THE HERPETOFAUNA OF SUGARCANE FIELDS AND THEIR ENVIRONS ON THE NORTH COAST OF NATAL

Abstract

A survey of the herpetofauna of the Natal North Coast between the Tugela River and Sheffield Beach was conducted by means of trapping and active field collecting. Most work was undertaken in areas of sugarcane cultivation, where the fauna was found to be richer and more numerous than expected. Collecting was also undertaken in relict patches of indigenous vegetation. A checklist was compiled indicating the species collected and the habitats in which they were found. Some expected species were not found, while the range of one species was extended northwards.