Schistometopum gregorii

Schistometopum gregorii, also known as Witu caecilian, mud-dwelling caecilian, and flood-plain-dwelling caecilian, is a species of amphibian in the family Dermophiidae from East Africa.

Distribution

Schistometopum gregorii is endemic to the coastal East Africa in Kenya and Tanzania; it is known from the Tana River Delta area in Kenya and between Bagamoyo and Rufiji River in Tanzania. It is possible that the Kenyan and Tanzanian populations are distinct species.

Etymology

The specific name gregorii honours John Walter Gregory, a British geologist and explorer and the collector of the holotype.

Description

Schistometopum gregorii is glossy black dorsolaterally and somewhat lighter ventrally. There are 110–119 primary annuli. Kenyan males measure and females in total length.

Habitat and conservation

The species has been found in black mud near rivers and agricultural areas. There are no known major threats affecting this ecologically poorly known species. Because it occurs in cultivated areas it is likely able to tolerate disturbance.