Field Report C: Amphibians and Reptiles of the Southern Pantanal ...

Field Report C:
Amphibians and Reptiles of the Southern Pantanal
Principal Investigators: Ellen Wang, Earthwatch Institute; Vanda Lúcia Ferreira,
Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso do Sul (UFMS-Corumbá), and Jeffrey
Himmelstein, William Paterson University, NJ, ellenwang@terra.com.br,
vandaf@ceuc.ufms.br, KianTunich@aol.com
Number of EW volunteers & fellows participating since 2004: 36
Abstract: During the year of 2004, we surveyed amphibians and reptiles in three
different habitats (Gallery Forest, Baías and Salinas) during the dry and rainy season in
the Southern Pantanal. A total of 982 frogs from 13 species was captured in pitfall traps,
marked and released. Highest frog abundance was observed in the Gallery Forest,
followed by Baías and Salinas. In Baías and Salinas Physalaemus albonotatus was the
most abundant species and in Gallery Forest, it was Leptodactylus podicipinus, during
both dry and rainy season. Twenty–five snake species are known to occur at Fazenda
Rio Negro, but only 10 species (33 inviduals) were collected in the pitfall traps. Thus far,
14 lizard species have been recorded for FRN. A total of 60 lizards from 9 species was
trapped being two arboreal species. Twenty-three red-footed tortoises, Geochelone
carbonaria (13 males and 9 females) were captured, marked and released in 2004. Scat
samples from several individuals were collected.
It is very clear that for herpetofauna studies, long-term monitoring programs are
essential to draw reliable conclusions. One methodological problem observed in 2004
was the low number of samples but for 2005, we intend to increase this effort in order to
obtain more consistent information. However, we consider this first year very successful
and promising. There are still a lot to be discovered since the area is pristine and no
herpetological study has been conducted there before.
Introduction & Objectives:
The data base on Pantanal amphibians and reptiles is rather depauperate at best and
even more so for the Southern Pantanal (see Duellman 1978; PCBAP 1997). Existing
Pantanal herpetofaunal lists are confusing and inconsistent with respect to numbers of
extant species. CI’s 3-day AquaRap expedition in the Rio Negro basin in 1998 produced
a list of 41 species of amphibians and 24 species of reptiles (Willink et al. 2002).
However, the expedition occurred in the dry season (winter in the Pantanal), so it is likely
that a number of seasonally inactive species were missed. Observations at Fazenda Rio
Negro during both seasons have yielded a preliminary list of 18 amphibians and 23
reptiles species.
The Middle Rio Negro region has a high conservation status. Deforestation has been
minimal, access via roads is difficult, and the main commercial activity is low-impact
cattle ranching using native pastures. Since the CRI is located in the heart of the Middle
Rio Negro, the need to know the herpetofauna has great relevance to conservation.
Consequently, the immediate goal of the project is to determine the species of
herpetofauna and natural history of some species that occur in the region. Subsequent
to the acquisition of this data base, related projects will ensue to determine the ecology
of various species such as the Red Foot Tortoise (Geochelone carbonaria), Toad head

turtle (Achanthochelys macrocephala), and anuran species in general. Long-term goals
include publishing a guide to the Pantanal herpetofauna.
Short-term Objectives:
• To determine the diversity (richness and abundance) of amphibians and reptiles
in the different habitats in the Southern Pantanal;
• To investigate the ecology of the Pantanal turtles, the Pantanal Toad Headed
Turtle (Acantochelys macrocephala) and the Red Foot Tortoise (Geochelone
carbonaria);
• To improve the knowledge base of teacher and student fellows, as well as
volunteers but mainly the local community, concerning amphibians and reptiles,
and to increase their degree of comfort and appreciation for handling nondangerous
species. We will temporarily hold specimens in aquaria and
terrariums to allow team members to photograph and become more familiar with
the species.
Long-term Objectives:
• Access the status of the populations of the amphibians and reptiles in the
Southern Pantanal;
• Support the design of conservation strategies for amphibians and reptiles in the
Southern Pantanal;
• Produce an Audio CD containing the frog calls;
• Produce a field guide on amphibians and reptiles from the Southern Pantanal.
Methods:
Field procedures
• Drift fences with pitfall traps
For general survey of fossorial, terrestrial and criptozooic species, 9 straight line
drift fences and pitfall traps (72) were set in three different habitats (Gallery Forest,
Baías and Salinas) at Fazenda Rio Negro. Each trap line is composed by two half lines,
with 4 traps each, totalizing 8 traps per sampling site. The distance between each trap is
15 meters. The distance between each half line is 50 meters. Three lines were set per
habitat. The sampling effort was 72 traps/5 nights per expedition. We conducted two
surveys per season in 2004 (Dry season: July and August; Rainy season: April and
December).
Drift fences and pitfall traps are commonly used to survey and monitor not only
populations of amphibians and reptiles but also terrestrial vertebrates that are big
enough to fall into the trap and not escape (Szaro et al. 1998 ).They can be used to
determine species richness and detect the presence of rare species or difficult to catch
due to their habits. They can also provide information on relative abundances and
habitat uses of certain species. An additional advantage of this methodology is that it
can be left in a place for long-term monitoring, except for aquatic, arboreal and semiarboreal
species.
During each expedition, the pitfall traps were opened for 5 consecutive nights
and checked early the next morning. Animals such as insects, spiders, coackroaches,
scorpions, etc were immediately released. Whenever a small mammal was found in the
trap, we first checked if it had been ear-tagged by the researchers from the Animal
Health Project and then, released. Amphibians and reptiles captured in the traps were

put into either labeled plastic or cloth bag, kept in styrofoam boxes and taken to the
laboratory.
INSERT PIC 1
• Hide boards
In order to increase the chances of finding mainly reptiles, two square hide
boards (1,10 X 1,10 m) made out of sheets of plywood were left on both ends of each
drift fence and pitfall trap line, totalizing 18 boards (6 per habitat).
• Time constrained search (TCS)
These searches were carried out only once during daylight time. Five people
moved slowly on a patch, searching for snakes in all visually accessible microhabitats,
as well as under fallen tree trunks, inside termite mounds, mammal burrows, etc.
Volunteers were trained in the method before working in TCS. Sampling effort is the
number of man/hours of search, and encounter rates are the number of snakes found
per man/hour of search. We recorded: species; snout-vent length and tail length (with a
measuring tape); weight (with Pesola spring scales); sex (with probes), GPS location,
habitat; weather conditions; behavior; presence/absence of eggs or embryos;
presence/absence of food in the stomach; etc.
• Nocturnal observation and recording of anurans in aquatic environments
To record anuran calls, we used a Marantz PMD222 portable recorder and an
Audio Technica shotgun microphone (AT815B). The calls are recorded in cassete tapes
(Peterson & Dorcas 1992) and a collection of calls is being put together with the
collaboration of a specialist. The calls are used for play-back calls so that researchers
will detect the presence of a species in specific habitats if it calls back, even if not
visually recorded.
• Visual encounter surveys (VES)
Visual encounter surveys were conducted around salinas habitats and represent
one of the best techniques to rapidly determine the presence or absence of amphibian
and reptile species. This technique showed to be very productive in finding Toad-headed
Turtles. Captured specimens were measured and marked with microchips.
• Occasional encounters
Whenever a reptile such as snake or turtle was found on roads or trails by
researchers from this or other projects, and farm workers as well, they were brought
back to the laboratory for measuraments and marking.
When an animal was found in a pitfall trap, the trap number was recorded and if found
by any of the other methods described above, its GPS location was also recorded.
Laboratory procedures
All captured animals were weighed and measured in the laboratory. The
measurements varied for each animal group. Measurements taken were:
Frogs: snout-vent length and weight.
Lizards: snout-vent, tail and head length, and weight.
Snakes: snout-vent, tail and head length, and weight.
Turtles and tortoises: Carapace dorsal and ventral length and width.
Gender was recorded whenever possible. Tortoises were usually kept in the
laboratory for a couple of days until defecation occurs, so that their feces can be
examined.
INSERT PIC 2
Marking techniques:

Mark-recapture methods are important study tools for monitoring programs because
they allow estimate not only the population size but demographic parameters such as
birth, death, movements, survival rates, etc, spatial and resource uses (home range),
and individual growth rate (Donnelly & Guyer 1994).
