Unveiling lizard diversity in a semi-arid ecotone: seasonal patterns and trap performance
Description
Lizards represent one of the most diverse groups of reptiles in Brazil, especially in the transition zones between the Caatinga and Cerrado biomes, where factors such as temperature, humidity, and availability of shelter influence their distribution. In the semi-arid region of Piauí, understanding these dynamics requires the use of efficient sampling methods. Therefore, this study - conducted between June 2024 and February 2025 in the municipality of Floriano (PI) - utilized different passive traps. The study assessed the occurrence of lizard species and their capture using four types of traps: 2-L pitfall traps, 5-L pitfall traps, 2-L PET–PVC traps, and pitfall traps with drift fences. A total of 123 individuals from 9 species were recorded, representing the lizard species captured during the sampling period. The results provide information on lizard occurrence and the performance of different passive capture methods in a transition zone between the Caatinga and the Cerrado, in the semi-arid Northeast of Brazil.
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The study was conducted from June 2024 to February 2025 in the municipality of Floriano, Piauí, Brazil (6°47'20.0“S 43°02'23.6”W). The city is located in a transition zone between the Caatinga and Cerrado biomes, characterized by native vegetation, including trees, shrubs, and herbaceous species adapted to the regional climate. Four types of traps were set up: (i) 2-L pitfall traps, (ii) 5-L pitfall traps, (iii) 2-L PET–PVC traps, and (iv) pitfall traps with diversion fences. • 2-L pitfall traps: The 2-L pitfall traps were made from 2-L PET bottles, cut 12 cm below the neck and installed near ground level. They were arranged in blocks of four units, totaling 40 blocks, spaced 4 to 5 m apart. • 5-L pitfall traps: The 5-L pitfall traps were made from 5-L bottles, cut 13 cm below the neck and installed near ground level. • 2-L PET–PVC traps: The 2-L PET–PVC traps were assembled from 2-L PET bottles connected to 100-mm PVC elbows. The traps were positioned vertically and horizontally below ground level, totaling 24 traps. A bait mixture consisting of sardines, peanut candies, and bananas was used as an attractant and replaced weekly. • Pitfall traps with drift fences: The pitfall traps with drift fences were constructed using eight 18-liter buckets that were buried in the ground in an L-shaped arrangement and connected by 1-meter-high plastic fences, secured to the ground with stakes. The buckets were spaced 3 meters apart. Data collection was conducted twice a week. After each sampling, the captured individuals were identified to the species level and associated with the respective capture method. In total, 123 individuals were recorded, divided into 9 species (Ameivula ocellifera n=29), (Ameivula pyrrhogularis n=12), (Brasiliscincus heathi n=16), (Colobosaura modesta n=9), (Iguana iguana n=4), (Micrablepharus maximilianii n=2), (Polychrus acutirostris n=1), (Tropidurus hispidus n=15), (Vanzosaura multiscutata n=35), with 69 captured in 2-L (2-L pitfall traps), 30 in 5-L pitfall traps, 9 in traps made from PET bottles and PVC pipes (2-L PET–PVC traps), and 15 in pitfall traps with drift fences. Subsequently, the specimens were cataloged and added to the Natural History Collection of the Federal University of Piauí (CHNUFPI). The research was conducted under SISBIO license No. 63737. The quantification of individuals and their association with different capture methods are important for expanding knowledge about the composition and occurrence of lizards in the state of Piauí. These records help fill gaps in knowledge regarding the distribution of reptile fauna in the region, providing data that can inform future studies on diversity, distribution, and habitat use, as well as contributing to the understanding and documentation of local fauna.
Institutions
- Universidade Federal do PiauíPiauí, Teresina
- Universidade Federal do Rio de JaneiroRio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro