Are tropical reptiles really declining? A six-year survey of snakes in a tropical coastal rainforest: role of prey and environment / ¿Están desapareciendo los reptiles tropicales? Seis años de monitoreo de las serpientes en un bosque tropical costero: el papel de las presas y el ambiente

Introduction: Even though snake declines seem to be a reality in many parts of the world, some reports are based on anecdotal evidence and there is a need of prolonged and intensive studies, especially in the tropics, for corroboration. Objective: Toinvestigate if snake populations in Drake Bay are decreasing, and if there is a relationship with prey, time, temperature, rain and moonlight. Methods: We counted snakes seen per hour when walking along a single trail in the coastal forest of Drake Bay, Costa Rica. We walked the trail at night for a total of 842 nights (over 4 000 hours of observations), from 2012 through 2017 and recorded all the individual snakes we could see with head flashlights. We used ANOVA tests to check correlations among counts per hour with moonlight and rain; and graphic analysis for associations with diet, temperature, month and year. Results: We recorded 25 species (five families); which feed mostly on terrestrial vertebrates. Counts per hour have fallen over the years, especially for species that prey on amphibians and reptiles; Mastigodryas melanolomus has remained in similar numbers; and Siphlophis compressus has not been seen since May 2016. Temperature is relatively constant along the year in Drake, but month strongly affected the counts, which increased from August to September. Most species were seen more often in rainy nights (0.11 per hour versus only 0.03 per hour in nights without rain, ANOVA P 0.05). Conclusion: Night field counts of snakes in Drake Bay, Costa Rica, are not strongly affected by light or temperature, but are lower when there is no rain and show a strong decline from 2012 through 2017, particularly for species that feed on amphibians and reptiles. We have no reason to believe that the decline is an erroneous interpretation or that the snakes moved elsewhere, the decline of snakes in Drake seems to be real and needs attention from the conservation authorities.

Introducción: A pesar de que la disminución de serpientes parece ser una realidad en muchas partes del mundo, algunos informes se basan en evidencia anecdótica y existe la necesidad de estudios prolongados e intensivos, especialmente en los trópicos, para corroborar. Objetivo: Investigar si las poblaciones de serpientes en Bahía Drake están disminuyendo y si existe una relación con la presa, el tiempo, la temperatura, la lluvia y la luz de la luna. Metodología: Contamos las serpientes que se ven por hora al caminar por un sendero en el bosque costero de la Bahía Drake, Costa Rica. Recorrimos el sendero por la noche durante un total de 842 noches (más de 4 000 horas de observaciones), desde el 2012 hasta el 2017, y registramos todas las serpientes individuales que pudimos ver con linternas de cabeza. Utilizamos pruebas ANDEVA para verificar correlaciones entre conteos por hora con luz de luna y lluvia; y análisis gráfico para asociaciones con dieta, temperatura, mes y año. Resultados: Registramos 25 especies (cinco familias); se alimentan principalmente de vertebrados terrestres. Las cuentas por hora han disminuido a lo largo de los años, especialmente para especies que se alimentan de anfibios y reptiles; Mastigodryas melanolomus se ha mantenido en números similares; y Siphlophis compressus no se ha visto desde mayo de 2016. La temperatura es relativamente constante durante todo el año en Drake, pero el mes afectó fuertemente los conteos, que aumentaron de agosto a septiembre. La mayoría de las especies se observaron con mayor frecuencia en noches lluviosas (0.11 por hora versus solo 0.03 por hora en noches sin lluvia, ANDEVA P 0.05). Conclusión: El recuento nocturno de serpientes en la Bahía de Drake, Costa Rica, no se ve muy afectado por la luz o la temperatura, pero es más bajo cuando no llueve y muestra un fuerte descenso desde 2012 hasta 2017, particularmente para las especies que se alimentan de anfibios y reptiles. No tenemos ninguna razón para creer que la disminución sea una interpretación errónea o que las serpientes se mudaron a otra parte, la disminución de las serpientes en Drake parece ser real y necesita la atención de las autoridades de conservación.

The deadliest snake according to ethnobiological perception of the population of the Alto Juruá region, western Brazilian Amazonia

Abstract INTRODUCTION: We examined the ethnobiological perception of the population of the Alto Juruá region about different snake species, in terms of their dangerousness and manifestations of envenomation. METHODS: We interviewed 100 villagers who were active in the forests. RESULTS: Lachesis muta was considered the most venomous snake, and Bothrops atrox appeared to be the most feared snake species. CONCLUSIONS: The high incidence, severity, and mortality of B. atrox bites and the severity and mortality of L. muta bites were the factors that contributed to these species being perceived as the most feared and venomous snakes.

