A three-year Herpetofauna survey from one of the largest remnants of the Atlantic Rainforest Biome (Reserva Natural Vale)

Here we present a three-year survey of amphibian and reptile species registered in the Vale Natural Reserve (VNR), located in the north of Espírito Santo, southeastern Brazil. The VNR, along with the Sooretama Biological Reserve (SBR) and other surrounding areas, form a forest block that constitutes one of the largest remnants of continuous forest in the Atlantic Forest biome. We systematically sampled the herpetofauna community from 2015 to 2018, using the method of active search method in 27 plots of RAPELD distributed in the different types of vegetation present in the area. We recorded 39 species of amphibians belonging to the order Anura, distributed in seven families and 40 species of reptiles belonging to 20 families distributed in three orders: Crocodylia, Testudines and Squamata. The supplementation the samplings with those records from occasional encounters was important for the survey of the region's herpetofauna, mainly for reptiles. We added four species (two lizards, one amphisbaenid and one snake) to the known list for the VNR-SBR forest block: Micrablepharus maximiliani, Strobilurus torquatus, Amphisbaena alba and Tantilla sp. We demonstrated that VNR contains a high species richness of amphibians and reptiles, with a high number of anurans being endemic to the Atlantic Forest biome. The present species inventory provided the most current approximation of known the richness and composition of species of the existing herpetofauna at Vale Natural Reserve, since the period of the gathering of records is quite recent (2015-2018). Also, it brings the knowledge of some community parameters as species richness and composition not only for the whole area of the Vale Natural Reserve, but also for its different vegetation types, with no inclusion of environments outside this reserve. Furthermore, the presence of threatened species, the addition of four species to the current list, and the potential for new species to occur, reinforce the role of VNR as an important area for the protection of amphibian and reptile biodiversity in the Atlantic Forest.(AU)

Euphlyctis Cyanophlyctis Schneider, 1799 (Amphibia: Dicroglossidae) in district Lower Dir, Pakistan / Euphlyctis Cyanophlyctis (Schneider, 1799) Amphibia: Dicroglossidae no distrito de Lower Dir, Paquistão

Euphlyctis cyanophlyctis (the skittering frog) is one of the most widespread species in Pakistan. Present study was aimed to know the presence of Euphlyctis cyanophlyctis in urban and rural areas of Lower Dir, the North-western Pakistan. A total of 33 frogs were collected, including 15 from rural and 18 from urban areas. The frogs were caught by hands covered with gloves instead of using nets. The collection was managed from August to October 2016 and from April to May 2018. Morphometric analysis, coloration as well as photographs of the frogs have been provided in detail. Skittering frogs were seen frequent in swampy areas near the water bodies. These frogs were mostly seen after sunset.

Euphlyctis cyanophlyctis (a rã que desliza) é uma das espécies mais comuns no Paquistão. O presente estudo teve como objetivo conhecer a presença de Euphlyctis cyanophlyctis em áreas urbanas e rurais de Lower Dir, noroeste do Paquistão. Um total de 33 sapos foram coletados, incluindo 15 de áreas rurais e 18 de áreas urbanas. As rãs foram apanhadas com as mãos cobertas com luvas em vez de redes. A coleta foi gerenciada de agosto a outubro de 2016 e de abril a maio de 2018. Análises morfométricas, coloração e também fotografias das rãs foram fornecidas em detalhes. Rãs saltitantes foram vistas freqüentemente em áreas pantanosas próximas aos corpos d’água. Essas rãs eram vistas principalmente após o pôr do sol.

Euphlyctis Cyanophlyctis Schneider, 1799 (Amphibia: Dicroglossidae) in district Lower Dir, Pakistan

Abstract Euphlyctis cyanophlyctis (the skittering frog) is one of the most widespread species in Pakistan. Present study was aimed to know the presence of Euphlyctis cyanophlyctis in urban and rural areas of Lower Dir, the North-western Pakistan. A total of 33 frogs were collected, including 15 from rural and 18 from urban areas. The frogs were caught by hands covered with gloves instead of using nets. The collection was managed from August to October 2016 and from April to May 2018. Morphometric analysis, coloration as well as photographs of the frogs have been provided in detail. Skittering frogs were seen frequent in swampy areas near the water bodies. These frogs were mostly seen after sunset.

Resumo Euphlyctis cyanophlyctis (a rã que desliza) é uma das espécies mais comuns no Paquistão. O presente estudo teve como objetivo conhecer a presença de Euphlyctis cyanophlyctis em áreas urbanas e rurais de Lower Dir, noroeste do Paquistão. Um total de 33 sapos foram coletados, incluindo 15 de áreas rurais e 18 de áreas urbanas. As rãs foram apanhadas com as mãos cobertas com luvas em vez de redes. A coleta foi gerenciada de agosto a outubro de 2016 e de abril a maio de 2018. Análises morfométricas, coloração e também fotografias das rãs foram fornecidas em detalhes. Rãs saltitantes foram vistas freqüentemente em áreas pantanosas próximas aos corpos d'água. Essas rãs eram vistas principalmente após o pôr do sol.