• Clip-toe
This is one of the most commom, easiest and inexpensive ways to permanently
mark frogs and smaller lizards. Besides, frogs and lizards are known to lose digits due to
other factors such as predation or fights with other individuals. Consequently, this
marking technique probably does not interfere with the animal biology (McDiarmid,
1994). This methodology requires good scissors, alcohol to clean them and antibiotics
applied to the digits to reduce the probability of infections. The great advantage is that
allows thousands of combinations.
• Passive integrated transponder (PIT)
More commonly known as microchip, it is a radio-frequency tag that consists of
an electromagnetic coil, tuning capacitor, and microchip encased in a glass with a 1-digit
hexadecimal number, read with a portable scanner. This method offers several
advantages such as, the animal will carry it throughout its life and there are billions of
possible codes. However, it is expensive. We marked turtles, bigger lizards and snakes
with microchips.
INSERT PIC 3
• Wood marker
This technique was used to mark tortoises. Unlike turtles, tortoises have harder
skin and less exposed soft parts. We noticed wood markers could be effective because
the numbers are marked on the carapace, not causing any pain to the animal. On the
other hand, turtles could not be marked with wood markers because they are more
susceptible to caimans scratching their carapaces, which could make marks
unreadeable.
Volunteer Tasks and Accomplishments
During 2004, the Herpetology team ran 5 expeditions and 36 volunteers helped us
gather important data. Volunteers helped since the beginning of this project by clearing
trails and setting the pitfall traps (n=72) by digging 1-meter deep holes in the soil, and
the drift fences to connect the traps. During one preliminary survey (January) and 4
sampling expeditions, we were able to capture more than 1500 frogs, 60 lizards, 33
snakes and 23 turtles and tortoises (not accounting specimens observed and not
marked). In addition to checking the pitfall traps for 5 consecutive days, volunteers
helped during laboratory procedures. On several occasions, we worked over 10 hours a
day, especially during the rainy season when frogs are frenetically breeding.
INSERT PIC 4
Volunteers also helped wash turtles scats, patiently separated food items after scats
were washed, planted seeds found in their scats for germination studies, looked for
animals during TCS and VES events, recorded frog calls during the night, slowly walked
in the forest looking for arboreal lizards, took notes, measured, weighed, and released
animals in the field. They also entered data into spreadsheets and even prepared tables
and graphs. Some volunteers kindly and promptly shared their beautiful pictures with us.
INSERT PIC 5
Results and Discussion:

The quantitative data on the herpetofauna results mostly from 4 sampling events during
the year of 2004. Other species listed for FRN were observed by two of us (JH and EW)
since 2000 or in the case of snakes, found by the residents of the farm. Turtles and
tortoises were found occasionaly by several people including researchers of this and
other projects, and by the farm workers. The scientific and common English and
Portuguese names of the species registered are listed under Tables 1 and 2.
INSERT TABLES 1 AND 2
Anurans (Frogs and toads)
• A total of 982 frogs from 13 species was captured in pitfall traps, marked and
released. Two species are aquatic. More than 200 individuals were released without
marking because they were juveniles (Table 3).
• Ten individuals per species were preserved and deposited in museum collection at
Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso do Sul as voucher specimens.
• The majority of frogs was captured during the rainy season (76%).
• In both dry and rainy seasons, the highest number of frogs was observed in the
Gallery Forest, followed by Baias and Salinas.
• During the dry season, Leptodactylus podicipinus and Adenomera sp were the most
abundant species in the Gallery forest but in the rainy season, only a few Adenomera
sp was captured whereas L. podicipinus represented 55,8 % of the individuals
captured in this habitat.
• Physalaemus albonotatus, Leptodactylus podicipinus and Adenomera sp had similar
frequencies in the dry season in Baías, but in the rainy season, P. albonotatus was
more abundant than any other species (43,46%).
• Physalaemus fuscomaculatus and P. albonotatus were the most common species in
Salinas during the dry season, although very few individuals were captured there. In
the rainy season, P. albonotatus and Pseudis paradoxa were the most common in
Salinas and represented respectively 39,87 and 34,81% of the total in this habitat
(Figs. 1 and 2). The latter is an aquatic species and its high abundance in the traps
was a result of intense rain during the expedition.
• Three species (Leptodactylus fuscus, L. elenae and L. mystacinus) were not
captured in any habitat during the dry season, but a significant number of L. elenae
was captured in the rainy season, mainly in the Gallery Forest.
