Copperbelly Water Snake Nerodia Erythrogaster Neglecta

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

Copperbelly Water Snake Nerodia Erythrogaster Neglecta U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Copperbelly Water Snake Nerodia erythrogaster neglecta The northern population of the copperbelly water snake is listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act. “Threatened” means likely to become endangered in the foreseeable future. “Endangered” means in danger of becoming extinct. Identifying, protecting, and restoring endangered and threatened species is a primary objective of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. What is the Copperbelly Water Snake? Appearance: The copperbelly water snake is a non-venomous snake that Devender Van Photo by R.W. grows 2 to 4 feet in length. It has a The northern population of the copperbelly water snake is found in Hillsdale County, solid dark (usually black) back with Michigan; Williams County, Ohio; and Steuben County, Indiana. a bright orange-red belly. Females grow larger than males; most Feeding Habits: Frogs and tadpoles includes portions of southern Indiana, copperbellies over 30 inches long are are the copperbelly water snake’s southern Illinois, and northwestern females. main prey. It hunts on land and in Kentucky. The southern population shallow water and favors seasonal segment is not protected by the Habitat: Copperbelly water snakes wetlands where frogs, toads, and Endangered Species Act. need a mosaic of shallow wetlands or salamanders lay their eggs. In floodplain wetlands surrounded by addition to large numbers of prey, Why is the Copperbelly Water forested uplands. Seasonally flooded the gradual drying of these wetlands Snake threatened? wetlands without fish are favored provides excellent feeding conditions Only a couple hundred snakes foraging areas, and copperbellies as tadpoles become stranded. remain in the northern population frequently move from one wetland segment. This ongoing decline can be to another. Copperbellies hibernate, Range: The copperbelly water attributed, in part, to: often in crayfish burrows, in forested snake is found in two geographically wetlands and immediately adjacent separated areas. The northern Habitat Loss and forested uplands. They remain population segment includes Fragmentation: Wetlands used by underground from late October until southern Michigan, northeastern copperbelly water snakes have been late April. Indiana and northwestern Ohio. altered by people for agriculture, Surveys of this population segment roads, housing, flood control, and Reproduction: After emerging from over the last 20 years have shown other development. Because it their hibernation sites, copperbellies a continuing decline in the overall needs many wetlands interspersed become more active as the weather number of snakes. At present, only among uplands over a large area, the warms. Courtship and mating occur five small sub-populations persist copperbelly is especially vulnerable in spring and young snakes are within the tri-state area. to habitat fragmentation. When born in the fall near or in the winter a large block of suitable habitat burrow. The average litter size is not The copperbelly water snake is found is divided into smaller pieces and known. in a second geographic area that separated by agricultural fields, towns, and roads, the fragments Research: Researchers have studied can engage by “adopting” a species of habitat can no longer support a the copperbelly water snake and will and building both awareness and copperbelly population. continue to learn more about its life support for that species through history and habitat requirements festivals or other activities. Collection: Copperbelly water to help determine how to stop the snakes are collected because of their continued decline of the northern What are the benefits of helping rarity, large size, unique color, and population segment. an endangered or threatened value in the pet trade. Under the species? Endangered Species Act, collection is Habitat Protection: Working in illegal without a permit from the U.S. voluntary cooperation with local Supports other wildlife: Actions Fish and Wildlife Service. Permits communities and private landowners, taken to provide habitat for the are issued only when the collection copperbelly habitat (wetlands and copperbelly and other listed species of individual snakes will benefit the adjacent upland woods) can be also benefit a variety of wildlife that conservation of the species. protected and improved. Funding uses similar habitat. from federal and state programs as Predation: A copperbelly water well as conservation organizations Supports community