Microhabitat selection of the poorly known lizard Tropidurus lagunablanca (Squamata: Tropiduridae) in the Pantanal, Brazil

Abstract Understanding how different environmental factors influence species occurrence is a key issue to address the study of natural populations. However, there is a lack of knowledge on how local traits influence the microhabitat use of tropical arboreal lizards. Here, we investigated the microhabitat selection of the poorly known lizard Tropidurus lagunablanca (Squamata: Tropiduridae) and evaluated how environmental microhabitat features influence animals presence. We used a Resource Selection Function approach, in a case/control design where we analyzed the effect of substrate temperature and trees diameter at breast height (DBH) in the probability of presence of lizards using mixed Conditional Logistic Regression. We found that T. lagunablanca uses trees with DBH from 0.40 m to 4 m and substrate temperatures ranging from 25.9°C to 42°C. Moreover, we showed that thickness of the trees and substrate temperatures significantly increased the probability of presence of T. lagunablanca individuals, being the probability of presence higher than 50% for trees up to 1.5 m DBH and temperature of substrate up to 37.5°C. Our study probed that T. lagunablanca individuals choose trees non-randomly, selecting thicker and warmer tree trunks. This information advances the knowledge of the spatial ecology of Neotropical arboreal lizards and is relevant for conservation, putting an emphasis on preserving native vegetation in the Pantanal.

Microhabitat selection of the poorly known lizard Tropidurus lagunablanca (Squamata: Tropiduridae) in the Pantanal, Brazil

Abstract Understanding how different environmental factors influence species occurrence is a key issue to address the study of natural populations. However, there is a lack of knowledge on how local traits influence the microhabitat use of tropical arboreal lizards. Here, we investigated the microhabitat selection of the poorly known lizard Tropidurus lagunablanca (Squamata: Tropiduridae) and evaluated how environmental microhabitat features influence animal's presence. We used a Resource Selection Function approach, in a case/control design where we analyzed the effect of substrate temperature and tree's diameter at breast height (DBH) in the probability of presence of lizards using mixed Conditional Logistic Regression. We found that T. lagunablanca uses trees with DBH from 0.40 m to 4 m and substrate temperatures ranging from 25.9°C to 42°C. Moreover, we showed that thickness of the trees and substrate temperatures significantly increased the probability of presence of T. lagunablanca individuals, being the probability of presence higher than 50% for trees up to 1.5 m DBH and temperature of substrate up to 37.5°C. Our study probed that T. lagunablanca individuals choose trees non-randomly, selecting thicker and warmer tree trunks. This information advances the knowledge of the spatial ecology of Neotropical arboreal lizards and is relevant for conservation, putting an emphasis on preserving native vegetation in the Pantanal.

Living in a cold tropical mountain: do the microhabitat use and activity pattern change with elevation in the high-Andean lizard Stenocercus trachycephalus (Squamata: Tropiduridae)?

Abstract The high mountain environment is a tough habitat that imposes many challenges to reptiles. As temperature decreases with altitude and has a dramatic variation throughout the day in the tropical mountains, ectotherms must cope with these harsh conditions. We studied the use of microhabitat and activity patterns of Stenocercus trachycephalus in the eastern Andes mountain range of Colombia. Three localities were sampled across the wide altitudinal distribution of this lizard species, in a range from 2,670 to 3,950 m a.s.l. The initial hypothesis was that these natural history traits would change with altitude but instead, we found that they remained roughly consistent, showing the great plasticity of this species. The results support that this lizard is a microhabitat-generalist using principally herb across the gradient, rarely shifting to specific plants or microhabitats such as rocks depending on availability. Regarding the activity pattern, this species was active throughout the day from 8:00 to 16:00 with a similar pattern along the gradient. Nevertheless, some differences were detected across localities. The activity pattern shifted from bimodal in the lower locality to unimodal in the higher ones. As expected, a correlation between temperature and activity patterns was found in one of the study sites. However, this was not the case for the lower and mid-elevation localities, where there was no correlation between these variables. The mid-elevation study site was the most interesting locality as the use of microhabitat relied virtually just on the herb stratum and the activity was constrained to the morning hours. These findings may be the result of the synergic effects of other ecological variables (weather variability, human impact, predation, population structure, or reproductive season). Our study gives the basis for a better understanding of how behavior (microhabitat choice and hours of activity) of ectotherms can help to counter thermal constraints in the neotropics when facing an altitudinal gradient. Further studies should focus on the thermal biology of this species, considering the influence of anthropic impact on these lizards populations.

Living in a cold tropical mountain: do the microhabitat use and activity pattern change with elevation in the high-Andean lizard Stenocercus trachycephalus (Squamata: Tropiduridae)?

