Species In Peru Research Articles

First record of <i>Abrothrix olivacea</i> (Waterhouse, 1837) in Peru based on historical material from Tacna

Abrotrichini is the sigmodontine tribe with the fewest species in Peru, known only from two species: Abrothrix andina and Ab. jelskii, both distributed in the high Andean regions of Peru above 3000 m in altitude. A detailed review of the morphology of historical specimens collected in the Tacna department and identified as Akodon mollis was conducted. As a result, we found that the examined specimens corresponded to Abrothrix olivacea, a species previously known only from Chile and Argentina. This discovery represents the first record of this species in Peru, extending its distribution range 165 km north of its previous northernmost record in Quebrada Camarones, Arica-Parinacota, Chile. Furthermore, this finding significantly reduces the distribution range of Akodon mollis to the northwestern region of Peru. We also provide key craniodental characters to differentiate species of Abrothrix and Akodon in southwestern Peru and northern Chile. For Peru, this record increases the diversity of mammals to 588 species and rodents to 201 species. In the case of the Tacna department, mammalian diversity increases to 47 species. This work highlights the value of natural history museum collections in enhancing our understanding of species diversity.

Reduced palatability, fast flight, and tails: decoding the defence arsenal of Eudaminae skipper butterflies in a Neotropical locality.

Prey often rely on multiple defences against predators, such as flight speed, attack deflection from vital body parts, or unpleasant taste, but our understanding on how often and why they are co-exhibited remains limited. Eudaminae skipper butterflies use fast flight and mechanical defences (hindwing tails), but whether they use other defences like unpalatability (consumption deterrence) and how these defences interact have not been assessed. We tested the palatability of 12 abundant Eudaminae species in Peru, using training and feeding experiments with domestic chicks. Further, we approximated the difficulty of capture based on flight speed and quantified it by wing loading. We performed phylogenetic regressions to find any association between multiple defences, body size, and habitat preference. We found a broad range of palatability in Eudaminae, within and among species. Contrary to current understanding, palatability was negatively correlated with wing loading, suggesting that faster butterflies tend to have lower palatability. The relative length of hindwing tails did not explain the level of butterfly palatability, showing that attack deflection and consumption deterrence are not mutually exclusive. Habitat preference (open or forested environments) did not explain the level of palatability either, although butterflies with high wing loading tended to occupy semi-closed or closed habitats. Finally, the level of unpalatability in Eudaminae is size dependent. Larger butterflies are less palatable, perhaps because of higher detectability/preference by predators. Altogether, our findings shed light on the contexts favouring the prevalence of single versus multiple defensive strategies in prey.

Prevalence of plastic debris in nests of two cormorant species in Peru

The guanay cormorant (Leucocarbo bougainvilliorum) and red-legged cormorant (Poikilocarbo gaimardi) are known for their prolific nest-building behavior, utilizing a diverse array of materials, including anthropogenic debris, thereby serving as valuable indicators of ocean plastic pollution. To elucidate inter-specific variations in nest plastic occurrence between these two cormorant species, we conducted a comprehensive examination of nests at 12 colonies along the Peruvian coast in 2018–2019. Our findings revealed a significantly higher occurrence of plastic in red-legged cormorant nests (mean 50 ± 27 %, N = 100 nests in 7 colonies) compared to guanay cormorant nests (mean 10 ± 20 %, 3497 nests in 8 colonies). Furthermore, the prevalence of plastic waste varied across colonies within both species. Off-white/clear plastic bags were the predominant color and type of debris found in both cormorant nests. This study is a baseline of plastic marine pollution occurrence along the Peruvian coast.

An Annotated Checklist of Monogeneans (Platyhelminthes, Monogenea) from Aquatic Vertebrates in Peru: A Review of Diversity, Hosts and Geographical Distribution.

