HERPETOFAUNA OF THE “EL MINERAL DE NUESTRA SEÑORA DE LA CANDELARIA” RESERVE: A BIOLOGICAL TREASURE IN SINALOA, MEXICO

Abstract

Mexico hosts an exceptional diversity of approximately 1 421 species of amphibians and reptiles, many of which are endemic to the country. However, the Sinaloa region has remained largely unexplored due to access challenges and social conflicts. This study focuses on analyzing the biodiversity of amphibians and reptiles in the “El Mineral de Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria” reserve in Sinaloa, Mexico. This reserve, located in the Sierra Madre Occidental, covers 1 256 hectares of diverse habitats, including tropical deciduous and sub-deciduous forests. Through fieldwork conducted between 2017 and 2020, 55 species of amphibians and reptiles were documented in the reserve, of which 34 are endemic to Mexico, highlighting its importance as a refuge for native biodiversity. Furthermore, 20 species are protected by Mexican regulations and are listed on the IUCN Red List, indicating their threatened status. This reserve significantly contributes to Sinaloa’s herpetofaunal landscape, safeguarding approximately 32.4% of its diversity and over 53% of the genera present in the state. The presence of endemic and endangered species underscores the need for specific conservation measures. In conclusion, this listing provides a detailed insight into the biological richness of amphibians and reptiles in the “El Mineral de Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria” reserve, emphasizing its value as a refuge for unique and threatened species. The results urge the implementation of effective conservation strategies to protect these unique ecosystems in the context of global environmental changes.