Article

A biogeography of reptiles and amphibians in the Gomez Farias region, Tamaulipas, Mexico

January 1958

Authors:

http://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/56345/1/MP101.pdf

Habitat use and microhabitat selection of two lizard species with different niche requirements in a resource availability gradient

Article

Apr 2020
STUD NEOTROP FAUNA E

Human alteration toward environment modifies the spatial distribution of available resources that influences habitat selection in animals. Thus, it is necessary to identify the resources that determine species occurrence in modified landscapes to provide the basis for future conservation efforts. We evaluated the habitat use and microhabitat selection of two lizard species with different niche requirements in a resource availability gradient caused by disturbance. Surveys were conducted in El Cielo Biosphere Reserve, Mexico, during 2016 and 2017. The gradient was grouped in four environmental types in the function of climatic (temperature and humidity) and structural variables (included different measures of soil, substrate, and vegetation coverage). For each lizard, 11 variables related to the microhabitat structure were recorded. Microhabitat selection for each environment type along the gradient was determined and compared via discriminant analysis. The results showed that Sceloporus variabilis, a species that uses a wide range of resources, can select different microhabitats along the gradient; while Lepidophyma sylvaticum, a species with a restricted use of resources, select microhabitats with similar specific characteristics and avoided disturbed areas with scarce canopy cover. This differential response was related to the degree of specificity in resources selection and physiological restrictions of each species.

Distribution of Bothrops asper in Tamaulipas, Mexico and a review of prey items

Article

Full-text available

Mar 2017
SOUTHWEST NAT

A juvenile Bothrops asper (Terciopelo) collected in Tamaulipas, Mexico, is identified as the westernmost locality for the species range-wide. We review and map the distribution in Tamaulipas and adjacent areas of San Luis Potosí and Veracruz, Mexico, based on museum and literature records. The specimen was dissected and its stomach contained Cryptotis parva, a novel prey item for the species. We review previous literature reports for specific prey items.

Distribution notes. Mastigodryas melanolomus (Cope, 1868).

Article

Jan 2015

Análisis de la distribución de la herpetofauna

Article

Jan 2004

DEMOGRAFÍA COMPARADA E HISTORIA DE VIDA DE LA LAGARTIJA DE CABEZA PLANA XENOSAURUS PLATYCEPS (KING Y THOMPSON 1968) EN TAMAULIPAS, MÉXICO

Thesis

Full-text available

Jan 2008

R. Isaac Rojas-González

There appears to be variation in life-history strategies even between populations of the same species. It has been proposed that adult mortality rates can affect the life-history strategy that a population exhibits. In ectothermic organisms such as lizards, tropical populations experience longer periods for activity compared with temperate populations. In tropical sites, longer annualactivity periods can promote higher adult mortality. In this study I analyze two populations of the lizard Xenosaurus platyceps that inhabit contrasting sites comparing reproduction, body growth and its sources of variation, and demographic behavior in one tropical low-altitude site (410 m of elevation) in an sub-perennial tropical forest and the other population in a temperate high-altitude site (1460 m of elevation) in an oak forest, both in Tamaulipas, México. Also, a comparison of the demographic strategies of 28 lizard species was conducted. In both populations a significant relationship between female size and litter size was found. Females from the temperate site produced significantly larger litters in comparison with those from the tropical site. No relationship between female size and offspring size was detected, which suggested that the latter trait could be either constrained or optimized. Larger females exhibited greater relative litter mass and this trait showed significantly higher values in the temperate locality. This pattern is explained by the fact that females at the temperate population produce more young of similar size than those produced by their tropical counterparts. We did not find significant interannual variation in any of the reproductive traits studied. We suggest reciprocal transplant or common garden experiments to determine the genetic and proximal causes of the observed intraespecific variation. Body growth trajectories in both populations agreed with the model of Von Bertlanffy. No significant differences in the body growth rates were found between males and females in any of the two populations. Body growth rates were faster in the tropical population, in which the projected age at maturity was three years, one year less tan the projected age at maturity in the temperate population. A common garden experiment showed that in both populations temperature is a factor that speeds up the body growth rates. This experiment suggests that responses of body growth to environmental variation are similar in both sites. Population growth rates in both types of environments indicated populations in numerical equilibrium. Of the two populations, we found that the temperate population experiences lower adult mortality. The relative importance (estimated as the relative contribution to population growth rate) of permanence and of the adult/reproductive size clases is higher in the temperate population. In contrast, the relative importance for average fitness of fecundity and growth is higher in the tropical population. These results are consistent with theoretical frameworks about life-historical differences between tropical and temperate lizard populations. We used elasticity analysis of population projection matrices to estimate the relative contribution of juvenile survival, adult survival, and fecundity for the population growth rate of 28 lizard species. Based on elasticity patterns we identified four main demographic strategies: 1) early-maturing species which survive more than one year, 2) annual species, 3) medium-sized species that mature after one year of age, and 4) late-maturing, long-lived and large-sized species. The relative importance of the life-cycle components showed a weak phylogenetic signal in the studied lizard species. Elasticity patterns of these lizards were correlated with juvenile and adult mortality, age at first reproduction, mean adult size, and population growth rate. In general, the results obtained in this thesis agreed with the “fast-slow” continuum hypothesis of life-history evolution.

Composición y estructura de pequeños mamíferos no voladores en un gradiente altitudinal en la Reserva Forestal Protectora Bellavista del flanco oriental de la cordillera central colombiana

Thesis

Full-text available

Nov 2008

Diana Karina Rojas Briñez

The composition and structure of small non-flying mammals was studied in the Reserva Forestal Protectora Bellavista, Ambalá Alta, Ibague, in the Tolima’s Department (on the eastern slope of the Central mountain chain), along an altitudinal gradient divided in three sample zones (down zone: 1628 m; medium zone: 1800 m and high zone: 2469 m). The samplings were realized in May, August and September, 2007, each one had a duration of 15 days, where direct methods were used (Victor traps, Sherman traps and pitfall) in order to establish an inventory of the species, to determine their diversity, richness and relative abundance, and finally, to provide information about their altitudinal distribution. With an capture’s effort of 5537 traps/night and a capture’s success of 0.8%, it was collected a total of 44 specimens, grouped in 16 species (10 of Rodentia order, 3 of Didelphimorphia order and 1 of Soricomorpha, Paucituberculata and Carnivora order, respectively). The most abundant species was Nephelomys albigularis represented by 34.09% of the captures. On the other hand, among the studied zones the highest diversity (α = 5.966), abundance (n = 21) and species richness (S = 9) was presented in the 2469 m zone. It was demonstrated that the species distribution is not the same depending on the altitudinal gradient (x 2 = 58.77, GL = 28, p=0.0058315), in consequence the similarity between the elevational zones was minimal, this is why few shared species were observed between these zones (Neacomys tenuipes, between 1628 m and 1800 m, Microryzomys minutus and Nephelomys albigularis between 1800 m and 2469 m). The most efficient collection method was pitfall. Ten new reports were registered for the Tolima’s Department: Akodon affinis, Chilomys instans, Hylaeamys yunganus, Rhipidomys latimanus and Neacomys tenuipes (Rodentia order), Marmosops impavidus and Marmosa robinsoni (Didelphimorphia order), Cryptotis colombiana (Soricomorpha order), Caenolestes fuliginosus (Paucituberculata order) and Mustela frenata (Carnivora order), being Akodon affinis and Cryptotis colombiana endemic species for Colombia. Moreover, it was extended the altitudinal distribution range reported for Neacomys tenuipes, Marmosa robinsoni (now it is from 0 to 1800 m) and Didelphis pernigra (now it is from 1628 to 3900 m). This study makes evident that there are still regions that need to be systematically studied, because they contribute with important information about the community of small non-flying mammals in Colombia.

Campos Rodríguez, J.I. 2015. Modelaje de la distribución potencial de 10 especies de anfibios y reptiles en riesgo de extinción con escasos registros de presencia. Instituto Politécnico Nacional. Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas. Informe final SNIB-CONABIO, proyecto No. JM042. México D.F.