Abstract The high mountain environment is a tough habitat that imposes many challenges to reptiles. As temperature decreases with altitude and has a dramatic variation throughout the day in the tropical mountains, ectotherms must cope with these harsh conditions. We studied the use of microhabitat and activity patterns of Stenocercus trachycephalus in the eastern Andes mountain range of Colombia. Three localities were sampled across the wide altitudinal distribution of this lizard species, in a range from 2,670 to 3,950 m a.s.l. The initial hypothesis was that these natural history traits would change with altitude but instead, we found that they remained roughly consistent, showing the great plasticity of this species. The results support that this lizard is a microhabitat-generalist using principally herb across the gradient, rarely shifting to specific plants or microhabitats such as rocks depending on availability. Regarding the activity pattern, this species was active throughout the day from 8:00 to 16:00 with a similar pattern along the gradient. Nevertheless, some differences were detected across localities. The activity pattern shifted from bimodal in the lower locality to unimodal in the higher ones. As expected, a correlation between temperature and activity patterns was found in one of the study sites. However, this was not the case for the lower and mid-elevation localities, where there was no correlation between these variables. The mid-elevation study site was the most interesting locality as the use of microhabitat relied virtually just on the herb stratum and the activity was constrained to the morning hours. These findings may be the result of the synergic effects of other ecological variables (weather variability, human impact, predation, population structure, or reproductive season). Our study gives the basis for a better understanding of how behavior (microhabitat choice and hours of activity) of ectotherms can help to counter thermal constraints in the neotropics when facing an altitudinal gradient. Further studies should focus on the thermal biology of this species, considering the influence of anthropic impact on these lizards' populations.

Microhabitat selection of the poorly known lizard Tropidurus lagunablanca(Squamata: Tropiduridae) in the Pantanal, Brazil

Understanding how different environmental factors influence species occurrence is a key issue to address the study of natural populations. However, there is a lack of knowledge on how local traits influence the microhabitat use of tropical arboreal lizards. Here, we investigated the microhabitat selection of the poorly known lizard Tropidurus lagunablanca(Squamata: Tropiduridae) and evaluated how environmental microhabitat features influence animals presence. We used a Resource Selection Function approach, in a case/control design where we analyzed the effect of substrate temperature and trees diameter at breast height (DBH) in the probability of presence of lizards using mixed Conditional Logistic Regression. We found that T. lagunablanca uses trees with DBH from 0.40 m to 4 m and substrate temperatures ranging from 25.9°C to 42°C. Moreover, we showed that thickness of the trees and substrate temperatures significantly increased the probability of presence of T. lagunablanca individuals, being the probability of presence higher than 50% for trees up to 1.5 m DBH and temperature of substrate up to 37.5°C. Our study probed that T. lagunablanca individuals choose trees non-randomly, selecting thicker and warmer tree trunks. This information advances the knowledge of the spatial ecology of Neotropical arboreal lizards and is relevant for conservation, putting an emphasis on preserving native vegetation in the Pantanal.(AU)

Living in a cold tropical mountain do the microhabitat use and activity pattern change with elevation in the highAndean lizard Stenocercus trachycephalus (Squamata Tropiduridae)

The high mountain environment is a tough habitat that imposes many challenges to reptiles. As temperature decreases with altitude and has a dramatic variation throughout the day in the tropical mountains, ectotherms must cope with these harsh conditions. We studied the use of microhabitat and activity patterns of Stenocercus trachycephalus in the eastern Andes mountain range of Colombia. Three localities were sampled across the wide altitudinal distribution of this lizard species, in a range from 2,670 to 3,950 m a.s.l. The initial hypothesis was that these natural history traits would change with altitude but instead, we found that they remained roughly consistent, showing the great plasticity of this species. The results support that this lizard is a microhabitat-generalist using principally herb across the gradient, rarely shifting to specific plants or microhabitats such as rocks depending on availability. Regarding the activity pattern, this species was active throughout the day from 8:00 to 16:00 with a similar pattern along the gradient. Nevertheless, some differences were detected across localities. The activity pattern shifted from bimodal in the lower locality to unimodal in the higher ones. As expected, a correlation between temperature and activity patterns was found in one of the study sites. However, this was not the case for the lower and mid-elevation localities, where there was no correlation between these variables. The mid-elevation study site was the most interesting locality as the use of microhabitat relied virtually just on the herb stratum and the activity was constrained to the morning hours. These findings may be the result of the synergic effects of other ecological variables (weather variability, human impact, predation, population structure, or reproductive season). Our study gives the basis for a better understanding of how behavior (microhabitat choice and hours of activity) of ectotherms can help to counter thermal constraints in the neotropics when facing an altitudinal gradient. Further studies should focus on the thermal biology of this species, considering the influence of anthropic impact on these lizards populations.(AU)

A new horned Stenocercus from the highlands of southeastern Brazil, and redescription of Stenocercus tricristatus (Reptilia: Tropiduridae)

A new species of the lizard genus Stenocercus Duméril & Bibron, 1837 is described based on six specimens from Serra da Canastra, Minas Gerais, southeastern Brazil. Similar to S. tricristatus (Duméril, 1851), S. dumerilii (Steindachner, 1867), S. quinarius Nogueira & Rodrigues, 2006, and S. squarrosus Nogueira & Rodrigues, 2006, the new species has a pyramidal head and an enlarged, dorsally projected post-supraciliary scale, like a small horn. It is most similar to S. tricristatus, from which it differs in having a more elongated head in ventral view; a larger number of scales around midbody; a distinctly enlarged, smooth preauricular scale; and probably a larger body size. Moreover, the new species has distinctly keeled scales, with phylloid and mucronate dorsals; no enlarged supraoculars; no neck folds; a vertebral, and a pair of dorsolateral and (weak) lateral crests. A redescription of S. tricristatus is presented for comparison with the new species.