Euphlyctis Cyanophlyctis Schneider, 1799 (Amphibia: Dicroglossidae) in district Lower Dir, Pakistan / Euphlyctis Cyanophlyctis (Schneider, 1799) Amphibia: Dicroglossidae no distrito de Lower Dir, Paquistão

Euphlyctis cyanophlyctis (the skittering frog) is one of the most widespread species in Pakistan. Present study was aimed to know the presence of Euphlyctis cyanophlyctis in urban and rural areas of Lower Dir, the North-western Pakistan. A total of 33 frogs were collected, including 15 from rural and 18 from urban areas. The frogs were caught by hands covered with gloves instead of using nets. The collection was managed from August to October 2016 and from April to May 2018. Morphometric analysis, coloration as well as photographs of the frogs have been provided in detail. Skittering frogs were seen frequent in swampy areas near the water bodies. These frogs were mostly seen after sunset.(AU)

Euphlyctis cyanophlyctis (a rã que desliza) é uma das espécies mais comuns no Paquistão. O presente estudo teve como objetivo conhecer a presença de Euphlyctis cyanophlyctis em áreas urbanas e rurais de Lower Dir, noroeste do Paquistão. Um total de 33 sapos foram coletados, incluindo 15 de áreas rurais e 18 de áreas urbanas. As rãs foram apanhadas com as mãos cobertas com luvas em vez de redes. A coleta foi gerenciada de agosto a outubro de 2016 e de abril a maio de 2018. Análises morfométricas, coloração e também fotografias das rãs foram fornecidas em detalhes. Rãs saltitantes foram vistas freqüentemente em áreas pantanosas próximas aos corpos dágua. Essas rãs eram vistas principalmente após o pôr do sol.(AU)

Euphlyctis Cyanophlyctis Schneider, 1799 (Amphibia: Dicroglossidae) in district Lower Dir, Pakistan / Euphlyctis Cyanophlyctis (Schneider, 1799) Amphibia: Dicroglossidae no distrito de Lower Dir, Paquistão

Euphlyctis cyanophlyctis (the skittering frog) is one of the most widespread species in Pakistan. Present study was aimed to know the presence of Euphlyctis cyanophlyctis in urban and rural areas of Lower Dir, the North-western Pakistan. A total of 33 frogs were collected, including 15 from rural and 18 from urban areas. The frogs were caught by hands covered with gloves instead of using nets. The collection was managed from August to October 2016 and from April to May 2018. Morphometric analysis, coloration as well as photographs of the frogs have been provided in detail. Skittering frogs were seen frequent in swampy areas near the water bodies. These frogs were mostly seen after sunset.

Euphlyctis cyanophlyctis (a rã que desliza) é uma das espécies mais comuns no Paquistão. O presente estudo teve como objetivo conhecer a presença de Euphlyctis cyanophlyctis em áreas urbanas e rurais de Lower Dir, noroeste do Paquistão. Um total de 33 sapos foram coletados, incluindo 15 de áreas rurais e 18 de áreas urbanas. As rãs foram apanhadas com as mãos cobertas com luvas em vez de redes. A coleta foi gerenciada de agosto a outubro de 2016 e de abril a maio de 2018. Análises morfométricas, coloração e também fotografias das rãs foram fornecidas em detalhes. Rãs saltitantes foram vistas freqüentemente em áreas pantanosas próximas aos corpos d'água. Essas rãs eram vistas principalmente após o pôr do sol.

Anfíbios anuros de brejos e lagoas de São Roque do Canaá, Espírito Santo, Sudeste do Brasil

A realização de inventários em regiões onde existem poucos registros de coleta de anfíbios é uma ferramenta fundamental para a conservação. O presente estudo teve como objetivo conhecer a composição dos anfíbios anuros de brejos e lagoas de São Roque do Canaã, município localizado na região central do estado do Espírito Santo. O trabalho foi realizado no período entre junho de 2013 e maio de 2014. As coletas foram conduzidas em duas áreas, sendo uma visita por mês em cada área, ambas formadas por brejos e lagoas localizadas em áreas abertas, onde predominam vegetação remanescente da Mata Atlântica envolta por pastagens para criação de gado e culturas de café. As 24 amostragens foram realizadas por dois coletores e aconteceram das 17h00min às 24h00min, resultando em aproximadamente 336 horas de esforço amostral. As espécies foram inventariadas através de busca visual ativa e censo auditivo. Foram registradas 22 espécies, distribuídas em 5 famílias, sendo Hylidae a família mais representativa (N = 16), seguidas por Leptodactylidae (N = 2) e Bufonidae (N = 2), Pipidae (N = 1) e Cycloramphidae (N = 1). Os meses com maior concentração de espécies em atividade de vocalização foram novembro (n = 15) e dezembro (n = 16) de 2013, e janeiro de 2014 (n = 15), enquanto que os meses com menor concentração foram junho (n = 5) e julho (n = 4) de 2013. Nenhuma espécie registrada está incluída na lista de anfíbios ameaçados do Espírito Santo. As espécies encontradas são típicas de áreas abertas, e suportam bem ambientes degradados. O estudo contribui para um melhor conhecimento da anurofauna do município de São Roque do Canaã, visto que não há dados publicados sobre a herpetofauna da região.

