Browsing by Autor "Paola De la Quintana"

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Axial dicephaly in the false coral snake, Oxyrhopus emberti (Gonzales, Reichle, and Entiauspe-Neto 2020; Colubridae: Dispsadinae), Santa Cruz, Bolivia
(University of Kansas, 2023) Paola De la Quintana
Description of the Northern Green Anaconda (Eunectes akayima sp. nov. Serpentes; Boidae): What Is in a Name?
(Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute, 2024) Jesús A. Rivas; Juliana S. Terra; Marijn Roosen; Patrick Champagne; Renata Leite Pitman; Paola De la Quintana; Marco Mancuso; Luis F. Pacheco; Gordon M. Burghardt; Freek J. Vonk
While elucidating the evolutionary trajectory of green anacondas, we previously documented the existence of two distinct species, Eunectes akayima sp. nov. and Eunectes murinus (Linnaeus, 1758), that separated approximately 10 million years ago. Our research integrates a novel molecular clock approach, focuses on tectonic plate movements with fossil records as minimal chronological markers, and offers a refined understanding of speciation events in relation to major biogeographical occurrences in South America. Mitochondrial DNA analysis demonstrates a significant genetic divergence between the species, which is supported by a notable difference in sexual size dimorphism (SSD) intensity between the two species, along with other morphological differences. This paper also rectifies earlier oversights in the description of the new species and clarifies taxonomic ambiguities in compliance with the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature (henceforth ICZN). In addition, we designate a neotype for E. murinus to stabilize the group. In an effort to honor Indigenous nations, E. akayima sp. nov. derives its name from the Carib language, advocating for the inclusion of traditional names in scientific discourse. Our paper not only contributes to the taxonomic stability of anacondas but also advocates for the usage of Indigenous names in zoological nomenclature by adopting a more inclusive and flexible approach to the ICZN and eliminating unintended exclusionary practices that we have inherited in science as in other disciplines.
Disentangling the Anacondas: Revealing a New Green Species and Rethinking Yellows
(2026) Jesús A. Rivas; Paola De la Quintana; Marco Mancuso; Luis F. Pacheco; Gilson A. Rivas; Sandra Mariotto; David Salazar‐Valenzuela; Marcelo Tepeña Baihua; Penti Baihua; Gordon M. Burghardt
Disentangling the Anacondas: Revealing a New Green Species and Rethinking Yellows
(Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute, 2024) Jesús A. Rivas; Paola De la Quintana; Marco Mancuso; Luis F. Pacheco; Gilson A. Rivas; Sandra Mariotto; David Salazar‐Valenzuela; Marcelo Tepeña Baihua; Penti Baihua; Gordon M. Burghardt
Anacondas, genus Eunectes, are a group of aquatic snakes with a wide distribution in South America. The taxonomic status of several species has been uncertain and/or controversial. Using genetic data from four recognized anaconda species across nine countries, this study investigates the phylogenetic relationships within the genus Eunectes. A key finding was the identification of two distinct clades within Eunectes murinus, revealing two species as cryptic yet genetically deeply divergent. This has led to the recognition of the Northern Green Anaconda as a separate species (Eunectes akayima sp. nov), distinct from its southern counterpart (E. murinus), the Southern Green Anaconda. Additionally, our data challenge the current understanding of Yellow Anaconda species by proposing the unification of Eunectes deschauenseei and Eunectes beniensis into a single species with Eunectes notaeus. This reclassification is based on comprehensive genetic and phylogeographic analyses, suggesting closer relationships than previously recognized and the realization that our understanding of their geographic ranges is insufficient to justify its use as a separation criterion. We also present a phylogeographic hypothesis that traces the Miocene diversification of anacondas in western South America. Beyond its academic significance, this study has vital implications for the conservation of these iconic reptile species, highlighting our lack of knowledge about the diversity of the South American fauna and the need for revised strategies to conserve the newly identified and reclassified species.
Evaluación del comportamiento agonista de quirquinchos (Chaetophractus vellerosus) en el Zoológico Municipal Vesty Pakos, La Paz, Bolivia
(2017) Paola De la Quintana; Geneva Yamiret Pinilla Ledezma; Liliana Pacheco
Resumen El quirquincho andino (Chaetophractus vellerosus) es una de las especies ms afectadas por el uso folklrico tradicional en Bolivia (fabricacin de charangos, matracas, amuletos y taxidermias), hasta el punto de llevar a esta especie a la categora En Peligro de extincin en el pas. La falta de conocimiento sobre los aspectos conductuales de C. vellerosus provoca que algunas acciones del manejo de la especie en cautiverio no sean las ms adecuadas. Este estudio se realiz con el objetivo de mejorar el manejo de 12 quirquinchos andinos (siete machos y cinco hembras) en cuanto a su convivencia en el Zoolgico Municipal Vesty Pakos y aportar al conocimiento comportamental de estos animales en cautiverio. Se realiz un proceso inicial y gradual de integracin entre machos, tomando en cuenta primero el reconocimiento olfativo por un da y luego colocando a cada par de quirquinchos andinos en contacto casi directo a travs de una malla por dos das. Se probaron 21 combinaciones y se determin el grado de dominancia de cada individuo del grupo. Con los resultados obtenidos se hicieron ocho nuevas combinaciones, de las cuales cuatro resultaron exitosas. Se decidi mantener aislado al ms agresivo de manera definitiva y formar tres pares con los individuos restantes.