A new horned Stenocercus from the highlands of southeastern Brazil, and redescription of Stenocercus tricristatus (Reptilia: Tropiduridae)

A new species of the lizard genus Stenocercus Duméril & Bibron, 1837 is described based on six specimens from Serra da Canastra, Minas Gerais, southeastern Brazil. Similar to S. tricristatus (Duméril, 1851), S. dumerilii (Steindachner, 1867), S. quinarius Nogueira & Rodrigues, 2006, and S. squarrosus Nogueira & Rodrigues, 2006, the new species has a pyramidal head and an enlarged, dorsally projected post-supraciliary scale, like a small horn. It is most similar to S. tricristatus, from which it differs in having a more elongated head in ventral view; a larger number of scales around midbody; a distinctly enlarged, smooth preauricular scale; and probably a larger body size. Moreover, the new species has distinctly keeled scales, with phylloid and mucronate dorsals; no enlarged supraoculars; no neck folds; a vertebral, and a pair of dorsolateral and (weak) lateral crests. A redescription of S. tricristatus is presented for comparison with the new species.(AU)

The herpetofauna of the serra do urubu mountain range: a key biodiversity area for conservation in the brazilian atlantic forest

ABSTRACT The Serra do Urubu mountain range is considered a key biodiversity area. It is situated in the Pernambuco Endemism Center, one of the most threatened regions of the Brazilian Atlantic Forest. However, despite the high importance of this area little research on its herpetofauna has been performed. The present study presents an inventory of the herpetofauna of the region, through bibliographic review, searches in museum collections and field expeditions to the RPPNs Frei Caneca and Pedra DAntas, in the municipalities of Jaqueira and Lagoa dos Gatos. The conservation status of the amphibians of the region is discussed. Five expeditions, between 2012 and 2013 were made. The methods employed were visual transect surveys, acoustic census and pitfall traps. We recorded a total of 46 amphibian species, belonging to nine families: Craugastoridae (3 spp.), Bufonidae (3 spp.), Ranidae (1 sp.), Hylidae (25 spp.), Leptodactylidae (8 spp.), Odontophrynidae (1 sp.), Hemiphractidae (2 spp.), Phyllomedusidae (2 spp.) and Microhylidae (1 sp.). We recorded 42 species of squamates: 16 species of lizards families Phyllodactylidae (1 sp.), Gekkonidae (1 sp.), Gymnophthalmidae (1 sp.), Polychrotidae (1 sp.), Leiosauridae (1 sp.), Tropiduridae (3 spp.), Dactyloidae (2 spp.), Diploglossidae (2 spp.), Teiidae (2 spp.), Scincidae (1 sp.), and Iguanidae (1 sp.); and 24 species of snakes: Boidae (3 spp.), Colubridae (2 spp.), Dipsadidae (13 spp.), Elapidae (2 spp.), Typhlopidae (1 sp.), and Viperidae (3 spp.). The occurrence of rare and/or threatened species such as the snakes Dipsas sazimai, Lachesis muta and Sibynomorphus sp. and the amphibians Hylomantis granulosa, Chiasmocleis alagoana, Boana freicanecae and Phyllodytes gyrinaethes reinforces the need for conservation measures at this highly threatened region of the Atlantic Forest.

RESUMO O complexo da Serra do Urubu é considerado uma área chave para a conservação da biodiversidade, estando inserida no Centro de Endemismo de Pernambuco, uma das sub-regiões mais ameaçadas da Mata atlântica brasileira. Porém, apesar da alta importância dessa área, estudos relacionados com a herpetofauna local ainda são escassos. Para a elaboração da lista da herpetofauna da Serra do Urubu, foram feitas consultas na bibliografia, buscas em coleções herpetológicas e expedições de campo para a RPPN de Pedra DAntas e RPPN Frei Caneca, localizadas nos municípios de Jaqueira e Lagoa dos Gatos. Uma discussão sobre o status de conservação dos anfíbios da região também foi realizada. Foram feitas cinco expedições entre os anos de 2012 e 2013, utilizando as metodologias de busca ativa em transectos lineares, censo auditivo e armadilhas de interceptação e queda. No total foram registrados 46 espécies de anfíbios anuros, pertencentes a nove famílias: Craugastoridae (3 spp.), Bufonidae (3 spp.), Ranidae (1 sp.), Hylidae (25 spp.), Leptodactylidae (8 spp.), Odontophrynidae (1 sp.), Hemiphractidae (2 spp.), Phyllomedusidae (2 spp.) e Microhylidae (1 sp.).Com relação aos répteis foram registradas 42 espécies, sendo 16 de lagartos: Phyllodactylidae (1 sp.), Gekkonidae (1 sp.), Gymnophthalmidae (1 sp.), Polychrotidae (1 sp.), Leiosauridae (1 sp.), Tropiduridae (3 spp.), Dactyloidae (2 spp.), Diploglossidae (2 spp.), Teiidae (2 spp.), Scincidae (1 sp.), Iguanidae (1 sp.); e 24 de serpentes: Boidae (3 spp.), Colubridae (2 spp.), Dipsadidae (13 spp.), Elapidae (2 spp.), Typhlopidae (1 sp.), Viperidae (3 spp.). Espécies consideradas raras e/ou ameaçadas de extinção como as serpentes Dipsas sazimai, Lachesis muta e Sibynomorphus sp. e os anfíbios Hylomantis granulosa, Chiasmocleis alagoana, Boana freicanecae e Phyllodytes gyrinaethes, reforçam a necessidade de conservação dessa região de Mata atlântica extremamente ameaçada.

