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.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:netd.ac.za/oai:union.ndltd.org:ukzn/oai:http://researchspace.ukzn.ac.za:10413/11237 |
| Date | 19 September 2014 |
| Creators | De Waal, Schalk Willem Petrus. |
| Contributors | Meester, Jurgens A. J. |
| Source Sets | South African National ETD Portal |
| Language | en_ZA |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis |
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