NEW RECORDS OF THE RATTLESNAKE Crotalus ravus (SQUAMATA: VIPERIDAE) IN THE STATE OF HIDALGO, MEXICO

Abstract

Crotalus ravus is a rattlesnake considered a priority species. However, in the area where it was firs recorded in Hidalgo, Mexico, there has been a low sampling effort. Thus, updating the information about their distribution in Hidalgo has biological can conservation relevance. In the present work, new records of C. ravus in the southeast of Hidalgo are documented in the municipalities of Almoloya de Juárez, Apan, Cuautepec de Hinojosa, Emiliano Zapata, Singuilucan, Tlanalapa and Zempoala. The new records extend the distribution of the species 18.3 km to the northwest, 25.52 km to the northeast, 13.34 km to the southwest y 25.9 km to the southeast of the first records in the state. Most of the records are in the area known as the Altiplanicie Pulquera and characterized by an intense agricultural activity, where despite this, C. ravus thrives on the rock fences and maguey rows that surround or divide the field crops.