The Reptiles of Gaborone

The Reptiles of Gaborone by R. D. Auerbach, published in 1985 by the Botswana Book Centre, is a focused herpetological survey of reptile species in and around the city of Gaborone, Botswana. The book identifies and describes species of snakes, lizards and other reptiles that inhabit the urban and peri-urban zones of Gaborone, offering ecological insight into how reptiles adapt to human-dominated landscapes.

Auerbach provides species accounts that include taxonomic descriptions, local distribution, behaviour and ecological niche. Photographs or illustrations (depending on the edition) support the descriptions, and the narrative includes observations from field research carried out in the region. He also discusses conservation issues — how urbanisation, habitat fragmentation and human-reptile encounters affect reptile populations, and recommends practices for coexistence and protection. The work bridges the divide between scientific study and practical conservation in Botswana’s rapidly changing environment.

This book is especially relevant for herpetologists, urban ecologists, conservation practitioners and Botswana natural history researchers. The Reptiles of Gaborone offers a snapshot of how reptilian wildlife persists and thrives amid urban growth, and serves as a regional reference that highlights the importance of integrating reptile conservation into city planning and public awareness.