The realization of inventories in regions where there are few records of amphibian collection is a fundamental tool for conservation. We studied the composition of amphibian species in swamps and lagoons of São Roque do Canaã, a municipality located in the central region of the state of Espírito Santo, Brazil. The study was conducted between June 2013 and May 2014, with samplings made twice a month. Fieldwork was concentrated at two sites (one visit per month each), both formed by swamps and ponds temporary and are the main matrix type in the landscape, located in open areas where pastures for cattle and coffee crops predominate. Fieldwork was carried out by two collectors from 17:00 to 24h00min, totaling 24 expeditions, resulting in approximately 336 hours of sampling effort. The species were inventoried through active visual search and auditory census. Twenty two species distributed in 5 families were recorded. Hylidae was the most represented family (N = 16), followed by Leptodactylidae (N = 2), Bufonidae (N = 2), Pipidae (N = 1) and Cycloramphidae (N = 1). The months with the highest number of species in calling activity were November (n = 15) and December (n = 16), 2013, and January 2014 (n = 15), while the months with lower number of species were April, June (n = 5) and July (n = 4), 2013. No species recorded is included in the list of threatened amphibians of the Espírito Santo. The species found are typical of open areas and support well degraded environments. This study is the first step to a better understanding of anurofauna of São Roque do Canaã, since there is absolutely nothing published on amphibians in the region.

Anfíbios anuros de brejos e lagoas de são roque do canaã, espírito santo, sudeste do brasil

ABSTRACT The realization of inventories in regions where there are few records of amphibian collection is a fundamental tool for conservation. We studied the composition of amphibian species in swamps and lagoons of São Roque do Canaã, a municipality located in the central region of the state of Espírito Santo, Brazil. The study was conducted between June 2013 and May 2014, with samplings made twice a month. Fieldwork was concentrated at two sites (one visit per month each), both formed by swamps and ponds temporary and are the main matrix type in the landscape, located in open areas where pastures for cattle and coffee crops predominate. Fieldwork was carried out by two collectors from 17:00 to 24h00min, totaling 24 expeditions, resulting in approximately 336 hours of sampling effort. The species were inventoried through active visual search and auditory census. Twenty two species distributed in 5 families were recorded. Hylidae was the most represented family (N = 16), followed by Leptodactylidae (N = 2), Bufonidae (N = 2), Pipidae (N = 1) and Cycloramphidae (N = 1). The months with the highest number of species in calling activity were November (n = 15) and December (n = 16), 2013, and January 2014 (n = 15), while the months with lower number of species were April, June (n = 5) and July (n = 4), 2013. No species recorded is included in the list of threatened amphibians of the Espírito Santo. The species found are typical of open areas and support well degraded environments. This study is the first step to a better understanding of anurofauna of São Roque do Canaã, since there is absolutely nothing published on amphibians in the region.

RESUMO A realização de inventários em regiões onde existem poucos registros de coleta de anfíbios é uma ferramenta fundamental para a conservação. O presente estudo teve como objetivo conhecer a composição dos anfíbios anuros de brejos e lagoas de São Roque do Canaã, município localizado na região central do estado do Espírito Santo. O trabalho foi realizado no período entre junho de 2013 e maio de 2014. As coletas foram conduzidas em duas áreas, sendo uma visita por mês em cada área, ambas formadas por brejos e lagoas localizadas em áreas abertas, onde predominam vegetação remanescente da Mata Atlântica envolta por pastagens para criação de gado e culturas de café. As 24 amostragens foram realizadas por dois coletores e aconteceram das 17h00min às 24h00min, resultando em aproximadamente 336 horas de esforço amostral. As espécies foram inventariadas através de busca visual ativa e censo auditivo. Foram registradas 22 espécies, distribuídas em 5 famílias, sendo Hylidae a família mais representativa (N = 16), seguidas por Leptodactylidae (N = 2) e Bufonidae (N = 2), Pipidae (N = 1) e Cycloramphidae (N = 1). Os meses com maior concentração de espécies em atividade de vocalização foram novembro (n = 15) e dezembro (n = 16) de 2013, e janeiro de 2014 (n = 15), enquanto que os meses com menor concentração foram junho (n = 5) e julho (n = 4) de 2013. Nenhuma espécie registrada está incluída na lista de anfíbios ameaçados do Espírito Santo. As espécies encontradas são típicas de áreas abertas, e suportam bem ambientes degradados. O estudo contribui para um melhor conhecimento da anurofauna do município de São Roque do Canaã, visto que não há dados publicados sobre a herpetofauna da região.

