Primeros registros de la herpetofauna en dos áreas naturales protegidas de la provincia de Santiago del Estero (Argentina)

Abstract

Dry Chaco ecoregion is one of the largest remnants of dry forest in Latin America and has a very diverse herpetofauna. However, further studies are required for a deep knowledge of its composition and structure. Our objective was to perform an inventory of the herpetofauna in two natural areas of Dry Chaco of Santiago del Estero: Caburé Sur and Parque Provincial Copo. In the two protected areas we recorded 21 and 25 species of anurans and reptiles, respectively. According to the last Argentinean conservation assessment we found one threatened and five vulnerable species of reptiles in both protected areas. The inventory revealed that herpetofauna of the two protected areas of Santiago del Estero contains about 60% of the Dry Chaco herpetofauna. We report the presence of three new species for Santiago del Estero: Kentropyx viridistriga, Teius oculatus and Stenocercus doellojuradoi. We provide new information for future research and conservation actions on this ecoregion.