Reptiles and Amphibians in Southern Africa

South African Reptiles (Reptilia) and Amphibians

Fauna - Reptiles and Amphibians

Reptiles (Reptilia)

Reptiles have skin covered in scales, are cold blooded and breathes air. Most reptilians lay eggs, though some give "live birth" by retaining the egg-shell.

Most reptiles reproduce sexually, but some are capable of asexual reproduction.

In Southern Africa you will find 3 of the 4 living orders of Reptilia namely:

• Crocodilia - the African Nile Crocodile
• Squamata - Snakes
• Testudines - Turtles & Tortoises

Amphibians

Amphibians include frogs & toads. Amphibians are cold blooded animals that metamorphose from a water-breathing form to an adult air-breathing form.

In Southern Africa you will find approximately 130 - 150 of the more then 5 000 frog species identified over the world.

There is a disturbing decline in frog populations worldwide that can be explained by many attributing factors. Environmental pressures and habitat destruction in South Africa is of the main issues causing this alarming decline in the frog population.