Abstract
The region of Volta Grande do Xingu River, in the state of Pará, presents several kinds of land use ranging from extensive cattle farming to agroforestry, and deforestation. Currently, the Belo Monte Hydroelectric Power Plant affects the region. We present a checklist of amphibians and reptiles of the region and discuss information regarding the spatial distribution of the assemblies based on results of Environmental Programmes conducted in the area. We listed 109 amphibian (Anura, Caudata, and Gymnophiona) and 150 reptile (Squamata, Testudines, and Crocodylia) species. The regional species richness is still considered underestimated, considering the taxonomic uncertainty, complexity and cryptic diversity of various species, as observed in other regions of the Amazon biome. Efforts for scientific collection and studies related to integrative taxonomy are needed to elucidate uncertainties and increase levels of knowledge of the local diversity.
Highlights
Amazonia is the largest tropical rainforest in the world and provides important ecosystem services as well high biodiversity and climate regulation (Coe et al, 2013). Azevedo-Ramos and Galatti (2002) presented a survey of information on amphibian richness in the Brazilian Amazon, estimating a minimum of 163 species
There is a lack of information of the current status of the Brazilian Amazonian Herpetofauna due to dispersed
The aim of this paper is to present the current status of knowledge of the amphibians and reptiles from Volta Grande do Xingu, in the state of Pará, based on information obtained after three years of the Faunal Rescue Programme and two years of the Environmental Monitoring Programme in the region of influence of the Belo Monte Hydroelectric Power Plant (UHE Belo Monte)
Summary
Amazonia is the largest tropical rainforest in the world and provides important ecosystem services as well high biodiversity and climate regulation (Coe et al, 2013). Azevedo-Ramos and Galatti (2002) presented a survey of information on amphibian richness in the Brazilian Amazon, estimating a minimum of 163 species. Amazonia is the largest tropical rainforest in the world and provides important ecosystem services as well high biodiversity and climate regulation (Coe et al, 2013). Azevedo-Ramos and Galatti (2002) presented a survey of information on amphibian richness in the Brazilian Amazon, estimating a minimum of 163 species. Ávila‐Pires et al (2007) report the occurrence of 232 species of amphibians and 273 species of reptiles. This richness is underestimated considering the taxonomic problems (Funk et al, 2011), the recent descriptions of species Sturaro and Peloso, 2014) and taxonomic revisions There is a lack of information of the current status of the Brazilian Amazonian Herpetofauna due to dispersed.
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