Snake Families Research Articles

Hemodynamic Effects of Viperidae and Elapidae Snake Bites: A Comprehensive Review

Snakebite is a health issue frequently overlooked in tropical and subtropical countries. Despite snake bites from the families of Viperidae and Elapidae have been reported, there is limited information on the range of clinical manifestations on hemodynamics in adults. This study aims to describe the clinical manifestations of hemodynamic disorders in adults due to snake bites from the Viperidae and Elapidae families. The data for the literature review on hemodynamic disorders caused by Viperidae and Elapidae snake bites in adults was collected through a systematic search on Sciencedirect and PubMed from 2018 to 2023, along with manual searches on Google Scholar. This literature review was conducted using a systematic search on ScienceDirect and PubMed from 2018 to 2023 and a manual search on Google Scholar. The findings were 21,431 snakebite cases from 47 published research studies successfully acquired in this study. There are 36% of coagulopathy cases worldwide, 2% of internal bleeding cases, 25% of arrhythmia cases, and 21% of cardiomyopathy cases. The majority of the cases (70%) were Viperidae bite cases, with some (20%) being Viperidae and Elapidae bite cases and a tiny number (10%) being Elapidae bite cases. The study underscores the importance of a comprehensive approach to snakebite management based on a thorough understanding of the hemodynamic effects induced by these snake families.

Herpetofauna diversity from late Holocene wetlands of northeastern Argentina

AbstractThe palaeofauna of the Quaternary is mostly known from the mammals' record, while the herpetofauna is less represented. In the same way, in northeastern Argentina reptile fossils records are scarce, usually represented by preliminary communications. This paper focuses on the study of herpetofauna remains from the Isla El Disparito archaeological site. The faunal materials collected at the site revealed an increase in taxonomic diversity related to the Quaternary herpetofauna in the IED site, with over 50% of the bone remains represented by anurans and at least six recognized squamates taxa. The purpose of this study is to properly identify these new records of herpetofauna remains from northeastern Argentina during the Holocene as well as to provide a dichotomous key of postcranial remains for identifying extant squamates taxa in other Quaternary sites from Argentina. The identified squamate assemblage includes the lizard Ophiodes sp., the snake families Typhlopidae, Dipsadidae, Viperidae and undetermined colubroids, along with anuran bone remains (Anura indet. and ?Hylidae). Additionally, the findings contribute to a better understanding of the herpetological assemblage in Argentina, providing insights into the composition of South American squamates during the Quaternary.

Phylogenomics of Psammodynastes and Buhoma (Elapoidea: Serpentes), with the description of a new Asian snake family

Asian mock vipers of the genus Psammodynastes and African forest snakes of the genus Buhoma are two genera belonging to the snake superfamily Elapoidea. The phylogenetic placements of Psammodynastes and Buhoma within Elapoidea has been extremely unstable which has resulted in their uncertain and debated taxonomy. We used ultraconserved elements and traditional nuclear and mitochondrial markers to infer the phylogenetic relationships of these two genera with other elapoids. Psammodynastes, for which a reference genome has been sequenced, were found, with strong branch support, to be a relatively early diverging split within Elapoidea that is sister to a clade consisting of Elapidae, Micrelapidae and Lamprophiidae. Hence, we allocate Psammodynastes to its own family, Psammodynastidae new family. However, the phylogenetic position of Buhoma could not be resolved with a high degree of confidence. Attempts to identify the possible sources of conflict in the rapid radiation of elapoid snakes suggest that both hybridisation/introgression during the rapid diversification, including possible ghost introgression, as well as incomplete lineage sorting likely have had a confounding role. The usual practice of combining mitochondrial loci with nuclear genomic data appears to mislead phylogeny reconstructions in rapid radiation scenarios, especially in the absence of genome scale data.

Distinct regulatory networks control toxin gene expression in elapid and viperid snakes

