Impact of human intervention on herpetofauna communities: comparing strictly conserved vs grazing areas within Copo National Park, Argentina

Abstract

Human activities significantly alter natural habitats, leading to habitat loss and fragmentation, especially in regions like the Gran Chaco. Despite the expansion of protected areas, Argentina faces challenges in conserving its biodiversity, particularly due to anthropogenic activities. This study aimed to assess the effect of human-modified areas on herpetofauna diversity in Copo National Park, Santiago del Estero Province. Surveys were conducted between 2017 and 2018 in bothhuman-modified and conserved areas using live pitfall traps, active, and auditory searches. We estimated alpha, beta, and phylogenetic diversity for the entire assemblage and for each taxonomic group (amphibians, lizards, snakes, and tortoise). A total of 52 species were recorded across the protected area: 28 in the strictly conserved area and 40 in the human-modified one, which hadmore unique species. Although species richness was higher in the human-modified area, significant differences were only found when analysing amphibians. This increased richness could be due to the presence of artificial water bodies and habitat heterogeneity from overgrazing, which favours anurans and heliothermic reptiles. Our findings highlight the role of artificial water bodies in sustaining amphibian diversity within modified landscapes. Our results suggest that, despite habitatmodifications, Copo National Park maintains high herpetofaunal conservation value. Further studies are needed to understand the long-term ecological implications of these changes, especially concerning biodiversity and ecosystem health. Integrating management strategies that consider ecological, social, and cultural dimensions is essential for effective conservation efforts.