Field Report C: Amphibians and Reptiles of the Southern Pantanal ...
Field Report C: Amphibians and Reptiles of the Southern Pantanal ...
Field Report C: Amphibians and Reptiles of the Southern Pantanal ...
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<strong>Field</strong> <strong>Report</strong> C:<br />
<strong>Amphibians</strong> <strong>and</strong> <strong>Reptiles</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Sou<strong>the</strong>rn <strong>Pantanal</strong><br />
Principal Investigators: Ellen Wang, Earthwatch Institute; V<strong>and</strong>a Lúcia Ferreira,<br />
Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso do Sul (UFMS-Corumbá), <strong>and</strong> Jeffrey<br />
Himmelstein, William Paterson University, NJ, ellenwang@terra.com.br,<br />
v<strong>and</strong>af@ceuc.ufms.br, KianTunich@aol.com<br />
Number <strong>of</strong> EW volunteers & fellows participating since 2004: 36<br />
Abstract: During <strong>the</strong> year <strong>of</strong> 2004, we surveyed amphibians <strong>and</strong> reptiles in three<br />
different habitats (Gallery Forest, Baías <strong>and</strong> Salinas) during <strong>the</strong> dry <strong>and</strong> rainy season in<br />
<strong>the</strong> Sou<strong>the</strong>rn <strong>Pantanal</strong>. A total <strong>of</strong> 982 frogs from 13 species was captured in pitfall traps,<br />
marked <strong>and</strong> released. Highest frog abundance was observed in <strong>the</strong> Gallery Forest,<br />
followed by Baías <strong>and</strong> Salinas. In Baías <strong>and</strong> Salinas Physalaemus albonotatus was <strong>the</strong><br />
most abundant species <strong>and</strong> in Gallery Forest, it was Leptodactylus podicipinus, during<br />
both dry <strong>and</strong> rainy season. Twenty–five snake species are known to occur at Fazenda<br />
Rio Negro, but only 10 species (33 inviduals) were collected in <strong>the</strong> pitfall traps. Thus far,<br />
14 lizard species have been recorded for FRN. A total <strong>of</strong> 60 lizards from 9 species was<br />
trapped being two arboreal species. Twenty-three red-footed tortoises, Geochelone<br />
carbonaria (13 males <strong>and</strong> 9 females) were captured, marked <strong>and</strong> released in 2004. Scat<br />
samples from several individuals were collected.<br />
It is very clear that for herpet<strong>of</strong>auna studies, long-term monitoring programs are<br />
essential to draw reliable conclusions. One methodological problem observed in 2004<br />
was <strong>the</strong> low number <strong>of</strong> samples but for 2005, we intend to increase this effort in order to<br />
obtain more consistent information. However, we consider this first year very successful<br />
<strong>and</strong> promising. There are still a lot to be discovered since <strong>the</strong> area is pristine <strong>and</strong> no<br />
herpetological study has been conducted <strong>the</strong>re before.<br />
Introduction & Objectives:<br />
The data base on <strong>Pantanal</strong> amphibians <strong>and</strong> reptiles is ra<strong>the</strong>r depauperate at best <strong>and</strong><br />
even more so for <strong>the</strong> Sou<strong>the</strong>rn <strong>Pantanal</strong> (see Duellman 1978; PCBAP 1997). Existing<br />
<strong>Pantanal</strong> herpet<strong>of</strong>aunal lists are confusing <strong>and</strong> inconsistent with respect to numbers <strong>of</strong><br />
extant species. CI’s 3-day AquaRap expedition in <strong>the</strong> Rio Negro basin in 1998 produced<br />
a list <strong>of</strong> 41 species <strong>of</strong> amphibians <strong>and</strong> 24 species <strong>of</strong> reptiles (Willink et al. 2002).<br />
However, <strong>the</strong> expedition occurred in <strong>the</strong> dry season (winter in <strong>the</strong> <strong>Pantanal</strong>), so it is likely<br />
that a number <strong>of</strong> seasonally inactive species were missed. Observations at Fazenda Rio<br />
Negro during both seasons have yielded a preliminary list <strong>of</strong> 18 amphibians <strong>and</strong> 23<br />
reptiles species.<br />
The Middle Rio Negro region has a high conservation status. Deforestation has been<br />
minimal, access via roads is difficult, <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> main commercial activity is low-impact<br />
cattle ranching using native pastures. Since <strong>the</strong> CRI is located in <strong>the</strong> heart <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Middle<br />
Rio Negro, <strong>the</strong> need to know <strong>the</strong> herpet<strong>of</strong>auna has great relevance to conservation.<br />
Consequently, <strong>the</strong> immediate goal <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> project is to determine <strong>the</strong> species <strong>of</strong><br />
herpet<strong>of</strong>auna <strong>and</strong> natural history <strong>of</strong> some species that occur in <strong>the</strong> region. Subsequent<br />
to <strong>the</strong> acquisition <strong>of</strong> this data base, related projects will ensue to determine <strong>the</strong> ecology<br />
<strong>of</strong> various species such as <strong>the</strong> Red Foot Tortoise (Geochelone carbonaria), Toad head
turtle (Achanthochelys macrocephala), <strong>and</strong> anuran species in general. Long-term goals<br />
include publishing a guide to <strong>the</strong> <strong>Pantanal</strong> herpet<strong>of</strong>auna.<br />
Short-term Objectives:<br />
