Abstract

CAICEDO-PORTILLA, JOSÉ RANCES. Rediscovery of Mabuya berengerae, Mabuya pergravis (Squamata: Scincidae) and Coniophanes andresensis (Squamata: Colubridae), and assesment of its threatened status in the San Andrés and Providencia Islands, Colombia. Caldasia [online]. 2014, vol.36, n.1, pp.181-201. ISSN 0366-5232.  https://doi.org/10.15446/caldasia.v36n1.43899.

New information on the taxonomy, distribution and natural history of the lizards Mabuya berengerae and M. pergravis, as well as for the snake Coniophanes andresensis, are herein provided. These three endemic species of the San Andrés and Providencia islands are currently believed to be very rare or even extinct. Despite the short period of study on both islands, this contribution demonstrates that the lizards are not uncommon, as up to eight individuals were found each half an hour. According to the IUCN, the evaluation of the conservation status classifies M. berengerae and M. pergravis as near threatened (NT) and C. andresensis as critically endangered (CE). Their small geographic distribution, considerable anthropic impact and the effect of alien species could be the main causes that affect the population densities in C. andresensis. We found and corrected some inconsistencies in the taxonomic characters previously published for M. berengerae, a species currently known from the holotype. It is suggested to carry out basic research programs, conservation and educational initiatives, and efforts to protect their natural habitats on the islands.

Keywords : Colombia; endemic species; taxonomy; distribution; natural history; IUCN.

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