New reptiles found

Seventeen previously unknown species of reptiles and amphibians have been found in the threatened rainforests of eastern Tanzania, Italian and Tanzanian scientists reported today.

The haul of new species, which include chameleons, tree frogs and snakes, highlights the rich biodiversity of the East African country's South Nguru Mountains region, they wrote in the journal Acta Herpetologica.

Authors Michele Menegon of the Natural Science Museum of Trento in Italy and colleagues said the region's ecosystem was under threat from fire, logging, collection of wood for fuel and land clearance for cultivation.

To stem the damage, the government and villagers have outlined a series of steps needed to improve conservation, such as reducing the population's dependence on unsustainable methods of growing cardamoms, a popular cooking spice and an important cash crop for highland farmers.

"The programme represents an opportunity to reverse the current trend of forest loss and degradation," the scientists wrote.

"To succeed, the programme will need sustained commitment from the government of Tanzania, civil society organisations, the local communities and development partners."