Resumo Anfisbênas são répteis fossoriais caracterizadas por apresentarem corpo cilíndrico e alongado coberto por escamas dispostas exclusivamente em anéis e todas são ápodas, com exceção das três espécies do gênero Bipes. Sua dieta consiste em uma variedade de invertebrados e pequenos vertebrados. Por viverem no subsolo, muitos aspectos de sua história natural são difíceis de observar. A maioria dos estudos sobre alimentação em anfisbenas concentra-se na dieta e na ecologia alimentar, enquanto as informações sobre o comportamento alimentar se baseiam em observações preliminares. O objetivo deste artigo foi descrever o comportamento de captura de alimentos exibido por Leposternon microcephalum Wagler, 1824, fora da galeria, em cativeiro. Para o experimento foi utilizada uma isca não viva, ração úmida de gato, que foi oferecida e posicionada próxima a uma das aberturas da galeria, na superfície do solo. Um total de três animais foi analisadopor meio de observações visuais e registros de câmeras de telefones celulares posicionadas em um ponto fixo, captando imagens de suas vistas dorsal e lateral. Foram detectados dois tipos principais de comportamento: captura de recursos alimentares e mecanismo de defesa. As estratégias utilizadas para capturar o recurso alimentar foram semelhantes às observadas em outras espécies fossoriais. Embora o movimento de “marcha-à-ré” tenha sido observado e descrito, o registramos sendo usado como uma estratégia de fuga. Esses resultados contribuem para enriquecer o conhecimento sobre diferentes aspectos da história natural dos Amphisbaenia.

Abstract Amphisbaenians are fossorial reptiles that have a cylindrical and elongated body covered with scales arranged in rings, and are all apodal, except for the three species of the genus Bipes. The amphisbaenian diet consists of a variety of invertebrates and small vertebrates. As these animals live underground, many aspects of their natural history are difficult to study. Most feeding studies of amphisbaenians have focused on the composition of the diet and feeding ecology, and the data available on feeding behavior are based on precursory observations. The present study describes the food capture behavior of Leposternon microcephalum Wagler, 1824 in captivity. In this experiment we used non-live bait (moist cat food), which was placed near a burrow opening, on the surface of the substrate. Three animals were monitored visually and filmed using cellphone cameras deployed at fixed points, to capture images from the dorsal and lateral perspectives of the study subjects. Two principal types of behavior were observed: the capture of food and defense mechanisms. The strategies used to capture the food were similar to those observed in other fossorial species. Although the backward movement has already been observed and described, we were able to record this movement being used as an escape strategy. These findings enrich our knowledge on different aspects of the natural history of the amphisbaenians.

Resumo A mineração é vital para o sustento humano e um setor crucial na economia do Estado. No entanto, seus impactos sobre o meio ambiente e a biodiversidade não podem ser subestimados, visto serem potentes para atrair a atenção do governo. O meio ambiente e a vida selvagem estão sujeitos aos impactos prejudiciais da mineração e de suas atividades relacionadas. Neste estudo, os distritos, nomeadamente Mardan e Mohmand, foram selecionados no que diz respeito aos impactos da mineração. A avaliação foi realizada em animais selvagens afetados negativamente pelo setor de mineração. A fauna tem sido observada atentamente para trazer os riscos calculados e a percepção de ameaça à vida selvagem regional. Um total de nove espécies de mamíferos, 21 espécies de pássaros, foi registrado no Distrito Mardan. Enquanto no Distrito Mohmand, duas espécies de mamíferos, nove espécies de pássaros e quatro espécies de répteis foram estudadas. O estudo explorou essa mineração que é principalmente responsável pela degradação do solo, acarretando perdas de alimentos e na agricultura. Vários outros fatores como explosões, poluição, caça, desmatamento, perda de habitat também foram observados. O desmatamento veio à tona como uma das principais causas de extinção da fauna da região, e tem-se que medidas preventivas são necessárias para dimensionar a catástrofe provocada pelo homem.