• To determine <strong>the</strong> diversity (richness <strong>and</strong> abundance) <strong>of</strong> amphibians <strong>and</strong> reptiles<br />
in <strong>the</strong> different habitats in <strong>the</strong> Sou<strong>the</strong>rn <strong>Pantanal</strong>;<br />
• To investigate <strong>the</strong> ecology <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Pantanal</strong> turtles, <strong>the</strong> <strong>Pantanal</strong> Toad Headed<br />
Turtle (Acantochelys macrocephala) <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> Red Foot Tortoise (Geochelone<br />
carbonaria);<br />
• To improve <strong>the</strong> knowledge base <strong>of</strong> teacher <strong>and</strong> student fellows, as well as<br />
volunteers but mainly <strong>the</strong> local community, concerning amphibians <strong>and</strong> reptiles,<br />
<strong>and</strong> to increase <strong>the</strong>ir degree <strong>of</strong> comfort <strong>and</strong> appreciation for h<strong>and</strong>ling nondangerous<br />
species. We will temporarily hold specimens in aquaria <strong>and</strong><br />
terrariums to allow team members to photograph <strong>and</strong> become more familiar with<br />
<strong>the</strong> species.<br />
Long-term Objectives:<br />
• Access <strong>the</strong> status <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> populations <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> amphibians <strong>and</strong> reptiles in <strong>the</strong><br />
Sou<strong>the</strong>rn <strong>Pantanal</strong>;<br />
• Support <strong>the</strong> design <strong>of</strong> conservation strategies for amphibians <strong>and</strong> reptiles in <strong>the</strong><br />
Sou<strong>the</strong>rn <strong>Pantanal</strong>;<br />
• Produce an Audio CD containing <strong>the</strong> frog calls;<br />
• Produce a field guide on amphibians <strong>and</strong> reptiles from <strong>the</strong> Sou<strong>the</strong>rn <strong>Pantanal</strong>.<br />
Methods:<br />
<strong>Field</strong> procedures<br />
• Drift fences with pitfall traps<br />
For general survey <strong>of</strong> fossorial, terrestrial <strong>and</strong> criptozooic species, 9 straight line<br />
drift fences <strong>and</strong> pitfall traps (72) were set in three different habitats (Gallery Forest,<br />
Baías <strong>and</strong> Salinas) at Fazenda Rio Negro. Each trap line is composed by two half lines,<br />
with 4 traps each, totalizing 8 traps per sampling site. The distance between each trap is<br />
15 meters. The distance between each half line is 50 meters. Three lines were set per<br />
habitat. The sampling effort was 72 traps/5 nights per expedition. We conducted two<br />
surveys per season in 2004 (Dry season: July <strong>and</strong> August; Rainy season: April <strong>and</strong><br />
December).<br />
Drift fences <strong>and</strong> pitfall traps are commonly used to survey <strong>and</strong> monitor not only<br />
populations <strong>of</strong> amphibians <strong>and</strong> reptiles but also terrestrial vertebrates that are big<br />
enough to fall into <strong>the</strong> trap <strong>and</strong> not escape (Szaro et al. 1998 ).They can be used to<br />
determine species richness <strong>and</strong> detect <strong>the</strong> presence <strong>of</strong> rare species or difficult to catch<br />
due to <strong>the</strong>ir habits. They can also provide information on relative abundances <strong>and</strong><br />
habitat uses <strong>of</strong> certain species. An additional advantage <strong>of</strong> this methodology is that it<br />
can be left in a place for long-term monitoring, except for aquatic, arboreal <strong>and</strong> semiarboreal<br />
species.<br />
During each expedition, <strong>the</strong> pitfall traps were opened for 5 consecutive nights<br />
<strong>and</strong> checked early <strong>the</strong> next morning. Animals such as insects, spiders, coackroaches,<br />
scorpions, etc were immediately released. Whenever a small mammal was found in <strong>the</strong><br />
trap, we first checked if it had been ear-tagged by <strong>the</strong> researchers from <strong>the</strong> Animal<br />
Health Project <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong>n, released. <strong>Amphibians</strong> <strong>and</strong> reptiles captured in <strong>the</strong> traps were
put into ei<strong>the</strong>r labeled plastic or cloth bag, kept in styr<strong>of</strong>oam boxes <strong>and</strong> taken to <strong>the</strong><br />
laboratory.<br />
INSERT PIC 1<br />
• Hide boards<br />
In order to increase <strong>the</strong> chances <strong>of</strong> finding mainly reptiles, two square hide<br />
boards (1,10 X 1,10 m) made out <strong>of</strong> sheets <strong>of</strong> plywood were left on both ends <strong>of</strong> each<br />
drift fence <strong>and</strong> pitfall trap line, totalizing 18 boards (6 per habitat).<br />
• Time constrained search (TCS)<br />
These searches were carried out only once during daylight time. Five people<br />
moved slowly on a patch, searching for snakes in all visually accessible microhabitats,<br />
as well as under fallen tree trunks, inside termite mounds, mammal burrows, etc.<br />
Volunteers were trained in <strong>the</strong> method before working in TCS. Sampling effort is <strong>the</strong><br />
number <strong>of</strong> man/hours <strong>of</strong> search, <strong>and</strong> encounter rates are <strong>the</strong> number <strong>of</strong> snakes found<br />
per man/hour <strong>of</strong> search. We recorded: species; snout-vent length <strong>and</strong> tail length (with a<br />
