Chameleon Fauna of the South Pare Mountains, 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 celebrated for their endemism, meaning species occur here that are found nowhere else. The Eastern Arc is often described as a series of "ecological islands," where isolation has driven unique evolutionary lineages.
Topography and Human Setting
The Pare Mountains rise to about 2,463 m at Kindoroko peak. Their slopes are steep, dissected by valleys, and crowned by montane forests at higher elevations. The geology is Precambrian, making them among Africa's oldest mountain ranges. Human populations in the Pare region are primarily agricultural, cultivating crops such as maize, beans, and bananas on the lower slopes. Villages are scattered along the foothills, and traditional land use has shaped the landscape, often pressing against the margins of natural forest.
Chome Forest
At the heart of the South Pare lies Chome Forest Reserve, a high‑altitude montane forest that serves as a refuge for endemic flora and fauna. The forest is characterized by moist evergreen vegetation, with Erica scrub at the summit zone. It is here that several rare chameleon species are bound, making Chome a critical site for conservation.
Chameleons of the Pare Mountains
Rieppeleon kerstenii – restricted to the foothills only.
Chamaeleo dilepis – the flap‑necked chameleon, also restricted to the foothills only.
Rhampholeon viridis – endemic, confined 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.
Kinyongia sp. (undescribed) – recently observed in the summit area above Chome forest, within the Erica zone. This population is evidently not conspecific with K. artytor. It 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, photographic documentation now confirms the presence of this spectacular, very likely undescribed Kinyongia.