Herpetofaunal Species Research Articles

Amphibians and reptiles of the Atlantic Forest in Recôncavo Baiano, east Brazil: Cruz das Almas municipality.

A list of amphibian and reptile species that occur in open and forested areas of the Atlantic Forest in the municipality of Cruz das Almas, in the Recôncavo Baiano, eastern Brazil is presented. Field sampling occurred between January 2015 to March 2019, totalling 117 samples distributed in three areas: Parque Florestal Mata de Cazuzinha, Mata da Cascalheira, and Riacho do Machado. A total of 1,848 individuals of 69 species (31 anurans, 14 lizards, 19 snakes, two amphisbaenians, and three testudines) was recorded. Additionally, one individual of Ophiodesstriatus was found in Mata da Cascalheira after the end of sampling, totalling 15 lizard species and 70 herpetofaunal species. The prevalence of open-area species and the presence of Phyllopezuslutzae, Diploglossuslessonae, and Dryadosauranordestina in interior forest patches are discussed. Additionally, a new record of the invasive terrapin Trachemysdorbigni in the State of Bahia is reported.

Seasonal variations in the diversity of Amphibians and Reptiles in Western Terai arc landscape, India

Amphibian and reptiles are weather sensitive, poikilothermic group of animals, and their occurrence varies with the change in seasons. Present study was conducted in Ramnagar Forest Division of Uttarakhand state of India. Ramnagar Forest Division is the western part of Terai Arc Landscape which is an important ecoregion of the world. Sampling was done with Visual Encounter Surveys along with other methods, in all the seasons of a year. A total of 47 species of herpetofauna was recorded in the study, including 10 species of frogs, 13 species of lizards, 20 species of snakes and 4 species of testudines. The maximum number of herpetofauna species was observed during monsoon season, while the least number species were found in winters. The general pattern of herpetofauna species richness that observed in Ramnagar Forest Division was, found to be highest in monsoons, which then started decreasing in autumns and a rapid decrease was noticed in pre-winter and reached minimum in winters. In springs it started rising again and continue to rise in summers to reached maximum in monsoons

Influence of avocado orchard landscapes on amphibians and reptiles in the trans‐Mexican volcanic belt

AbstractCommercial fruit orchards are embedded in a landscape of native forest and diverse kinds of agroecosystems. The landscape structure of these systems is a major driver of biodiversity response. Generally, it is assumed that high levels of biodiversity occur in perennial systems largely due to their high structural complexity. However, little is known about the influence of other landscape attributes on these levels of biodiversity. Avocado (Persea americana) constitutes about 25 percent of the global fresh fruit trade. In Mexico, avocado trees flourish about the same altitude as pine–oak forests (POFs). We studied the response of the local herpetofauna to conversion of POF to avocado orchards (AOs). We also explored the effects of forest cover on species that differ in their levels of habitat specialization. In the avocado belt in Michoacan, we sampled 12 sites representing a gradient of AO embedded in native POF to evaluate the variation in structure of local assemblages of amphibians and reptiles. Reduction of POF cover negatively affected specialist frog and snake species, but this relationship varied among buffers around sampling sites. Generalist species of amphibians and lizards showed increased abundances and richness in sites with low POF cover, whereas snake richness and abundance were higher in sites with high POF cover. Our study suggests that POF conversion to AO is a driver favoring the persistence and success of generalist but not specialist herpetofauna species. Therefore, to conserve the diversity of amphibians and reptiles in these agroecosystems, it is important to ensure high proportion of POF patches.Abstract in Spanish is available with online material.

Blind snakes beneath the surface: Continuing the legacy of Richard Thomas.