THE HERPETOFAUNA OF THE SERRA DO URUBU MOUNTAIN RANGE: A KEY BIODIVERSITY AREA FOR CONSERVATION IN THE BRAZILIAN ATLANTIC FOREST

ABSTRACT The Serra do Urubu mountain range is considered a key biodiversity area. It is situated in the Pernambuco Endemism Center, one of the most threatened regions of the Brazilian Atlantic Forest. However, despite the high importance of this area little research on its herpetofauna has been performed. The present study presents an inventory of the herpetofauna of the region, through bibliographic review, searches in museum collections and field expeditions to the RPPNs Frei Caneca and Pedra DAntas, in the municipalities of Jaqueira and Lagoa dos Gatos. The conservation status of the amphibians of the region is discussed. Five expeditions, between 2012 and 2013 were made. The methods employed were visual transect surveys, acoustic census and pitfall traps. We recorded a total of 46 amphibian species, belonging to nine families: Craugastoridae (3 spp.), Bufonidae (3 spp.), Ranidae (1 sp.), Hylidae (25 spp.), Leptodactylidae (8 spp.), Odontophrynidae (1 sp.), Hemiphractidae (2 spp.), Phyllomedusidae (2 spp.) and Microhylidae (1 sp.). We recorded 42 species of squamates: 16 species of lizards families Phyllodactylidae (1 sp.), Gekkonidae (1 sp.), Gymnophthalmidae (1 sp.), Polychrotidae (1 sp.), Leiosauridae (1 sp.), Tropiduridae (3 spp.), Dactyloidae (2 spp.), Diploglossidae (2 spp.), Teiidae (2 spp.), Scincidae (1 sp.), and Iguanidae (1 sp.); and 24 species of snakes: Boidae (3 spp.), Colubridae (2 spp.), Dipsadidae (13 spp.), Elapidae (2 spp.), Typhlopidae (1 sp.), and Viperidae (3 spp.). The occurrence of rare and/or threatened species such as the snakes Dipsas sazimai, Lachesis muta and Sibynomorphus sp. and the amphibians Hylomantis granulosa, Chiasmocleis alagoana, Boana freicanecae and Phyllodytes gyrinaethes reinforces the need for conservation measures at this highly threatened region of the Atlantic Forest.

RESUMO O complexo da Serra do Urubu é considerado uma área chave para a conservação da biodiversidade, estando inserida no Centro de Endemismo de Pernambuco, uma das sub-regiões mais ameaçadas da Mata atlântica brasileira. Porém, apesar da alta importância dessa área, estudos relacionados com a herpetofauna local ainda são escassos. Para a elaboração da lista da herpetofauna da Serra do Urubu, foram feitas consultas na bibliografia, buscas em coleções herpetológicas e expedições de campo para a RPPN de Pedra DAntas e RPPN Frei Caneca, localizadas nos municípios de Jaqueira e Lagoa dos Gatos. Uma discussão sobre o status de conservação dos anfíbios da região também foi realizada. Foram feitas cinco expedições entre os anos de 2012 e 2013, utilizando as metodologias de busca ativa em transectos lineares, censo auditivo e armadilhas de interceptação e queda. No total foram registrados 46 espécies de anfíbios anuros, pertencentes a nove famílias: Craugastoridae (3 spp.), Bufonidae (3 spp.), Ranidae (1 sp.), Hylidae (25 spp.), Leptodactylidae (8 spp.), Odontophrynidae (1 sp.), Hemiphractidae (2 spp.), Phyllomedusidae (2 spp.) e Microhylidae (1 sp.).Com relação aos répteis foram registradas 42 espécies, sendo 16 de lagartos: Phyllodactylidae (1 sp.), Gekkonidae (1 sp.), Gymnophthalmidae (1 sp.), Polychrotidae (1 sp.), Leiosauridae (1 sp.), Tropiduridae (3 spp.), Dactyloidae (2 spp.), Diploglossidae (2 spp.), Teiidae (2 spp.), Scincidae (1 sp.), Iguanidae (1 sp.); e 24 de serpentes: Boidae (3 spp.), Colubridae (2 spp.), Dipsadidae (13 spp.), Elapidae (2 spp.), Typhlopidae (1 sp.), Viperidae (3 spp.). Espécies consideradas raras e/ou ameaçadas de extinção como as serpentes Dipsas sazimai, Lachesis muta e Sibynomorphus sp. e os anfíbios Hylomantis granulosa, Chiasmocleis alagoana, Boana freicanecae e Phyllodytes gyrinaethes, reforçam a necessidade de conservação dessa região de Mata atlântica extremamente ameaçada.