Technical Report

Full-text available

Jan 2015

JOSE ISMAEL CAMPOS RODRÍGUEZ

BIOLOGY AND CONSERVATION OF THE GULF SPINY-TAILED IGUANAS (CTENOSAURA ACANTHURA)

Article

Full-text available

Jun 2016

Spiny-tailed iguanas are a diverse, taxonomically complex group. There are 11 Ctenosaura species in México, nine of which are endemic to the country. This work aims to present information on ecological and biological aspects of the Gulf Spiny-tailed Iguana in the state of Veracruz. Ctenosaura acanthura is distributed throughout the coastal plain of the state at altitudes below 500 meters above sea level. Based on 120 captures, males were significantly larger and longer than females, and their heads were wider. We documented that C. acanthura consumes a wide variety of food resources (24 species) including both native and ornamental plants, as well as a variety of arthropods. Average clutch size was 27.7 ± 9.1 eggs. There was no relationship between the body length or mass and clutch size. Laboratory incubation took 78.2 ± 6.3 days, at 29–31° C, and the hatching rate was 58.3%. Currently, populations of C. acanthura appear stable, due to its ecological plasticity and its presence in all protected areas with tropical forest and wetlands on the plains of Veracruz that we sampled. However, studies of population density, and biological, ecological, physiological, and behavioral research are needed. Resumen.—Las iguanas de cola espinosa son un grupo diverso y taxonómicamente complejo. Existen 11 especies de Ctenosaura en México, nueve de las cuales son endémicas del país. Este trabajo tiene como objetivo presentar información sobre los aspectos ecológicos y biológicos de la iguana de cola espinosa del estado de Veracruz (Ctenosaura acanthura). Esta especie se distribuye por toda la llanura costera del estado, en altitudes inferiores a 500 metros sobre el nivel del mar. Basado en 120 capturas, registramos que los machos fueron significativamente más grandes y más pesados que las hembras, y sus cabezas fueron más anchas. Documentamos que C. acanthura consume una amplia variedad de recursos alimentarios (24 especies) incluyendo tanto plantas nativas y ornamentales, así como una variedad de artrópodos. El tamaño promedio de la puesta fue 27.7 ± 9.1 huevos. No encontramos relación entre la longitud del cuerpo o masa y el tamaño de la nidada. Realizamos pruebas de incubación en laboratorio y estimamos 78.2 ± 6.3 días, a una temperatura ± 29 a 31° C, y la tasa de eclosión de 58.3%. Actualmente, las poblaciones de C. acanthura parecen estables, debido a su plasticidad ecológica y su presencia en todas las áreas protegidas de bosques tropicales y humedales en las llanuras de Veracruz que muestreamos. Sin embargo, se necesitan estudios de densidad de poblaciones, así como de más información biológica, ecológica, fisiológica y conductual.

Individual growth of the Flathead Knob‐scaled Lizard, Xenosaurus platyceps, from tropical and temperate populations

Article

Jul 2022

Growth rates of ectotherms are frequently affected by environmental conditions, such as temperature, precipitation, and prey availability. However, local adaptation to environmental conditions could influence geographic variation in growth rates. We studied growth rates of the Flathead Knob‐scaled Lizard, Xenosaurus platyceps, from a tropical population and a temperate population in Tamaulipas, Mexico. We used a field study and a common garden experiment to examine the extent and potential causes of variation in individual growth rates between these two populations from contrasting environments. Field‐determined growth rates in the tropical population were greater than those in the temperate population. In a laboratory common garden experiment that manipulated food availability and temperature for neonates from each population, neonates from the tropical population grew faster than those from the temperate population. Neonates kept at higher temperatures grew faster than those kept at lower temperature. In addition, growth rates of neonates from temperate and tropical populations did not differ at low temperature, but neonates from the tropical population grew faster at the higher temperature than did the neonates from the temperate population. Food treatment did not affect individual growth rates in these lizards, although there was a trend for neonates grown with higher food availability to grow faster. Our results suggest that not only does the warm environment of the tropical population contribute to the observed differences in field growth rates, but there is a genetic difference in the ability of the tropical population to take advantage of the warmer temperatures to increase growth rates Abstract in Spanish is available with online material. Las tasas de crecimiento corporal de los ectotermos se ven afectadas con frecuencia por las condiciones ambientales, como la temperatura, la precipitación y la disponibilidad de presas. Sin embargo, la adaptación local a las condiciones ambientales podría influir en la variación geográfica de las tasas de crecimiento. Estudiamos las tasas de crecimiento corporal de la lagartija de Cabeza‐plana, Xenosaurus platyceps, de una población tropical y una templada en Tamaulipas, México. Usamos un estudio de campo y un experimento de jardín común para examinar el alcance y las posibles causas de variación en las tasas de crecimiento individuales entre estas dos poblaciones de ambientes contrastantes. Las tasas de crecimiento obtenidas en el campo en la población tropical fueron mayores que las de la población templada. En un experimento de jardín común de laboratorio que manipuló la disponibilidad de alimento y la temperatura para recién nacidos de cada población, los recién nacidos de la población tropical crecieron más rápido que los de la población templada. Los recién nacidos mantenidos a temperaturas más altas crecieron más rápido que los mantenidos a temperaturas más bajas. Además, las tasas de crecimiento de los recién nacidos de la población templada y de la tropical no difirieron a baja temperatura, pero los recién nacidos de la población tropical crecieron más rápido a temperaturas más altas que los neonatos de la población templada. El tratamiento con disponibilidad de alimento no afectó las tasas de crecimiento individual en estas lagartijas, aunque hubo una tendencia a que los recién nacidos criados con mayor disponibilidad de alimento crecieran más rápido. Nuestros resultados sugieren que el ambiente cálido de la población tropical no solo contribuye a las diferencias observadas en las tasas de crecimiento de campo, sino que existe una diferencia genética en la capacidad de la población tropical para aprovechar las temperaturas más cálidas para aumentar las tasas de crecimiento corporal This manuscript reports the combined results of a field mark‐recapture study and a laboratory common garden experiment to evaluate interpopulation variation in growth rates in Xenosaurus platyceps from two populations in contrasting environments, one tropical and the other temperate. This is the first such study on this unique genus of crevice‐dwelling lizards whose ecology and biology is constrained by their nearly exclusive use of crevices. As such it provides an interesting perspective on the factors driving variation in lizard growth rates between populations.

DISTRIBUTION OF Crocodylus moreletii Dumeril & Bibron IN TAMAULIPAS, MEXICO

Article

Full-text available

Jan 2019

Objective: Determine and evaluate the current status of the swamp crocodile in the state of Tamaulipas, Mexico. Design/methodology/approach: Maps of spatial distribution were made as a contribution to the management and conservation plans of crocodile. Hundred and twenty-three documents were reviewed, and 41 were selected (nine books, 12 scientific articles, three theses, five official pages, four project reports and eight documents from specialist groups). Field visits were carried out with the support of the fire department and civil protection to monitor the population of crocodiles in the area. Geo-referenced maps were prepared with the documented records and sightings in the distribution area. Results: It was found that C. moreletii has expanded its distribution to the north of the State and in the south region there are sightings in 14 new bodies of water where they had not been reported. The above could be an indicator that the crocodile population is recovering, and conservation plans should be proposed before the conflict with the human population has a negative effect on this species so important for aquatic ecosystems. Limitations on study/implications: In the State of Tamaulipas there is not enough information about the presence and location of crocodiles in the different bodies of water in the region. The capture of animals is difficult due to the proximity to the human population and due to the insecurity prevailing in the region. Findings/conclusions: The crocodile population is expanding to bodies of water where they were not documented within the registered distribution for this species.

Phylogenomic analyses resolve relationships among garter snakes (Thamnophis: Natricinae: Colubridae) and elucidate biogeographic history and morphological evolution

Article

Dec 2021
MOL PHYLOGENET EVOL

Garter snakes (Thamnophis) are a successful group of natricines endemic to North America. They have become important natural models for ecological and evolutionary research, yet prior efforts to resolve phylogenetic relationships have resulted in conflicting topologies and weak support for certain relationships. Here, we use genomic data generated with a reduced representation double-digest RADseq approach to reassess evolutionary relationships across Thamnophis. We then use the resulting phylogeny to better understand how biogeography and feeding ecology have influenced lineage diversification and morphological evolution. We recovered highly congruent and strongly supported topologies from maximum likelihood and Bayesian analyses, but some discordance with a multispecies coalescent approach. All phylogenomic estimates split Thamnophis into two clades largely defined by northern and southern North American species. Divergence time estimates and biogeographic analyses indicate a mid-Miocene origin of Thamnophis in Mexico. In addition, historic vicariant events thought to explain biogeographic patterns in other lineages (e.g., Isthmus of Tehuantepec, Rocky Mountain Range, and Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt) appear to have influenced patterns of diversification in Thamnophis as well. Analyses of morphological traits associated with feeding ecology showed moderate to strong phylogenetic signal. Nevertheless, phylogenetic ANOVA suggested significant differences in certain cranial morphologies between aquatic specialists and garter snakes that are terrestrial-aquatic generalists, independent of evolutionary history. Our new estimate of Thamnophis phylogeny yields an improved understanding of the biogeographic history and morphological evolution of garter snakes, and provides a robust framework for future research on these snakes.

