu Tanzania.
WAPIGA PICHA
Picha zote zimepigwa na Michele Menegon isipokua pale ambapo imeoneshwa kwa heru za
mwanzo za majina ya mpigaji, upande wa chini mwa picha (kulia au kushoto). Picha zote
zinahatimiliki na hairuhusiwi kuzitumia bila ruhusa ya maandishi ya mmiliki. Picha kwenye wasifu
wa John Lyakurwa imepigwa na National Geographic Society.
Tomas C. Buruwate TB John Lyakurwa JL
Alan Channing AC Hendrik Müller HM
Tim Davenport TD Wilirk Ngalason WN
Paul Freed PF Edoardo Razzetti ER
Frontier Tanzania FT Mark Oliver Rödel MO
Donyo Gabriel DG Bill Stanley BS
Vaclav Gvozdik VG Martin Vestergaard MV
Lucinda Lawson LL James Vonesh JV
Christoph Liedtke CL Luke Mahler & Breda Zimkus MZ

fi
fi
fi
fi
fi
fi
MISITU
YA
TANZANIA
Cloud forest in the Mkingu Nature Reserve, Nguru Mts.

RAMANI YA MISITU YA TANZANIA
Misitu ya Milima ya Tao la Mashariki
Misitu ya Guinea-Kongo 1 Kaskazini 4a

Magharibi mwa Tanzania, ikipakana na Kwenye pembe ya kaskazini mashariki mwa
nchi ya Uganda kwa upande wa nchi, haya ni kati ya meneo yenye utajiri
kaskazini na Ziwa Tanganyika kwa mkubwa sana wa vyura kwa Afrika nzima.
upande wa mashariki. Misitu mikuu Misitu ya Milima ya Usambara Mashariki na
hapa ni: Minziro; Mahale ; Ntakata Magharibi, Na Milima ya Pare Kaskazini na
Kusini. Amani, Mazumbai, Chome na
3 Kindoroko ni kati ya vipande vikubwa vya
Misitu ya Nyanda za Juu Kusini 2 misitu hapa.
Kusini-magharibi mwa Tanzania, ikipakana

na nchi za Malawi na Zambia, kaskazini na Kati 4b
mashariki mwa fukwe za Ziwa Nyasa.
Misitu mikuu ni: Mlima Rungwe, Poroto ,
4a Mashariki ya kati mwa Tanzania, haya ni kati
Livingstone ndani ya Hifadhi ya Taifa ya ya meneo yenye utajiri mkubwa sana wa
Kitulo, Madehani Bulongwa, Mdandu, vyura kwa Afrika nzima. Misitu ya hapa ipo
Mandege na Sakara Nyumo kwenye safu 5 kwenye milima ya Nguu kaskazini, Ukaguru,
za milima ya Livinstone na Mbizi kusini Nguru, Kanga, Uluguru, Malundwe na
mwa Ziwa Rukwa. Rubeho. Misitu ya Hifadhi Asilia ya Uluguru
4b na Mkingu, na mapori ya akiba ya Kanga,
Nguu kaskazini, Mamiwa Kisara, Ukwiva,
Misitu ya Volkano ya kipindi 3 Ilole na Mafwomero ni kati ya vipande
cha neogene vikubwa vya misitu hapa..
1
Kaskazini mwa Tanzania, ikipakana na
Kusini
nchi ya Kenya. Misitu mikuu hapa ni ile 4c
ya Mlima Kilimanjaro, Meru, Longido,
Kitumbene na Hanang. Kwenye Maeneo ya kati, kusini mwa Tanzania, haya ni
miteremko ya bonde la Ngorongoro kati ya meneo yenye utajiri mkubwa sana wa
na mlima midogo ya volkano vyura kwa Afrika nzima. Hii misitu ipo
iliyokaribu. Pia Misitu ya Manyara na 4c kwenye safu za milima ya Udzungwa na
Nou kando ya maporomoko ya bonde Mahenge; Hifadhi ya taifa ya Milima ya
la ufa. Udzungwa, Hifadhi za Misitu Asilia za
Miteremko ya Uzungwa na Kilombero, misitu
ya Kigogo kwenye safu za milima ya
Hekaya/Ufunguo Udzungwa na pori la akiba la Sali kwenye
milima ya Mahenge
Maeneo yenye kijani iliyokolea: misitu
minene asilia iliyofunga juu Misitu ya Pwani 5
Maeneo yenye kijani iliyopauka: Misitu
Mashariki mwa Tanzania na visiwa vya
yenye matawi ya juu yaliyofunga kwa 75%
Pemba, na Unguja (Zanzibar) na Ma a.
2 Misitu mikuu ni masalia ya Jozani kwa kisiwa
cha Unguja na Ngezi kwa kisiwa cha Pemba.
Misitu tambarare ya Usambara na Kimboza
iliyopo kwenye eneo la chini kabisa la
Forest data from Global Forest Watch: https://www.globalforestwatch.org/ milima ya Uluguru. Misitu ya Gendagenda,
Litipo, Zaraninge na Rondo ni kati ya misitu
ya pwani ya Tanzania.
fi
Misitu ya Guinea-Kongo
Misitu yenye mvua nyingi ya Guinea-Kongo ni ya pili kwa ukubwa duniani, licha ya kuwa
na eneo dogo nchini Tanzania, kulinganisha na misitu mingine, na inapatikana kwenye
msitu wa Hifadhi Asilia wa Minziro na misitu ya Mahale, Gombe na Ntakata, ufukweni
mwa ziwa Tanganyika. Misitu hii, kwenye maana pana ya misitu ya Guinea-Kongo, ipo
ndani ya eneo la ikolojia la bonde la ufa la Albert linalosi ka kwa kanda tofauti za
mwinuko, kuanzia misitu tambarare, misitu ya uwanda wa milimani, misitu ya mianzi na
maeneo ya nyasi, kila moja ikiwa na spishi za aina yake. Uoto wa misitu ya Guinea-Kongo
unajumuisha spishi za miti zisizopungua 600 na spishi 9000 za mimea midogo iotayo
chini ya miti/misitu. Misitu ya Guinea-Kongo ambayo ni kituo cha spishi wengi
wasiopatikana maeneo mengine, mara nyingi inapatikana chini ya 1000m za mwinuko
kutoka usawa wa bahari na kwenye maeneo yenye mvua nyingi, kati ya 1500-2000mm
kwa mwaka, na inaundwa na miti iliyofunga kwa 90-100% na majani yaliyofunga juu,
kama mwavuli, urefu wa 35-45m kutoka chini. Wingi wa spishi kwenye misitu hii
unatokana na uhimilivu wa hii misitu hata katika kipindi cha mabadiliko ya hali ya hewa
ya kipindi cha Pleistocene. Haya maeneo yenye viumbe waliostahimili tangu kipindi cha
Pleistocene, yapo kwenye sehemu zenye unyevu wa hali ya juu, na yalichangia kuishi
kwa spishi za misitu ya mvua nyingi. Hii misitu imeundwa na miti inayopukutisha majani
kidogo kama aina za spishi za Entandrophragma, wakati misitu ya kwenye maji mara
nyingi imetawaliwa na mimea aina ya spishi za Uapaca, zinazotambulika kwa mizizi yake
mingi iliyochomoza.
Msitu wa Hifadhi Asilia wa Minziro, Kask-Magh. mwa Tanzania
Pori la Akiba Ntakata, Katika safu za Milima ya Mahale Misitu ya Safu za Milima ya Mahale, zinavyoonekana kutoka Ziwa Tanganyika
fi
Misitu ya Nyanda za Juu Kusini
Nyanda za juu kusini, zinaanzia magharibi mwa uwazi wa Makambako kwenye mikoa ya
Rukwa, Mbeya na Iringa, zinasi ka kwa wingi na mchanganyiko wa uoto wa uwanda wa
juu na mwingiliano wa nyasi za maeneo ya milimani na misitu ya mvua nyingi. Uoto wa
maeneo ya nyanda za juu, mfano ule uliopo kwenye uwanda wa juu wa Kitulo, unasi ka
kwa utajiri mkubwa wa aina nyingi za mimea, huku sababu kuu ya wingi huu ikiwa ni
moto na baridi kali. Misitu ya milimani, imesambaa kwenye eneo lote la hizi nyanda, na
inajumuisha eneo dogo ambalo halijawahi kuathiriwa na moto lililopo kati ya 1800 na
2900m kutoka usawa wa bahari. Misitu hii ina idadi kubwa ya spishi muhimu za miti
zinazotambulika kirahisi kama vile Podocarpus latifolius, Juniperus procera na Parinari
excelsa. Maeneo ya ndani ya misitu hii yameshamiri mimea aina ya mikangaga,
migomba pori Ensete ventricosum na idadi kubwa ya spishi zilizo kwenye jenasi ya
Impatiens. Mianzi Sinarundinaria alpina inapatikana kwa wingi kwenye miinuko yenye
unyevunyevu mwingi.
Eneo la ndani ya Hifadhi ya Msitu Asilia wa Rungwe, m 1700
Ziwa Ngozi, na misitu iliyozunguka; Kwenye safu za milima ya Poroto Eneo ndani ya Pori la Akiba la Mdandu, Milima ya Livingstone; mita 1800
fi
fi
Misitu ya Volkano ya kipindi cha neogene
Milima mirefu kuliko yote Tanzania kama vile Kilimanjaro (mita 5895 kutoka usawa wa
bahari) na Meru (mita 4566 kutoka usawa wa bahari) inatokana na milipuko ya volkano
ya hivi karibuni. Milima hii mirefu, imezungukwa na miinuko na mabonde yenye udongo
wa rutuba ya volkano kama vile eneo la Ngurdoto. Kijiogra a, misitu ya volkano ya
Neogene ya Tanznaia ipo karibu sana na Milima ya Tao la Mashariki, ambapo mlima
Kilimanjaro upo karibu sana na milima ya Pare kaskazini, ila zinatofautiana sana kwa
wingi na aina ya spishi wanaopatikana huko. Misitu hii ya Volkano ya Neogene kihistoria
ni ya hivi karibuni na hivyo kuwa na idadi ndogo ya spishi ukilinganisha na Milima ya Tao
la Mashariki ambayo ni ya kale zaidi. Misitu yenye matawi na majani yaliyofunika juu
mithili ya mwamvuli, imetawala eneo kubwa la sehemu hizi kutoka kwenye maeneo
tambarare hadi mita 3000 za usawa wa bahari (na kuna maeneo ina kia hadi mita 4100),
yakiwa na spishi kama Erica excelsa, Hagenia abyssinica na Prunus africana kwa wingi.
Maeneo mengi ya uwanda wa chini yametawaliwa na mti aina ya Mheti/Mkulo, Ocotea
usambarensis. Mabonde na makorongo marefu ya mlima Kilimanjaro yana miti ya spishi
Entandrophragma excelsum ambayo ni mirefu zaidi kwa Africa, iki kia hadi urefu wa mita
81.5.
Misitu ya uwanda wa juu ndani ya Hifadhi ya Taifa ya Mlima Kilimanjaro
Bonde la Ngurdoto na Misitu ya uwanda wa juu iliyolizunguka, ndani ya Hifadhi Mlima Meru na Misitu iliyozunguka
ya Taifa ya Arusha, Mlima Meru
fi
fi
fi
Misitu ya Milima ya Tao la Mashariki
Kijiolojia milima hii ya Mashariki mwa Tanzania na Kenya, ambayo imeanzia vilima vya Taita hadi
uwazi wa makambako kwa upande wa kusini, ni ya kale na miamba yake imetengenezwa kwa
fuwele, na ni kati ya maeneo yenye viumbepori wengi na wa aina tofauti katika uso wa dunia.
Kuna sababu nyingi zinazofanya maeneo haya kuwa na utajiri kiasi hicho, ikiwa ni pamoja na hali
ya hewa na historia ya kijiolojia, ambapo kwa pamoja vimetengeneza mazingira mazuri ya viumbe
yaliyostahimili kwa vipindi virefu, na kuhifadhi makundi ya viumbe ambayo vinginevyo
yangekwishatoweka.
Misitu ya Tao la Mashariki ina utajiri mkubwa wa viumbe wenye historia ndefu sana ya mabadiliko,
na ambao wanapatikana maeneo haya tu, na mara nyingi wanaudugu na wale wanayopatikana
maeneo ya mbali kijiogra a, kama Afrika ya kati na Madagascar, maeneo ambayo yalikua
yameungana miaka mingi iliyopita. Mfano wa hizi spishi kale zinazopatikana maeneo haya tuu ni
mmea Ternstroemia polypetala, ambao unapatikana kwenye maeneo ambayo hayajaungana,
kwenye misitu ya milimani huko Cameroon, Tanzania na Malawi.
Mabadiliko ya spishi, ambapo spishi mpya hutokea, yametokea pia katika Misitu ya Tao la
Mashariki kwa miaka ya karibuni, ambapo spishi nyingi hizi, zina udugu wa karibu sana na spishi
nyingine kwenye vipande vyote vya misitu ya Tao la Mashariki. Kwa mfano, duniani, jenasi ya
mimea ya Impatiens, ina spishi nyingi zaidi kwenye milima ya Uluguru huku spishi zake nyingine
zikisambaa kwenye misitu mingine ya Tao la Mashariki. Jenasi ya Saintpaulia inayofahamika vizuri
kwa thamani yake kwenye mapambo, inapatikana kwenye hii misitu pekee, hasa karibu na vijito
na mito, na pia inaweza kupatikana kwenye miamba na magogo yaliyo kwenye uoto wa chini
misituni. Karibia theluthi moja ya mimea ya Tao la mashariki ina spishi zenye kupatikana kwenye
maeneo maalumu, mara nyingi kipande kimoja cha msitu au eneo la safu ya mlima.
Moma kwenye majani makavu katika msitu Asilia wa Amani, Usambara Mash.
Montane forest interior in Chome NR, South Pare Mts. Mti mkubwa sana kwenye uwanda wa kati wa misitu ya Kilindi, safu za milima ya
Nguu
fi
Hifadhi ya Msitu Asilia wa Mkingu unavyoonekana kwa juu, Safu za Milima ya Nguru Sehemu ya Hifadhi Asilia ya Mkingu, mita 1800
Misitu ya Mlima Kanga katika safu za Nguru unavyoonekana kwa juu Misitu ya uwanda wa kati, katika milima ya kanga kwenye safu za Nguru
Sehemu ya msitu katika uwanda wa juu wa Lukwangule, Uluguru Msitu wa uwanda wa juu kwenye Hifadhi Asilia ya Uluguru
Msitu wa Ilole, uliozungukwa na uwanda wa nyasi uliotengenezwa na binadamu, Misitu ya Nyanda za juu ya Pori la Mafwomero, Safu za Milima ya Rubeho
safu za Milima ya Rubeho
Misitu ya uwanda wa kati kwenye pori la Mikuvi katika safu za Milima ya Ukaguru Scadoxus multi orus ikichipua ndani ya misitu ya Sali, Mahenge
Hifadhi Asilia ya Miteremko ya Uzungwa (mita 1600 kutoka usawa wa bahari), Misitu wa juu kwenye Hifadhi ya Taifa ya Udzungwa, Safu za milima ya Udzungwa
safu za Udzungwa
fl
Misitu ya Pwani
Misitu ya pwani ya Tanzania ni sehemu ya eneo kubwa lenye uoto mchanganyiko unaofahamika
kama Zanzibar-Inhambane, linaloanzia Somalia hadi Msumbiji, mara nyingi katika miinuko ya
chini ya mita 1000 kutoka usawa wa bahari na imeingia hadi 200 km kwenye eneo la bara, mbali
na eneo la bahari (mfano bonde la Mto Kilombero). Hii misitu imeshambuliwa sana kwa matumizi
na kumegwa kwenye vipande vidogo vidogo sana, ambapo eneo la sasa ni 10% tu ya misitu
iliyokuwepo awali. Misitu mingi iliyobaki katika pwani ya Tanzania ni midogo zaidi ya kilomita za
mraba 20. Misitu ya Pwani inatofautiana katika muundo, ikihusisha misitu yenye majani na matawi
yaliyofunga juu, miombo, maeneo ya vichaka, misitu ya mikoko iliyo pwani na kando ya delta za
mito. Spishi zinazopatikana kwenye misitu ya Pwani iliyofunga juu inajumuisha miti iliyovunwa
kupita kiasi, ya mivule Milicia excelsa, na Mipingo Dalbergia melanoxylon.
Ni historia kidogo sana ya biogeogra a ya hii misitu inayofahamika, ni eneo ambalo limeathiriwa
na mabadiliko ya hali ya hewa ambayo imeathiri vilingo vya bioanuai. Spishi nyingi zimesambaa
sana na zinaonesha mabadiliko ya kibaolojia ya hivi karibuni, ambayo si ya kale kama ilivyo
kwenye Msitu ya Tao la mashariki ambayo imestahimili kwa vipindi virefu sana. Kuna uhusiano wa
dhahiri wa spishi za mimea na wanyama za Misitu ya Milima ya Tao la mashariki na zile za Misitu
ya Pwani ambazo zilihifadhiwa kwenye misitu ya Tao la Mashariki nyakati za mabadiliko ya hali ya
hewa, kwa kutokana na ukaribu wa maeneo haya mawili. Tanzania ina idadi kubwa zaidi ya jenasi
zinazopatikana kwenye misitu ya pwani ya Afrika mashariki pekee, ndiyo maana uhifadhi wa hivi
vipande vya misitu vilivyobaki unatakiwa upewe kipaombele cha hali ya juu sana. Uhifadhi wa
spishi nyingi kama Stephanostema stenocarpum ambayo ipo pekee kwenye hiyo jenasi yake,
unaelekea kwenye hali ya kutia shaka.
Msitu wa Pwani kwenye Hifadhi ya Taifa ya Jozani, Kisiwani Unguja
VG
Msitu wa Kimboza, kwenye eneo la chini la safu za Uluguru Msitu wa Pwani kwenye bonde la Kilombero
fi
Uharibifu wa misitu Tanzania
Kitabu hiki kinaangazia aina nyingi za kuvutia za vyura kwenye misitu ya Tanzania,
lakini haitokua vyema kutoelezea japo kwa kifupi tishio/athari kubwa
zinazohatarisha uwepo wa hii misitu. Uharibifu wa mazingira, unaotokana na ukataji
miti ya mwituni ndo sababu kuu ya kutoweka kwa spishi Afrika mashariki, kama
ilivvyo kwa maeneo mengine mengi duniani. Ni 1.1% tu ya eneo lote la Tanzania
lina misitu minene, yenye majani yaliyofunga juu, na bado misitu hii inaongoza kwa
kuvunwa na imemegwa sana, ambapo tumepoteza zaidi ya 15% ya hii misitu ndani
ya kipindi cha miaka 20 iliyopita. Kitaifa, Tanzania inapoteza 1% ya misitu yake kila
mwaka, kiwango cha kushtua sawa na hekta 400,000. Sababu zinazopeleka ukataji
misitu huu ni nyingi, kama uchomaji wa mkaa na jitihada za kuzitokomeza bado ni
ndogo sana. Takribani 85% ya matumizi ya nishati Tanzania yanatokana na miti/
kuni. Sababu nyingine ni pamoja na upasuaji mbao, ufyekaji na uchomaji kwa ajili
ya kilimo, na mahitaji ya eneo kwa ajili ya shughuli za maendeo.
Misitu ya Tanzania ina umuhimu mkubwa, si tu kwa bioanua yake, ila itambulike pia
kwa umuhimu wake kwa jamii zilizozunguka maeneo haya. Misitu inatoa huduma
zenye thamani kubwa, miti kwa ajili ya dawa pamoja na kuwa chanzo cha kipato
ingawa bado haijatumiwa vizuri kwenye utalii. Baadhi ya misitu ya Tanzania ina umri
wa zaidi ya miaka milioni 30, hivyo ni jukumu letu kuitunza kwa ajili ya vizazi
vinavyo.
Data kuhusu maeneo yenye misitu na upotevu wa misitu zimepatikaana kutoka Global Forest Watch.
Upotevu wa eneo la msitu kati ya 2001 na 2018 katika rangi ya zambarau Eneo lenye misitu minene mwaka 2019, rangi ya Kijani
KWANINI VYURA?
Parker’s Tree Frog (Leptopelis parkeri), Uluguru Mountains

