Over four decades of herpetological research and conservation in Tanzania: research gaps and future conservation priorities

Abstract

Herpetological research in Tanzania has increased substantially over recent decades, reflecting the country’s rich amphibian and reptile biodiversity. However, a systematic synthesis of research trends and gaps remains lacking. This review analyses 291 studies (peer-reviewed and grey literature) published between 1980 and 2022, divided into two periods (1980–1999 and 2000–2022). They were sourced from multiple databases including Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, the Wiley Online Library and Web of Science. The findings reveal a nearly four-fold increase in publication output after 1999, with frogs and lizards being the most studied taxa. Systematics (23%) and ecology (18.6%) dominated the peer-reviewed research, while species inventories were common in the grey literature. Research also showed a strong geographical bias toward forest reserves, resulting in the underrepresentation of other important habitats. Conservation status assessments show that amphibians are more threatened than reptiles, with 33.9% versus 13.2% of species classified as threatened, underscoring the need for targeted conservation interventions. Notably, only 22.1% of the peer-reviewed studies were led by first authors affiliated with Tanzanian institutions, highlighting the need to promote locally led research, build capacity and foster equitable international collaboration. This review identifies critical taxonomic, thematic and geographical gaps, emphasising the importance of inclusive, capacity-building research to support effective herpetofaunal conservation in Tanzania.