Herpetofauna community from coastal restinga remnants in Northeast Rio de Janeiro state, Brazil

This study analyzes four different restinga fragments in Parque Estadual da Costa do Sol, Southeastern Brazil, gathering data on the composition, abundance, diversity, richness, microhabitat use and natural history of the herpetofauna community, as well as how the abiotic factors influence this community. We also provide secondary data of the herpetofauna composition based on historical registers from specimens housed in three collections. Field work was carried out throughout 2012 and 2013, using time and distance, and time delimited transects. The relative abundance of amphibians was 1.4 individuals/100 m2 or 2.3 individuals/h, and of reptiles 0.7 individuals/100 m2 or 1 individuals/h. We registered 75 amphibian and 62 reptile species considering sampling and secondary data. This study emphasizes the need of bromeliads conservation since they represent crucial sites for amphibian and reptile survival. Our results also highlight the importance of conservation of the studied areas in order to ensure the viability of the populations found therein.