Blind snakes (Scolecophidia) are small-bodied, enigmatic burrowing reptiles with members found on all continents except Antarctica. This Special Issue on blind snakes honors and advances the foundational studies by a remarkable anatomist, Richard Thomas. Richard is currently one of the living herpetologists to have described the greatest number of herpetofauna species, including many blind snake taxa. Recent interest in scolecophidian research at several conferences led to the development of this Special Issue on blind snake anatomy. This issue spans a diversity of papers, from biographical accounts of Richard's life and works, to a brief history of scolecophidian anatomical studies and the benefits of computed tomography (CT) technology, to a variety of studies on the skull and post-cranial osteology, cranial and jaw biomechanics related to subterranean lifestyles, evolution, and systematics of blind snake taxa from around the globe. This Special Issue will hopefully serve as a valuable resource and contribution to the field of blind snake anatomy research, and a joyful reflection on the life and career of a herpetologist who mentored and inspired a new generation of researchers in this area.

Comparing camera traps and visual encounter surveys for monitoring small animals

Amphibian and reptile species face numerous threats including disease, habitat loss and degradation, invasive species, and global climate change. However, effective management and conservation of herpetofauna largely depends upon resource-intensive survey methodologies. Recent research has shown promise in the use of camera trapping techniques, but these methods must be tested alongside traditional methods to fully understand their advantages and disadvantages. To meet this research need, we tested two herpetofauna survey methods: a modified version of the Adapted-Hunt Drift Fence Technique, which combines a drift fence with camera traps; and a traditional method of visual encounter surveys (VES) with cover boards. Between June and August 2020, we conducted two VES and installed one drift fence with camera traps at ten sites in Monterey County, CA, USA. The drift fence/camera setup outperformed the VES in terms of number of observations and herpetofauna species detected. Drift fences with cameras produced a mean of 248 images of three to six species per site, while VES and cover objects produced a mean of 0.6 observations of zero to one species per site. Across all sites, we detected seven reptile and one amphibian species with the drift fence/camera setup, while VES resulted in identifications of two reptile and one amphibian species. In addition, drift fence/camera setups recorded a minimum of nine nonherpetofauna species including small mammals, birds, and invertebrates. Our research supports that drift fences combined with camera traps offer an effective alternative to VES for large-scale, multi-species herpetofauna survey efforts. Furthermore, we suggest specific improvements to enhance this method’s performance, cost-effectiveness, and utility in remote environments. These advances in survey methods hold great promise for aiding efforts to manage and conserve global herpetofauna diversity.

Amphibians and Reptiles of Mount Busa, Sarangani Province: a Glimpse of the Herpetological Community of Southern Mindanao, Philippines

The herpetological knowledge of southern Mindanao is one of the largest gaps in Philippine herpetology. To augment this, we generated a comprehensive list of amphibians and reptiles found along the southern slope of Mount Busa in Sarangani Province, Philippines between June 2018 and August 2020 using opportunistic sampling in various microhabitats across different forest types. We recorded at least 68 species of herpetofauna, of which 28 species were amphibians and 40 species were reptiles. Around 65% of the species recorded are endemic to the Philippines. Mount Busa appears to harbor a relatively rich herpetological diversity that is needing conservation and scientific attention. Our study provides a glimpse of the herpetological diversity of southern Mindanao, but we emphasized that more field-based research is needed in nearby areas to improve our understanding of the herpetological community in the region, thereby overcoming Linnean and Wallacean shortfalls in our knowledge of Philippine amphibians and reptiles.

Keanekaragaman Jenis Herpetofauna (Ordo Squamata) di Kawasan Hutan Rawa Gambut Tropis Mangsang-Kepayang, Sumatera Selatan

