The phylogenetic position of ridley's worm lizard reveals the complex biogeographic history of New World insular amphisbaenids.

The archipelago of Fernando de Noronha (FN) is located in the Equatorial South Atlantic Ocean, at 375 km off the northeastern coast of Brazil. Its endemic vertebrate land fauna is restricted to only six species, and three main hypotheses have been proposed to explain their presence in the archipelago. These hypotheses suggest FN had alternative biogeographic connections with: 1) the West Indies; 2) the South America mainland; or 3) Africa. Here, we evaluate for the first time the phylogenetic position of Amphisbaena ridleyi within the diversity of Amphisbaenia, and we infer the biogeographic processes that explain its presence in FN and its relationship with amphisbaenids from the West Indies. We analyzed a comprehensive multilocus dataset for Amphisbaenidae using maximum likelihood and time-calibrated Bayesian phylogenetic approaches. Based on our time-calibrated tree, we tested different biogeographic scenarios through historical biogeographic analyses. Our phylogenetic results for the high-level relationships of Amphisbaenia can be parenthetically summarized as (Rhineuridae, (Blanidae, (Bipedidae, (Cadeidae, (Trogonophidae, (Amphisbaenidae))))). Nine highly supported groups of species were recovered among the mainland South American amphisbaenids (SAA), whereas two phylogenetically distant groups of species were inferred for the West Indies: 1) WIC01, an Oligocene lineage present in Cuba and Hispaniola, which is the sister group of all other SAA groups; and 2) WIC02, a Miocene lineage that is restricted to southern Hispaniola and is closely related to Am. ridleyi. We estimated two events of transatlantic dispersal of amphisbaenians from Africa to West Indies: the dispersal of Cadeidae during the Middle Eocene, and the dispersal of the ancestor of Amphisbaena during the transition Eocene/Oligocene. These events were likely affected by the North Equatorial and South Equatorial currents, respectively, which have been flowing westwards since the Paleocene. The ancestral cladogenesis of Amphisbaena during the Late Oligocene is likely related to overwater dispersal events, or alternatively can be associated with the fragmentation of GAARlandia, when WIC01 was isolated in the West Indies, while the remaining groups of Amphisbaena diversified throughout the South American continent. During the Late Miocene, the ancestor of WIC02 dispersed from northern South America to the West Indies, while Am. ridleyi dispersed from the same region to FN. The overwater dispersal of WIC02 was driven by the North Brazilian Current and the dispersal of Am. ridleyi was likely influenced by the periodic shifts in direction and strength estimated for the North Equatorial Counter-Current during the Late Miocene.

A "hotspot" within a hotspot: the reptiles of the Estação Ecológica and Área de Proteção Ambiental de Murici, Atlantic Forest of northeastern Brazil / Um "hotspot" dentro de um hotspot: os répteis da Estação Ecológica e Área de Proteção Ambiental de Murici, Mata Atlântica do nordeste do Brasil

Abstract: Currently the Atlantic Forest hotspot has less than 11% of its original coverage. However approximately 300 species of reptiles are known to inhabit this ecoregion, of which 34% are endemic. The creation of protected areas represents a strategy for preserving ecosystems and managing land use, and for attaining the proper management of these protected areas, information on local biodiversity is essential. Herein we provide the first list of reptile species for the Estação Ecológica and Área de Proteção Ambiental de Murici, two overlapping protected areas located in the state of Alagoas, one of the most important sets of forest remnants for the conservation of the Atlantic Forest in the northeast of Brazil. The species list was constructed based on expeditions and occasional encounters in the area between 1994 and 2022. A total of 89 reptile species were obtained during the 28 years of collection, being two species of Crocodylia, three species of Testudines and 84 species of Squamata. This richness is by far one of the greatest ever documented for the Atlantic Forest. Additionally, two species registered in the area are considered threatened according to the national list (Amerotyphlops paucisquamus and Bothrops muriciensis) and six are defined as data deficient for the assessment of their conservation status. Three species are recorded for the first time in the Atlantic Forest north of the São Francisco River: Dipsas indica, Trilepida salgueiroi and Cercophis auratus. We claim that the species list provided here will serve as a starting point for further studies in this rich reptile "hotspot" within the Atlantic Forest.

