Herpetofauna (Lissamphibia e Sauropsida) da Região da Grande Dourados, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brasil

Abstract

The Atlantic Forest is one of the most diverse and threatened biomes in the world, and its southern Mato Grosso portion, located in the Greater Dourados Region (RGD), is highly fragmented and surrounded by areas of intensive use, making it a priority for biodiversity studies. This work aimed to survey the herpetofauna (amphibians and reptiles) of the RGD, compiling records available in electronic databases, scientific literature, the collection of the Biodiversity Museum of UFGD, and field surveys conducted in forest fragments in the municipality of Dourados, using active search methods, pitfall traps, and occasional records. Eighty-two species were recorded, including 34 amphibians and 48 reptiles, demonstrating that, even under strong anthropogenic pressure, the region still harbors a high species richness, associated with its ecotonal character between Cerrado and Atlantic Forest. Generalist species tolerant to environmental change were predominant, reflecting the history of landscape degradation. Four species had no previous records for Mato Grosso do Sul, contributing new distribution information. Three species presented categories that indicate attention for regional conservation, including Ditaxodon taeniatus (VU) and Mesoclemmys vanderhaegei (NT). The results highlight sampling gaps in several municipalities and reinforce the importance of continuous monitoring and conservation initiatives, especially in urban forest remnants that act as refuges for the local herpetofauna.