Papers by Andres Camilo Montes Correa
Amphibian & Reptile Conservation, 2024
This study focuses on various biological aspect of the Santa Marta Rocket Frog, "Colostethus" rut... more This study focuses on various biological aspect of the Santa Marta Rocket Frog, "Colostethus" ruthveni, from the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, in the Colombian Caribbean, and provides quantitative data on relative abundance and habitat use, and a comprehensive description of the free-swimming tadpoles and reproductive strategies. Additionally, the distribution of larval and reproductive characters across Dendrobatoidea was examined aiming to enhance the diagnostic criteria for the "C." ruthveni group. A total of 853 specimens of "C." ruthveni were recorded in six localities, indicating a relatively high abundance at each site. Leaf-litter and rocks were the most predominant substrates, although their proportions of use varied across the sites. The external morphology of free-swimming tadpoles of "C." ruthveni resembles the former members of the Colostethus sensu lato. Courtship is a complex interaction of acoustic, visual, and tactile displays, which leads to cephalic amplexus. "Colostethus" ruthveni showed wide variation in oviposition sites, including both natural and artificial substrates at ground level, as well as creeping vegetation above the ground or water. This variability suggests the presence of multiple reproductive modes, one of them previously unknown for anurans. Several larval and reproductive characters of "C." ruthveni consist of a compendium of ancestral states. However, some characters are of special interest because they could be considered reversions to ancestral states or apomorphies, which could constitute synapomorphies of the "C." ruthveni group if they can be demonstrated to occur in the other undescribed members of the complex. Moreover, this study highlighted a distinctive trait of "C." ruthveni as the only Dendrobatinae with tadpoles exhibiting a considerably narrow A-2 gap. The morphological and natural history information in this study provides insights into the evolutionary processes of poison frogs and basic information necessary for the management of this potentially endangered species.
Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society, 2024
We describe a new species of miniaturized gecko (genus Pseudogonatodes) from the Peninsula de Par... more We describe a new species of miniaturized gecko (genus Pseudogonatodes) from the Peninsula de Paria in northeastern Venezuela. Externally, the new species resembles Pseudogonatodes furvus and Pseudogonatodes manessi, from the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta in Colombia and the Central Coastal Range in Venezuela, respectively; however, it differs from these species in terms of molecular genetic data (12S rRNA, 16S rRNA, and c-mos), osteological characters, and scale counts. The new species is unique in skull osteology, and we adopt the term ‘telescoped’ from the literature to describe the overlap of bones in the snout, in particular the premaxilla fully separating the nasal bones and contacting the frontal bone. The new species is also the only known species of Pseudogonatodes with fused parietal bones. Using molecular data, we present the first phylogeny of Pseudogonatodes, including six of the nine species in the genus. The new species is sister to P. manessi, which is consistent with biogeographical patterns in the mountainous areas of northern Venezuela. The phylogenetic results also indicate that Pseudogonatodes guianensis is non-monophyletic and raise the possibility of resurrecting the name Pseudogonatodes amazonicus. However, large sampling gaps in Amazonia prevent us from rigorously assessing species limits and proposing a taxonomic change.
Herpetological Bulletin, 2024
We present the fourth documented specimen and the first record of Anolis tetarii in Colombia, the... more We present the fourth documented specimen and the first record of Anolis tetarii in Colombia, the least studiedmember of the Phenacosaurus clade of Anolis lizards. We showcase the first published photographs of the species, provide asuccinct diagnosis, and discuss morphological variations compared to type specimens, and the species conservation status
Reptiles & Amphibians, 2023
Copyright is held by the authors. Articles in R&A are made available under a Creative Commons Att... more Copyright is held by the authors. Articles in R&A are made available under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International license. D eath-feigning, thanatosis, or tonic immobility is a defensive behavior in response to an external stimulus that occurs when animals become totally flaccid, invert their body partially or completely, and sometimes leave the mouth half-open with the tongue extended and turning the pupils toward the back of the eye (e.g., Rogers and Simpson 2014; Humphreys and Ruxton 2018). This behavior has been reported in multiple reptilian species as a mechanism to avoid predation (e.g.
