Abstract
Abstract The Atlantic Forest (AF) is one of the biodiversity hotspots of the world, and the most fragmented biome of Brazil. This biome includes different phytophysiognomies, as riparian, slope, cloudy forests, and grasslands. Such complexity, allied to huge latitudinal and high elevational range, provides diverse habitats and conditions for amphibian speciation. As a result, there are over 600 amphibian species known to occur in the AF. Within this biome the Caparaó National Park (CNP) is relevant, as it includes the highest peak of the biome, the Pico da Bandeira at almost 3,000 m above sea level, as well as different phytophysiognomies as rocky fields and humid forests. In spite of that, its amphibian fauna is still poorly described. We inventoried amphibians at the CNP and surrounding areas from 2016 to 2018 and recorded 47 anuran species, of which two are locally endemic and at least six have not been described yet. Additionally, we compiled data from previous surveys (2004 to 2008) and secondary data from scientific collections. All together, we registered a total of 61 anuran species from 12 families for the CNP and surroundings, placing this area among the 10 amphibian richest sites in the AF. Some of these species are represented by only one or two collected specimens and have not been registered in the CNP since the 1980’s, such as Thoropa lutzi and Hylodes vanzolinii. These species could be examples of population declines or even past local extinctions, highlighting the need of further sampling efforts in that highly biodiverse site.
Highlights
The Atlantic Forest (AF) is one of the most degraded biomes of Brazil, with less than 16% of its original extension, due to severe anthropic pressure over the past couple centuries (Ribeiro et al 2011, Rossa-Feres et al 2018)
Gathering with the information from our previous surveys and secondary data from scientific collections, we compiled a list of 61 anuran species comprised in 12 families (Table 1; Figure 3 – 8; Appendix I), placing the Caparaó National Park (CPN) among the 10 amphibian richest sites in the AF (Table 2)
This is a first comprehensive list of anurans for the Caparaó National Park (CNP) and surroundings. This update adds 40 anuran species to the list used for the park management plan (21 species) and place the CNP among the 10 amphibian richest sites in the Atlantic Forest (Table 2)
Summary
The Atlantic Forest (AF) is one of the most degraded biomes of Brazil, with less than 16% of its original extension, due to severe anthropic pressure over the past couple centuries (Ribeiro et al 2011, Rossa-Feres et al 2018). This biome is characterized by having different phytophysiognomies as evergreen, deciduous and semi-deciduous forest, mangroves, swamps, dunes and high-altitude grasslands (Ribeiro et al 2011), high latitudinal variation (almost from the equator line, down to subtropical regions), and high topographic complexity (Morellato & Haddad 2000, Toledo et al 2014). Some of the AF mountains are traditional centers of endemism, due to their elevation, climatic variation and biogeographic history (Guarnizo & Cannatella 2013, Vasconcelos et al 2014)
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
