Extensions to the Known Geographic Distributions of Reptiles in the Great Karoo, South Africa

The Great Karoo is an ecologically fragile, poorly studied arid region in central South Africa. With the discovery of shale gas as a potential resource in the Great Karoo, it is expected that a substantial footprint will be left in this region if gas extraction proceeds. This highlights the need for biodiversity surveys of the Great Karoo of taxonomic groups, including reptiles, to collect baseline distribution data from across the proposed shale gas extraction area to inform impact assessments. Over the course of 3 y, we conducted reptile surveys at 36 targeted sites and collected data in the form of voucher specimens, observations, photographs and/or DNA samples. During these surveys, we collected records from nine of the species we found that lead to adjustments to their distribution maps. Despite South Africa being the most comprehensively sampled country in Africa for reptiles, our findings highlight the insufficiencies in baseline distribution data for reptiles and the need for comprehensive biodiversity sampling.