HERPETOFAUNA OF THREE LOCALITIES IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF AMATLAN DE LOS REYES, VERACRUZ, MEXICO

Abstract

The herpetofauna of Amatlán de los Reyes, Veracruz, México, has not been formally studied. The objective of this study was to perform a herpetological inventory with the aim of understanding the herpetofauna wealth of three localities in this municipality and to define the risk status of registered herpetozoa, based on NOM-059-SEMARNAT-2010 and the Red List of Endangered species of the UICN. Samples were taken between August and December 2012, identifying 21 species of herpetofauna, 13 reptiles and eight amphibians. According to the NOM- 059, five species were placed in one of the risk categories: Scincella silvicola (Threatened), Lampropeltis polyzona (Threatened), Pseudoeurycea lineola (Subject to special protection), Bolitoglossa rufescens (Subject to special protection) and Micrurus diastema (Subject to special protection). Only one species is cataloged in a category of risk from the
Red List of the UICN: Pseudoeurycea lineola (Endangered); additionally, 16 more species were considered of lower preoccupation in that list. Some actions are proposed to contribute to the conservation of herpetofauna and their habitats in the study area. This study contributes to the understanding
of herpetofauna wealth of Amatlán de los Reyes and to the scientific knowledge of the Atoyac River High Basin Natural Ecological Reserve, for its use in the elaboration of the Conservation and Management Program of the Natural Protected Area.