Survey of Reptile Diversity in Gashaka-Gumti National Park, Taraba State, North East Nigeria

This study surveys the diversity and spatial distribution of reptile species in Gashaka-Gumti National Park (GGNP), Taraba State, located in Nigeria's North East geopolitical zone. GGNP is Nigeria's largest national park and encompasses montane, woodland, and forest habitats with potentially high reptile diversity, yet systematic surveys using standardised methods are absent. Visual encounter surveys, pitfall trap arrays, and coverboard lines were deployed at 16 sites stratified by vegetation type over three months. Reptiles encountered were identified morphologically, GPS positions were recorded, and microhabitat use was noted. A total of 37 reptile species from 15 families were recorded, including 26 lizard and 11 snake species. Agamidae and Scincidae were the most species-rich lizard families. Thelotornis kirtlandii and Bitis arietans were among the snake species recorded. Montane forest sites harboured distinctly different assemblages from lowland woodland, with several species found only above 800 metres elevation. Six species were recorded for the first time from Taraba State, representing significant range extensions. Habitat specificity was high among forest specialists, with most restricted to closed-canopy forest. The study contributes substantially to the documented herpetofaunal inventory of GGNP and supports the argument for a national park management plan that explicitly protects the montane zone as a biodiversity hotspot within the park. Keywords: reptile diversity, Gashaka-Gumti National Park, Taraba State, survey, herpetofauna.