Kwanini Vyura?
Karibu 40% ya spishi za am bia zinakabiliwa na tishio la kutoweka, na takwimu hizi za kusikitisha
zinaonyesha namna shughuli za binadamu zinavyoathiri uasili wa dunia. Licha ya tishio hili kubwa kwa
am bia, umuhimu wao umekua ukihojiwa kila mara “kwanini tunawahitaji?” Maoni hayo yamekuwa
kawaida na yanahitaji changamoto.
Tunapojifunza kwa nini spishi au kundi la wanyama linahitaji kuhifadhiwa kwa kawaida kunakuwa na
orodha ya vitu ambavyo wanyama hawa wanafanya au wanaweza tufanyia sisi. Kwa mfano, kwa maoni
yetu spishi ni muhimu, kwa vile inakula mbu wanaotusumbua au inachavusha mazao tunayokula. Am bia
wanastahili wahifadhiwe, siyo kwa sababu ya umuhimu au nafasi waliyonayo kwa binadamu. Tukiegemeza
maamuzi yetu kwenye faida tunazopata kwao inawezekana isifanikiwe. Kwa mfano, kama tukipoteza
karibu nusu ya spishi za am bia kama inavyoonekana kutokea hata sasa, huenda tusione ongezeko la
mawindo yao kutokana na mabadiliko haya (kama vile idadi ya mbu ibadilike kwa kuwa vyura
wameondoka). Mifumo ya kiikolojia ya dunia haifanyi kazi katika njia hii na ni mipana sana hivyo ni kosa
kuelezea namna mifumo hii inavyofanya kazi kwa kuangalia faida au thamani ya spishi moja tu. Zaidi ya
hapo, tunaweza kujiuliza, nikwanini tuhifadhi viumbe kama papa au nyoka aina ya moma ambao wakati
mwingine wanaua watu?. Thamani na umuhimu wa spishi ni ngumu sana kuuelewa na kuutetea kwa
mtazamo wa faida kwa binadamu hivyo ni muhimu kuangalia mbali ya mtazamo mrahisi wa sasa uliojikita
kwenye thamani za kibinadamu katika uhifadhi wa spishi.
Am bia kama walivyo viumbe wengine wote, wanatakiwa kuangaliwa kama sehemu ya mfumo mpana wa
kiikolojia wenye uhusiano na viumbe wengine unaotengeneza matriki/mifumo ya dunia yenye manufaa
kwa binadamu. Kwahiyo spishi moja ya am bia inapotoweka, hatupotezi kiumbe mmoja pekee bali
tunaathiri sehemu ya mtandao mpana wa uhusiano unaofanya mfumo mzima wa ikolojia kufanya kazi.
Utendaji wa mfumo wa kiikolojia unapoathirwa kuzidi uwezo wake inapelekea kuporomoka kwa mfumo
mzima, si madhara tu kwa vyura bali hata sisi wenyewe. Kuwa sehemu muhimu ya mfumo mpana wa
kiikolojia ni sababu kuu ya kwanini vyura wanapaswa kuthaminiwa na kuhifadhiwa.
Ila unaweza kuorodhesha faida nyingi tu tunazopata kwa vyura, kama vile wanakula wadudu waharibufu
hivyo kusaidia kwenye shughuli za kilimo na kupungua kuenea kwa magonjwa kama vile malaria ambayo
yanamadhara kwa jamii kubwa ya watanzania, au ngozi zao zenye utajiri mkubwa sana wa chemikali,
ambazo zimeonesha uwezo wa kutibu magonjwa mbalimbali kwa binadamu. Katika muktadha wa uzuri,
vyura huimba kwa sauti nzuri katika nyika za Tanzania - miito ya Leptopelis avomaculatus hupendezesha
usiku kama vile ndege waimbavyo na kufurahisha nyakati za asubuhi na jioni. Katika mtazamo wa kutokea
kwa spishi ulimwenguni, vyura ndo viumbe wa kwanza wenye uti wa mgongo kutawala ardhi miaka
takribani 365 milioni iliyopita na wameweza kuhimili awamu kadhaa za kutoweka kwa viumbe duniani.
Kuwa na vyura hawa kipindi hiki ni zawadi kwetu hivyo tuna jukumu la kuhifadhi huu wingi na utofauti wa
pekee wa hawa viumbe ambao ni sehemu ya msingi ya ekolojia ya dunia.
Vyura wa Tanzania wamesomwa kidogo sana. Jitihada za kutambua rasmi spishi hizi za Tanzania
haijakamilika, inawezekana tunajua 50% tu ya spishi wanaopatikana Tanzania. Kazi inahitajika kwenye
kukusanya, kutambua na kuainisha utajiri huu ulioji cha. Kazi hii ya uaninishaji inahitaji kufanywa na
wataalamu wabobezi waliko Tanzania. Jitihada za kufanya yote hayo hazina faida ya moja kwa moja ila
zinaongeza uelewa wetu juu ya spishi na mazingira wanapopatikana, hivyo kutoa maarifa yenye thamani
isiyopimika juu ya bionuai za Tanzania. Elimu hii ni muhimu kwenye kuongeza ufahamu juu ya umuhimu
wa huduma zitokanazo na mifumo ya kiikolojia (kama vile maji na misitu) zinavyochangia katika ustawi wa
watu wa Tanzania.
fi
fi
fi
fi
fi
fi
fl
fi
SPECIES ACCOUNT
Shengena warty frog (Callulina shengena) on the forest oor in the South Pare Mts.
fl
ARTHROLEPTIDAE
Vermiculated tree frog (Leptopelis vermiculatus) in the Uzungwa Scarp forest

Arthroleptis af nis
Related Squeaker
Distribution:
Tanzanian endemic. Forests of northeastern, and eastern Tanzania, including,
West and East Usambara, Nguu, Kanga, Nguru, Ukaguru, Uluguru, Rubeho,
Mahenge and Udzungwa mountains, from 800 to 2050 m.
Remarks:
Medium sized frog. Variable colouration with slightly swollen nger tips. Breeds
by direct development. Ongoing studies suggest that this taxon represents more
than one species.
IUCN LEAST CONCERN 4 TZE

JV
From Amani NR, East Usambara Mts.
From Nguu North NR, Nguu Mts. From Mkingu NR, Nguru Mts.
fi
fi
From Kanga FR, Kanga Mt. From Uluguru NR, Uluguru Mts.
From Mafwomero FR, Rubeho Mts. From Uzungwa Scarp NR, Udzungwa Mts.
Arthroleptis anotis
Earless Squeaker
Distribution:
Tanzanian endemic. Known only from the type locality in the Chome Forest
Reserve, South Pare Mountains, at about 1900 m elevation.
No images available
Remarks:
Small sized frog. Can be distinguished from all other Tanzanian Arthroleptis by
lacking an externally visible tympanum. Likely breeds by direct development.
Only known from two specimens collected in 1999.
IUCN DATA DEFICENT 4a TZE
MZ
Arthroleptis chika
Hidden Squeaker
Distribution:
Tanzanian endemic. Forests of the West Usambara, South Pare and the North
Pare Mountains, between 1300 and 1900 m elevation.
Remarks:
Very small sized frog. Distinguished by a prominent dark brown inguinal spot.
Likely breeds by direct development. Ongoing studies suggest that this taxon
represents more than one species.
IUCN ENDANGERED 4a TZE

MZ
From Mazumbai NR, West Usambara Mts.
MZ MZ
From Mazumbai NR, West Usambara Mts. From Mazumbai NR, West Usambara Mts.
fi
Arthroleptis kidogo
Tiny Squeaker
Distribution:
Tanzanian endemic. Only known for the forests of the Mkingu Nature Reserve in
the Nguru Mountains
Remarks:
Very small sized frog. Distinguished by a prominent dark brown supratympanic
band that continues posterior to the level of the arm. Likely breeds by direct
development.
IUCN DATA DEFICENT 4b TZE
From Mkingu NR, Nguru Mts.
MZ
From Mkingu NR, Nguru Mts. From Mkingu NR, Nguru Mts.
Arthroleptis kutogundua
Overlooked Squeaker
Distribution:
Tanzanian endemic. Known only from the type locality in Ngozi crater in the
Poroto Mountains, Mbeya Province, 2000-2400 m elevation.
No images available
Remarks:
A medium sized frog distinguished by its relatively long toes and smaller
tympanum. Likely breeds by direct development. Only known from one
specimen collected in 1930 by Arthur Loveridge.
IUCN CRITICALLY ENDANGERED 2 TZE

Arthroleptis nguruensis
Nguru Squeaker
Distribution:
Tanzanian endemic. Only known for the forests of the Mkingu Nature Reserve in
the Nguru Mountains, 1790–2100 m elevation, eastern Tanzania.
Remarks:
A large or very large Frog. Distinguished by its size, the proportions of the foot
and patterning of the chin. Likely breeds by direct development.
IUCN VULNERABLE 4b TZE
HM
Arthroleptis nikeae
Nike’s Squeaker
Distribution:
Tanzanian endemic. Only known from Mafwomero Forest Reserve in the Rubeho
Mountains of eastern Tanzania, at around 1900 m elevation. Possibly also found
in Ukwiva Forest Reserve where large size Arthroleptis have been recorded.
Remarks:
A large frog. Distinguished by its size, larger sized tympanum and its tibia length.
Likely breeds by direct development.
IUCN CRITICALLY ENDANGERED 4b TZE

From Mafwomero FR, Rubeho Mts.
From Mafwomero FR, Rubeho Mts. From Mafwomero FR, Rubeho Mts.
Arthroleptis reichei
Reiche's Squeaker
Distribution:
Moist evergreen montane forest in the Poroto, Rungwe, Livingstone and
Udzungwa Mountains of Tanzania and the Misuku Hills of northern Malawi,
1500-2000 m elevation.
Remarks:
A medium sized frog. Distinguished by its long legs and expanded nger tips. It
can be found calling on trees and bushes at over 3 m from the ground. Breeds
by direct development. Ongoing studies suggest that this taxon represents more
than one species.
IUCN LEAST CONCERN 2,4c NE
From Mdandu FR, Livingstone Mts.
From Rungwe NR, Southern Highlands From Madehani FR, Southern Highlands
fi
Arthroleptis stenodactylus
Long- ngered Squeaker
Distribution:
Widespread, from southern and eastern Dem. Rep. Congo to north-central
Angola, to coastal Kenya and Tanzania and south through Zambia, Zimbabwe,
Malawi, and Mozambique to northern KwaZulu-Natal.
Remarks:
A medium sized frog. Distinguished by its robust shape and large inner
metatarsal tubercle. Breeds by direct development. Ongoing studies suggest
that this taxon represents more than one species.
IUCN LEAST CONCERN W
From Segoma FR, East Usambara Mts.
From Uluguru NR, Uluguru Mts. From Mikuvi FR, Ukaguru Mts.
fi
From Madehani FR, Southern Highland From Udzungwa Mts. NP, Udzungwa Mts.
From Kilindi FR, Nguu North Mts. From Ntakata FR, Mahale Mts.
Arthroleptis stridens
Strident Squeaker
Distribution:
Currently known only from the Kambai Forest Reserve and Longuza Forest
Reserve in the East Usambara Mountains, Tanzania, although expected to be
more widespread.
Remarks:
A small sized frog. Very similar to A. xenodactyloides from which it can be
distinguished mainly by the call. Other distinguishing features are the enlarged
toe tips, granular skin and snout shape. Breeds by direct development. The
individuals depicted here, from East Usambara are tentatively assigned to A.
stridens.

MZ
MZ MZ
From Amani NR, East Usambara Mts. From Amani NR, East Usambara Mts.
Arthroleptis tanneri
Tanner's Squeaker
Distribution:
Tanzanian endemic. Forests of the West Usambara Mountains.
Remarks:
Medium size frog. Distinguished by its large size, long legs and broad head.
Likely breeds by direct development.