Reptiles & Amphibians, 2023
Copyright is held by the authors. Articles in R&A are made available under a Creative Commons Att... more Copyright is held by the authors. Articles in R&A are made available under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International license. T he Chocó biogeographic province in western Colombia is one of the world's most biodiverse regions (Myers et al. 2000; Rodríguez-Mahecha et al. 2004). It features a high diversity of amphibians, including both endemic and widely distributed species (Lynch and Suárez-Mayorga 2004). A total of 157 amphibian species have been documented in this
Mammalogy Notes, 2022
The Domestic cat is an invasive species causing problems for wildlife throughout the world, but k... more The Domestic cat is an invasive species causing problems for wildlife throughout the world, but knowledge of its effects in the Neotropical region is scarce. In this study, we made an approximation of cases of mortality of wildlife caused by this feline in urban and rural areas of the Caribbean region of Colombia. We found 107 hunting records of 31 species among amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals, of which highlights Cnemidophorus sp. for having the highest number of cases (31). Additionally, we found a hunting record of a migratory species, Porzana carolina, and two subspecies of endemic reptiles from the Colombian Caribbean region, Erythrolamprus melanotus lamari and Ameiva bifrontata divisa. The results of this work are the first documented for the country, warning of the potential impact that the domestic cat may be generating on Colombian biodiversity
Anartia, 2021
Description of two previously unknown anuran vocalizations from the Caribbean rainforests of Cost... more Description of two previously unknown anuran vocalizations from the Caribbean rainforests of Costa Rica Descripción de dos vocalizaciones de anuros previamente desconocidas del bosque húmedo caribeño de Costa Rica
Caribbean Journal of Science, 2021
We report for the first time the greenhouse frog Eleutherodactylus planirostris from San Andrés, ... more We report for the first time the greenhouse frog Eleutherodactylus planirostris from San Andrés, the largest Colombian Caribbean island. This record represents the second known frog species on the island, and the second invasive Eleutherodactylus species reported from Colombian territory. In addition, we describe and discuss the morphology and some aspects of the natural history of this newly documented and well-established population. Additional research about the ecological impacts of invasion of E. planirostris on natural ecosystems and native species of San Andrés are required.
Reportamos por primera vez la rana de invernadero Eleutherodactylus planirostris en San Andrés, la más grande de las islas Caribeñas colombianas. Este registro representa la segunda especie de rana conocida de la isla, y la segunda especie invasiva de Eleutherodactylus reportada de territorio colombiano. También describimos y discutimos la morfología y algunos aspectos de la historia natural de esta población recientemente documentada y bien establecida. Se requiere más investigación sobre los impactos ecológicos de la invasión de E. planirostris en los ecosistemas naturales y especies nativas de San Andrés.
Ethnobiology and Conservation, 2021
Human perceptions vary between rural and urban environments, determining the degree to which peop... more Human perceptions vary between rural and urban environments, determining the degree to which people are able to coexist with biodiversity. It is important to identify the sociodemographic factors that determine these local perceptions to adjust amphibian conservation strategies in recognition of the particular conditions of different human communities. In this research, the effect of the urban or rural location where people live and sociodemographic variables in the knowledge and perceptions about amphibians was determined. The data were collected through individual semi-structured surveys of 401 participants. We measured seven response variables through the Likert scale, which ranges from 1 (totally disagree) to 5 (totally agree). For each response variable, a multivariate analysis of variance was performed. Ninety-two percent of people correctly recognized frogs and toads as amphibians, but there was confusion in classifying caecilians and salamanders within this group or including reptiles within amphibians. This confusion was more evident for women from urban locality. Positive perceptions of amphibians varied between urban and rural locality for young adults, people with a high school education level, and people without formal education. Negative beliefs varied between urban and rural locations for women, adolescents, young adults, and professionals. Half of the people accepted information on the conservation of amphibians. Positive perceptions of people about amphibians should be used as a flag to strengthen environmental educational strategies, mainly in urban locations. The results suggest that amphibian conservation plans that aim to inform and educate the public should be focused differently for age groups, genders, and educational level for people in urban and rural locations.
