Amphibians and reptiles of the state of Chihuahua, Mexico, with comparisons with adjoining states

By

Lemos Espinal, Julio Alberto
Smith, Geoffrey
Woolrich-Piña, Guillermo
Cruz, Alexander

Type

Article

Date of Publication

2017

Original Publication

ZooKeys

Volume

658

Pages

105-130

Subjects

Checklist , Chihuahuan Desert , Conservation status , herpetofauna , Sierra Madre Occidental

Contributed by

Pensoft Publishers

Language

English

Published by

Sofia, Bulgaria Pensoft Publishers

Identifiers

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.658.10665

 

Abstract

Chihuahua is Mexico’s largest state, and its physiographic complexity affects the distribution of its herpetofauna. We list amphibians and reptiles for the state of Chihuahua, with their conservation status. We also compare this list to those of six adjoining states in the United States and Mexico (New Mexico, Texas, Coahuila, Durango, Sinaloa, and Sonora). A total of 175 species of amphibians and reptiles is found in Chihuahua. Thirty-eight are amphibians, and 137 reptiles. Chihuahuan amphibians and reptiles represent just over 37% of such species from Chihuahua and neighboring states. Chihuahua shares the highest proportion of its herpetofauna with Sonora and Durango. Most of the herpetofauna of Chihuahua falls in IUCNs least concern category and is not listed by SEMARNAT. However, turtles in Chihuahua are a group of particular conservation concern.