The major developments in southern African herpetology during the last decade are reviewed and first consideration is given to the taxonomic work which is essential to provide a sound foundation for subsequent zoogeographical ecological and ethological research. With the passage of time there will be a gradual shift in emphasis from traditional taxonomic studies to projects based upon living animals both in the field and in the laboratory. Keywords: African caenophidian snakes, Caenophidia, Chamaeleo, ecological, ethological studies, fossorial colubrids, frogs, geckos, lizards, snakes, southern African herpetology, taxonomy, terrapins, tortoises, zoogeography.