MZ
From Mazumbai NR, West Usambara Mts. - male
MZ MZ
From Mazumbai NR, West Usambara Mts. - male From Mazumbai NR, West Usambara Mts. - male
Arthroleptis xenochirus
Marimba screeching frog
Distribution:
Widespread from northern Angola, northern Malawi, and southeastern Dem.
Rep. Congo, into adjacent northern Zambia and extreme southern Tanzania.
Occurring in open grassland into evergreen montane forest between 1600 and
2300 m elevation.
Remarks:
A small sized frog. Distinguished by its bright red thighs and males with
particularly long 3rd nger. Breeds by direct development.
From Ntakata FR, Mahale Mts.
From Ntakata FR, Mahale Mts. From Ntakata FR, Mahale Mts.
fi
Arthroleptis xenodactyloides
Dwarf Squeaker
Distribution:
Widespread from Eastern highlands of Zimbabwe, Zambia, and Malawi, central
Mozambique, southeastern (including Rungwe) to northeastern Tanzania and
adjacent coastal southern Kenya, with a few records in central Kenya.
Remarks:
A very small sized frog. Distinguished by it’s dorsal hourglass pattern, and
rounded nger tips. Breeds by direct development. Ongoing studies suggest
From Mikuvi FR, Ukaguru Mts.
From Chome NR, South Pare Mts. From Nguu North FR, Nguu Mts.
fi
VG
From Uluguru NR, Uluguru Mts. From Ntakata FR, Mahale Mts.
From Uzungwa Scarp NR, Udzungwa Mts. From Uzungwa Scarp NR, Udzungwa Mts.
Arthroleptis xenodactylus
Amani Screeching frog
Distribution:
Tanzanian endemic. Forest in the Montane forest of the East Usambara, it might
occur in the Nguu and Nguru Mts.
Remarks:
A very small sized frog. Distinguished by it’s dorsal hourglass pattern, and tear-
drop shaped nger tips. Breeds by direct development.
IUCN LEAST CONCERN 4a TZE

JV
JV JV
fi
Leptopelis christyi
Christy's Forest Tree frog
Distribution:
Forests of eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda, northwestern
Tanzania, and presumably Rwanda and Burundi; isolated population in
Cameroon and Gabon.
Remarks:
A large sized frog. Distinguished by it’s short snout, colouration and large
tympanum. Breeding strategy unknown but likely to have a tadpole stage.
From Minziro NR
From Minziro NR From Minziro NR

Leptopelis avomaculatus
Yellow-spotted Tree Frog
Distribution:
Along streams in open semideciduous forests of the East African lowlands below
2000 m from Mozambique north of the Save River, the eastern Zimbabwean
escarpment, Malawi, eastern Tanzania, and coastal Kenya.
Remarks:
A large sized frog. Distinguished mainly by it’s colouration. Two color phases
exist: (1) bright green with yellow ecks and (2) grey-brown with a darker brown
triangle pointing forward on the dorsum. In both phases white patches are often
distinctly visible on the heels and elbows of individuals. Breeding strategy
unknown but likely to have a tadpole stage. Ongoing studies suggest that this
taxon represents more than one species.
From Segoma FR, East Usambara Mts. From Kilindi FR, Nguu North Mts.
fl
fl
Leptopelis grandiceps
Wide-headed Tree Frog
Distribution:
Rainforests of the East Usambara, Nguu, Nguru, Kanga, Ukaguru, Uluguru
(including montane and lowland elevation forests), Rubeho, Udzungwa
Mountains in the Eastern Arc. Mt. Rungwe and Livingstone Mts. in Southern
Highlands. Found at elevations between 170 to 2020 m.
Remarks:
A medium sized frog. Distinguished by its distinct body and eye colouration.
Ventral side deep blue with translucent skin, internal organs can be observed.
Eyes tend to be with black iris and border. Unknown egg deposition site, likely to
be in burrow near streams, tadpole stage described. Ongoing studies suggest
IUCN VULNERABLE 2,4 TZE
From Segoma NR, East Usambara Mts.
From Uluguru NR, Uluguru Mts. From Kimboza FR, Uluguru Mts. foothills
HM
From Nguu North FR, Nguu Mts. From Mkingu NR, Nguru Mts.
From Kanga FR, Mt. Kanga From Mamiwa Kisara North FR, Ukaguru Mts.
From Ilole FR, Rubeho Mts. From Uzungwa Scarp NR, Udzungwa Mts.
From Mdandu FR, Livingstone Mts. From Rungwe NR, Southern Highlands.
Leptopelis parkeri
Parker's forest Tree frog
Distribution:
Tanzanian endemic. Restricted to the submontane and montane forests of South
Pare, East and West Usambara, Nguru, Uluguru, and Udzungwa Mts., 200–2000
m elevation.
Remarks:
A large sized frog. It is distinguished by its bright red eyes. Males are smaller
dark-grey or brown with an irregular pattern of yellow bars, while females are
uniform olive- brown toes. Undersides of the limbs are yellow in both sexes.
Breeding strategy unknown but likely to have a tadpole stage. Ongoing studies
suggest that this taxon represents more than one species.
IUCN ENDANGERED 4 TZE

JV
JL
From Mazumbai NR, West Usambara Mts. From Uluguru NR, Uluguru Mts. - female
From Chome NR, South Pare Mts. - male From Chome NR, South Pare Mts. - male
HM
From Mkingu NR, Nguru Mts. From Uzungwa Scarp NR, Udzungwa Mts.
Leptopelis uluguruensis
Uluguru Forest Tree frog
Distribution:
Tanzanian endemic. Restricted to the forested areas of Eastern Arc Mountains,
including the East Usambara, Nguu, Nguru, Kanga, Udzungwa, Mahenge and
Uluguru mountains, Tanzania.
Remarks:
A medium sized frog. It is distinguished by it’s yellow green dorm with white
spots or rings that resemble lichen-like pattern. It also has an indistinct
tympanum. Breeding strategy unknown but likely to have a tadpole stage.
Ongoing studies suggest that this taxon represents more than one species.
IUCN NEAR THREATENED 4 TZE
From Kanga FR, Mt. Kanga From Nguu North FR, Nguu Mts.
From Nguu North FR, Nguu Mts. From Amani NR, East Usambara Mts.
JL
From Sali FR, Mahenge Mts. From Uzungwa Scarp NR, Udzungwa Mts.
Leptopelis vermiculatus
Vermiculated Tree frog
Distribution:
Tanzanian Endemic. Forests of the East and West Usambara, Nguru, Uluguru,
Udzungwa, Mahenge, and southern highlands, from 200 to 2000 m elevation.
Remarks:
A medium to large sized frog. It is distinguished by its two color phases: Adult
males are bright green with black vermiculations. Adult females and some adult
males are gray-brown with a darker triangle pointing forward on the dorsum.
There’s always a white patch under the eye on the upper jaw. Unknown egg
deposition site, likely to be in burrow near streams, tadpole stage described.
IUCN ENDANGERED 2,4 TZE
From Nguu North FR, Nguu Mts.
From Uzungwa Scarp NR, Udzungwa Mts. From Kanga FR, Mt. Kanga
From Mikuvi FR, Ukaguru Mts. - female From Mikuvi FR, Ukaguru Mts. - male
From Poroto ridge FR, Poroto Mts. - female From Poroto ridge FR, Poroto Mts. - male
Leptopelis cf. ziensis
Distribution:
Forests on the northern portion of Lake Tanganyika in eastern Dem. Rep. Congo
and western Tanzania, possibly into southern Burundi.
Remarks:
A medium sized frog. It is distinguished by its distinct white rectangle below the
eye. Leptopelis species from Ntakata forest are tentatively assigned to L.
ziensis. Breeding unknown but likely to have a tadpole stage. Further study is
required to ascertain its taxonomic status.
IUCN DATA DEFICENT W
From Ntakata FR, Mahale Mts. From Ntakata FR, Mahale Mts.
fi
fi
BREVICIPITIDAE
Rungwe forest frog (Probreviceps rungwensis) on the forest oor in a bamboo forest in the Livingstone Mts.
fl
Breviceps chus
Highland Rain Frog
Distribution:
Tanzanian endemic. Grasslands and forest above 1500 m elevation in the Iringa
and Mbeya region of Tanzania.
Remarks:
A medium sized frog. The species is morphologically very similiar to Breviceps
mossambicus, being stout and with similar markings. Its mainly distinguished by
its call. Breeding is unknown in this species but brevicipitids likely all lay
terrestrial eggs in an underground chamber which develop into froglets without
an aquatic tadpole stage. Further study is required to ascertain its taxonomic
status.
From Iringa From Mdandu FR, Livingstone Mts.

fi
Callulina hanseni
Hansen's Warty Frog
Distribution:
Tanzanian endemic. Only known for the upper montane forests of the Mkingu
Nature Reserve in the Nguru Mountains above1790 m elevation. If it is genuinely
con ned to the known elevational band this species entire range is less than 100
km².
Remarks:
A medium sized frog. It is distinguished by the presence of large glands on the
arms and limbs. Breeding is unknown in this species but brevicipitids likely all lay
an aquatic tadpole stage.

fi
Callulina kanga
Kanga Warty Frog
Distribution:
Tanzanian endemic. Restricted to the Kanga Forest Reserve, in the Nguru
landscape. This species is known only from two sites within the Kanga Forest
Reserve at 760 and 1140 m. Intensive searches at other sites within the reserve
and at other elevations failed to obtain additional records. The species may be
restricted to not more than 10 km2
Remarks:
A medium sized frog. It is distinguished by the position and size of the
tympanum. It is also distinguished by its call. Breeding is unknown in this species
but brevicipitids likely all lay terrestrial eggs in an underground chamber which
develop into froglets without an aquatic tadpole stage.

From Kanga FR, Mt. Kanga
From Kanga FR, Mt. Kanga From Kanga FR, Mt. Kanga
Callulina kisiwamsitu
Mazumbai Warty Frog
Distribution:
Tanzanian endemic. Restricted to the forested areas of the West Usambara
Mountains.
Remarks:
tympanum. It is also distinguished by its call. Breeding is unknown in this species
but brevicipitids likely all lay terrestrial eggs in an underground chamber which
develop into froglets without an aquatic tadpole stage.

MZ
JL JL
Callulina kreffti
Krefft's Warty Frog
Distribution:
Tanzanian endemic. Restricted to the forests in the East Usambara. The
populations of Nguu, Nguru, Uluguru and Udzungwa Mountains represent one
or more different species, see the C. cf. kreffti account.
Remarks:
tympanum, the expanded nger tips, and by its call. Breeding is unknown in this
species but brevicipitids likely all lay terrestrial eggs in an underground chamber
which develop into froglets without an aquatic tadpole stage. Ongoing studies
suggest that this taxon represents more than one species.

JV
MZ PF
fi
Callulina cf. kreffti
Distribution:
Tanzanian endemic. The populations currently attributed to C. kreffti occurring
outside the East Usambara in the submontane and montane forests of Nguu,
Nguru, Uluguru, Ukaguru, Udzungwa and Mahenge Mountains.
Remarks:
A medium sized frog. Breeding is unknown in this species but brevicipitids likely
all lay terrestrial eggs in an underground chamber which develop into froglets
without an aquatic tadpole stage.
4 TZE
From Nguu North FR Nguu Mts.
From Uluguru FR, Uluguru Mts. From Kilindi FR Nguu Mts.

From Sali FR, Mahenge Mts. From Mkindu NR, Nguru Mts.
JL CL
From Uzungwa Scarp NR, Udzungwa Mts. From Mamiwa Kisara North FR, Ukaguru Mts.
Callulina laphami
Lapham's Warty Frog
Distribution:
Tanzanian endemic. Known only from the Kindoroko and Minja montane forests
in the North Pare Mountains, at elevations between 1730 m and 2000 m -
totalling a range of 16.5 km².
Remarks:
A medium sized frog. It is distinguished by the lack of a tympanum and it’s red
coloured eyes and its often red blushed eyelids. It is also distinguished by its call.
Breeding is unknown in this species but brevicipitids likely all lay terrestrial eggs
in an underground chamber which develop into froglets without an aquatic
tadpole stage.
IUCN CRITICALLY ENDANGERED 4a TZE

From Minja FR, North Pare Mts.
From Kindoroko FR, North Pare Mts. From Kindoroko FR, North Pare Mts. - juvenile
Callulina meteora
Nguru Warty Frog
Distribution:
Tanzanian endemic. Known from the Mkingu Nature Reserve in the Nguru Mts.
between 1900 and 2100 elevation. If it is genuinely con ned to the known
elevational band this species entire range is less than 100 km².
Remarks:
A medium sized frog. It is distinguished by the presence of large white coloured
glands on the arms and limbs. It is also distinguished by its call. Breeding is
unknown in this species but brevicipitids likely all lay terrestrial eggs in an
underground chamber which develop into froglets without an aquatic tadpole
stage.

fi
Callulina shengena
Shengena Warty Frog
Distribution:
Tanzanian endemic. Known from the Chome Nature Reserve in the South Pare
Mountains between 1900 and 2100 m of elevation - totalling a range of 35 km²..
Remarks:
A medium sized frog. It is distinguished by the lack of a tympanum and yellow/
brown coloured eyes. It is also distinguished by its call. Breeding is unknown in
this species but brevicipitids likely all lay terrestrial eggs in an underground
chamber which develop into froglets without an aquatic tadpole stage..

From Chome NR, South Pare Mts.
From Chome NR, South Pare Mts. From Chome NR, South Pare Mts.
Callulina stanleyi
Stanley’s Warty Frog
Distribution:
Tanzanian endemic. Known from the Chome Nature Reserve in the South Pare
Mts. between 1100 and 1600 m of elevation - totalling a range of 30 km².
Remarks:
A medium sized frog. It is distinguished by its robust head and distinguished by
its call. Breeding is unknown in this species but brevicipitids likely all lay
an aquatic tadpole stage..

From Chome NR, South Pare Mts.
From Chome NR, South Pare Mts. From Chome NR, South Pare Mts.
Probreviceps durirostris
Snouted Forest Frog
Distribution:
Tanzanian endemic. Restricted to the Ukaguru mountains at 1700–2000 m of
elevation. The populations of the Rubeho, Nguu, and Nguru mountains represent
at least two different species, see the P. cf. durirostris accounts.
Remarks:
A large sized frog. It is distinguished by its pointed keratinised nose and also
distinguished by its call and dorsal patterning. Breeding is unknown in this
species but brevicipitids likely all lay terrestrial eggs in an underground chamber
which develop into froglets without an aquatic tadpole stage. It lives on the
forest oor, where it is semi-fossorial..
IUCN ENDANGERED 4b TZE
From Mikuvi FR, Ukaguru Mts.
From Mamiwa Kisara North FR, Ukaguru Mts. From Mamiwa Kisara North FR, Ukaguru Mts.
fl
Probreviceps cf. durirostris - Nguru
Distribution:
Tanzanian endemic. Currently attributed to P. durirostris, morphological and
genetic evidences suggest it is actually a distinct species occurring in the Nguu,
and Nguru mountains between–1400 and 2000 m of elevation.
Remarks:
A large sized frog. It is distinguished by its pointed, slightly keratinised nose and
dorsal patterning and eye colour. Breeding is unknown in this species but
brevicipitids likely all lay terrestrial eggs in an underground chamber which
develop into froglets without an aquatic tadpole stage. It lives on the forest oor,
where it is semi-fossorial..
4b TZE
HM
fl
Probreviceps cf. durirostris - Rubeho
Distribution:
Tanzanian endemic. Currently attributed to P. durirostris, morphological and
genetic evidences suggest it’s actually a distinct species occurring in the Rubeho
mountains between–1700 and 2000 m of elevation.
Remarks:
A large sized frog. It is distinguished by its pointed keratinised nose and also its
dorsal patterning and red eye colour. Breeding is unknown in this species but
brevicipitids likely all lay terrestrial eggs in an underground chamber which
develop into froglets without an aquatic tadpole stage. It lives on the forest oor,
where it is semi-fossorial..
4b TZE
From Ilole NR, Rubeho Mts.
From Ilole NR, Rubeho Mts. From Mafwomero FR, Rubeho Mts.
fl
Probreviceps loveridgei
Loveridge's Forest Frog
Distribution:
Tanzanian endemic. Restricted to the Forest and forest remnants at mid-altitudes
on the Uluguru, Malundwe, Ukaguru and on the escarpment of the Udzungwa
Mountains.
Remarks:
A medium sized frog. It is distinguished by its tympanum size and attened
snout. Barbour and Loveridge (1928) reported nding a clutch in a burrow and
presumably these develop into froglets without an aquatic tadpole stage. It lives
on the forest oor, where it is semi-fossorial..

JL
From Uzungwa Scarp NR, Udzungwa Mts.
From Mikuvi FR, Ukaguru Mts. From Mikuvi FR, Ukaguru Mts.
fl
fi
fl
Probreviceps macrodactylus
Large- ngered Forest Frog
Distribution:
Tanzanian endemic. Forest on East Usambara, Nguru, Kanga, Nguu and Ukaguru
Mountains, between 170 and1600 m of elevation.
Remarks:
A medium sized frog. It is distinguished by its tympanum size and attened
snout. Müller et al. (2007) described a clutch found in a burrow and presumably
these develop into froglets without an aquatic tadpole stage. It lives on the forest
oor, where it is semi-fossorial..

JV
From Amani NR, East Usambara
From Mkingu NR, Nguru Mts. From Kanga FR, Mt. Kanga
fl
fi
fl
Probreviceps rungwensis
Rungwe Forest Frog
Distribution:
Tanzanian endemic. Restricted to the forest on the Southern Highlands, including
Mount Rungwe and the Livingstone Mountains, between 1800 and 2200 m of
elevation.
Remarks:
A large sized frog. It is distinguished by its pointed keratinised nose and yellow/
cooper eye colour. Breeding is unknown in this species but brevicipitids likely all
lay terrestrial eggs in an underground chamber which develop into froglets
without an aquatic tadpole stage. It lives on the forest oor, where it is semi-
fossorial..
From Madehani FR, Southern Highlands
Probreviceps cf. rungwensis - Sali
Distribution:
Tanzanian endemic. Currently attributed to P. rungwensis, morphological and
genetic evidences suggest it’s actually a distinct species restricted to the Sali
Forest Reserve in the Mahenge Mountains between about 1100–1600 m of
elevation.
Remarks:
A large sized Frog. It is distinguished by its pointed keratinised nose and eye
colour. Breeding is unknown in this species but brevicipitids likely all lay
an aquatic tadpole stage. It lives on the forest oor, where it is semi-fossorial..
4c TZE
From Sali FR, Mahenge Mts.
fl
fl
Probreviceps cf. rungwensis - Mu ndi
Distribution:
genetic evidences suggest it’s actually a distinct species restricted to the forest
fragments in the Mu ndi area of the southern Udzungwa Mountain plateau
between 1700 and 2000 m of elevation.
Remarks:
A large sized frog. It is distinguished by its pointed keratinised nose and eye
colour. Breeding is unknown in this species but brevicipitids likely all lay
an aquatic tadpole stage. It lives on the forest oor, where it is semi-fossorial..
4c TZE
From Kigogo FR, Udzungwa Mts.
Probreviceps cf. rungwensis - Uzungwa Scarp
Distribution:
genetic evidences suggest it’s actually a distinct species restricted to the
Uzungwa Scarp Nature Reserve in the southern Udzungwa Mountains.
Remarks:
The Uzungwa Scarp populations of P. rungwensis represent a distinct species.
tadpole stage. It lives on the forest oor, where it is semi-fossorial..
4c TZE

fi
fl
fl
fi
Probreviceps uluguruensis
Uluguru Forest Frog
Distribution:
Tanzanian endemic. Restricted to the forested areas and high altitude grasslands
of the Uluguru Mountains between 1800 and 2500 m of elevation.
Remarks:
A medium sized frog. It is distinguished by lack of a tympanum. Barbour and
Loveridge (1928) reported that the clutch is laid in a burrow and Ngalason (2005)
con rmed this and reported parental care for this species. It lives on the forest
oor, where it is semi-fossorial..
From Uluguru NR, Uluguru Mts.
From Uluguru NR, Uluguru Mts. From Uluguru NR, Uluguru Mts.
fl
fi
Spelaeophryne methneri
Methner's Cave Frog
Distribution:
Tanzanian endemic. It occurs in southeastern Tanzania from the Uluguru
Mountains, southwest to Mount Rungwe and Songea, and southeast to Nchingidi
up to 1,600 m asl.
Remarks:
A medium sized frog. It is distinguished by its black dorsal colouration with a v-
shaped scarlet/orange band from snout over the eye to behind the tympanum.
tadpole stage. It lives on the forest oor, where it is semi-fossorial..
IUCN LEAST CONCERN 2,4,5 TZE
From Rondo Plateau
From Rondo Plateau From Rondo Plateau

fl
BUFONIDAE
An undescribed tree toad species (Nectophrynoides sp.) in the Udzungwa Scarp forest
Churamiti maridadi
Beautiful Metallic Toad
Distribution:
Tanzanian endemic known only from a single forest fragment (Mamiwa Kisara) in
the Ukaguru Mountains. Only four individuals have been collected, subsequent
surveys in the area since 2000 have failed to observe any individuals.
Remarks:
A large sized frog. Highly distinctive moss-like colouration on dark brown
dorsum. It has expanded T-shaped nger tips. Breeding biology unknown but
based on ovarian clutch characteristics is likely to breed in open water bodies
with a tadpole stage.

From Mamiwa Kisara North FR, Ukaguru Mts.
fi
Mertensophryne howelli
Howell’s Forest Toad
Distribution:
Tanzanian endemic. It is known only from the Mrora Forest on Ma a Island, from
the Jozani Forest on Unguja Island (Zanzibar), and from an, unspeci ed locality in
the east of Unguja. The quality of the species habitat is declining rapidly due to
agricultural activities, wood extraction, and expanding human settlements.
Remarks:
A medium sized frog. It is distinguished based on the shape and size of the
parotoid glands (large and continuous) and dorsal colouration. Breeding biology
unknown but likely to breed in puddles like other forest toads with an aquatic
tadpole stage.

TD
From Jozani NP, Unguja Island
Mertensophryne lindneri
Lindneri's Forest Toad
Distribution:
From the foothills of the East Usambara Mountains south through eastern
Tanzania to southeastern Malawi and northern Mozambique. It is a species of
woodland, thicket, Coastal dry forest and farmland, often in sandy areas.
Remarks:
A medium sized Frog. It is distinguished based on the shape and size of the
parotoid glands (large and continuous) and gular patterning. Breeding biology
tadpole stage.
IUCN LEAST CONCERN 4,5 NE

TB
From near Nanlia, northern Mozambique Mozambique
fi
fi
Mertensophryne loveridgei
Loveridge's Forest Toad
Distribution:
Tanzanian endemic. Widespread in southeastern Tanzania, from Kichi Hills south
to the Rondo Plateau, and inland to the Mahenge Mountains and the Kilombero
Valley, up to 1200 m asl. It is a terrestrial species, living in forest and woodland.
Remarks:
parotoid glands (large and continuous) and dorsal patterning. Breeding biology
tadpole stage.
IUCN LEAST CONCERN 4,5 TZE
From Rondo Plateau
From Rondo Plateau

Mertensophryne micranotis
Woodland Forest Toad
Distribution:
Southeastern coastal Kenya and eastern Tanzania, inland until the Kilombero
Valley (it occurs on Zanzibar and Songo Songo islands), up to 800 m of elevation.
Remarks:
A small sized frog. It is distinguished based on the shape and size of the parotoid
glands (small, rounded but concentrated posterior to the eye and arm joint) and
gular patterning. Breeding biology unknown but likely to breed in puddles like
other forest toads with an aquatic tadpole stage. Ongoing studies suggest that
this taxon represents more than one species.
From Kilombero valley Udzungwa Mts. foothills From Segoma FR, East Usambara Mts.
Mertensophryne cf. micranotis
Distribution:
Tanzanian endemic. Morphological and genetic evidences suggest it’s a distinct
species currently known for the Rondo Plateau only.
Remarks:
glands (small, rounded but concentrated posterior to the eye and arm joint) and
gular patterning. Breeding biology unknown.
5 TZE
From Rondo Plateau
From Rondo Plateau From Rondo Plateau

Mertensophryne usambarae
Usambara Forest Toad
Distribution:
Tanzanian endemic. Foothills of the East Usambara Mountains, below 410 m
elevation. It is a terrestrial species of lowland forest, but also has been recorded
in mildly disturbed forests. It’s entire range might be not larger than 45 km2
Remarks:
parotoid glands (large and continuous) and gular patterning. Breeding biology
unknown but likely to breed in puddles like cogeners with an aquatic tadpole
stage.

From Segoma FR, East Usambara Mts. From Segoma FR, East Usambara Mts.
Mertensophryne taitana
Taita Forest Toad
Distribution:
Relatively widespread. It ranges from southeastern Kenya, through Tanzania,
southward to southeastern Democratic Republic of Congo, northern Zambia,
Malawi and adjacent Mozambique. It is found in a wide range of habitats.
Remarks:
A small sized frog. It is distinguished by long thin parotoid glands and dorsal
patterning. Males and females congregate in puddles and ponds during short
rains for breeding, eggs are laid in long strings. The species has an aquatic
tadpole stage. Ongoing studies suggest that this taxon represents more than
one species.
From near Iringa, vicinity of the Udzungwa Mts.
From Ntakata FR, Mahale Mts. From near Iringa, vicinity of the Udzungwa Mts.
Mertensophryne uzunguensis
Udzungwa Forest Toad
Distribution:
Tanzanian endemic. Found in Tanzania above 1800 m in the Udzungwa
Mountains and the Southern Highlands. It occurs in forest and high altitude
grasslands, in forest and grassland mosaic habitat, often swamp like habitats or
near to small streams. The species is also recorded from subsistence farming
habitats.
Remarks:
glands (medium size and fragmented) and dorsal patterning. Breeding biology
unknown but likely to breed in puddles like cogeners with an aquatic tadpole
stage.
IUCN VULNERABLE 2,4 TZE
From Southern Udzungwa Mts.
JL
From Uzungwa Scarp NR, Udzungwa Mts. From Southern Udzungwa Mts.
Nectophrynoides asperginis
Kihansi Spray Toad
Distribution:
Tanzanian endemic. Known only from the type locality in the Kihansi Gorge in the
Udzungwa Mountains, its global range covered an area of less than two hectares
around the Kihansi Falls.
Remarks:
A small sized frog. It is distinguished based on lacking tympanum and parotoid
glands and having extensive webbing. The species gives birth to live young and
are among the few amphibian species around the world who are ovoviviparous.
The last con rmed record of wild Kihansi spray toad was in 2004.
Special Remarks:
Nectophrynoides asperginis was discovered in 1996 at Kihansi Gorge in the
southern Udzungwa Mountains, found in herbaceous vegetation soaked from
the spray zone of the Kihansi Falls. In 2003 the species suffered a catastrophic
decline, going extinct in the wild in 2004. A recent study has shown how the
extinction of Nectophrynoides asperginis in the wild was mainly due to the
infection by the chytrid fungus, Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis. The epidemic From Kihansi gorge, Udzungwa Mts. (2004)
disease could have been exacerbated by altered environmental conditions, due
to the construction of a hydroelectric dam, which impacted the spray wetlands,
driving the population to extinction.
A captive breeding program in the US and Tanzania was established to ensure

the survival of the species. A re-introduction program is currently active with an
arti cial gravity-fed sprinkler system is in place to mimic the original conditions
of the spray zone. Hopes of establishing a viable populations in the wild have so
far failed. Chytridiomycosis remains a continuing threat that might impact re-
introduced populations.
IUCN EXTINCT IN THE WILD 4c TZE
PF
Captive individual
fi
fi
Nectophrynoides cryptus
Uluguru Tree Toad
Distribution:
Tanzanian endemic. Is known only from the northern part of the Uluguru
Mountains in Tanzania where it has been recorded at between 600 and 2200 m
of elevation. No images available
Remarks:
A small sized frog. It is distinguished by the presence of a tympanum and
parotoid gland not continues with eyelid, and ventral colouration. The species is
likely to give birth to live young. There have been no records of this species since
the original collections of the species in mid-1920’s, despite numerous surveys at
the locality.
Nectophrynoides frontierei
Frontier's Tree Toad
Distribution:
Tanzanian endemic. It is known only from Amani Nature Reserve, in the East
Usambara Mountains at around 950 m. It is not known how widely it might occur
within the East Usambara Mountains. The only known specimens were collected No images available
in closed submontane forest relatively close to a stream and a dry riverbed in
1998.
Remarks:
A small sized frog. It is distinguished by an indistinct tympanum and rounded but
not expanded toe tips. The species is likely to give birth to live young as in
congeners.

Nectophrynoides laevis
Smooth Viviparous Toad
Distribution:
Tanzanian endemic. This species is known only from the southern part of the
Uluguru Nature Reserve, in the Uluguru Mountains at around 2000 m. It has
been known only from a single specimen collected in 2002, untill 2013, when
two more individuals were observed at about 2000 m in the Uluguru South
Nature Reserve.
Remarks:
A medium sized frog. It is distinguished by distinct ventral patterning which has a
black mid body line crossed with adjacent line directed into the arm. The black
line continues on the ventral side of the arm to the base of the wrist. The species
is likely to give birth to live young as in congeners.
VG
Nectophrynoides laticeps
Wide-headed Viviparous Toad
Distribution:
Tanzanian endemic. It is known for the Ukaguru Mountains, between 1800 and
2200 m elevation. The species lives in leaf litter on the oor of montane forest. It
has not been found outside forest habitats.
Remarks:
A small sized frog. It is distinguished by distinct parotoid glands and by a distinct
light band between the eye and lower jaw. The species is likely to give birth to
live young as in congeners.

From Mamiwa Kisara North FR, Ukaguru Mts.
fl
Nectophrynoides minutus
Dwarf Forest Toad
Distribution:
Tanzanian endemic. Forest and grassland at high altitudes, above 1200 m, on the
Uluguru Mountains. It’s possible presence on Rubeho Mountains has to be
con rmed. No images available
Remarks:
A small sized frog. It is distinguished by absence of parotoid glands and ventral
speckling colouration. The species is likely to give birth to live young as in
congeners.

fi
Nectophrynoides paulae
Paola's forest Toad
Distribution:
Tanzanian endemic. This species is only known from one site in the Mamiwa-
Kisara North Forest Reserve in the Ukaguru Mountains at around 1,800 m asl.
Surveys between 2011-19 in the Ukaguru Mountains failed to detect the species.
The species has not been observed since its discovery in 2007.
Remarks:
A small sized frog. It is distinguished by presence of large conspicuous spines.
The species is likely to give birth to live young as in congeners.

From Mamiwa Kisara FR, Ukaguru Mts.
From Mamiwa Kisara FR, Ukaguru Mts. From Mamiwa Kisara FR, Ukaguru Mts.
Nectophrynoides poyntoni
John Poynton's Forest Toad
Distribution:
Tanzanian endemic. Known only from the type locality, the Mkalazi Valley at
1200m, in the Uzungwa Scarp Forest Reserve in the Udzungwa Mountains. The
species was reasonably common within its tiny range in 2003. However, six
recent targeted searches for this species (between 2011-2018) have failed to
locate or hear any individuals suggesting that its population is in decline or
potentially extinct.
Remarks:
A small sized frog. It is distinguished by presence of relatively large “sausage
shaped” parotoid glands. The species is likely to give birth to live young as in
congeners.
IUCN CRITICALLY ENDANGERED 4c TZE

Nectophrynoides pseudotornieri
False Tornier’s Forest Toad
Distribution:
Tanzanian endemic. Submontane forest in the northern Uluguru Mountains,
between 1000 and 1500 m.
Remarks:
A medium sized frog. It is distinguished by absence of tympanum and distinctive
yellow lateral markings. The species is likely to give birth to live young as in
congeners.

VG VG
Nectophrynoides tornieri
Tornier's Tree Toad
Distribution:
Tanzanian endemic. Restricted to the forests in the East Usambara from
200m-1500m.
Remarks:
A small sized frog. It is distinguished by swollen nger tips and the presence of a
tympanum. The species has a highly variable dorsal colouration. The species is
likely to give birth to live young as in congeners. Ongoing studies suggest that
this taxon represents more than one species. The populations of the Uluguru,
Nguru, Kanga, Nguu, Mahenge, Malundwe and Udzungwa Mountains likely
represent different species, see N. cf. tornieri accounts.
IUCN VULNERABLE 4a TZE

JV
JV
From Amani NR, East Usambara Mts. - calling posture From Amani NR, East Usambara Mts.
fi
Nectophrynoides cf. tornieri - Kanga/Nguu
Distribution:
Tanzanian endemic. Currently attributed to N. tornieri, morphological and
genetic evidences suggest it’s actually a distinct species occurring on Mount
Kanga, and Kilindi in the Nguu Mountains between–800 and 1500 m of elevation.
Remarks:
A small sized frog with distinct yellow patterning. The species is likely to give
birth to live young as in congeners.
4b TZE
From Kilindi FR, Nguu Mts. From Kanga FR, Mt. Kanga
Nectophrynoides cf. tornieri - Nguru
Distribution:
genetic evidences suggest it’s actually a distinct species occurring on Nguru
Mountains in the submontane forest between–1000 and 1300 m of elevation.
Remarks:
A small sized frog. It is distinguished by swollen nger tips and presence of a
tympanum. The species is likely to give birth to live young as in congeners.
4b TZE
fi
Nectophrynoides cf. tornieri - Mahenge
Distribution:
genetic evidences suggest it’s actually a distinct species occurring in the
submontane forest of the Mahenge Mountains.
Remarks:
4c TZE
From Sali FR, Mahenge Mts.
From Sali FR, Mahenge Mts. From Sali FR, Mahenge Mts.
fi
Nectophrynoides cf. tornieri - Uzungwa Scarp
Distribution:
submontane forest of the Uzungwa Scarp Nature Reserve.
Remarks:
4c TZE
From Uzungwa Scarp NR, Udzungwa Mts. The individual was near to spider From Uzungwa Scarp NR, Udzungwa Mts.
thread with water droplets.
fi
Nectophrynoides vestergaardi
Vestregaard's forest Toad
Distribution:
Tanzanian endemic. The species occurs in a number of location in the
submontane and montane forests of the West Usambaras.
Remarks:
A small sized frog. It is distinguished by rounded but not swollen nger tips,
presence of a tympanum. The species is likely to give birth to live young as in
congeners.

