New distribution records for amphibians and reptiles of East-Central Chihuahua, Mexico

• In Event: Conservation Ecology Oral Session & Section Meeting

Abstract

The distribution of amphibians and reptiles is less well known in Chihuahua, Mexico compared to adjacent areas of the United States. To address this gap in our knowledge, we conducted a series of expeditions to Ojinaga and Manuel Benavides municipalities in east-central Chihuahua during 2014-2017. This region contains vast areas of Chihuahuan Desert scrub, desert grasslands, cattle ranches, and a small, isolated sky island (the Sierra Rica). We documented 40 new municipal records for amphibians and reptiles with high quality digital photos. In addition, we documented two new state records for Chihuahua (Gerrhonotus infernalis and Syrrhophus guttilatus) and the first country record for the snake Tantilla cucullata, which until now was considered endemic to the Trans-Pecos region of the United States. Most of the new records we report were associated with desert and grassland habitats because access was more limited for high elevation locations. However, most important new records were found in these habitats, suggesting that additional surveys to the Sierra Rica may reveal new state records for species such as Pantherophis bairdii and Lampropeltis alterna. We recommend similar efforts in other areas of Mexico; anyone interested in these animals can document new records using only a digital camera or phone.

Authors

• Tomas Hernandez, Midland College

• Mark Herr, University of Kansas

• Skylar Stevens, Sul Ross State University

• Sean Graham, Sul Ross State University