Abstract We assessed the current knowledge on non-avian reptile species composition in the state of Rio de Janeiro (RJ), southeastern Brazil. We used published data in indexed journals and verified voucher specimens housed in the herpetological collections of the Museu Nacional (UFRJ), and the Laboratory of Reptiles (ZUFRJ). We also confirmed vouchers from Instituto Vital Brazil (IVB) and from the Museum of Comparative Zoology (MCZ). We compiled a list containing 149 species of reptiles, distributed among Testudines (N = 15), Crocodylia (N = 1) and Squamata (N = 133; six amphisbaenians, 38 lizards and 89 snakes). Our results add 20 species to the previous list known for the state. Four species recorded are endemic to the state of Rio de Janeiro (Anolis neglectus, Glaucomastix littoralis, Leposternon scutigerum, and Liolaemus lutzae). We identified that 21 reptile species recorded in RJ state (nearly 15% of the total) are included in some threat category either in the IUCN, Brazilian (ICMBio) or state lists of endangered species. We also report that seven of the reptiles recorded are non-indigenous to the state: Cnemidophorus aff. lemniscatus (= Cnemidophorus cryptus), Anolis sagrei, Trachemys scripta, Trachemys dorbigni, Hemidactylus mabouia, Crotalus durissus terrificus, and Rhinoclemmys punctularia. The checklist presented here provides a comprehensive database for further research on the herpetofauna of the Brazilian Atlantic Forest.

Abstract Data on the structure of lizard communities in the different biomes and ecosystems of Brazil are still limited. In this study, we related the species richness, abundance and the spatial occurrence of lizards to the structure of the vegetation found on the coast of the state of Espírito Santo, southeastern Brazil, to determine whether habitat influences the structure of lizard communities. We conducted fieldwork in 2012, 2013 and 2014, collecting data in standardized samples. We analyze whether variables of vegetation structure influenced species richness and abundance, using Generalized Linear Models (GLMs). We recorded 12 lizard species from eight families. In general, species richness and abundance were similar among sites. Locally, we recorded the highest species richness in shrubby vegetation, open Clusia vegetation, and the restinga forest zone. Bromeliads explained the occurrence of teiids, although there was no systematic relationship between species richness and vegetation structure. Our results provide important insights into the characteristics of the lizard communities found on sandy coastal plains and contribute to the conservation of these species in these ecosystems.

Haddadus binotatus é um anuro endêmico da Mata Atlântica Brasileira e, atualmente, ainda não existem informações sobre a dieta desta espécie. Analisamos a dieta de duas populações desse anuro em dois estados do sudeste brasileiro. As amostragens foram realizadas em 2004 no estado do Rio de Janeiro e em 2009 e 2010 no estado do Espírito Santo. Haddadus binotatusapresentou uma composição de dieta rica, predando 19 tipos de presas. Orthoptera, Coleoptera e Blattodea foram as presas mais importantes na população do Rio de Janeiro, e Orthoptera, Araneae e Hemiptera foram as presas mais importantes na população do Espírito Santo. A composição da dieta diferiu numericamente entre as duas localidades, mas não em termos de volume, o que pode refletir diferenças locais na disponibilidade de presas nos dois habitats. A largura da mandíbula limitou o tamanho da presa, o que é esperado para predadores que engolem as presas sem mastigar. A proporção de indivíduos com estômagos vazios foi maior na população do Rio de Janeiro (39,2%) do que na do Espírito Santo (17,9%), sugerindo que a primeira poderia estar em um menor balanço energético. As fêmeas da espécie foram maiores que os machos, o que pode resultar de uma seleção de tamanhos maiores atingidos pelas fêmeas, favorecendo a produção de ovos maiores.

Haddadus binotatus is an endemic anuran of the Brazilian Atlantic Forest and currently, there is no information about the diet of this species. We analyzed the diet of two populations of this anuran in two states in southeast Brazil. Samplings were carried out in 2004 in the state of Rio de Janeiro and in 2009 and 2010 in the state of Espírito Santo.Haddadus binotatus presented a rich diet composition, preying 19 prey types. Orthoptera, Coleoptera, and Blattodea were the most important preys in the Rio de Janeiro population, and Orthoptera, Araneae and Hemiptera were the most important in the Espírito Santo population. The diet composition differed numerically between the two localities, but not in terms of volume, which can reflect local differences in the prey availability in the two habitats. The jaw width limited the size of prey, which is expected for predators who swallow the preys without chewing. The proportion of individuals with empty stomachs was higher in the Rio de Janeiro population (39.2%) than in the Espírito Santo population (17.9%), suggesting that the former could be in a lower energy balance. The females of the species were larger than the males, which may result from the production of larger eggs.