Atividades diárias de Tropidurus hispidus (Squamata: Iguania: Tropiduridae) na Ilha do Monte Cristo, Baía de Todos-os-Santos, Bahia, Brasil / Daily activities of the Tropidurus hispidus (Squamata: Iguania: Tropiduridae) on the Ilha do MonteCristo, Baía de Todos-os-Santos, Bahia State, Brazil

Apresenta-se, neste trabalho, informações sobre as atividades diárias do Tropidurus hispidus. A espécie é classificada como um forrageador sedentário do tipo senta-e-espera, cujos principais itens alimentares são artrópodes, com destaque para formigas e cupins. Por não se conhecer diversos aspectos dos comportamentos relacionados à história de vida dos lagartos, consideramos a grande importância e relevância de estudos que abordem estes aspectos. Assim, o objetivo deste trabalho foi descrever e analisar as atividades diárias de indivíduos da espécie Tropidurus hispidus, da Ilha do Monte Cristo, Saubara, Bahia, Brasil, relacionando a influência da temperatura no seu comportamento e possível preferência de horário para realização das suas atividades. A coleta de dados do grupo foi feita através do método animal focal, sendo que cada indivíduo foi observado durante o período de dez minutos, e, a cada minuto, o comportamento do animal focal foi anotado. Os resultados apresentados são referentes a um total de 300 registros focais de T. hispidus, com esforço amostral de 11 horas, por dois observadores. Com esse trabalho podemos concluir que os indivíduos de Tropidurus hispidus observados na Ilha do Monte Cristo são ativos durante todo o dia, desde as primeiras horas da manhã (06:00 h) até o final da tarde (17:00 h), com picos de atividade relacionados aos horários do dia em que as temperaturas do ar estavam mais elevadas (34,9 ºC e 32,9 ºC). Sua principal atividade é a termoregulação, exposta ao sol, corroborando seu padrão heliófilo. Não foi observado durante o estudo preferência de horário para a realização das outras atividades, tais como deslocamento, forrageamento, territorialismo ou corte. O principal substrato em que os indivíduos estiveram associados foram troncos de árvores que provêm abrigo e possuem vasto recurso alimentar...(AU)

This paper about the Tropidurus hispidus daily activities. This species is classified as a sit-and-wait foraging and the main food items are arthropods, especially ants and termites. The lack of many aspects of behaviors related the life history of lizards, consider the great importance and relevance of studies that address these aspects. The aim of this study was to describe and analyze the daily activities of individuals of the species T. hispidus of the island of Monte Cristo, Saubara, Bahia, Brazil, relating the influence of temperature on their behavior and possible preference schedule for carrying out their activities. The data collect of group was performed using the focal animal method, each individual was observed during the period of ten minutes, and every minute, the focal animals behavior was noted. The results presented are for a total of 300 focal records, with sampling effort of 11 hours for two observers. We concluded that individuals T. hispidus observed in Monte Cristo Island are active throughout the day, since the early hours of the morning (06:00 h) until the end of the afternoon (17:00 h), with peaks of activity related to the times of the day in that air temperatures were highest (34.9° C and 32.9° C). Its main activity is the thermoregulation, exposed to the sun, confirming its heliothermic standard. The main substrates in which individuals are associated are trunk of trees that provide shelter and have vast food resource. The results shown on the daily activity of T. hispidus indicate the importance of thermoregulation process for lizards as much of their activity are associated with this aspect.(AU)

Atividades diárias de Tropidurus hispidus (Squamata: Iguania: Tropiduridae) na Ilha do Monte Cristo, Baía de Todos-os-Santos, Bahia, Brasil / Daily activities of the Tropidurus hispidus (Squamata: Iguania: Tropiduridae) on the Ilha do MonteCristo, Baía de Todos-os-Santos, Bahia State, Brazil

Apresenta-se, neste trabalho, informações sobre as atividades diárias do Tropidurus hispidus. A espécie é classificada como um forrageador sedentário do tipo senta-e-espera, cujos principais itens alimentares são artrópodes, com destaque para formigas e cupins. Por não se conhecer diversos aspectos dos comportamentos relacionados à história de vida dos lagartos, consideramos a grande importância e relevância de estudos que abordem estes aspectos. Assim, o objetivo deste trabalho foi descrever e analisar as atividades diárias de indivíduos da espécie Tropidurus hispidus, da Ilha do Monte Cristo, Saubara, Bahia, Brasil, relacionando a influência da temperatura no seu comportamento e possível preferência de horário para realização das suas atividades. A coleta de dados do grupo foi feita através do método animal focal, sendo que cada indivíduo foi observado durante o período de dez minutos, e, a cada minuto, o comportamento do animal focal foi anotado. Os resultados apresentados são referentes a um total de 300 registros focais de T. hispidus, com esforço amostral de 11 horas, por dois observadores. Com esse trabalho podemos concluir que os indivíduos de Tropidurus hispidus observados na Ilha do Monte Cristo são ativos durante todo o dia, desde as primeiras horas da manhã (06:00 h) até o final da tarde (17:00 h), com picos de atividade relacionados aos horários do dia em que as temperaturas do ar estavam mais elevadas (34,9 ºC e 32,9 ºC). Sua principal atividade é a termoregulação, exposta ao sol, corroborando seu padrão heliófilo. Não foi observado durante o estudo preferência de horário para a realização das outras atividades, tais como deslocamento, forrageamento, territorialismo ou corte. O principal substrato em que os indivíduos estiveram associados foram troncos de árvores que provêm abrigo e possuem vasto recurso alimentar...

