Vanessa K. Verdade

Herpetofauna de serrapilheira da Reserva Florestal de Morro Grande, Cotia (SP)

We present an annotated list of anurans, lizards, and snakes registered at the Reserva Florestal de Morro Grande, Cotia, State of Sao Paulo. The list includes 27 anurans, five lizards and three snakes captured mainly in pitfall traps and encountered during field surveys. Eighteen species of anurans captured from pitfall traps were used to compare six areas sampled inside the Reserve, three in secondary forest and three in mature forest. The analysis showed significant differences among secondary and mature forest. We also compared the similarity of the anurofauna of the Reserve to those of six other Atlantic Forest localities inside the State. The anurofauna found at the Reserve is more similar to that found in other localities at the Atlantic plateau than those from coastal plains. The small number of reptiles specimens captured in pitfall traps precluded the same analyses made for anurans. The low abundance of these animals inside the forest limited our ability to compare different areas. There is an evident lack of information on the biology, distribution and conservation status on Brazilian herpetofauna that could be filled by inventory and monitoring of this fauna. Only natural history knowledge can lead to efficient conservation planning of these species.

Amphibian Chytrid Fungus Broadly Distributed in the Brazilian Atlantic Rain Forest

To investigate the occurrence of the chytrid fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis in Brazil, we conducted histological screenings of 96 preserved specimens of anurans collected at 10 sites in the Atlantic rain forest. Data show this fungus to be widely distributed. Infected specimens included Colostethus olfersioides (Dendrobatidae), Bokermannohyla gouveai and Hypsiboas freicanecae (Hylidae), as well as Thoropa miliaris and Crossodactylus caramaschii (Leptodactylidae), extending the area of B. dendrobatidis occurrence in Brazil approximately 1,600 km N, 200 km S, and 270 km E. The altitudinal range of the chytrid is broad, spanning from less than 100 m (Estação Ecológica Juréia-Itatins, Reserva Biológica do Tinguá) to about 2,400 m (Parque Nacional do Itatiaia). An infection record dating to 1981 roughly coincides with the time of the first observations of amphibian declines in the country. Widespread occurrence of B. dendrobatidis in the Atlantic Forest adds to the challenge of conserving an already endangered biome given the potential risk of further local biodiversity loss. Further research is needed to understand how environmental and genetic factors relate to chytridiomycosis in leading to or preventing local die-offs. Protected sites at mid and high elevations may be particularly threatened, while lowland populations may be functioning as reservoirs. Conservation efforts should also involve monitoring studies and habitat protection.

Para que servem os inventários de fauna

Inventarios de fauna acessam diretamente a diversidade de uma localidade, em um determinado espaco e tempo. Os dados primarios gerados pelos inventarios compoem uma das ferramentas mais importantes na tomada de decisoes a respeito do manejo de areas naturais. Entretanto, varios problemas tem sido observados em diversos niveis relacionados aos inventarios de fauna no Brasil e vao desde a formacao de recursos humanos ate a ausencia de padronizacao, de desenho experimental e de selecao de metodos inadequados. Sao apresentados estudos de caso com mamiferos, repteis, anfibios e peixes, nos quais sao discutidos problemas como variabilidade temporal e metodos para deteccao de fauna terrestre, sugerindo que tanto os inventarios quanto os programas de monitoramento devam se estender por prazos maiores e que os inventarios devem incluir diferentes metodologias para que os seus objetivos sejam plenamente alcancados.

A new genus of microteiid lizard from the Atlantic forests of State of Bahia, Brazil, with a new generic name for Colobosaura mentalis, and a discussion of relationships among the Heterodactylini (Squamata, Gymnophthalmidae)

Abstract A new genus and species of microteiid lizard is described from a series of specimens obtained in the leaf litter at Una (15°10′S, 39°03′W) in the Atlantic forest of southern Bahia, Brazil. It is characterized by the presence of prefrontals, frontoparietals, parietals, and interparietal; parietals longer than wide; distinct ear openings and eyelids; two pairs of genials, absence of collar and occipital scales; dorsal scales anteriorly smooth and becoming gradually lanceolate and mucronate posterior to the forelimb; and four regular transverse series of smooth ventrals that are longer than wide, identical in size. A phylogenetic analysis based on external morphology, osteology, and molecular data confirms this new lizard as a member of the Heterodactylini radiation of Gymnophthalminae. The topology recovered by maximum parsimony (MP) analyses reveals that its closest relatives are the sister taxa Colobosaura modesta and Iphisa elegans (BS  =  < 50%; Bremer value  =  2) and the partitioned Bremer indexes indicated that the largest contribution to this relationship comes from morphology; Colobosaura mentalis, for which a new generic name is here proposed, is basal to this radiation. Our analyses confirm a previous hypothesis suggesting Stenolepis as a member of the Heterodactylini radiation and that the clade composed of Colobodactylus and Heterodactylus is the sister group of the clade formed by Colobosaura mentalis-Stenolepis (BS  =  100; Bremer value  =  18), Colobosaura modesta-Iphisa (BS  =  < 50%; Bremer value  =  1), and the new genus here described. The support for Heterodactylini monophyly, on the basis of combined MP analyses is higher (BS  =  96, Bremer value  =  11) than that previously found in molecular-based studies only. Partitioned Bayesian methodology combining molecular and morphological data sets recovered the new genus as the sister taxon (PP  =  0.94) of the clade (PP  =  0.94) formed by I. elegans-C. modesta (PP  =  0.51) and C. mentalis-S. ridleyℝ (PP  =  1.0). An alternative topology demonstrating a paraphyletic Heterodactylini is only weakly supported (PP  =  0.63). Based on the MP topology we discuss tentative scenarios for the evolution of Heterodactylini.

