Amphibians and reptiles of the Refúgio Biológico Bela Vista - Itaipu Dam, state of Paraná, southern Brazil

Author(s)

Vicente-Ferreira, Gabriel S. ; do Nascimento, Eloize F. ; Batista, Camila S. ; Kardush, Tarik A. ; Reyes, Kathia L. B. ; V. Garey, Michel

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: Biota Neotropica; v. 24, n. 1, p. 17-pg., 2024-01-01.

Abstract

Information regarding species occurrence is fundamental to understanding biodiversity distribution. However, the biodiversity from the west of the state of Parana has been historically less studied, especially amphibians and reptiles. For this reason, we present the first reptile list of species from the west of the state of Parana and extend the current list of anurans for the municipality of Foz do Iguacu. The species list was based on a systematic field study conducted at Refugio Biologico Bela Vista (RBV) a conservation area within the Hydroelectric Power Itaipu Binacional. We integrated the species list with previous species observations available in the literature for the same place where our sampling was conducted. A total of 41 species of amphibians and reptiles are presented. All amphibians species found were recorded in the field; however, from the 22 species of reptiles recorded, three were historical records obtained before this study. Species were all classified as Least Concern and/ or had stable populational status according to the IUCN. Sampling sufficiency was achieved for anurans but not for reptiles, probably due to low abundance of several snake species. The most abundant species of anuran was Dendropsophus nanus, from the Hylidae family, whereas Leptodactylus plaumanni and Scinax squalirostris were represented by only one individual each. The lizard Salvator merianae was the most abundant reptile, and seven species were represented by only one individual each. The most successful sampling method for adult anurans was active search in water bodies whereas most of reptile species were observed by accidental encounters and not through a systematic sampling method. We found that herpetofauna composition from RBV was similar to other communities from Parana state that also occur within the Semideciduous Seasonal Forest. Finally, as additional information to the species list, we offer species identification keys and discuss the importance of Refugio Biologico Bela Vista to harbor the anuran and reptile diversity of the region. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 22/14451-3 - Ecology and evolution of sleep in snakes
• Grantee: Gabriel Spanghero Vicente Ferreira
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate