R. zambeziensis, like R. appendiculatus, is primarily a parasite of domestic and wild herbivores, and sometimes carnivores. Both species occur in parts of east, central and southern Africa, but they are not as a rule sympatric. In general, R. zambeziensis occurs in hotter, drier areas than does R. appendiculatus, especially along some of the great river valleys. In Zimbabwe, R. zambeziensis is largely restricted to the northern, northwestern and southern parts of the country, whereas R. appendiculatus is widely distributed in the eastern and southern areas.