interests: snake travels often during spring, has been used to restore wetlands, Preserving habitat often helps to summer, and fall. It moves to plant trees, and offer land protection maintain good water quality and open different wetlands as water levels in key areas. Habitat improvement space. These factors are important and food availability change and then and protection for copperbellies will to the “quality of life” in many travels to and from its hibernation also help frogs and turtles, ducks and communities. site. When moving to different deer, and variety of other wildlife. locations, these snakes are vulnerable Provides economic return: to predators (e.g., skunks, raccoons, What can I do to help Government funds are often available raptors, and snapping turtles), prevent the extinction of the to support habitat conservation and especially if the snakes must travel Copperbelly Water Snake? restoration programs that benefit across cleared areas, such as roads, endangered or threatened species. mowed areas and farmlands. Learn: Learn more about the copperbelly water snake and other What is being done to prevent endangered and threatened species. extinction of the Copperbelly Understand how our choices in land Water Snake? use can lead to the destruction of habitat, which in turn leads to loss of Listing: The northern population endangered and threatened species segment of copperbelly water and our nation’s plant and animal snake gained protection under the diversity. Tell others about what you Endangered Species Act when it was have learned. listed as threatened on February 28, 1996. Under this Act, it is illegal Conserve: Protecting and improving to harm, harass, collect, or kill the habitat is often the best way to copperbelly within this Distinct benefit endangered or threatened Population Segment (north of species, including the copperbelly. 40° north latitude; approximately Actions taken to restore wetlands, Indianapolis, Indiana). plant trees, and reduce habitat fragmentation are essential to the Recovery Plan: As required under long-term survival of the copperbelly the Endangered Species Act, we in the northern part of its range. prepared a Copperbelly Water Snake Technical assistance and cost share Recovery Plan that describes and may be available through government prioritizes actions needed to help this programs to assist with these efforts. U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service population segment survive and avoid 5600 American Blvd. West, extinction. Conservation partners Engage: Report sightings of the Suite 990 are working together to carry out copperbelly by sending an e:mail Bloomington, Minnesota 55437 conservation actions identified in this to the Fish and Wildlife Service at 612/713-5350 plan. [email protected]. Communities http://www.fws.gov/midwest/endangered.
Recommended publications
  • Yellow-Bellied Water Snake Plain-Bellied Water
    Nature Flashcards Snakes All photos are subject to the terms of the Creative Commons Public License Based on Nature Quiz Attribution-Non-Commercial 3.0 United States unless copyright otherwise By Phil Huxford noted. TMN-COT Meeting November, 2013 Texas Master Naturalist Cradle of Texas Chapter Cradle of Texas Chapter Yellow-bellied Water Snake Plain-bellied Water Snake Nerodia erythrogaster flavigaster Elliptical eye pupils Bright yellow underneath Found around ponds, lakes, swamps, and wet bottomland forests 2 – 3 feet long Cradle of Texas Chapter Broad-banded Water snake Nerodia fasciata confluens Dark, wide bands separated by yellow Bold, dark checked stripes Strong swimmer Cradle of Texas Chapter 2 – 4 feet long Blotched Water Snake Nerodia erythrogaster transversa Black-edged; dark brown dorsal markings Yellow or sometimes orange belly Lives in small ponds, ditches, and rain-filled pools Typically 2 – 5 feet long Cradle of Texas Chapter Diamond-back Water Snake Northern Diamond-back Water Snake Nerodia rhombifer Heavy-bodied, large girth Can be dark brown Head somewhat flattened and wide Texas’ largest Nerodia Strikes without warning and viciously 4 – 6’ long Cradle of Texas Chapter Photo by J.D. Wilson http://srelherp.uga.edu/snakes/ Western Mud Snake Mud Snake Farancia abacura Lives in our area but rarely seen Glossy black above Red belly with black lines in belly Found in wooded swampland and wet areas Does not bite when handled but pokes tail like stinger 3 – 4 feet long Cradle of Texas Chapter Texas Coral Snake Micrurus fulvius tenere Blunt head; shiny, slender body Round pupils Colors red, yellow, black Lives in partly wooded organic material Cradle of Texas Chapter Usually 2 – 3 feet long Record: 47 ¾ inches in Brazoria County ‘Red touches yellow – kill a fellow.