Herpetofauna is a group of fauna consisting of amphibians and reptiles. The Squamata Order is one of the Reptiles that has the highest number of species. The Mangsang-Kepayang tropical peat swamp forest area of South Sumatra kepayang is one of the key biodiversity on the island of Sumatra. The diversity of herpetofauna can be used as a parameter of the balance and quality of the area where it lives. The problem raised in this study is how is the diversity of herpetofauna species (order Squamata) in the area of the tropical peat swamp forest of Mangsang-Kepayang, South Sumatra? Based on the problems that arise, then this study aims at the diversity of herpetofauna species (order Squamata) in the area of tropical peat swamp forest in Mangsang-Kepayang, South Sumatra. Sampling along the Boyong-Code River from upstream to downstream uses a combination of several methods, namely VES (Visual Encounter Survey), Time Search, and Road Cruising. The results obtained are 7 species of members of the Suborder Lacertilia (lizards) and 2 species of members of the Suborder Serpentes (snakes). Based on these results it can be seen that the area of Mangsang-Kepayang tropical peat swamp forest in South Sumatra is a suitable habitat for Squamata Order members.

Nahua biocultural richness: an ethnoherpetological perspective

BackgroundMexico harbours one of the greatest biocultural diversities of the world, where multiple social and natural elements and systems form complex networks of interactions in which both culture and nature are mutually influenced. Biocultural states and processes are studied by ethnosciences, among them ethnoherpetology, which seeks understanding material and non-material expressions of the interactions between humans, amphibians, and reptiles. Herpetofauna has been part of the magic–religious world and source of goods for Mesoamerican cultures. This study aims to document and analyse the complex body of knowledge, beliefs, and practices on these vertebrates in the Nahua culture, the factors that have influenced progressive risk and loss of culture, habitat, and species, and the potential contribution of contemporary Nahua knowledge to biocultural conservation.MethodsThrough 15 workshops with children and young people, and 16 semi-structured interviews to people 27 to 74 years old, we documented the contemporary Nahua knowledge in the communities of Aticpac and Xaltepec in the Sierra Negra, Puebla, central Mexico. Biological and ecological knowledge, use, management practices, legends, and perceptions on herpetofauna were emphasised in the study.ResultsWe obtained an ethnoherpetological checklist, grouping species into four general classificatory categories: kohuatl (serpents), kalatl (frogs and toads), ayotsi (turtles), and ketzo (lizards and salamanders), which included 21, 10, 1, and 11 ethnocategories respectively, based on the local Nahua knowledge of herpetofauna. Serpents, used as medicine, are the most culturally relevant. Due to perceptions of danger, beliefs, and actual snake bites, the main interaction with serpents is their elimination; however, some snakes are tolerated and maintained in captivity. The remaining species of local herpetofauna recorded are tolerated. Cultural aspects of reptiles and amphibians in the Nahua worldview were documented to influence the regulation of interactions of people with these vertebrates, but for younger generations, such aspects are less frequent or absent.ConclusionsInteractions and cultural relationships between the Nahua people, amphibians and reptiles are complex, maintaining some aspects of the local worldview but also influenced by external factors and being constantly recreated and re-signified. Documenting and understanding the contemporary relations is essential to generate strategies in biocultural conservation of herpetofauna.

DIVERSITY AND DISTRIBUTION OF HERPETOFAUNA IN INSTITUT TEKNOLOGI SUMATERA CAMPUS AREA

Land use change of rubber plantation into ITERA campus area has led to changes in the ecology of the area. Amphibians and reptiles, referred as Herpetofauna, are categorized as wild animals that are sensitive to environmental changes and are considered as bio-indicators. Wild conservation activities including herpetofauna is an essential part to the forest campus concept in ITERA. The objective of the study is to analyze the diversity and distribution of herpetofauna. This applied Visual Encounter Survey (VES) with Time Constraint Method and Glue Trap technique. This research was carried out on six observation path and 180 traps. The ecological index analysis consisted of species diversity, evenness, richness, abundance, and community similarity. Twenty-two herpetofauna species were found, including nine amphibians (5 families) and 13 reptiles (9 families). There was one reptile species with vulnerable conservation status and 3 reptile species included in CITES appendix II. The diversity index value (H ') was 2.29; species evenness (E) value was 0.74; and species richness value was 3.33. Amphibian species with the highest abundance was Fejervarya cancrivora 1.78 individual/hour of observer, while from the reptile species was Hemidactylus frenatus 0.35 individual/hour of observer. There were 550 herpetofauna encounters, where 8 species could be found on all transects and 6 species could only be found on one transect. This research showed that the condition of ITERA habitat currently supported herpetofauna's life and needed conservation activities to maintain herpetofauna diversity. 
 Key words: distribution, diversity, herpetofauna, ITERA

Sleeping site fidelity in three neotropical species of herpetofauna

Sleeping site fidelity in three neotropical species of herpetofauna

Preliminary study and first evidence of presence of microplastics in terrestrial herpetofauna from Southwestern Paraguay

ABSTRACT Microplastic pollution has become a worldwide threat and impacts various animal species that ingest them. However, current knowledge of terrestrial animals ingesting microplastics is insufficient. Here we present the first preliminary study to analyze the ingestion and presence of microplastics in South American terrestrial herpetofauna. From November 2019 to March 2020, we actively searched for herpetofauna in 13 transects and two selected locations in Pilar, Paraguay. Three species of terrestrial herpetofauna were studied: Rhinella diptycha (n = 128), Hemidactylus mabouia (n = 133), and Tropidurus torquatus (n = 50). We examined stomach contents from 311 individuals by either stomach flushing (n = 43), or fecal analysis (n = 268). We found the presence of ingested microplastics in all species (n = 81) at varying amounts (R. diptycha: 48.44%, H. mabouia: 12.03%, and T. torquatus: 6.00%). We also found that proximity to water sources did not have an effect on microplastic ingestion. These findings provide further evidence that microplastic contamination is rife in environments and species that have not been previously tested for.

Areas of endemism of Jamaica: inferences from Parsimony Analysis of Endemism based on amphibian and reptile distributions

Islands represent interesting biogeographic features often defined by unique and dynamic geological and biological components. Such systems serve as examples of the basic fundamental units of biogeographical analyses: areas of endemism. The island of Jamaica is recognized as possessing a unique biota with a large number of herpetofauna species persisting only within the island. Further, Jamaica exhibits a dynamic geologic history characterized by an easterly migration and repeated inundation, resulting in a contemporary biota formed through dispersal. Here, we infer areas of endemism across Jamaica based on 57 amphibian and reptile distributions using Parsimony Analysis and Endemism (PAE). We recover 19 areas of endemism concentrated in two regions: The Blue Mountains region diagnosed by 8 taxa and the west/central limestone plateau region including Cockpit Country and the western Dolphin Head region, diagnosed by 9 taxa. Further discussion on the utility of ambiguous syntaxa in diagnosing extinction, dispersal and ecological patterns as they pertain to biogeographic units is provided.&nbsp

Биология музейінің Қосмекенділері мен Бауырымен жорғалаушыларының алуантүрлігі және олардың герпетолог мамандарды дайындаудағы орны

The biological museum of the Al-Farabi Kazakh National University exhibits 50 species of local and World herpetofauna. Of these, representatives of amphibians are 13, reptiles - 37 species. Caudate amphibians are represented by 8 species from 3 genera and 3 families. Tailless-5 species from 4 genera and 4 families. From reptiles, the order of Turtles is represented by 4 species of 4 genera and 4 families. Scaly-32 species from 26 genera and 14 families, Crocodiles-one species from one genus and one family. 6 amphibian species are representatives of Kazakhstan, 2 species of the World herpetofauna, representatives of reptiles are represented by 21 and 16 species, respectively. The museum’s exhibits play an important role not only in the study of general biological disciplines (zoology, ecology, evolutionary studies, biogeography, nature conservation, etc.), but also in elective courses in the training of specialists. The article also shows the ways of using the variety of herpetofauna exhibits in the educational process of students, as well as many materials for students and researchers interested in the state of amphibians and reptiles in Kazakhstan.

