From Field Surveys to Global Biodiversity Data: NatureUganda Celebrates a New Generation of Ugandan Herpetologists

NatureUganda is celebrating the remarkable achievements of the NatureUganda–JRS Uganda Herpetofauna Research Program (NU–JRS), a pioneering initiative that has strengthened Uganda’s capacity in herpetology while generating one of the country’s most significant biodiversity datasets on amphibians and reptiles.

Supported by the JRS Biodiversity Foundation, the project, Training a Cohort of Herpetologists to Increase Data Knowledge in Uganda and Build Capacity for Baseline Herpetology Surveys in Key Ecosystems of East Africa, was launched in 2023 to address a critical conservation challenge: the lack of accessible scientific information on Uganda’s amphibians and reptiles.

Although these species play an essential role in maintaining healthy ecosystems, they remain among the least studied wildlife groups in Uganda. Limited data on their distribution, ecology and conservation status has historically constrained research, conservation planning and evidence-based decision-making.

Through postgraduate training, field research and biodiversity data mobilisation, the NU–JRS Programme has helped bridge this knowledge gap while nurturing a new generation of Ugandan conservation scientists.

Programme at a Glance

One of the programme’s greatest achievements has been investing in Uganda’s future conservation scientists.

To date, five MSc students have successfully completed their studies, each undertaking research that has expanded knowledge of Uganda’s amphibians and reptiles across diverse ecosystems.

The graduates include:

• Brian Mwijukye (Mbarara University of Science and Technology, 2024), who investigated ethno-herpetology and the diversity and distribution of herpetofauna across the Kagera landscape in Isingiro District.
• Ronald Wuyoajja (Mbarara University of Science and Technology, 2025), whose research examined species composition, distribution patterns and land-use threats affecting herpetofauna in the Buhweju wetlands.
• Zalfa Businge (Gulu University, 2025), who studied the impacts of human disturbance on amphibians and reptiles inhabiting forests and wetlands in Amuru District.
• Peter Kutosi (Islamic University in Uganda, 2025), who documented reptile and amphibian diversity along River Manafwa in eastern Uganda.
• Violet Kantono (Makerere University, 2026), whose research focused on the occurrence and distribution of herpetofauna in Mutumba Wetland, Namayingo District.

The programme also provided practical field experience to numerous young conservationists. NatureUganda congratulates Richard Kiiza, Desire Akanyijuka, and Sam Bwambale, who supported MSc field research while pursuing their Bachelor of Science degrees and have since graduated. Three additional MSc candidates—Fionah Kabahinda, James Ezama, and Patrick Omony—are expected to graduate after completing their dissertations, while Moses Olowo and Henry Olwenyi continue progressing towards graduation.

Beyond producing graduates, the NU–JRS Programme has generated an invaluable scientific resource for Uganda’s biodiversity conservation.

More than 50,000 amphibian and reptile occurrence records have been mobilised from surveys conducted across eastern, northern and western Uganda. The programme has documented species ranging from the Common Reed Frog (Hyperolius viridiflavus) to the Vulnerable Bell’s Hinged Tortoise (Kinixys belliana), while also contributing new country and district records.

Research has covered diverse ecosystems including Ramsar wetlands, montane forests, riverine wetlands, floodplains and highland grasslands in landscapes such as Aswa, Ajai, Mount Kei, Kidepo, Pian Upe, Mount Moroto, Mount Elgon, Nabugabo, Sango Bay, Buhweju and Isingiro.

The studies have revealed the effects of habitat fragmentation on amphibian and reptile populations and identified indicator species that can help assess wetland health. Findings have already contributed to peer-reviewed publications in Animal Biology and the Herpetological Bulletin, while informing conservation planning by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), the National Forestry Authority (NFA), and the Wetlands Management Department.

While the research project has officially concluded, its impact continues.

NatureUganda has received support from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) to mobilise and publish the biodiversity data generated through the programme. Once published, these records will become openly accessible to researchers, conservation practitioners, government agencies and policymakers around the world, ensuring that the project’s legacy continues to support science and conservation for years to come.

The NU–JRS Uganda Herpetofauna Research Program demonstrates that investing in young scientists and biodiversity data delivers lasting conservation benefits.

By combining research, capacity building and open-access data, the programme has strengthened Uganda’s ability to understand and conserve its rich amphibian and reptile diversity while inspiring the next generation of conservation leaders.

As Dr. Mathias Behangana, Principal Investigator of the programme, reflects:

“From village wetlands to global databases, Uganda is putting herpetofauna diversity on the map—building a proud threshold of amphibian and reptile lovers who safeguard nature for today and tomorrow.”