Monogeneans are flatworm parasites that infest fish gills primarily but can also infect various other vertebrates, including amphibians, aquatic reptiles, mammals like hippos, and occasionally invertebrates like copepods, isopods, and cephalopods. Despite their remarkable diversity, our knowledge of monogenean parasites in Peru remains significantly limited, resulting in substantial gaps in our comprehension of their taxonomic identities, host associations, and geographic distribution. To address these knowledge deficits, we present an extensively curated checklist of monogeneans associated with aquatic vertebrates in Peru. This comprehensive compilation is derived from meticulous literature surveys, the examination of specimens deposited in both international and national collections, and the inclusion of additional freshly collected specimens. The checklist offers a thorough repository of data encompassing the diversity, host associations, and geographical distribution of these parasites. Taxonomic discrepancies are addressed through a critical review of the existing literature, supplemented by the direct examination of specimens, including type or voucher specimens, deposited within scientific collections. Additionally, we provide data on the DNA sequences of individual taxa. The compiled list comprises records of 358 monogenean species, including 270 valid species and 88 taxa identified at the family or generic level, all reported across 145 host species in Peru. Predominantly, these parasitic species exhibit associations within fish, with 335 infecting teleosts and 20 affecting chondrichthyans. Three monogenean species have been documented as infecting amphibians, namely Mesopolystoma samiriensis, Polistoma sp. and Wetapolystoma almae. Among the monogeneans reported, 141 were found in marine environments and 214 in freshwater environments. The most diverse families were Dactylogyridae and Diplectanidae, comprising 217 and 24 species, respectively. The hosts that harbored the highest number of monogeneans were Pygocentrus nattereri (with 23 species), followed by Stellifer minor (13 spp.) and Triportheus angulatus (11 spp.). We detected many species that do not have any material deposited in a scientific collection due to the loss or deactivation of the collection. These findings represent only a fraction of the potential diversity, considering the wide variety of aquatic vertebrate hosts inhabiting the tropical and subtropical regions of Peru.

Species of the Poaceae family suitable for Andean livestock farming in the Peruvian Andes reported in GBIF and local studies

Andean grassland ecosystems are covered by a mega-vascular floristic diversity constituted by families such as Poaceae, Rosaceae, Asteraceae, Plantaginaceae, Fabaceae, and Cyperaceae, among the most important ones that include suitable species for Andean Livestock feeding such as sheep, cattle, and South American camelids. However, the accelerated degradation of ecosystems and the extinction of several important species, have put it in our interest to know better the spatio-temporal distribution of these species as a starting point for spatio-temporal monitoring. With this purpose, we compiled information on those identified as D species in the Poaceae family, from thesis studies and published scientific articles. We also examined the record and spatial distribution of D species of this family in the Global Biodiversity Information System (GBIF) corresponding to the Sierra region of Peru. Specific geo-processed maps were generated after data curation. It was found that there are 63 D species included in the genus: Agrostis, Agropirum, Bromus, Calamagrostis, Dissanthelium, Festuca, Hordeum, Muhlenbergia, Nasella, Paspalum, Poa, Stipa, Trisetum and Vulpia, of which only 52 species are registered in GBIF, noting the concentration of records in places of greater tourist interest and with funded research projects such as the Huascaran National Park and others. The few studies on natural grassland species in Peru and the low spatial coverage of the species recorded in GBIF still limit the generation of adequate monitoring strategies.

Taxonomic updates of <i>Cheilanthes</i> Sw. (Pteridaceae) in Peru, with a conservation assessment for four endemics

In its most recent concept, the genus Cheilanthes encompasses three clades distributed across South America, Africa, and Australasia. Previous studies in Peru recorded 23 species; however, advancements in molecular systematic have led to the segregation of eight of them into at least three genera. In this study, 15 species are recognized in the Peruvian flora based on the examination of 459 herbarium and field specimens, and the evaluation of morphological characters using 131 specimens. The affinities among the lineages proposed in this study are consistent with recent phylogenetic hypotheses, wherein Cheilanthes species in Peru are members of two clades, the South American and the Australasian-South American, with taxonomically important characters being the shape of rhizomatous scales and types of frond indumentum (scales, microscales, scuamules, and hairs). We found that the genus Cheilanthes is present in 20 departments of Peru, with most species having wide distribution in the central-southern Andean regions, four species having endemic status. Meanwhile, C. cantangensis, C. lonchophylla, and C. obducta are poorly represented in the northern region. The first two species are considered endemic and categorized as Endangered (EN), while the other two are classified as Least Concern (LC). Additionally, a taxonomic key is provided.

