Diversity and temporal frequency of records of the herpetofauna of the equatorial seasonally dry tropical forest in the rural community of Lucarqui, Piura, northwestern Peru

Abstract

Reptile and amphibian species of the Equatorial ESDT face threats such as fragmentation, habitat loss, and climate change. The aim of this study was to provide a preliminary species list and understand their temporal frequency patterns. Between 2019 and 2021, the herpetofaunal richness and abundance were assessed in the Lucarqui peasant community, Piura, northwest of Peru. The area was divided into specific zones: "crops" and "populated centers", where incidental captures and visual surveys were conducted, and "forests" and "gullies", where transects of variable length and fixed width (2 m) were applied. The analysis was performed using iNEXT, and a standardized methodology for calculating the temporal frequency of records (TFR) was provided. The study identified 26 species: 7 amphibians and 19 reptiles. Amphibians dominated in abundance, while reptiles were infrequent. A significant 85.71% (6) of amphibians and 47.36% (9) of the reptiles recorded are restricted to the Equatorial ESDT We found three globally threatened species and four specific to Peru, in addition to three categorized under CITES (Appendix II). TFR patterns varied according to habitat and time. These, along with richness and abundance, were altered and reduced in areas influenced by human activity, crops, and populated centers. It was found that there would still be more species to report, especially reptiles. Our study highlights the richness and vulnerability of herpetofauna in the Equatorial ESDT, reaffirming the urgent need for conservation strategies and further research to ensure the protection and profound understanding of this fragile, valuable ecosystem.