BackgroundVenom systems are ideal models to study genetic regulatory mechanisms that underpin evolutionary novelty. Snake venom glands are thought to share a common origin, but there are major distinctions between venom toxins from the medically significant snake families Elapidae and Viperidae, and toxin gene regulatory investigations in elapid snakes have been limited. Here, we used high-throughput RNA-sequencing to profile gene expression and microRNAs between active (milked) and resting (unmilked) venom glands in an elapid (Eastern Brown Snake, Pseudonaja textilis), in addition to comparative genomics, to identify cis- and trans-acting regulation of venom production in an elapid in comparison to viperids (Crotalus viridis and C. tigris).ResultsAlthough there is conservation in high-level mechanistic pathways regulating venom production (unfolded protein response, Notch signaling and cholesterol homeostasis), there are differences in the regulation of histone methylation enzymes, transcription factors, and microRNAs in venom glands from these two snake families. Histone methyltransferases and transcription factor (TF) specificity protein 1 (Sp1) were highly upregulated in the milked elapid venom gland in comparison to the viperids, whereas nuclear factor I (NFI) TFs were upregulated after viperid venom milking. Sp1 and NFI cis-regulatory elements were common to toxin gene promoter regions, but many unique elements were also present between elapid and viperid toxins. The presence of Sp1 binding sites across multiple elapid toxin gene promoter regions that have been experimentally determined to regulate expression, in addition to upregulation of Sp1 after venom milking, suggests this transcription factor is involved in elapid toxin expression. microRNA profiles were distinctive between milked and unmilked venom glands for both snake families, and microRNAs were predicted to target a diversity of toxin transcripts in the elapid P. textilis venom gland, but only snake venom metalloproteinase transcripts in the viperid C. viridis venom gland. These results suggest differences in toxin gene posttranscriptional regulation between the elapid P. textilis and viperid C. viridis.ConclusionsOur comparative transcriptomic and genomic analyses between toxin genes and isoforms in elapid and viperid snakes suggests independent toxin regulation between these two snake families, demonstrating multiple different regulatory mechanisms underpin a venomous phenotype.

There and back again: when and how the world's richest snake family (Dipsadidae) dispersed and speciated across the Neotropical region

AbstractAimThe widespread megadiverse Neotropical snake family Dipsadidae occurs in a large range of diverse habitats. Therefore, it represents an excellent model to study the diversification of Neotropical biota. Herein, by generating a time‐calibrated species‐level phylogeny, we investigate the origin and historical biogeography of Dipsadidae and test if its two main Neotropical subfamilies, Xenodontinae and Dipsadinae, have different geographical origins.LocationNeotropical region.TaxonDipsadidae (Serpentes).MethodsWe generated a new Bayesian time‐calibrated phylogeny based on published sequences from six genes for 344 species, including 287 species of Dipsadidae. We subsequently estimated ancestral areas of distribution by comparing models in BioGeoBEARS: DEC (subset sympatry, narrow vicariance), DIVALIKE (narrow and wide vicariance), BAYAREALIKE (no vicariance and widespread sympatry), also testing jump dispersal. We also estimated shifts in the diversification of this group using BAMM, exploring possible relationships with its historical biogeography.ResultsThe best models show that Dipsadidae likely originated approximately 50 million years ago (mya) in Asia. Dispersal was a fundamental process in its historical biogeography. The DEC model with jump dispersal indicated that this family underwent a range extension from Asia and posterior vicariance of North and Central America ancestors. Both Xenodontinae and Dipsadinae originated in Central America and dispersed to South America during Middle Eocene, but did so to different regions (cis and trans‐Andean South America, respectively). Xenodontinae entered cis‐Andean South America around 39 mya and jump dispersed to the West Indies around 33 mya, while Dipsadinae entered trans‐Andean South America multiple times 20–38 mya. The diversification rate decreased through time, except for a clade within Dipsadinae composed of the Dipsadini tribe and the Atractus and Geophis genera.Main ConclusionsOur results show that Dipsadidae has an Asian origin and that the two main Neotropical subfamilies originated in Central America, later dispersing to South America in different time periods. This difference is also reflected in the higher diversification rate for the ‘goo‐eaters’ in the Dipsadinae subfamily. The current biogeographical patterns of the family Dipsadidae, the most species‐rich snake family in the world, have likely been shaped by complex evolutionary and geological processes such as Eocene land bridges, Andean uplift and the formation of the Panama isthmus.

Metazoan endoparasites of snakes from Argentina: Review and checklist with distributional notes and remarks.

This article presents a checklist of metazoan parasites of snakes from Argentina, along with a comprehensive review of the relevant literature published between 1922 and June 2023, covering various aspects of interest. We compiled 34 species of metazoan endoparasites from 28 studies. The subclass Digenea showed the highest number of species (n = 22 species), followed by the phylum Nematoda (n = 8 species), and the subclass Pentastomida (n = 3 species and 1 taxa inquirenda). Dipsadidae was the family of snakes with the most species examined for metazoan endoparasites (n = 20 species). In contrast, Viperidae had the largest number of specimens surveyed (n = 343). Of 23 provinces, 15 (65.2%) presented at least one report of metazoan endoparasites in snakes. The northeastern provinces showed the highest richness of metazoan endoparasites and host diversity. Many articles focused on taxonomy, but studies on parasite ecology were not found. Although taxonomic accuracy was high in most reports, some records were correctly deposited in zoological collections or geo-referenced. This is the first attempt to include all groups of metazoan endoparasites of snakes from Argentina in a single checklist in the last century.

