Saving the Critically Endangered cave squeaker in Chimanimani, Zimbabwe

Shingirai Sakarombe

Other project team members: Alice Ropafadzo Chisango, Courage T Chimbetete, Sithabiso Nyoni

The Chimanimnai Key Biodiversity Area is the only known site for the Critically Endangered cave squeaker (Arthroleptis troglodytes). It was first discovered in 1961. Specimens collected in 1962 were taken from sinkholes or caves and a few were also found in open montane grassland. However, despite several expeditions to the surrounding area to search for this species since its discovery and collection, no more sightings were recorded until one population was recorded in 2017. Due to the lack of occurrence records for five decades, the cave squeaker had been listed as Possibly Extinct by the IUCN. Since rediscovery of the species in 2017, no further research has been conducted building on the 2017 discoveries and how the species may have been affected by the 2019 Cyclone Idai and mining activities which are reportedly happening in Chimanimani. This project will establish the current population status, distribution and the state of its habitat to inform conservation planning and advocacy. The project approach includes surveys to assess numbers and distribution, habitat assessments to identify threats and awareness campaigns to promote research interest. Expected outputs include a population and distribution report, identified threats and increased awareness. These findings will guide targeted conservation actions, ensuring the protection of the cave squeaker and its habitat into the future.

Watch the project video: