New record of Amphisbaena fuliginosa (Squamata, Amphisbaenidae) for the Cerrado Biome, in an area of extensive cattle ranching

Abstract

Samples of Amphisbaena fuliginosa from the Cerrado biome are scarce and additional data are needed to clarify the geographic distribution and patterns of differentiation of this species. During field works at a cattle farm in the south of the state of Goiás, Central Brazil, we found an adult individual of A. fuliginosa. Our specimen represents the southernmost record for the species, extending its distribution 150 km. The color is similar to that described for other specimens from Goiás state, corroborating the uniform pattern observed for Cerrado populations. We suggest that the fossorial habits of A. fuliginosa may allow its occurrence in anthropogenic habitats by offering protection against the changes in natural vegetation.

Genetic Diversity and the Effects of the Highway Matrix on the Roadkill Patterns of the Crab-Eating Fox, Cerdocyon Thous (Linnaeus, 1766), in Northeastern Brazil

“…Overall, roadkill events were relatively infrequent in urban areas and within the areas with intense anthropogenic impacts (quarries, wind farms). Otherwise, C. thous appears to be well adapted to modified landscapes, such as pastures, sugarcane plantations, other crops, and suburban areas (Dotta and Verdade, 2007;Lemos et al 2011). In general, the distribution of the roadkill events documented in the present study study is consistent with the pattern observed in previous studies, in particular, the ecological characteristics of the habitats most occupied by the species.…”

“…habitats and more open vegetation (Lemos et al 2011), the roadkill hotspot may coincide with dispersal routes, which the foxes use to avoid areas of denser vegetation. This is supported by the plots (Figures 12 and 13), which show the predominant vegetation and rainfall rates of the study area.…”

Effects of the Highway Matrix on the Roadkill Patterns of the Crab-Eating Fox, Cerdocyon Thous (Linnaeus, 1766), in Northeastern Brazil

“…The crab-eating fox prefers edge habitats and open areas over dense forest, and is often observed in pastures and moving along the margins of highways (Dotta and Verdade, 2007;Lemos et al 2011). This is consistent with the high frequency of roadkill in areas where the vegetation is sparse or shrubby.…”

“…Overall, roadkill events were relatively infrequent in urban areas and within the areas with intense anthropogenic impacts (quarries, wind farms). Otherwise, C. thous appears to be well adapted to modi ed landscapes, such as pastures, sugarcane plantations, other crops, and suburban areas (Dotta and Verdade, 2007;Lemos et al 2011). In general, the distribution of the roadkill events documented in the present study study is consistent with the pattern observed in previous studies, in particular, the ecological characteristics of the habitats most occupied by the species.…”

“…In the speci c case of the Garanhuns-Palmeira dos Índios route, the hotspot is located within an area of low-lying vegetation and open elds, surrounded by denser vegetation. In this context, as C. thous prefers edge habitats and more open vegetation (Lemos et al 2011), the roadkill hotspot may coincide with dispersal routes, which the foxes use to avoid areas of denser vegetation. This is supported by the plots (Figs.…”