BILATERAL PTOSIS AND SEVERE RESPIRATORY DISTRESS AS NEUROTOXIC SYMPTOM AFTER KRAIT ENVENOMATION IN CENTRAL INDIA: CASE REPORT AND REVIEW OF LITERATURE

Snake bite is a very well-known medical emergency presented in an Emergency Department, leading to life threatening condition if not treated adequately. Snake bite is very common in rural areas of central India where medical facilities are not well developed, so mortality rates are higher from respiratory arrest is evident compared to developed cities of state. Among the several snake families, krait bites are known to result in neurological symptoms, including ptosis, external ophthalmoplegia, paralysis of pharyngeal muscles, followed by respiratory and generalised muscle paralysis. We report a case of 45-year-old female from rural area presented to us with Snake bite followed by a bilateral ptosis and respiratory muscle paralysis with abdominal pain after getting primary treatment, she was managed in our hospital with mechanical ventilation, anti-snake venom and other supportive measures.

Snake and arthropod venoms: Search for inflammatory activity in human cells involved in joint diseases

Most anti-inflammatory drugs currently adopted to treat chronic inflammatory joint diseases can alleviate symptoms but they do not lead to remission. Therefore, new and more efficient drugs are needed to block the course of joint inflammatory diseases. Animal venoms, rich in bioactive compounds, can contribute as valuable tools in this field of research. In this study, we first demonstrate the direct action of venoms on cells that constitute the articular joints. We established a platform consisting of cell-based assays to evaluate the release of cytokines (IL-6, IL-8, TNFα, IL-1β, and IL-10) by human chondrocytes, synoviocytes and THP1 macrophages, as well as the release of neuropeptides (substance-P and β-endorphin) by differentiated sensory neuron-like cells, 24 h after stimulation of cells with 21 animal venoms from snake and arthropod species, sourced from different taxonomic families and geographic origins.Results demonstrated that at non-cytotoxic concentrations, the venoms activate at varying degrees the secretion of inflammatory mediators involved in the pathology of articular diseases, such as IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α by chondrocytes, synoviocytes, and macrophages and of substance P by neuron-like cells. Venoms of the Viperidae snake family were more inflammatory than those of the Elapidae family, while venoms of Arthropods were less inflammatory than snake venoms. Notably, some venoms also induced the release of the anti-inflammatory IL-10 by macrophages. However, the scorpion Buthus occitanus venom induced the release of IL-10 without increasing the release of inflammatory cytokines by macrophages. Since the cell types used in the experiments are crucial elements in joint inflammatory processes, the results of this work may guide future research on the activation of receptors and inflammatory signaling pathways by selected venoms in these particular cells, aiming at discovering new targets for therapeutic intervention.

Delayed Onset of Symptoms After a Rattlesnake Bite in a Renal Transplant Patient: A Case Report.

The United States is home to two major families of venomous snakes, Crotalids and Elapids. The Crotalid family, also known as pit vipers, is well known for being among the most frequent causes of snakebites reported. Crotalid envenomation can present with local findings, hematologic toxicity, and systemic toxicity. Identification of envenomated patients is key to determining who needs antivenom. Most sources recommend an observation period of six to eight hours after the snakebite to determine whether the bite was "dry" or the patient was exposed to venom. We present the case of a 33-year-old patient with a history of renal transplantation who had delayed onset of symptoms of envenomation 18 hours after an initial emergency department observation. The patient did well after a course of antivenom and was discharged on hospital day three. The patient's immunosuppressive regimen may have delayed the onset of clinical symptoms, thus delaying treatment. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case reported of a patient presenting with a delayed onset of initial snakebite envenomation symptoms.

Extinction debt and functional traits mediate community saturation over large spatiotemporal scales.