Anuros del norte de los Andes: patrones de riqueza de especies y estado de conservación

El conocimiento de los anuros andinos está en constante aumento, razón por la cual se necesita una actualización. Revisamos la literatura y museos registros científicos con el fin de determinar la riqueza de especies de anuros del norte de los Andes con base en las categorías de la UICN. El norte de los Andes alberga 740 especies de anuros, pertenecientes a 13 familias y 63 géneros. La familia con el mayor número de especies fue craugastoridae (334 spp.), seguida por Bufonidae (92 spp.) y Centrolenidae (81 spp.). La Cordillera Central de Colombia alberga la mayor riqueza de especies (202 spp.), mientras que la Cordillera de la Costa Oriental de Venezuela contiene el número más bajo de especies (17 spp.). La mayoría de las especies (74%) es exclusiva del norte de los Andes, pero ninguna familia es endémica del norte de los Andes. Alrededor del 50% de las especies está amenazada y cerca del 20% con datos deficientes. Los patrones de riqueza de especies en el norte de los Andes podrían ser causados, entre otras razones, por factores históricos, y a su vez por a la falta de muestreo en algunas zonas.

Knowledge of Andean anurans is constantly increasing; for this reason, it needs an update. We reviewed scientific literature and museum records to determine the species richness of anurans in the northern Andes and their conservation status based on the IUCN categories. The northern Andes harbor 740 species of anurans, belonging to 13 families and 63 genera. The family with the highest species number was Craugastoridae (334 spp.), followed by Bufonidae (92 spp.), and Centrolenidae (81 spp.). The Cordillera Central of Colombia harbors the highest species richness (199 spp.), while the Cordillera de la Costa Oriental de Venezuela contains the lowest species number (17 spp.). Most species (74%) is endemic to the northern Andes, but no family is endemic to the northern Andes. About 50% species is threatened and 20% is included in the category of deficient data. The species richness patterns in northern Andes might be caused, among other reasons, by historical factors, but also result of sampling lack in some areas.

Anfíbios anuros de brejos e lagoas de São Roque do Canaá, Espírito Santo, Sudeste do Brasil

A realização de inventários em regiões onde existem poucos registros de coleta de anfíbios é uma ferramenta fundamental para a conservação. O presente estudo teve como objetivo conhecer a composição dos anfíbios anuros de brejos e lagoas de São Roque do Canaã, município localizado na região central do estado do Espírito Santo. O trabalho foi realizado no período entre junho de 2013 e maio de 2014. As coletas foram conduzidas em duas áreas, sendo uma visita por mês em cada área, ambas formadas por brejos e lagoas localizadas em áreas abertas, onde predominam vegetação remanescente da Mata Atlântica envolta por pastagens para criação de gado e culturas de café. As 24 amostragens foram realizadas por dois coletores e aconteceram das 17h00min às 24h00min, resultando em aproximadamente 336 horas de esforço amostral. As espécies foram inventariadas através de busca visual ativa e censo auditivo. Foram registradas 22 espécies, distribuídas em 5 famílias, sendo Hylidae a família mais representativa (N = 16), seguidas por Leptodactylidae (N = 2) e Bufonidae (N = 2), Pipidae (N = 1) e Cycloramphidae (N = 1). Os meses com maior concentração de espécies em atividade de vocalização foram novembro (n = 15) e dezembro (n = 16) de 2013, e janeiro de 2014 (n = 15), enquanto que os meses com menor concentração foram junho (n = 5) e julho (n = 4) de 2013. Nenhuma espécie registrada está incluída na lista de anfíbios ameaçados do Espírito Santo. As espécies encontradas são típicas de áreas abertas, e suportam bem ambientes degradados. O estudo contribui para um melhor conhecimento da anurofauna do município de São Roque do Canaã, visto que não há dados publicados sobre a herpetofauna da região.(AU)

The realization of inventories in regions where there are few records of amphibian collection is a fundamental tool for conservation. We studied the composition of amphibian species in swamps and lagoons of São Roque do Canaã, a municipality located in the central region of the state of Espírito Santo, Brazil. The study was conducted between June 2013 and May 2014, with samplings made twice a month. Fieldwork was concentrated at two sites (one visit per month each), both formed by swamps and ponds temporary and are the main matrix type in the landscape, located in open areas where pastures for cattle and coffee crops predominate. Fieldwork was carried out by two collectors from 17:00 to 24h00min, totaling 24 expeditions, resulting in approximately 336 hours of sampling effort. The species were inventoried through active visual search and auditory census. Twenty two species distributed in 5 families were recorded. Hylidae was the most represented family (N = 16), followed by Leptodactylidae (N = 2), Bufonidae (N = 2), Pipidae (N = 1) and Cycloramphidae (N = 1). The months with the highest number of species in calling activity were November (n = 15) and December (n = 16), 2013, and January 2014 (n = 15), while the months with lower number of species were April, June (n = 5) and July (n = 4), 2013. No species recorded is included in the list of threatened amphibians of the Espírito Santo. The species found are typical of open areas and support well degraded environments. This study is the first step to a better understanding of anurofauna of São Roque do Canaã, since there is absolutely nothing published on amphibians in the region.(AU)