Resumo: Atualmente o hotspot da Mata Atlântica tem menos de 11% de sua cobertura original. Porém aproximadamente 300 espécies de répteis são conhecidas por habitar esta ecorregião, das quais 34% são endêmicas. A criação de unidades de conservação representa uma estratégia de preservação de ecossistemas e gestão do uso do solo, e para o manejo adequado dessas áreas protegidas é fundamental a informação sobre a biodiversidade local. Apresentamos aqui a primeira lista de espécies de répteis para a Estação Ecológica e Área de Proteção Ambiental de Murici, duas unidades de conservação parcialmente sobrepostas localizadas no estado de Alagoas, um dos conjuntos de remanescentes florestais mais importantes para a conservação da Mata Atlântica no nordeste do Brasil. A lista de espécies foi construída com base em expedições e encontros ocasionais na área entre 1994 e 2022. Um total de 89 espécies de répteis foram registradas durante os 28 anos de coleta, sendo duas espécies de Crocodylia, três espécies de Testudines e 84 espécies de Squamata. Essa riqueza é de longe uma das maiores já documentadas para a Mata Atlântica. Além disso, duas espécies registradas na área são consideradas ameaçadas segundo a lista nacional (Amerotyphlops paucisquamus e Bothrops muriciensis) e seis são definidas como dados insuficientes para a avaliação de seu status de conservação. Três espécies são registradas pela primeira vez na Mata Atlântica ao norte do rio São Francisco: Dipsas indica, Trilepida salgueiroi e Cercophis auratus. Afirmamos que a lista de espécies aqui fornecida servirá como ponto de partida para novos estudos neste rico "hotspot" de répteis dentro da Mata Atlântica.

Extensive introgression at late stages of species formation: Insights from grasshopper hybrid zones.

The process of species formation is characterized by the accumulation of multiple reproductive barriers. The evolution of hybrid male sterility, or Haldane's rule, typically characterizes later stages of species formation, when reproductive isolation is strongest. Yet, understanding how quickly reproductive barriers evolve and their consequences for maintaining genetic boundaries between emerging species remains a challenging task because it requires studying taxa that hybridize in nature. Here, we address these questions using the meadow grasshopper Pseudochorthippus parallelus, where populations that show multiple reproductive barriers, including hybrid male sterility, hybridize in two natural hybrid zones. Using mitochondrial data, we infer that such populations diverged some 100,000 years ago, at the beginning of the last glacial cycle in Europe. Nuclear data show that contractions at multiple glacial refugia, and post-glacial expansions have facilitated genetic differentiation between lineages that today interact in hybrid zones. We find extensive introgression throughout the sampled species range, irrespective of the current strength of reproductive isolation. Populations exhibiting hybrid male sterility in two hybrid zones show repeatable patterns of genomic differentiation, consistent with shared genomic constraints affecting ancestral divergence or with the role of those regions in reproductive isolation. Together, our results suggest that reproductive barriers that characterize late stages of species formation can evolve relatively quickly, particularly when associated with strong demographic changes. Moreover, we show that such barriers persist in the face of extensive gene flow, allowing future studies to identify associated genomic regions.

Genomic methods reveal independent demographic histories despite strong morphological conservatism in fish species.

Human overexploitation of natural resources has placed conservation and management as one of the most pressing challenges in modern societies, especially in regards to highly vulnerable marine ecosystems. In this context, cryptic species are particularly challenging to conserve because they are hard to distinguish based on morphology alone, and thus it is often unclear how many species coexist in sympatry, what are their phylogenetic relationships and their demographic history. We answer these questions using morphologically similar species of the genus Mugil that are sympatric in the largest coastal Marine Protected Area in the Tropical Southwestern Atlantic marine province. Using a sub-representation of the genome, we show that individuals are assigned to five highly differentiated genetic clusters that are coincident with five mitochondrial lineages, but discordant with morphological information, supporting the existence of five species with conserved morphology in this region. A lack of admixed individuals is consistent with strong genetic isolation between sympatric species, but the most likely species tree suggests that in one case speciation has occurred in the presence of interspecific gene flow. Patterns of genetic diversity within species suggest that effective population sizes differ up to two-fold, probably reflecting differences in the magnitude of population expansions since species formation. Together, our results show that strong morphologic conservatism in marine environments can lead to species that are difficult to distinguish morphologically but that are characterized by an independent evolutionary history, and thus that deserve species-specific management strategies.

Redescription of the tadpole of Leptodactylus natalensis Lutz (Anura: Leptodactylidae), an inhabitant of the Brazilian Atlantic Forest.