Determining if ecological communities are saturated (have a limit to the number of species they can support) has important implications for understanding community assembly, species invasions, and climate change. However, previous studies have generally been limited to short time frames that overlook extinction debt and have not explicitly considered how functional trait diversity may mediate patterns of community saturation. Here, we combine data from biodiversity surveys with functional and phylogenetic data to explore if the colonisation events after the Great American Biotic Interchange (closure of the Panamanian Isthmus) resulted in increases in species richness of communities of the snake family Dipsadidae. We determined the number and the direction of dispersal events between Central and South America by estimating ancestral areas based on a Bayesian time-calibrated phylogenetic analysis. We then evaluated whether variation in community saturation was mediated by the functional similarity of six traits for the resident and colonizing snakes and/or local environmental conditions. We found that colonised communities did not support more species than those that were not colonised. Moreover, we did not find an association between the functional diversity across sites and whether they were colonised by members from the lineages dispersing across the Isthmus or not. Instead, variation in species richness was predicted best by covariates such as time since colonisation and local environment. Taken together, our results suggest that snake communities of the Dipsadidae across the neotropics are saturated. Moreover, our research highlights two important factors to consider in studies of community saturation: extinction debt and the functional differences and similarities in species' ecological roles.

Independent Recruitment of Different Types of Phospholipases A2 to the Venoms of Caenophidian Snakes: The Rise of PLA2-IIE within Pseudoboini (Dipsadidae).

Snake venoms harbor a wide and diverse array of enzymatic and nonenzymatic toxic components, allowing them to exert myriad effects on their prey. However, they appear to trend toward a few optimal compositional scaffolds, dominated by four major toxin classes: SVMPs, SVSPs, 3FTxs, and PLA2s. Nevertheless, the latter appears to be restricted to vipers and elapids, as it has never been reported as a major venom component in rear-fanged species. Here, by investigating the original transcriptomes from 19 species distributed in eight genera from the Pseudoboini tribe (Dipsadidae: Xenodontinae) and screening among seven additional tribes of Dipsadidae and three additional families of advanced snakes, we discovered that a novel type of venom PLA2, resembling a PLA2-IIE, has been recruited to the venom of some species of the Pseudoboini tribe, where it is a major component. Proteomic and functional analyses of these venoms further indicate that these PLA2s play a relevant role in the venoms from this tribe. Moreover, we reconstructed the phylogeny of PLA2s across different snake groups and show that different types of these toxins have been recruited in at least five independent events in caenophidian snakes. Additionally, we present the first compositional profiling of Pseudoboini venoms. Our results demonstrate how relevant phenotypic traits are convergently recruited by different means and from homologous and nonhomologous genes in phylogenetically and ecologically divergent snake groups, possibly optimizing venom composition to overcome diverse adaptative landscapes.

Large-scale snake genome analyses provide insights into vertebrate development

Snakes are a remarkable squamate lineage with unique morphological adaptations, especially those related to the evolution of vertebrate skeletons, organs, and sensory systems. To clarify the genetic underpinnings of snake phenotypes, we assembled and analyzed 14 de novo genomes from 12 snake families. We also investigated the genetic basis of the morphological characteristics of snakes using functional experiments. We identified genes, regulatory elements, and structural variations that have potentially contributed to the evolution of limb loss, an elongated body plan, asymmetrical lungs, sensory systems, and digestive adaptations in snakes. We identified some of the genes and regulatory elements that might have shaped the evolution of vision, the skeletal system and diet in blind snakes, and thermoreception in infrared-sensitive snakes. Our study provides insights into the evolution and development of snakes and vertebrates.

Alternative therapy improves hematological profiles of captive snakes from northeastern Brazil

Objective: Evaluate the effects of alternative therapy on the hematological profiles of different families of captive snakes. Methodology: Captive snakes at NUROF-UFC were submitted to a clinical and hematological evaluation before and after applying an alternative treatment, including systematic sunbathing and hydration by soaking bathes twice a week for five weeks. The biometric, clinical, and hematological data were compared by multivariate analysis of variance and investigated for possible causal relationships by general linear models. Results: A significant difference was observed between erythrograms and global leukograms in the three families of snakes evaluated before and after treatment. The significant reduction in the heterophil: lymphocyte ratio in the Family Colubridae after treatment was noteworthy. Discussion: The results were most likely due to stress level reduction by improving thermoregulation and conversion of vitamin D during sunbathing, oral rehydration and refreshing in soaking baths, and general metabolic rates due to physical exercise. Conclusion: The results confirm the initial hypothesis, assuming that a simple but systematic treatment that included sunlight exposure and immersion hydration was efficient in reducing stress rates.