San Josecito Cave and Its Paleoecological Contributions for Quaternary Studies in Mexico

Article

Full-text available

Oct 2021

San Josecito Cave (2250 m elevation) is located nearby Aramberri, Nuevo León, northeastern Mexico, with excavations occurring in 1935–1941 and 1990. It is a paleontological cave and the significance of its faunal data rests in the understanding of the Quaternary ecosystems of the Mexican Plateau and the Southern Plains. This significance is underpinned by a consideration of associated stratigraphic and geochronological data. The fauna is composed of mollusks, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals. More than 30 extinct vertebrate species have been identified, constituting one of the most important Quaternary localities in the Americas. Radiocarbon dates and faunal correlations indicate the excavated deposits represent an interval of time between 45,000 and 11,000 14C years BP. The current synthesis demonstrates that the previous view of the assemblage as a single local fauna is erroneous and that, instead, several successive local faunas are present within a stratigraphic framework. This finding underscores the need for detailed studies of single localities in building paleoenvironmental models. As a corollary, results point to the necessity of including all vertebrate classes represented from a locality in building those models. In addition, the field and analytical methodologies demonstrate the importance of very detailed paleontological excavations, with precise spatial and temporal controls, to assess the taphonomic history of a locality, construct a stratigraphic and geochronological framework, and infer the paleoecological conditions during the time span considered based on the number of local faunas represented. The recognition of San Josecito Cave as an important Late Pleistocene vertebrate paleontological locality is enhanced with the consideration of its faunal data for paleoenvironment reconstruction and possible contribution to Quaternary paleoclimatic modeling.

The distribution and evolution of viviparity in reptiles

Article

Jan 1977

http://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/56398/1/MP154.pdf

Extended range and observations on the natural history of the casquehead lizard Laemanctus julioi from Honduras

Article

Full-text available

Jul 2021

García Morales 2009, Diversidad florística y vegetación del Area Natural Protegida Altas Cumbres, Tamaulipas, México, Tesis de Maestría

Thesis

Full-text available

Dec 2009

Leccinum Jesús García Morales

Dentro del ärea Natural Protegida Altas Cumbres, Tamaulipas, se determinaron 13 comunidades y asociaciones vegetales, las cuales son descritas y su distribución geográfica ilustrada. El inventario florístico comprende 138 familias, 483 géneros y 807 taxones de plantas vasculares, que figura con el 3.66% de la flora nacional, a nivel de géneros se encuentra el 20.04% de la riqueza nacional, y a nivel de familias con el 62.72%. Ésta riqueza florística es notable al existir el 31% de las especies, al 51% de los géneros y al 74% de las familias conocidas para Tamaulipas dentro del polígono del área protegida, así como al 39% de la flora registrada para la Sierra Madre Oriental en el estado.

Description of the male of Craugastor yucatanensis (Lynch, 1965) (Anura, Craugastoridae), its advertisement call, and additional data on females

Article

Full-text available

Dec 2019

The male of Craugastor yucatanensis (Lynch, 1965) is described for the first time, as the original description was based on four females. The advertisement call is described and additional morphological data on females are presented. Also, information is provided on the sexual dimorphism and natural history of the species.

Species diversity of fruit flies (Diptera: Tephritidae) through different ecosystems in a Neotropical transition zone in Mexico

Article

Full-text available

Feb 2020
J INSECT CONSERV

The family Tephritidae, known as fruit flies, is one of the most species-rich in the order Diptera. This study aimed to analyze the diversity of Tephritidae through different ecosystems over a Neotropical transitional region in Mexico. Medium evergreen forest (MEF), transitional vegetation between tropical and temperate environments (TVE), and cloud forest (CF) were sampled in the biosphere reserve “El Cielo.” The abundance and diversity of tephritids were analyzed by a generalized linear mixed model (GLMM) and Hill numbers using rarefaction and extrapolation (R/E) sampling curves, respectively. Also, we computed a diversity ranking over the altitudinal gradient based on a β diversity approach and functional tools. Anastrepha was the most rich-genus with 11 species, followed by Hexachaeta with two species, and Blepharoneura and Rhagoletis with one species each. Twelve species were registered in the MEF, six in the TVE, and two species in the CF. The GLMM revealed unclear differences between MEF and TVE in the abundance of tephritids. Hill numbers showed the highest species richness in the MEF, but the TVE hosted the most diverse species assemblages of Tephritidae. The diversity ranking exhibited the most diverse community of Tephritidae at 900 m asl. Overall, TVE showed the highest evenness in Tephritidae assemblages. Data on new occurrences of Tephritidae species are provided. This Neotropical limit may be considered as the most northern reservoir of the diversity of Tephritidae in the American continent. Moreover, practical implications of the analysis of such diversity in the context of pest management and conservation are discussed.

Soundings: Making Art in Place

Article

Full-text available

Jul 2019

Vanessa Tomlinson

This paper explores four different site-specific sound projects called Soundings, and unpacks various reasons for ‘engagement with place’ as an arts practice. This practice is based on a collaborative approach to sound-making in various Australian environments, interactively undertaken between the author and Brisbane-based composer-performer Erik Griswold since 2007. The practice of Soundings meditates on the following questions: • How can site-specific performance lead to new knowledge, new relationships, and new experiences for the performers and listeners? • How can site-specific performance help to activate listening and, therefore, understanding of place? • Who and what is listening, and who and what is playing?

Mexical Shrubland

Chapter

Jan 2019

Tlaconete Pinto, Pseudoeurycea bellii (Gray, 1850), Arizona’s Lost Salamander

Article

Full-text available

Oct 2019
Int J Asian Manag

Robert L. Bezy

Biogeografía ecológica de los ensambles de pequeños mamíferos en los Andes centrales de Argentina

Article

Jun 2018

the Andes constitutes an extensive mountain range and a true laboratory for the study of the evolution of South American biota. In recognition to José Yepes, one of the pioneers in characterizing the distribution of mammals of Argentina we seek in this contribution to synthesize, from ecological biogeography, the knowledge we have about the diversity patterns of small mammals of the central Arid Andes (AcA). We characterize regional and local patterns of rodent richness and endemism as a function of latitude, altitude and area. At regional scale, we con- structed a species database using species range maps, meanwhile at the local scale, we conducted small mammal surveys using standardized techniques along 4 elevational transects between 32oS and 35oS. Among the results, we highlight, at regional level: a) a high number of endemisms (> 50%); b) richness increase with elevation, and c) endemic species – area relationship. Among the results at local level we stress: d) richness increases with el- evation, mean precipitation and topographic heterogeneity, and e) greater abundance at intermediate elevations. Biogeographic-ecological research allows us to depict patterns of composition and distribution of the central Andean biodiversity, and assess some of its causal factors. However, the long term conservation of the Andes re- quires not only solid biological / ecological knowledge but also conservation policies that integrate the biological, social and cultural dimensions of the Andean ecosystem. this approach seems the most appropriate alternative in the face of the different impacts induced by man and the climate change in the region.

Species richness of birds along a complete rain forest elevational gradient in the tropics: Habitat complexity and food resources matter

Article

Full-text available

Jan 2019

Aim We examined whether the available surface area, temperature, or habitat complexity (foliage height diversity index) determine species richness of birds (and species richness of individual feeding guilds) along a complete forest elevational gradient. Further, we focused on the relationship between species richness of insectivorous birds and the availability of their food resources. Location Elevational gradient (200–3,700 m) of Mt Wilhelm (4,509 m a.s.l.), Central Range, Papua New Guinea. Taxon Birds. Methods We collected data on bird communities at eight sites (500 m elevational increment) during three surveys encompassing both dry and wet seasons over a 2‐year period. We used point counts, mist‐netting, and random walks throughout a standardized area. We tested three predictors of diversity and all of their combinations, in conjunction with sensitivity analyses for spatial effects. Habitat complexity (foliage height diversity index) and temperature were locally measured; surface area available within 200 m elevational intervals was obtained using GIS software. We further locally surveyed insect biomass and related it to species richness of insectivorous birds. Results Birds displayed a monotonic decline in species richness (from 113 to 35 bird species) with increasing elevation, and a nested pattern of species loss. The observed patterns were best explained by habitat complexity for the insectivores, frugivore‐insectivores, and total number of bird species. The available surface area was the best predictor for frugivorous birds. The mean temperature had a high correlation with species richness of all birds and gave the best fit of species richness for insectivore‐nectarivores and pure nectarivores. The biomass of insectivorous birds correlated with the biomass of arthropods. We ruled out the possibility that the elevational pattern observed in birds could be driven by a single phylogenetic radiation. Main conclusions We observed species richness patterns correlate well with habitat complexity and mean temperature, but mean temperature was not ranked as high as expected. Our results thus challenge the generally expected high importance of temperature as a regulator of water availability, production, and biochemical process that influence species richness, and underscore the importance of vegetation structure and the food resources as the driver of observed species richness.

A Guide to North American Grasslands

Book

Full-text available

Sep 2018

We consider the plant and animal assemblages within the various grasslands depicted to not only be varied and large, but to contribute to a better understanding of each grassland’s history and evolution. This presentation therefore incorporates the biotic community concepts originally proposed by H. S. Swarth, Forrest Shreve, and V. E. Shelford; applied by D. I. Rasmussen, and formulated by C. H. Lowe, Jr.