This paper about the Tropidurus hispidus daily activities. This species is classified as a sit-and-wait foraging and the main food items are arthropods, especially ants and termites. The lack of many aspects of behaviors related the life history of lizards, consider the great importance and relevance of studies that address these aspects. The aim of this study was to describe and analyze the daily activities of individuals of the species T. hispidus of the island of Monte Cristo, Saubara, Bahia, Brazil, relating the influence of temperature on their behavior and possible preference schedule for carrying out their activities. The data collect of group was performed using the focal animal method, each individual was observed during the period of ten minutes, and every minute, the focal animal’s behavior was noted. The results presented are for a total of 300 focal records, with sampling effort of 11 hours for two observers. We concluded that individuals T. hispidus observed in Monte Cristo Island are active throughout the day, since the early hours of the morning (06:00 h) until the end of the afternoon (17:00 h), with peaks of activity related to the times of the day in that air temperatures were highest (34.9° C and 32.9° C). Its main activity is the thermoregulation, exposed to the sun, confirming its heliothermic standard. The main substrates in which individuals are associated are trunk of trees that provide shelter and have vast food resource. The results shown on the daily activity of T. hispidus indicate the importance of thermoregulation process for lizards as much of their activity are associated with this aspect.

The herpetofauna of the Serra do Urubu mountain range: a key biodiversity area for conservation in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest

The Serra do Urubu mountain range is considered a key biodiversity area. It is situated in the Pernambuco Endemism Center, one of the most threatened regions of the Brazilian Atlantic Forest. However, despite the high importance of this area little research on its herpetofauna has been performed. The present study presents an inventory of the herpetofauna of the region, through bibliographic review, searches in museum collections and field expeditions to the RPPNs Frei Caneca and Pedra D’Antas, in the municipalities of Jaqueira and Lagoa dos Gatos. The conservation status of the amphibians of the region is discussed. Five expeditions, between 2012 and 2013 were made. The methods employed were visual transect surveys, acoustic census and pitfall traps. We recorded a total of 46 amphibian species, belonging to nine families: Craugastoridae (3 spp.), Bufonidae (3 spp.), Ranidae (1 sp.), Hylidae (25 spp.), Leptodactylidae (8 spp.), Odontophrynidae (1 sp.), Hemiphractidae (2 spp.), Phyllomedusidae (2 spp.) and Microhylidae (1 sp.). We recorded 42 species of squamates: 16 species of lizards families Phyllodactylidae (1 sp.), Gekkonidae (1 sp.), Gymnophthalmidae (1 sp.), Polychrotidae (1 sp.), Leiosauridae (1 sp.), Tropiduridae (3 spp.), Dactyloidae (2 spp.), Diploglossidae (2 spp.), Teiidae (2 spp.), Scincidae (1 sp.), and Iguanidae (1 sp.); and 24 species of snakes: Boidae (3 spp.), Colubridae (2 spp.), Dipsadidae (13 spp.), Elapidae (2 spp.), Typhlopidae (1 sp.), and Viperidae (3 spp.). The occurrence of rare and/or threatened species such as the snakes Dipsas sazimai, Lachesis muta and Sibynomorphus sp. and the amphibians Hylomantis granulosa, Chiasmocleis alagoana, Boana freicanecae and Phyllodytes gyrinaethes reinforces the need for conservation measures at this highly threatened region of the Atlantic Forest.

O complexo da Serra do Urubu é considerado uma área chave para a conservação da biodiversidade, estando inserida no Centro de Endemismo de Pernambuco, uma das subregiões mais ameaçadas da Mata atlântica brasileira. Porém, apesar da alta importância dessa área, estudos relacionados com a herpetofauna local ainda são escassos. Para a elaboração da lista da herpetofauna da Serra do Urubu, foram feitas consultas na bibliografia, buscas em coleções herpetológicas e expedições de campo para a RPPN de Pedra D’Antas e RPPN Frei Caneca, localizadas nos municípios de Jaqueira e Lagoa dos Gatos. Uma discussão sobre o status de conservação dos anfíbios da região também foi realizada. Foram feitas cinco expedições entre os anos de 2012 e 2013, utilizando as metodologias de busca ativa em transectos lineares, censo auditivo e armadilhas de interceptação e queda. No total foram registrados 46 espécies de anfíbios anuros, pertencentes a nove famílias: Craugastoridae (3 spp.), Bufonidae (3 spp.), Ranidae (1 sp.), Hylidae (25 spp.), Leptodactylidae (8 spp.), Odontophrynidae (1 sp.), Hemiphractidae (2 spp.), Phyllomedusidae (2 spp.) e Microhylidae (1 sp.).Com relação aos répteis foram registradas 42 espécies, sendo 16 de lagartos: Phyllodactylidae (1 sp.), Gekkonidae (1 sp.), Gymnophthalmidae (1 sp.), Polychrotidae (1 sp.), Leiosauridae (1 sp.), Tropiduridae (3 spp.), Dactyloidae (2 spp.), Diploglossidae (2 spp.), Teiidae (2 spp.), Scincidae (1 sp.), Iguanidae (1 sp.); e 24 de serpentes: Boidae (3 spp.), Colubridae (2 spp.), Dipsadidae (13 spp.), Elapidae (2 spp.), Typhlopidae (1 sp.), Viperidae (3 spp.). Espécies consideradas raras e/ou ameaçadas de extinção como as serpentes Dipsassazimai, Lachesis muta e Sibynomorphussp. e os anfíbios Hylomantis granulosa, Chiasmocleis alagoana, Boana freicanecae e Phyllodytes gyrinaethes,reforçam a necessidade de conservação dessa região de Mata Atlântica extremamente ameaçada.

