Forty years of herpetological research in the Nyungwe and Cyamudongo forests of Rwanda: 1984 -2024

A comprehensive herpetological study of Nyungwe National Park, Rwandareveals 34 amphibian and 50 reptile species, with 59% of amphibians and 34% of reptiles being Albertine Rift endemics. Three amphibian species are locally endemic to the park, highlighting its biodiversity significance. The research spans four decades (1984–2024), documenting ongoing discoveries in this montane rainforest refugium. Species were categorized by altitudinal zones and IUCN Red List status, while traditional ecological knowledge and vernacular names were also explored. This study underscores Nyungwe’s role as a critical biodiversity hotspot with unresolved taxonomic gaps.

Hinkel, H., Dehling, M., & Fischer, E. (2026). Forty years of herpetological research in the Nyungwe and Cyamudongo forests of Rwanda: 1984 -2024. Mainzer Naturwissenschaftliches Archiv. https://doi.org/10.82549/3XV1-4E76