Dr. Krystal A. Tolley
Contact Details
Molecular Ecology and Evolution Program
Kirstenbosch Research Centre
South African National Biodiversity Institute
P/Bag X7
Claremont 7735
South Africa
Tel +27-(0)21-799-8658
My main research interest is to understand the historical processes that have led to the patterns of diversity and speciation in Southern African herps. One main focus is on the chameleons, and includes investigation of the systematics, phylogeographic patterns and phylogenetics in this family of lizards. Several regions are of particular interest, due to the unprecedented diversity in these areas; the Cape Fold Mountains ; KwaZulu-Natal , and East Africa .
These regions pose interesting questions from a conservation, biogeographic, and phylogenetic perspective. For example, the Cape Fold Mountains are located in a major centre of floral endemism (the Cape Floristic Region), which may extend across many faunal groups. It is anticipated that these studies will be used to assist in the conservation of biodiversity in the region, and the elucidation of the processes which may have contributed to speciation in the herpetofauna of Southern Africa.
Recent Publications (pdf)