Abstract Mining is vital for human sustenance and a crucial sector in the state economy. However, its impacts on the environment and biodiversity cannot be underestimated. Which are potent to the attract government’s attention. Environment and wildlife are subject to the harmful impacts of mining and its related activities. In this study, districts, namely Mardan and Mohmand have been targeted with respect to mining impacts. The assessment was carried out on wildlife adversely affected by the mining sector. The fauna has been keenly observed to bring the calculated risks and threat perception of the regional wildlife. Total 9 species of mammals, 21 species of birds, were recorded in District Mardan. While in District Mohmand 2 species of mammals, 9 species of birds, and 4 species of reptiles were studied. The Study explored that mining primarily responsible for land degradation. Which lead to food and agriculture losses. Several other factors like blasting, pollution, hunting, deforestation, habitat loss was also observed. Deforestation surfaced one of the major causes for extinction of fauna in the said region. preemptive measures are needed to seize the man-made catastrophe.

Resumo Durante o presente estudo, os espécimes foram coletados em locais selecionados do deserto do Cholistan e da Reserva de Caça de Kalabagh, província de Punjab, Paquistão. Cada espécime capturado foi etiquetado com o número do comprovante e medidas morfométricas foram realizadas. O comprimento médio do focinho à cloaca foi de 172,559 ± 1,40 mm, e o peso médio foi de 92,1 ± 1,30 g. O DNA de Uromastyx hardwickii foi amplificado e sequenciado usando o conjunto de primer 16S rRNA. A sequência de DNA obtida mostrou identificação de espécies confiável e clara. Após o corte de bases ambíguas, o fragmento de rRNA 16S obtido tinha 520 pb, enquanto os fragmentos de rRNA 16S alinhados com a sequência próxima do NCBI composta por 510 pb. Sequências semelhantes do gênero Uromastyx foram recuperadas do NCBI em pesquisas de explosão. A árvore de união de vizinhos do gênero Uromastyx foi construída com base na distância-p usando MEGA X. A variação intraespecífica média foi de 0,095 ± 0,01, enquanto a variação intraespecífica foi de 0-1%. Da mesma forma, a variação interespecífica de Uromastyx hardwikii com Saara asmussi, Uromastyx alfredschmidti, Uromastyx geyri, Uromastyx thomasi, Uromastyx alfredschmidti foi de 0-12%, 0-19%, 0-19%, 0-20%, 12-19%, respectivamente. O DNA recém-produzido foi submetido ao NCBI e o número de acesso foi obtido (MW052563.1). Os resultados do estudo atual forneceram informações sobre a identificação molecular e morfológica do Gênero Uromastyx. Em nossa recomendação, a identificação de base molecular abrangente de répteis do Paquistão é necessária para relatar qualquer nova ou subespécie do país.

Abstract During the present study, specimens were collected from selected sites of Cholistan desert and Kalabagh Game Reserve, Punjab province, Pakistan. Each captured specimen was tagged with voucher number and morphometric measurements were taken. The average snout to vent length was 172.559±1.40 mm and average weight was 92.1±1.30 g. The DNA of Uromastyx hardwickii was amplified and sequenced using 16S rRNA primer set. The obtained DNA sequence has shown reliable and clear species identification. After trimming ambiguous bases, the obtained 16S rRNA fragment was 520 bp while 16S rRNA fragments aligned with closely matched sequence from NCBI comprised of 510 bp. Closely matched sequences of genus Uromastyx were retrieved from NCBI in blast searches. Neighbour-joining tree of genus Uromastyx was constructed based on p-distance using MEGA X. The mean intraspecific variation was 0.095±0.01 while intraspecific variation was ranging from 0-1%. Similarly, interspecific variation of Uromastyx hardwikii with Saara asmussi, Uromastyx alfredschmidti, Uromastyx geyri, Uromastyx thomasi, Uromastyx alfredschmidti was 0-12%, 0-19%, 0-19%, 0-20%, 12-19% respectively. The newly produced DNA was submitted to NCBI and accession number was obtained (MW052563.1). Results of current study provided information about the molecular and morphological identification of Genus Uromastyx. In our recommendation, comprehensive molecular based identification of Pakistan’s reptiles is required to report any new or subspecies from country.