MV
MV MV
fi
Nectophrynoides viviparus
Robust Viviparous Toad
Distribution:
Tanzanian endemic. Found in submontane and montane forests, and grasslands
in the Southern Highlands.
Remarks:
A large sized frog. It is distinguished by relatively small tympanum, large
parotoid glands, and large glandular masses on hind limbs. It has variable
colouration. Barbour and Loveridge (1928) reported the species gives birth to
live young. Ongoing studies suggest that the populations (Uluguru, Nguru,
Rubeho, Mahenge and Udzungwa Mountains) likely represent different species,
see N. cf. viviparus accounts.
From Mdandu FR, Livingstone Mts. From Mdandu FR, Livingstone Mts.
Nectophrynoides cf. viviparus - Rubeho
Distribution:
Tanzanian endemic. Currently attributed to N. viviparus, morphological and
genetic evidences suggest it’s likely a distinct species occurring in the montane
forests of the Rubeho Mountains.
Remarks:
parotoid glands, and expanded glandular masses on hind limbs. The species has
highly variable colouration. The species is likely to give birth to live young as in
congeners.
4b TZE
From Mafwomero FR, Rubeho Mts.
From Mafwomero FR, Rubeho Mts. From Ilole FR, Rubeho Mts.
Nectophrynoides cf. viviparus - Uzungwa
Scarp
Distribution:
montane forests of the Southern Udzungwa Mountains.
Remarks:
congeners.
4c TZE
From Kiolela Forest fragment, Udzungwa Mts.
From Kiolela Forest fragment, Udzungwa Mts. From Uzungwa Scarp NR, Udzungwa Mts.
Nectophrynoides cf. viviparus - Luhomero
Distribution:
montane forests of the Northern Udzungwa Mountains, including the Udzungwa
Mountains National Park.
Remarks:
A small to medium sized frog. This species is still poorly known, it’s about half in
size of the other species in the N. viviparus complex, except for the species
occurring at high altitude in the Southern Uluguru Mountains. The species is
likely to give birth to live young as in congeners.
4c TZE
From Udzungwa NP, Udzungwa Mts.
From Udzungwa NP, Udzungwa Mts. From Udzungwa NP, Udzungwa Mts.
Nectophrynoides cf. viviparus - Dwarf
Distribution:
montane forests of the Southern Uluguru Mountains.
Remarks:
A small to medium sized frog. It is distinguished by a relatively small tympanum,
large parotoid glands, and expanded glandular masses on its hind limbs. The
species has highly variable colouration. This species is about half in size of the
other species in the N. viviparus complex, except for the species occurring at
high altitude in the Northern Udzungwa Mountains. The species is likely to give
4b TZE
Nectophrynoides cf. viviparus - Uluguru
Distribution:
montane forests of the Uluguru Nature Reserve.
Remarks:
congeners.
4b TZE
Nectophrynoides wendyae
Wendy's Forest Toad
Distribution:
Tanzanian endemic. Known from a small number of valleys in the Uzungwa Scarp
Nature Reserve only, on the southern escarpment of the Udzungwa Mountains
between 1550 and 1600 m of elevation.
Remarks:
A small sized frog. It is distinguished by absence of a tympanum, presence of
small spines on the dorm and a distinctive crimson gular colouration and dark
ventral mottling against the white ground colour. The species is likely to give
birth to live young as in congeners. There are two separated population which
might represent distinct species

Nectophrynoides sp. - Lukwangule
Distribution:
Tanzanian endemic. Morphological and genetic evidences suggest it’s a
remarkably distinct species, only known for the Lukwangule Plateau in the
Uluguru Nature Reserve..
Remarks:
A medium to large sized frog. It is distinguished by its warty appearance, lack of
tympanum and distinctive yellow eye colouration. The species is likely to give
4c TZE
WN
Nectophrynoides sp. - Spiny
Distribution:
remarkably distinct species, only known for a restricted area in the Uzungwa
Scarp Nature Reserve.
Remarks:
A small sized frog. It is distinguished by large spines on the dorsum and limbs,
and including the snout with a distinctive small “horn”. The species is likely to
give birth to live young as in congeners.
4c TZE
From Uzungwa Scarp NR, Udzungwa Mts. -male
From Uzungwa Scarp NR, Udzungwa Mts. - toadlet From Uzungwa Scarp NR, Udzungwa Mts. - female
Nectophrynoides sp. - Red-lined
Distribution:
remarkably distinct species, only known for a restricted area in the Uzungwa
Scarp Nature Reserve.
Remarks:
A small sized frog. It is distinguished by small glands marked red along the
lateral and dorsal lateral margins of the animal. The species is likely to give birth
to live young as in congeners.
4c TZE
Nectophrynoides sp. - Nguru montane
Distribution:
species, only known for the montane forest, at above 1800 m in the Mkingu
Nature Reserve.
Remarks:
A medium sized frog. It is distinguished by small and sausage shaped glandular
parotoid gland, and glandular masses on the limbs and dorsum. Furthermore, it
has distinctive golden eye colouration. The species is likely to give birth to live
young as in congeners.
4b TZE
Nectophrynoides sp. - Nguru viviparus-like
Distribution:
species, only known for the montane forest, at above 1800 m in the Mkingu
Nature Reserve.
Remarks:
A large sized frog. It is distinguished by large smooth rounded and colourful/
contrasting glands on the parotoid, limbs and dorsum. The glands can be
coloured orange, chocolate brown and even esh coloured. The species is likely
to give birth to live young as in congeners.
4b TZE
fl
Sclerophrys brauni
Dead-leaf Toad
Distribution:
Tanzanian endemic. It occurs in the West and East Usambaras, Nguru, Uluguru,
and the Udzungwa Mountains from 700 m to 1,800 m.
Remarks:
A large sized frog. It is distinguished by thick dark brown band edged white that
runs continuously from snout to the posterior end of the body. The species also
has a distinctive mid-dorsal line surrounded by symmetrical dark blotches.
Breeding involves external fertilisation of large egg masses deposited in small
streams which develop into tadpoles. Ongoing studies suggest that this taxon
From Mkingu NR, Nguru South Mts.
From Amani NR, East Usambara Mts. From Uzungwa Scarp NR, Udzungwa Mts.
Sclerophrys gutturalis
Common African Toad
Distribution:
Widespread. Southeastern Uganda eastward through southern Kenya and
Tanzania, possibly to southern Somalia, south through Mozambique to the
eastern part of the Eastern Cape, Northern Cape, and KwaZulu-Natal (Rep. South
Africa), highveld areas of Lesotho, Swaziland, Botswana, northern Namibia, and
Angola;
Remarks:
A large sized frog. It is distinguished by distinct warts on the back and sides and
a pale cross on tops of the head. Back of thighs often have red patches. Breeding
involves external fertilisation of large egg masses deposited in ponds, and small
streams which develop into tadpoles.
From Kigogo FR, Udzungwa Mts.
From vicinity of Iringa From vicinity of Morogoro, Uluguru Mts. foothills

Sclerophrys urunguensis
Urungu Toad
Distribution:
It occurs in areas close to the Tanzania and Zambia border. It has been recorded
in nearby localities at the southern end of Lake Tanganyika: Kitungulu (Tanzania);
Tatanda (Tanzania); Kalambo Falls (Zambia); and Mbala (Zambia). No images available
Remarks:
A large sized frog. It is distinguished by distinct, very rough warts on the back
and sides. Back of thighs don’t have any red patches. Breeding involves external
fertilisation of large egg masses deposited in ponds, and small streams which
develop into tadpoles.
IUCN VULNERABLE W
Sclerophrys camerunensis
Oban Toad
Distribution:
From southeastern Nigeria and Gabon to northeast-central Central African
Republic, eastern Dem. Rep. Congo and southwestern Tanzania; Bioko
(Equatorial Guinea). We tentatively assign a record from Ntakata Forest Reserve
to this species.
Remarks:
A large sized Frog. It is distinguished by pointed snout and anks with very large
and spiny tubercles. Back of thighs don’t have any red patches. Breeding
involves external fertilisation of large egg masses deposited in ponds, and small
streams which develop into tadpoles.

fl
HYPEROLIIDAE
Davenport's Reed frog (Hyperolius davenporti) in the Livingstone Mts.

Afrixalus dorsimaculatus
Spotted Spiny Reed Frog
Distribution:
Tanzanian Endemic. It’s restricted to the East and West Usambara Mountains in
Tanzania. It is a species of medium to high altitudes (200-1800m).
Remarks:
A small sized frog. It is distinguished by daytime white colourations with
distinctive brown markings between the eyes, mid dorsally, and posteriorly. Eggs
laid on reed leaves 1m above water, in swampy valley bottoms and temporary
pools in closed-canopy forest. Eggs deposited develop into a tadpole.

JV
MZ JL
From Ambangulu NR, West Usambara Mts. From Mazumbai NR, West Usambara Mts.
Afrixalus fornasini
Fornasini's Spiny Reed Frog
Distribution:
Widespread. it occurs along coastal southern Kenya southward through eastern
and southern Tanzania, Malawi, Mozambique, and extreme eastern Zimbabwe to
extreme southern coastal KwaZulu-Natal, Rep. South Africa. It’s an ecologically
tolerant species that can be found both in disturbed habitat and in forests at low
and medium altitude.
Remarks:
A medium sized frog. It is distinguished by its two colour morphs, as can be seen
from the images. Eggs laid on reed leaves 1m above water, in swampy valley
bottoms and temporary pools. Eggs deposited develop into a tadpole.
From Kilindi FR Nguu Mts. From Uzungwa Scarp NR, Udzungwa Mts.
Afrixalus morerei
Morere's Spiny Reed Frog
Distribution:
Tanzanian endemic. This species is endemic to the Udzungwa Mountains and
Southern Highlands in southern Tanzania where it is known from few localities:
Dabaga, the Uzungwa Scarp Nature Reserve and the mountains around Mbeya. It
can be found both in open grassland and in swampy areas in the forest. The
individuals observed in the vicinity of Mbeya are tentatively assigned to species.
Remarks:
A small sized frog. It is distinguished by its colouration with a white back with
parallel darker lines from eyes to legs. Eggs laid on reed leaves 1m above water,
in swampy valley bottoms and temporary pools. Eggs deposited develop into a
tadpole.
IUCN VULNERABLE 4c TZE
CL
From Mu ndi area, Udzungwa Mts. From above Mbeya town, Southern Highlands
fi
Afrixalus stuhlmanni
Stuhlmann's Spiny Reed Frog
Distribution:
Tanzanian Endemic. Low to medium altitudes east of the Eastern Arc Mountains
in northern and central Tanzania and Island of Unguja (Zanzibar). It is a species of
marshes in humid shrubland.
Remarks:
A small sized frog. It is distinguished by its colouration with 1 or 2 darker
dorsolateral bands from snout to vent with white dots. Eggs laid on reed leaves
1m above water, in swampy valley bottoms and temporary pools in closed
canopy forests and forest edges. Eggs deposited develop into a tadpole.
From Kilindi FR, Nguu Mts. From Mkingu NR, Nguru Mts. (day colour pattern)
Afrixalus uluguruensis
Uluguru Spiny Reed Frog
Distribution:
Tanzanian Endemic. Submontane and montane forests in the Uluguru, Nguu,
Nguru, Kanga, Ukaguru and Mahenge, as well as, with some doubt, coastal
Tanzania.
Remarks:
A small sized frog. It is distinguished by daytime white colourations with
pools in closed-canopy forest. Eggs deposited develop into a tadpole. Ongoing
studies suggest that this taxon represents more than one species.
IUCN VULNERABLE 4 TZE

JL
From Kimboza Forest Reserve, Uluguru Mts. foothills. (day colour pattern)
From Mkingu NR, Nguru Mts. (night colour pattern) From Mkingu NR, Nguru Mts. (day colour pattern)
From Mikuvi FR, Ukaguru Mts. (day colour pattern) From Mamiwa Kisara North FR, Ukaguru Mts.
From Ilole FR, Rubeho Mts. (day colour pattern) From Sali FR, Mahenge Mts.
From Uzungwa Scarp NR, Udzungwa Mts. (night colour pattern)
Afrixalus cf. uluguruensis - South
Distribution:
Tanzanian Endemic. medium and high altitude in the Uzungwa Scarp Nature
Reserve, forest fragments on the southern Udzungwa Plateau in the Mu ndi area
and on the Livingstone Mts.
Remarks:
A small sized frog. It is distinguished by daytime white colourations with very
distinctive darker brown markings between the eyes, mid dorsally, and
posteriorly. Eggs laid on reed leaves 1m above water, in swampy valley bottoms
and temporary pools in closed-canopy forest. Eggs deposited develop into a
tadpole.
2,4 TZE
From Mdandu FR, Livingstone Mts. (day colour pattern) fi

From Uzungwa Scarp NR, Udzungwa Mts. (day colour pattern)
Afrixalus sp. - Dwarf
Dwarf Spiny Reed Frog
Distribution:
Tanzanian Endemic. medium altitude in the Uzungwa Scarp Nature Reserve and
Sali Forest Reserve in the Mahenge Mountains.
Remarks:
A very small sized frog. It is distinguished by daytime white colourations with
pools in closed-canopy forest. Eggs deposited develop into a tadpole. Ongoing
studies suggest that this taxon represents more than one species.
4c TZE
From Uzungwa Scarp NR Udzungwa Mts.
JL
From Sali FR, Mahenge Mts. From Uzungwa Scarp NR Udzungwa Mts.
Hyperolius argus
Argus Reed Frog
Distribution:
Widespread. Near water in low elevation dense savanna of the eastern coastal
plain of Africa from southern Somalia to KwaZulu-Natal (Rep. South Africa).
Remarks:
A medium sized frog. It is distinguished by its colourations with males a green or
grey colouration with small brown/yellow dots and a thin lateral band. Females
light brown/orange with a yellow band black edged between snout and both
eyes, and large yellow, black edged round blotches are also present on the
dorsum. Eggs laid on reeds usually below water, and develop into a tadpole.

JL
From Dar es Salaam, Male
JL JL
From Dar es Salaam, Female From Dar es Salaam, Female
Hyperolius burgessi
Burgess' Reed Frog
Distribution:
Tanzanian Endemic. This species has been recorded from the isolated massifs of
the East Usambara Mountains, Uluguru Mountains, and South Nguru Mountains
in Tanzania between 900-1,000 m. It's an arboreal species occurring in
submontane rainforest.
Remarks:
A medium sized frog. It is distinguished by the presence of evenly distributed
black spines on the gular ap. They also have distinctive white patterning on the
dorsum. It breeds by larval development in seasonal and permanent pools with
females guarding their egg clutches on leaves or vegetation above ground. They
have been observed moistening clutches to prevent them dehydrating.
IUCN VULNERABLE 4 TZE
JV
From East Usambara Mts. From Mkingu NR, Nguru Mts.
fl
Hyperolius cf. burgessi - Ukaguru
Distribution:
Tanzanian endemic. Known only from a swamp by the edge of the Mamiwa
Kisara North FR in the Ukaguru Mountains at about 1800 m of elevation.
Remarks:
A medium sized frog. It is distinguished by a colouration on the snout and
dorsum. It also has black spines on the gular ap in males which are dispersed
and not numerous. It’s likely to breed by larval development in montane and
grassland forest streams and seasonal pools.
4b TZE
CL
From edge of Mamiwa Kisara north FR, Ukaguru Mts.
CL CL
From edge of Mamiwa Kiasara north FR, Ukaguru Mts. From edge of Mamiwa Kiasara north FR, Ukaguru Mts.
fl
Hyperolius cinnamomeoventris
Cinnamom Tree Frog
Distribution:
Widespread. This species ranges from central and southern Cameroon, and
southwestern Central African Republic, south to Angola and northwestern
Zambia, east to Uganda, Rwanda, westernmost Kenya and Minziro Forest in
Tanzania.
Remarks:
A medium sized frog. It is distinguished by its colouration, and breeding adults
have red thighs. It breeds by larval development in shallow seasonal and
permanent pools.
From Minziro NR

Hyperolius davenporti
Davenport's Reed Frog
Distribution:
Tanzanian endemic. Known only from Sakara Nyumo Forest Reserve at 2100 m of
elevation in the, Livingstone Mountains, Southern Highlands.
Remarks:
A medium sized frog. It is distinguished by the proportions of the gular ap and
the presence of evenly distributed black spines on the ap in males. They also
have distinctive white patterning on the dorsum. It breeds by larval development
in seasonal and permanent pools with females guarding their egg clutches on
leaves or vegetation above ground. They have been observed moistening
clutches to prevent them dehydrating.
IUCN CRITICALLY ENDANGERED 2 TZE
From Sakara Nyumo FR, Livingstone Mts.
From Sakara Nyumo FR, Livingstone Mts. From Sakara Nyumo FR, Livingstone Mts.
fl
fl
Hyperolius kihangensis
Kihanga Reed Frog
Distribution:
Tanzanian endemic. This species occurs in the Uzungwa Scarp Nature Reserve
only. It has been recorded in several localities within the Reserve above 1,600 m
of elevation.
Remarks:
A medium sized frog. It is distinguished by its colouration, a golden brown back
with variable patterning, often an hourglass pattern. It breeds by larval
development, laying its eggs on vegetation in shallow seasonal swamps and
permanent pools in montane forest.
IUCN ENDANGERED 4c TZE
Hyperolius minutissimus
Dwarf Reed Frog
Distribution:
Tanzanian endemic. It is endemic to the Udzungwa mountains and Southern
Highlands between 1600 and 2010 m of elevation. It lives in open montane
grasslands in forested areas and in dense montane forests, usually close to open
marshy areas. It has also been found in pastureland.
Remarks:
A small sized frog. It is distinguished by the presence of black spines on the
anterior edge of the gular ap/lower jaw in males. They also have distinctive
colour patterning on the dorsum. It likely breeds by larval development in
seasonal and permanent pools.
IUCN VULNERABLE 4c TZE
fl
Hyperolius mitchelli
Mitchell's Reed frog
Distribution:
This species ranges widely across central Eastern Arc mountains in Tanzania to
Malawi. It is also present on the island of Zanzibar. It lives in both dry forest and
moist forest, and it can be found also in low-intensity farmland.
Remarks:
A medium sized frog. It is distinguished by its colouration with the presence of
dorso-lateral white band demarcated by yellow and black lines. The knee joint is
clearly demarcated by white spots. It breeds by larval development in seasonal
and permanent pools in open forest and farm bush. Ongoing studies suggest
From Kimboza FR, Uluguru Mts foothills
From Udzungwa Mts. NP, Udzungwa Mts. From Kimboza FR, Uluguru Mts foothills
Hyperolius parkeri
Parker's Reed frog
Distribution:
This species ranges from the lower Tana River in Kenya along coastal Tanzania,
inland as far as the Kilombero oodplain, to central coastal Mozambique, up to
about 1000 m. It also occurs on the island of Zanzibar. It is a species of low-
altitude humid savannah, woodland that is also found in scrubby coastal forest. It
occurs in degraded former forest at medium altitudes.
Remarks:
A medium sized frog. It is distinguished by its colouration and acute shaped
head. It breeds by larval development in seasonal and permanent pools in open
forest and farm bush.