measuring tape); weight (with Pesola spring scales); sex (with probes), GPS location,<br />
habitat; wea<strong>the</strong>r conditions; behavior; presence/absence <strong>of</strong> eggs or embryos;<br />
presence/absence <strong>of</strong> food in <strong>the</strong> stomach; etc.<br />
• Nocturnal observation <strong>and</strong> recording <strong>of</strong> anurans in aquatic environments<br />
To record anuran calls, we used a Marantz PMD222 portable recorder <strong>and</strong> an<br />
Audio Technica shotgun microphone (AT815B). The calls are recorded in cassete tapes<br />
(Peterson & Dorcas 1992) <strong>and</strong> a collection <strong>of</strong> calls is being put toge<strong>the</strong>r with <strong>the</strong><br />
collaboration <strong>of</strong> a specialist. The calls are used for play-back calls so that researchers<br />
will detect <strong>the</strong> presence <strong>of</strong> a species in specific habitats if it calls back, even if not<br />
visually recorded.<br />
• Visual encounter surveys (VES)<br />
Visual encounter surveys were conducted around salinas habitats <strong>and</strong> represent<br />
one <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> best techniques to rapidly determine <strong>the</strong> presence or absence <strong>of</strong> amphibian<br />
<strong>and</strong> reptile species. This technique showed to be very productive in finding Toad-headed<br />
Turtles. Captured specimens were measured <strong>and</strong> marked with microchips.<br />
• Occasional encounters<br />
Whenever a reptile such as snake or turtle was found on roads or trails by<br />
researchers from this or o<strong>the</strong>r projects, <strong>and</strong> farm workers as well, <strong>the</strong>y were brought<br />
back to <strong>the</strong> laboratory for measuraments <strong>and</strong> marking.<br />
When an animal was found in a pitfall trap, <strong>the</strong> trap number was recorded <strong>and</strong> if found<br />
by any <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r methods described above, its GPS location was also recorded.<br />
Laboratory procedures<br />
All captured animals were weighed <strong>and</strong> measured in <strong>the</strong> laboratory. The<br />
measurements varied for each animal group. Measurements taken were:<br />
Frogs: snout-vent length <strong>and</strong> weight.<br />
Lizards: snout-vent, tail <strong>and</strong> head length, <strong>and</strong> weight.<br />
Snakes: snout-vent, tail <strong>and</strong> head length, <strong>and</strong> weight.<br />
Turtles <strong>and</strong> tortoises: Carapace dorsal <strong>and</strong> ventral length <strong>and</strong> width.<br />
Gender was recorded whenever possible. Tortoises were usually kept in <strong>the</strong><br />
laboratory for a couple <strong>of</strong> days until defecation occurs, so that <strong>the</strong>ir feces can be<br />
examined.<br />
INSERT PIC 2<br />
Marking techniques:
Mark-recapture methods are important study tools for monitoring programs because<br />
<strong>the</strong>y allow estimate not only <strong>the</strong> population size but demographic parameters such as<br />
birth, death, movements, survival rates, etc, spatial <strong>and</strong> resource uses (home range),<br />
<strong>and</strong> individual growth rate (Donnelly & Guyer 1994).<br />
• Clip-toe<br />
This is one <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> most commom, easiest <strong>and</strong> inexpensive ways to permanently<br />
mark frogs <strong>and</strong> smaller lizards. Besides, frogs <strong>and</strong> lizards are known to lose digits due to<br />
o<strong>the</strong>r factors such as predation or fights with o<strong>the</strong>r individuals. Consequently, this<br />
marking technique probably does not interfere with <strong>the</strong> animal biology (McDiarmid,<br />
1994). This methodology requires good scissors, alcohol to clean <strong>the</strong>m <strong>and</strong> antibiotics<br />
applied to <strong>the</strong> digits to reduce <strong>the</strong> probability <strong>of</strong> infections. The great advantage is that<br />
allows thous<strong>and</strong>s <strong>of</strong> combinations.<br />
• Passive integrated transponder (PIT)<br />
More commonly known as microchip, it is a radio-frequency tag that consists <strong>of</strong><br />
an electromagnetic coil, tuning capacitor, <strong>and</strong> microchip encased in a glass with a 1-digit<br />
hexadecimal number, read with a portable scanner. This method <strong>of</strong>fers several<br />
advantages such as, <strong>the</strong> animal will carry it throughout its life <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong>re are billions <strong>of</strong><br />
possible codes. However, it is expensive. We marked turtles, bigger lizards <strong>and</strong> snakes<br />
with microchips.<br />
INSERT PIC 3<br />
• Wood marker<br />
This technique was used to mark tortoises. Unlike turtles, tortoises have harder<br />
skin <strong>and</strong> less exposed s<strong>of</strong>t parts. We noticed wood markers could be effective because<br />
<strong>the</strong> numbers are marked on <strong>the</strong> carapace, not causing any pain to <strong>the</strong> animal. On <strong>the</strong><br />
o<strong>the</strong>r h<strong>and</strong>, turtles could not be marked with wood markers because <strong>the</strong>y are more<br />
susceptible to caimans scratching <strong>the</strong>ir carapaces, which could make marks<br />
unreadeable.<br />