    [Show full text]
  • COTTONMOUTH Agkistrodon Piscivorus
    COTTONMOUTH Agkistrodon piscivorus Agkistrodon is derived from ankistron and odon which in Greek mean “fishhook” and “tooth or teeth;” referring to the curved fangs of this species. Piscivorus is derived from piscis and voro which in Latin mean “fish” and “to eat”. Another common name for cottonmouth is water moccasin. The Cottonmouth is venomous. While its bite is rarely fatal, tissue damage is likely to occur and can be severe if not treated promptly. IDENTIFICATION Appearance: The cottonmouth is a stout- bodied venomous snake that reaches lengths of 30 to 42 inches as adults. Most adults are uniformly dark brown, olive, or black, tending to lose the cross banded patterning with age. Some individuals may have a dark cheek stripe (upper right image). The cottonmouth has the diagnostic features of the pit-viper family such as a wedge-shaped head, sensory pits between the eyes and nostrils, and vertical “cat-like” pupils. Juveniles are lighter and more boldly patterned with a yellow coloration toward the tip of the tail (lower right image). Dorsal scales are weakly keeled, and the subcaudal scales form only one row. Cottonmouths also have a single anal Mike Redmer plate. Subspecies: There are three subspecies of the cottonmouth. The Western Cottonmouth (A. p. leucostoma) is the only subspecies found in the Midwest. The term leucostoma refers to the white interior of mouth. Confusing Species: The non-venomous watersnakes (Nerodia) are commonly confused with Cottonmouths across their range, simply because they are snakes in water. Thus it is important to note that Cottonmouths are only found in southernmost Midwest.
    [Show full text]
  • Northern Watersnake Selection of Fish Prey in Western Kentucky
    Northern Watersnake Diet . Perkins and Eason Northern Watersnake Selection of Fish Prey in Western Kentucky Micah W. Perkins 1, Department of Biology, University of Louisville, 139 Life Sciences Building, Louisville, KY 40292 Perri K. Eason, Department of Biology, University of Louisville, 139 Life Sciences Building, Louisville, KY 40292 Abstract: Watersnakes serve a variety of important roles in aquatic ecosystems with many species being of conservation interest. The northern water- snake (Nerodia sipedon) has some populations of concern, but is found in a wide variety of aquatic habitats throughout North America. Although pre- vious studies have examined the diet of this typically piscivorous species, research has not addressed whether the northern watersnake is preferentially selecting particular fish as prey. In this study, we sampled snake stomach contents and used Chesson’s alpha selection index α( i) to investigate whether northern watersnakes are eating fish families in proportion to their availability or are preferentially selecting or avoiding specific fish families. At the Sloughs Wildlife Management Area in western Kentucky, the northern watersnake fed on fish from six families in 2013 (n = 15) and 2014 (n = 36). Five of those fish families were eaten in proportion to their availability but avoided pirate perch (Aphredoderus sayanus), the lone member of the family Aphredoderidae. This is the first study testing prey preferences in the northern watersnake. Key words: northern watersnake, Nerodia sipedon, diet selection, fish family, pirate perch Journal of the Southeastern Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies 5:144–149 Many watersnakes are of conservation concern and can poten- igan shifted from a heavily amphibian-based diet to feeding only on tially be used as indicators to understand harmful human impacts fishes (Meyer 1992, Carbone 1993).