MZ
From the vicinity of Turiani, Nguru Mts. foothills
CL CL
From Jozani Chwaka Bay NP, Unguja Island (Zanzibar) From Jozani Chwaka Bay NP, Unguja Island (Zanzibar)
fl
Hyperolius pseudargus
Mette's Reed Frog
Distribution:
Tanzanian endemic. It lives in open farmland and pond and lakes in and around
forest in the Udzungwa Mountains and southern highlands of Tanzania. It’s a
montane species, common at 2000m and above.
Remarks:
A medium sized frog. It is distinguished by its colouration, narrow white dorso-
lateral stripe. It breeds by larval development in seasonal and permanent pools
in open montane forest. It often calls from oating vegetation, the call is very
loud.
From Poroto ridge FR, Poroto Mts.
From Poroto ridge FR, Poroto Mts. From Mu ndi , Udzungwa Mts.
fi
fl
Hyperolius pictus
Variable Reed Frog
Distribution:
Relatively widespread. It occurs in open grassland in the Udzungwa
Mountains,Southern Highlands and U pa Plateau in Tanzania, also northern
Malawi, and extreme northwestern Zambia. It is a species of montane grassland,
forest edges and open marsh in forests, it also adapts well to agricultural land.
Remarks:
A medium sized frog. It is distinguished by its colouration, with green, yellow and
demarcated blotched patterning. It breeds by larval development in seasonal
and permanent pools and streams. Ongoing studies suggest that this taxon
From Mu ndi FR, Udzungwa Mts.
From Ngozi Crater FR Poroto Mts. From Kitulo NP, Southern Highlands
fi
fi
Hyperolius rubrovermiculatus
Red-Lined Reed frog
Distribution:
This species ranges widely from northeastern Tanzania, through southern Kenya
in the Shimba Hills. It lives in both dry forest and moist forest, and it can be found
also in low-intensity farmland.
Remarks:
A medium sized frog. It is distinguished by its colouration with the presence of
dorso-lateral white band demarcated by yellow and black lines. The knee joint is
clearly demarcated by white spots. Dorsal colouration in Tanzania differs from
Kenya population. It breeds by larval development in seasonal and permanent
pools in open forest and farm bush.

JL
From Nguu North FR, Nguu Mts. From Kilindi FR, Nguu Mts.
Hyperolius substriatus
Spotted Reed Frog
Distribution:
Widespread in the highlands of Tanzania. It ranges from Usambaras, Nguu,
Nguru, Rubeho, Uluguru, and Malundwe. It lives in different habitats, including
dry and moist forest, including montane forests, lowland forests and disturbed
forest edge habitats.
Remarks:
A medium sized frog. It is distinguished by its distinctive but variable colouration.
Dorso-lateral white/yellow band demarcated by black lines or highly mottled
patterning. It breeds by larval development in seasonal and permanent pools in
open forest and farm bush. Ongoing studies suggest that this taxon represents
more than one species (see Hyperolius cf. substriatus).

MZ
From Ambangulu FR, West Usambara Mts.
JL
From Amani NR, East Usambara Mts. From Nguu North FR, Nguu Mts.
From Kanga FR, Mt. Kanga From Nguu North FR, Nguu Mts.
From Mkingu NR, Nguru Mts. From vicinity of Mafwomero FR, Rubeho Mts.
Hyperolius cf. substriatus
Distribution:
Found only in the highlands of the Udzungwa Mountains in Tanzania. It lives in
different habitats, including dry and moist forest, including montane forests,
lowland forests and disturbed forest edge habitats.
Remarks:
A medium sized frog. It is distinguished by its distinctive but variable colouration
- usually light brown/cream/yellow in colour. Dorso-lateral white/yellow band
demarcated by weak or broken black lines. It breeds by larval development in
seasonal and permanent pools in open forest and farm bush.
4c TZE
JL MZ
From Uzungwa Scarp NR, Udzungwa Mts. Vicinity of Bomalang’ombe, Udzungwa Mts.
Hyperolius cf. substriatus
Distribution:
Found in the mountain forest fragments in Mozambique, Malawi and Tanzania. In
Tanzania it is found only in the Livingstone Mountains and Southern Highlands. It
lives in different habitats, including dry and moist forest, including montane
forests, lowland forests and disturbed forest edge habitats.
Remarks:
A medium sized frog. It is distinguished by its distinctive but variable colouration,
often lighter cream/yellow colouration. Dorso-lateral white/yellow band
demarcated by weak or broken black lines. It breeds by larval development in
seasonal and permanent pools in open forest and farm bush.
2 NE
From Mdandu FR, Livingstone Mts. From Poroto FR, Southern Highlands
Hyperolius tanneri
Tanners' Reed Frog
Distribution:
Tanzanian endemic. It is known from the West Usambara Mountains only,
between 1400 and 1920 m of elevation from undisturbed montane forest.
Remarks:
A medium sized frog. It is distinguished by a thick white band between the snout
and both eyes, ending beyond the arm joint. It breeds by larval development in
montane forest streams and seasonal pools.

JL
JL MZ
From Mazumbai NR, West Usambara Mts. From Ambangulo NR, West Usambara Mts.
Hyperolius ukwiva
Ukwiva Reed Frog
Distribution:
Tanzanian endemic. Known only from montane grassland in the Ukwiva Forest
Reserve, in the Rubeho Mountains. This species has been found in montane
grassland-forest mosaic.
Remarks:
A medium sized frog. It is distinguished by a thick white band between the snout
and both eyes, ending beyond the arm joint. It also has black spines on the gular
ap in males which are dispersed and not numerous. It’s likely to breed by larval
development in montane and grassland forest streams and seasonal pools.

FT
From Ukwiva FR, Rubeho Mts.
Hyperolius tornieri
Tornier’s Reed Frog
Distribution:
Tanzanian endemic. This mysterious species described 1931 and never found
again, is known only from the type locality, Ukami, supposedly in the Uluguru
Mountains in eastern Tanzania. However, this locality appears to be in the No images available
Udzungwa Mountains, so there is considerable doubt as to where the type
specimen comes from.
Remarks:
A medium sized frog. There is no information on the habitat and ecology of this
species. However, it presumably breeds in water, developing via a larval stage,
like other members of the genus.

fl
Hyperolius viridi avus superspecies
Common Reed Frog
Distribution:
This species taxonomy and limits of distribution are very uncertain. Presently it is
known from southern Somalia to the northern coast and eastern highlands of
Kenya, south to Tanzania where it ranges through most of the country. It is
associated with emergent vegetation at the margins of swamps, rivers and lakes
in all types of savannah, grassland and bush land, as well as many human-
modi ed habitats. In Tanzania it can be found near forests, commonly on Mt.
Meru and in the southern Udzungwa plateau.
Remarks:
A medium sized frog. It is mainly distinguished by its colouration. It’s likely to
breed by larval development in montane and grassland forest streams and
seasonal pools.
H. v. ngorongoroensis, from vicinity of Lake Manyara NP.
H. v. goetzei, from vicinity of Iringa H. v. ommatostictus, from Kindoroko FR, North Pare Mts.
fi
fl
Kassina jozani
Jozani Running Frog
Distribution:
Tanzanian endemic. It is known only from Jozani Forest and its surroundings on
Unguja Island (Zanzibar) in Tanzania, between 0-50m asl. It has been recorded
around pools in ground water forest and in the surrounding terrestrial habitats
(forest and small-holder farmland).
Remarks:
A medium sized frog. It is distinguished by its black and white blotched
colouration on the dorsal side. The species appears to be a seasonal visitor to
ephemeral breeding sites, but might be able to disperse to distant areas. It’s
likely to breed by larval development in seasonal pools.

AC
From Jozani Chwaka bay NP, Unguja Island (Zanzibar)
Phlyctimantis keithae
Keith's Striped Frog
Distribution:
Tanzanian endemic. Montane grassland, open farmland and forest fragments in
the Udzungwa Mountains, Tanzania, 1800–2000 m elevation. In occurs in the
vicinity of Kigogo Forest Reserve, Mu ndi area, and around Bomalang'ombe
village.
Remarks:
A medium sized frog. It is distinguished by its black and blue/white colouration
with yellow colouration at limb joints. They also have expanded digital discs. It’s
likely to breed by larval development in seasonal pools.
IUCN ENDANGERED 4c TZE
From southern Udzungwa Mts.

fi
MICROHYLIDAE
Nguu blue bellied frog (Hophlophryne sp.) at the breeding site

Hoplophryne rogersi
Usambara Blue-bellied frog
Distribution:
Tanzanian endemic. It is known only from lowland and montane forest in the
West and East Usambara, mountains, between 180 and 1200 m of elevation.
Remarks:
A medium sized frog. It is distinguished by the number of ngers and it’s spike-
like thumb structure in males. The ventral region is distinctively mottled light blue
colouration. The eggs are deposited in hollow bamboo stems or leaf axils and
tree holes where water is trapped, and where the larvae develop. The West
Usambara Mountains populations of H. rogersi appears to represent a distinct
species due to its distinctive morphology.

JV
JV JV
fi
Hoplophryne cf. rogersi - Nguu
Distribution:
Tanzanian endemic. It is known only from submontane forest in the Nguu
mountains at around 1200 m of elevation.
Remarks:
A medium sized frog. It is distinguished by having three ngers and it’s single
spike-like thumb structure in males. The ventral region is distinctively mottled
light blue colouration. The eggs are deposited in hollow bamboo stems or leaf
axils and tree holes where water is trapped, and where the larvae develop.
4b TZE
From Nguu North FR, Nguu Mts. From Nguu North FR, Nguu Mts.
fi
Hoplophryne uluguruensis
Uluguru Blue-bellied frog
Distribution:
Tanzanian endemic. This species is known from the type locality, the Uluguru
Mountains,
No images available
Remarks:
A medium sized frog. It is distinguished by having three ngers and it’s enlarged
spines on the thumb in males. Spines are also found on hind limbs and the body
is strongly dorso-ventrally attened. The eggs are deposited in hollow bamboo
stems or leaf axils and tree holes where water is trapped, and where the larvae
develop.

fl
fi
Hoplophryne cf. uluguruensis - Nguru
Distribution:
Tanzanian endemic. This species is known from the Mkingu Nature Reserve in the
Nguru Mountains.
Remarks:
spines on the thumb in males. Mid dorsal line is often present. Spines are also
found on hind limbs and the body is strongly dorso-ventrally attened. The eggs
are deposited in hollow bamboo stems or leaf axils and tree holes where water is
trapped, and where the larvae develop.
4b TZE
HM
fi
fl
Hoplophryne sp - Mahenge
Distribution:
Tanzanian endemic. This species is known only from Mahenge Mountains in Sali
Forest Reserve.
No images available
Remarks:
spike like thumb structure in males. Mid dorsal line is often present. Spines are
also found on hind limbs and the body is strongly dorso-ventrally attened. The
eggs are likely to be deposited in hollow bamboo stems or leaf axils and tree
holes where water is trapped, and where the larvae develop.
4b TZE
Parhoplophryne usambarica
Amani forest frog
Distribution:
Tanzanian endemic. This species is known only from one specimen collected in
an unspeci c geographic locality west of Amani, in the East Usambara Mountains
in the 1920’s. Despite numerous surveys being conducted in the region, it has
not been observed since the single specimen was collected.
Remarks:
A medium sized frog. Similar to Hoplophryne but with a fourth nger rather than
a spike or many spines. The shape of the head is distinct, being more sharply
point with near equal distances between snout, nares and the eye than in
Hoplophryne. It is not clear how this species breeds but likely similar to species in
the genus Hoplophryne which breeds in tree-holes.

fi
fi
fi
fl
PETROPEDETIDAE
Southern montane torrent frog (Arthroleptides yakusini) in the Udzungwa Mts.

Arthroleptides martiensseni
Usambara Montane Torrent Frog
Distribution:
Tanzanian endemic. This species is known from the East Usambara Mountains
(including the Magrotto ridge), at 200-1,000 m asl.
Remarks:
A large sized frog. It is distinguished by the T-shaped nger tips, patterning from
snout to the arm joint - with a continuous pattern across the eye. During
breeding season males develop hypertrophied arms and a distinct papilla on the
tympanum. Eggs are deposited in fast owing streams in submontane forest,
developing into larvae which are distinct with quickly developing hind limbs and
sucker mouths that allow them to cling and feed on algae covered rocks.

JV
JV MZ
fl
fi
Arthroleptides yakusini
Southern Montane Torrent Frog
Distribution:
Tanzanian endemic. This species is known only from the Uluguru, Udzungwa,
Mahenge Mountains with an altitudinal range of approximately 350-2000 m asl. It
is associated with rocky streams in mature, montane and submontane forests.
Remarks:
A large sized frog. It is distinguished by the T-shaped nger tips, and tympanum
size. During breeding season males develop hypertrophied arms and a distinct
papilla on tympanum. Eggs are deposited in fast owing streams, developing
into larvae which are distinct with quickly developing hind limbs and sucker
mouths that allow them to cling and feed on algae covered rocks.
From Uzungwa scarp NR, Udzungwa Mts.
From Udzungwa Mountains National Park, Udzungwa Mts. From Sali FR, Mahenge Mts.
fl
fi
Arthroleptides cf. yakusini
Distribution:
Tanzanian endemic. This species is known only from the Nguru Mountains,
including Kanga with an altitudinal range of approximately 800-1700 m asl.
Remarks:
A large sized frog. It is distinguished by the T-shaped nger tips, tympanum size,
and body proportions. During breeding season males develop hypertrophied
arms and a distinct papilla on tympanum. Eggs are deposited in fast owing
streams in submontane forest, developing into larvae which are distinct with
quickly developing hind limbs and sucker mouths that allow them to cling and
feed on algae covered rocks.
4b TZE
From Mkingu NR, Nguru Mountains From Mkingu NR, Nguru Mountains
fi
fl
PHRYNOBATRACHIDAE
An undetermined, maybe unknown, forest puddle frog in Minziro Nature Reserve

Phrynobatrachus ambanguluensis
West Usambara river frog
Distribution:
Tanzanian endemic. It is known only from the West Usambara Mountains.
Remarks:
A medium sized frog. It is distinguished in males by its yellow gular throat and
slightly protruding snout. Breeding takes place in damp and moist areas
alongside streams, and egg masses are attached to rocks or vegetation above
the water where they develop into tadpoles. It is unclear if they’re territorial or
not, in ating their vocal sacs like their close relative P. krefftii.
IUCN NOT EVALUATED 4a TZE

MZ
From Mazumbai NR, West Usambara Mts. - male
MZ MZ
From Mazumbai NR, West Usambara Mts. - male From Mazumbai NR, West Usambara Mts. - male
fl
Phrynobatrachus discogularis
Dabaga puddle frog
Distribution:
Tanzanian endemic. Known only from Dabaga, Bomalang'ombe, and Kigogo, in
the Iringa Region of Tanzania. It is a species of montane grassland, forest edges
and open marsh in forests, it also adapts well to agricultural land. It breeds in
small pools, ponds and slow owing streams.
Remarks:
A small sized frog. It is distinguished by the shape and colour of the male’s
external gular sac. It breeds by larval development in seasonal and permanent
pools in open forest and farm bush.
4b TZE
MP
From Dabaga, Udzungwa Mts.
Phrynobatrachus breviceps
Ma nga river frog
Distribution:
Tanzanian endemic. This species is known only from Ma nga, located on the
Udzungwa Plateau of southern Tanzania. It is expected to occur more widely. The
holotype and only specimen was collected from a ooded meadow partially No images available
fringed by pine trees at approximately 1600m asl.
Remarks:
A small sized frog characterized by its stocky appearance, including a short head.
It exhibits moderate webbing with 3 phalanges free on fourth toe, it lacks digital
discs.

