Latest Articles from Neotropical Biology and Conservation Latest 4 Articles from Neotropical Biology and Conservation https://neotropical.pensoft.net/ Thu, 28 Mar 2024 12:21:13 +0200 Pensoft FeedCreator https://neotropical.pensoft.net/i/logo.jpg Latest Articles from Neotropical Biology and Conservation https://neotropical.pensoft.net/ Ecology and morphology of the dwarf bromeliad boa Ungaliophis panamensis (Squamata, Boidae, Ungaliophiinae) in Costa Rica and Panama https://neotropical.pensoft.net/article/57872/ Neotropical Biology and Conservation 16(2): 317-331

DOI: 10.3897/neotropical.16.e57872

Authors: Todd R. Lewis, Rowland K. Griffin, Irune Maguregui Martin, Alex Figueroa, Julie M. Ray, Josh Feltham, Paul B. C. Grant

Abstract: Ecological and morphological data on Ungaliophis panamensis is extremely limited as this species is rarely encountered. These knowledge gaps have been advanced in this study where data was analysed from a small sample of snakes collected in two tropical forested environments in Costa Rica and Panama. Standardised major axis testing and a Bayesian latent variable ordination revealed that the species is sexually dimorphic, closely associated with tree trunks in natural forested areas, and occasionally discovered in rural buildings. Although further investigation into its natural history is warranted, this study shows that even with just a few individuals it is possible to elucidate ecological information that is relevant to the conservation of snake species.

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Research Article Tue, 18 May 2021 14:24:29 +0300
Filling gaps in the southern range of the endangered snake Philodryas agassizii: new localities in Tandilia highland grassland, Argentina https://neotropical.pensoft.net/article/51815/ Neotropical Biology and Conservation 15(3): 351-357

DOI: 10.3897/neotropical.15.e51815

Authors: David Gustavo Vera, Igor Berkunsky, Germán Tettamanti, Manuel Eirin, Federico Pablo Kacoliris, Diego Omar Di Pietro

Abstract: Philodryas agassizii is an endangered snake of shrubland and grasslands well preserved in Argentina, Paraguay, Brazil, and Uruguay. In the southeastern area of its range, this snake was only found associated with highland grassland of the Tandilia and Ventania mountain systems, Argentina. In this work, we described six new records of Philodryas agassizii from the Tandilia Mountain System, which represent four new localities for the species. These records extend the known range of Philodryas agassizii in the Tandilia mountain system, 100 km from the closest previously known site.

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Short Communication Tue, 18 Aug 2020 10:20:42 +0300
New defensive behaviour of the false coral snake Oxyrhopus rhombifer Duméril, Bibron & Duméril, 1854 (Serpentes, Dipsadidae) in south-eastern Brazil https://neotropical.pensoft.net/article/48564/ Neotropical Biology and Conservation 15(1): 71-76

DOI: 10.3897/neotropical.15.e48564

Authors: Clodoaldo Lopes de Assis, Jhonny José Magalhães Guedes, Letizia Miriam Gomes de Jesus, Renato Neves Feio

Abstract: Anti-predator mechanisms are essential for species survival and the description of defensive behaviour may improve our understanding about the ecology, biology and evolution of species. Herein, we describe new anti-predator behaviour for the False Coral Snake Oxyrhopus rhombifer in south-eastern Brazil, through direct observation of a juvenile specimen under laboratory settings. We recorded 10 types of defensive behaviour, seven of which are new records for this species and one of them (body vibration) is the first report for Brazilian snakes. Such behaviour may be explained by ontogeny or physical constraints. We highlight that O. rhombifer may be capable of recognising different threat levels imposed by predators and, accordingly, adjusting its defensive behaviour.

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Short Communication Thu, 19 Mar 2020 10:52:46 +0200
Rediscovery of the enigmatic forest racer snake, Dendrophidion boshelli Dunn, 1944 (Serpentes, Colubridae): actions for the conservation of a critically endangered species https://neotropical.pensoft.net/article/39572/ Neotropical Biology and Conservation 14(4): 577-589

DOI: 10.3897/neotropical.14.e39572

Authors: Julian Andrés Rojas-Morales, Mateo Marín-Martínez, Juan Camilo Zuluaga-Isaza

Abstract: Dendrophidion boshelli is a poorly known and endemic snake species from the Middle Magdalena river valley in Colombia. It was described in 1944 based on a single specimen from the municipality of Caparrapí, department of Cundinamarca. Since the original description, only three additional specimens have been established. As part of the results of a herpetological monitoring in the Miel I Hydroelectric project, department of Caldas-Colombia, three additional specimens of D. boshelli were found in 2014–2015. The specimens represent the second known population of the species. We presented morphological data and pholidosis; description of the coloration in life, and a description of the habitat. Recently, D. boshelli was included as a Critically Endangered (CR) species in the Red Book of Reptiles of Colombia, and the IUCN Redlist. For this reason, to promote the local conservation of this and other endemic and threatened species in the Miel I area, we suggested some actions at the local level, such as establishing a conservation area with legal status in the Middle Manso River basin, which is a tributary of the Miel I Hydroelectric project.

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Research Article Mon, 30 Dec 2019 10:36:36 +0200