Monitoramento da herpetofauna em remanescente de Mata Atlântica em Parque municipal urbano, Natal-RN

Abstract

The Brazilian Atlantic Forest is recognized as one of the world's largest biodiversity hotspots and faces a severe threat, especially in the Northeastern region of Brazil, due to intense fragmentation that has resulted in isolated remnants. Among the factors most affecting this biodiversity, urbanization stands out for promoting habitat loss, which is one of the main causes of species extinction. To assess the species richness and composition of an urban insular forest area, the herpetofauna species of the Center for Experiments and Research of the Atlantic Forest (CEPEMA), a remnant integrated into the Dom Nivaldo Monte Municipal Park in the urban area of Natal, RN, were inventoried and monitored. Nine sampling areas were defined, four during the inventory and five for monitoring; in all of these, active search methodologies and pitfall traps were used. A total of 798 specimens were recorded, belonging to 20 herpetofauna species, comprising three amphibian species, two amphisbaenian species, six snake species, and nine lizard species. The most abundant species were Coleodactylus natalensis (491 individuals), Tropidurus hispidus (124 individuals), and Ameiva ameiva (46 individuals). As an insular area surrounded by an urban matrix, this forest remnant mainly harbors common species of open formations but also shelters forest species, notably C. natalensis and Amphisbaena heathi, which are endangered and near-threatened, respectively; the former is endemic to RN. These facts highlight the importance of preserving CEPEMA and the Municipal Park for the conservation of local biodiversity, especially the threatened species.