ANFÍBIOS ANUROS DE BREJOS E LAGOAS DE SÃO ROQUE DO CANAÃ, ESPÍRITO SANTO, SUDESTE DO BRASIL

ABSTRACT The realization of inventories in regions where there are few records of amphibian collection is a fundamental tool for conservation. We studied the composition of amphibian species in swamps and lagoons of São Roque do Canaã, a municipality located in the central region of the state of Espírito Santo, Brazil. The study was conducted between June 2013 and May 2014, with samplings made twice a month. Fieldwork was concentrated at two sites (one visit per month each), both formed by swamps and ponds temporary and are the main matrix type in the landscape, located in open areas where pastures for cattle and coffee crops predominate. Fieldwork was carried out by two collectors from 17:00 to 24h00min, totaling 24 expeditions, resulting in approximately 336 hours of sampling effort. The species were inventoried through active visual search and auditory census. Twenty two species distributed in 5 families were recorded. Hylidae was the most represented family (N = 16), followed by Leptodactylidae (N = 2), Bufonidae (N = 2), Pipidae (N = 1) and Cycloramphidae (N = 1). The months with the highest number of species in calling activity were November (n = 15) and December (n = 16), 2013, and January 2014 (n = 15), while the months with lower number of species were April, June (n = 5) and July (n = 4), 2013. No species recorded is included in the list of threatened amphibians of the Espírito Santo. The species found are typical of open areas and support well degraded environments. This study is the first step to a better understanding of anurofauna of São Roque do Canaã, since there is absolutely nothing published on amphibians in the region.

RESUMO A realização de inventários em regiões onde existem poucos registros de coleta de anfíbios é uma ferramenta fundamental para a conservação. O presente estudo teve como objetivo conhecer a composição dos anfíbios anuros de brejos e lagoas de São Roque do Canaã, município localizado na região central do estado do Espírito Santo. O trabalho foi realizado no período entre junho de 2013 e maio de 2014. As coletas foram conduzidas em duas áreas, sendo uma visita por mês em cada área, ambas formadas por brejos e lagoas localizadas em áreas abertas, onde predominam vegetação remanescente da Mata Atlântica envolta por pastagens para criação de gado e culturas de café. As 24 amostragens foram realizadas por dois coletores e aconteceram das 17h00min às 24h00min, resultando em aproximadamente 336 horas de esforço amostral. As espécies foram inventariadas através de busca visual ativa e censo auditivo. Foram registradas 22 espécies, distribuídas em 5 famílias, sendo Hylidae a família mais representativa (N = 16), seguidas por Leptodactylidae (N = 2) e Bufonidae (N = 2), Pipidae (N = 1) e Cycloramphidae (N = 1). Os meses com maior concentração de espécies em atividade de vocalização foram novembro (n = 15) e dezembro (n = 16) de 2013, e janeiro de 2014 (n = 15), enquanto que os meses com menor concentração foram junho (n = 5) e julho (n = 4) de 2013. Nenhuma espécie registrada está incluída na lista de anfíbios ameaçados do Espírito Santo. As espécies encontradas são típicas de áreas abertas, e suportam bem ambientes degradados. O estudo contribui para um melhor conhecimento da anurofauna do município de São Roque do Canaã, visto que não há dados publicados sobre a herpetofauna da região.

Anuros del norte de los Andes: patrones de riqueza de especies y estado de conservación

El conocimiento de los anuros andinos está en constante aumento, razón por la cual se necesita una actualización. Revisamos la literatura y museos registros científicos con el fin de determinar la riqueza de especies de anuros del norte de los Andes con base en las categorías de la UICN. El norte de los Andes alberga 740 especies de anuros, pertenecientes a 13 familias y 63 géneros. La familia con el mayor número de especies fue craugastoridae (334 spp.), seguida por Bufonidae (92 spp.) y Centrolenidae (81 spp.). La Cordillera Central de Colombia alberga la mayor riqueza de especies (202 spp.), mientras que la Cordillera de la Costa Oriental de Venezuela contiene el número más bajo de especies (17 spp.). La mayoría de las especies (74%) es exclusiva del norte de los Andes, pero ninguna familia es endémica del norte de los Andes. Alrededor del 50% de las especies está amenazada y cerca del 20% con datos deficientes. Los patrones de riqueza de especies en el norte de los Andes podrían ser causados, entre otras razones, por factores históricos, y a su vez por a la falta de muestreo en algunas zonas.(AU)

