Mussurana montana (Franco, Marques & Puorto, 1997) (Serpentes: Dipsadidae): noteworthy records and an updated distribution map

Abstract

Mussurana montana is a poorly known dipsadid snake endemic to elevated areas in the Atlantic Forest of southeastern Brazil. After the examination of specimens deposited in scientific collections, we update the distribution range of M. montana with five new locality records, including its first record from the state of Rio de Janeiro, and a new northernmost and easternmost record in the state of Minas Gerais. These new data reinforce the distribution of M. montana within the mountain ranges of Serra da Mantiqueira and Serra do Mar, from 750-1,610 m above sea level.

Composition and natural history of the snakes from the Parque Estadual da Serra do Papagaio, southern Minas Gerais, Serra da Mantiqueira, Brazil

“…Regional classification of M.montana is “vulnerable” and “near threatened” in the states of São Paulo and Minas Gerais, respectively (Biodiversitas 2007, Bérnils et al 2009). Recently, Costa et al (2015) presented three new records of this species in protected areas of the State of Minas Gerais, increasing its known range considerably and supporting the lower conservation status in Minas Gerais. M.montana is known only to inhabit tropical ombrophilous or seasonal forest formations of montain ranges from Bocaina, Mantiqueira and Órgãos, between 750–1,610 m a.s.l.…”

“…This species is endemic to a region that covers about 16,000 km 2 in the mountainous portions of São Paulo, Minas Gerais, and Rio de Janeiro states (Barbo 2012). According to Costa et al (2015), it is susceptible to habitat disturbance. In the national assessment of the Brazilian fauna risk of extinction, M.Montana was classified as “least concern” (MMA 2014).…”

“…M.montana is known only to inhabit tropical ombrophilous or seasonal forest formations of montain ranges from Bocaina, Mantiqueira and Órgãos, between 750–1,610 m a.s.l. (Bérnils 2009, Costa et al 2015). However, sampling in potentially suitable areas for the species did not yield encounters (Costa et al 2015).…”

“…(Bérnils 2009, Costa et al 2015). However, sampling in potentially suitable areas for the species did not yield encounters (Costa et al 2015). This may mean that M.montana is present over a smaller range and more specific habitat than was previously expected.…”