The Neotropical foam-nesting genus Leptodactylus Fitzinger is currently composed of 75 species (Frost 2019) divided into four monophyletic species groups (De Sá et al. 2014). The L. melanonotus species group includes 17 species delimited by five adult osteological character-states (De Sá et al. 2014). Leptodactylus natalensis Lutz is the only species of the L. melanonotus species group that occurs in north of the Brazilian Atlantic Rain Forest (De Sá et al. 2014; Almeida et al. 2016) and whose type locality is the municipality of Natal, state of Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil (Lutz 1930). The tadpole of this species was briefly described by Oliveira Lírio-Júnior (2000) based on a single individual from the municipality of Aracaju, state of Sergipe, Brazil. Herein, we present a complete redescription of the tadpole of this species, including morphometric data and interpopulational variation. Besides, we provide comparisons with all members of the L. melanonotus group.

Chromosome spreading of the (TTAGGG)n repeats in the Pipa carvalhoi Miranda-Ribeiro, 1937 (Pipidae, Anura) karyotype.

Pipidae is a clade of Anura that diverged relatively early from other frogs in the phylogeny of the group. Pipids have a unique combination of morphological features, some of which appear to represent a mix of adaptations to aquatic life and plesiomorphic characters of Anura. The present study describes the karyotype of Pipa carvalhoi Miranda-Ribeiro, 1937, including morphology, heterochromatin distribution, and location of the NOR site. The diploid number of P. carvalhoi is 2n=20, including three metacentric pairs (1, 4, 8), two submetacentric (2 and 7), three subtelocentric (3, 5, 6), and two telocentric pairs (9 and 10). C-banding detected centromeric blocks of heterochromatin in all chromosome pairs and the NOR detected in chromosome pair 9, as confirmed by FISH using the rDNA 28S probe. The telomeric probes indicated the presence of interstitial telomeric sequences (ITSs), primarily in the centromeric region of the chromosomes, frequently associated with heterochromatin, suggesting that these repeats are a significant component of this region. The findings of the present study provide important insights for the understanding of the mechanisms of chromosomal evolution in the genus Pipa, and the diversification of the Pipidae as a whole.

A new four-pored Amphisbaena (Squamata: Amphisbaenidae) from northeastern Brazil.

A new species of Amphisbaena from the Espinhaço Mountain Range in Bahia State is described based on morphological and molecular data. Amphisbaena caetitensis sp nov. is a small four-pored amphisbaenian with 186-194 body annuli, 10-12 tail annuli, 16 dorsal and 19-22 ventral segments on a midbody annulus and a strikingly distinctive tail tip. The most similar species is A. uroxena, but they can be distinguished by some morphological features besides the genetic divergence of 7.65% on the mitochondrial 16S rRNA.

A new species of Brasilotyphlus (Gymnophiona: Siphonopidae) and a contribution to the knowledge of the relationship between Microcaecilia and Brasilotyphlus.

A third species of Brasilotyphlus, a siphonopid caecilian, is described based on six specimens from two twin mountains in Roraima state, northern Brazil. Brasilotyphlus dubium sp. nov. differs from all other congeners in having a combination of 123-129 primary annuli and 9-16 secondary annular grooves. The first molecular data were generated and analyzed for Brasilotyphlus, and the genus was recovered as monophyletic and nested within a paraphyletic Microcaecilia. The extent of genetic and taxonomic sampling, and moderate phylogenetic support are not considered sufficient enough to place Brasilotyphlus in the synonymy of Microcaecilia.

Jumping into a trap: high prevalence of chytrid fungus in the preferred microhabitats of a bromeliad-specialist frog.

The chytrid fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd) has been identified as a major threat to several amphibian populations in tropical forests. Amphibians that inhabit the phytotelmata (water tanks) of bromeliads may be especially at risk of Bd infection since the humid, environmentally buffered microhabitat that they prefer might also be favorable for Bd persistence on the host. To test this hypothesis, we sampled adults and tadpoles of the bromeligenous anuran Phyllodytes edelmoi (endemic to the northern Brazilian Atlantic Forest) from the bromeliad Portea leptantha for Bd, using qPCR. We also analyzed 8 bromeliad characteristics: water tank temperature and pH, canopy closure, tank diameter, number of leaves, bromeliad maximum column depth to store water, bromeliad relative volume, and season. Adult frogs preferentially selected bromeliads with a smaller diameter, more leaves and a relatively higher volume of water. We found that Bd was more prevalent in frogs inhabiting bromeliad phytotelmata with smaller diameters, suggesting that the behavioral preferences of P. edelmoi may be driving Bd infection patterns. Therefore, species such as P. edelmoi will be trapped by their own natural history traits.

