INTERACTIONS OF FOUR TEIID LIZARDS WITH GIANT ARMADILLO BURROWS AND RANGE EXTENSION FOR TWO ENDEMIC CERRADO SPECIES

Abstract

The Neotropical genera Tupinambis and Salvator are large heliothermic lizards belonging to the teiid family with a wide distribution throughout South America. However, two species of these genera (T. quadrilineatus and S. duseni) have more limited distributions, being endemic to the Cerrado savanna. Giant armadillos build burrows that are used by a variety of species. In this study, we describe observations of interactions of four teiid species with giant armadillo burrows, report new distribution records of T. quadrilineatus and S. duseni within the Cerrado, and provide insights into the habitat requirements of these species. Our results highlight the importance of preserving threatened species to maintain ecological interactions and emphasize the need to protect the Cerrado savanna.