ПРИМЕНЕНИЕ БИОАНАЛОГОВОГО МЕТОДА ПРОЕКТИРОВАНИЯ ПРИ ФОРМИРОВАНИИ МОБИЛЬНЫХ ЖИЛИЩ

The bio-analogue design method is aimed at improving the architectural forms of a mobile home by selecting and applying optimal natural structures drawn up in the process of evolutionary development. Accordingly, the purpose of the study is to determine the principles of creating mobile homes based on the bio-analogue design method. The research task is to study the features of the structure of living organisms and the functioning of natural systems to determine the ways of shaping and constructive solutions of mobile buildings. It is noted that the methods of architectural bionics should be aimed at studying the structural features of organic natural systems throughout their life cycle. In the course of the study, transforming natural models capable of changing the size and type of shape are studied (succulent plants, insects order the Lepidoptera, the family puffers); mobile natural objects with the ability to overcome distances by moving in space (plants from the fungi department, animals from the arthropod order, reptiles from the grass snake family). In result, the following principles of creating mobile homes are determined: compactness of the structural form of the building, its ability to repeatedly transform the volume and unhindered movement independently or with the help of kinematic properties of other systems. To consider the issues of shaping in nature and architecture, reference forms are taken - a cone, a spiral, a hexagonal prism, a sphere and spatial natural structures, such as shells, ribbed, lattice, mesh, folded and cable–stayed structures. Based on the research, conceptual models of mobile temporary dwellings for tourists, geologists, researchers of the North and nomadic pastoralists have been developed.

Testing the morphological constraint hypothesis of tail length in the sexually dimorphic Cerastes vipera and new perspectives

The morphological constraint hypothesis (MCH) states that, in snakes, males typically have relatively longer tails than females to accommodate the hemipenes and retractor muscles. To date, most studies testing the MCH have been interspecific and results have been equivocal. We tested the MCH intraspecifically on Cerastes vipera, a species with a relatively short tail and suitable for testing the MCH. The relative tail length and length of the hemipenes pocket in Cerastes vipera were measured in preserved museum-maintained males (n = 35) and in free-ranging males and females (n = 277). Males exhibited relatively longer tails than females, which was explained fully by the length of the hemipenes pocket. The relatively short tail of C. vipera presents a constraint to the reproductive structures in males, as the length of the hemipenes pocket occupies a greater proportion in shorter- than longer-tailed individuals. This is the first report presenting these intraspecific findings in support of the MCH. Whether these relations are widespread among snake families, within Viperidae, or specifically within C. vipera warrants further studies.

Updated checklist of snakes with the first record of Spalerosophis arenarius in Gujarat and range extensions of five fpecies of snakes in the northern region of Gujarat, India

A complete checklist of herpetofaunal species is required in order to understand species richness and distribution, especially of reptiles. India has a total of 279 snake species, whereas Gujarat only has 60, leaving many opportunities for researchers to further investigate snake diversity in the state. The purpose of this study is to explore snake diversity in the northern region of Gujarat state, a region which comprises five districts, including four protected habitats. The data was collected through surveying forested habitat, examining road kills, and collecting rescue data from volunteers. The study recorded a total of 33 species from seven families showing a high diversity of snake species in the study area. Among them, Spalerosophis arenarius (Boulenger, 1890) was recorded for the first time in the state. With 22 species, Colubridae is the most commonly occurring snake family of the area. North Gujarat has a rich diversity of snakes and we suggest more detailed research on snake diversity and distribution in the future.

Comparative venom toxin analyses of Nigerian viperidae and elapidae snakes

Envenoming by snakebite is a serious health problem that maims and kills a large number of people, primarily in rural areas of developing African countries. The first comparative venom proteomic analyses of four snakes from the viperidae (E. ocellatus and B. arietans) and elapidae (N. haje and N. katiensis) families are presented in this study. Two-dimensional electrophoresis was combined with matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry to analyze the venoms. Proteins were identified by comparing mass spectrometry spectra to those in the reviewed Uniprot-Serpentes database. A protein spot was considered differentially present between samples at a p-value of < 0.05 and a fold change of >2. Viper venoms contained cytotoxic-inducing proteins such as SVMPs, SVSPs, and cytotoxins, whereas elapid snake venoms contained neurotoxic proteins such as PLA2, 3-FTx, and neurotoxins. The PDQuest annotated protein spots on the 2-DE gels showed that the proteins in these snakes' venoms were differentially expressed between snake families and species. The elapid venoms were predominantly acidic (low pI) with low molecular masses, whereas the viperid venoms had high molecular masses and a pI in the region of 7. Venom phosphodiesterase, L-amino acid oxidase and cysteine-rich venom protein were common in the venoms of these snakes, while an uncommon protein actiflagelin was detected in the Naja venoms. Our findings show that there is significant variation in the toxin profiles of these snakes, both at the species and family levels. This has an impact on the clinical manifestations of envenomation. A thorough understanding of the various toxins found in venomous snakes may aid in the development of new and improved therapeutic strategies.