• Bufo schneideri and Lysapsus limellus were restricted to the Gallery Forest in the
rainy season but were also found in Baias during the dry season (Figs. 3 and 4).
• The highest index of diversity for the anurofauna was observed in the Baias, during
the dry season, and the lowest in Salinas during the rainy season (Table 4).
INSERT TABLE 3 AND 4
INSERT FIG 1, 2, 3 AND 4
The year of 2004 was unusually wet but during the months of July and August when we
collected dry season samples, there was practically no rain. It was very wet in April and
December and total rainfall were respectively 189 and 120 mm (Fig. 5).
INSERT FIG 5
Anurans are closely related to moisture, whose geographic range, ecology, behavior and
life history are strongly influenced by the distribution and abundance of water
(McDiarmiad 1994). Water scarcity might explain the highest diversity index for anurans
found in Baias during the dry season as they hold water year-round, opposite to Salinas
that undergo intense evaporation which results in high alkalinity of water (Eaton 2001),

making it difficult for anurans to use the area. The Gallery Forest presents different
degrees of moisture, which naturally decreases during the dry season but as expected,
most of the frogs were found there during the dry season. However, it is intriguing that
Adenomera sp, a leptodactylid, was mostly collected in the Gallery forest during the dry
season but only a few in the rainy season, when they were mostly captured in Baias.
The highest abundance of Leptodactylus podicipinus and Bufo schneideri in the
Gallery forest during the rainy season suggests these species are more restricted to this
habitat.
INSERT PIC 6
Long-term monitoring programs are important in ecological studies of the anurofauna
because frog distribution and ecology can be influenced not only by the vegetation but
also climatic factors, which might not be detected in short-term studies. Besides, some
species undergo natural declinations that are only observed in long-term monitoring
programs. A 35-year study conducted in the Atlantic Rainforest (Heyer et al. 1988) has
indicated that changes in the community composition (extinction and/or appearance of a
few frog species) resulted from unusually heavy frosts leading to short-term ecological
changes and potential long-term evolutionary effects.
Snakes
• Twenty–five snake species are known to occurr at Fazenda Rio Negro, but only 10
species (33 inviduals) were collected in the pitfall traps: 33.3% in dry season and
66.4% in the wet season (Table 5).
• A considerable number of snakes (n = 28) was observed near people’s houses.
Pitvipers were seen 5 times near houses, never in the pitfall traps.
• Typhlops brongersmianus (blind snake) was the most abundant species both in the
dry and rainy season. They represented 36,36% of all snakes found in the traps in
2004.
• Most of the snakes were found in Baias in the dry season, and in the Gallery forest
in the rainy season.
• Among the snakes found near the houses, three species were more abundant:
Leptophis ahaetulla, Lystrophis matogrossensis, Psomophis genimaculatus and
Liophis poecilogyrus. Most of these snakes were seen during the dry season.
INSERT TABLE 5
The higher abundance of snakes in the rainy season might be related to increased food
(anurans) availability during this period. Our data is very preliminary and more sampling
effort is needed to better understand snakes ecological aspects and the main factors
that affect their distribution in the area. We also believe there are species that have not
been recorded for this area because during this first year of sampling, one species not
known to occur in the area (Phalotris nasutus) was trapped (Ferreira, Wang &
Himmelstein, in press).
INSERT PICS 7 and 8
Lizards
• Thus far, 14 species have been recorded for FRN. A total of 60 lizards from 9
species was trapped (26 in the dry and 34 in the rainy season), being two arboreal
species.
• One worm lizard, Amphisbaena sp, was found in a trap in January 2004 when we
were not conducting the regular samplings.
• Most of the lizards was found in Baias during both seasons (50% of all collected in
the dry season and 64,7% in the rainy season).

• The most abundant species in the dry season, Micrablepharus maximiliani (n=7) was
collected in Salinas.
• In the rainy season, Ameiva ameiva was the most abundant species (n=17 ),
representing 50% of the individuals. Most of them were collected in Baias, followed
by Gallery Forest (Table 6).
INSERT TABLE 6
Micrablepharus maximiliani inhabits sandy areas, which might explain why they were not
found in the Gallery Forest. Vanzosaura rubricauda and Cnemidophorus ocellifer were
only found in Baias, and the latter only during the dry season. However, they are
expected to occur also in Salinas habitats.
