First Record of the Green Thorny-Tail Iguana Uracentron azureum guentheri (Squamata: Tropiduridae) in the Tapajós/Xingú Interfluve Brazilian Amazonia

Abstract

The lizard genus Uracentron, family Tropiduridae, is composed of the species Uracentron flaviceps (Guichenot, 1855) and Uracentron azureum (Linnaeus, 1758). Both species have arboreal habits and are endemic to the Amazon. Here we report a new geographical record of Uracentron azureum guentheri from western Pará State, Brazil, and the first record for the species in the Tapajós/Xingú interfluve. Two specimens were recorded in a fragment of secondary forest on the right bank of the Curuá-Una River, downstream of the Curuá-Una Hydroelectric Power Plant dam, in Santarém, Pará, Brazil. The specimen has colour and morphological features that fit guentheri subspecies. With this new record, Uracentron azureum guentheri is now known in 15 locations in Peru (Loreto department) and Brazil (Amazonas, Mato Grosso, Pará, and Rondônia States), expanding its distribution approximately 209 km southeast of the nearest previously known location (Oriximiná Municipality). Recording and reporting such new geographical records is essential since it allows distribution gaps to be filled and is important for understanding biodiversity patterns, speciation processes and phenotypic variations, as well as contributing to conservation planning. The identification of priority areas for protection can be improved with such data, helping to reduce environmental impacts and preserve local biodiversity.