Knowledge of Andean anurans is constantly increasing; for this reason, it needs an update. We reviewed scientific literature and museum records to determine the species richness of anurans in the northern Andes and their conservation status based on the IUCN categories. The northern Andes harbor 740 species of anurans, belonging to 13 families and 63 genera. The family with the highest species number was Craugastoridae (334 spp.), followed by Bufonidae (92 spp.), and Centrolenidae (81 spp.). The Cordillera Central of Colombia harbors the highest species richness (199 spp.), while the Cordillera de la Costa Oriental de Venezuela contains the lowest species number (17 spp.). Most species (74%) is endemic to the northern Andes, but no family is endemic to the northern Andes. About 50% species is threatened and 20% is included in the category of deficient data. The species richness patterns in northern Andes might be caused, among other reasons, by historical factors, but also result of sampling lack in some areas.(AU)

On frogs, toxins and true friendship: an atypical case report

The authors report a series of events including the scientific interest for poisonous dendrobates of French Guiana, the human confrontation with the immensity of the evergreen rainforest, the fragility of the best-prepared individuals to a rough life, and the unique and very special manifestation of a solid friendship between two experts and enthusiasts of outdoor life. In the evergreen forest of South America, as in many other scientific field expeditions, everything may suddenly go wrong, and nothing can prepare researchers to accidents that may occur in a succession of uncontrollable errors once the first mistake is done. This is what happened during an expedition in search for dendrobates by an experienced forest guide and naturalist. The authors decided to report the story, considering that it deserved to be brought to the attention of those interested in venomous animals and toxins, in order to illustrate the potential danger of dealing with these organisms.(AU)

On frogs, toxins and true friendship: an atypical case report

The authors report a series of events including the scientific interest for poisonous dendrobates of French Guiana, the human confrontation with the immensity of the evergreen rainforest, the fragility of the best-prepared individuals to a rough life, and the unique and very special manifestation of a solid friendship between two experts and enthusiasts of outdoor life. In the evergreen forest of South America, as in many other scientific field expeditions, everything may suddenly go wrong, and nothing can prepare researchers to accidents that may occur in a succession of uncontrollable errors once the first mistake is done. This is what happened during an expedition in search for dendrobates by an experienced forest guide and naturalist. The authors decided to report the story, considering that it deserved to be brought to the attention of those interested in venomous animals and toxins, in order to illustrate the potential danger of dealing with these organisms.

The use of singleplex and nested PCR to detect Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis in free-living frogs

Many microorganisms are able to cause diseases in amphibians, and in the past few years one of the most reported has been Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis. This fungus was first reported in Brazil in 2005; following this, other reports were made in specimens deposited in museum collections, captive and free-living frogs. The aim of this study was to compare singleplex and nested-PCR techniques to detect B. dendrobatidis in free-living and apparently healthy adult frogs from the Brazilian Atlantic Forest. The sample collection area was a protected government park, with no general entrance permitted and no management of the animals there. Swabs were taken from the skin of 107 animals without macroscopic lesions and they were maintained in ethanol p.a. Fungal DNA was extracted and identification of B. dendrobatidis was performed using singleplex and nested-PCR techniques, employing specific primers sequences. B. dendrobatidis was detected in 61/107 (57%) and 18/107 (17%) animals, respectively by nested and singleplex-PCR. Nested-PCR was statistically more sensible than the conventional for the detection of B. dendrobatidis (Chi-square = 37.1; α = 1%) and the agreement between both techniques was considered just fair (Kappa = 0.27). The high prevalence obtained confirms that these fungi occur in free-living frogs from the Brazilian Atlantic Forest with no macroscopic lesions, characterizing the state of asymptomatic carrier. We concluded that the nested-PCR technique, due to its ease of execution and reproducibility, can be recommended as one of the alternatives in epidemiological surveys to detect B. dendrobatidis in healthy free-living frog populations.(AU)

Desempenho zootécnico de girinos de rã-touro com diferentes níveis de proteína e energia digestíveis

From the digestibility values of some ingredients, it was proposed diets with different levels of digestible protein and energy, in a 3x3 factorial design for bullfrog tadpoles, aiming at evaluate the zootechnical performance. The experiment was conducted during 60 days with 810 tadpoles from the same spawning distributed into 27 polypropylene boxes at a density of 1 tadpole/L. The experimental design consisted of a factorial arrangement with three levels of digestible protein (27; 31 and 35%) and three levels of digestible energy (2700; 2800 and 2900kcal/kg) with three repetitions. Parameters evaluated at 60 days were weight gain, feed intake, dietary protein intake, feed conversion, protein efficiency rate and survival rate. Results were subjected to analysis of variance and Duncan test (95% accuracy), and presented no interaction between digestible protein and digestible energy for any parameter evaluated. As for the digestible protein, significant differences were detected in the dietary protein intake, and protein efficiency rate, evidencing inefficiency of diets with high protein values. Bullfrog tadpoles should be given diets with 27% digestible protein by having the best result for the protein efficiency rate and for the dietary protein intake, with the lowest value and similar to other levels among evaluated parameters.