Habitat associations and activity patterns of herpetofauna in the Central Platte River Valley, Nebraska, with notes on morphometric characteristics

The Central Platte River Valley (CPRV) is a unique and biologically important ecoregion, and several studies have conducted localized herpetofauna species inventories. However, there has been significantly less effort to quantify the habitat associations or activity patterns of these species. Habitat associations and activity patterns vary regionally and provide important information for ecosystem management. We deployed a total of 38 traps of 5 different types (pitfall, funnel, hoop, box, and coverboard) across 11 sites (7 terrestrial, 4 aquatic) for an 8-week period in June and July 2019. Our exploratory analyses used generalized linear models with a quasibinomial distribution to examine associations between herpetofauna abundance (captures per trap night) and habitat characteristics controlling for trap type. Habitat characteristics assessed included distance to nearest woodland, distance to nearest standing water, vegetation species richness, soil texture, and vegetative cover in addition to others. We also evaluated activity patterns weekly across the study period. The two most abundant species demonstrated divergent distributional patterns, Northern Prairie Skinks were only absent from two of the driest terrestrial sites, while the Six-lined Racerunners were locally abundant at just three sites with significant bare ground and sandy soils. We documented a Cope’s Gray Treefrog at a site with little woody cover in which the species had not been previously observed, suggesting it may be increasingly widespread regionally. We also detected relatively widespread juvenile anuran dispersal at multiple terrestrial sites a considerable distance from standing water. Our results provide a preliminary examination of habitat associations and summer activity patterns for herpetofauna in the CPRV that can be used to inform conservation efforts and further studies of this system.

HERPETOFAUNA PADA HABITAT HUTAN BATU GAMPING DI MANOKWARI, PAPUA BARAT; SPESIES, KERAGAMAN, KEKAYAAN DAN POPULASI

The research was conducted in the Maruni limestone forest habitat. The observation plots were carried out at an altitude of 35 masl to> 212 masl. Observations were made 2 times every day (day and night). The method of calculating diversity is done using the Shannon-Wieners Index and the species population is calculated using the Alikodra formula. 11 species were found that belong to the Varanidae, Boidae, Gekkonidae, Ranidae, and Hylidae families. The diversity of wildlife in the Maruni limestone location follows the altitude of the habitat. Reptiles do not differ according to height. The most common types are in the class of lizards, monitor lizards, and frogs. The types of herpetofauna that can be found are carnivores and are not protected. This type of monitor lizard can be found in abundance in low areas to an altitude of> 200 meters above sea level. Meanwhile, monitor lizards can be found in wet forests and near water sources. Similar to lizards, frogs inhabit wet or watery areas. The diversity of wildlife species in limestone habitats in each class of Reptiles is 18%. The population of herpetofauna species found varied between 25-1200 individuals.

Distributional patterns of amphibians and reptiles in Ghandruk, Annapurna Conservation Area, Nepal


 
 
 
 In May and October 2017, we assessed the distribution and diversity of herpetofauna in the Ghandruk region of the Annapurna Conservation Area. Using the Visual Encounter Survey (VES) protocol on 11 randomly selected transects, we recorded 662 individuals of 25 herpetofaunal species (12 amphibians and 13 reptiles). Species richness and abundance declined with increases in elevation but only the correlation between elevation and abundance was significant. Neither amphibians nor reptiles were uniformly distributed among different habitats, and species richness of both amphibians and reptiles varied significantly among habitat types. The greatest amphibian species richness was in wetlands, whereas that of reptiles was highest in forests.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Amphibians and Reptiles of the Tirimbina Biological Reserve: a baseline for conservation, research and environmental education in a lowland tropical wet forest in Costa Rica

The Tirimbina Biological Reserve is located in the lowlands on the Atlantic versant of Costa Rica. We provide an updated comprehensive herpetofauna species list and summarize the results of all the herpetofauna research conducted at Tirimbina over the last 10 years (2009–2019) across a variety of microhabitats. We also added historical records from occasional sightings and reports from researchers, staff, visitors, interns, fellows, and volunteers since the 1990s. We found 52 amphibian and 78 reptile species on the reserve, including a few species considered at-risk according to the IUCN Red List. We conclude that Tirimbina is a herpetofauna biodiversity hot spot in Costa Rica because it provides unique habitat characteristics for a variety of species, including habitat for both forest and forest-edge specialists.