Toxic Habits: An Analysis of General Trends and Biases in Snake Venom Research.

Biases in snake venom research have been partially identified but seldomly quantified. Using the Google Scholar web search engine, we collected a total of 267 articles published between 1964 and 2021, and reviewed them to assess the main trends in this field of study. We developed a 4-category classification of the harmful potential of each of the 298 snake species retrieved from the analysed publications, and tested whether taxonomy, realm of origin, and/or assigned hazard category could affect how often each of them appeared in the articles considered. Overall, viperids were significantly more represented than any other snake taxon retrieved. The Neotropics were the most represented biogeographic realm for number of studied species, whereas information about the country of origin of the analysed specimens was often incomplete. The vast majority of the publications focused on snake venom characterisation, whereas more ecology-related topics were rarely considered. Hazard category and biogeographic realm of origin of each species had a significant effect on the number of articles dedicated to it, suggesting that a snake's harmful potential and place of origin influence its popularity in venom studies. Our analysis showed an overall positive trend in the number of snake venom studies published yearly, but also underlined severe neglect of snake families of supposedly minor medical relevance (e.g., Atractaspididae), underrepresentation of some of the areas most impacted by snakebite (i.e., Indomalayan and Afrotropic realms), and limited interest in the ecological and functional context of snake venom.

Reference genome of the rubber boa, Charina bottae (Serpentes: Boidae).

The rubber boa, Charina bottae is a semi-fossorial, cold-temperature adapted snake that ranges across the wetter and cooler ecoregions of the California Floristic Province. The rubber boa is 1 of 2 species in the family Boidae native to California and currently has 2 recognized subspecies, the Northern rubber boa C. bottae bottae and the Southern rubber boa C. bottae umbratica. Recent genomic work on C. bottae indicates that these 2 subspecies are collectively composed of 4 divergent lineages that separated during the late Miocene. Analysis of habitat suitability indicates that C. bottae umbratica montane sky-island populations from southern California will lose the majority of their habit over the next 70 yr, and is listed as Threatened under the California Endangered Species Act. Here, we report a new, chromosome-level assembly of C. bottae bottae as part of the California Conservation Genomics Project (CCGP). Consistent with the reference genome strategy of the CCGP, we used Pacific Biosciences HiFi long reads and Hi-C chromatin-proximity sequencing technology to produce a de novo assembled genome. The assembly comprises 289 scaffolds covering 1,804,944,895 bp, has a contig N50 of 37.3 Mb, a scaffold N50 of 97 Mb, and BUSCO completeness score of 96.3%, and represents the first reference genome for the Boidae snake family. This genome will enable studies of genetic differentiation and connectivity among C. bottae bottae and C. bottae umbratica populations across California and help manage locally endemic lineages as they confront challenges from human-induced climate warming, droughts, and wildfires across California.

A refuge between houses and buildings: reptiles in a peri-urban Atlantic Forest fragment in northeastern Brazil

The Atlantic Forest is recognized as a global biodiversity hotspot, but despite the comparatively large number of published reptile inventories already available for this region, large geographic gaps remain unfilled. The purpose of this paper is to provide a list of reptile species recorded in the Área de Proteção Ambiental do Catolé e Fernão Velho (APACFV), a 37 km2 peri-urban protected area in the northern Atlantic Forest in the Brazilian state of Alagoas. Based on a review of reptile specimens and photographs collected over 27 years, a total of 65 species belonging to three orders and 22 families occur in the APACFV: three turtle families (4 spp.), one alligator family (2 spp.), 12 non-snake lizard families (24 spp.), and six snake families (35 spp.). Despite the imperilment of the biota of this region, only one of the recorded species is included on the endangered species list of the Brazilian government (Amerotyphlops paucisquamus, Vulnerable), and none are categorized as threatened under the Red List of Threatened Species of the International Union for Conservation of Nature. The reptile assemblage in the APACFV is among the most diverse documented for Alagoas, and this list is an important step to inform management strategies in this protected area.