A partir dos valores de digestibilidade de alguns ingredientes foram propostas dietas, com diferentes níveis de proteína e energia digestíveis, em esquema fatorial 3 x 3, destinadas a girinos de rã-touro para avaliar o desempenho zootécnico. O experimento, com duração de 60 dias, foi conduzido com 810 girinos, oriundos da mesma desova, distribuídos em 27 caixas de polipropileno, em uma densidade de 1girino/L. O delineamento experimental foi um esquema fatorial com três níveis de proteína digestível (27; 31 e 35%) e três níveis de energia digestível (2.700; 2.800 e 2.900kcal/kg) com três réplicas. Os parâmetros avaliados aos 60 dias foram ganho de peso, consumo da dieta, consumo em proteína da dieta, conversão alimentar, taxa de eficiência proteica e índice de sobrevivência. Os resultados foram submetidos à análise de variância e ao teste de Duncan (95% de precisão). Os resultados encontrados não apresentaram interação entre proteína e energia digestível para nenhum parâmetro avaliado. Em relação à proteína digestível, foram verificadas diferenças nos parâmetros consumo em proteína da dieta e taxa de eficiência proteica (TEP), o que demonstra ineficiência das dietas com altos valores proteicos. Deve-se oferecer aos girinos de rã-touro dietas com 27% de proteína digestível, por apresentarem melhor resultado para taxa de eficiência proteica e para consumo em proteína da dieta.

Elaboração de empanado com carne de rã-touro (Rana catesbeiana) / Preparation of breaded meat with bullfrog (Rana catesbeiana)

A rã é considerada um animal exótico e sua carne classificada como sendo de pescado com alto valor nutricional.Embora os avanços nas pesquisas desenvolvidas no Brasil tenham contribuído para um aumento da produtividadedo setor, ainda existe uma carência de trabalhos quanto à utilização da carne de rã como matéria-prima na indústria de alimentos. A tecnologia de empanamento permite agregar valor pela melhoria da aparência, diversificaçãode sabor e aumento da vida útil dos produtos. Os objetivos do trabalho foram elaborar um empanado com carne de rã e realizar a caracterização físico-química, microbiológica e sensorial dos produtos formulados. As análises microbiológicas de contagem de Staphylococcus aureus, coliformes a 45ºC e pesquisa de Salmonella sppestavam em conformidade com os padrões da legislação vigente. Os valores de cinzas, umidade, proteína, lipídios,pH, valor calórico total (VCT) e teor de carboidratos dos empanados encontravam- se dentre os valores exigidospela legislação. O produto empanado à base de carne de rã foi bem aceito pelo painel sensorial e apresentou características físico-químicas e microbiológicas dentro da legislação vigente, representando assim uma alternativapara o consumidor de carne de rã. (AU)

The frog is considered an exotic animal and their meat is classified as being of fish with high nutritional value.Although advances in researches developed in Brazil have contributed to an increase in productivity of industry;there is still a lack of work on the use of frogs as a raw material in the food industry. Breaded technology lets youadd value by improving the appearance, diversification of flavor and increase service life of products. This study involved the preparation of breaded frog and proximal composition; sensorial and microbiological evaluation of products prepared. Microbiological analysis of Staphylococcus aureus count, coliforms at 45 C and research of Salmonella spp. were in accord with the Brarilian legislation pattern 's. The breaded frogs made were well accepted by trained panelists and their physicochemical and microbiological properties were in compliance with the current laws, thus offering an alternative for the consumption of frogs.(AU)

Redescripción de Cochranella megista (Rivero, 1985) y ampliación de la distribución de nueve ranas de cristal (Anura: Centrolenidae) en Colombia

En 1980, Marco Antonio Serna colectó dos ejemplares de una inusual rana de cristal en el noroccidente del Departamento de Antioquia, Colombia. Dichos ejemplares exhibían algunas características sobresalientes entre las cuales llamó la atención su gran tamaño. Aparentemente solo uno de estos ejemplares (el holotipo hembra) fue enviado para su identificación a Juan A. Rivero, quien la describió bajo el nombre de Centrolenella megistra (Rivero, 1985). Sin embargo, escasa información concerniente a la especie ha sido reportada en la literatura desde la descripción original, más allá de su re-asignación genérica. En este trabajo, presentamos una redescripción de esta especie, con una adecuada delimitación de sus características, asignamos un neotipo, presentamos algunos datos sobre su distribución e historia natural y justificamos el cambio de su epíteto específico de "megistra" a "megista". Adicionalmente, reportamos algunas localidades que amplían los rangos de distribución de nueve especies de ranas de cristal de Colombia, Hyalinobatrachium fleischmanni, Centrolene andinum C. petrophilum, C. hybrida, C. buckleyi, C. quindianum, Cochranella adiazeta, C. daidalea y C. susatamai.