Assessing the conservation risk of Sphaerodactylus notatus, the U.S. herpetofaunal species most vulnerable to sea level rise

While climate change and sea level rise threaten species across the globe, species in low-lying coastal regions, such as South Florida, are projected to face particularly severe threats. One such species is the Florida reef gecko (Sphaerodactylus notatus), the only gecko native to the eastern U.S., and a highly understudied species that persists in heavily fragmented habitats of only three coastal Florida counties. To assess the conservation status of this species, we conducted surveys throughout South Florida to determine potential extirpations from historic localities and to delimit S. notatus’ current distribution. We also estimated the level of threat S. notatus faces from sea level rise relative to other species by analyzing sea level risk of all herpetofauna in the U.S. We detected geckos in only 41% of sites with appropriate habitat, and in only 65% of historic localities. Geckos were only present within 1.2 km from the coast, and the minimum 2.2 m of sea level rise already expected based on current carbon emissions will place 85% of suitable S. notatus habitat under water. Our findings were used to update the conservation risk of S. notatus according to IUCN and Florida guidelines for listing threatened and endangered species, and suggest this species now fits the criteria to warrant listing. In comparison to all other U.S. herpetofaunal species, we found that S. notatus is the most at risk from sea level rise due its fidelity to low-lying coastal habitats.

A new species of Toxicocalamus (Squamata: Elapidae) from Papua New Guinea.

I describe a new species of the fossorial elapid snake genus Toxicocalamus from Mt. Simpson, Milne Bay Province, in southeastern New Guinea. The new species is similar to the poorly diagnosed T. loriae but differs from that species (and all other Toxicocalamus with the preocular distinct from the prefrontal) in having the preocular not in contact with the nasal and in having a pale-gray or yellow venter with gray bands across each ventral scale. The new species came from elevations of 1300-1490 m a.s.l. on the north slope of Mt. Simpson, and it seems likely to be confined to the mid-elevations of that mountain, judging from its morphological differences with specimens obtained from similar elevations on nearby Mt. Dayman. If true, this would make it the sixth species of herpetofauna apparently endemic to Mt. Simpson. This snake was common and found in both village gardens and adjacent primary rainforest, and I estimate its area of extent to be approximately 50,000 ha, so its IUCN conservation status would appear to be Least Concern.

Short Communication: Herpetofauna diversity at the University of Palangka Raya, Indonesia

Abstract. Maulidi A, Purnaningsih T, Maulina A, Gunawan YE, Rizki M. 2020. Short Communication: Herpetofauna diversity at University of Palangka Raya, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 21: 4509-4514. Research on herpetofauna at the University of Palangka Raya (UPR) is vital as there has been no official data so far and remains to be anecdotal evidence from various members of the university. The present study aimed to analyze and report the herpetofauna diversity on the Tunjung Nyaho Campus. It was conducted between October 2019 and November 2019. Herpetofauna data were collected using the Visual Encounter Survey (VES) method. Diurnal and nocturnal surveys were carried out between 07:00-10:00 and 19:00-22:00, respectively. The results showed that as many as 12 species of herpetofauna were present, including six species of reptiles from six families and six species of amphibians from four families. Comparative diversity analyses of these species, unburned, post-burnt, and around building, indicated that the unburned area had a relatively high diversity (2.06) compared to the other two (0.86 and 0.88, respectively). However, the evenness index (E) for the herpetofauna community in all three locations was > 0.70. The resulting species list from this study consisted of two species with threatened statuses under the IUCN Red List, i.e., Ophiophagus hannah (VU), and Cuora amboinensis (EN).