In biodiversity research, the retrieval of genetic material from organisms is a common and essential component for assessing genetic diversity. The welfare of the organism, however, needs to be balanced against the overall goal of the intended research. One sampling technique often applied to retrieve DNA material from small reptiles is the removal of a small portion of the distal end of the tail. While most squamate reptiles have tail autotomy, some species (e.g. many iguanid lizards and snakes) do not regenerate tail tissue. We therefore explored the efficacy of a minimally disruptive technique, buccal swabbing, as an alternative to tissue sampling via tail clipping, particularly for species without tail autotomy, using dwarf chameleons (Bradypodion spp.) as a case study. The two sampling techniques were compared to assess the efficacy of DNA retrieval. We also evaluated the financial implications of each technique. The results indicate that buccal swabs paired with a specialised DNA extraction kit offer a feasible (although expensive), once-off alternative to tissue sampling, but with no material left for biobanking. Deviations in swab type used and the DNA extraction process (i.e. using more affordable extraction procedures) resulted in poor DNA retrieval and unreadable sequences. This finding suggests that buccal swabbing can be a suitable alternative when finances are not constrained, an expensive extraction kit is available, and biobanking is not a concern. For researchers from low- to middle-income economies, this expensive alternative may hamper research progress by placing a financial obstacle in the way, and therefore the next best option is tissue sampling. SIGNIFICANCE: This study provides guidance on the efficacy of buccal swabs as a viable alternative to tissue samples collected via tail clipping for DNA retrieval from small reptiles. The results indicate that swabs may be a feasible alternative to tissue samples when finances are not constrained. Deviations in buccal swabbing method (i.e. using more cost-effective alternatives) performed poorly in DNA retrieval and do not offer competitive alternatives to tissue samples. Although buccal swabs were shown to offer an alternative to tissue samples, the financial implications to research in low- to middle-income economies may hinder research goals unnecessarily.

Resumen Introducción: El aprovechamiento de materiales aluviales: arena, grava y cantos rodados de los lechos de ríos impacta directamente a la fauna silvestre asociada a ellos. Los más afectados son aquellos grupos de menor talla, ámbito hogareño pequeño y poca vagilidad, como los reptiles. Se seleccionó a este grupo como indicador del efecto de la instalación de graveras por su sensibilidad a la alteración de su hábitat. Objetivo: Determinar el impacto de la extracción de materiales aluviales en la diversidad y estructura de las comunidades de reptiles. Métodos: el estudio se realizó en las llanuras de inundación del río Tehuantepec, Oaxaca, México. Se establecieron seis parcelas de 300 x 25 m, tres en área de extracción de materiales aluviales y otras tres en áreas sin extracción. En estas dos condiciones contrastantes se realizó el inventario de reptiles. También se registraron variables relevantes del hábitat para reptiles. Se comparó la diversidad alfa y beta entre ambas condiciones. Resultados: Se registraron 27 especies. En el área con extracción se observó una menor riqueza y abundancia (14 especies y 390 individuos) que en el área sin extracción (26 especies y 1 205 individuos). El efecto negativo fue mayor en las serpientes, ocasionando una diferencia de 75 % en la riqueza, mientras que en los saurios fue del 32 %. La abundancia de reptiles estuvo correlacionada con los cuerpos de agua, la exposición al sol y la vegetación herbácea. Conclusiones: El establecimiento de las graveras tuvo un impacto negativo en la diversidad y abundancia de reptiles. El efecto negativo fue mayor en las serpientes, las cuales, desaparecieron del área de aprovechamiento de materiales aluviales.

