Ecology of Mabuya agilis (Raddi) (Lacertilia, Scincidae) at the restinga of Grumari, Rio de Janeiro, southeastern Brazil

A summary of reptile and anuran amphibian species from Brazilian sandy coastal plains: 31 years of sampling efforts of the "Laboratório de Ecologia de Vertebrados, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro"

Although currently there is already a set of studies regarding ecological aspects of some particular reptile and amphibian species living in Brazilian sandy coastal plains (including the so-called "restinga" and "campo nativo" habitats), there is comparatively few information on the species composition usually associated to these environments. During 31 years (1988-2019) of herpetological studies carried out in sandy coastal plains environments by our research team of the Laboratory of Vertebrate Ecology (Department of Ecology, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, in Rio de Janeiro Brazil) we have surveyed reptile and amphibian communities and performed different studies with similar methods in 70 sites from 10 different states along the Brazilian coast. Our surveys resulted in records of 87 species of reptile (five turtles, two crocodylians, six amphisbaenians, 36 lizards and 39 snakes) from 24 families, and 77 species of anuran amphibians from nine families. We have studied multiple natural history topics for anurans and reptiles which resulted in the publication of some specific ecological studies, especially regarding some species, encompassing population and community ecology, foraging and feeding habits, species activity, thermoregulation, reproduction, use of microhabitats, and parasitism by ecto and endoparasites. Our results along these three decades have also contributed for the description of four new lizard species (Ameivula nativo, Glaucomastix littoralis, G. abaetensis and G. itabaianensis). Our studies constitute an important contribution to the knowledge of the ecology of anuran amphibians and reptiles in these ecosystems, as well as to the conservation of sandy coastal plains environment. The checklist presented in this study, based on our records of sandy coastal plains herpetofauna, provides for many localities along the Brazilian coast, the needed knowledge on species occurrence, including the presence of endemic and/or endangered species, which can be of value for many conservation actions.

Reproductive biology of a viviparous lizard (Mabuya dorsivittata) from the subtropical Wet Chaco of Argentina: geographical variations in response to local environmental pressures

Herein we studied the reproductive biology of a viviparous lizard (Mabuya dorsivittata) from the Wet Chaco region (northeastern Argentina) and compared the results with other populations from the Espinal (central Argentina) and the Atlantic Forest (southeastern Brazil), and with other Neotropical species of Mabuya to better understand the possible causes of its reproductive phenotype variation. Males and females of M. dorsivittata from the Wet Chaco exhibited associated, seasonal, and annual reproductive cycles. Spermatogenic activity related positively to a lengthening photoperiod reaching maximum activity in late spring (December). Females displayed an extended gestation period of 11 months, from mid-summer (February) to late spring or early summer (December) when births occur. Embryonic development was associated with temperature and historical rainfall. Litter size ranged from 3 to 8 (mean = 5.3 ± 1.3 SD) and increased with body size and body mass of females. Fat-body mass varied seasonally and was inversely correlated with spermatogenesis and to embryonic development. Females were larger in body size and interlimb length, and smaller in head length than males. We observed interpopulational differences in minimum body size, litter size, and timing of birth, probably as a result of phenotypic plasticity, genetic divergence or both.

Observations on the natural history of the lizard Mabuya macrorhyncha Hoge (Scincidae) in Queimada Grande Island, São Paulo, Brazil

Data are presented on the on diet, thermal biology, microhabitat use, reproduction and helminth infection parameters of a population of Mabuya macrorhyncha hoge, 1946 inhabiting the small island of Queimada Grande, on the southern coast of São Paulo State. The lizards were collected on November 1997 (spring) and on July 1998 (winter). Most lizards were perched above ground, mainly on herbaceous vegetation. Mean lizard body temperatures were significantly higher in spring (32.6 ± 1.9ºC) than in winter (28.5 ± 2.4ºC), as were air temperatures. Mean litter size of females was 2.7 (range 2-3). The diet was composed of a diverse array of arthropods and some small fruits. Of the 19 lizards examined, 16 (84.2%) harboured helminths. Three species of helminth (one acanthocephalan and two nematodes) were found infecting the lizards. Compared to other M. macrorhyncha populations previously studied in mainland areas, the Queimada Grande population appears to be less strongly associated to bromeliads, to consume plant matter (fruits) more frequently, and to have a poorer helminth fauna.