Non-venomous snakebites in the Western Brazilian Amazon

Abstract INTRODUCTION: In this study, we examined the clinical manifestations, laboratory evidence, and the circumstances of snakebites caused by non-venomous snakes, which were treated at the Regional Hospital of Juruá in Cruzeiro do Sul. METHODS: Data were collected through patient interviews, identification of the species that were taken to the hospital, and the clinical manifestations. RESULTS: Eight confirmed and four probable cases of non-venomous snakebites were recorded. CONCLUSIONS: The symptoms produced by the snakes Helicops angulatus and Philodryas viridissima, combined with their coloration can be confused with venomous snakes (Bothrops atrox and Bothrops bilineatus), thus resulting in incorrect bothropic snakebite diagnosis.

TGF-ß1 polymorphism in American tegumentary leishmaniasis in a Southern Brazilian population

Abstract INTRODUCTION: Genetic polymorphisms define the cytokine production leading to susceptibility or resistance to diseases. We studied the cytokine polymorphism in the development of tegumentary leishmaniasis (TL). METHODS: Genotyping of TNF-α, TGF-β1, IFN-γ, IL-6, and IL-10 were performed by polymerase chain reaction assay. RESULTS: G and C alleles of TGF- β1 (codon 25) were the most common in controls and patients, respectively. G/G was the most frequent genotype in controls, and G/C and C/C in patients. CONCLUSIONS: G/G genotype of codon 25 in TGF-β1 appeared to confer resistance, and G/C and C/C genotypes, susceptibility to TL in this population.

Snake venom L-amino acid oxidases: an overview on their antitumor effects

The L-amino acid oxidases (LAAOs) constitute a major component of snake venoms and have been widely studied due to their widespread presence and various effects, such as apoptosis induction, cytotoxicity, induction and/or inhibition of platelet aggregation, hemorrhage, hemolysis, edema, as well as antimicrobial, antiparasitic and anti-HIV activities. The isolated and characterized snake venom LAAOs have become important research targets due to their potential biotechnological applications in pursuit for new drugs of interest in the scientific and medical fields. The current study discusses the antitumor effects of snake venom LAAOs described in the literature to date, highlighting the mechanisms of apoptosis induction proposed for this class of proteins.

Snake venom L-amino acid oxidases: an overview on their antitumor effects

The L-amino acid oxidases (LAAOs) constitute a major component of snake venoms and have been widely studied due to their widespread presence and various effects, such as apoptosis induction, cytotoxicity, induction and/or inhibition of platelet aggregation, hemorrhage, hemolysis, edema, as well as antimicrobial, antiparasitic and anti-HIV activities. The isolated and characterized snake venom LAAOs have become important research targets due to their potential biotechnological applications in pursuit for new drugs of interest in the scientific and medical fields. The current study discusses the antitumor effects of snake venom LAAOs described in the literature to date, highlighting the mechanisms of apoptosis induction proposed for this class of proteins.

Isolated biomolecules of pharmacological interest in hemostasis from Cerastes cerastes venom

Biomolecules from Cerastes cerastes venom have been purified and characterized. Two phospholipases isolated from Cerastes cerastes venom share 51% of homology. CC2-PLA2 exhibits antiplatelet activity that blocks coagulation. CCSV-MPase, a non-hemorrhagic Zn2+-metalloproteinase, significantly reduced the plasmatic fibrinogen level and hydrolyzes only its Bβ chain. Serine proteinases such as RP34, afaâcytin and CC3-SPase hydrolyze the fibrinogen and are respectively α, αβ and αβ fibrinogenases. In deficient human plasma, afaâcytin replaces the missing factors VIII and IX, and activates purified human factor X into factor Xa. It releases serotonin from platelets and directly aggregates human (but not rabbit) blood platelets. RP34 proteinase also had no effect on both human and rabbit blood platelet aggregation. CC3-SPase revealed a pro-coagulant activity. However, the insolubility of the obtained clot indicates that CC3-SPase does not activate factor XIII. In addition, CC3-SPase clotting activity was carried out with human plasmas from volunteer patients deficient in clotting factors. Results showed that CC3-SPase shortens clotting time of plasma deficient in factors II and VII but with weaker clotting than normal plasma. The clotting time of plasma deficient in factor II is similar to that obtained with normal plasma; suggesting that CC3-SPase is able to replace both factors IIa and VII in the coagulation cascade and thus could be involved in the blood clotting process via an extrinsic pathway. These results imply that CC3-SPase and afaâcytin could repair hemostatic abnormalities and may replace some factors missing in pathological deficiency. Afaâcytin also exhibits α fibrinase property similar to a plasmin-like proteinase. Despite its thrombin-like characteristics, afaâcytin is not inhibited by plasmatic thrombin inhibitors. The procoagulant properties of afaâcytin might have potential clinical applications.