Abstract Introduction: The use of alluvial materials (sand, gravel, and boulders from riverbeds) has a direct impact on the associated wildlife. The most affected are those species of smaller size, poor vagility and small home range, such as some reptiles. This group was selected as an indicator of the impact of gravel pit installation due to its sensitivity to habitat disturbance. Objective: To determine the effects of alluvial material extraction on the diversity and structure of the reptile communities in river areas where gravel pits are installed. Methods: The study was carried out in the floodplains of the Tehuantepec River, Oaxaca, Mexico. Six transects of 300 m with a search width of 25 m were established, three at alluvial material extraction areas and three at non-extraction areas. In these two contrasting conditions, an inventory of reptiles was made. Also, relevant variables of the habitat of reptiles were evaluated. The alpha and beta diversity were compared between both conditions. Results: We registered 27 reptile species. In the alluvial material extraction areas, we observe a lower richness and abundance (14 species and 390 individuals) compared to the non-extraction areas (26 species and 1 205 individuals). The negative effect was greater in snakes, causing a 75 % difference in richness, while in lizards it was 32 %. The abundance of reptiles was correlated with bodies of water, sun exposure and herbaceous vegetation. Conclusions: The establishment of gravel pits and removal of alluvial materials has a strong impact on the diversity and structure of reptile communities. The negative effect is greater on snakes, which disappeared from the area from the gravel pits were established.

Resumen El estado de Sinaloa en México es una región con escaso trabajo de campo en el estudio de la herpetofauna. Aquí presentamos cuatro nuevos registros municipales de Coniophanes lateritius, Mastigodryas cliftoni, Salvadora deserticola y Tantilla yaquia para el municipio de Cosalá. Además, proporcionamos un listado de especies raras con más de 50 años sin registros en Sinaloa. De las 122 especies de reptiles registradas en Sinaloa, 19 (15%) requieren verificación de su presencia en el estado para aclarar su estado de conservación. Para tener éxito en la búsqueda de estas especies el esfuerzo de campo por sí solo es insuficiente, por lo tanto, sugerimos que el trabajo de campo debería estar dirigido apropiadamente en consideración de la distribución geográfica de las especies y de la búsqueda en localidades históricas, preferencias del hábitat, la dinámica fenológica reproductiva, así como muestreos en los sitios inexplorados con hábitats similares que potencialmente pueden mantener poblaciones de dichas especies.

Abstract The state of Sinaloa in Mexico is a region with little field work in the study of herpetofauna. Here we present four new municipal records of Coniophanes lateritius, Mastigodryas cliftoni, Salvadora deserticola and Tantilla yaquia for the municipality of Cosalá. In addition, we provide a list of rare species with no records for more than 50 years in Sinaloa. Of the 122 species of reptiles registered in Sinaloa, 19 (15%) require verification of their presence in the state to clarify their conservation status. To be successful in searching for these species, field effort alone is not enough, therefore, we suggest that field work should be appropriately directed in consideration of the species' geographic range or historical search of localities, preferences of habitat, reproductive phenological dynamics or unexplored sites with similar habitats that can potentially support populations of the species.

Resumen La Culebra corredora de petatillos (Drymobius margaritiferus) es un miembro de la familia Colubridae, de tamaño mediano, que habita desde el sur de Estados Unidos hasta Colombia. Se alimenta principalmente de anfibios y ha sido registrada como presa de aves rapaces diurnas. El Luis bienteveo (Pitangus sulphuratus) es un ave perteneciente a la familia Tyrannidae que habita desde el sur de Estados Unidos hasta el centro de Argentina y ha sido registrada como depredador de anfibios y reptiles pequeños. En este escrito reportamos el primer registro de depredación de D. margaritiferus por P. sulphuratus, agregando al ave como depredador de esta especie de serpiente.

Abstract The Speckled racer (Drymobius margaritiferus) is a medium-sized member of Colubridae family that inhabits from the southern United States to Colombia. It feeds mainly on amphibians and has been recorded as prey for diurnal birds of prey. The Great kiskadee (Pitangus sulphuratus) is a member to the Tyrannidae family that occurs from the southern United States to central Argentina and has been recorded as a predator of amphibians and small reptiles. In this paper we report the first record of predation of D. margaritiferus by P. sulphuratus, adding the bird as a predator of this species of snake.

Resumen Reportamos el primer evento de depredación del Basilisco de cabeza roja (Basiliscus galeritus) por la serpiente bejuquilla (Imantodes cenchoa) en un bosque húmedo tropical en Colombia. Este nuevo registro contribuye a una mejor comprensión de la historia natural y la ecología trófica de dos especies de reptiles en su interacción depredador-presa.

