Herpertofauna de áreas agrícolas adjacentes à Reserva Biológica Guaribas, estado da Paraíba, nordeste do Brasil

Abstract

The conversion of natural areas into fragmented and agricultural areas has been one of the main causes of biodiversity loss around the world. Agricultural areas are considered poor in biodiversity, but few studies address their ability to incorporate a large number of species, including species sensitive to fragmentation, when they have adequate biological management and control. This work sought to identify the richness of species of reptiles and amphibians present in two of the agricultural areas surrounding the Guaribas Biological Reserve, one of the most conserved areas of the Atlantic Forest present in the Northeast of Brazil. Wealth data was collected using different methods, such as trap and fall traps, active and time-limited visual searches, and occasional encounters by team members. Specimens were captured, photographed and identified. 32 species representing the general herpetofauna were recorded, being nine species of anuran amphibians and 23 species of reptiles. Among the reptiles, 11 genera of lizards, nine of snakes and a single representative of Crocodylia were found, with no record of Testudines and Amphisbaena. For anuran amphibians, five families and seven genera were recorded. The subsistence agriculture area showed greater richness and abundance of individuals, compared to the monoculture area. Finally, it was possible to demonstrate that agricultural areas support a large number of species, including species associated with conserved areas and that are found within the conservation unit. This result demonstrates that in fact these areas are important for the conservation of species, and it is essential that they be included in the future management plans of REBIO Guaribas, a measure that can contribute to new conservation strategies for reptile and amphibian populations between the areas.