A preliminary study on the herpetological fauna in the forest refuge of Dzu, Dzoo, Nzerku 3 and Nzonzo in Relict Altitude Forest of the Albert Lake Escarpment (RAFALE), (Djugu territory, Democratic Republic of the Congo)

In the relict forest shreds located in Ituri in the territory of Djugu, on the shores of Lake Albert in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), a preliminary study on herpetofauna was carried out. According to this research, 19 amphibian species and 21 reptile species were harvested in 12 days between April and May 2017. Samples were taken from four research sites: Dzu (N01.94753°; E030.88848°), Dzoo (N01.92742°; E030.89179°), Nzerku 3 (N01.94119°; E030.90612°) and Nzonzo (N01.90352°; E30.91030°). The principal objective of this study was to inventory the herpetological fauna of the Relict Altitude Forest of the Albert Lake Escarpment (RAFALE) landscape. During the night, amphibians were captured by hand by using headlight. A herpetological stick was used to collect reptiles. These biopsies consisted essentially of tissue from the tongue and muscle. Specimens were photographed alive then fixed with formalin (10%), before being preserved in alcohol (70%). Results are interesting and show that the habitats are very rich and diversified. There were more diverse reptiles than amphibians. Considered as a \u0027red area\u0027 where studies are known to be hostile, through this research, it is appropriate to point out that the potential for further in-depth research and focusing efforts for the sustainable conservation of this area is both possible and still urgent.