The herpetofauna of the Serra do Urubu mountain range: a key biodiversity area for conservation in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest

The Serra do Urubu mountain range is considered a key biodiversity area. It is situated in the Pernambuco Endemism Center, one of the most threatened regions of the Brazilian Atlantic Forest. However, despite the high importance of this area little research on its herpetofauna has been performed. The present study presents an inventory of the herpetofauna of the region, through bibliographic review, searches in museum collections and field expeditions to the RPPNs Frei Caneca and Pedra DAntas, in the municipalities of Jaqueira and Lagoa dos Gatos. The conservation status of the amphibians of the region is discussed. Five expeditions, between 2012 and 2013 were made. The methods employed were visual transect surveys, acoustic census and pitfall traps. We recorded a total of 46 amphibian species, belonging to nine families: Craugastoridae (3 spp.), Bufonidae (3 spp.), Ranidae (1 sp.), Hylidae (25 spp.), Leptodactylidae (8 spp.), Odontophrynidae (1 sp.), Hemiphractidae (2 spp.), Phyllomedusidae (2 spp.) and Microhylidae (1 sp.). We recorded 42 species of squamates: 16 species of lizards families Phyllodactylidae (1 sp.), Gekkonidae (1 sp.), Gymnophthalmidae (1 sp.), Polychrotidae (1 sp.), Leiosauridae (1 sp.), Tropiduridae (3 spp.), Dactyloidae (2 spp.), Diploglossidae (2 spp.), Teiidae (2 spp.), Scincidae (1 sp.), and Iguanidae (1 sp.); and 24 species of snakes: Boidae (3 spp.), Colubridae (2 spp.), Dipsadidae (13 spp.), Elapidae (2 spp.), Typhlopidae (1 sp.), and Viperidae (3 spp.). The occurrence of rare and/or threatened species such as the snakes Dipsas sazimai, Lachesis muta and Sibynomorphus sp. and the amphibians Hylomantis granulosa, Chiasmocleis alagoana, Boana freicanecae and Phyllodytes gyrinaethes reinforces the need for conservation measures at this highly threatened region of the Atlantic Forest.(AU)

O complexo da Serra do Urubu é considerado uma área chave para a conservação da biodiversidade, estando inserida no Centro de Endemismo de Pernambuco, uma das subregiões mais ameaçadas da Mata atlântica brasileira. Porém, apesar da alta importância dessa área, estudos relacionados com a herpetofauna local ainda são escassos. Para a elaboração da lista da herpetofauna da Serra do Urubu, foram feitas consultas na bibliografia, buscas em coleções herpetológicas e expedições de campo para a RPPN de Pedra DAntas e RPPN Frei Caneca, localizadas nos municípios de Jaqueira e Lagoa dos Gatos. Uma discussão sobre o status de conservação dos anfíbios da região também foi realizada. Foram feitas cinco expedições entre os anos de 2012 e 2013, utilizando as metodologias de busca ativa em transectos lineares, censo auditivo e armadilhas de interceptação e queda. No total foram registrados 46 espécies de anfíbios anuros, pertencentes a nove famílias: Craugastoridae (3 spp.), Bufonidae (3 spp.), Ranidae (1 sp.), Hylidae (25 spp.), Leptodactylidae (8 spp.), Odontophrynidae (1 sp.), Hemiphractidae (2 spp.), Phyllomedusidae (2 spp.) e Microhylidae (1 sp.).Com relação aos répteis foram registradas 42 espécies, sendo 16 de lagartos: Phyllodactylidae (1 sp.), Gekkonidae (1 sp.), Gymnophthalmidae (1 sp.), Polychrotidae (1 sp.), Leiosauridae (1 sp.), Tropiduridae (3 spp.), Dactyloidae (2 spp.), Diploglossidae (2 spp.), Teiidae (2 spp.), Scincidae (1 sp.), Iguanidae (1 sp.); e 24 de serpentes: Boidae (3 spp.), Colubridae (2 spp.), Dipsadidae (13 spp.), Elapidae (2 spp.), Typhlopidae (1 sp.), Viperidae (3 spp.). Espécies consideradas raras e/ou ameaçadas de extinção como as serpentes Dipsassazimai, Lachesis muta e Sibynomorphussp. e os anfíbios Hylomantis granulosa, Chiasmocleis alagoana, Boana freicanecae e Phyllodytes gyrinaethes,reforçam a necessidade de conservação dessa região de Mata Atlântica extremamente ameaçada.(AU)

Tentativa de consumo oportunístico de Mus musculus Linnaeus, 1758 por Tropidurus hispidus (Spix, 1825) em área urbana no Brasil / Opportunistic consumption attempt of Mus musculus Linnaeus, 1758 (Rodentia: Muridae) by Tropidurus hispidus (Spix, 1825) (Squamata: Tropiduridae) in urban areas in Brazil

A fim de contribuir para o aumento de informações sobre os padrões alimentares e comportamentais de Tropidurus hispidus o presente estudo relata e discute uma tentativa de consumo oportunístico de Mus musculus em uma área urbana da cidade de Parnamirim, Rio Grande do Norte, Brasil.