Volunteer Tasks <strong>and</strong> Accomplishments<br />
During 2004, <strong>the</strong> Herpetology team ran 5 expeditions <strong>and</strong> 36 volunteers helped us<br />
ga<strong>the</strong>r important data. Volunteers helped since <strong>the</strong> beginning <strong>of</strong> this project by clearing<br />
trails <strong>and</strong> setting <strong>the</strong> pitfall traps (n=72) by digging 1-meter deep holes in <strong>the</strong> soil, <strong>and</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> drift fences to connect <strong>the</strong> traps. During one preliminary survey (January) <strong>and</strong> 4<br />
sampling expeditions, we were able to capture more than 1500 frogs, 60 lizards, 33<br />
snakes <strong>and</strong> 23 turtles <strong>and</strong> tortoises (not accounting specimens observed <strong>and</strong> not<br />
marked). In addition to checking <strong>the</strong> pitfall traps for 5 consecutive days, volunteers<br />
helped during laboratory procedures. On several occasions, we worked over 10 hours a<br />
day, especially during <strong>the</strong> rainy season when frogs are frenetically breeding.<br />
INSERT PIC 4<br />
Volunteers also helped wash turtles scats, patiently separated food items after scats<br />
were washed, planted seeds found in <strong>the</strong>ir scats for germination studies, looked for<br />
animals during TCS <strong>and</strong> VES events, recorded frog calls during <strong>the</strong> night, slowly walked<br />
in <strong>the</strong> forest looking for arboreal lizards, took notes, measured, weighed, <strong>and</strong> released<br />
animals in <strong>the</strong> field. They also entered data into spreadsheets <strong>and</strong> even prepared tables<br />
<strong>and</strong> graphs. Some volunteers kindly <strong>and</strong> promptly shared <strong>the</strong>ir beautiful pictures with us.<br />
INSERT PIC 5<br />
Results <strong>and</strong> Discussion:
The quantitative data on <strong>the</strong> herpet<strong>of</strong>auna results mostly from 4 sampling events during<br />
<strong>the</strong> year <strong>of</strong> 2004. O<strong>the</strong>r species listed for FRN were observed by two <strong>of</strong> us (JH <strong>and</strong> EW)<br />
since 2000 or in <strong>the</strong> case <strong>of</strong> snakes, found by <strong>the</strong> residents <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> farm. Turtles <strong>and</strong><br />
tortoises were found occasionaly by several people including researchers <strong>of</strong> this <strong>and</strong><br />
o<strong>the</strong>r projects, <strong>and</strong> by <strong>the</strong> farm workers. The scientific <strong>and</strong> common English <strong>and</strong><br />
Portuguese names <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> species registered are listed under Tables 1 <strong>and</strong> 2.<br />
INSERT TABLES 1 AND 2<br />
Anurans (Frogs <strong>and</strong> toads)<br />
• A total <strong>of</strong> 982 frogs from 13 species was captured in pitfall traps, marked <strong>and</strong><br />
released. Two species are aquatic. More than 200 individuals were released without<br />
marking because <strong>the</strong>y were juveniles (Table 3).<br />
• Ten individuals per species were preserved <strong>and</strong> deposited in museum collection at<br />
Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso do Sul as voucher specimens.<br />
• The majority <strong>of</strong> frogs was captured during <strong>the</strong> rainy season (76%).<br />
• In both dry <strong>and</strong> rainy seasons, <strong>the</strong> highest number <strong>of</strong> frogs was observed in <strong>the</strong><br />
Gallery Forest, followed by Baias <strong>and</strong> Salinas.<br />
• During <strong>the</strong> dry season, Leptodactylus podicipinus <strong>and</strong> Adenomera sp were <strong>the</strong> most<br />
abundant species in <strong>the</strong> Gallery forest but in <strong>the</strong> rainy season, only a few Adenomera<br />
sp was captured whereas L. podicipinus represented 55,8 % <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> individuals<br />
captured in this habitat.<br />
• Physalaemus albonotatus, Leptodactylus podicipinus <strong>and</strong> Adenomera sp had similar<br />
frequencies in <strong>the</strong> dry season in Baías, but in <strong>the</strong> rainy season, P. albonotatus was<br />
more abundant than any o<strong>the</strong>r species (43,46%).<br />
• Physalaemus fuscomaculatus <strong>and</strong> P. albonotatus were <strong>the</strong> most common species in<br />
Salinas during <strong>the</strong> dry season, although very few individuals were captured <strong>the</strong>re. In<br />
<strong>the</strong> rainy season, P. albonotatus <strong>and</strong> Pseudis paradoxa were <strong>the</strong> most common in<br />
Salinas <strong>and</strong> represented respectively 39,87 <strong>and</strong> 34,81% <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> total in this habitat<br />
(Figs. 1 <strong>and</strong> 2). The latter is an aquatic species <strong>and</strong> its high abundance in <strong>the</strong> traps<br />
was a result <strong>of</strong> intense rain during <strong>the</strong> expedition.<br />
• Three species (Leptodactylus fuscus, L. elenae <strong>and</strong> L. mystacinus) were not<br />
captured in any habitat during <strong>the</strong> dry season, but a significant number <strong>of</strong> L. elenae<br />
was captured in <strong>the</strong> rainy season, mainly in <strong>the</strong> Gallery Forest.<br />
• Bufo schneideri <strong>and</strong> Lysapsus limellus were restricted to <strong>the</strong> Gallery Forest in <strong>the</strong><br />
rainy season but were also found in Baias during <strong>the</strong> dry season (Figs. 3 <strong>and</strong> 4).<br />
• The highest index <strong>of</strong> diversity for <strong>the</strong> anur<strong>of</strong>auna was observed in <strong>the</strong> Baias, during<br />
<strong>the</strong> dry season, <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> lowest in Salinas during <strong>the</strong> rainy season (Table 4).<br />
INSERT TABLE 3 AND 4<br />
INSERT FIG 1, 2, 3 AND 4<br />
The year <strong>of</strong> 2004 was unusually wet but during <strong>the</strong> months <strong>of</strong> July <strong>and</strong> August when we<br />
collected dry season samples, <strong>the</strong>re was practically no rain. It was very wet in April <strong>and</strong><br />
December <strong>and</strong> total rainfall were respectively 189 <strong>and</strong> 120 mm (Fig. 5).<br />
INSERT FIG 5<br />
Anurans are closely related to moisture, whose geographic range, ecology, behavior <strong>and</strong><br />
life history are strongly influenced by <strong>the</strong> distribution <strong>and</strong> abundance <strong>of</strong> water<br />
(McDiarmiad 1994). Water scarcity might explain <strong>the</strong> highest diversity index for anurans<br />
found in Baias during <strong>the</strong> dry season as <strong>the</strong>y hold water year-round, opposite to Salinas<br />
that undergo intense evaporation which results in high alkalinity <strong>of</strong> water (Eaton 2001),
making it difficult for anurans to use <strong>the</strong> area. The Gallery Forest presents different<br />
degrees <strong>of</strong> moisture, which naturally decreases during <strong>the</strong> dry season but as expected,<br />
most <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> frogs were found <strong>the</strong>re during <strong>the</strong> dry season. However, it is intriguing that<br />
Adenomera sp, a leptodactylid, was mostly collected in <strong>the</strong> Gallery forest during <strong>the</strong> dry<br />
season but only a few in <strong>the</strong> rainy season, when <strong>the</strong>y were mostly captured in Baias.<br />
The highest abundance <strong>of</strong> Leptodactylus podicipinus <strong>and</strong> Bufo schneideri in <strong>the</strong><br />
Gallery forest during <strong>the</strong> rainy season suggests <strong>the</strong>se species are more restricted to this<br />
habitat.<br />
INSERT PIC 6<br />
Long-term monitoring programs are important in ecological studies <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> anur<strong>of</strong>auna<br />
because frog distribution <strong>and</strong> ecology can be influenced not only by <strong>the</strong> vegetation but<br />
also climatic factors, which might not be detected in short-term studies. Besides, some<br />
species undergo natural declinations that are only observed in long-term monitoring<br />
programs. A 35-year study conducted in <strong>the</strong> Atlantic Rainforest (Heyer et al. 1988) has<br />
indicated that changes in <strong>the</strong> community composition (extinction <strong>and</strong>/or appearance <strong>of</strong> a<br />
few frog species) resulted from unusually heavy frosts leading to short-term ecological<br />
changes <strong>and</strong> potential long-term evolutionary effects.<br />
Snakes<br />
• Twenty–five snake species are known to occurr at Fazenda Rio Negro, but only 10<br />
species (33 inviduals) were collected in <strong>the</strong> pitfall traps: 33.3% in dry season <strong>and</strong><br />
66.4% in <strong>the</strong> wet season (Table 5).<br />
• A considerable number <strong>of</strong> snakes (n = 28) was observed near people’s houses.<br />
Pitvipers were seen 5 times near houses, never in <strong>the</strong> pitfall traps.<br />
• Typhlops brongersmianus (blind snake) was <strong>the</strong> most abundant species both in <strong>the</strong><br />
dry <strong>and</strong> rainy season. They represented 36,36% <strong>of</strong> all snakes found in <strong>the</strong> traps in<br />
2004.<br />
• Most <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> snakes were found in Baias in <strong>the</strong> dry season, <strong>and</strong> in <strong>the</strong> Gallery forest<br />
in <strong>the</strong> rainy season.<br />
• Among <strong>the</strong> snakes found near <strong>the</strong> houses, three species were more abundant:<br />
Leptophis ahaetulla, Lystrophis matogrossensis, Psomophis genimaculatus <strong>and</strong><br />
Liophis poecilogyrus. Most <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>se snakes were seen during <strong>the</strong> dry season.<br />
INSERT TABLE 5<br />
The higher abundance <strong>of</strong> snakes in <strong>the</strong> rainy season might be related to increased food<br />
(anurans) availability during this period. Our data is very preliminary <strong>and</strong> more sampling<br />
effort is needed to better underst<strong>and</strong> snakes ecological aspects <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> main factors<br />
that affect <strong>the</strong>ir distribution in <strong>the</strong> area. We also believe <strong>the</strong>re are species that have not<br />
been recorded for this area because during this first year <strong>of</strong> sampling, one species not<br />
known to occur in <strong>the</strong> area (Phalotris nasutus) was trapped (Ferreira, Wang &<br />