Abstract We report the first predation event of the red-headed Basilisk (Basiliscus galeritus) by the Blunt-headed treesnake (Imantodes cenchoa) in a tropical rainforest in Colombia. This new record contributes to a better understanding of the natural history and trophic ecology of two species of reptiles in their predator-prey interaction.

ABSTRACT Wildlife roadkills have become a concern in the Amazon biome due to the opening of major roads in recent decades. In this study, we aimed to describe wildlife roadkills in a 100-km stretch of the BR-163 highway, in western Pará state, determining which vertebrate groups are most affected and whether there are spatial (hotspots) and temporal (hotmoments) aggregations of roadkills. From July 2019 to June 2020, we carried out 25 surveys at 15-day intervals, from a vehicle at a maximum speed of 40 km h-1. We recorded 351 individuals at an observed rate of 0.14 ind km-1 day-1. Despite their lower detectability and faster carcass removal rate from the road due to small size, most recorded roadkills were amphibians (0.066 ind km-1 day-1). We mapped several hotspots along the study stretch considering the total number of animals recorded, and separately for amphibians and reptiles. Multiple linear regression analyses indicated that the number of roadkills of all vertebrates, amphibians and reptiles recorded are influenced by temperature and precipitation. Information on places with the highest incidence of roadkills can support actions such as the installation of underpasses and fences, aimed at reducing the impacts on wild vertebrates of this Amazonian highway.

RESUMO Atropelamentos de fauna silvestre tornaram-se preocupantes no bioma amazônico devido à abertura de grandes rodovias nas últimas décadas. Neste estudo objetivamos caracterizar a fauna silvestre atropelada em um trecho de 100 km da rodovia BR-163, no oeste do estado do Pará, determinando quais grupos de vertebrados são mais afetados e se há agregações espaciais (hotspots) e temporais (hotmoments) de atropelamentos. De julho 2019 a junho 2020 realizamos 25 amostragens a intervalos de 15 dias, a partir de um veículo a uma velocidade máxima de 40 km h-1. Registramos 351 indivíduos a uma taxa observada de 0.14 ind km-1 dia-1. Apesar de sua menor detectabilidade e taxa de remoção mais acelerada da rodovia devido ao seu pequeno porte, a maioria dos atropelamentos foi de anfíbios (0.066 ind km-1 dia-1). Mapeamos diversos hotspots ao longo do trecho estudado considerando o número total de animais registrados, e, separadamente, para anfíbios e répteis. Análise de regressão linear múltipla indicou que o número total de registros de vertebrados atropelados, e o de anfíbios e répteis é influenciado por temperatura e precipitação. Informação sobre locais com maior incidência de atropelamentos pode subsidiar ações como a instalação de estruturas de passagem de fauna e cercas de proteção, visando a diminuição dos impactos sobre vertebrados silvestres desta rodovia amazônica.

Resumen La región amazónica ecuatoriana representa el 45% del territorio nacional y constituye una de las mayores reservas ecológicas de la humanidad debido a su riqueza biológica. En los últimos años el área de bosque en la amazonia latinoamericana se redujo en un 4,5% (240.000 km2); en este orden, Ecuador es uno de los países con mayor deforestación en la región (2,4%). Por esta razón, el objetivo de este estudio es valorar el efecto de la actividad minera sobre la biodiversidad. Para el efecto se estimaron los posibles cambios en el ecosistema, la fragmentación, abundancia, riqueza, dominancia y diversidad de especies. El área de estudio se ubicó en una zona de explotación minera en la Provincia de Zamora Chinchipe, Cantón Paquisha-Ecuador. Mediante estimadores puntuales se identificaron 123 especies de plantas vasculares divididas en 43 familias. Asteraceae presentó mayor abundancia con el 12%, Araceae con el 8,5% y Melastomataceae el 7,5%. Asimismo, se identificaron 42 especies de aves, 16 de mamíferos, 12 entre anfibios y reptiles y 36 individuos macroinvertebrados. Los resultados permiten inferir que en la zona existe un deterioro marcado del ecosistema, empero se mantiene una diversidad interesante de especies, principalmente de flora. En lo referente a fauna la pérdida de ciertas especies es evidente, debido principalmente a la expansión agrícola, la caza y la activida minera. La fauna acuática de acuerdo con el índice de Shannon es baja, y de acuerdo al índice BMWP/Col el agua en la zona es muy contaminada.

Abstract The Ecuadorian Amazon region represents 45% of the national territory and constitutes one of the largest ecological reserves of humanity due to its biological wealth. In recent years, the forest area in the Latin American Amazon has been reduced by 4.5% (240,000 km2). Ecuador is one of the countries with the highest deforestation in the region (2.4%). The objective of this study was to assess the effect of mining activity on biodiversity, hence possible changes in the ecosystem, fragmentation, abundance, richness, dominance and diversity of species were estimated. The study area was located in a mining area in the Province of Zamora Chinchipe, Cantón Paquisha-Ecuador. Through point estimators, 123 species of vascular plants divided into 43 families were identified, the highest abundance was presented by Asteraceae with 12%, followed by Araceae with 8.5% and Melastomataceae with 7.5%. Likewise, 42 species of birds were identified, 16 of mammals, 12 of amphibians and reptiles, and 36 macroinvertebrate individuals It could be inferred that there is a marked deterioration of the ecosystem in the area, however an interesting diversity of species remains, mainly flora. In relation to fauna, the loss of certain species is evident, mainly due to agricultural expansion, hunting and mining activity. According to the Shannon index, the aquatic fauna is low, and according to the BMWP / Col index the water in the area is highly polluted.

ABSTRACT Arenas Blancas is a poorly known fossiliferous site located in the lower reach of the Chasicó creek (Buenos Aires Province, Argentina), with great relevance from a biostratigraphic viewpoint. The Macrochorobates scalabrinii Biozone was defined in this site, proposed as the biostratigraphic basis of the early Huayquerian Stage/Age (Late Miocene); however, the geological context and faunal record of this site have never been studied in detail. In this work, we perform a multi-proxy analysis of the Arenas Blancas site, as well as a nearby site here called Curva de la Vaca, and provide new interpretations on their origin, age, and biostratigraphy. Sedimentological, stratigraphic, and geomorphological characteristics of both sites suggest that the sequences include fluvial/alluvial deposits that represent Quaternary terraces. The taxonomic analysis of the Arenas Blancas faunal assemblage evidences the presence of 14 mammal taxa, together with some fishes, reptiles, and birds; the assemblage is correlated with the assemblage from the Cerro Azul Formation assigned to the Chasicoan Stage/Age (Late Miocene), also recovered from the lower reach of the Chasicó creek. The use of the taxa proposed in previous works to characterize the Macrochorobates scalabrinii Biozone (including this species) is not supported due to their taxonomic status and/or temporal distribution. Taphonomic evaluation indicates that the assemblage is constituted by reworked specimens; in this frame, it is proposed that fluvio/alluvial events, occurred during the Late Pleistocene-Holocene, eroded the Upper Miocene substrate and reworked fossil remains. Based on the present evidence, the Macrochorobates scalabrinii Biozone is here rejected as a valid biostratigraphic unit.

RESUMEN Arenas Blancas es una localidad fosilífera poco conocida, ubicada en el curso inferior del arroyo Chasicó (provincia de Buenos Aires, Argentina), pero con gran relevancia desde el punto de vista bioestratigráfico. La Biozona Macrochorobates scalabrinii , propuesta como base bioestratigráfica del Piso/Edad Huayqueriense temprano (Mioceno tardío) fue definida en este sitio, aunque su contexto geológico y registro faunístico nunca han sido estudiados en detalle. En este trabajo analizamos el sitio Arenas Blancas desde diferentes perspectivas, como así también un sitio cercano aquí denominado Curva de la Vaca, a fin de aportar nuevas interpretaciones sobre su origen, edad y bioestratigrafía. Las características sedimentológicas, estratigráficas y geomorfológicas de ambos sitios sugieren que las secuencias aflorantes corresponden a depósitos fluviales/aluviales que representan terrazas cuaternarias. El análisis taxonómico de la asociación faunística de Arenas Blancas permitió reconocer 14 taxones de mamíferos, como así también peces, reptiles y aves. Esta asociación muestra una clara correlación con la asociación de la Formación Cerro Azul asignada al Piso/Edad Chasiquense (Mioceno tardío), también registrada en el curso inferior del arroyo Chasicó. Por otra parte, se considera que el uso de los taxones que caracterizan la Biozona Macrochorobates scalabrinii (incluyendo esta especie) no está avalado por su estatus taxonómico y/o su distribución temporal. El estudio tafonómico muestra que la asociación está constituida por especímenes retrabajados; en este contexto, se propone que los eventos fluviales/aluviales ocurridos durante el Pleistoceno tardío-Holoceno erosionaron el sustrato del Mioceno tardío y retrabajaron los restos fósiles. Sobre la base de la evidencia disponible, se rechaza la validez de la Biozona Macrochorobates scalabrinii como unidad bioestratigráfica.

