| Grant number: | 12/19858-2 |
| Support Opportunities: | Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral |
| Start date: | February 01, 2013 |
| End date: | January 31, 2016 |
| Field of knowledge: | Biological Sciences - Zoology |
| Principal Investigator: | Hussam El Dine Zaher |
| Grantee: | Cristiano de Campos Nogueira |
| Host Institution: | Museu de Zoologia (MZ). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil |
| Associated research grant: | 11/50206-9 - Origin and evolution of snakes and their diversification in the Neotropics: a multidisciplinary approach, AP.BTA.TEM |
Abstract Studies on distribution patterns are critical tools for interpreting and conserving biodiversity. Such studies are even more relevant and urgent in regions combining high biological complexity, high anthropogenic pressure and great gaps in current biological knowledge. General distribution patterns and their coincidence with threat factors are still poorly studied in reptiles, the least studied tetrapod group in terms of biogegraphy and conservation. In snakes, the richest and most ecologically diverse group of reptiles, there are few reliable syntheses on distribution and threat factors across the globe. Although Brazil harbors at least 370 described snake species, studies on distribution and conservation of these organisms are still lacking. The present project aims to gather a revised point locality database of Brazilian snakes, and, based on this revised point locality compilation, produce revised estimates of potential distribution, detect and describe general biogeographic patterns and discuss threat levels according to range size and habitat loss in this group of organisms. In order to study the effects of anthropogenic threats, levels of habitat loss will be quantified across the range of each species. Basic biogeographical units in the Brazilian snake fauna will also be described, testing the predictions of the vicariant mode of diversification on snake distribution patterns. The effects of current habitat loss will also be measured across these different biogeographic units. The results of the present project will be included in ongoing studies on diversity and evolution of Neotropical snakes, and will also support the revision of the Brazilian redlist of threatened species and the global list of threatened species, compiled by IUCN. (AU) | |
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