    [Show full text]
  • Snakes of the Everglades Agricultural Area1 Michelle L
    CIR1462 Snakes of the Everglades Agricultural Area1 Michelle L. Casler, Elise V. Pearlstine, Frank J. Mazzotti, and Kenneth L. Krysko2 Background snakes are often escapees or are released deliberately and illegally by owners who can no longer care for them. Snakes are members of the vertebrate order Squamata However, there has been no documentation of these snakes (suborder Serpentes) and are most closely related to lizards breeding in the EAA (Tennant 1997). (suborder Sauria). All snakes are legless and have elongated trunks. They can be found in a variety of habitats and are able to climb trees; swim through streams, lakes, or oceans; Benefits of Snakes and move across sand or through leaf litter in a forest. Snakes are an important part of the environment and play Often secretive, they rely on scent rather than vision for a role in keeping the balance of nature. They aid in the social and predatory behaviors. A snake’s skull is highly control of rodents and invertebrates. Also, some snakes modified and has a great degree of flexibility, called cranial prey on other snakes. The Florida kingsnake (Lampropeltis kinesis, that allows it to swallow prey much larger than its getula floridana), for example, prefers snakes as prey and head. will even eat venomous species. Snakes also provide a food source for other animals such as birds and alligators. Of the 45 snake species (70 subspecies) that occur through- out Florida, 23 may be found in the Everglades Agricultural Snake Conservation Area (EAA). Of the 23, only four are venomous. The venomous species that may occur in the EAA are the coral Loss of habitat is the most significant problem facing many snake (Micrurus fulvius fulvius), Florida cottonmouth wildlife species in Florida, snakes included.
    [Show full text]
  • Check List 17 (1): 27–38
    17 1 ANNOTATED LIST OF SPECIES Check List 17 (1): 27–38 https://doi.org/10.15560/17.1.27 A herpetological survey of Edith L. Moore Nature Sanctuary Dillon Jones1, Bethany Foshee2, Lee Fitzgerald1 1 Biodiversity Research and Teaching Collections, Department of Ecology and Conservation Biology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA. 2 Houston Audubon, 440 Wilchester Blvd. Houston, TX 77079 USA. Corresponding author: Dillon Jones, [email protected] Abstract Urban herpetology deals with the interaction of amphibians and reptiles with each other and their environment in an ur- ban setting. As such, well-preserved natural areas within urban environments can be important tools for conservation. Edith L. Moore Nature Sanctuary is an 18-acre wooded sanctuary located west of downtown Houston, Texas and is the headquarters to Houston Audubon Society. This study compared iNaturalist data with results from visual encounter surveys and aquatic funnel traps. Results from these two sources showed 24 species belonging to 12 families and 17 genera of herpetofauna inhabit the property. However, several species common in surrounding areas were absent. Combination of data from community science and traditional survey methods allowed us to better highlight herpe- tofauna present in the park besides also identifying species that may be of management concern for Edith L. Moore. Keywords Community science, iNaturalist, urban herpetology Academic editor: Luisa Diele-Viegas | Received 27 August 2020 | Accepted 16 November 2020 | Published 6 January 2021 Citation: Jones D, Foshee B, Fitzgerald L (2021) A herpetology survey of Edith L. Moore Nature Sanctuary. Check List 17 (1): 27–28. https://doi.
    [Show full text]
  • Northern Population Segment of the Copperbelly Water Snake (Nerodia Erythrogaster Neglecta) Recovery Plan
    U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service Northern Population Segment of the Copperbelly Water Snake (Nerodia erythrogaster neglecta) Recovery Plan December 2008 Department of the Interior U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Midwest Region Fort Snelling, MN Cover graphic The drawing of Nerodia erythrogaster is reproduced with permission of the authors from the book, North American Watersnakes: A Natural History, by J. Whitfield Gibbons and Michael E. Dorcas, published by the University of Oklahoma Press (2004). Drawing by Peri Mason, Savannah River Ecology Laboratory. DISCLAIMER Recovery plans delineate reasonable actions which are believed to be required to recover and/or conserve listed species. Plans are published by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), sometimes prepared with the assistance of recovery teams, contractors, state agencies, and others. Objectives will be attained and any necessary funds made available subject to budgetary and other constraints affecting the parties involved, as well as the need to address other priorities. Recovery plans do not necessarily represent the views or the official positions or approval of any individuals or agencies involved in the plan formulation, other than the Service. They represent the official position of the Service only after they have been signed by the Regional Director. Approved recovery plans are subject to modification as dictated by new findings, changes in species status, and the completion of recovery actions. LITERATURE CITATION SHOULD READ AS FOLLOWS: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 2008. Northern Population Segment of the Copperbelly Water Snake (Nerodia erythrogaster neglecta) Recovery Plan. Fort Snelling, Minnesota. ix + 79 pp. ADDITIONAL COPIES OF THIS PLAN CAN BE OBTAINED FROM: U.S.
