Return to search

The Squamata (Reptilia) of the Orange Free State, South Africa.

This study deals with the three orders of Squamata (Sauria, Amphisbaenia,
Serpentes) of the Orange Free State, South Africa. Following an intensive
systematic survey 4 492 specimens have been examined comprising 77 different
species and subspecies of which 25% represent new records for the study
area. Variation in taxonomically important characters as well as informa-
tion on colour, size, habitat, breeding, predators and diet are discussed.
Certain taxonomic changes have been made. Distribution maps have been
compiled on the basis of eighth-degree-units.
Distributional patterns have been analyzed to establish areas of relative
homogeneity separated by transitional zones. A causal analysis of the
main distribution patterns of the O.F.S. Squamata indicated that rainfall
is the major environmental factor influencing distribution. A comparative
analysis of the squamate areas has been done with regard to various biogeographic phenomena. / Thesis (Ph.D.)-University of Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 1977.

Identiferoai:union.ndltd.org:netd.ac.za/oai:union.ndltd.org:ukzn/oai:http://researchspace.ukzn.ac.za:10413/11237
Date19 September 2014
CreatorsDe Waal, Schalk Willem Petrus.
ContributorsMeester, Jurgens A. J.
Source SetsSouth African National ETD Portal
Languageen_ZA
Detected LanguageEnglish
TypeThesis

Page generated in 0.0014 seconds