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The etnoherpetological studies can contribute to knowledge about the diversity of amphibians and reptiles as well as the planning and development of strategies for the management, use and herpetofauna conservation in rural communities from a socio-economic and cultural context. In the present study we analyzed and compared the general knowledge and cultural conception of residents of three communities near the city of Irapuato, Guanajuato on herpetofauna. In this study based on the results of 180 surveys they were recognized 24 species; eight amphibians and 16 reptiles. The people of VAL (Valencianita) and COP (Copal) showed similarity in relation to their knowledge of the species identified, but not so with CUCh (Cuchicuato). Of the 24 species, 12 were considered dangerous by the inhabitants of the three communities: A toad, two lizards and nine snakes. Frogs, turtles and a small snake Indotyphlops braminus “worm” non-considered dangerous. Among the uses and traditions are: a-medicinal, b- culinary, c-pet, and d-cultural significance. The observations in this study highlights the importance of traditional knowledge we have the people of the three communities on amphibians and reptiles, being the group of snakes that reflect a greater cultural significance. Alongside this type of study can be a reference to know the condition of the local herpetofauna as well as changes over time on the cultural perception of human populations in relation to vertebrates such as amphibians and reptiles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The Magdalena Rat, Xenomys nelsoni, is a rodent endemic to Mexico, whose distribution is restricted to dense tropical dry forests in a small region on the Pacific coast of Mexico. It is a poorly known species categorized as "Endangered" by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). This lack of knowledge and the high rates of deforestation of its habitat makes its conservation a priority. Objective: To summarize the historical records deposited in scientific collections, to create potential distribution maps, and to analyze the conservation status of the species. Methods: We obtained species occurrence data from literature and digital databases, analyzing them by the decade. We used GARP and MaxEnt software to generate the ecological niche models. The importance of the variables in the model was estimated using the Jackknife technique. Results: Over 129 years, 19 collectors registered 69 specimens, of which 65 are deposited in one national and seven international collections. Although the species has only been collected in Jalisco and Colima, the potential distribution for X. nelsoni also includes the state of Michoacán. Of this estimated area, only 1.5 % is in a Protected Natural Area. Conclusions: The results of the potential distribution could be used to verify the presence of the species in places where it has not been collected, such as the northern part of the Chamela-Cuixmala Biosphere Reserve and in some areas of the physiographic province Costas del Sur in the state of Michoacán. It is needed to increase samplings in the least studied regions predicted by the model and expand the area of protection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The spiny lizard Sceloporus grammicus (Squamata: Phrynosomatidae) is a small reptile from central México and the southern United States, occurring in a wide geographic area characterized by extensive variation in topographic and climatic regimes. Genetic variation among lineages from central México is substantial, though the extent to which this variation corresponds with life-history traits remains obscure. To address part of this puzzle, we studied a population of S. grammicus from Tepeapulco, Hidalgo, México. Male-biased sexual dimorphism was extensive in this population; males were larger than females overall, and expressed proportionately larger heads and longer limbs. Minimum size at sexual maturity was similar in the sexes (males: 43 mm; females: 42 mm). In contrast to other populations from the Central Plateau, reproductive activity of males and females was synchronous. Testicular recrudescence of adult males was initiated in October-November, and maximum testis size maintained from December to July. Female reproductive activity showed no clear seasonal pattern: females had vitellogenic follicles from October to July, and pregnant females were found throughout the year. Female body size was not related to litter size. Neither male nor female gonadal mass was correlated with any abiotic environmental variable examined. Differences in reproductive characteristics among populations of S. grammicus might be indicative of plasticity in response to local environmental conditions, local adaptation, or complex gene × environment interactions. We consider these results in the context of previously studied populations of S. grammicus from the Central Plateau and elsewhere, and propose directions for future research.