MP
fi
fl
fl
fi
Phrynobatrachus krefftii
Krefft's River frog
Distribution:
Tanzanian endemic. It is known only from the East Usambara Mountains
(including the Magrotto ridge) between 280 and 1500 m of elevation. It is
generally associated with montane and submontane forest and streams and has
not been observed in degraded habitats, except a mildly altered Amani pond.
Remarks:
A medium sized frog. Males have yellow throat. Breeding takes place in damp
and moist areas alongside streams, and egg masses are attached to rocks or
vegetation above the water. Males are believed to be territorial in ating their
vocal sacs.

JV
MZ MZ
fl
Phrynobatrachus natalensis
Natal puddle frog
Distribution:
Widespread. This species ranges very widely in the savannah zone of Africa, from
Senegal and Gambia, east to Ethiopia, Eritrea, and Tanzania, south to Angola,
Namibia, Botswana, South Africa and Lesotho. It is a savannah species, but it can
also be found in forests at low and medium altitude, usually along streams and in
wet valleys.
Remarks:
A medium sized frog. It is distinguished by the black colouration of the throat. It
breeds by larval development in seasonal and permanent pools in open forest
and farm bush. Ongoing studies suggest that this taxon represents more than
one species.
From foothills of Nguru South Mts.
MZ MZ
From the Udzungwa Mts. From the vicinity of Iringa, southern Udzungwa Mts. foothills
Phrynobatrachus pakenhami
Pakenham's River frog
Distribution:
Tanzanian endemic. It is known only from the northern part of Pemba Island,
Tanzania, where it has been recorded from three localities: Machengwe Swamp;
Wete; and Ngezi Forest Reserve. It has been recorded from forest and forest
fringes, and has not been found in severely disturbed habitats.
Remarks:
A medium sized frog. It is distinguished by the black colouration of the throat. It
breeds by larval development in seasonal and permanent pools in open forest
and farm bush. It breeds in pools, marshes, puddles and roadside ditches in and
near tropical evergreen lowland forest.
From Ngezi FR, Pemba Island
From Ngezi FR, Pemba Island From Ngezi FR, Pemba Island
Phrynobatrachus cf. mababiensis
Mababe puddle frog
Distribution:
This species ranges very widely in eastern and southern Africa from northern
Tanzania south to eastern South Africa, west to Namibia and Angola. Due to
taxonomic uncertainties, the northern limits of the distribution are unclear.
Remarks:
It lives in open and wooded savannah and forest clearings. It survives in
agricultural land. It breeds in permanent, semi-permanent and temporary waters.
It likely to represent more than one species based on molecular evidence and in
general taxonomy of some Phrynobatrachus species is not resolved.
IUCN LEAST CONCERN NE
From Minziro NR
From Arusha NP, Mt. Meru From Arusha NP, Mt. Meru
Phrynobatrachus sulfureogularis
Central River frog
Distribution:
Albertine Rift endemic. It is known from an approximate type locality in the
massif of Nanzergwa in Burundi, between 2300 and 2500m of elevation, and
from Mahale Mountains National Park at 2100m. This species appears to be a
forest species as it has not been recorded in areas outside of forest habitat.
Remarks:
A medium sized frog. It is distinguished by the shape and colour of the throat
and longitudinal skin folds. It breeds by larval development in seasonal and
permanent pools in open forest and farm bush.
IUCN VULNERABLE 1 NE BS
From Mahale Mts. NP., Mahale Mountains
Phrynobatrachus ungujae
Unguja Puddle frog
Distribution:
Tanzanian and Kenyan endemic. This species is known from Jozani Forest on
Unguja Island (Zanzibar) and Arabuko-Sokoke Forest in coastal Kenya. It is likely
to be found in other forested localities on the East African coast.
Remarks:
A very small sized frog. It is distinguished by small conical spines on the eyelids,
and males with a grey vocal sac. It breeds by larval development in seasonal and
IUCN ENDANGERED 5 NE
MZ
From Jozani Forest, Unguja Island Island
CL CL
From Jozani Forest, Unguja Island Island From Jozani Forest, Unguja Island Island
Phrynobatrachus uzungwensis
Udzungwa Puddle frog
Distribution:
Tanzanian endemic. it is known from the southern and eastern Udzungwa
Mountains, northern Uluguru Mountains, the Nguu Mountains and the Nguru
Mountains, including Kanga, generally above 900 m asl. It is a species of
submontane and montane forest, where it is associated with mountain streams.
Remarks:
A small sized frog. It is distinguished by the yellow colour of the throat and small
white spines. It also has distinctive colouration with two pairs of small chevron
-shaped warts in scapular region. It breeds by larval development in seasonal
and permanent pools in open forest and farm bush.
From Kanga FR, Mt. Kanga From Uzungwa Scarp NR, Udzungwa Mts.
Phrynobatrachus sp. Minziro
Distribution:
A currently unidenti ed species known for the Minziro Nature Reserve only.
Remarks:
A small frog. It is distinguished by a line thats runs from the snout to the arm
insertion and mottled grey throat. It resembles P. auritus but it’s much smaller and
with less webbing between toes.
From Minziro NR

fi
PIPIDAE
VG Müller's Clawed Toad (Xenopus muelleri) From Kimboza FR, Uluguru

Xenopus muelleri
Müller's Clawed Toad
Distribution:
Widespread. It occurs from Kenya and south to northeastern South Africa,
Swaziland, northern Botswana, northeastern Namibia, and southeastern Angola;
and to the Ennedi in northeastern Chad.
Remarks:
A medium sized frog. It is distinguished by three claws on the foot, and no ridge
on rst toe. It breeds by larval development in seasonal and permanent pools in
open forest and farm bush. Following genetic and morphological analysis it
seems likely that many records from the inland parts of Tanzania currently
assigned to this species should in fact be referred to Xenopus borealis.

VG
From Kimboza FR, Uluguru
From vicinity of Iringa From foothills of Mount Meru

fi
PTYCHADENIDAE
VG Plain grass frog (Ptychadena anchietae) in shallow water in Kimboza forest

Ptychadena anchietae
Plain Grass frog
Distribution:
Widespread. From Eritrea, Ethiopia, Djibouti, Somalia and southern Rep. Congo
through East and central Africa to northern and eastern Botswana, Mozambique,
northeastern Northwestern Province and northern KwaZulu-Natal Province (and
Angola and Namibia to the west. It is a savannah species, but it can also be found
in forests at low and medium altitude, usually along streams and in wet valleys.
Remarks:
A large sized frog. It is distinguished by a tympanum with a white border, and
thighs pale longitudinal bands. It breeds by larval development in seasonal and
JL VG
From Uzungwa Scarp NR Udzungwa Mts. From Kimboza FR, Uluguru Mts. foothills
PYXICEPHALIDAE
An unidenti ed Amietia species on Shira Plateau, at 3800 m asl, Mt. Kilimanjaro

fi
Amietia moyerorum
Moyer's River Frog
Distribution:
Relatively widespread. This species is known from the Nyika Plateau in Malawi,
north through Mbeya, the Rukwa Valley to Mumba, Mount Rwunge and the
Udzungwa Mountains in Tanzania from 800 to 1400 m. Similar to other forest
associated Amietia species, it occurs in montane and sub-montane forest..
Remarks:
A large sized frog. It is distinguished by dorsolateral skin ridges, and upper lip
marbled. It breeds by larval development in slow owing streams, arti cial
canals, seasonal pools and ponds.
IUCN LEAST CONCERN 4c NE

CL
From Mu ndi area, Udzungwa Mts.
Amietia nutti
Nutt's River frog
Distribution:
Widespread. Is con rmed from Burundi, Rwanda, Democratic Republic of
Congo, Uganda, Tanzania, Kenya, Ethiopia between 200–2900 m. It is a species
of both undisturbed forest habitat and disturbed landscapes.
Remarks:
A large sized frog. It is distinguished by dorsolateral skin ridges absent or
extending to sacrum, and upper lip uniformly dark. It breeds by larval
development in slow-moving streams, including agricultural water channels and
ponds.

fi
fi
fl
fi
Amietia tenuoplicata
Amani River Frog
Distribution:
Relatively widespread. It occurs in the Uluguru, Ukaguru, Udzungwa, East
Usambara, and West Usambara Mountains, the Southern Highlands and
Kilombero Valley in Tanzania. In Kenya its recorded between 400-1,700m in the
Taita Hills. It might be more widespread.
Remarks:
A large sized frog. It is distinguished by dorsolateral skin ridges, and pale band
may project between eye and tympanum. It breeds by larval development in
slow owing streams, arti cial canals, seasonal pools and ponds.

MZ
From West Usambara mountains
Amietia wittei
De Witte's River frog
Distribution:
Relatively widespread. It’s known from the central highlands of Kenya, the
Aberdare Mountains, Mount Kenya and the Cherangani Hills, Mount Elgon in
Uganda and Kenya and Mount Kilimanjaro between 2,000 and 3,300 m. It’s a
species associated with streams in montane grassland.
Remarks:
A large sized frog. It is distinguished by dorsolateral skin ridges, and a ne line
between eye and nostril continuing to the tympanum and arm joint. It breeds by
larval development in slow owing streams, arti cial canals, seasonal pools and
ponds.
IUCN LEAST CONCERN 3 NE

DG
From Mt. Meru
fl
fi
fl
fi
fi
Strongylopus fuelleborni
Fülleborn's Stream frog
Distribution:
Relatively widespread. It occurs in the Uluguru, Rubeho, Udzungwa Mountains,
Southern Highlands and U pa Plateau in Tanzania, elsewhere in northern Malawi
and extreme northwestern Zambia. Populations of northern Tanzania (Mt. Meru
and West Usambara Mts.) need further taxonomic investigations. It is a species of
montane grassland, forest edges and open marsh in forests, it also adapts well to
agricultural land.
Remarks:
A large sized frog. It is distinguished by a pair of distinct skin ridges that begin
behind the eye and run to the vent. It breeds by larval development in grassland
streams with eggs laid under dense vegetation.
From a forest fragment in the southern Udzungwa Mts. From Uluguru South NR, Uluguru Mts.
fi
Strongylopus kilimanjaro
Kilimanjaro Stream frog
Distribution:
Tanzanian endemic. This species was originally collected from Mount Kilimanjaro
in northern Tanzania, at 3230 m asl, it is considered unlikely to occur elsewhere.
Probably occurring at high elevations, this species would presumably be
associated with cold mountain streams in alpine African moorland. The spotted
form might represents a distinct species.
Remarks:
A large sized frog. It is distinguished by distinct skin ridges and a white glandular
ridge under the eye. It breeds by larval development in grassland streams with
eggs laid under dense vegetation.

MO
From Mt. Kilimanjaro
From Mt. Kilimanjaro (spotted form)

Strongylopus kitumbeine
Kitumbeine Stream frog
Distribution:
Tanzanian endemic. It is known only from Mount Kitumbeine and possibly Mt.
Gelai, from 2180 to 2800 m asl. It has been found along semi-permanent and
seasonal streams, and around temporary pools in montane Juniperus forest, and
tussock montane grassland. It is able to survive in heavily disturbed forest.
Remarks:
A large sized frog. It breeds by larval development in grassland streams with
eggs laid under dense vegetation. The recently discovered population on Mt
Gelai might represent a distinct species.
IUCN VULNERABLE 4a TZE

AC
From Mt. Kitumbeine
DG DG
From Mt. Gelai From Mt. Kitumbeine
Strongylopus merumontanus
Mount Meru Stream frog
Distribution:
Tanzanian endemic. This species is known only from the high elevations of Mount
Meru in northern Tanzania at ca 1,000-3,000 m asl. It is associated with streams
both in upper montane forest and in afro-alpine heath land; however, juveniles
have been observed in the forest far from streams.
Remarks:
A large sized frog. It breeds by larval development in grassland streams with
eggs laid under dense vegetation. There has been recent disagreement
regarding the taxonomy of Strongylopus in the EAM and adjacent volcanic
mountains of Mts. Kilimanjaro and Meru .

ER
From Mt. Meru
ER
RHACOPHORIDAE
Large grey tree frog (Chiromantis xerampelina) mating at the foothills of Udzungwa Mountains
Chiromantis rufescens
Western Foam-nest frog
Distribution:
Widespread. This species ranges from Sierra Leone east to Uganda and Tanzania.
It is a species of the forest belt, and is found in primary rainforest, secondary
forest, and the transition zone between forest and savannah. A population has
been recently discovered in Minziro Nature Reserve.
Remarks:
A large sized frog. It is distinguished by greenish tinge colouration and
tympanum size relative to expanded ngers. It lays eggs in foam nests in
vegetation (often high above) which are fertilised and develop into tadpoles in
pools.
From Minziro NR

fi
Chiromantis xerampelina
Large Grey Tree frog
Distribution:
Widespread. This species ranges from coastal Kenya south to northern KwaZulu
Natal in South Africa, and inland as far west as eastern Botswana and west-central
Angola. It is present on the island of Zanzibar in Tanzania. It is a very adaptable
species living in all types of savannah, shrubland, disturbed forests, grassland,
agricultural land, pastureland and suburban areas.
Remarks:
A large sized frog. It is distinguished by cream or brown colouration and
tympanum size relative to expanded ngers. It lays eggs in foam nests in
vegetation (often high above) which are fertilised and develop into tadpoles in
pools.

VG
From Kimboza FR, Uluguru Mts. foothills
From Mang’ula, Udzungwa Mts. foothills From Segoma FR, East Usambara Mts.
fi
HERPELIDAE
Uluguru pink caecilian (Boulengerula uluguruensis) in the Nguu Mountains

Boulengerula boulengeri
Boulenger's caecilian
Distribution:
Tanzanian Endemic. Submontane and montane forests in the East Usambara
Mountains from 180 m to1500 m elevation. It lives primarily in montane,
submontane and lowland forests, but also survives well in secondary habitats,
including low-intensity cultivation.
Remarks:
A small sized caecilian. It is distinguished by a terminal keel, light blue
colouration in adults and number of rings (annuli). It is a soil-dwelling species
which lay eggs in a burrow which subsequently develop directly and are not
dependent upon water bodies.