Himmelstein, in press).<br />
INSERT PICS 7 <strong>and</strong> 8<br />
Lizards<br />
• Thus far, 14 species have been recorded for FRN. A total <strong>of</strong> 60 lizards from 9<br />
species was trapped (26 in <strong>the</strong> dry <strong>and</strong> 34 in <strong>the</strong> rainy season), being two arboreal<br />
species.<br />
• One worm lizard, Amphisbaena sp, was found in a trap in January 2004 when we<br />
were not conducting <strong>the</strong> regular samplings.<br />
• Most <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> lizards was found in Baias during both seasons (50% <strong>of</strong> all collected in<br />
<strong>the</strong> dry season <strong>and</strong> 64,7% in <strong>the</strong> rainy season).
• The most abundant species in <strong>the</strong> dry season, Micrablepharus maximiliani (n=7) was<br />
collected in Salinas.<br />
• In <strong>the</strong> rainy season, Ameiva ameiva was <strong>the</strong> most abundant species (n=17 ),<br />
representing 50% <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> individuals. Most <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>m were collected in Baias, followed<br />
by Gallery Forest (Table 6).<br />
INSERT TABLE 6<br />
Micrablepharus maximiliani inhabits s<strong>and</strong>y areas, which might explain why <strong>the</strong>y were not<br />
found in <strong>the</strong> Gallery Forest. Vanzosaura rubricauda <strong>and</strong> Cnemidophorus ocellifer were<br />
only found in Baias, <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> latter only during <strong>the</strong> dry season. However, <strong>the</strong>y are<br />
expected to occur also in Salinas habitats.<br />
INSERT PIC 9<br />
For <strong>the</strong> study <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> reptile communities, more sampling effort is required, in comparison<br />
to anuran communities <strong>and</strong> some species have not been identified due to taxonomic<br />
problems within <strong>the</strong>ir group. We believe many more reptile species inhabit <strong>the</strong> area <strong>and</strong><br />
no conclusion on <strong>the</strong> richness <strong>and</strong> abundance <strong>of</strong> lizards <strong>and</strong> snakes at <strong>the</strong> Fazenda Rio<br />
Negro can be draw yet.<br />
Turtles <strong>and</strong> tortoises<br />
• Twenty-three red-footed tortoises, Geochelone carbonaria (13 males <strong>and</strong> 9 females)<br />
were captured, marked <strong>and</strong> released in 2004. Scat samples from several individuals<br />
were collected.<br />
• During <strong>the</strong> dry season, only 2 tortoises were captured. In <strong>the</strong> rainy season, during an<br />
interval <strong>of</strong> 10 days, 8 tortoises (6 males <strong>and</strong> 2 females) were found.<br />
• Thirteen toad-head turtles, Acantochelys macrocephala, (4 males <strong>and</strong> 9 females)<br />
were collected: 9 in <strong>the</strong> dry season <strong>and</strong> 4 in <strong>the</strong> rainy season. Two new-borns were<br />
trapped in pitfall traps near salinas. They were released without marking.<br />
• Tortoises were mostly found near Baias or inside Semidecidous forest. On <strong>the</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r<br />
h<strong>and</strong>, turtles were restricted to Salinas, ei<strong>the</strong>r on <strong>the</strong> edge or swimming in <strong>the</strong> lakes.<br />
• Preliminary results from <strong>the</strong> Monitoring Program at <strong>the</strong> CRI have indicated a higher<br />
abundance <strong>and</strong> diversity <strong>of</strong> fruits during <strong>the</strong> rainy season, <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> large amount <strong>of</strong><br />
seeds found in <strong>the</strong> scats <strong>of</strong> individuals collected in this season suggests that <strong>the</strong><br />
tortoises were more frequently found this time because <strong>of</strong> more food availability.<br />
Camila Donatti from <strong>the</strong> CRI Frugivore Project is helping with <strong>the</strong> analysis <strong>of</strong> food<br />
items found in <strong>the</strong> scats.<br />
• Although several turtles <strong>and</strong> turtles have been found in 2004, no individual has been<br />
recaptured yet.<br />
INSERT PICS 10 AND 11<br />
Differences in <strong>the</strong> local herpetological community probably result from <strong>the</strong> mosaic <strong>of</strong><br />
habitats. Long term monitoring should detect environmental changes such as global<br />
warning, which can affect mainly <strong>the</strong> floods that rule <strong>the</strong> <strong>Pantanal</strong>, <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> distribution<br />
<strong>and</strong> ecology <strong>of</strong> species. As frogs are highly dependable on water, <strong>the</strong>y can be important<br />
indicator species.<br />
It is very clear that for herpet<strong>of</strong>auna studies, long-term monitoring programs are<br />
essential to draw reliable conclusions. One methodological problem observed in 2004<br />
was <strong>the</strong> low number <strong>of</strong> samples but for 2005, we intend to increase this effort in order to<br />
obtain more consistent information. However, we consider this first year very successful<br />
<strong>and</strong> promising. There are still a lot to be discovered since <strong>the</strong> area is pristine <strong>and</strong> no<br />
herpetological study has been conducted before.
