CURRENT AND POTENTIAL DISTRIBUTION OF THE ENDANGERED ENDEMIC LIZARD LIOLAEMUS CUYUMHUE: IMPLICATIONS FOR CONSERVATION

BRIZIO, MARÍA VICTORIA; PÉREZ, DANIEL ROBERTO; MORANDO, MARIANA; AVILA, LUCIANO JAVIER

Herpetological Conservation and Biology

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Año: 2022

1931-7603

To identify the threats a species is facing, the first step is to locate its populations and their distribution. When other ecological studies are not possible, knowing the distribution of a species and if possible, inferences on its density, can be enough to make informed management decisions for conservation priorities. In addition, with up-to-date knowledge of the geographic distribution, it is possible to carry out analysis of potential distributions through ecological niche modelling (ENM). Here, we address for the first time the study of the distribution of the critically endangered Liolaemus cuyumhue. We surveyed the probable habitats of L. cuyumhue, estimated an index of population density in three areas where the species occurs, we evaluated the nature of local habitat degradation in these areas, and we interpolated its potential distribution. We surveyed 52 locations over the lowest part of the Bajo de Añelo area, and we found L. cuyumhue in 16. Finally, we estimated significant differences in the population density index between Sites 2 and 1 and Sites 2 and 3, being Site 2 the one with higher density, and with more disturbance sources. We confirm that L. cuyumhue is a strict endemism with low densities, few occurrence points, and small areas of suitable environments for its distribution. Therefore, we highlight the importance of implementing urgent measures to protect current habitats that support these populations before the species faces a catastrophic decline.