Ecologia e história natural das serpentes de uma área de Caatinga no nordeste brasileiro / Ecology and natural history of snakes in a area of Caatinga in northeastern Brazil

We studied a snake assemblage from an area of Caatinga with shrub and tree vegetation to describe the natural history of the snake species. A total of 636 individuals among 22 species from four families were recorded. The distribution of species abundances is log-normal; and the composition presents typical species from the Caatinga, with Oxybelis aeneus (Wagler, 1824) and Philodryas nattereri Steindachner, 1870 being the most common. The natural history of each species is described based on information regarding activity patterns, diet, habitat use, reproduction, and defensive repertoire obtained during the study, as well as on information available in the literature. The study area is located in a priority region for conservation and our results emphasize that conservation policies should be implemented in the region.(au)

Ecological studies on the diversity of terrestrial poisonous snakes "Proteroglyphous" of Jazan region Kingdom of Saudi Arabia [Reptilia: Ophidia]

The present work was carried out in Jazan region. The region of Jazan in being in the South-Western part of Saudi Arabia between longitudes 420 and 43.80 and latitudes 5, 16o and 17o, and is bounded on the south and east of the Republic of Yemen, Asir area in the north and the Red Sea in the west. The results showed that there are four families of poisonous snakes "Proteroglyphous" living in Jazan region. They are: Family Atractaspididae, Elapidae, Viperidae and Hydrophiidae. This work aimed to unveil ecological problems and throw light on diversity of poisonous snakes in Jazan region and the danger of these species to human life. Despite the fact that these snakes may be harmful to human life in some cases, it may also be useful to him in many aspects of life. Since there are no enough studies on the animal species in the region, this study came to identify the diversity of this animal group. There is no doubt that the study of these species and identifying them will provide some solutions that could make this group as an endless source of biodiversity and at the same time, this study provides information on the feasibility of protection of this species in this region. Discussion of ecological and geographical affinities of this taxa and taxonomic keys of different types in order to facilitate the process of identification will be provided

Estudio clínico-epidemiológico de alteraciones hemorrágicas y necróticas causadas por el veneno de la serpiente de cascabel (crotalus durissus cumanensis) en pacientes venezolanos / Clinical and epidemiological study of hemorrhagic and necrotic alterations caused by the rattlesnake (crotalus durissus cumanensis) venom in venezuelan patients

Se describieron los efectos hemorrágicos, necróticos y edematosos de 135 pacientes provenientes de los estados Miranda, Aragua, Vargas y Distrito Capital, Venezuela, ocasionados por la mordedura de la serpiente cascabel común venezolana (Crotalus durissus cumanensis), durante los años 1998-2008. Los trastornos hemorrágicos, que tradicionalmente eran casi imperceptibles en los Crotalus venezolanos, hemos encontrado que hay evidencias francas de manifestaciones clínicas como: afibrinogenemia, alargamiento del tiempo de coagulación manual (TCM), tiempo parcial de tromboplastina (TTP) y tiempo de protrombina (TP), lo cual indica la presencia de estas fracciones hemorrágicas en el veneno de cascabeles nacionales. Se apreciaron diferencias entre ambos sexos, siendo predominante en el sexo masculino (82%). Sin embargo ha habido un aumento de incidencia significativa en el sexo femenino (17%). Por grupo etario, se observó predominancia entre 11 a 30 años de edad, en ambos sexos. El sitio de mordedura mayormente afectado fue el miembro superior (58,5%), con un porcentaje no menos significativo de miembros inferiores (40,7%). Estos hallazgos, permiten sugerir que el veneno de algunas serpientes cascabeles comunes en Venezuela, poseen un efecto sistémico sobre el músculo esquelético, y también efectos sobre capilares que generan edema, fenómenos hemorrágicos y necrosis, que habían pasado desapercibidos.

The bleeding, necrotic and edematous Snake bite effects from 135 patients of Miranda, Aragua, Vargas States and Capital District (Venezuela), caused by the Venezuelan common rattlesnake (Crotalus durissus cumanensis) from 1998 to 2008 were described. In bleeding disorders, which traditionally were almost imperceptible in Venezuelan Crotalus, we have found reliable evidence of clinical manifestations such as: afibrinogenemia, lengthening of the manual time of coagulation (MTC), and Partial Time of Thromboplastin (PTT) and Prothrombin time (PT), which indicates the presence of hemorrhagic fractions in the Venezuelan rattlesnake’s venoms. There were differences between the sexes, still predominant in male (82%). However, there has been an increase of significant impact on female (17%). By age, there was prevalence between 11 and 30 years old, both male and female. The mostly affected bite si te was upper limb (58,5%), with a no less significant percentage of lower limbs (40,7%). These findings, allowed us to suggest that some rattlesnake venoms have a systemic effect on skeletal muscle, and also effects on capillaries that generate swelling, hemorrhagic phenomena and necrosis.

Protein profile analysis of Malaysian snake venoms by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis

Snake venoms comprise a highly complex mixture of proteins, which requires for their characterization the use of versatile two-dimensional electrophoresis techniques. In the present study, venoms obtained from eight snakes (Ophiophagus hannah, Naja kaouthia, Naja sumatrana, Bungarus fasciatus, Trimeresurus sumatranus, Tropidolaemus wagleri, Enhydrina schistosa and Calloselasma rhodostoma) commonly found in Malaysia were separated based on two independent properties, isoelectric point (pI) and molecular weight (MW). Many differences in snake venoms at the inter-family, inter-subfamily, inter-genus and inter-species levels were revealed. Notably, proteins from individuals of the Viperidae family – Trimeresurus sumatranus, Tropidolaemus wagleri and Calloselasma rhodostoma – were found to be numerous and scattered by the two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2DE) specifically in regions between 37 and 100 kDa compared to the Elapidae venom proteins. The latter were clustered at the basic and lower molecular mass region (less than 20 kDa). Trains of spots were commonly observed, indicating that these proteins may be derived from post-translational modifications. Ophiophagus hannah (Elapidae) revealed a great amount of protein spots in the higher molecular mass range when compared to Enhydrina schistosa, Naja kaouthia, Naja sumatrana and Bungarus fasciatus. Overall 2DE showed large differences in the venom profile of each species, which might be employed as an ancillary tool to the identification of venomous snake species.

The snake community of Serra do Mendanha, in Rio de Janeiro State, southeastern Brazil: composition, abundance, richness and diversity in areas with different conservation degrees / A comunidade de serpentes da Serra do Mendanha, Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Sudeste do Brasil: composição, abundância, riqueza e diversidade em áreas com diferentes graus de conservação

We studied and compared parameters of the snake community of the Serra do Mendanha, Rio de Janeiro State, southeastern Brazil (22º 48'-22º 51' S and 43º 31'-43º 28' W), such as: abundance distribution, richness, species diversity and biomass, between forested areas, areas under regeneration and agriculture areas (banana plantations); to obtain information about the natural history and facilitate the development of future research. For capturing the snakes we used: pitfall traps, drift-fences and visual search (diurnal and nocturnal) along four transects for each habitat. The captured snakes were measured with a tape and caliper, weighed with dynamometers and sexed with the use of a catheter. The animals marked (with ventral scales cut) were released for posterior recapture. One individual per species was fixed and deposited at the Museu Nacional, Rio de Janeiro. We undertook an effort of 840 man/hour, and captured a total of 207 snakes belonging to 25 species (Colubridae 80.2 percent, Elapidae 12.6 percent, Viperidae 6.3 percent and Boidae 0.9 percent). The most abundant were: Liophis miliaris (n = 33), Micrurus corallinus and Chironius fuscus (both with n = 26); the least abundant: Elapomorphus quinquelineatus, Siphlophis compressus and Tropidodryas serra (all with n = 1). The species that contributed the greatest biomass were Spilotes pullatus (7,925 g), Chironius laevicollis (4,694 g), Liophis miliaris (3,675 g) and Pseustes sulphureus (3,050 g); those that contributed the lowest biomass were: Siphlophis compressus, Tropidodryas serra (both with 4 g) and Elapomorphus quinquelineatus (3 g). We found significant differences between the sampled habitats at the Serra do Mendanha (undisturbed forest, secondary forest and banana plantations). The results showed that a great reduction in the abundance, richness, diversity and biomass of the snakes occurs when the native forest is replaced by banana plantations.

Estudamos e comparamos parâmetros da comunidade de serpentes da Serra do Mendanha, Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Brasil (22º 48'-22º 51' S e 43º 28'-43º 31' W), tais como: distribuição de abundância, riqueza e diversidade de espécies e biomassa total, entre áreas florestadas, áreas em regeneração e áreas agrícolas (bananais); para obter informações sobre a história natural e facilitar o desenvolvimento de futuros estudos. Para a captura dos animais foram usadas armadilhas de queda (pitfalls) com cercas-guia e procura visual (diurna e noturna) ao longo de quatro transectos por ambiente. As serpentes capturadas foram identificadas, medidas com trena e paquímetro, pesadas com dinamômetro e sexadas com uso de cateter. Um exemplar por espécie foi fixado e depositado como material testemunho no Museu Nacional, Rio de Janeiro. Os demais indivíduos coletados foram marcados (com corte de escamas ventrais) e soltos. Empreendemos um esforço de cerca de 840 h/homem, resultando na captura de 207 serpentes pertencentes a 25 espécies (Colubridae 80,2 por cento, Elapidae 12,6 por cento, Viperidae 6,3 por cento e Boidae 0,9 por cento). As três espécies mais abundantes foram Liophis miliaris (n = 33), Micrurus corallinus e Chironius fuscus (ambas com n = 26), sendo as três menos abundantes Elapomorphus quinquelineatus, Siphlophis compressus e Tropidodryas serra (todas com n = 1). Contribuíram com a maior biomassa Spilotes pullatus (7.925 g), Chironius laevicollis (4.694 g), Liophis miliaris (3.675 g) e Pseustes sulphureus (3.050 g). As que menos contribuíram foram Siphlophis compressus, Tropidodryas serra (ambas com 4 g) e Elapomorphus quinquelineatus (3 g). Encontramos diferenças significativas nos parâmetros estudados entre os três tipos de ambientes amostrados na Serra do Mendanha (mata pouco perturbada, mata secundária e monocultura de bananeiras). Os resultados indicaram uma acentuada redução na abundância, riqueza, diversidade e biomassa de serpentes ...