Morphological similarities between Amphisbaena mitchelli Procter, 1923 and A. miringoera Vanzolini, 1971 (Squamata: Amphisbaenidae): phylogenetic relatedness or morphological convergence?

To date, 22 species of amphisbaenids have been recorded at Brazilian Amazon (Ribeiro et al. 2008), six of them are small and have two pre-cloacal pores (Hoogmoed & Ávila-Pires 1991; Teixeira Jr. et al. 2014). Most of these species have narrow distributions, and its biology and phylogenetic relationships are poorly understood (Hoogmoed & Ávila-Pires 1991). Amphisbaena mitchelli Procter, 1923 and A. miringoera Vanzolini, 1971 share several morphological similarities that could reflect phylogenetic relatedness (Vanzolini 1971). Both have two pre-cloacal pores and a similar pattern of head scutelation, but whereas the first has 193-220 and 26-29 body and tail annuli, respectively, the latter has 250-264 and 22-24 (Vanzolini 1971).

Indels ascertain the phylogenetic position of Coleodactylus elizae Gonçalves, Torquato, Skuk & Sena, 2012 (Gekkota: Sphaerodactylidae).

The Neotropical gecko genus Coleodactylus Parker 1926 was, until recently, composed of five species: C. amazonicus (Andersson 1918), C. brachystoma (Amaral 1935), C. meridionalis (Boulenger 1888), C. natalensis Freire 1999, and C. septentrionalis Vanzolini 1980 (Geurgas et al. 2008). However, several phylogenetic analyses recovered a polyphyletic Coleodactylus (Geurgas et al. 2008; Gamble et al. 2011a) leading Gamble et al. (2011b) to recognize a new genus, Chatogekko, for C. amazonicus. Coleodactylus and Chatogekko differ in both morphological and molecular characters. Coleodactylus has smooth dorsal scales and five scales forming the ungual sheath, while Chatogekko has keeled dorsal scales and four scales forming the ungual sheath (Gamble et al. 2011b). Furthermore, all Coleodactylus species have two deletions in the protein coding recombination-activating gene 1 (RAG1), one of six base pairs (bp) and another of 18 bp (Gamble et al. 2008a; Geurgas et al. 2008), while Chatogekko has a unique three bp deletion in the RBMX gene and a three bp deletion in the protein tyrosine phosphatase nonreceptor type 12 gene (PTPN12) (Gamble et al. 2011b). In addition, Chatogekko is differentiated from all others geckos by a unique set of 10 craniofacial features (Gamble et al. 2011b).

Population Structure of the Rockpool Blenny Entomacrodus vomerinus Shows Source-Sink Dynamics among Ecoregions in the Tropical Southwestern Atlantic.

The Tropical Southwestern Atlantic is characterized by prominent ecosystems with large-scale oceanographic complexity. Yet, the evolutionary processes underlying genetic differentiation and connectivity in this region remain largely unknown. Entomacrodus vomerinus (Valenciennes, 1836) is a demersal fish with planktonic larvae endemic to this marine province, inhabiting shallow tidal pools in continental and oceanic reef environments. We evaluated the population structure, genetic diversity and gene flow of E. vomerinus using mitochondrial data (CYTB and COI) and nuclear (rhodopsin, RHO) DNA sequences. We sampled a total of 85 individuals, comprising 46 from three oceanic archipelagos with varying distance from the coast (São Pedro and São Paulo-SS, Fernando de Noronha-FE and Rocas Atoll-RA) and 39 from two localities in northeastern Brazilian coast (Rio Grande do Norte-RN and Bahia-BA). Multilocus analysis revealed the presence of three Evolutionarily Significant Units-ESUs (SS, FE+RA, and RN+BA), which are in accordance with distinct marine ecoregions. Coalescent analyses showed that the central ESU has a larger effective population size than the other two, suggesting strong asymmetries in the genetic diversity across the species range. Moreover, they showed that gene flow is highly asymmetric, suggesting a source-sink dynamics from the central ESU into the remaining ones, in agreement with oceanic currents. Together, these results provide insights in the evolutionary mechanisms facilitating diversification in this marine province.

Chytrid fungus acts as a generalist pathogen infecting species-rich amphibian families in Brazilian rainforests.

The fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd) is among the main causes of declines in amphibian populations. This fungus is considered a generalist pathogen because it infects several species and spreads rapidly in the wild. To date, Bd has been detected in more than 100 anuran species in Brazil, mostly in the southern portion of the Atlantic forest. Here, we report survey data from some poorly explored regions; these data considerably extend current information on the distribution of Bd in the northern Atlantic forest region. In addition, we tested the hypothesis that Bd is a generalist pathogen in this biome. We also report the first positive record for Bd in an anuran caught in the wild in Amazonia. In total, we screened 90 individuals (from 27 species), of which 39 individuals (from 22 species) were Bd-positive. All samples collected in Bahia (2 individuals), Pernambuco (3 individuals), Pará (1 individual), and Minas Gerais (1 individual) showed positive results for Bd. We found a positive correlation between anuran richness per family and the number of infected species in the Atlantic forest, supporting previous observations that Bd lacks strong host specificity; of 38% of the anuran species in the Atlantic forest that were tested for Bd infection, 25% showed positive results. The results of our study exemplify the pandemic and widespread nature of Bd infection in amphibians.

Bullera vrieseae sp. nov., a tremellaceous yeast species isolated from bromeliads.

Two independent surveys of yeasts associated with different bromeliads in different Brazilian regions led to the proposal of a novel yeast species, Bullera vrieseae sp. nov., belonging to the Tremellales clade (Agaricomycotina, Basidiomycota). Analysis of the sequences in the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region and D1/D2 domain of the LSU rRNA gene suggested affinity to a phylogenetic lineage that includes Bullera miyagiana and Bullera sakaeratica. Six isolates of the novel species were obtained from different bromeliads and regions in Brazil. Sequence analysis of the D1/D2 domains of the large subunit of the rRNA gene showed that the novel species differs from B. miyagiana and B. sakaeratica by 85 and 64 nt substitutions, respectively and by more than 75 nt substitutions in the ITS region. Phenotypically, Bullera vrieseae sp. nov. can be distinguished from both species based on the assimilation of meso-erythritol, which was negative for B. vrieseae sp. nov. but positive for the others, assimilation of d-glucosamine, which was positive for B. vrieseae sp. nov. but negative for B. miyagiana and of l-sorbose, which was negative for B. vrieseae sp. nov. but positive for B. sakaeratica. The novel species Bullera vrieseae sp. nov. is proposed to accommodate these isolates. The type strain of Bullera vrieseae sp. nov. is UFMG-CM-Y379T (BRO443T; ex-type CBS 13870T).

Herpetofauna of protected areas in the Caatinga III: The Catimbau National Park, Pernambuco, Brazil / Herpetofauna em unidades de conservação da Caatinga III: Parque Nacional do Catimbau, Pernambuco, Brasil

Despite the increase in herpetofaunal inventories in the Caatinga biome, information for many areas is still lacking and new surveys are required. We conducted a 30-day inventory of the herpetofauna of the Catimbau National Park, Pernambuco State, Brazil. Thirty-seven pitfall trap arrays composed of 4 buckets each, along with glue traps and active searches were used to sample local herpetofaunal diversity. We recorded 21 species of frogs, 25 lizards, 11 snakes, and 1 chelonian. All sampling methods contributed significantly to achieve the amphibian and reptile diversity recovered in the inventory. Rarefaction curves and richness estimators suggest that local biodiversity is still underestimated. We attempted to show the great potential of Catimbau National Park, characterized by the richest herpetofauna surveyed in a core region of the biome, along with the presence of endemic species such as the worm snake Amphisbaena supranumeraria and the limbless lizard Scriptosaura catimbau, underscoring the importance of the area for the conservation and maintenance of the Caatinga herpetofauna biodiversity.

Apesar do crescente aumento nos inventários de herpetofauna no bioma Caatinga, ainda faltam informações para muitas áreas e novos estudos são necessários. O Parque Nacional do Catimbau, Pernambuco, Brasil, foi inventariado entre os meses de março e abril de 2013 totalizando 30 dias de amostragem, para descrever a herpetofauna local. Foram utilizados 37 pontos amostrais de armadilhas de interceptação e queda, onde cada ponto era composto por quatro baldes conectados por cercas-guia. Armadilhas de cola e procura ativa também foram métodos utilizados para amostrar a diversidade de anfíbios e répteis. Foram registradas 21 espécies de anfíbios, 25 espécies de lagartos, 11 espécies de serpentes e uma tartaruga. Todos os métodos de amostragem contribuíram para o inventário. As curvas de rarefação e os estimadores de riqueza sugerem que a diversidade local ainda está subestimada. Nós apresentamos o grande potencial do Parque Nacional do Catimbau, caracterizado pela mais rica herpetofauna inventariada na região central do bioma, e tambémpela presença de espécies endêmicas como Amphisbaena supranumeraria e Scriptosaura catimbau, evidenciando a importância da área para a manutenção e conservação da herpetofauna da Caatinga.