Abstract This paper presents the updated list of amphibians and reptiles of Ica. Species are commented, accompanied by distribution maps and identification keys for reptiles and amphibians. Information was collected from scientific collections, scientific articles, governmental wildlife agency reports, and specialized taxonomic database. Additionally, between 2019 and 2020, field surveys were carried out in areas with information gaps. A total of 22 species were found (amphibians 3 and reptiles 19). The new records of reptiles include the Liolaemus evaristoi lizard and the Incaspis tachymenoides snake from Chincha province at 4200 and 3200 m altitude respectively, the Stenocercus ornatissimus lizard and the blind snake Epictia tesselata from Pisco province at 3500 and 2800 m respectively. New amphibian records include Pleurodema marmoratum in Chincha province (3900 m) and Telmatobius rimac in Chincha and Palpa provinces at 3900 and 2350 m respectively. The greatest richness and local endemism were found in the coastal desert, while the expansion of distribution and regional endemism were recorded on the western slope of the Andes. Also, it is observed that the families Leptotyphlopidae and Viperidae, and the genera Dicrodon, Stenocercus and Oxyrophus are finishing their distribution in the western slope and the coastal zone of the departments of Ica and Arequipa without representatives in the extreme south of Peru and Chile.

Resumen En este trabajo se presenta el listado actualizado de anfibios y reptiles de Ica. Las especies son comentadas, acompañadas de mapas de distribución y claves de identificación para reptiles y anfibios. Se recopiló información de registros en colecciones científicas, artículos científicos, informes de agencias gubernamentales de vida silvestre y bases de datos taxonómicas especializadas. Adicionalmente, entre los años 2019 y 2020 se realizaron evaluaciones de campo en zonas con vacíos de información. Se encontraron un total de 22 especies (anfibios 3 y reptiles 19). Los nuevos registros de reptiles para Ica incluyen la lagartija Liolaemus evaristoi y la serpiente Incaspis tachymenoides en la provincia de Chincha a 4200 y 3200 m de altitud respectivamente, la lagartija Stenocercus ornatissimus y la serpiente ciega Epictia tesselata en la provincia de Pisco a 3500 y 2800 m respectivamente. Los nuevos registros de anfibios incluyen a Pleurodema marmoratum en la provincia de Chincha (3900 m) y Telmatobius rimac en las provincias de Chincha y Palpa a 3900 y 2350 m respectivamente. La mayor riqueza y endemismos locales se encontraron en el desierto costero, mientras que, las ampliaciones de distribución y endemismos regionales se registraron en la vertiente occidental de los Andes. También, se observa que las familias Leptotyphlopidae y Viperidae, y los géneros Dicrodon, Stenocercus y Oxyrophus terminan su distribución en la vertiente occidental y la zona costera de los departamentos de Ica y Arequipa sin representantes en el extremo sur del Perú y Chile.