A new species of Leposoma (Squamata, Gymnophthalmidae) from the remnant Atlantic forests of the state of Bahia, Brazil

Leposoma puk, a new species of the scincoides group is described from the Atlantic forests of southern state of Bahia, Brazil. The new species is characterized by a single frontonasal; elongate dorsal and lanceolate ventral scales arranged in diagonal rows; weakly striated or smooth scales on top of head; a longer than wide interparietal, with almost straight lateral margins; 17-18 pores; third supraocular the largest one, wider than long and clearly rectangular in shape; a suture between frontal and frontoparietal scales coincident with the middle of the third supraocular; and, a black pigmentation in the venter or along venter margins in males. The discovery of this new species, sympatric with Leposoma annectans, L. nanodactylus, and L. scincoides ranks the Atlantic Rainforest region of Southern Bahia first in species diversity for the genus. Zoogeography and speciation of Leposoma of the scincoides group are discussed.

A NEW SPECIES OF CYCLORAMPHUS (ANURA, LEPTODACTYLIDAE) FROM THE ATLANTIC FOREST, BRAZIL

We describe a new species of Cycloramphus from Ribeirão Grande in the Atlantic Forest of the State of São Paulo, Southeastern Brazil. The new species is characterized by the presence of an inguinal gland in adult males, feet not webbed, smooth skin, relatively small eyes, and massive jaw adductor muscles. The general aspect of body, conferred by a combination of a relatively short body and hind limbs, reduced eyes, and the massive aspect of head, suggests fossorial habits. Based on these characters, the new species is presumed to be closely related to the Cycloramphus bolitoglossus group, previously allocated to the genus Craspedoglossa.

Advertisement Call, Vocal Activity, and Geographic Distribution of Brachycephalus hermogenesi (Giaretta and Sawaya, 1998) (Anura, Brachycephalidae)

Abstract Brachycephalus hermogenesi is an endemic leaf litter inhabitant of the Atlantic forest of southeastern Brazil, whose original distribution included a restricted area near the boundaries of the States of São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro. We were surprised to find out, while conducting herpetofaunal surveys at Estação Biológica de Boracéia (EBB), that the background forest insect–like sound we have been searching for corresponded to calling individuals of the species. Males call during the day at high densities, hidden under the leaf litter. Individuals do not answer playback, seem to move very infrequently, and seem to ignore nearby calling activity. We gathered data on annual and daily vocal activity of the species at EBB, observing a total of 1,549 calls given by 31 focal individuals in November 2003 and 2005. The call varies from short single note calls to calls composed of groups of two to seven similar notes emitted at regular intervals. We also extend the known distribution of the species southward to the State of São Paulo.

Taxonomic Review of Allobates (Anura, Aromobatidae) from the Atlantic Forest, Brazil

Abstract We present the results of a taxonomic review of the four species of Allobates endemic to the Atlantic Forest Domain in Brazil. A total of 880 preserved specimens from 29 localities covering their range in Atlantic Forest were studied based on external attributes. Characters formerly described as diagnostic in original descriptions and others cited for dendrobatids in the literature were studied along the total geographic range of the populations of these species, including the type localities. We found no discrete characters, qualitative or quantitative, capable of differentiating the species. Most local and geographic variation was limited to snout-vent length and color pattern. Considering the lack of evidence otherwise, we use the results of our morphological analysis to allocate all Atlantic Forest species of Allobates to synonymy with Allobates olfersioides.

Timeless standards for species delimitation

Recently a new species of bombyliid fly, Marleyimyia xylocopae, was described by Marshall & Evenhuis (2015) based on two photographs taken during fieldwork in the Republic of South Africa. This species has no preserved holotype. The paper generated some buzz, especially among dipterists, because in most cases photographs taken in the field provide insufficient information for properly diagnosing and documenting species of Diptera.

Natural History of the Lutz's Frog Cycloramphus lutzorum Heyer, 1983 (Anura: Cycloramphidae) in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest: Description of the Advertisement Call, Tadpole, and Karyotype

Abstract We describe the advertisement call, tadpole, karyotype, and additional information on the natural history of Cycloramphus lutzorum from southern Brazil. Sonograms were generated from digitally recorded calls. Tadpoles were collected in the field for description in the lab, and an adult was collected for karyotyping. Data on seasonal activity were gathered monthly from November 2005 to November 2007. All tadpoles (N  =  21), juveniles (N  =  18), and adults (N  =  52) were found exclusively in streams. Reproduction, as identified by calling frogs, occurred from July through November. Frogs call all day long, but mostly at dusk, from rock crevices inside the stream edges near the splash zone. The call is short and loud, with 11 pulsed notes, of 491–641 ms, with a dominant frequency of 0.98–1.39 kHz. We describe the exotrophic and semiterrestrial tadpoles, always found in constantly humid vertical rock walls in the stream. Tadpoles of C. lutzorum are recognized by differences in labial tooth row formula, eye diameter, body shape, position of nares, and development of tail. Like congeneric species, the karyotype of C. lutzorum comprises 26 metacentric and submetacentric chromosomes. Cycloramphus lutzorum is restricted to and adapted for living in fast flowing streams, many of which are threatened by deforestation, pollution, and habitat loss. Therefore, we recommend the status of C. lutzorum be changed from its current “Data Deficient” to “Near Threatened (NT)” in the IUCN species red list.