[Groundwater and rainwater contamination by pesticides in an agricultural region of Mato Grosso state in central Brazil]. / Contaminação de águas superficiais e de chuva por agrotóxicos em uma região do estado do Mato Grosso.

This study sought to analyze groundwater and rainwater contamination by pesticides in two municipalities (Lucas do Rio Verde and Campo Verde) of Mato Grosso state. The area is Brazil's mid-west situated among the major soybean, corn and cotton producers in the state and the country. The analytical methodology combined chromatographic techniques on groundwater and rainwater samples with eco-toxicological analyses of the impacts of contamination by pesticide on bio-indicator species. The results revealed the presence of different pesticide residues in the groundwater and rainwater samples collected in the two municipalities. In conjunction with this data, results of the eco-toxicological tests revealed the presence of anomalies in a bio-indicator species collected in one of the two study sites compatible with exposure to pesticides. The results presented and discussed here highlight the degradation of water resources in the region, caused by the intensive use of pesticides in agriculture, including the contamination of drinking water sources and rain, broadening the risk of contamination beyond the cultivated areas.

Contaminação de águas superficiais e de chuva por agrotóxicos em uma região do estado do Mato Grosso / Groundwater and rainwater contamination by pesticides in an agricultural region of Mato Grosso state in central Brazil

O presente trabalho objetivou analisar a contaminação de águas superficiais e de chuvas por agrotóxicos em dois municípios do estado do Mato Grosso, Lucas do Rio Verde e Campo Verde, situados entre os maiores produtores de soja, milho e algodão do estado e do país. A metodologia analítica combinou o uso de técnicas cromatográficas em amostras de água superficial e de chuva com análises ecotoxicológicas do impacto da contaminação por agrotóxicos sobre espécies bioindicadoras. Resultados das análises mostraram a presença de resíduos de diferentes agrotóxicos nas amostras de águas superficiais e de chuva coletadas nos dois municípios. Associados a estes dados, resultados das análises ecotoxicológicas mostraram a presença de anomalias em uma espécie de anfíbio anuro coletado em uma das duas localidades, compatíveis com exposição a agrotóxicos. Os resultados aqui apresentados e discutidos apontam para a degradação da qualidade de recursos hídricos da região, causada pelo uso intensivo de agrotóxicos na agricultura, incluindo fontes de água de consumo humano e de chuvas, amplificando o risco de contaminação para além das áreas de plantio.

This study sought to analyze groundwater and rainwater contamination by pesticides in two municipalities (Lucas do Rio Verde and Campo Verde) of Mato Grosso state. The area is Brazil's mid-west situated among the major soybean, corn and cotton producers in the state and the country. The analytical methodology combined chromatographic techniques on groundwater and rainwater samples with eco-toxicological analyses of the impacts of contamination by pesticide on bio-indicator species. The results revealed the presence of different pesticide residues in the groundwater and rainwater samples collected in the two municipalities. In conjunction with this data, results of the eco-toxicological tests revealed the presence of anomalies in a bio-indicator species collected in one of the two study sites compatible with exposure to pesticides. The results presented and discussed here highlight the degradation of water resources in the region, caused by the intensive use of pesticides in agriculture, including the contamination of drinking water sources and rain, broadening the risk of contamination beyond the cultivated areas.

Anuran amphibians' diversity in a northwestern area of the Brazilian Pantanal / Diversidade de anfíbios anuros em uma área na porção noroeste do Pantanal brasileiro

In the Pantanal, the largest continuous floodplain in the world, the diversity and distribution of anuran amphibians vary in and across distinct subregions and distinct habitats occurring along inundation gradients. Permanent and natural aquatic habitats are relatively scarce in the Pantanal, and occurrence of temporary aquatic habitats varies seasonally, depending on rains. We here present results of evaluations of anuran's species richness and abundance in a seasonally flooded area in the northwestern section of the Pantanal (Fazenda Baía de Pedra, Cáceres municipality, state of Mato Grosso, Brazil), comparing values obtained in 10 plots systematically distributed over 5 km² with those obtained in additional aquatic plots in the study area. Data were obtained in five field trips, from February 2008 to March 2009. In addition to the plots, 36 water bodies (20 permanent and 16 temporary) were also sampled for the presence of anurans. In total, 3,983 individuals from 34 anuran species distributed in five families were recorded: Hylidae (14 species), Leptodactylidae (8), Leiuperidae (6), Microhylidae (4), and Bufonidae (2). Local richness represents 77.3% of the anuran diversity already recorded for the Brazilian Pantanal. The number of species recorded exclusively in systematically distributed terrestrial plots and in water bodies was 28 and 32, respectively. Sampling methods used at Fazenda Baía da Pedra were efficient in determining anuran richness, abundance, composition and distribution. Evaluations of anuran richness and abundance by using permanent sampling plots in the Pantanal may benefit from additional sampling sites, particularly permanent and temporary water bodies.