In order to contribute to the increase of information on the diet and foraging behavior of Tropidurus hispidus the present study reports and discusses an opportunistic consumption attempt of Mus musculus in an urban area of the city of Parnamirim, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil.

Tentativa de consumo oportunístico de Mus musculus Linnaeus, 1758 por Tropidurus hispidus (Spix, 1825) em área urbana no Brasil / Opportunistic consumption attempt of Mus musculus Linnaeus, 1758 (Rodentia: Muridae) by Tropidurus hispidus (Spix, 1825) (Squamata: Tropiduridae) in urban areas in Brazil

A fim de contribuir para o aumento de informações sobre os padrões alimentares e comportamentais de Tropidurus hispidus o presente estudo relata e discute uma tentativa de consumo oportunístico de Mus musculus em uma área urbana da cidade de Parnamirim, Rio Grande do Norte, Brasil.(AU)

In order to contribute to the increase of information on the diet and foraging behavior of Tropidurus hispidus the present study reports and discusses an opportunistic consumption attempt of Mus musculus in an urban area of the city of Parnamirim, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil.(AU)

Predação de Ameiva ameiva Linnaeus, 1758 por Tropidurus hispidus (Spix, 1825) em um fragmento urbano de Mata Atlântica, Recife, PE / Predation of Ameiva ameiva Linnaeus, 1758 by Tropidurus hispidus (Spix, 1825) in an urban fragment of Atlantic Forest, Recife, PE

It is reported a predation event of the lizard Ameiva ameiva (Teiidae) by the lizard Tropidurus hispidus (Tropiduridae) on October 27, 2009. This event occurred in an urban fragment of Atlantic forest in Parque Estadual Dois Irmãos’, municipality of Recife, Pernambuco State, northeastern Brazil.

É relatado um evento de predação do lagarto Ameiva ameiva (Linnaeus, 1758) pelo lagarto Tropidurus hispidus (Spix,1825) em 27 de outubro de 2009. Este evento ocorreu em um fragmento de Mata Atlântica localizada no Parque Estadual Dois Irmãos, município de Recife, Estado de Pernambuco, Nordeste do Brasil.

Predação de Ameiva ameiva Linnaeus, 1758 por Tropidurus hispidus (Spix, 1825) em um fragmento urbano de Mata Atlântica, Recife, PE / Predation of Ameiva ameiva Linnaeus, 1758 by Tropidurus hispidus (Spix, 1825) in an urban fragment of Atlantic Forest, Recife, PE

It is reported a predation event of the lizard Ameiva ameiva (Teiidae) by the lizard Tropidurus hispidus (Tropiduridae) on October 27, 2009. This event occurred in an urban fragment of Atlantic forest in Parque Estadual Dois Irmãos, municipality of Recife, Pernambuco State, northeastern Brazil.(AU)

É relatado um evento de predação do lagarto Ameiva ameiva (Linnaeus, 1758) pelo lagarto Tropidurus hispidus (Spix,1825) em 27 de outubro de 2009. Este evento ocorreu em um fragmento de Mata Atlântica localizada no Parque Estadual Dois Irmãos, município de Recife, Estado de Pernambuco, Nordeste do Brasil.

Ovarian follicular cycle of Tropidurus hispidus and Tropidurus semitaeniatus (Squamata: Tropiduridae) in a semiarid region of Brazil

The reproductive cycle of Squamata reptiles is often associated with environmental conditions, such as rainfall. In this respect, seasonal variations may affect the morphology of the ovarian follicles, which are associated with vitellogenesis. The present study describes histological alterations in the ovarian cycle of two lizard species, Tropidurus hispidus (Spix, 1825) and Tropidurus semitaeniatus (Spix, 1825), which inhabit a caatinga region in the state of Rio Grande do Norte. Our goal was to identify morphological differences in the ovarian follicles at each phase of vitelloge nesis and to ascertain if they are associated with rainfall. Three follicular phases were identified in both species: pre-vitellogenesis, vitellogenesis and follicular atresia. An additional phase, the luteal, was found only in T. hispidus. During the development of these phases, vitellus was deposited inside the oocyte and there were identifiable alterations in the granulosa and thecal layers. Rainfall was found to influence the gonadal cycle.

Ovarian follicular cycle of Tropidurus hispidus and Tropidurus semitaeniatus (Squamata: Tropiduridae) in a semiarid region of Brazil

The reproductive cycle of Squamata reptiles is often associated with environmental conditions, such as rainfall. In this respect, seasonal variations may affect the morphology of the ovarian follicles, which are associated with vitellogenesis. The present study describes histological alterations in the ovarian cycle of two lizard species, Tropidurus hispidus (Spix, 1825) and Tropidurus semitaeniatus (Spix, 1825), which inhabit a caatinga region in the state of Rio Grande do Norte. Our goal was to identify morphological differences in the ovarian follicles at each phase of vitelloge nesis and to ascertain if they are associated with rainfall. Three follicular phases were identified in both species: pre-vitellogenesis, vitellogenesis and follicular atresia. An additional phase, the luteal, was found only in T. hispidus. During the development of these phases, vitellus was deposited inside the oocyte and there were identifiable alterations in the granulosa and thecal layers. Rainfall was found to influence the gonadal cycle.(AU)