    [Show full text]
  • Significant New Records of Amphibians and Reptiles from Georgia, USA
    GEOGRAPHIC DISTRIBUTION 597 Herpetological Review, 2015, 46(4), 597–601. © 2015 by Society for the Study of Amphibians and Reptiles Significant New Records of Amphibians and Reptiles from Georgia, USA Distributional maps found in Amphibians and Reptiles of records for a variety of amphibian and reptile species in Georgia. Georgia (Jensen et al. 2008), along with subsequent geographical All records below were verified by David Bechler (VSU), Nikole distribution notes published in Herpetological Review, serve Castleberry (GMNH), David Laurencio (AUM), Lance McBrayer as essential references for county-level occurrence data for (GSU), and David Steen (SRSU), and datum used was WGS84. herpetofauna in Georgia. Collectively, these resources aid Standard English names follow Crother (2012). biologists by helping to identify distributional gaps for which to target survey efforts. Herein we report newly documented county CAUDATA — SALAMANDERS DIRK J. STEVENSON AMBYSTOMA OPACUM (Marbled Salamander). CALHOUN CO.: CHRISTOPHER L. JENKINS 7.8 km W Leary (31.488749°N, 84.595917°W). 18 October 2014. D. KEVIN M. STOHLGREN Stevenson. GMNH 50875. LOWNDES CO.: Langdale Park, Valdosta The Orianne Society, 100 Phoenix Road, Athens, (30.878524°N, 83.317114°W). 3 April 1998. J. Evans. VSU C0015. Georgia 30605, USA First Georgia record for the Suwannee River drainage. MURRAY JOHN B. JENSEN* CO.: Conasauga Natural Area (34.845116°N, 84.848180°W). 12 Georgia Department of Natural Resources, 116 Rum November 2013. N. Klaus and C. Muise. GMNH 50548. Creek Drive, Forsyth, Georgia 31029, USA DAVID L. BECHLER Department of Biology, Valdosta State University, Valdosta, AMBYSTOMA TALPOIDEUM (Mole Salamander). BERRIEN CO.: Georgia 31602, USA St.
    [Show full text]
  • Response of Reptile and Amphibian Communities to the Reintroduction of Fire T in an Oak/Hickory Forest ⁎ Steven J
    Forest Ecology and Management 428 (2018) 1–13 Contents lists available at ScienceDirect Forest Ecology and Management journal homepage: www.elsevier.com/locate/foreco Response of reptile and amphibian communities to the reintroduction of fire T in an oak/hickory forest ⁎ Steven J. Hromadaa, , Christopher A.F. Howeyb,c, Matthew B. Dickinsond, Roger W. Perrye, Willem M. Roosenburgc, C.M. Giengera a Department of Biology and Center of Excellence for Field Biology, Austin Peay State University, Clarksville, TN 37040, United States b Biology Department, University of Scranton, Scranton, PA 18510, United States c Ohio Center for Ecology and Evolutionary Studies, Department of Biological Sciences, Ohio University, Athens, OH 45701, United States d Northern Research Station, U.S. Forest Service, Delaware, OH 43015, United States e Southern Research Station, U.S. Forest Service, Hot Springs, AR 71902, United States ABSTRACT Fire can have diverse effects on ecosystems, including direct effects through injury and mortality and indirect effects through changes to available resources within the environment. Changes in vegetation structure suchasa decrease in canopy cover or an increase in herbaceous cover from prescribed fire can increase availability of preferred microhabitats for some species while simultaneously reducing preferred conditions for others. We examined the responses of herpetofaunal communities to prescribed fires in an oak/hickory forest in western Kentucky. Prescribed fires were applied twice to a 1000-ha area one and four years prior to sampling, causing changes in vegetation structure. Herpetofaunal communities were sampled using drift fences, and vegetation attributes were sampled via transects in four burned and four unburned plots. Differences in reptile community structure correlated with variation in vegetation structure largely created by fires.
