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Patterns, biases and prospects in the distribution and diversity of Neotropical snakes
Author(s) -
Guedes Thaís B.,
Sawaya Ricardo J.,
Zizka Alexander,
Laffan Shawn,
Faurby Søren,
Pyron R. Alexander,
Bérnils Renato S.,
Jansen Martin,
Passos Paulo,
Prudente Ana L. C.,
CisnerosHeredia Diego F.,
Braz Henrique B.,
Nogueira Cristiano de C.,
Antonelli Alexandre
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
global ecology and biogeography
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 3.164
H-Index - 152
eISSN - 1466-8238
pISSN - 1466-822X
DOI - 10.1111/geb.12679
Subject(s) - biodiversity , species richness , global biodiversity , ecology , geography , squamata , taxon , sampling (signal processing) , distribution (mathematics) , species diversity , biology , mathematical analysis , mathematics , filter (signal processing) , computer science , computer vision
Motivation We generated a novel database of Neotropical snakes (one of the world's richest herpetofauna) combining the most comprehensive, manually compiled distribution dataset with publicly available data. We assess, for the first time, the diversity patterns for all Neotropical snakes as well as sampling density and sampling biases. Main types of variables contained We compiled three databases of species occurrences: a dataset downloaded from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF), a verified dataset built through taxonomic work and specialized literature, and a combined dataset comprising a cleaned version of the GBIF dataset merged with the verified dataset. Spatial location and grain Neotropics, Behrmann projection equivalent to 1° × 1°. Time period Specimens housed in museums during the last 150 years. Major taxa studied Squamata: Serpentes. Software format Geographical information system (GIS). Results The combined dataset provides the most comprehensive distribution database for Neotropical snakes to date. It contains 147,515 records for 886 species across 12 families, representing 74% of all species of snakes, spanning 27 countries in the Americas. Species richness and phylogenetic diversity show overall similar patterns. Amazonia is the least sampled Neotropical region, whereas most well‐sampled sites are located near large universities and scientific collections. We provide a list and updated maps of geographical distribution of all snake species surveyed. Main conclusions The biodiversity metrics of Neotropical snakes reflect patterns previously documented for other vertebrates, suggesting that similar factors may determine the diversity of both ectothermic and endothermic animals. We suggest conservation strategies for high‐diversity areas and sampling efforts be directed towards Amazonia and poorly known species.