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Extensive sampling and citizen science expand the distribution of the threatened freshwater turtle Ranacephala hogei (Mertens, 1967)

2024; Brazilian Academy of Sciences; Volume: 96; Issue: suppl 1 Linguagem: Inglês

10.1590/0001-3765202420240484

1678-2690

Clodoaldo Lopes de Assis, Rafael Martins Valadão, Sônia H. S. T. de Mendonça, EVÓDIO LUIS S. PEÇANHA, Henrique Caldeira Costa, Camila Moura Novaes, Thiago Fonseca de Barros, LAIO S. RODRIGUES, João Luiz Gasparini, Renato Neves Feio,

Amphibian and Reptile Biology

Ranacephala hogei is a South American freshwater turtle considered one of the 25 most endangered chelonian species in the world. Endemic to the Atlantic Forest hotspot of southeastern Brazil, the conservation status of R. hogei is subject to continuous assessment at various levels. However, the scarcity of data regarding this species, particularly its geographic range, challenges these evaluations. In an effort to address these gaps, we conducted a comprehensive long-term inventory using different methods to study this species. Our efforts resulted in a 144% increase in documented occurrence points, including a new hydrographic basin and protected areas. By combining historical and current records, we have observed the persistence of R. hogei in rural areas, even in locations where its extinction was previously predicted. Consequently, our data significantly contribute to supporting future conservation assessments.