A new Kinyongia sp. from South Pare Mts., Tanzania 

The South Pare Mountains are part of the Eastern Arc Mountains, a chain of ancient crystalline blocks in Tanzania and Kenya. These ranges are globally recognized for their endemism: species found nowhere else, shaped by the isolation of each mountain block. The Pare rise to about 2,463 m (Kindoroko peak), formed from Precambrian origins, and their moist montane forests act as ecological islands fostering unique reptile diversity.

Chameleons of the Pare Mountains

• Rieppeleon kerstenii – restricted to the foothills only.
• Rhampholeon viridis – endemic, bound to the high‑altitude Chome forest.
• Kinyongia (uthmoelleri) artytor – semi‑endemic, very likely a distinct species.
• Kinyongia cf. tavetana – showing different morphology and coloration; though not yet confirmed by recent studies, it is very likely a separate local form or subspecies.

Recent Discoveries

Excursions to the summit area above the forest, in the Erica zone, revealed a population of Kinyongia evidently not conspecific with K. artytor. Confined to the lower margin of Chome forest, this form is characterized by small size, brownish uniform coloration, and an enlarged dorsal crest with 3–4 isolated conical scales directly behind the head. Thanks to naturalists Frank Shirima and Jose Sikawa, we now have the first photographic documentation of this spectacular, very likely undescribed Kinyongia.