A new gregarious species of Trachylepis (Reptilia: Sauria: Scincidae) from Lolui Island, Lake Victoria, Uganda, with a key to Ugandan Trachylepis

Abstract

A new, distinctive gregarious species of Trachylepis is described from five specimens from Lolui Island, in Lake Victoria, Uganda, East Africa. Living in large groups on rock outcrops, it is distinguished from its congeners by differences in colour pattern and lepidosis, although the lepidosis indicates it may be closely related to Trachylepis striata. Some notes on the biology of T. loluiensis and the geological history, geography, vegetation and herpetofauna of Lolui Island are given. A key to Ugandan Trachylepis is provided.