Ecological biogeography of small mammal assemblages in the central Andes of Argentina

Article

Full-text available

Jan 2018

The Andes constitutes an extensive mountain range and a true laboratory for the study of the evolution of South American biota. In recognition to José Yepes, one of the pioneers in characterizing the distribution of mammals of Argentina we seek in this contribution to synthesize, from ecological biogeography, the knowledge we have about the diversity patterns of small mammals of the Central Arid Andes (ACA). We characterize regional and local patterns of rodent richness and endemism as a function of latitude, altitude and area. At regional scale, we constructed a species database using species range maps, meanwhile at the local scale, we conducted small mammal surveys using standardized techniques along 4 elevational transects between 32noS and 35noS. Among the results, we highlight, at regional level: a) a high number of endemisms ( > 50%); b) richness increase with elevation, and c) endemic species - area relationship. Among the results at local level we stress: d) richness increases with elevation, mean precipitation and topographic heterogeneity, and e) greater abundance at intermediate elevations. Biogeographic-ecological research allows us to depict patterns of composition and distribution of the central Andean biodiversity, and assess some of its causal factors. However, the long term conservation of the Andes requires not only solid biological / ecological knowledge but also conservation policies that integrate the biological, social and cultural dimensions of the Andean ecosystem. This approach seems the most appropriate alternative in the face of the different impacts induced by man and the climate change in the region. © 2018 Museo Argentino de Ciencias Naturales Bernardino Rivadavia.

A division of the Meso-American lizard genus Laemanctus Wiegmann, 1834 as currently recognized, with the formal description of a new genus, new species and a new subspecies.

Article

Nov 2015

Raymond Hoser

A division of the Meso-American lizard genus Laemanctus Wiegmann, 1834 as currently recognized, with the formal description of a new genus, new species and a new subspecies. ABSTRACT The genus Laemanctus Wiegmann, 1834 has in recent years been treated as including two species, namely L. longipes Wiegmann, 1834 and L. serratus Cope, 1864. Various forms similar to each have been treated as both species and subspecies by different authors, although in the absence of molecular data, most recent herpetologists have conservatively treated these as subspecies. Notwithstanding the obvious similarities between L. longipes sensu lato and L. serratus sensu lato, indicating an obvious family-level relationship between the two, both taxa as recognized are sufficiently divergent from one another to warrant recognition in different genera. Furthermore, those forms recognized most recently as subspecies of L. longipes sensu lato and L. serratus sensu lato by authors such as McCoy (1968), are treated herein as full species, as effectively done by Boulenger (1887) for those previously named forms he had on hand. This is done on the basis that each are morphologically distinct from one another and geographically isolated from one another as well, thereby satisfying modern species delineation criteria. In the absence of a pre-existing genus name, the taxon L. serratus and those forms associated with it, are herein placed in the new genus Brunaviridisaurus gen. nov. in accordance with the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature (Ride et al. 1999). One geographically isolated and distinct form most recently treated as a variant of L. longipes, long recognized as distinct by authors including McCoy (1968) is herein formally named as a new species L. viridis sp. nov.. This paper therefore recognizes four species of L. longipes and three of L. serratus, the latter now in the genus Brunaviridisaurus gen. nov.. An isolated population until now referred to the species L. deborrei (Boulenger, 1887) is defined herein as a newly named subspecies.

A Division of the Patch-nosed Snakes, genus Salvadora Baird and Girard, 1853 (Serpentes: Colubridae: Colubrinae).

Article

Jun 2012

Raymond Hoser

The Patch-nosed Snakes placed within the genus Salvadora Baird and Girard, 1853 have had a stable taxonomic history at the genus level since the genus was first named in 1853. However the division of the genus into two distinctive lineages has been well known for many years (Smith, 1938). A review of these snakes yields a need to divide the genus. Salvadora Baird and Girard, 1853 retains, Salvadora bairdi Jan, 1860, Salvadora grahamiae Baird and Girard, 1853, Salvadora hexalepis (Cope, 1867), Salvadora deserticola Schmidt, 1940 and Salvadora intermedia Hartweg, 1940. A new genus Aiselfakharius gen. nov. is erected to contain the species Salvadora lemniscata (Cope, 1895) and Salvadora mexicana (Duméril, Bibron and Duméril, 1854) according to the Zoological Code. The latter genus is most easily separated from the former by its higher subcaudal count (121-139 versus 82-103), one preocular (versus two or more) and an unenlarged rostral (versus one that usually is). Keywords: Patch-nosed Snake; Taxonomy; Aiselfakharius; Salvadora; new genus.

A Division of Central American Snake genera, Coniophanes Hallowell in Cope, 1860 into six subgenera and Conophis Peters, 1860 into two genera (Serpentes: Colubridae: Dipsadinae).

Article

Jun 2012

Raymond Hoser

The black-striped snakes of North, Central and South America have had a relatively stable taxonomic history at the genus level. The genus Coniophanes Hallowell in Cope, 1860 has been well accepted by herpetologists since being defined. Notwithstanding this, six divergent and well-defined species groups are known. To better identify them, six subgenera are erected and defined to accommodate them according to the Zoological Code. The available names are Coniophanes for the fissidens species group and Hydrocalamus Cope, 1885 for the quinquevittatus group. The four newly named subgenera are, Smythserpens gen.nov., Cottonserpens gen.nov., Laidlawserpens gen.nov. and Daraninserpens gen.nov.. Relatively recent studies into the genus Conophis Peters, 1860 has seen species removed from this genus and placed elsewhere (e.g. Hoge 1958 and Villa 1971). Further to this, the most divergent member of the genus and type species C. vittatus Peters, 1860 is left in the genus and the others are placed in a new subgenus Whittonserpens gen. nov.. Keywords: Coniophanes; Conophis; Hydrocalamus; Smythserpens; Cottonserpens; Laidlawserpens; Daraninserpens; Whittonserpens; new subgenera; taxonomy; snake; colubrid.

Structure and diversity of a submontane scrub community in Tamaulipas, Mexico

Article

Full-text available

Nov 2016
INTERCIENCIA

A submontane scrub vegetation from the State of Tamaulipas, Mexico, is described based on the analysis of richness, diversity and structure. Results indicate that this scrub is diverse (29 species) when compared to other similar plant communities in Northeastern Mexico and an ecotone was observed with low deciduous forests. Most species are widespread and two recorded species (Neopringlea integrifolia and Iresine orientalis) are endemic to the Sierra Madre Oriental. Although the site is close to a natural protected area, there are signs of anthropogenic pressure threatening the conservation of this submontane scrub.

Systematics of xantusiid lizards of the genus Lepidophyma

Article

Full-text available

Aug 2002

Robert L. Bezy

A new species of Abronia (Squamata: Anguidae) from the high Cuchumatanes of Guatemala

Article

Full-text available

Jun 1998
HERPETOLOGICA

We describe a striking new lizard of the genus Abronia from the Sierra de Los Cuchumatanes of Guatemala. Adults of the new Guatemalan species have a unique body pattern of white or yellow transverse markings on a black background and a suite of morphological characters that differentiate them from all congeners. It is the only species of Abronia known from Guatemala that lacks protuberant supra-auricular spines. The closest relatives of this new species appear not to be any of the members of the genus previously known from Guatemala, but rather may lie with certain species occurring in El Salvador and Honduras that previously have been placed in two different subgenera (Abaculabronia and Lissabronia). Re-evaluation of phylogenetic hypotheses of Abronia suggests that the subgenus Abaculabronia contains only two species (A. reidi and A. ornelasi) and that A. montecristoi should be placed in the subgenus Lissabronia (formerly containing only A. salvadorensis), along with the new species described herein. The Sierra de Los Cuchumantanes, like many regions in Latin America, currently is undergoing an ecological disaster. The demands by humans on the land and its forests have reduced much of the range to barren, grassy slopes or fields of exposed lateritic clays punctuated with karstic pinnacles. Undoubtedly, this range still contains a great biodiversity but currently receives no effective protection. With the burgeoning and uncontrolled human population growth, it appears likely that the once magnificent forests of the Sierra de Los Cuchumatanes will be reduced to a few stands of trees on the steeper slopes by early in the next decade.

Historical biogeography applied to the distribution of Mexican plants

Article

Full-text available

Jun 2008
REV MEX BIODIVERS

Isolda Luna-Vega

Biogeographical patterns of the Mexican flora are explained based on 3 different theories, considering number of species, endemisms, and relations among areas: 1) dispersalist theory, where Mexico has been considered as the receiver of elements of different sources or geographic areas, considering that it is located in the transition zone between the Nearctic and Neotropical regions, which along the autochthonous ones form a complex mixture of species with different origins, both spatial and temporal, 2) vicariant theory, that proposes a close relationship between the earth's history and the history of the biota, so that the number of species and their distribution may be explained by the complex geologic history of Mexico, and 3) pleistocenic glaciations, which explain the recent distributional patterns of plants based on ecological and historical arguments, based on paleoclimatic changes of the recent past. A continuous debate within historical biogeography has high lighted the importance of biogeography as source of evidence for taxonomy and vice versa. Historical biogeography has a close relationship with systematics, but is an independent discipline within comparative biology. Biogeography is undergoing a conceptual revolution that is causing a revision of its fundamentals and methods. The utilization of different methods in an integrative manner in the same analysis may maximize the advantages of each one.

The history of herpetological exploration in Mexico

Article

Full-text available

Jan 2004

Las serpientes venenosas de Tamaulipas

Preprint

Full-text available

Jul 2021

Composición, distribución y estatus de conservación de las serpientes venenosas del estado mexicano de Tamaulipas.