A distribuição e a diversidade das espécies de anfíbios anuros no Pantanal, maior planície inundável contínua do mundo, variam dentro e entre as distintas subregiões e os distintos hábitats ao longo do gradiente de inundação. Ambientes aquáticos naturais permanentes são relativamente escassos na planície e a presença de ambientes aquáticos temporários é sazonal, altamente dependente da precipitação. No presente trabalho, apresentamos informações sobre a riqueza e a abundância das espécies de anuros em uma localidade na porção noroeste do Pantanal (Fazenda Baía de Pedra, município de Cáceres, Mato Grosso, Brasil) e comparamos os valores obtidos em dez parcelas sistematicamente distribuídas em 5 km² com parcelas aquáticas adicionais na presente área de estudo. Os dados foram obtidos em cinco campanhas, entre fevereiro de 2008 e março de 2009. Além das parcelas sistematicamente distribuídas, 36 corpos d'água (20 permanentes e 16 temporários) foram também amostrados quanto à presença de anuros. Registramos 3.983 indivíduos pertencentes a 34 espécies de anuros distribuídas em cinco famílias: Hylidae (14), Leptodactylidae (8), Leiuperidae (6), Microhylidae (4) e Bufonidae (2). A riqueza local em espécies representa 77,3 % da riqueza de anuros já registrada para o Pantanal brasileiro. A riqueza detectada exclusivamente nas parcelas foi 28 espécies, enquanto nos corpos d'água, 32. Os métodos de amostragem utilizados na Fazenda Baía de Pedra mostraram-se eficientes na determinação da riqueza, abundância, composição e distribuição das espécies de anuros. Estudos dessa natureza, envolvendo o uso de parcelas sistematicamente distribuídas em áreas do Pantanal, podem ser beneficiados pelo emprego de parcelas adicionais de amostragem constituídas por corpos d'água permanentes e temporários.

Anfíbios da Estação Ecológica Serra Geral do Tocantins, região do Jalapão, Estados do Tocantins e Bahia / Amphibians from Estação Ecológica Serra Geral do Tocantins, Jalapão region, Tocantins and Bahia States

A porção norte do domínio do Cerrado é uma das áreas historicamente menos conhecidas com relação à sua biodiversidade. Recentemente, alguns estudos tem revelado valores de riqueza comparáveis a outras regiões dentro do domínio. A Estação Ecológica Serra Geral do Tocantins (EESGT) está localizada na região do Jalapão, porção Nordeste do Cerrado, e faz parte do maior bloco de áreas protegidas neste domínio. Neste estudo descrevemos a riqueza e composição de espécies de anfíbios da EESGT, discutindo-as em um contexto biogeográfico, e caracterizamos o uso de sítios reprodutivos pelas espécies de anfíbios registradas em relação às fitofisionomias e aos tipos de corpos d'água. Utilizamos os métodos de busca ativa e armadilhas de queda, no período considerado como o auge da estação reprodutiva para a maior parte das espécies do Cerrado. Foram registradas 36 espécies de anfíbios na EESGT, totalizando 39 espécies conhecidas para a região do Jalapão. Aplicando o estimador Jackknife, sugerimos uma riqueza potencial de 42 espécies para a EESGT. A maior parte das espécies registradas é endêmica ou fortemente associada ao Cerrado, seguidas pelas espécies de ampla distribuição no Brasil ou América do Sul. A maior parte da espécies se reproduz em poças temporárias localizadas em áreas abertas, embora existam espécies que ocorrem exclusivamente em matas de galeria e utilizem corpos d'água lóticos para se reproduzir.

The Northern part of Cerrado is one of the biologically poorest known areas in the domain. Recent studies revealed richness values that are as high as those from other sites in the domain. The Estação Ecológica Serra Geral do Tocantins is located in a region known as Jalapão, in Northeastern Cerrado, and it is included in the largest set of protected areas in the domain. We describe amphibian richness and species composition in EESGT, and discuss it in a biogeographic context. We also describe breeding sites focusing on phytophysiognomy and types of water bodies. We sampled amphibians through active search and pitfall traps, during the peak of breeding season for most of the anuran species in Cerrado. We registered 36 species, which coupled with former studies results in a regional richness of 39 species known for Jalapão. After applying Jackknife estimator, we suggest a potential richness of 42 species for the EESGT. Most registered species are endemic or strongly associated to Cerrado, followed by species widespread in Brazil or South America, and those associated with Caatinga. Most species breed in temporary ponds located in open areas, although there are some forest specialists, and stream-breeding species.