    [Show full text]
  • 2014 ESPB Proposed List Revision Hearing and Written Comment
    ILLINOIS LIST OF ENDANGERED AND THREATENED SPECIES 5-YEAR REVIEW AND REVISION ENDING IN 2014 Public Hearing Documents: Hearing record of the public hearing and written comment period for the ESPB 2014 proposed revision of the Illinois List of Endangered and Threatened Species. Hearing record of the public hearing and written comment period for the ESPB 2014 proposed revision of the Illinois List of Endangered and Threatened Species. From the public hearing, noon – 4:00 PM, June 26, 2014 Begins page (use red page number in upper right) Hearing transcript 1 Comment Nature of comment Commenter name Commenter affiliation number No comments received. From the written comment period, noon June 26, 2014 – midnight July 11, 2014 Comment Nature of comment Commenter name Commenter affiliation number 1 Recommends against changing Chris Evans Illinois Department of 13 listing status from threatened to Natural Resources endangered for Black Cohosh (Cimicifuga rubifolia). 2 Recommends adding Bison (Bison Kenny Bielski None 17 bison) to the IL List of Endangered and Threatened Species. 3 Recommends against adding Dr. Mike Dreslik Illinois Natural History 18 Copperbelly Water Snake Survey (Nerodia erythrogaster neglecta) to the IL List of Endangered and Threatened Species. 4 Recommends against adding Ann Holtrop Illinois Department of 45 Copperbelly Water Snake Natural Resources (Nerodia erythrogaster neglecta) to the IL List of Endangered and Threatened Species as Illinois threatened. 5 Recommends adding Illinois Cave Seth Fielding Turner Claims no
    [Show full text]
  • Checklist of Amphibians, Reptiles, Birds and Mammals of New York
    CHECKLIST OF AMPHIBIANS, REPTILES, BIRDS AND MAMMALS OF NEW YORK STATE Including Their Legal Status Eastern Milk Snake Moose Blue-spotted Salamander Common Loon New York State Artwork by Jean Gawalt Department of Environmental Conservation Division of Fish and Wildlife Page 1 of 30 February 2019 New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Division of Fish and Wildlife Wildlife Diversity Group 625 Broadway Albany, New York 12233-4754 This web version is based upon an original hard copy version of Checklist of the Amphibians, Reptiles, Birds and Mammals of New York, Including Their Protective Status which was first published in 1985 and revised and reprinted in 1987. This version has had substantial revision in content and form. First printing - 1985 Second printing (rev.) - 1987 Third revision - 2001 Fourth revision - 2003 Fifth revision - 2005 Sixth revision - December 2005 Seventh revision - November 2006 Eighth revision - September 2007 Ninth revision - April 2010 Tenth revision – February 2019 Page 2 of 30 Introduction The following list of amphibians (34 species), reptiles (38), birds (474) and mammals (93) indicates those vertebrate species believed to be part of the fauna of New York and the present legal status of these species in New York State. Common and scientific nomenclature is as according to: Crother (2008) for amphibians and reptiles; the American Ornithologists' Union (1983 and 2009) for birds; and Wilson and Reeder (2005) for mammals. Expected occurrence in New York State is based on: Conant and Collins (1991) for amphibians and reptiles; Levine (1998) and the New York State Ornithological Association (2009) for birds; and New York State Museum records for terrestrial mammals.
