TERRESTRIAL VERTEBRATES IN THE AREA OF INFLUENCE OF THE SIERRA LA MOJONERA IN SAN LUIS POTOSÍ AND ZACATECAS, MEXICO

Abstract Knowledge of the diversity of terrestrial vertebrates in the Sierra La Mojonera Natural Protected Area and its surroundings is quite limited. Therefore, the objectives of this study were to update the list of terrestrial vertebrate species that inhabit the area of influence of the Sierra La Mojonera, to investigate the subspecies, and to highlight the conservation status of the species in terms of national and international regulations. We sampled 30 locations in 850 km2 of the area of influence of the Sierra La Mojonera between 2010 and 2013. We recorded amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals by observation, capture (by hand or with mist nets), or trace evidence (footprints, scats, or ecdysis). We recorded 51 species: 3 amphibians, 9 reptiles, 14 birds, and 25 mammals. We recorded 29 species (3 amphibians, 8 reptiles, 8 birds, and 10 mammals) for the first time in the area, including Anaxyrus debilis, Anaxyrus punctatus, Hypsiglena jani, Cophosaurus texanus, Caracara cheriway, Charadrius vociferus, Myotis yumanensis, and Notiosorex crawfordi. The subspecies of seven species have distribution boundaries in the study area. Other species are remarkable because of their protection category, such as Crotalus molossus, Cynomys mexicanus, and Leptonycteris nivalis. The area of influence of Sierra La Mojonera contains numerous important charismatic species in need of conservation. We strongly recommend that scientists specialized in each group of terrestrial vertebrates conduct a complete and detailed inventory of the species that inhabit the protected natural area and its surroundings. As part of these investigations, it is important to ensure scientific collection obtains reference specimens (vouchers) and that collectors deposit these specimens in recognized scientific collections in order to contribute to the knowledge of the biodiversity of the region and to increase the information on the vertebrates in this report.