Abstract

VENEGAS-BARRERA, Crystian Sadiel  and  MANJARREZ, Javier. Spatial patterns of species richness of garter snakes Thamnophis in Mexico. Rev. Mex. Biodiv. [online]. 2011, vol.82, n.1, pp.179-191. ISSN 2007-8706.

We identified areas of high species richness of snakes of the genus Thamnophis, their presence within biogeographic provinces and Terrestrial Priority Regions (TPR). We also identified anthropogenic factors that may influence their distribution. We created a map of species richness from the combination of potential distribution maps of species to calculate the percentage of cells occupied by the genus within each biogeographic province, TPR and type of land use. In addition, we obtained the complementarity of species and the ordination of TPR from its species composition. The genus is distributed in 80.5% of Mexico, in all biogeographic provinces. Durango, Michoacán, Puebla, Veracruz and Oaxaca had the highest species richness. Potentially, the genus can be found in 96% of the TPR of Mexico with a pattern altitude and climatic. From 6 groups of TPR, the Eastern group had the highest species richness. The 25.8% of the potential distribution of the genus is found in areas modified by man. We discuss the distribution patterns under an ecological, biogeographic and conservation approach and suggest checking the potential richness with field studies.

Keywords : spatial distribution; priority terrestrial regions; biogeographic provinces; complementarity; risk factors.