AFTER THREE DECADES, THE REDISCOVERY OF Bothrops bilineatus (SQUAMATA, VIPERIDAE) IN ESPÍRITO SANTO STATE, SOUTHEASTERN BRAZIL

Rafael Scherrer Mathielo; Bryan  da Cunha Martins; Lucas Aosf; Thiago Marcial de Castro; Alexander Tamanini Mônico

doi:10.22201/fc.25942158e.2026.2.1666

Autores/as

Rafael Scherrer Mathielo Independent researcher, Vitória, ES, Brazil
Bryan da Cunha Martins Independent researcher https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6656-7048
Lucas Aosf Instituto de Manejo da Biodiversidade (IMBio), Guaratinguetá, São Paulo, Brazil https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3337-2137
Thiago Marcial de Castro
Alexander Tamanini Mônico https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2965-8020

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.22201/fc.25942158e.2026.2.1666

Palabras clave:

Conservação, jararaca-verde, serpentes, répteis, Mata Atlântica

Resumen

The genus Bothrops exhibits wide ecological diversity and a Neotropical distribution, including rare or low-abundance species. Bothrops bilineatus, despite its broad geographic range, is considered uncommon and is critically endangered in the state of Espírito Santo, Brazil. After more than three decades without official records in the state, this study documents the rediscovery of the species in the Pedra do Elefante Environmental Protection Area, municipality of Nova Venécia. Between 2023 and 2024, one adult individual was recorded on two occasions and one juvenile individual was observed, indicating possible local reproductive viability. The records were obtained in well-preserved forest, corroborating the species’ dependence on conserved forest environments. These findings highlight the importance of the Pedra do Elefante EPA as the only known remaining refuge for the species in Espírito Santo and reinforce the need for targeted inventories and conservation actions.

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