Biodiversidad Mesoamericana (2)

Preprint

Full-text available

Feb 2021

Biodiversidad Mesoamericana” es una publicación digital mensual de comunicación de la ciencia en torno al conocimiento y conservación de la Diversidad Biológica y Cultural de Mesoamérica.

Diversity and phylogenetic community structure across elevation during climate change in a family of hyperdiverse neotropical beetles (Staphylinidae)

Article

Full-text available

Jan 2021

Environmental stress from abiotic conditions imposes physiological limits on individuals within communities, and these stressful conditions can act as a filter on the species present in any given environment. Such abiotic stressors can reduce a community's diversity and make its composition more phylogenetically clustered. Using a decade of staphylinid beetle (Staphylinidae, Coleoptera, rove beetles) collections made across a 1500 m elevation gradient in northwestern Costa Rica (2008–2017) we asked what species lived there, how large and overlapping were the communities across this gradient, and what relationship was there between elevation and diversity. Using DNA barcodes for identification and phylogenetic estimates of community structure, we found high turnover across elevation, and that staphylinid diversity increased linearly with elevation. Because of this, we found staphylinid diversity was negatively related to surface area and temperature, and positively with precipitation. We suggest that historical biogeography and contemporary environmental stress have combined to produce these observed patterns. The forests in which these beetles are found are heating and drying rapidly and our finding that diversity increases with elevation suggests that there will be catastrophic biodiversity loss in the coming decades.

Reconstructing the paleoenvironmental of Loltun Cave with Pleistocene amphibians and reptiles

Article

Sep 2016
REV MEX CIENC GEOL

Loltún cave in Yucatán peninsula is an important fossil site. The cave preserves Pleistocene fauna and lithic tools, and it is among the few sites with amphibian and reptile fossils of the Mexican Pleistocene. We used the fossil amphibians and reptiles community to reconstruct the paleoclimate and paleoenvironment of Loltún cave in the Late Pleistocene. The Pleistocene amphibian and reptiles community in Loltún cave consists of one frog, three lizards, five snakes and one turtle. Applying the Habitat Weighting method to the fossil herpetofaunal assemblage, we inferred a vegetation mosaic non-analog with the present one, comprising evergreen seasonal forest, tropical deciduous forest and scrub forest, in contrast to the tropical semi-deciduous forest found nowadays around Loltún cave. Using the Mutual Climatic Range (MCR) method we inferred a mean annual temperature of 25.33 °C and a mean annual precipitation of 1183.74 mm; the temperature was 1.47 °C lower and the MAP was 85.14 mm higher than the present climate condition. Is the first time that a paleoclimatic reconstruction using amphibians and reptiles in a tropical region is made using the MCR method. Our results are in concordance with other paleoclimatic inferences using fossil pollen as a proxy, extending the use of the MCR method to different climatic regions. We found a range shift of the iguanid Ctenosaura subgenus Loganiosaura during the Late Pleistocene, of 446.4 km north of the present distribution, surely given by the climatic and vegetation structure changes in the past. RESUMEN En la península de Yucatán, la gruta de Loltún es un sitio importante por la presencia de fauna pleistocénica junto con herramientas líticas. Este es uno de los pocos sitios con fósiles de anfibios y reptiles del Pleistoceno en el sur de México. Se utilizó la comunidad fósil de anfibios y reptiles para reconstruir el paleoambiente y paleoclima de la gruta de Loltún para el Pleistoceno Tardío, debido a que la herpetofauna presenta características importantes para la reconstrucción de ambientes pasados. La comunidad de anfibios y reptiles del Pleistoceno Tardío de la gruta de Loltún consiste en un anuro, tres saurios, cinco serpientes y una tortuga. Por medio de la aplicación del método de Ponderación de Hábitat para la comunidad herpetofaunística fósil, se pudo inferir que existió un mosaico de vegetación, no análogo con el presente, constituido de selva perennifolia, bosque tropical caducifolio y matorral xerófito, en contraposición al bosque tropical subcaducifolio presente en la actualidad. También, se infirió una temperatura promedio anual de 25.33 °C y una precipitación promedio anual de 1,183.74 mm, siendo 1.47 °C inferior y 85.14 mm superior a las condiciones climáticas actuales; para estas estimaciones se usó el método de Intervalo Climático Mutuo (ICM). Es la primera vez que se realiza una reconstrucción paleoclimática utilizando el método de ICM con anfibios y reptiles en una región tropical. Nuestros resultados concuerdan con las inferencias paleoclimáticas realizadas con polen fósil, extendiendo el uso del método ICM a diferentes regiones climáticas. Se infiere un cambio en la distribución de Ctenosaura subgénero Loganiosaura durante el Pleistoceno, 446.4 km más al norte de su distribución actual, lo cual seguramente fue producido por los cambios en la estructura de la vegetación y los cambios climáticos.

Snakes of the genus Tantilla (Squamata: Colubridae) in Mexico: taxonomy, distribution, and conservation

Article

Full-text available

Sep 2014

Tantilla cascadae Wilson and Meyer, 1981. Until recently, this species was known only from the type locality, Cascada de Tzaráracua, Uruapan, Michoacán, Mexico. A second locality now is known from 20 km NE Pihuamo, Jalisco, where a single individual was found (D. Cruz-Sáenz, pers. comm.; submitted). Peter Heimes also collected and photographed the individual illustrated, which he found at the type locality, but the specimen was not placed in a museum collection. This small centipede snake is one of a number of poorly known Mexican species of Tantilla. Its EVS is calculated as 15, which places it in the lower portion of the high vulnerability category. Its IUCN status is Data Deficient. ' © Peter Heimes 4 5 abstract: Thirty of the 62 species of the colubrid snake genus Tantilla are known to occur in Mexico. We summarize the taxonomy and distribution of each of the Mexican species, provide distributional maps, and where pertinent discuss geographical variation and ecological data. We base our identification key on color, pattern, and scutellation. The geographic and ecological ranges of most species are restricted. The genus Tantilla has been recorded from every state in Mexico, except for Campeche, Tabasco, and Tlaxcala. The largest number of species have been recorded from the state of Oaxaca (10), live in the Sierra Madre Oriental and the Pacific lowlands from Sinaloa to western Chiapas (nine in each), occur at moderate elevations (22), and inhabit Tropical Dry Forest and Subtropical Moist Forest vegetation zones (16 in each). Tantilla bocourti is the widest-ranging species, recorded from 17 states, six physiographic regions, at elevations from near sea level to 2,750 m, and in seven vegetation zones. Mexico is the center of diversity for the genus Tantilla, as it contains 17 endemic species. We utilized three systems for scoring conservation status. Assessments for only 15 of the species found in Mexico are available with the SEMARNAT system: six are judged as Threatened and nine under the category of Special Protection. Assessments for 27 species are available with the IUCN system: two are considered Endangered, 10 Data Deficient, and 15 of Least Concern. All the species are covered with the EVS system: four are categorized in the low, 13 in the medium, and 13 in the high levels of vulnerability. We provide morphological characteristics that define the genus Tantilla, indicate the phenetic species groups that have been assigned and comment on several unassigned species, and emphasize the need for future molecular studies.

Relative clutch mass of Basiliscus vittatus Wiegmann, 1828 (Squamata, Corytophanidae): female morphological constraints

Article

Full-text available

Sep 2019

Clutch size (CS) and relative clutch mass (RCM) are considered important features in life history descriptions of species within Squamata. Variations in these two characteristics are caused by both biotic and abiotic factors. The present study provides the first account related to CS and RCM of Basiliscus vittatus in Mexico within a population that inhabits an open riverbed juxtapositioned to tropical rainforest habitat in Catemaco, Veracruz, Mexico (170 m a.s.l.). Twenty-nine gravid females were collected and kept in captivity under favorable conditions that promote oviposition. The CS within this population was 6.2 ± 0.2 and was correlated positively with snout vent-length (SVL); while the RCM was 0.17 ± 0.006 and was correlated positively with both CS and width of egg. Factors, such as female morphology and environmental conditions, should influence these reproductive traits in B. vittatus . The data collected in this study could provide a framework for comparisons of the life history traits across populations of B. vittatus in Mexico and within other species of the family Corytophanidae and provide a model for testing how abiotic and biotic factors may influence the CS and RCM in basilisk lizards throughout their range.

The Lacandon Rain Forest

Chapter

Jan 2016

Suzanne Cook

This chapter provides a sketch of the physiogeographic features of the Lacandon forest, in general, and of the northern region, in particular, with descriptions of vegetations formations and climate of this region.

Body Shape and Food Habits of South American Goo-Eater Snakes of the Genus Sibynomorphus

Article

Full-text available

Dec 2018

Snakes of the tribe Dipsadini feed mostly on annelids, slugs, and snails. Some species that feed exclusively on snails are able to de-shell their prey prior ingestion. On the basis of dissection of preserved specimens from museums, we report the dietary habits of three species of Sibynomorphus from Brazil. Eighteen to 26% of the snakes had stomach contents, varying from 1-8 items, and the number of prey was not correlated with snake size. Prey mass was positively correlated with snake mass, but relative prey mass decreased with increasing snake size. Prey mass represented less than 5% of the predator mass for all species. Sibynomorphus neuwiedi and S. mikanii only had Veronicellidae slugs in their digestive tract, whereas S. ventrimaculatus also included snails in their diet. Sibynomorphus mikanii ingested most prey rear-first, but there was no difference in direction of prey ingestion by the other two species. Snake morphology differed among species and provided insights into habitat use and feeding habits. Sibynomorphus neuwiedi was the largest species and had the longest tail. Its eyes were also larger than those of S. mikanii, which, together with tail size, suggests more arboreal habits. Sibynomorphus ventrimaculatus had the largest head relatie to the body, which might facilitate ingestion of snails. In summary, the three species of Sibynomporphus are slug specialists. Like other goo-eaters, these snakes feed on very small and low caloric prey, which might require them to feed frequently. This hypothesis is supported by the larger number of prey ingested by these snakes compared to non-goo-eater species of Dipsadini.

Comparative osteology and evolution of the lungless salamanders, family Plethodontidae

Book

Jan 1966

David Wake

Programa de Manejo de la Reserva Campesina de Alta Cima (Reserva de la Biosfera El Cielo), Tamaulipas, México

Book

Full-text available

Jul 2005

Existen ya experiencias en México respecto a "reservas campesinas" o "reservas privadas", varias de ellas lidereadas por Pronatura A.C., como “Las Cañadas” en Huatusco, Veracruz, que fue decretada como la primera Servidumbre Ecológica de México en el mes de octubre de 1998, con una extensión de 118-77-61 hectáreas, protegiendo relictos de bosque mesófilo de montaña y áreas perturbadas por destinadas para su regeneración. Alta Cima se inscribe en ésta tendencia, lográndose el primer acuerdo por parte de la Asamblea Ejidal en noviembre del 2003, y suscribiéndose el acta respectiva el 30 de noviembre del 2004. El esquema que se eligió fue el de Reserva Campesina. Será una reserva privada de 1,720 ha que tiene como característica ser una de las áreas más biodiversas en la Reserva de la Biosfera El Cielo, con al menos tres grandes tipos de vegetación, a saber, la selva mediana subcaducifolia, el bosque mesófilo de montaña y el bosque de pino-encino, en el Municipio de Gómez Farías, Tamaulipas. Con el objetivo de conservar esta área, especialmente para los hábitat de aves y plantas endémicas, y de promover su recuperación se establecieron una serie de reglas de manejo para eliminar la ganadería extensiva, el tráfico de especies de plantas en estatus y la prohibición de cuatrimotos desde el año 2004. Este documento fue el resultado tanto de investigación bibliográfica puntual como de recopilación de datos en el sitio durante las visitas de prospección y el monitoreo ecológico realizados por Pronatura Noreste A.C., Terra Nostra A.C. y Instituto de Ecología y Alimentos de la universidad Autónoma de Tamaulipas durante 2003 y 2004. La información fue consensada en la Asamblea Ejidal de septiembre del 2004.

Línea Base para Establecimiento de la Reserva Campesina de Alta Cima Diagnóstico para el Establecimiento de la Reserva Campesina del Ejido Alta Cima (Reserva de la Biosfera El Cielo, Tamaulipas, México)

Book

Full-text available

Feb 2004

Este documento es parte del Proyecto Interdisciplinario "Aves de El Cielo" que sentó las bases para la conservación de las aves en la Reserva de la Biosfera El Cielo, Tamaulipas, México, y que incluía análisis de habitat y diversidad avifaunística, capacitación a guías campesinos locales, educación ambiental y la declaratoria formal por parte de la Asamblea Ejidal de Alta Cima de una reserva en la localidad dedicada exclusivamente a las aves residentes y migratorias,

Reconstructing the paleoenvironment of Loltún Cave, Yucatán, Mexico, with Pleistocene amphibians and reptiles and their paleobiogeographic implications

Article

Jan 2016
REV MEX CIENC GEOL

Elevation range shift after 40years: The amphibians of Mount Gede Pangrango National Park revisited

Article

Feb 2017
BIOL CONSERV

The herpetofauna of Tamaulipas, Mexico: composition, distribution, and conservation status

Article

Full-text available

Mar 2016

The herpetofauna of the northeasternmost state in Mexico comprises 183 species, including 31 anurans, 13 salamanders, one crocodylian, 122 squamates, and 16 turtles. We documented the distribution of these species among the seven physiographic regions we recognize. The number of species in these regions varies from 32 in the Sierras y Llanuras Occidentales to 134 in the Gran Sierra Plegada. The species reside in from one to seven regions (x = 2.5). The greatest number of single-region species occurs in the Gran Sierra Plegada. About six out of ten species are restricted to one or two physiographic regions, which is of considerable conservation significance. We constructed a Coefficient of Biogeographic Resemblance (CBR) matrix that demonstrates that the number of shared species ranges from eight to 71. We employed these data in building a UPGMA dendrogram, which illustrates that … We allocated the members of the Tamaulipan herpetofauna to four distributional categories, of which the largest number comprises the non-endemics (120), followed by the country endemics (48), state endemics (10), and non-natives (five). We examined the conservations status of the native species by utilizing the SEMARNAT, IUCN, and EVS systems. Of these three systems, the EVS system proved to be the most useful for the herpetofauna of the state. The number of species in the three EVS categories increases from low (54) to medium (68), and decreased to high (51). Additionally, we employed the EVS ratings to judge how the species in the DD, NE, and LC IUCN categories might be evaluated more accurately. We also used a scheme for ascertaining relative herpetofaunal priority (RHP), which is a simple means of determining the rank order of a regional herpetofauna dependent on the numbers of state and national endemic species, as well as the numbers of high EVS vulnerability species. Using these two measures, we found the Gran Sierra Plegada to occupy rank order one in both cases. We also discussed the ability of the state’s protected areas, including a biosphere reserve, to protect the members of the herpetofauna. Based on our analyses, we erected a set of conclusions, in addition to some recommendations for the future protection of the Tamaulipan herpetofauna.

Mammals of Mexico

Book

Jan 2013

Gerardo Ceballos

Mammals of Mexico is the first reference in English on the more than 500 types of mammal species found in diverse Mexican habitats from the Sonoran Desert to the Chiapas cloud forests. Authoritative accounts are written by a Who’s Who of experts overseen by famed mammalogist and conservationist Gerardo Ceballos. Ten years in the making, Mammals of Mexico covers everything from obscure rodents to whales, bats, primates, and wolves. It is thoroughly illustrated with color photographs and meticulous artistic renderings, as well as range maps for each species. Introductory chapters discuss biogeography, conservation, and evolution. The final section of the book illustrates skulls, jaws, and tracks. This unparalleled collection of scientific information on and photographs of Mexican wildlife belongs on the shelf of every mammalogist, in public and academic libraries, and in the hands of anyone curious about Mexico and its wildlife.

Frogs of the United States and Canada

Book

Jan 2013

Dodd, C.K., Jr

With many frog populations declining or disappearing and developmental malformations and disease afflicting others, scientists, conservationists, and concerned citizens need up-to-date, accurate information. Frogs of the United States and Canada is a comprehensive resource for those trying to protect amphibians as well as for researchers and wildlife managers who study biodiversity. From acrobatic tree frogs to terrestrial toads, C. Kenneth Dodd Jr. offers an unparalleled synthesis of the biology, behavior, and conservation of frogs in North America. This two-volume, fully referenced resource provides color photographs and range maps for 106 native and nonindigenous species and includes detailed information on - past and present distribution - life history and demography - reproduction and diet - landscape ecology and evolution - - diseases, parasites, and threats from toxic substances - conservation and management. © 2013 The Johns Hopkins University Press. All rights reserved.

The status of Mexican and Southwestern United States blind snakes allied with Leptotyphlops dulcis (Serpentes : Leptotyphlopidae)

Article

Feb 2003

The taxonomic status of the blind snakes Leptotyphlops dulcis dulcis, L. dulcis dissectus and L. dulcis myopicus was re-evaluated, based upon the study of 867 individuals from the United States and Mexico. The presence of either a single or a divided anterior supralabial was considered to be a conservative character; based on this character, the specimens were divided into two groups. Analysis of variance of total dorsal scales within these two groups, paired with Duncan's Multiple Range Test, suggests that these three taxa represent three full species. Within the group with a single anterior supralabial, L. dulcis comprises three races (L. dulcis dulcis, L. dulcis rubellum and an as-yet-unnamed race in eastern Oklahoma). Within the group with a divided anterior supralabial, L. dissectus is monotypic and L. myopicus consists of two races (L. myopicus myopicus and L. myopicus iversoni). Chihuahuan individuals previously classified as L. dulcis supraocularis were reassigned to L. dissectus.

