Distribution extension of Stenocercus squarrosus Nogueira and Rodrigues, 2006 (Reptilia, Squamata, Tropiduridae) in Northeastern Brazil

Abstract

Lizards of the genus Stenocercus Duméril and Bibron, 1837 are widely distributed throughout South America, being found both in lowlands and at high altitudes. Stenocercus squarrosus was recently described from, and is supposed to, be restricted to the region of Serra das Confusões National Park, Piauí State, Brazil. We here report the first record of this species in Ceará State, from a reasonably high altitudinal area in the municipality of Santana do Cariri, Ceará State, within the limits of the Chapada do Araripe Environmental Protection Area, and it is the first record of this genus for the state, which represents an increase of approximately 460km (airline) northeast of the previously known distribution of this species. Our finding reinforces the importance of conserving that area and indicates the necessity of additional inventories of the local fauna, especially in areas of Carrasco and Cerrado vegetation poorly sampled in Ceará.