Herpetofauna da Estação Ambiental de Peti, um fragmento de Mata Atlântica do estado de Minas Gerais, sudeste do Brasil / Herpetofauna of Estação Ambiental de Peti, an Atlantic Rainforest fragment of Minas Gerais State, southeastern Brazil

Here we provide a list of amphibians and reptiles of Estação de Pesquisa e Desenvolvimento Ambiental de Peti, an Atlantic rainforest reserve located in the mountains of the Espinhaço Range, State of Minas Gerais, southeastern Brazil. This list originated from a 78-days inventory conducted in the area 13 years after a first inventory. We actively searched for amphibians and reptiles in forest trails and anuran breeding sites. Between April 2002 and October 2004 we recorded 48 species belonging to Anura (29 species), Gymnophiona (1), Chelonia (1), Crocodylia (1), and Squamata (16 species: one amphisbaenian, five lizards and 10 snakes). Thirteen species were not recorded in the first inventory, and 14 species previously recorded were not found in the present work. Possible explanations for these differences are discussed. Although none of the recorded species is included in the available lists of threatened species for the State of Minas Gerais and Brazil, the reserve must be considered an important source of natural habitats to the local herpetofauna.

Fornecemos aqui uma lista de espécies de anfíbios e répteis da Estação de Pesquisa e Desenvolvimento Ambiental de Peti, uma reserva de Mata Atlântica localizada nas montanhas da Cadeia do Espinhaço, estado de Minas Gerais, sudeste do Brasil. Essa lista originou-se de um inventário conduzido durante 78 dias de trabalhos de campo, 13 anos após a realização de um primeiro levantamento. Entre abril de 2002 e outubro de 2004, aplicamos o método de procura visual durante caminhadas nas trilhas da floresta, em diversos corpos d'água e nos sítios reprodutivos dos anuros. Foram registradas 48 espécies, incluídas nas ordens Anura (29), Gymnophiona (1), Chelonia (1), Crocodylia (1) e Squamata (16 espécies: uma anfisbena, cinco lagartos e 11 serpentes). Treze espécies não haviam sido registradas no inventário anterior, e 14 espécies registradas anteriormente não foram detectadas em nosso inventário. São discutidas possíveis explicações para as diferenças observadas. Embora nenhuma espécie esteja incluída nas listas de espécies ameaçadas do Estado de Minas Gerais e do Brasil, a reserva deve ser considerada importante para a manutenção das populações da herpetofauna local.

Herpetofauna dos remanescentes de Mata Atlântica da região de Tapiraí e Piedade, SP, sudeste do Brasil / Herpetofauna of the Atlantic Forest remnants of Tapiraí and Piedade region, São Paulo state, southeastern Brazil

We present the species list of amphibians and reptiles registered in continuous and fragmented Atlantic Forest remnants at Tapiraí and Piedade municipalities, Atlantic Plateau of São Paulo, Brazil. We sampled 21 localities, 15 located within unprotetcted forest fragments and six located at Parque Estadual do Jurupará, the single legal protected area in this region and surroundings. We recorded 47 anurans, one gymnophiona, seven lizards, one amphisbenian, 46 snakes, and one turtle. The specimes were captured by pitfall traps with drift fences, visual and auditive surveys, incidental encounters, local collectors, and, for snakes, by recording scientific collection records. Sampling methods were effective in documenting local herpetofauna, showing the adequacy of the use of complementary methods. Forest remnants at Tapiraí and Piedade have typical species of Atlantic Forest areas, and show higher species richness in comparison with other lists in the Atlantic Plateau. The presence of species known from few localities, or present in threatened species lists, shows that the Atlantic Forest remnants in this region need conservation attention. Although still harboring high herpetofaunal diversity, the remnants are threatened by the effects of forest fragmentation.

Apresentamos aqui a lista de espécies de anfíbios e répteis registradas nos remanescentes de Mata Atlântica contínua e fragmentada da região de Tapiraí e Piedade, Planalto Atlântico de São Paulo, sudeste do Brasil. Amostramos 21 localidades na região, sendo 15 fragmentos florestais e seis localidades do interior e entorno do Parque Estadual do Jurupará, único remanescente legalmente protegido da região. Registramos 47 espécies de anfíbios anuros, uma espécie de gymnophiona, oito espécies de lagartos, uma espécie de anfisbena, 46 espécies de serpentes e uma espécie de quelônio. Esta lista conta com espécimes capturados pelos métodos de armadilhas de interceptação e queda, procura visual e auditiva, encontros ocasionais, capturas por terceiros e, no caso das serpentes, também por registros em coleção científica. A combinação entre métodos foi eficiente na amostragem da herpetofauna da região, evidenciando a necessidade de amostragem com métodos complementares. Os remanescentes de Tapiraí e Piedade apresentam espécies de anfíbios e répteis típicas de áreas de Mata Atlântica e alta riqueza de espécies, em relação a outros estudos realizados no planalto. A presença de espécies de distribuição restrita, ou presentes em listas de fauna ameaçada, reforçam a necessidade de conservação dos remanescentes de Mata Atlântica na região, que apesar de abrigar grande diversidade está ameaçada pelos efeitos da fragmentação florestal.

