AMPHIBIANS AND REPTILES OF THE PUNTA BANDA Estuary, ENSENADA, BAJA CALIFORNIA, MEXICO

Abstract

The Estero Punta Banda in Bahia Todos Santos, Baja California, is a coastal wetland of international importance considered a RAMSAR site and a priority area for biodiversity conservation. However, no formal studies have been carried out on the richness and diversity of amphibians and reptiles at this site, focused on knowing their richness and diversity. We selected five sampling sites on coastal dunes, crop fields, and riparian areas. Arrays of pit-fall traps with drift fences were implemented, as well as diurnal and nocturnal visual encounter surveys. The herpetofauna of Estero Punta Banda is composed of 15 species of amphibians and reptiles, belonging to 13 genera and 10 families. The best-represented families were Phrynosomatidae and Colubridae, with the lizards Uta stansburiana, Aspidoscelis hyperythrus, and Sceloporus zosteromus being the most abundant. Ten species previously recorded in scientific collections were not observed in the field, it is possible that the alteration of habitat and threats in the area are causing the extirpation of species. We suggest carrying out actions to control exotic plant species, and avoid the spread of the urban area to prevent the loss of biodiversity at this site.