PF
From East Usambara Mts.
From Segoma FR East Usambara Mts. From Segoma FR East Usambara Mts.
From West Usambara Mts.
Boulengerula cf. boulengeri - West Usambara
Distribution:
Tanzanian Endemic. Submontane and montane forests in the West Usambara
Mountains from 1500-1800 m elevation. It lives primarily in in montane and
submontande forest, but also in secondary habitats, including low-intensity No images available
cultivation.
Remarks:
A small sized caecilian. It is distinguished by a terminal keel, pink colouration in
juveniles and light blue colouration in adults. The number of rings (annuli) is key
to de ning species. It is a soil-dwelling species which likely lay eggs in a burrow
which subsequently develop directly and are not dependent upon water bodies.

fi
From Uluguru Mts.
Boulengerula uluguruensis
Uluguru Pink caecilian
Distribution:
Tanzanian Endemic. Submontane and montane forests in the Uluguru, and
Coastal Forests (Kazimzumbwi). It is soil-dwelling, occurring in lowland and
montane forest, and small-holder agricultural areas indicating tolerance to a
degree of disturbance.
No images available
Remarks:
juveniles and adults. The number of rings (annuli) is key to de ning species. It is a
soil-dwelling species which lay eggs in a burrow which subsequently develop
directly and are not dependent upon water bodies.
Boulengerula cf. uluguruensis - Nguu

Distribution:
Tanzanian Endemic. Submontane and montane forests of Nguu Mountains.
Remarks:
4b TZE

fi
fi
Boulengerula cf. uluguruensis - Nguru
Distribution:
Tanzanian Endemic. Submontane and montane forests in the Nguru Mountains.
Remarks:
4b TZE
HM
Boulengerula cf. uluguruensis - Malundwe

Distribution:
Tanzanian Endemic. Submontane and montane forests of Malundwe Hills in the
Mikumi National Park.
Remarks:
No images available
IUCN LEAST CONCERN 4b TZE

fi
fi
DERMOPHIIDAE
Floodplain caecilian (Schistometopum gregorii) from the vicinity of Bagamoyo

Schistometopum gregorii
Floodplain caecilian
Distribution:
Tanzanian and Kenyan endemic. This species is known Tana River Delta area in
Kenya and from the vicinity of Bagamoyo and within 10 km of the southern edge
of Dar es Salaam. It has been recorded from black mud near rivers and
agricultural land, in areas that were once within the coastal forest belt.
Remarks:
A large sized caecilian. It is distinguished by presence of an eye, multiple rings
(secondary annuli) at the posterior end of the body and a dark purple coloured
head and snout. It is soil-dwelling and viviparous species.
From the vicinity of Bagamoyo
From the vicinity of Bagamoyo From the vicinity of Bagamoyo

SCOLECOMORPHIDAE
Banded caecilian (Scolecomorphus vittatus) in the Nguru Mountains HM

Scolecomorphus kirkii
Kirk’s caecilian
Distribution:
In Tanzania it occurs in the forests of the Nguru, Uluguru, Ukaguru, Mahenge and
Udzungwa, Mts. from 500 to over 2000 m; also in southern Malawi and northern
Mozambique. It is a soil-dwelling species found in montane and submontane
forest.
Remarks:
A medium sized caecilian. It is distinguished by the presence of an eye at the
base of the tentacle, weakly de ned terminal keel and bicoloured (dark brown
ventrally and pink ventral side). It is a soil-dwelling species which is viviparous.
From Ilole FR, Rubeho Mts. From Mamiwa Kisara North FR, Ukaguru Mts.
fi
Scolecomorphus uluguruensis
Uluguru caecilian
Distribution:
Tanzanian endemic. It is known from both north and south Uluguru Mountains
between the altitudes of 1800-2050 m asl. It is a soil-dwelling species found in
montane and submontane forest. It also survives in secondary habitat such as
small-holder agricultural areas.
Remarks:
A medium sized caecilian. It is distinguished by a presence of an eye at the base
of the tentacle, weakly de ned terminal keel and unicoloured (dark brown
ventrally and dorsally). It is soil-dwelling species which is viviparous. Ongoing
studies suggest that this taxon might represent more than one species.
From Uluguru North NR, Uluguru Mts.
From Uluguru North NR, Uluguru Mts. From Uluguru South NR, Uluguru Mts.
fi
Scolecomorphus vittatus
Banded caecilian
Distribution:
Tanzanian endemic. It is known from the North and South Pare Mountains, the
East and West Usambara Mountains, and the Nguu, Nguru, Ukaguru and Uluguru
Mountains where its altitudinal range is from 200-1500 m asl. It is a soil-dwelling
species found in montane and submontane forest. It also survives in secondary
habitat such as small-holder agricultural areas.
Remarks:
A medium sized caecilian. It is distinguished by a presence of an eye at the base
of the tentacle, weakly de ned terminal keel and bicoloured (dark brown
ventrally and pink or red on the ventral side). It is a soil-dwelling species which is
viviparous. Ongoing studies suggest that this taxon represents more than one
species.

HM
From Mkingu NR, Nguru Mts. From Mikuvi FR, Ukaguru Mts.
fi
A forest stream in the Uzungwa Scarp Nature Reserve
Sources of information
11. Loader, S. P., Wilkinson, M., Cotton, J. A., Measey, G. J., Menegon, M., Howell, K. M., Gower, D.
J. (2011) Molecular phylogenetics of Boulengerula (Amphibia: Gymnophiona: Caeciliidae)
and implications for taxonomy, biogeography and conservation. The Herpetological
Much of the informations contained in the book are rst-hand information that we have Journal, 21(1), 5-16.
collected ourselves, in the course of eld research, particularly on the species we have
described, on which we have published information regarding evolution, biology or 12. Harper B.E., Measey J., Patrick D.A., Menegon M. & Vonesh R. J. (2010) Field guide to the
distribution, or for which we have contributed to the IUCN assessment. In other cases it amphibians of the eastern arc mountains and coastal forests of tanzania and kenya Published
by Camerapix Publishers International. Nairobi, Kenya
is information provided by colleagues who have conducted eld research or laboratory
work on amphibian species of Tanzanian forests (many of them are acknowledged on 13. Loader, S. P., Gower, D. J., Ngalason, W., & Menegon, M. (2010) Three new species of Callulina
page 4). Many of the information regarding species distribution or conservation status (Amphibia: Anura: Brevicipitidae) highlight local endemism and conservation plight of
in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, accessible at this link: https:// Africa's Eastern Arc forests. Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society, 160(3), 496-514.
www.iucnredlist.org/, as the sources are often the same. 14. Loader, S. P., Gower, D. J., Müller, H., & Menegon, M. (2010) Two new species of Callulina
A website that we have often consulted to check the distribution and taxonomy of the (Amphibia: Anura: Brevicipitidae) from the Nguru Mountains, Tanzania. Zootaxa, 2694, 26-42.
species contained in the book is Amphibian Species of the World 6.0, an online 15. Menegon, M., Burgess, N. D., Doggart, N., Loader, S., & Owen, N. (2009) The South Nguru
reference curated by the American Museum of Natural History and accessible at this Mountains-a new jewel in the Eastern Arc. Oryx, 43(2), 174-175.
link: https://amphibiansoftheworld.amnh.org/.
16. Blackburn, D. C. (2009) Description and phylogenetic relationships of two new species of
The list below, arranged chronologically, is a selection of books and papers published miniature Arthroleptis (Anura: Arthroleptidae) from the Eastern Arc Mountains of Tanzania.
over the last 20 years that may be useful if you wish to access further information about Breviora. Museum of Comparative Zoology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 517: 1.
species recognition, biology, taxonomy or distribution:
17. Menegon M., Doggart N. Owen, N., (2008) The Nguru mountains of Tanzania, an outstanding
1. Weldon C., Channing A., Misinzo G., Cunningham A.A. (2019) Disease driven extinction in the hotspot of herpetofaunal diversity. Acta Herpetologica 3(2): 107-127
wild of the Kihansi spray toad (Nectophrynoides asperginis).bioRxiv 677971; doi: https://
18. Poynton, J., Loader, S. P., & Menegon, M. (2008) A new giant species of Arthroleptis
doi.org/10.1101/677971
(Amphibia: Anura) from the forests of the Nguru Mountains, Tanzania. African Journal of
2. Channing A.; Rödel M.O. (2019) Field Guide to the Frogs & Other Amphibians of Africa. Herpetology, 57(2), 63-74.
Penguin Random House South Africa.
19. Menegon M., Salvidio S. Ngalason, W. & Loader S.P., (2007) A new dwarf forest toad
3. Liedtke, H. C., Müller, H., Rödel, M-O., Menegon, M., Gonwouo, L. N., Barej, M. F., ….Loader, S. (Amphibia: Bufonidae: Nectophrynoides) from the Ukaguru Mountains, Tanzania. Zootaxa
P. (2016) No ecological opportunity signal on a continental scale? Diversi cation and life- 1541: 31–40
history evolution of african true toads (Anura: Bufonidae). Evolution 70 (8), 1717-1733.
20. Müller, H., Loader, S. P., Ngalason, W., Howell, K. M. & Gower, D. J. (2007) Reproduction in
4. Loader, S. P., Lawson, L. P., Portik, D. M., & Menegon, M. (2015) Three new species of spiny brevicipitid frogs (Amphibia: Anura: Brevicipitidae) – evidence from Probreviceps m.
throated reed frogs (Anura: Hyperoliidae) from Evergreen forests of Tanzania. BMC research macrodactylus. Copeia 2007: 726–733.
notes, 8(1).
21. Pickersgill, M. (2007) Frog Search. Results of Expeditions to Southern and Eastern Africa from
5. Loader, S. P., Sara Ceccarelli, F., Menegon, M., Howell, K. M., Kassahun, R., Mengistu, A. A., ... 1993–1999. Frankfurt Contributions to Natural History Volume 28. Frankfurt am Main: Edition
Davenport, T. RB. (2014) Persistence and stability of Eastern Afromontane forests: Evidence Chimaira.
from brevicipitid frogs. Journal of Biogeography 41(9), 1781-1792.
22. Loader S.P., Channing A., Menegon M. & Davenport T.R.B., (2006) A new species of
6. Loader, S. P., Ceccarelli, F. S., Wilkinson, M., Menegon, M., Mariaux, J., De Sa, R. O., Gower, D. Probreviceps (Amphibia: Anura) from the Eastern Arc Mountains, Tanzania. Zootaxa, 1237:
J. (2013) Species boundaries and biogeography of East African torrent frogs of the genus 45-60.
Petropedetes (Amphibia: Anura: Petropeditidae). African Journal of Herpetology, 62(1),
23. Poynton J. C., Menegon M. & Salvidio S., (2005) Bufo uzunguensis of southern Tanzania
40-48.
(Amphibia:Anura): a history of confusion. African Journal of Herpetology, 54(2): 159-170.
7. Müller, H., Liedtke*, H. C., Menegon, M., Beck, J., Balesteros, L., Nagel, P. & Loader, S. P. (2013)
24. Channing A., Menegon M., Salvidio S. & Akker S., (2005) A new forest toad from the Ukaguru
Forests as promoters of terrestrial life-history strategies in East African amphibians. Biology
Mountains, Tanzania (Bufonidae: Nectophrynoides). African Journal of Herpetology, 54(2):
Letters 9: 20121146.
149-157.
8. Menegon, M., Gower, D. J., & Loader, S. P. (2011) A remarkable new species of Callulina
25. Poynton, J.C. (2004) Stream frogs in Tanzania (Ranidae: Strongylopus): the case of S.
(Amphibia: Anura: Brevicipitidae) with massive, boldly coloured limb glands. Zootaxa, 3095,
merumontanus and S. fuelleborni. African Journal of Herpetology: 29-34.
15-26.
26. Menegon, M., Salvidio, S., & Loader, SP. (2004) Five new species of Nectophrynoides Noble
9. Loader, S. P., Poynton, J. C., Lawson, L. P., Blackburn, D. C., & Menegon, M.
1926 (Amphibia Anura Bufonidae) from the Eastern Arc Mountains, Tanzania. Tropical
(2011) Herpetofauna of montane areas of Tanzania. 3. Amphibian diversity in the
Zoology, 17(1), 97-121.
northwestern Eastern Arc Mountains, with the description of a new species of Arthroleptis
(Anura: Arthroleptidae). Fieldiana Life and Earth Sciences, 4, 90-102. 27. Channing, A. and Davenport, T.R.B. (2002) A new stream frog from Tanzania (Anura:
Ranidae: Strongylopus). African Journal of Herpetology: 135-142.
10. Menegon, M., Bracebridge, C., Owen, N., & Loader, S. P. (2011) Herpetofauna of montane
areas of Tanzania. 4. Amphibians and reptiles of Mahenge Mountains, with comments on
biogeography, diversity, and conservation. Fieldiana Life and Earth Sciences, 4, 103-111.
fi
fi
fi
fi
About the Authors
Michele Menegon
Michele has been a director of the PAMS Foundation since 2018. Before that
he worked for over 20 years as a researcher in tropical biodiversity at MUSE,
the science museum of Trento, in Italy. Of the many countries, and the many
forests, especially in East Africa, where he had the privilege to work, Tanzania,
with its small but extremely rich forests, represents his loved second home.
contact: michele@pamsfoundation.org
John Lyakurwa
John completed his B.Sc at the University of Dar es Salaam in 2012 and
immediately went to volunteer at the anti-poaching unit of the Selous Game
Reserve for more than a year. He then joined the staff of the Department of
Zoology and Wildlife Conservation of the University of Dar es Salaam,
herpetology section, at the end of 2013 under the mentorship of Prof. Kim
Howell. His interests in herpetology span from his childhood of frequently
encountering chameleons and snakes during coffee harvesting and white
stem borer removal in his family coffee plot at the base of Mount Kilimanjaro.
He is trained in biodiversity conservation, with broad interests in natural
history, ecology and biology of amphibians and reptiles. He has conducted
eld works in a number of remote areas across the country, surveying contact: johnlyakurwa@gmail.com
amphibians and reptiles for about 10 years.
Simon Loader
Simon has been the Principal Curator in Charge of Vertebrates at the Natural
History Museum since 2017. His job focuses on managing and understanding
the signi cance of nearly 4 million historic and scienti cally valuable
Vertebrate specimens held in the museum’s vaults. Simon has a particular
interest in the Amphibians of Africa, rst visiting Tanzania in 1998 working for
a conservation organisation. He fell in love with the country, people, the
extraordinary animals and hasn’t stopped coming back to Tanzania almost
every year since. He is passionately interested in amphibian conservation and
working with colleagues in Tanzania to describe and understand them better.
contact: simon.loader@nhm.ac.uk
fi
fi
fi
fi
Beautiful metallic toad (Churamiti maridadi) in the Ukaguru Mts.

Amphibians of The Tanzanian Forests

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

You might also like

Amphibians of The Tanzanian Forests

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Amphibians of The Tanzanian Forests

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Michele Menegon

@ Copyright 2020. Images and text cannot be copied, printed or otherwise

Abbreviations: National Park = NP; Nature Reserve = NR; Forest Reserve = FR

Indicates the IUCN Red List category IUCN

Indicates that the species is endemic of Tanzania TZE

Indicates that the species occurs mainly in Tanzania NE

Indicates that the species has a wide range outside W

Tomas C. Buruwate TB John Lyakurwa JL

Alan Channing AC Hendrik Müller HM

Tim Davenport TD Wilirk Ngalason WN

Paul Freed PF Edoardo Razzetti ER

Frontier Tanzania FT Mark Oliver Rödel MO

Donyo Gabriel DG Bill Stanley BS

Vaclav Gvozdik VG Martin Vestergaard MV

Lucinda Lawson LL James Vonesh JV

Christoph Liedtke CL Luke Mahler & Breda Zimkus MZ

Cloud forest in the Mkingu Nature Reserve, Nguru Mts.

South-western Tanzania, bordering

1 Eastern Arc Mts. forests - South 4c

Legend Eastern Tanzania and the islands of

Forest data from Global Forest Watch: https://www.globalforestwatch.org/

Minziro Nature Reserve, NW Tanzania

Montane forest in the Kilimanjaro NP. Mt. Kilimanjaro

Coastal forest in the Jozani NP., Unguja Island (Zanzibar)

Parker’s Tree Frog (Leptopelis parkeri), Uluguru Mountains

Inaonesha makundi ya hali ya uhifadhi ya orodha nyekundu ya IUCN IUCN

Inaonesha spishi inapatikana Tanzania pekee TZE

Inaonesha sehemu kubwa ya spishi inapatikana NE

Inaonesha spishi imesambaa eneo kubwa pia nje ya W

Tunawashukuru Tume ya Sayansi na Teknolojia Tanzania (COSTECH), Taasisi ya Uta ti wa

Tomas C. Buruwate TB John Lyakurwa JL

Alan Channing AC Hendrik Müller HM

Tim Davenport TD Wilirk Ngalason WN

Paul Freed PF Edoardo Razzetti ER

Frontier Tanzania FT Mark Oliver Rödel MO

Donyo Gabriel DG Bill Stanley BS

Vaclav Gvozdik VG Martin Vestergaard MV

Lucinda Lawson LL James Vonesh JV

Christoph Liedtke CL Luke Mahler & Breda Zimkus MZ

Cloud forest in the Mkingu Nature Reserve, Nguru Mts.

Misitu ya Guinea-Kongo 1 Kaskazini 4a

Kusini-magharibi mwa Tanzania, ikipakana

Eneo la ndani ya Hifadhi ya Msitu Asilia wa Rungwe, m 1700

Misitu ya uwanda wa juu ndani ya Hifadhi ya Taifa ya Mlima Kilimanjaro

Msitu wa Pwani kwenye Hifadhi ya Taifa ya Jozani, Kisiwani Unguja

Parker’s Tree Frog (Leptopelis parkeri), Uluguru Mountains

Vermiculated tree frog (Leptopelis vermiculatus) in the Uzungwa Scarp forest

IUCN LEAST CONCERN 4 TZE

IUCN DATA DEFICENT 4a TZE

IUCN ENDANGERED 4a TZE

IUCN DATA DEFICENT 4b TZE

From Mkingu NR, Nguru Mts.

IUCN CRITICALLY ENDANGERED 2 TZE

IUCN VULNERABLE 4b TZE

From Mkingu NR, Nguru Mts.

IUCN CRITICALLY ENDANGERED 4b TZE

IUCN LEAST CONCERN 2,4c NE

From Mdandu FR, Livingstone Mts.