Richness, abundance, and mass in snake assemblages from two Atlantic Rainforest sites (Ilha do Cardoso, São Paulo) with differences in environmental productivity / Riqueza, abundância e biomassa em duas comunidades de serpentes na Floresta Atlantica em sítios com diferenças na produtividade

We analyzed richness, composition and mass of snakes in two sites in the Atlantic forest of Ilha do Cardoso (25º 03' S and 47º 53' W), an island (22,500 ha), Cananéia municipality, São Paulo State, Brazil. A monthly index of arthropod availability (in mm³) was estimated in each site through capture rates in pit-fall traps. Fallen fruits were collected along trails in the study sites (mass of fruit gave an index of fruit availability) and small mammals were sampled in grids with 120 traps which covered the lowland (5.2 ha) and in the slope forests (3.6ha). The abundance and mass of small mammals were standardized for the size of each sampled area (in g.ha-1). To sample snakes we established 20 pit-fall traps in each area and performed monthly transects in four consecutive days (totaling 1000 m long) along trails in the study sites. Snakes found were measured, weighted marked and released. Abundance and total mass of snakes were standardized by the size of each area. The areas differed consistently in in the productivity of arthropods, fruits and small mammals, and also in richness, composition and total mass of snakes. We found 36 individuals (total mass = 9884 g) of 12 snake species belonging to three Families (Colubridae, Elapidae and Viperidae) in the lowland forest, whereas in the slope forest we sampled only 9 individuals of 2 species (total mass = 1820 g). Our results suggest that the area of lowland forest, showing higher productivity of arthropods, fruits and small mammals, maintains a snake community with a higher richness, diversity and biomass than its slope forest counterpart.

Nós analisamos a riqueza, a composição e a massa de serpentes em dois ambientes na Mata Atlântica da Ilha do Cardoso (25º 03' S e 47º 53' W), uma ilha (22.500 ha), localizada no município de Cananéia, Estado de São Paulo, Brasil. Estimamos um índice de disponibilidade de artrópodos (em mm³) em cada ambiente através da taxa de captura em armadilhas de queda estabelecidas no chão da floresta. Coletamos frutos caídos ao longo de trilhas nos ambientes estudados (a massa de frutos forneceu um índice da disponibilidade de frutos) e pequenos mamíferos foram amostrados em grades com 120 armadilhas as quais cobriram um ambiente na mata de planície (5,2 ha) e um na floresta de encosta (3,6 ha). A abundância e massa de pequenos mamíferos foi padronizada para o tamanho de cada área amostrada (em g.ha-1). Para amostrar as serpentes estabelecemos 20 armadilhas de queda em cada ambiente e mensalmente realizamos transectos durante quatro dias consecutivos (totalizando 1000 m de extensão em cada área) ao longo de trilhas nos ambientes estudados. As serpentes foram medidas, pesadas, marcadas e soltas. A abundância e massa total de serpentes foram padronizadas para o tamanho de cada área amostrada. As áreas diferiram consistentemente na produtividade de artrópodos, de frutos e de pequenos mamíferos, e também na riqueza, composição e massa total de serpentes. Encontramos um total de 36 indivíduos (massa total = 9884 g) de 12 espécies de serpentes pertencentes a três famílias (Colubridae, Elapidae and Viperidae) na mata de planície, enquanto na mata de encostaamostramos apenas 9 indivíduos de 2 espécies (massa total=1820g). Nossos resultados sugerem que a mata de planície, que teve maior produtividade de of artrópodos, de frutos e de pequenos mamíferos, mantém uma comunidade de serpentes com maior riqueza, diversidade e biomassa do que a mata de encosta.

