Herpetofauna of Laguna Blanca National Park, Argentinean Patagonia: species list and conservation status

Abstract

Laguna Blanca National Park (LBNP) is located in the mid-west of Neuquén Province, Argentina. It was created in 1940 with the aim of conserving the nesting and breeding habitats of an important diversity of birds. Until now, there have been no exclusive works that address the herpetofauna present. The aim of this article is to provide an updated inventory of reptile and amphibian species in LBNP. We used four sources of information to create the species list: 1) data coming from field observations; 2) specimens deposited in herpetological collections; 3) scientific literature review; 4) online biodiversity databases. We confirm the occurrence of 18 species of herpetofauna in LBNP, including 13 reptiles and 5 amphibians. We also included six species with probable presence according to the range of distribution and habitat similarity. We added the conservation status of the national and international lists for each species. Five species are in some threat category at the national (Vulnerable, Endangered) or international level (Endangered, Critically Endangered). Seven taxa are listed as “Species of Vertebrates of Special Value” by the Administración de Parques Nacionales. Despite being protected within a national park, the herpetofauna present face threats such as prolonged drought events, habitat modification due to the presence of livestock, introduced exotic species, and emerging diseases. Conservation efforts are imperative to protect these species and mitigate their threats.