BACKGROUND: Much of the Grassland Biome in South Africa is prone to shrub encroachment, leading to loss of ecosystem services, habitat heterogeneity and species diversity. Burrowing mammals are an important component of grasslands as these animals create microhabitats for other taxa, including smaller mammal species, birds, reptiles and invertebrates. However, our understanding of how shrub encroachment affects burrowing mammals is poor OBJECTIVES: Here we assessed the relationship between burrow abundance and bankrupt bush, Seriphium plumosum, encroachment as well as burrowing mammal diversity in bankrupt bush encroached and non-encroached grasslands METHOD: Shrub density, medium and large mammal burrow abundance and density were measured in 24 encroached and 24 non-encroached areas randomly selected in the Telperion Nature Reserve, Mpumalanga, South Africa. In addition, burrowing mammal diversity was assessed using camera traps in a subset of six encroached and six non-encroached areas RESULTS: Our results show that the abundance and density of medium and large burrows were significantly lower in encroached areas than in non-encroached areas (p = 0.011 and p < 0.001, respectively). The relationship between burrow abundance and bankrupt bush encroachment was negative (rho = -0.456, p = 0.001). However, burrowing mammal diversity had no significant difference between encroached and non-encroached areas CONCLUSION: Our data, therefore, suggest that with increasing bankrupt bush encroachment and a decreased abundance in burrowing mammal ecosystem services, a negative effect will occur on burrowing mammal communities, leading to the reduction in species-specific habitat heterogeneity and possibly animal biodiversity

Abstract Low biodiversity in urban areas is associated with habitat loss. However, the effects of urbanization on biodiversity should also consider the historical background of land-use, explored herein. Our goal was to evaluate changes in the assemblage of reptiles in an urban habitat over 100 years, aiming to identify which ecological attributes allowed the persistence of species that can be found in the area today. We accessed historical records in scientific collections and carried out fieldwork to access reptile assemblage in an urban green area, in São Paulo, Brazil. Considering land-use changes in the area, we defined three-time intervals between 1901 and 2020. We established species richness for each time interval, categorizing them into three ecological attributes: habitat preference, substrate use, and food habits. We recorded 27 reptile species from 1901 until 2020, 14 resulting from historical data, eight from both historical and fieldwork, and five species exclusively in fieldwork. Amphibians were also sampled during fieldwork, but not used in historical comparison. Reptile’s species richness decreased 59% regardless of ecological attributes, and snakes were the group with most species’ loss. Fossorial reptiles were the least affected group. We concluded that habitat loss culminated in a species richness decline, and the reptiles that remain until today were likely present since the fragment isolation. Ecological attributes of the remaining taxa include species that use terrestrial substrates and feed on prey commonly found in urban environments.

Resumo A baixa biodiversidade em áreas urbanas está associada à perda de habitat. No entanto, os efeitos da urbanização sobre a biodiversidade também devem considerar o histórico de uso da terra, explorado aqui. Nosso objetivo foi avaliar as mudanças na comunidade de répteis em um habitat urbano ao longo de 100 anos, visando identificar quais atributos ecológicos permitiram a persistência de espécies que podem ser encontradas na área hoje. Acessamos registros históricos em coleções científicas e realizamos trabalho de campo para levantar as espécies de répteis em uma área verde urbana, em São Paulo, Brasil. Considerando as mudanças de uso da terra na área amostrada, definimos três intervalos de tempo entre 1901 e 2020. Estabelecemos a riqueza de espécies para cada intervalo de tempo, categorizando-as em três atributos ecológicos: preferência de habitat, uso de substrato e hábitos alimentares. Registramos 27 espécies de répteis de 1901 até 2020, sendo 14 resultantes de dados históricos, oito de dados históricos e de campo e cinco espécies amostradas exclusivamente de campo. Anfíbios também foram amostrados durante o trabalho de campo, mas não foram usados na comparação histórica. A riqueza de espécies de répteis diminuiu 59% independentemente dos atributos ecológicos, e serpente foi o grupo com maior perda de espécies. Os répteis fossoriais foram o grupo menos afetado. Concluímos que a perda de habitat culminou em um declínio da riqueza de espécies, e os répteis que permanecem até hoje provavelmente estavam presentes desde o isolamento do fragmento. Os atributos ecológicos dos táxons remanescentes incluem espécies que utilizam substratos terrestres e se alimentam de presas comumente encontradas em ambientes urbanos.