Engagement<br />
For most <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> world population, frogs but mainly snakes are considered horrendous<br />
<strong>and</strong> despicable creatures. People almost have an innate fear for <strong>the</strong>se animals. The<br />
truth is, people are afraid <strong>of</strong> what <strong>the</strong>y do not know. When <strong>the</strong>y first see a snake, <strong>the</strong>y<br />
tend to show disgust. But slowly, curiosity overcomes fear <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong>y finally decide to<br />
touch it. By doing so, <strong>the</strong>y are more open to learn about <strong>the</strong>m, <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir role in <strong>the</strong><br />
nature.<br />
At Fazenda Rio Negro, we have noticed a marked change in behavior <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> local<br />
community as one <strong>of</strong> us (EW) has lived in <strong>the</strong> farm for a couple <strong>of</strong> years. Before we<br />
started <strong>the</strong> project, <strong>the</strong> workers naturally killed snakes whenever <strong>the</strong>y came across one.<br />
But now, <strong>the</strong>y even bring us snakes <strong>and</strong> are able to distinguish <strong>the</strong> poisonous from nonpoisonous<br />
ones. When we first ran an expedition, lots <strong>of</strong> kids were in <strong>the</strong> farm <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong>y<br />
were more curious than <strong>the</strong> adults. It was through <strong>the</strong> children that we reached <strong>the</strong><br />
adults. However, <strong>the</strong> older <strong>the</strong> person is, <strong>the</strong> more resistant <strong>the</strong>y are. They are raised<br />
with <strong>the</strong>ir parents warning <strong>the</strong>m about snakes <strong>and</strong> this fear is hard to be taken away.<br />
INSERT PICS 12 AND 13<br />
Also, <strong>the</strong> neighboor farmers are interested about learning more about snakes because<br />
<strong>the</strong>y believe snakes sometimes kill <strong>the</strong> cattle <strong>and</strong> horses. Whenever possible, we show<br />
visitors <strong>the</strong> snake <strong>and</strong> frog collection kept in <strong>the</strong> farm <strong>and</strong> it is rewarding to share our<br />
love <strong>and</strong> respect for such important animals.<br />
Volunteers that have participated our expeditions ei<strong>the</strong>r frogs <strong>and</strong> snakes fans or<br />
despised <strong>the</strong>m. But in <strong>the</strong> end, <strong>the</strong>y learned to respect <strong>and</strong> admire, which made us very<br />
happy. An important contribution from volunteers was <strong>the</strong> wonderful pictures some had<br />
taken. One <strong>of</strong> our goals is to prepare a field guide <strong>and</strong> with so much field <strong>and</strong> lab work,<br />
we are left with no time to perform this activity. We are grateful for volunteers who<br />
patiently listened to our needs <strong>and</strong> were able to capture through <strong>the</strong>ir cameras what we<br />
were hoping to show.<br />
Dissemination<br />
• Two <strong>of</strong> us are university pr<strong>of</strong>essors (VLF <strong>and</strong> JH) <strong>and</strong> students benefit from <strong>the</strong>ir field<br />
experience. As VLF teaches in a local university, her students also help in <strong>the</strong> field<br />
work.<br />
• One scientific note resulting from this research is already in press (Ferreira et al.<br />
2005). <strong>and</strong> a few more are being prepared. We are also going to present <strong>the</strong> results<br />
<strong>of</strong> this work in three different scientific meetings in 2005, including an international<br />
one.<br />
• Ellen Wang was interviewed for a TV program in March 2004 broadcasted to <strong>the</strong><br />
whole country (Brazil) during prime time <strong>and</strong> also in <strong>the</strong> local news (State <strong>of</strong> Mato<br />
Grosso do Sul).<br />
• Our research results will be useful for <strong>the</strong> Fazenda Rio Negro Private Reserve<br />
management plan. We hope to contribute with important information by pointing out<br />
key habitats <strong>and</strong> indicator species which need special attention for overall<br />
conservation (Table 7).<br />
INSERT TABLE 7
Presentations, Meetings, Conferences/Workshops <strong>and</strong> Seminars<br />
• Mar. 2004: Presentation on <strong>the</strong> Herpetology Project at University <strong>of</strong> Pennsylvania.<br />
Speaker: Jeff Himmelstein.<br />
• Oct. 2004: Short communication submitted to Herpetological Review: Phalotris<br />
nasutus: Geographic Distibution. V<strong>and</strong>a Lucia Ferreira, Ellen Wang <strong>and</strong> Jeff<br />
Himmelstein.<br />
• Nov. 2004: Newspaper article “Turistas pagam para caçar sapos”. Published in a<br />
Sunday edition <strong>of</strong> “ O Estado de São Paulo”, one <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> most important periodicals in<br />
Brazil. The article was about Earthwatch Institute <strong>and</strong> Volunteers, featuring several<br />
projects, including <strong>the</strong> Herpetology Project. Ellen Wang <strong>and</strong> V<strong>and</strong>a Lucia Ferreira<br />
were interviewed.<br />
• Nov. 2004: Oral presentation: “<strong>Amphibians</strong> <strong>and</strong> <strong>Reptiles</strong> <strong>of</strong> Sou<strong>the</strong>rn <strong>Pantanal</strong>”<br />
presented by V<strong>and</strong>a L. Ferreira, during <strong>the</strong> IV SINPAM (Symposium for <strong>the</strong> Natural,<br />
Social <strong>and</strong> Economical Resources in <strong>the</strong> <strong>Pantanal</strong>) organized by Embrapa in<br />
Corumbá, MS, Brazil, in. Participants: Ellen Wang <strong>and</strong> V<strong>and</strong>a Lucia Ferreira.<br />
• Nov. 2003: Annual EW conference, Boston, MA. CRI posters presented by Ellen<br />
Wang <strong>and</strong> Jeff Himmelstein (Herpetology project).<br />
• Nov. 2004: Annual EW conference, Boston, MA. CRI poster presented by Jeff<br />
Himmelstein.<br />
• Nov/Dec 04, The Expeditioner: The <strong>Pantanal</strong>: Flooded with Life, by Ken Mallory.<br />
Partnerships<br />
• Conservation International <strong>of</strong> Brazil: CI owns <strong>and</strong> manages <strong>the</strong> RPPN <strong>of</strong> Fazenda<br />
Rio Negro. We hope to contribute with <strong>the</strong> management plan <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Private Reserve;<br />
• Embrapa (Empresa Brasileira de Agropecuária). Our project in association with<br />
o<strong>the</strong>rs scientists is identifying bio-indicator species <strong>and</strong> evaluating <strong>the</strong> catlle impact<br />
on <strong>the</strong> local biodiversity.<br />
Acknowledgements<br />
We are grateful to Earthwatch volunteers, fellows <strong>and</strong> staff who have put so much work<br />
to help us both in <strong>the</strong> field <strong>and</strong> back in <strong>the</strong> <strong>of</strong>fice. Without <strong>the</strong> volunteers, we would have<br />
never been able to collect such amount <strong>of</strong> data. Thanks to Miguel Arambula, Ken<br />
Mallory, Tienie Ellis, Tom Gula, <strong>and</strong> many o<strong>the</strong>rs for sharing <strong>the</strong>ir pictures.<br />
We are immensely grateful to Baiano (Ezidio Arruda) who has lived <strong>and</strong> worked in <strong>the</strong><br />
farm for almost 40 years <strong>and</strong> has always helped one <strong>of</strong> us (EW) throughout <strong>the</strong> project,<br />
but especially by setting <strong>the</strong> traps in <strong>the</strong> very beginning. Moacir Lacerda helped us<br />
record anurans; Michael Fried, Rosangela Batista, Sean K. Eaton <strong>and</strong> Le<strong>and</strong>ro Gomes<br />
Junior during field work; Camila Donatti helped identify seeds found in turtles scats; Don<br />
Eaton shared rainfall <strong>and</strong> temperature data; Alexine Keuroghlian, Amadeu Barbosa <strong>and</strong><br />
Pita for <strong>the</strong>ir friendship <strong>and</strong> constant support.<br />
All <strong>the</strong> PIs working at Fazenda Rio Negro have always been team players <strong>and</strong> great<br />
company. Thanks to Camila, Don, Alexine, Junior <strong>and</strong> local workers for collecting <strong>and</strong><br />
realeasing turtles. The workers at Fazenda Rio Negro always informed us about snakes,
helped in <strong>the</strong> field <strong>and</strong> fed us wonderfully. Special thanks to Suzana Lima, Tasso<br />
Medeiros <strong>and</strong> Rodrigo Marcondes.<br />
SEMA (02/04) <strong>and</strong> IBAMA (15/2005-CGFAU/LIC), respectively <strong>the</strong> state <strong>and</strong> federal<br />
environmental agencies provided <strong>the</strong> permits. IDEA WILD has granted us equipment<br />
(GPS, digital camera <strong>and</strong> spring scales).<br />
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