    [Show full text]
  • Notice Warning Concerning Copyright Restrictions P.O
    Publisher of Journal of Herpetology, Herpetological Review, Herpetological Circulars, Catalogue of American Amphibians and Reptiles, and three series of books, Facsimile Reprints in Herpetology, Contributions to Herpetology, and Herpetological Conservation Officers and Editors for 2015-2016 President AARON BAUER Department of Biology Villanova University Villanova, PA 19085, USA President-Elect RICK SHINE School of Biological Sciences University of Sydney Sydney, AUSTRALIA Secretary MARION PREEST Keck Science Department The Claremont Colleges Claremont, CA 91711, USA Treasurer ANN PATERSON Department of Natural Science Williams Baptist College Walnut Ridge, AR 72476, USA Publications Secretary BRECK BARTHOLOMEW Notice warning concerning copyright restrictions P.O. Box 58517 Salt Lake City, UT 84158, USA Immediate Past-President ROBERT ALDRIDGE Saint Louis University St Louis, MO 63013, USA Directors (Class and Category) ROBIN ANDREWS (2018 R) Virginia Polytechnic and State University, USA FRANK BURBRINK (2016 R) College of Staten Island, USA ALISON CREE (2016 Non-US) University of Otago, NEW ZEALAND TONY GAMBLE (2018 Mem. at-Large) University of Minnesota, USA LISA HAZARD (2016 R) Montclair State University, USA KIM LOVICH (2018 Cons) San Diego Zoo Global, USA EMILY TAYLOR (2018 R) California Polytechnic State University, USA GREGORY WATKINS-COLWELL (2016 R) Yale Peabody Mus. of Nat. Hist., USA Trustee GEORGE PISANI University of Kansas, USA Journal of Herpetology PAUL BARTELT, Co-Editor Waldorf College Forest City, IA 50436, USA TIFFANY
    [Show full text]
  • Amphibians and Reptiles of the State of Coahuila, Mexico, with Comparison with Adjoining States
    A peer-reviewed open-access journal ZooKeys 593: 117–137Amphibians (2016) and reptiles of the state of Coahuila, Mexico, with comparison... 117 doi: 10.3897/zookeys.593.8484 CHECKLIST http://zookeys.pensoft.net Launched to accelerate biodiversity research Amphibians and reptiles of the state of Coahuila, Mexico, with comparison with adjoining states Julio A. Lemos-Espinal1, Geoffrey R. Smith2 1 Laboratorio de Ecología-UBIPRO, FES Iztacala UNAM. Avenida los Barrios 1, Los Reyes Iztacala, Tlalnepantla, edo. de México, Mexico – 54090 2 Department of Biology, Denison University, Granville, OH, USA 43023 Corresponding author: Julio A. Lemos-Espinal ([email protected]) Academic editor: A. Herrel | Received 15 March 2016 | Accepted 25 April 2016 | Published 26 May 2016 http://zoobank.org/F70B9F37-0742-486F-9B87-F9E64F993E1E Citation: Lemos-Espinal JA, Smith GR (2016) Amphibians and reptiles of the state of Coahuila, Mexico, with comparison with adjoining statese. ZooKeys 593: 117–137. doi: 10.3897/zookeys.593.8484 Abstract We compiled a checklist of the amphibians and reptiles of the state of Coahuila, Mexico. The list com- prises 133 species (24 amphibians, 109 reptiles), representing 27 families (9 amphibians, 18 reptiles) and 65 genera (16 amphibians, 49 reptiles). Coahuila has a high richness of lizards in the genus Sceloporus. Coahuila has relatively few state endemics, but has several regional endemics. Overlap in the herpetofauna of Coahuila and bordering states is fairly extensive. Of the 132 species of native amphibians and reptiles, eight are listed as Vulnerable, six as Near Threatened, and six as Endangered in the IUCN Red List. In the SEMARNAT listing, 19 species are Subject to Special Protection, 26 are Threatened, and three are in Danger of Extinction.
    [Show full text]