Snakes from the Atlantic Rainforest area of Serra do Mendanha, in Rio de Janeiro state, southeastern Brazil: a first approximation to the taxocenosis composition / Serpentes da Serra do Mendanha, estado do Rio de Janeiro, sudeste do Brasil: uma primeira aproximação da composição da taxocenose

We studied the species composition of the snake community of Serra do Mendanha, in Rio de Janeiro state, Southeastern Brazil, with an effort of 800 hours/man in different habitats, including undisturbed forest, secondary forest, areas under regeneration, and banana plantation. We sampled snakes monthly in the area using a combination of methods including intensive visual searching and pitfall traps with drift-fences. We found a total of 191 individuals of 27 snake species, belonging to four families: Boidae, Colubridae, Elapidae and Viperidae. In terms of species richness, the most speciose snake family in the area was Colubridae (85.2 percent; n = 23), followed by Viperidae (7.4 percent; n = 2), Boidae (3.7 percent; n = 1) and Elapidae (3.7 percent; n = 1) (Table 1). Quantitatively, the family Colubridae represented 81.7 percent (n = 156) of the total of individuals captured throughout the study, followed by Elapidae (13.1 percent of the individuals; n = 25), Viperidae (4.7 percent; n = 9) and Boidae (0.5 percent; n = 1). The data obtained in the study allowed a first approximation of the richness and composition of the snake fauna from Serra do Mendanha, including the records obtained during fieldwork in the present study and those of specimens deposited in Institutional Collections and detailed field data for each voucher specimen. All records are novel data for the area.

Estudamos a composição da comunidade de serpentes da Serra do Mendanha, Estado do Rio de Janeiro, com um esforço de 800 horas/homem nos diferentes hábitats da região incluindo mata pouco perturbada, mata secundária e áreas de cultivo de bananeiras. Para amostrar as serpentes, utilizamos os métodos de procura visual e armadilhas de queda com cercas-guia. Encontramos um total de 191 indivíduos de 27 espécies de serpentes, distribuídas em quatro famílias: Boidae, Colubridae, Elapidae e Viperidae. Em termos de riqueza de espécies, a família com maior número de espécies foi a Colubridae (85,2 por cento; n = 23), seguida pela Viperidae (7,4 por cento; n = 2), Boidae (3,7 por cento; n = 1) e Elapidae (3,7 por cento; n = 1) (Tabela 1). Quantitativamente, a família Colubridae representou 81,7 por cento (n = 156) do total de indivíduos capturados durante o estudo; Elapidae (13,1 por cento dos indivíduos; n = 25); Viperidae (4,7 por cento; n = 9); e Boidae (0,5 por cento; n = 1). Os dados obtidos no presente estudo permitiram uma primeira aproximação da riqueza e composição da fauna de serpentes da Serra do Mendanha, incluindo os registros obtidos durante o trabalho de campo neste estudo, dos espécimes depositados em coleções institucionais e dos dados de campo de cada espécime-testemunho. Todos os registros obtidos são inéditos para a região.

Composition and natural history of a Cerrado snake assemblage at Itirapina, São Paulo state, southeastern Brazil / Composição e história natural das serpentes de Cerrado de Itirapina, São Paulo, sudeste do Brasil

Neotropical snake assemblages present high species richness and complex structures. The Cerrado is the second largest biome in Brazil, and was included among the 25 World's biodiversity hotspots. In southeastern Brazil, the remnant Cerrado areas have suffered intense destruction, and presently less than 2 percent of Cerrado natural vegetation remain in São Paulo state. Virtually no detailed study on Cerrado snakes was carried out in this region. The Itirapina region has one of the last well preserved remnants of open cerrado in São Paulo state. Our purpose in this work was the study of natural history and composition of the Cerrado snakes of Itirapina region. We performed an extensive field sampling combining six sampling methods in Estação Ecológica de Itirapina and disturbed Cerrado areas in its surroundings (municipalities of Itirapina and Brotas), during 101 trips throughout 43 months, between September 1998 and March 2002, corresponding to 446 days of field sampling. We also collected additional data from museum specimens housed in scientific collections. We present data on size, general abundance, habitat and macrohabitat use, daily and seasonal activity, feeding, reproduction, and defense. We also compared the Itirapina snake assemblage with nine snake assemblages of Brazil, from Amazonia, Atlantic Forest, Cerrado, and other open habitats. We recorded a total of 36 snake species among 755 individuals found in the field and six records from scientific collections and literature, belonging to 25 genera and five families. The snake assemblage comparisons indicate that the Cerrado has its own identity regarding the snake composition. Although small (about 2,300 ha), the Estação Ecológica de Itirapina encompasses well preserved and representative Cerrado physiognomic forms, which harbors a rich and typical Cerrado snake fauna. The occurrence of some species only inside the reserve also indicates that the Estação Ecológica de Itirapina...