In 1980, Marco Antonio Serna collected two individuals of an unusual glassfrog from Departamento de Antioquia, Colombia. These specimens exhibit some peculiar characteristics, including a large body size. It seems that only one of these specimens was sent to Juan A. Rivero for its identification; Rivero (1985) described the species under the name of Centrolenella megistra. Herein, we redescribe and designate a neotype of Cochranella megista (Rivero, 1985). Also, we justify the change of its specific epithet "megistra" to "megista", according to the original intention of Rivero. Finally, we report new localities that extend the distributional ranges of Hyalinobatrachium fleischmanni, Centrolene andinum C. petrophilum, C. hybrida, C. buckleyi, C. quindianum, Cochranella adiazeta, C. daidalea and C. susatamai in Colombia.

Redescripción de Cochranella megista (Rivero, 1985) y ampliación de la distribución de nueve ranas de cristal (Anura: Centrolenidae) en Colombia

En 1980, Marco Antonio Serna colectó dos ejemplares de una inusual rana de cristal en el noroccidente del Departamento de Antioquia, Colombia. Dichos ejemplares exhibían algunas características sobresalientes entre las cuales llamó la atención su gran tamaño. Aparentemente solo uno de estos ejemplares (el holotipo hembra) fue enviado para su identificación a Juan A. Rivero, quien la describió bajo el nombre de Centrolenella megistra (Rivero, 1985). Sin embargo, escasa información concerniente a la especie ha sido reportada en la literatura desde la descripción original, más allá de su re-asignación genérica. En este trabajo, presentamos una redescripción de esta especie, con una adecuada delimitación de sus características, asignamos un neotipo, presentamos algunos datos sobre su distribución e historia natural y justificamos el cambio de su epíteto específico de "megistra" a "megista". Adicionalmente, reportamos algunas localidades que amplían los rangos de distribución de nueve especies de ranas de cristal de Colombia, Hyalinobatrachium fleischmanni, Centrolene andinum C. petrophilum, C. hybrida, C. buckleyi, C. quindianum, Cochranella adiazeta, C. daidalea y C. susatamai.

In 1980, Marco Antonio Serna collected two individuals of an unusual glassfrog from Departamento de Antioquia, Colombia. These specimens exhibit some peculiar characteristics, including a large body size. It seems that only one of these specimens was sent to Juan A. Rivero for its identification; Rivero (1985) described the species under the name of Centrolenella megistra. Herein, we redescribe and designate a neotype of Cochranella megista (Rivero, 1985). Also, we justify the change of its specific epithet "megistra" to "megista", according to the original intention of Rivero. Finally, we report new localities that extend the distributional ranges of Hyalinobatrachium fleischmanni, Centrolene andinum C. petrophilum, C. hybrida, C. buckleyi, C. quindianum, Cochranella adiazeta, C. daidalea and C. susatamai in Colombia.

Feeding habits of six anuran (Amphibia: Anura) species in a rainforest fragment in Northeastern Brazil

Although Brazil encompasses one of the most abundant anuran faunas in the world, quantitative information on anuran ecology and diet are limited, especially in the Northeastern region. We analyzed the diet of six species: Hyla albomarginata, Hyla cf. branneri, Hyla minuta, Phyllomedusa aff. hypochondrialis (Hylidae), Leptodactylus natalensis, and Physalaemus cuvieri (Leptodactylidae) in a temporary pond in a rainforest remnant in Pernambuco, between 1999-2000. We analyzed diet composition, degree of food preference, and seasonal variations in diet. Leptodactylus natalensis and P. cuvieri showed higher diet diversity, whereas H. minuta consumed fewer food items. Insecta, Arachnida, and plants were preferential items for most species. Acari were consumed by all species; Hymenoptera, Odonata, and Coleoptera were also often consumed. A slight increase in diet diversity occurred in the rainy season. The species showed a generalist feeding behaviour, although P. cuvieri consumed Formicidae as major prey item.

Feeding habits of six anuran (Amphibia: Anura) species in a rainforest fragment in Northeastern Brazil

Although Brazil encompasses one of the most abundant anuran faunas in the world, quantitative information on anuran ecology and diet are limited, especially in the Northeastern region. We analyzed the diet of six species: Hyla albomarginata, Hyla cf. branneri, Hyla minuta, Phyllomedusa aff. hypochondrialis (Hylidae), Leptodactylus natalensis, and Physalaemus cuvieri (Leptodactylidae) in a temporary pond in a rainforest remnant in Pernambuco, between 1999-2000. We analyzed diet composition, degree of food preference, and seasonal variations in diet. Leptodactylus natalensis and P. cuvieri showed higher diet diversity, whereas H. minuta consumed fewer food items. Insecta, Arachnida, and plants were preferential items for most species. Acari were consumed by all species; Hymenoptera, Odonata, and Coleoptera were also often consumed. A slight increase in diet diversity occurred in the rainy season. The species showed a generalist feeding behaviour, although P. cuvieri consumed Formicidae as major prey item.