SALAMANDRA 52(2) 134–152 30Igor June Joventino 2016 ISSN Roberto 0036–3375 & Daniel Loebmann Composition, distribution patterns, and conservation priority areas for the herpetofauna of the state of Ceará, northeastern Brazil Igor Joventino Roberto1 & Daniel Loebmann2 1) Universidade Federal do Amazonas, Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Pós-gradução em Zoologia, Av. Gen. Rodrigo Octávio Jordão Ramos, 3000, 69077-000 Manaus, AM, Brazil 2) Universidade Federal do Rio Grande, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Laboratório de Vertebrados. Av. Itália, Km 8, 96203-900 Rio Grande, RS, Brazil Corresponding author: Igor Joventino Roberto, e-mail:
[email protected] Manuscript received: 4 April 2014 Accepted: 21 March 2016 by Edgar Lehr Abstract. We provide an updated list of amphibians and reptiles of the state of Ceará, northeastern Brazil, with informa- tion on species distribution patterns and conservation priority areas. Data compilation based on information available in the literature, scientific collections, as well as original data resulted in a species list of 57 amphibians and 126 reptiles. The species Lygophis paucidens is recorded for the first time from Ceará. The herpetofauna of this state is predominantly typical of open areas (Cerrado and Caatinga biomes). However, species of Atlantic and Amazon Forests are also found, especially in higher-altitude areas covered by relict moist forests. Endemic species are also found in Ceará, some of them are still un- described. These relict moist forests are phytoecological areas with high species richness of both amphibians and reptiles. Analysis of Key Biodiversity Areas indicated that the herpetofauna of Ceará has six endemic amphibian and six endemic reptile species, as well potentially threatened continental species, most of them are not found in protected areas.