Species turnover in vertebrate communities along elevational gradients is idiosyncratic and unrelated to species richness

Article

Mar 2016

Aim: Studies of species turnover commonly assume that turnover is a critical determinant of species richness patterns. But the concordance in patterns of turnover and species richness along gradients is poorly known. Here we characterize elevational patterns of species turnover and test whether turnover and species richness are strongly related. Location: Sixty-two elevation gradients world-wide, from 17°S to 43°N. Methods: We used elevational range data for six terrestrial vertebrate groups to characterize species turnover between neighbouring elevational bands. We measured turnover as Simpson's dissimilarity, a metric that is unaffected by measured differences in species richness among recorded samples. To assess differences from random patterns, elevational turnover was compared with three null models (hard, soft and no boundaries). Lastly, elevational turnover was compared with the combined species richness of neighbouring elevational bands. Analyses were conducted at three grain sizes (200, 400 and 800m elevation). Results: We found no consistent, repeated patterns in elevational turnover. Variability among gradients was very high, with most datasets displaying multiple but inconsistently located peaks. Concordance between null predictions and empirical turnover was poor (average r2 for 200, 400 and 800m grains were: hard boundaries0.06, 0.12 and 0.15; softboundaries0.06, 0.11 and 0.14; unbounded0.03, 0.07 and 0.10; respectively), although many empirical values fell within the confidence intervals of the null model. Correlations of turnover and species richness were generally poor, but increased with analysis grain (average r2=0.19, 0.33 and 0.54, respectively). Main conclusions: Turnover cannot serve as a general explanation for richness patterns within elevational gradients. Elevational turnover patterns are highly idiosyncratic, change with scale, and are often indistinguishable from random patterns. Despite the common assertion that the highest species richness occurs where distinct, dominant communities turn over on mountains (e.g. low- and high-elevation communities at a middle ecotone), we found no strong support for such Clementsian-structured patterns.

Nota florística de una asociación importante del suroeste de Tamaulipas, México 1

Article

Full-text available

Nov 2016

A.J. Sharp

La flora de las laderas orientales de la Sierra Madre Occídental, así como grandes extensiones de la región elevada del sur de · México, está caracterizada por una asociación vegetativa integrada por especies tanto de la zona templada como de la tropical. La formación de este tipo de asociación se debe indudablemente a la combinación de los factores ecológicos que exixten en la actualidad, y la historia evolutiva de nuestra flora en tiempos geológicos. Durante el proceso evolutivo de nuestra flora, se han registrado migraciones tanto de elementos florísticos de la zona templada hacia el sur, como de plantas tropicales hacia el norte.

The Tropical Rain Forest

Article

Jul 1997

La vegetación de Chiapas

Article

Jan 1998

F. Miranda

Vegetation of Philippine Mountains: The relation between the environment and physical types at different altitudes

Article

W.H. Brown

The snakes of the genus Storeria

Article

Jan 1944

H. Trapido

Measurement of environmental factors in the tropical rain forest of Panama

Article

ECOLOGY

W.C. Allee

Geology of the western part of the Sierra de Parras

Article

GEOL SOC AM BULL, GSA Bulletin

R.W. Imlay

An Annotated Checklist and Key to the Reptiles of Mexico Exclusive of the Snakes

Article

Jan 1950

A Collection of Reptiles and Amphibians from Eastern Mexico

Article

Jun 1954

History of the North American bird fauna

Article

Jan 1946
Wilson Bull

E. Mayr

Research on the continental Neogene of Mexico

Article

Aug 1951
AM J SCI

A. R. V. Arellano

Winter Bird Census at Xilitla, San Luis Potosi, Mexico

Article

Nov 1952

L. Irby Davis

Notes on the Flora of Mexico: World Distribution of the Woody Dicotyledonous Families and the Origin of the Modern Vegetation

Article

Aug 1953

A. J. Sharp

The flora of Mexico includes 143 dicotyledonous families with woody species. These may be classified on the basis of their distribution outside Mexico into the following categories which are listed according to the number of families in each: 1. Tropical (Araliaceae, Bixaceae, Bombacaceae, Caesalpiniaceae, Chloranthaceae, Cochlospermaceae, Combretaceae, Connaraceae, Cunoniaceae, Dilleniaceae, Elaeocarpaceae, Flacourtiaceae, Hernandiaceae, Hippocrateaceae, Krameriaceae, Loranthaceae, Moraceae, Myristicacaeae, Myrsinaceae, Myrtaceae, Ochnaceae, Opiliaceae, Piperaceae, Rubiaceae, Sabiaceae, Sapindaceae, Simaroubaceae and Surianaceae) . . . . . . . . . . . 28 2. Tropical and Subtropical (Acanthaceae, Annonaceae, Apocynaceae, Bignoniaceae, Buxaceae, Capparidaceae, Convolvulaceae, Crassulaceae, Diospyraceae, Erythroxylaceae, Gesneriaceae, Icacinaceae, Lauraceae, Loganiaceae, Meliaceae, Menispermaceae, Mimosaceae, Olacaceae, Oxalidaceae, Rhizophoraceae, Sapotaceae, Solanaceae, Sterculiaceae, Verbenaceae, Vitaceae and Zygophyllaceae) . . . 26 3. Temperate, mostly Northern Hemisphere (Aceraceae, Aesculaceae, Amygdalaceae, Berberidaceae, Betulaceae, Cistaceae, Ericaceae, Fagaceae, Grossulariaceae, Juglandaceae, Malaceae, Nyssaceae, Papaveraceae, Platanaceae, Staphyleaceae, Styracaceae and Ulmaceae) . . . . . . . . . 17 4. Mainly American with a small number of Species elsewhere (Batidaceae, Burseraceae, Cactaceae, Escallionaceae, Hydrophyllaceae, Loasaceae, Malpighiaceae, Melastomaceae, Passifloraceae, Polemoniaceae, Theophrastaceae, Turneraceae and Vochysiaceae) . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 5. Generally distributed but more in tropics (Anacardiaceae, Asclepiadaceae, Celastraceae, Euphorbiaceae, Hypericaceae, Lobeliaceae, Lythraceae, Malvaceae, Phytolacaceae, Rutaceae, Tiliaceae and Urticaceae) . . . . . . 12 6. Cosmopolitan except for coldest regions (Amaranthaceae, Aquifoliaceae, Aristolochiaceae, Boraginaceae, Nyctaginaceae, Oleaceae, Portulacaceae, Plumbaginaceae, Rhamnaceae and Violaceae) . . . . . . . . . 10 7. Endemic to the warmer areas of the Americas (Brunelliaceae, Caricaceae, Cyrillaceae, Julianaceae, Lacistemonaceae, Marcgraviaceae) . . . . . 6 8. Cosmopolitan (Asteraceae, Chenopodiaceae, Fabaceae, Menthaceae, Rosaceae and Scrophulariaceae) . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 9. Mainly north temperate but some extending into southern hemisphere (Cornaceae, Hamamelidaceae, Hydrangeaceae, Myricaceae, Salicaceae) . . . 5 10. Generally distributed but more in temperate areas (Caprifoliaceae, Onagraceae, Polygalaceae, Polygonaceae and Ranunculaceae) . . . . 5 11. Almost endemic to Mexico (Crossosomataceae, Fouquieriaceae, Koeberlinaceae, Pterostemonaceae) . . . . . . . . . . . 4 12. Mainly southern hemisphere (Monimiaceae, Proteaceae and Thymeleaceae) 3 13. Not readily classified (Clethraceae, Coriariaceae, Frankeniaceae Goodeniaceae, Magnoliaceae, Symplocaceae, Theaceae and Winteraceae) . . . . 8 Although about three-fourths of Mexico has temperate vegetation, the tropical areas have a richer flora with many more families, genera and species. A review of the historical geology of Mexico suggests that after the development of the Angiosperms, but prior to the Pliocene, there was little continuous area with sufficient elevation to support a temperate vegetation all through that time. The present temperate element in the flora of Mexico must have come from the north during late Pliocene and the Pleistocene. Rich tropical vegetation could have covered such areas of Mexico as were exposed from early Mesozoic to the Pliocene. The tropical vegetation of the lowlands to-day may have elements which originated in Mexico and other elements which came from the north prior to the Pliocene, and still other elements which came and are coming from the south.