Répteis da Estação Ecológica Serra Geral do Tocantins, Brasil Central / Reptiles of Serra Geral do Tocantins Ecological Station, Central Brazil

Os Cerrados sul-americanos abrigam alta diversidade de répteis, incluindo elevado número de endemismos. No entanto, o conhecimento desta diversidade é ainda incompleto frente à acelerada transformação das paisagens naturais no Brasil central. Constituem, portanto, uma das regiões prioritárias para estudo e conservação da biodiversidade mundial. Estudos intensivos sobre a fauna de répteis do Cerrado são necessários e urgentes para melhor compreensão dos processos que levaram à sua origem e distribuição e para subsidiar ações de conservação. Por meio de métodos padronizados, amostramos duas regiões ainda inexploradas da Estação Ecológica Serra Geral do Tocantins, situada na região do Jalapão. Registramos 45 espécies de répteis para a EESGT e entorno, o que representa uma riqueza alta e comparável à de outras regiões bem amostradas do Cerrado. Curvas de acumulação e estimadores indicam que a riqueza local de lagartos e anfisbenídeos aproxima-se da riqueza real enquanto a de serpentes é subestimada. A distribuição não-aleatória das espécies na paisagem concorda com evidências anteriores sugerindo utilização diferencial dos hábitats pelos répteis. Reunindo os resultados do presente estudo com os de levantamentos prévios realizados na região, registramos 88 espécies de répteis para o Jalapão sendo oito registros novos que incluem Bachia oxyrhina uma espécie recém descrita da região. As espécies da área apresentam três padrões gerais de distribuição: (1) espécies endêmicas do Cerrado, (2) espécies compartilhadas com domínios da diagonal de formações abertas sul-americanas, e (3) espécies de ampla ocorrência, compartilhadas também com ecossistemas florestais. Prevalecem espécies de ampla distribuição, porém é grande o número de espécies típicas do Cerrado, incluindo cinco possivelmente endêmicas do Jalapão, e há contribuição importante da fauna da Caatinga. A distribuição dos répteis em escala local e regional demonstra a necessidade de considerar a heterogeneidade paisagística para o planejamento de diretrizes visando à conservação em regiões do Cerrado. Por sua grande extensão, posição biogeográfica e complexidade de relevo e tipos de hábitat, a EESGT tem papel fundamental para a preservação e conhecimento da diversidade de répteis do Cerrado.

The South American Cerrado harbors a rich reptilian fauna with high number of endemics. However, knowledge of this diversity is still incipient in front of accelerated transformation of natural landscapes, which makes the domain a "hotspot" for study and conservation of global biodiversity. Studies on the reptile fauna of Cerrado are urgently needed for a better understanding of the processes that led to their origin and distribution and to support conservation planning. We used standard methods to sample two unexplored regions of the Serra Geral do Tocantins Ecological Station (EESGT), located in the Jalapão region of the Cerrado domain. We recorded 45 species of reptiles for the EESGT and surroundings, which represents high species richness, comparable to other well-sampled regions of the Cerrado. Accumulation curves and estimators indicate that sampled richness of lizards and amphisbaenas are close to real values. However, current sampling underestimates snake richness. The non-random distribution of species in the landscape agrees with previous evidence suggesting differential use of habitats by Cerrado reptiles. Combining the results of this study with those of previous surveys conducted in the region, we recorded 88 species of reptiles for the Jalapão region with eight new records, including Bachia oxyrhina, a recent described species of this region. We found three general patterns of distribution: (1) species endemic of the Cerrado domain, (2) species shared with the domains of the South American diagonal of tropical open formations, (3) species widely distributed, also shared with forest ecosystems. Species of wide distribution prevails in the region, but there is large number of species typical of the Cerrado, possibly including five endemics to Jalapão, and there is an important contribution of the Caatinga fauna. The distribution of reptile species in local and regional scales shows the need to consider the landscape heterogeneity for adequate conservation planning in the Cerrado region. Because of the physical and biotic characteristics, EESGT has a key role in the preservation and knowledge of the diversity of Cerrado reptiles.