An updated distribution of the Andean swamp rat Neotomys ebriosus along the Peruvian Andes with notes on habitat use and taxonomy

Abstract The Andean swamp rat Neotomys ebriosus is a sigmodontine rodent restricted to the Central Andes of South America. A distribution map of the species in Peru have been previously drawn based on few of the localities where the species has been captured and collected. I update the distribution of the species in Peru based on new records from three different areas surveyed by the author, specimens at Museum collections in the United States and France from VertNet webpage, localities from the collection at the Natural History Museum of Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, and localities from the collection at the Natural History Museum of the Universidad Nacional San Agustín. The northern limit of the species distribution is increased based on new localities with collected individuals. Habitat used by N. ebriosus is mainly high Andean bogs; most individuals caught adjacent to the borders of Andean bogs and along streams near the bogs. Collected individuals leave unclear subspecies division and identity.

Description of two new species of dactylogirids (Monogenoidea: Dactylogyridae) fromMylossoma albiscopum (Cope, 1872) (Characiformes: Serrasalmidae) from the Peruvian Amazonia.

Two new dactylogyrid monogeneans, Anacanthorus cultro n. sp. and Notozothecium palometae n. sp., are described based on specimens collected from the gill filaments of Mylossoma albiscopum (Cope, 1872) (Characiformes: Serrasalmidae), a pelagic and herbivore teleost collected in the Tigre river, Loreto, Peru. Some monogeneans were stained with Gomori's trichrome and mounted in Canada Balsam to determine internal soft structures. Others were cleared in Hoyer's medium for the study of sclerotized structures. Drawings were made using a drawing tube and a microprojector. Anacanthorus cultro n. sp. is characterized by the presence of a rod-shaped male copulatory organ (MCO) lacking featherlike structures, and a knife-shaped accessory piece with a submedial knob. Notozothecium palometae n. sp. can be distinguished from all congeners by its MCO with a subbasal spur and an accessory piece with inverted hammer shaped. This is the first data on the parasites of M. albiscopum, a popular fish in local markets. Anacanthorus cultro n. sp. is the twenty-fifth documented species of the genus in Peru, while N. palometae n. sp. represents the seventh species of the genus known to infect freshwater fish species in Peru.

Highly pathogenic avian influenza virus H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b from Peru forms a monophyletic group with Chilean isolates in South America

Highly pathogenic avian Influenza virus (HPAIV) has spread in an unprecedented extent globally in recent years. Despite the large reports of cases in Asia, Europe, and North America, little is known about its circulation in South America. Here, we describe the isolation, and whole genome characterization of HPAIV obtained from sampling 26 wild bird species in Peru, representing one of the largest studies in our region following the latest HPAIV introduction in South America. Out of 147 samples analyzed, 22 were positive for detection of avian influenza virus using a qRT-PCR-based assay. Following inoculation into embryonated chicken eggs, fourteen viral isolates were obtained from which nine isolates were selected for genome characterization, based on their host relevance. Our results identified the presence of HPAIV H5N1 subtype in a highly diverse wild bird species. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that these isolates correspond to the clade 2.3.4.4b, sharing a common ancestor with North American isolates and forming a monophyletic group along with isolates from Chile. Altogether, changes at the amino acid levels compared to their closest relatives indicates the virus is evolving locally, highlighting the need for constant genomic surveillance. This data evidence the chances for spillover events increases as the virus spreads into large populations of immunologically naïve avian species and adding conditions for cross species transmission.

MEASUREMENT OF PERSISTENT ORGANIC POLLUTANTS, PERFLUORINATED COMPOUNDS, AND TOXIC METALS IN THE BLOOD OF HUMBOLDT PENGUINS (SPHENISCUS HUMBOLDTI) AT PUNTA SAN JUAN, PERU USING DRIED BLOOD SPOTS.