A Taxonomic Study of the Ratsnakes, Genus Elaphe Fitzinger. I. The Status of the Name Scotophis laetus Baird and Girard (1853)

Article

Mar 1951
COPEIA

Herndon G. Dowling

Northernmost Record of the Frog Rhinophrynus dorsalis in Mexico

Article

Feb 1953
COPEIA

W. B. Davis

Vegetation Zones of Mexico

Article

Oct 1950
ECOLOGY

A. Starker Leopold

The Pleistocene History of Temperate Biotas in Mexico and Eastern United States

Article

Jul 1957
ECOLOGY

Birds and biogeography of the Sierra de Tamaulipas, an isolated pine-oak habitat

Article

Jan 1954
Wilson Bull

N UMEROUS distributional accounts of Mexican animals have appeared in recent years, amplifying our understanding of a rich, complex, and highly diverse fauna. Few studies, however, have related local faunas to climatic and vegetation types as outlined by Leopold (1950). By the focusing of study on a single plant formation or vegetation type, rather than on a politi-cal or other nonenvironmental unit, certain zoogeographic problems, such as Pleistocene influences on distribution patterns, are opened to investigation. The following account illustrates an application of this viewpoint. In northeastern Mexico two small ranges, the Sierra San Carlos and Sierra de Tamaulipas, rise from the Tamaulipan Coastal Plain, completely isolated from the abrupt escarpment of the Sierra Madre Oriental. The higher parts of these ranges are covered by belts of open pine-oak woods, similar in structure and presumably in climate, to extensive forests of this nature in the adjacent Sierra Madre. They are isolated from the latter and from each other by the arid tropical thorn forest and thorn scrub of the intervening coastal plain (map l), and thus constitute environmental islands for species inhabiting the pine-oak formation. The coastal plain Sierras have been visited by comparatively few collectors and no fauna1 reports have appeared beyond that of Dice (1937) and others on the Sierra San Carlos. The pine-oak avifauna of the Sierra Madre Oriental in northeastern Mexico is somewhat better known and appears fairly homo-geneous, judging from published accounts (Burleigh and Lowery, 1942; Harrell, MS; Phillips, 1911; R o b ins and Heed, 1951; Sutton and Burleigh, 1939; Sutton and Pettingill, 1943; Sutton, Pettingill, and Lea, 1942). Our preliminary fauna1 survey of the Sierra de Tamaulipas has been compared with these in viewing the relationships between the pine-oak areas of north-eastern Mexico.

The Extensive Cold Air Outbreak of January 24 31, 1951

Article

Jan 1951

The local distribution and ecology of the plethodontid salamanders of the southern Appalachi-ans

Article

Jan 1949

N. G. Hairston

Plant Geography Upon A Physiological Basis

Article

Jan 1904
NATURE

A. F. W. Schimper

Scientific Books: Revision of the American Chipmunks

Article

Jan 1930

Arthur H. Howell

Historical geology of the Antillean-Caribbean region,or the lands bordering of México and the caribbean

Article

Charles Schuchert

Plants as Indicators of Climate in Northeast Mexico

Article

Cornelius H. Muller

Geographic variation in the northern races of the garter snake., Thamnophis cyrtopsis.

Article

Thesis (M.A.)--University of Texas at Austin, 1951. Vita. Bibliography: l. 31-32.

The Appalachian-Ozarkian element in the moss flora of Mexico [microform] : with a check-list of all known Mexican mosses /

Article

Typescript. Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Michigan, 1951. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 327-337). Microfilm.

A new subspecies of the iguanid lizard Sceloporus serrifer from Tamaulipas, Mexico

Article

Jan 1952

P.S. Martin

http://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/56981/1/OP543.pdf

The frogs of the hylid genus Phrynohyas Fitzinger, 1843

Article

W. E. Duellman

http://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/56340/1/MP096.pdf

The amphibians and reptiles of Alta Verapaz, Guatemala.

Article

Jan 1948

L.C. Stuart

http://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/56314/1/MP069.pdf

The varieties of evolutionary opportunity

Article

Jan 1953
Rev Canad Biol

P DANSEREAU

Pseudoeurycea scandens The following humid montane localities a r e shown: Nuevo Le6n, hills above Pablillo

C Multidentata

C. multidentata, C. arborea, and C. mosaueri 8. Pseudoeurycea scandens The following humid montane localities a r e shown: Nuevo Le6n, hills above Pablillo;

Chihue region and G6mez Farfas region

Tamaulipas

Tamaulipas, Chihue region and G6mez Farfas region;

Jacala region, Durango region, El Chico-Guerrero region, and Zacualtipan-Tianguistengo region

Hidalgo

Hidalgo, Jacala region, Durango region, El Chico-Guerrero region, and Zacualtipan-Tianguistengo region;

These humid montane habitats a r e presently isolated by arid basins and valleys

Nexaca Puebla

Puebla, Nexaca. These humid montane habitats a r e presently isolated by arid basins and valleys.

Jan 1956
127-335

Rollin H Baker

Baker, Rollin H. 1956 Mammals of Coahuila, Mexico. Univ. Kansas Publ. Mus. Nat. Hist., 9:127-335.

A New Subspecies of the Mexican Moccasin

Jan 1951
213-218

W Burger
William B Leslie
Robertson

Burger, W. Leslie, and William B. Robertson 1951 A New Subspecies of the Mexican Moccasin, Agkistrodon bilineatus. Univ. Kansas Sci. Bull., 34:213-218.

Jan 1948
241

Sherburne F Cook
Lesley Byrd Simpson

Cook, Sherburne F., and Lesley Byrd Simpson 1948 The Population of Central Mexico in the Sixteenth Century. Ibero-Americana, 31:l-241.

Mammals of the Mexican State of San Luis ~o t o s i . Louisiana State Univ. Studies

Jan 1953
229

Walter W Dalquest

Dalquest, Walter W. 1953 Mammals of the Mexican State of San Luis ~o t o s i. Louisiana State Univ. Studies, Biol. Sci. Ser. No. 1:l-229.

Mammals of the San Carlos Mountains and Vicinity

Jan 1937
245-268

Lee R Dice

Dice, Lee R. 1937 Mammals of the San Carlos Mountains and Vicinity. In The Geology and Biology of the San Carlos Mountains, Tamaulipas, Mexico. Univ. Mich. Studies, Sci. Ser., 12:245-268.

Studies of Some Early Tertiary Red Conglomerates of Central Mexico

Jan 1955

John D Edwards

Edwards, John D. 1955 Studies of Some Early Tertiary Red Conglomerates of Central Mexico. Geol. Surv. Prof. Paper 264-H.

The Front Ranges of the Sierra Madre Oriental, Mexico, from Ciudad Victoria to Tamazunchale

Jan 1940

Arnold Heim

Heim, Arnold 1940 The Front Ranges of the Sierra Madre Oriental, Mexico, from Ciudad Victoria to Tamazunchale..

A Unique Vegetational Area in Tamaulipas

Jan 1951
458-463

X Hernkdez
Howard Efraim
William B Crum
Aaron J Fox
Sharp

Hernkdez X., Efraim, Howard Crum, William B. Fox, and Aaron J. Sharp 1951 A Unique Vegetational Area in Tamaulipas. Bull. Torrey Bot. Club, 78: 458-463.

Josd de Escand6n and the Founding of Nuevo Santander

Jan 1926
1-149

Lawrence Hill
Francis

Hill, Lawrence Francis 1926 Josd de Escand6n and the Founding of Nuevo Santander. Ohio State Univ. Studies, Contrib. in History and Political Sci., 9: 1-149.

A Systematic Review of the Harvest Mice

Jan 1952
255

Emmet T Hooper

Hooper, Emmet T. 1952 A Systematic Review of the Harvest Mice (Genus Reithrodontomys) of Latin America. NIisc. Publ. Mus. Zool. Univ. Mich., No. '77:l-255.

Similarity of Surface Geology in Front Range of Sierra Madre Oriental to Subsurface in Mexican South Fields

Jan 1930
73-91

Lewis B Kellum

Kellum, Lewis B. 1930 Similarity of Surface Geology in Front Range of Sierra Madre Oriental to Subsurface in Mexican South Fields. Bull. Amer. Assn. Petroleum Geol., 14: 73-91.

Notes on the Ornithology of Southeastern San Luis ~o t o s i Wilson Bull

Jan 1951
315-322

George H Lowery
Robert J Jr
Newman

Lowery, George H., Jr., and Robert J. Newman 1951 Notes on the Ornithology of Southeastern San Luis ~o t o s i Wilson Bull., 63: 315-322.

1828 A Journal of a Residence and Tour in the Republic of Mexico in the Year 1826

George F Lyon

Lyon, George F. 1828 A Journal of a Residence and Tour in the Republic of Mexico in the Year 1826. John Murray, London. Vol. 1, 323 pp.

Herpetological Records from the Gdmez Farias Region of Southwestern Tamaulipas

Jan 1955
173-180

Herpetological Records from the Gdmez Farias Region of Southwestern Tamaulipas, Mexico. Copeia, 1955, (3):173-180.

Ein neuer zaunleguan (Sceloporus) aus Mexiko

Jan 1950
13-15

Robert Mertens

Mertens, Robert 1950 Ein neuer zaunleguan (Sceloporus) aus Mexiko. Wochenschrift fiir Aquarien-u. Terrarienkunde, 44: 13-15.

The Amphibians and Reptiles of the Stockton Plateau in Northern Terrell County

Jan 1950
543-562

William W Milstead
S John
Haskcll Mecham
Mcclintock

Milstead, William W., John S. Mecham, and Haskcll McClintock 1950 The Amphibians and Reptiles of the Stockton Plateau in Northern Terrell County, Texas. Ibid., 2:543-562.

A biogeography of reptiles and amphibians in the Gomez Farias region, Tamaulipas, Mexico

Abstract

No full-text available

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