As taxocenoses de serpentes neotropicais apresenta m alta riqueza de espécies e estruturas complexas. O Cerrado é o segundo maior bioma do Brasil e foi incluído entre os 25 hotspots globais de biodiversidade. No sudeste do Brasil, as áreas remanescentes de Cerrado têm sofrido intensa destruição, e atualmente restam menos de 2 por cento da vegetação natural de Cerrado no estado de São Paulo. Praticamente nenhum estudo detalhado sobre serpentes do Cerrado foi realizado nesta região. A região de Itirapina apresenta um dos últimos remanescentes bem preservados de cerrado aberto no estado de São Paulo. Nosso objetivo neste trabalho foi o estudo da história natural e composição das serpentes de Cerrado da região de Itirapina. Nós realizamos uma amostragem de campo extensiva combinando seis métodos de amostragem na Estação Ecológica de Itirapina e áreas alteradas de Cerrado nas proximidades (municípios de Itirapina e Brotas), em 101 viagens durante 43 meses, entre setembro de 1998 e março de 2002, o que correspondeu a 446 dias de amostragem de campo. Também coletamos dados adicionais a partir de espécimes de coleções científicas. Apresentamos dados sobre tamanho, abundância geral, uso do ambiente e substrato, atividade diária e sazonal, dieta, reprodução e defesa. Também comparamos a taxocenose de serpentes de Itirapina com nove taxocenoses de serpentes do Brasil, incluindo a Amazônia, Mata Atlântica, Cerrado e outras formações abertas. Registramos na região de Itirapina 36 espécies de serpentes entre 755 indivíduos encontrados no campo e seis registros de coleções científicas e literatura, pertencentes a 25 gêneros de cinco famílias. As comparações entre taxocenoses indicam que o Cerrado apresenta uma identidade própria em relação à composição de espécies de serpentes. Apesar de limitada a um pequeno fragmento (cerca de 2.300 ha), a Estação Ecológica de Itirapina apresenta fisionomias conservadas e representativas de Cerrado, que abrigam uma...

The Snakes of Osun Grove: a World Heritage Site in Osogbo, Nigeria

The Osun Grove, Osogbo, Nigeria, is a protected area covered by riparian forest, dry high forest and derived savanna. In January and June 2000 a total of 25 of snake species were recorded with Afronatrix anoscopus and Calabaria reinhardti being prominent. The incidence of Philothamnus semivariegatus, a savanna species, may be the result of the invasive savanna produced by farming activities around the grove. Nine species, led by A. anoscopus, accounted for 69.7 % of the snake community. The dominant species are either aquatic or terrestrial, with the exception of Boiga blandingi and Dendroaspis viridis that can be both arboreal and terrestrial, and C. reinhardti that is fossorial. Arboreal species mostly preyed on tree frogs and birds including eggs and nestlings, and the aquatic forms preyed on fish and frogs. Mammals, reptiles and toads constitute the prey items of terrestrial species while fossorial species feed on annelids, molluscs, arachnids, myriapods, hexapods, amphibians, reptiles and mammals. Rev. Biol. Trop. 55 (2): 717-721. Epub 2007 June, 29.

Se registró un total de 25 especies de serpientes en la arboleda de Osun en Osogbo, Nigeria, incluyendo prominentemente dos especies consideradas escasas en el sudoeste de Nigeria: Afronatrix anoscopus y Calabaria reinhardti; Philothamnus semivariegatus, una especie de la sabana, es común posiblemente debido a las actividades de cultivo fuera de la reserva. Junto con las ocho especies abundantes siguientes, A. anoscopus, representó el 69.7 % de la comunidad de serpientes. Las especies dominantes son acuáticas o terrestres, con excepción de Boiga blandingi y Dendroaspis viridis que son arborícolas y terrestres, y C. reinhardti que es fosorial. Las especies fosoriales tienen mayor diversidad trófica.

Are there co-occurrence patterns that structure snake communities in Central Brazil?

The main factors that structure Neotropical animal communities have been the subject of discussion in ecology communities. We used a set of null models to investigate the existence of structure in snake communities from the Cerrado in Central Brazil in relation to the co-occurrence of species and guilds concerning specific resources. We used fragments (conservation units) inside the Distrito Federal and neighbor municipalities. In spite of recent human colonization in the region from the end of the 1950Æs, intense habitat modification and fragmentation has taken place. Sixty three snake species are present in the Distrito Federal. Co-occurrence analysis of species and guilds associated to snake diets and habitats suggested a lack of organization. The homogeneity of habitats in Central Brazil and the minor importance of ecological effects can lead to random arrangement.

Os processos que levam à estruturação de comunidades animais neotropicais têm sido sujeito de ampla discussão em ecologia de comunidades. Usou-se um conjunto de modelos nulos para investigar a existência de estrutura em comunidades de serpentes presentes no Cerrado do Brasil Central, em relação à coocorrência de espécies e de guildas relacionadas a recursos específicos. As localidades utilizadas para as análises representam fragmentos de habitats dentro do Distrito Federal e em municípios vizinhos. Apesar da recente colonização humana da região, datada para o final da década de 50, a intensidade da modificação e fragmentação dos habitats no Brasil Central têm sido enorme. Sessenta e três espécies de serpentes estão presentes no Distrito Federal. As análises dos padrões de coocorrência tanto para as espécies quanto para guildas relativas à dieta e ao uso do ambiente sugeriram ausência de organização. A homogeneidade dos ambientes no Brasil Central e a baixa importância de efeitos ecológicos podem levar ao arranjo randômico.