The Humboldt penguin (Spheniscus humboldti) population at the Punta San Juan Marine Protected Area in Peru is considered critical to the long-term sustainability of this endangered species in Peru. Exposure of the rookery to environmental toxicants is a mounting concern because of regional growth of industries and human populations. Whole blood samples were collected from 30 free-ranging penguins in 2011 as part of a broader population health monitoring program. Dried blood spots (DBS) containing 50 µl of blood were prepared and analyzed to assess exposure to five groups of environmental contaminants. Concentrations of elements arsenic, cadmium, iron, lead, mercury, selenium, and thallium were analyzed using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Persistent organic pollutant concentrations were measured using gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry to analyze organochlorine pesticides (OCP; p,p'-DDT, p,p'-DDE, β-hexachlorocyclohexane, t-nonachlor, and oxychlordane), polychlorinated biphenyls (congeners 138 and 153), and polybrominated flame retardants (polybrominated biphenyl-153 and polybrominated diphenyl ether congeners 47 and 99). Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, including perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid were measured using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Results revealed low levels of exposure to these selected contaminants, at levels not considered to be of concern for wildlife health. DBS methodology was considered effective in a field-based setting for quantification of whole blood concentrations of environmental contaminants in penguins.

New pseudoscorpion species (Pseudoscorpiones: Hesperolpiidae) from Lima City, Peru

This study describes and illustrates a new species of arachnid, the pseudoscorpion Stenolpium sayrii sp. nov., collected at Pucllana, an archaeological site in the city of Lima, Peru. With this description, the total number of known Stenolpium species worldwide reaches eight, and in Peru specifically, it increases to seven. The discovery of this new species in Peru's most populous city serves as an exemplar highlighting the extensive scope for further research on Peruvian fauna in general, particularly on its arachnids. Publicación registrada en Zoobank/ZooBank article registered: LSIDurn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:DA2699AA-6710-4B9F-92CF-931725928EB5Acto nomenclatural/nomenclatural act: Stenolpium sayrii Cossios, 2023 LSIDurn:lsid:zoobank.org:act:6EAB65E6-FFC3-4EFF-89AB-9CA37ACE3114

Pathogenic Aeromonas spp in Amazonian fish: Virulence genes and susceptibility in Piaractus brachypomus, the main native aquaculture species in Peru

The aim of this study was to isolate and identify Aeromonas species, characterize their virulence genes factors, and to evaluate their lethality in Piaractus brachypomus. Presumptive Aeromonas (n = 34) were selected from 44 bacteria retrieved from diseased Amazonian fish. Nineteen isolates were chosen based on fish species, group, the location where were isolated, and colony morphology. Isolates were biochemically and molecularly identified as Aeromonas hydrophila, A. dhakensis, A. veronii, A. jandaei, and A. caviae using API 20E, API 20NE and the analysis of 16 S rRNA and gyrB genes, respectively. Eight virulences genes (aer, altA, act, hly, ser, lip, fla ahyB) were found in one A. dhakensis and two A. hydrophila isolates. A. veronii, A. jandaei, and another two A. hydrophila isolates harbored four, two and three virulence genes, respectively. All A. caviae were fla +, ahyB + and lip +, except two isolates that also presented ser and altA. P. brachypomus (9 ± 1 cm), infected intraperitoneally (4 ×106, 4 ×107, and 4 ×108 CFU/fish), showed susceptibility to all Aeromonas species, each harboring a different virulence genes profile. Both A. hydrophila and A. dhakensis caused > 80% mortality at the lowest evaluated concentration (∼106 CFU/fish). A. veronii and A. jandaei isolates produced 20% and 70% mortality, respectively, using ∼107 CFU/fish, but with lower intensity compared to A. hydrophila and A. dhakensis. At the highest concentration (∼108 CFU/fish), A. veronii caused 70% mortality, while A. caviae isolates caused mortality ranging from 50% to 80%. Remarkably, A. jandei resulted in 100% mortality at this level, similar to A. hydrophila and A. dhakensis. This report confirms the variety of Aeromonas species infecting farmed native Amazonian fish. The study also suggests that virulence genes evaluated in Aeromonas species may not always be an indicator of virulence. Moreover, P. brachypomus, an economically important aquaculture fish species could be susceptible not only to the high mentioned A. hydrophila but also to other less observed species such as A. dhakensis, A. veronii, A. jandaei, and A. caviae, bacteria that should be taken into account in health surveillance for the implementation of aquaculture disease prevention strategies.

Lasionota (Nelsonozodes) piurae Moore & Diéguez, 2019 (Coleoptera: Buprestidae: Buprestinae: Stigmoderini): description of the male, ecology and distribution in Peru

Male characters of Lasionota (Nelsonozodes) piurae Moore & Diéguez, 2019 are described and illustrated for the first time. Additionally, notes on the ecology and distribution of this species in Peru are provided.

Trends in antimicrobial resistance of Shigella species in Peru, 2011-2020.

To describe the frequency of antimicrobial resistance rates and spatial-temporal distribution of Shigella species from the last 10 years in Peru. A cross-sectional descriptive study was carried out. A total of 1668 Shigella strains, remitted as part of the national enteric pathogen surveillance from 2011 to 2020, were analysed. The strains were confirmed by conventional tests and serotyped with polyvalent and monovalent antibodies. Also, antimicrobial susceptibility was performed according to the Kirby-Bauer method. The most frequent Shigella species was S. sonnei (49.2%), followed by S. flexneri (42.2%), S. boydii (7.9%) and S. dysenteriae (0.7%). Phase II (46.29%) was the most frequent serotype in S. sonnei, serotype 2a (43.61%) in S. flexneri, serotype 2 in S. boydii and serotype 4 in S. dysenteriae. High rates of resistance were detected for trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (91.0%), tetracycline (88.4%), ampicillin (73.9%) and chloramphenicol (64.9%), moderate rates for amoxicillin/clavulanic acid (25.1%), ciprofloxacin (16.7%) and nalidixic acid (14.8%), and low rates for cefotaxime (1.74%), nitrofurantoin (0.7%) and ceftazidime (0.6%). Moreover, antimicrobial resistance to fluoroquinolones increased considerably from 2017 to 2020. S. sonnei was the most frequent species, which have a large proportion of strains resistant to trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, and a growing trend of resistance to ciprofloxacin and nalidixic acid. This increase in resistance to commonly used antibiotics in treatments is alarming, threatening the control and management of these currently treatable infections.

Native lomas species of Peru as potential plants for urban green in Lima

Native <i>lomas</i> species of Peru as potential plants for urban green in Lima

Predicting potential distribution and identifying priority areas for conservation of the Yellow-tailed Woolly Monkey (Lagothrix flavicauda) in Peru

Species distribution models (SDMs) provide conservationist with spatial distributions estimations of priority species. Lagothrix flavicauda (Humboldt, 1812), commonly known as the Yellow-tailed Woolly Monkey, is one of the largest primates in the New World. This species is endemic to the montane forests of northern Peru, in the departments of Amazonas, San Martín, Huánuco, Junín, La Libertad, and Loreto at elevation from1,000 to 2,800 m. It is classified as “Critically Endangered” (CR) by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) as well as by Peruvian legislation. Furthermore, it is listed in Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). Research on precise estimates of its potential distribution are scare. Therefore, in this study we modeled the potential distribution area of this species in Peru, the model was generated using the MaxEnt algorithm, along with 80 georeferenced occurrence records and 28 environmental variables. The total distribution (high, moderate, and low) for L. flavicauda is 29,383.3 km2, having 3,480.7 km2 as high potential distribution. In effect, 22.64 % (6,648.49 km2) of the total distribution area of L. flavicauda is found within Natural Protected Areas (NPAs), with the following categories representing the largest areas of distribution: Protected Forests (1,620.41 km2), Regional Conservation Areas (1,976.79 km2), and Private Conservation Areas (1,166.55 km2). After comparing the predicted distribution with the current NPAs system, we identified new priority areas for the conservation of the species. We, therefore, believe that this study will contribute significantly to the conservation of L. flavicauda in Peru.

Distribution and epidemiology of the infectious pancreatic necrosis virus (IPNV) in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) in Peru

The infectious pancreatic necrosis virus (IPNV) is a highly pathogenic virus that affects the aquaculture of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) and can cause mortality rates that exceed 90% in the juvenile stage. This study aims to know the distribution and frequency of IPNV presentation in trout production farms in the seven main producing states of the species in Peru. Prevalence values of IPNV have been identified in the states of Cusco (4.05%), Puno (3.81%), and Huancavelica (0.23%). These results showed the distribution and epidemiology of the IPNV that, until 2019, was absent in the country. Likewise, it represents the need to implement prevention and control measures against the virus to reduce the risk of dissemination to free states of IPNV. Finally, improving sanitary management against IPNV reduces its economic and productive impact on rainbow trout aquaculture in Peru.

Abejas nativas sin aguijón en Tumbes, Perú: Caracterización genómica y comunidad bacteriana

"Native stingless bees" are found in dry forests of the Northwest Amotapes Biosphere Reserve Mangroves, Tumbes, Peru, and nearby rural populations. These bees play an important role as pollinators of agricultural and forest crops and as suppliers of honey and pollen", Melipona mimética being the most important species. The objectives of the study were: molecular identification using three different genetic loci (Cytochrome c oxidase, 28S ribosomal RNA and 16S rRNA gene), Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) and bioinformatic analysis, identifying with the genres: Cephalotrigona sp., Geotrigona sp., Lestrimelitta sp., Melipona sp., Nannotrigona sp., Oxytrigona sp., Plebeia sp., Scaptotrigona, sp., Trigona sp. y Trigonisca sp. And making use of Metagenomics and Clostridium spp., Lactobacillus camelliae, Lactobacillus fermentum, Lactobacillus manihotivorans, Lactobacillus paracollinoides, Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus pontis, Lactobacillus reuteri, Lactobacillus sakei, Lactobacillus suebicus, Lactobacillus vaccinostercus, Lactobacillus vaginalis, Pediococcus acidilactici,short sequences of the 16s DNAr gene, verified in NCBI, bacterial species were found: in eggs 139, larvae 31, pupae 154 and adults 39, being the most important Clostridium spp., Lactobacillus camelliae, Lactobacillus fermentum, Lactobacillus manihotivorans, Lactobacillus paracollinoides, Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus pontis, Lactobacillus reuteri, Lactobacillus sakei, Lactobacillus suebicus, Lactobacillus vaccinostercus, Lactobacillus vaginalis, Pediococcus acidilactici and through media-dependent and media-independent techniques to: Bacillus subtilis subsp subtilis in larva, Paenibacillus xylanilyticus in pupa and adult: Humibacter sp., Acinetobacter sp., Acinetobacter nectaris and Fructobacillus sp. The genomic identification and bacterial community are relevant, as it is the first study of these species in Peru.

Record of melanism in Tamandua tetradactyla (Pilosa: Myrmecophagidae) in Perú

A case of melanism in Tamandua tetradactyla (Myrmecophagidae) is recorded, based on an individual observed in the Huánuco Department, Peru. Two previous records are found in the iNaturalist database. With this record, the number of melanistic mammal species in Peru increases to four. It should be noted that cases of melanism in this species have already been reported in the Neotropics.

Hot Lizards: Testing the Tolerance to Climate Warming of Thermoconformers in the Andes (Squamata: Gymnophthalmidae)

Climate change is one of the greatest threats to species across the globe, but the threats to tropical animals have largely been overlooked. Tropical high elevation species are distinctly at risk as they will be unable to disperse to habitats with favorable temperatures in the future. Twenty percent of all lizard species may be faced with extinction. Proctoporus unsaacae and P. sucullucu are two thermoconforming lizard species native to the Central Andes mountains where their habitats are predicted to rise over 3°C within the 21st century. Because these species do not thermoregulate behaviorally, we predicted that they would have narrow temperature tolerances and would be vulnerable to climate warming. We collected lizards of these species in Peru and tested their critical thermal maxima (CTmax) by slowly heating them until they were unable to maintain normal bodily functions, measured by muscular spasms. Surprisingly, we found that the species have high thermal tolerance with P. unsaacae averaging 38.2°C CTmax and P. sucullucu averaging 39.4°C. The difference between CTmax and field active body temperatures for both species exceeded 20°C. Based on our results, increased environmental temperature will not directly cause these species to suffer death or activity restriction. We posit that these species of Proctoporus and the few other truly eurythermic lizard species may be particularly well suited to surviving global temperature increases. Although global warming will continue to cause the decline and extinction of species worldwide, more research is needed on species with unusual ecologies before making sweeping statements about the dire fate of reptiles.