Zootaxa, 2021
Pseudogonatodes furvus is an endemic gecko from the region of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, a... more Pseudogonatodes furvus is an endemic gecko from the region of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, an isolated massif located in the continental Caribbean region of Colombia. Pseudogonatodes furvus is the type species of the genus, and its morphology and natural history remain poorly known. This lizard was described based on two specimens. After its description, the species has only been mentioned in a handful of taxonomic studies of Pseudogonatodes, in which a few morphological characters of P. furvus have been mentioned. One other paper reported two new localities, without providing new information on the external morphology, especially the lepidosis of the newly obtained specimens. Here we review the external morphology of P. furvus, based on examination of the holotype and six additional specimens. We provide an extended diagnosis and definition, description of holotype, variation, comparisons with other Pseudogonatodes, geographic distribution (adding a fourth locality to the known distribution for the species), and conservation status. Additionally, we describe osteological features for the diagnosis of the genus.
Amphibian & Reptile Conservation, 2020
Atelopus laetissimus is a bufonid toad that inhabits the mountainous areas of the Sierra Nevada d... more Atelopus laetissimus is a bufonid toad that inhabits the mountainous areas of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta (SNSM), Colombia. This species is endemic and threatened, for which information about their ecology and distribution are crucial for the conservation of this toad. Here, we described the abundance, habitat use, vocalization and potential distribution in A. laetissimus from the San Lorenzo creek of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta. To this end, 447 individuals of A. laetissimus were analyzed during several sampling performed from 2010 to 2012. Against expectations, population density was significantly higher in the stream than riparian forest. Overall, A. laetissimus used seven different diurnal habitats with a high preference by leaf litter substrates and rocks. Rate of recaptures was decreasing lineally along the survey nights. We recorded two types of vocalization in A. latissimus. A short call characterized by a series of pulses like a buzz and another also short, but lacking pulses. According to our analysis, the areas with higher habitat suitability for A. laetissimus were located principally in the northern and northwestern region of the SNSM, which was in agreement with the findings reported in literature. Moreover, the modeling of data indicated a significant increase in habitat loss from 2013 to 2017. Our information should be considered as a starting point for the conservation of this valuable amphibian in the tropical landscapes of America.
INFOZOA, Boletín de Zoología, 2019
Salamandra, 2019
The "Colostethus" ruthveni group represents an endemic dendrobatid lineage in the Sierra Nevada d... more The "Colostethus" ruthveni group represents an endemic dendrobatid lineage in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Mar-ta (SNSM), an isolated massif in northeastern Colombia. This group has a complex taxonomic history and comprises the nominal species, from the northern and northwestern sector of the SNSM and an undescribed morph provisionally named as "Colostethus" sp. ruthveni-like, from the southeastern sector of this mountain massif. Herein, we describe the advertisement calls of members of the "C." ruthveni group from several basins in the northern, northwestern, and southeastern sectors of the SNSM, and their geographic variation. In addition, we describe the courtship calls of the northwestern populations and provide comments on the distribution of the members of the group. The advertisement call of the "C." ruthveni group consists of a trill with a long series of notes. All advertisement call traits show statistical differences among the assessed basins. The principal component analysis revealed overlap in call traits of individuals from the northwestern sector of the SNSM ("C." ruthveni sensu stricto), while the populations of the southeastern sector ("C." sp. ruthveni-like) and northern sector ("C." cf. ruthveni) varied from these calls with respect to the dominant frequency and rate of notes per second, respectively. Acoustic divergence of advertisement calls of "C." ruthveni sensu stricto and "C." sp ruthveni-like is congruent with morphological and molecular evidence. Courtship call of "C." ruthveni sensu stricto is a short partially fused pulsed squeak, followed by the usual advertisement call. This courtship call differs drastically in structure from the advertisement call, showing once again the complexity of the acoustic repertory of dendrobatoid frogs.
