Butterflies of Tanzania

Butterflies of Tanzania: overview

Tanzania is one of Africa's richest countries in biodiversity. More than 750 species of day-flying butterflies are recorded here. The country spans several fundamentally different zones: Africa's highest peak Kilimanjaro (5,895 m), the endless savannas of Serengeti, tropical forests of mountain ranges, and the Indian Ocean coast with the Zanzibar archipelago.

Usambara and Uluguru Mountains — global endemism hotspots

The Eastern Arc Mountains — ancient ranges in eastern Tanzania, including Usambara and Uluguru — are among Africa's most important areas for biodiversity conservation. Dozens of butterfly species found nowhere else are recorded here. The humid western slopes are especially species-rich.

Kilimanjaro

Several altitudinal belts succeed one another on Kilimanjaro's slopes: tropical forest (1,800–2,800 m), moorland (2,800–4,000 m), alpine desert (4,000–5,000 m). Each belt has a characteristic fauna. Mountain blues and nymphalids reach 3,500–4,000 m.

Zanzibar and coastal forests

Coastal forests of mainland Tanzania and the Zanzibar archipelago contain species linked to Indian Ocean trade routes. Several species arrived here via Madagascar or the Comoros.