Osteolaemus tetraspis Cope, 1861

Figure 8B

Material. ANGOLA – Cabinda Province • Mayombe NP, Vaku; –4.6323, 12.8937; 319 m a.s.l.; (P2.064) • Dinge; –4.6323, 12.8937; 319 m a.s.l.; EI 810; EI 812; GenBank: PQ456007–08 (street market) .

Identification. A small crocodile (max. SVL = ∼ 2 m) with black dorsum and yellowish patches on tail and jaw (Waitkuwait 1986), three transverse series of nuchal scales, and snout as long as wide at the base. Genetically, it differs by ∼3.6% from material collected from Ogooue Basin, Gabon (GenBank: MN885919).

Biology and distribution. Osteolaemus tetraspis is a widely distributed rainforest species in West Africa,from Senegal to Cabinda Province (Waitkuwait 1986). It is associated with ponds, swampy areas or water pools, frequently far away from main rivers or open waters (Waitkuwait 1986). The photographed specimen was found in a small rain pool under shade in the primary rainforest in Upper Mayombe. Samples from this study were obtained from specimens found in street markets in the Littoral Peneplain, being sold as bushmeat.

Squamata

Chamaeleonidae