Political upheaval before independence as well as nearly thirty years of civil war have led to the biodiversity of Angola (nearly twice the size of Texas) being much less well known than in neighboring countries. Angola. (Photo Credit: E. Stanley)

While dry, the Namibian Desert still contains abundant and interesting biodiversity in its varied landscapes and habitats. Among the most famous elements of the Angolan and Namibian deserts are the giant welwitschia plants that dot the landscape. The mountains of Angola may harbor important undescribed diversity for amphibians and reptiles. Angola. (Photo Credit: E. Stanley)

While most geckos are noctural, some like this Namib day gecko can be found out on rocks during the day. (Photo Credit: L. Ceríaco)

Field team involved in studies documenting the diversity and distribution of Namibian amphibians and reptiles along the Skeleton Coast. Namibia. (Photo Credit: A. Bauer)