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We studied a population of Tropidurus hygomi in an area of geographic disjunction located in Brazils Northeast, investigating how individuals use the microhabitats, what is their daily activity in different seasons, how does growth and mass gain occur and what is the sex ratio, besides analyzing the population dynamics and the recruitment period. We collected data patch between January and December 2008 from 6:00 to 18:00 h combining active search techniques, pitfail traps and markings on animals. We observed lizards mainly on sunny days, motionless on the sand near bushes that formed sun and shade mosaic. Sit-and-wait foraging and preference for adequate light supply are conservative behaviors for Tropidurus. The sand allows to quickly achieve optimal thermal conditions. The lizards presented extended activities, with some seasonal differences, but with a more uniformity compared to congeners in other biomes demonstrating influence of local characteristics. We observe sexual dimorphism with larger and heavier males. Distinctions in growth were noticeable between males, females and juveniles (historical influence) but not for mass gain. Sex ratio was displaced in favor of males. This is not common in the genus but could be advantageous for females in choosing better partners. There were fluctuations in population growth, probably related to climate seasonality and mortality in the juvenile phases. Tropidurus hygomi recruitment begins in the rainy season and continues until the beginning of the dry season, unlike other congeners, suggesting the action of ecological effects. We hope that our results will assist in the development of conservation strategies for the populations of 7'. hygomi that live on the coast (continuous distribution), besides to guiding the execution of new studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding of how environmental dynamics affect the ecological niche of populations is one of the great aims ecological research. Amphibian populations are taking part in a series of complex interactions with the environment. The aim of this study was to investigate potential differences in the use of spatial, temporal and trophic resources, and variations in size, mass, and the reproductive cycles of Phyllomedusa nordestina populations. These were studied from December 2009 to November 2010 in two different biomes, both Conservation Units: the Monumento Natural Grota do Angico (MNGA - Caatinga, a tropical semiarid climate); and the Refúgio de Vida Silvestre Mata do Junco (RVSMJ - Atlantic Forest, a tropical humid climate, in Sergipe State, Brazil). Within each area, we found the specimens in lentic environments, with grass and shrub stems as main substrates. Most specimens were calling next to water bodies, generally in open places with predominantly herbaceous vegetation. Among the consumed foods items, spiders were the most important resource in the MNGA, whereas insect larvae where the most important in the RVSMJ. Regarding the reproductive period, Caatinga specimens were present between February and July, whereas in the Atlantic Forest they were observed between January and November. This longer reproductive period may be related to the regular and evenly distributed rainfall characterizing the Atlantic Forest. The specimens in the Atlantic Forest were slightly smaller than were those from Caatinga. The reason of such differences might reside in differences in habitat types, as well as in the longer reproductive period in the Atlantic Forest area, and investments related to reproduction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The family Anguidae contains three subfamilies: Gerrhonotinae, Anguinae, and Diploglossinae. In Brazil, there are four described anguid species, all from the subfamily Diploglossinae. Herein, we present the first records of Diploglossus lessonae Peracca, 1890 from the state of Sergipe and new records for the states of Paraíba and Ceará. The records compiled here for the Caatinga can reveal a pattern of widely distributed species in the biome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We provide a list of lizards, snakes, chelonians, and amphibians collected during a 30-day expedition to the Seridó Ecological Station (ESEC Seridó), Rio Grande do Norte state, Brazil. We sampled species using thirty-seven pitfall trap stations composed of four buckets each, along with glue traps and active searches. We recorded 13 species of lizards, eight snakes, 19 amphibians, and one chelonian. Rarefaction curves suggest local biodiversity is still underestimated. Sampling during rainy season was crucial to stabilize rarefaction curve for amphibians. Comparisons of our results with data from literature show we did not capture some arboreal and semifossorial lizards known for the area. Seridó Ecological Station fauna is characterized mainly by generalist species common to lowland Caatinga sites. Still, several Caatinga endemics species are found, which underscore the importance of this small but representative protected area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examines how two species of diurnal lizards (Tropidurus semitaeniatus and T. hispidus, Tropiduridae) use spatial, trophic and temporal resources in the Conservation Unit of Monumento Natural Grota do Angico, Poço Redondo, Sergipe (Brazil). Both species were mostly active during sunny days, with a reduction in activity during the hottest hours, and showed a preference for rocks, using rock crevices as main shelter. Tropidurus hispidus is the larger species as measured with SVL, and the species did not markedly differ in overall body shape. Both species mostly predated ants, insect larvae and termites. The head morphologies of T. semitaeniatus and T. hispidus are better adapted for the ingestion of larger and longer prey, respectively. Tropidurus semitaeniatus individuals modified their food intake during periods of higher rainfall, possibly to avoid competition with T. hispidus. Despite the high overlap in the use of space, time and diet, the coexistence of the two species is facilitated through resources strategies that minimise the negative effects of competition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Neotropical Biology & Conservation is the property of Pensoft Publishers and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

This article provides new records to Ceratophrys joazeirensis of two new localities from the state of Sergipe, northeast Brazil. These records extend the geographical distribution of the species for municipalities from Poço Redondo and Canindédo São Franscisco. These points are the first records of Ceratophrys joazeirensis for the State of Sergipe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]