Lizard fauna (Squamata, Sauria) from Serra do Ouro Branco, southern Espinhaço Range, Minas Gerais, Brazil

Abstract

The present study evaluated the lizard fauna in Serra do Ouro Branco, Minas Gerais, Brazil, a transition area between the Atlantic Forest and Cerrado. Data was collected using pitfall traps, active and occasional encounters, and through information from zoological collections and the literature. Field sampling was performed in two stages over a period of 36 months: from December 2006 to December 2008, and from January to December 2010. The study area is home to 15 species belonging to eight families: Anguidae, Gekkonidae, Gymnophthalmidae, Leiosauridae, Polychrotidae, Mabuyidae, Teiidae, and Tropiduridae. Lizard species evaluated in this study represent a relevant asset for this zoological group inhabiting the transitional areas between the Atlantic Forest and Cerrado. They include strictly forest species and endemic Atlantic Forest species such as Ecpleopus gaudichaudii, Enyalius perditus and Heterodactylus imbricatus in addition to typical Cerrado taxa common to both biomes.