Phyllomedusa, 2018
We present some ecological and biogeographic data on Lepidoblepharis miyatai, a small and endange... more We present some ecological and biogeographic data on Lepidoblepharis miyatai, a small and endangered gecko endemic to the northwestern foothills of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta (SNSM), 31 years after its description. Based on museum specimens and feld observations, we recorded four new localities with confrmed presence of L. miyatai. We calculated the extent of occurrence and altitudinal distribution of this species reaching 21.3 km2 and from sea level to 360 m respectively. Lepidoblepharis miyatai inhabits plant formations of scrub thorn and tropical deciduous forest. Based on microhabitat data obtained from 88 individuals observed in “Las Tinajas Village” we can state a differential use of three substrates with predominant use of leaf-litter. We consider L. miyatai an endemic species of the northwestern sector of the SNSM with a distribution range limited to the south-west by the occurrence of L. sanctaemartae, and towards the east by a thus far undetermined Lepidoblepharis species (here called Lepidoblepharis cf. sanctaemartae). We do not register sympatry of L. miyatai with any other congener. Accordingly, we consider that the recent records of this species in the southeast sector of SNSM are erroneous, given that the specimens cited as L. miyatai of this zone correspond to Lepidoblepharis cf. sanctaemartae. Finally, a reevaluation of the conservation status of L. miyatai is needed, including precise information of its distribution.
Acta Herpetologica, 2018
We describe new findings on the geographic distribution, habitat uses, relative abundance, tadpol... more We describe new findings on the geographic distribution, habitat uses, relative abundance, tadpoles, and advertisement call of Allobates ignotus. Data of habitat uses and relative abundance were collected during five annual fieldtrips of seven days each one, from April 2010 to June 2014, in a mining zone of Canime Creek Basin, La Jagua de Ibirico, Cesar Department, northeast Colombia. Tadpoles and advertisement call were obtained in La Veguita Creek Basin, Manaure Balcón del Cesar, Cesar. We report six new localities with presence of A. ignotus, all between 7-96 km in straight line to the type locality, from 194-1236 m a.s.l. This species is recorded for the first time in the Tropical Dry Forest Life Zone and in La Guajira Department. Four substrate categories used by A. ignotus were detected (leaf-litter, rocks, naked floor, and lower branches), and differential use was highlighted. The larval morphology of A. ignotus was described, based on 11 specimens between 25-29 stages. Like other Allobates tadpoles, the gap of the second teeth row is “wide”. The advertisement call of A. ignotus is composed by a series of high frequency ascending pulsed notes. Possibly, the high frequency of the call is due to the acoustic disturbance generated by the streamflow noise of the creeks. In 2014, a decrease of relative abundance of A. ignotus in Canime Creek was detected. This, coupled to restricted distribution and loss of habitat quality are sufficient criteria to suggest the category of vulnerable for A. ignotus.
Herpetologicall Bulletin, 2017
This paper gives details of the first record of the small and poorly known dipsadine snake Atract... more This paper gives details of the first record of the small and poorly known dipsadine snake Atractus turikensis in Colombia. This includes the first specimens that do not correspond to the type series and the first vouchers of the species outside of Venezuela. We describe its morphology and some aspects of its natural history.
Catálogo de Anfibios y Reptiles de Colombia, 2017
Catálogo de Anfibios y Reptiles de Colombia, 2017
Uploads
Papers by Andres Camilo Montes Correa
Reportamos por primera vez la rana de invernadero Eleutherodactylus planirostris en San Andrés, la más grande de las islas Caribeñas colombianas. Este registro representa la segunda especie de rana conocida de la isla, y la segunda especie invasiva de Eleutherodactylus reportada de territorio colombiano. También describimos y discutimos la morfología y algunos aspectos de la historia natural de esta población recientemente documentada y bien establecida. Se requiere más investigación sobre los impactos ecológicos de la invasión de E. planirostris en los ecosistemas naturales y especies nativas de San Andrés.
Reportamos por primera vez la rana de invernadero Eleutherodactylus planirostris en San Andrés, la más grande de las islas Caribeñas colombianas. Este registro representa la segunda especie de rana conocida de la isla, y la segunda especie invasiva de Eleutherodactylus reportada de territorio colombiano. También describimos y discutimos la morfología y algunos aspectos de la historia natural de esta población recientemente documentada y bien establecida. Se requiere más investigación sobre los impactos ecológicos de la invasión de E. planirostris en los ecosistemas naturales y especies nativas de San Andrés.