INSERT PIC 9
For the study of the reptile communities, more sampling effort is required, in comparison
to anuran communities and some species have not been identified due to taxonomic
problems within their group. We believe many more reptile species inhabit the area and
no conclusion on the richness and abundance of lizards and snakes at the Fazenda Rio
Negro can be draw yet.
Turtles and tortoises
• Twenty-three red-footed tortoises, Geochelone carbonaria (13 males and 9 females)
were captured, marked and released in 2004. Scat samples from several individuals
were collected.
• During the dry season, only 2 tortoises were captured. In the rainy season, during an
interval of 10 days, 8 tortoises (6 males and 2 females) were found.
• Thirteen toad-head turtles, Acantochelys macrocephala, (4 males and 9 females)
were collected: 9 in the dry season and 4 in the rainy season. Two new-borns were
trapped in pitfall traps near salinas. They were released without marking.
• Tortoises were mostly found near Baias or inside Semidecidous forest. On the other
hand, turtles were restricted to Salinas, either on the edge or swimming in the lakes.
• Preliminary results from the Monitoring Program at the CRI have indicated a higher
abundance and diversity of fruits during the rainy season, and the large amount of
seeds found in the scats of individuals collected in this season suggests that the
tortoises were more frequently found this time because of more food availability.
Camila Donatti from the CRI Frugivore Project is helping with the analysis of food
items found in the scats.
• Although several turtles and turtles have been found in 2004, no individual has been
recaptured yet.
INSERT PICS 10 AND 11
Differences in the local herpetological community probably result from the mosaic of
habitats. Long term monitoring should detect environmental changes such as global
warning, which can affect mainly the floods that rule the Pantanal, and the distribution
and ecology of species. As frogs are highly dependable on water, they can be important
indicator species.
It is very clear that for herpetofauna studies, long-term monitoring programs are
essential to draw reliable conclusions. One methodological problem observed in 2004
was the low number of samples but for 2005, we intend to increase this effort in order to
obtain more consistent information. However, we consider this first year very successful
and promising. There are still a lot to be discovered since the area is pristine and no
herpetological study has been conducted before.

Engagement
For most of the world population, frogs but mainly snakes are considered horrendous
and despicable creatures. People almost have an innate fear for these animals. The
truth is, people are afraid of what they do not know. When they first see a snake, they
tend to show disgust. But slowly, curiosity overcomes fear and they finally decide to
touch it. By doing so, they are more open to learn about them, and their role in the
nature.
At Fazenda Rio Negro, we have noticed a marked change in behavior of the local
community as one of us (EW) has lived in the farm for a couple of years. Before we
started the project, the workers naturally killed snakes whenever they came across one.
But now, they even bring us snakes and are able to distinguish the poisonous from nonpoisonous
ones. When we first ran an expedition, lots of kids were in the farm and they
were more curious than the adults. It was through the children that we reached the
adults. However, the older the person is, the more resistant they are. They are raised
with their parents warning them about snakes and this fear is hard to be taken away.
INSERT PICS 12 AND 13
Also, the neighboor farmers are interested about learning more about snakes because
they believe snakes sometimes kill the cattle and horses. Whenever possible, we show
visitors the snake and frog collection kept in the farm and it is rewarding to share our
love and respect for such important animals.
Volunteers that have participated our expeditions either frogs and snakes fans or
despised them. But in the end, they learned to respect and admire, which made us very
happy. An important contribution from volunteers was the wonderful pictures some had
taken. One of our goals is to prepare a field guide and with so much field and lab work,
we are left with no time to perform this activity. We are grateful for volunteers who
patiently listened to our needs and were able to capture through their cameras what we
were hoping to show.
Dissemination
• Two of us are university professors (VLF and JH) and students benefit from their field
experience. As VLF teaches in a local university, her students also help in the field
work.
• One scientific note resulting from this research is already in press (Ferreira et al.
2005). and a few more are being prepared. We are also going to present the results
of this work in three different scientific meetings in 2005, including an international
one.
• Ellen Wang was interviewed for a TV program in March 2004 broadcasted to the
whole country (Brazil) during prime time and also in the local news (State of Mato
Grosso do Sul).
