Filling gaps and a new state record of Xenopholis scalaris (Wucherer, 1861) (Serpentes: Dipsadidae)

Abstract

We present the first record of the Dipsadidae snakes Xenopholis scalaris for the state of Rio de Janeiro and a general distribution map for this species. This record for the Brazilian Atlantic Forest expands the known geographical distribution of X. scalaris and reveals that its populations might not be isolated or disjunctive, but rather rare in this biome. We also provide some recommendations for future conservation of X. scalaris.