Herpetofauna from Serra da Jibóia, an Atlantic Rainforest remnant in the state of Bahia, Northeastern Brazil

Abstract

Serra da Jibóia consists of a mountain massif located in the Recôncavo Baiano, in the Brazilian state of Bahia, with a total area of approximately 23,000 hectares, where predominant Atlantic Rainforest areas still exist. Studies that provide basic data on herpetofauna are important to understand the structure and composition of communities. The present study aimed to compile an inventory of the herpetofauna of the Serra da Jibóia and compare its snake taxocenosis with that of other Atlantic Rainforest localities in northern Bahia. Data collection was carried out from 1995 to 2014, through field surveys, active search, opportunistic encounters and pitfall traps. Literature data and scientific collections were used to complement the species list. A total of 114 species were recorded, comprising 55 amphibians (two orders, 14 families and 28 genera) and 59 reptiles (2 orders, 21 families and 48 genera). Four reptile species and 23 amphibian species were configured as new records for the region. One species is threatened with extinction in the national territory and another is classified as data deficient. The creation of a Conservation Unit within the Serra da Jibóia is essential for the preservation of this environment, which presents an enormous flora and fauna diversity, with the presence of endemic and endangered species.