• Our research results will be useful for the Fazenda Rio Negro Private Reserve
management plan. We hope to contribute with important information by pointing out
key habitats and indicator species which need special attention for overall
conservation (Table 7).
INSERT TABLE 7

Presentations, Meetings, Conferences/Workshops and Seminars
• Mar. 2004: Presentation on the Herpetology Project at University of Pennsylvania.
Speaker: Jeff Himmelstein.
• Oct. 2004: Short communication submitted to Herpetological Review: Phalotris
nasutus: Geographic Distibution. Vanda Lucia Ferreira, Ellen Wang and Jeff
Himmelstein.
• Nov. 2004: Newspaper article “Turistas pagam para caçar sapos”. Published in a
Sunday edition of “ O Estado de São Paulo”, one of the most important periodicals in
Brazil. The article was about Earthwatch Institute and Volunteers, featuring several
projects, including the Herpetology Project. Ellen Wang and Vanda Lucia Ferreira
were interviewed.
• Nov. 2004: Oral presentation: “Amphibians and Reptiles of Southern Pantanal”
presented by Vanda L. Ferreira, during the IV SINPAM (Symposium for the Natural,
Social and Economical Resources in the Pantanal) organized by Embrapa in
Corumbá, MS, Brazil, in. Participants: Ellen Wang and Vanda Lucia Ferreira.
• Nov. 2003: Annual EW conference, Boston, MA. CRI posters presented by Ellen
Wang and Jeff Himmelstein (Herpetology project).
• Nov. 2004: Annual EW conference, Boston, MA. CRI poster presented by Jeff
Himmelstein.
• Nov/Dec 04, The Expeditioner: The Pantanal: Flooded with Life, by Ken Mallory.
Partnerships
• Conservation International of Brazil: CI owns and manages the RPPN of Fazenda
Rio Negro. We hope to contribute with the management plan of the Private Reserve;
• Embrapa (Empresa Brasileira de Agropecuária). Our project in association with
others scientists is identifying bio-indicator species and evaluating the catlle impact
on the local biodiversity.
Acknowledgements
We are grateful to Earthwatch volunteers, fellows and staff who have put so much work
to help us both in the field and back in the office. Without the volunteers, we would have
never been able to collect such amount of data. Thanks to Miguel Arambula, Ken
Mallory, Tienie Ellis, Tom Gula, and many others for sharing their pictures.
We are immensely grateful to Baiano (Ezidio Arruda) who has lived and worked in the
farm for almost 40 years and has always helped one of us (EW) throughout the project,
but especially by setting the traps in the very beginning. Moacir Lacerda helped us
record anurans; Michael Fried, Rosangela Batista, Sean K. Eaton and Leandro Gomes
Junior during field work; Camila Donatti helped identify seeds found in turtles scats; Don
Eaton shared rainfall and temperature data; Alexine Keuroghlian, Amadeu Barbosa and
Pita for their friendship and constant support.
All the PIs working at Fazenda Rio Negro have always been team players and great
company. Thanks to Camila, Don, Alexine, Junior and local workers for collecting and
realeasing turtles. The workers at Fazenda Rio Negro always informed us about snakes,

helped in the field and fed us wonderfully. Special thanks to Suzana Lima, Tasso
Medeiros and Rodrigo Marcondes.
SEMA (02/04) and IBAMA (15/2005-CGFAU/LIC), respectively the state and federal
environmental agencies provided the permits. IDEA WILD has granted us equipment
(GPS, digital camera and spring scales).
Literature Cited
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Measuring and Monitoring Biological Diversity. Standard Methods for Amphibians.
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Pantanal Wetlands. Earthwatch Institute Pantanal CRI Annual Report. Pp: 24-37.
(http://www.earthwatch.org/conservation/pantanal_01.pdf).
Ferreira, V.L., Wang, E. & Himmelstein, J. 2005 . Geographic distribution. Phalotris
nasutus. Herpetol. Review. (in press).
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Peterson, C.R. & Dorcas, M.E. 1992. The use of automated data acquisition techniques
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Szaro, R.C., Severson, K.E., & Patton, D.R. (eds). 1988. Management of Amphibians,
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Grosso do Sul, Brasil, RAP Bulletin of Biological Assessment, 18. Center for Applied
Biodiversity Science (CABS), Conservation International, The Field Museum, Museu
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