Feliz cumplea&ntilde;os, 21 years for the Beni Anaconda, Eunectes beniensis (Dirksen, 2002) (Serpentes, Boidae): an update of voucher specimens, species&rsquo; distribution, and clarification of locality data of type specimens
(Pensoft Publishers, 2023) Randy L. Powell; Cord B. Eversole; Luis Rolando Rivas; Ashton V. Crocker; Paola De la Quintana
Little information for Eunectes beniensis (Dirksen, 2002) (Serpentes, Boidae) exists in the scientific literature and museum data. We review the natural history, diet, reproduction, distribution of this species and discuss its identifying characteristics. We present new records and discuss the species&rsquo; distribution in Bolivia. As reported in the previous literature, the geographic locality data of the holotype and paratypes are incorrect. We report corrected data for these specimens and update knowledge of the species&rsquo; distributional status and natural history by summarizing novel and existing data from the entirety of this species&rsquo; known range. We provide a distribution map based on vouchered museum specimens.
Herpetofauna of the Reserva de la Biósfera Estación Biológica del Beni and the Chimane Reserve Indigenous Territory, Bolivia
(Taylor & Francis, 2021) Cord B. Eversole; Randy L. Powell; Dennis Lizarro; Ashton V. Crocker; Gonzalo Calderón Vaca; Paola De la Quintana
Identifying patterns of herpetofaunal diversity is imperative to the conservation of these species and the ecosystems on which they rely. In this study, we determined species occurrence and composition of the herpetofauna at the Reserva de Biósfera Estación Biológica del Beni and the Chimane Reserve Indigenous Territory. Combined data resulted in documentation of 97 species belonging to 22 families and 50 genera. Reptiles were represented by 14 families and 47 species, while amphibians were represented by eight families and 50 species. This study provides a robust inventory and report of the herpetofauna at this site and delivers data that can be used in future studies. Our results indicate that this site harbors many species, which likely contributes to the collective maintenance of biodiversity in the Bolivian lowlands. Conservation initiatives should consider the collective uniqueness of vertebrate communities maintained by habitat mosaics in this area and strive to implement strategies that preserve and manage landscape-level biodiversity.
Home range and habitat use of Beni anacondas (Eunectes beniensis) in Bolivia
(Brill, 2017) Paola De la Quintana; Jesús A. Rivas; Federico Valdivia; Luis F. Pacheco
Understanding of snake ecology has increased over the past two decades, but is still limited for many species. This is particularly true for the recently described Beni anaconda ( Eunectes beniensis ). We present the results of a radio-telemetry study of nine (3M:6F) adult E. beniensis , including home range, and habitat use. We located the snakes 242 times in wet season, and 255 in dry season. Mean wet season home range (MCP) was 25.81 ha (6.7 to 39.4 ha); while mean dry season home range was 0.29 ha (0.13 to 0.42 ha). We found no relationship between home range size and either snout-vent length, weight, or sex. Beni anacondas seem to prefer swamps, and patujusal, while avoiding forest, and rice fields. However, habitat use by individual snakes seems to vary based on the habitats available within their respective home range. Notably, rice fields were avoided by most snakes, which suggests that this type of habitat is unsuitable for anaconda management.
Home range and habitat use of two sympatric crocodylians (Melanosuchus niger and Caiman yacare) under changing habitat conditions
(Brill, 2020) Paola De la Quintana; James Aparicio; Luis F. Pacheco
Abstract We used radio-telemetry to record how Caiman yacare (Cy) and Melanosuchus niger (Mn) responded to the intrusion of the Maniqui river into Cedral Lagoon in the Bolivian Amazon. Nine M. niger and 3 C. yacare were followed between December 2015 and May 2016. Both species showed a gradual reduction in mean monthly range from December (19.96 ha Mn and 1.74 ha Cy) to May 2016 (0.08 ha Mn and 0.24 ha Cy). Habitat use was fairly constant throughout the months for both species, Melanosuchus niger used mainly open swampy forests and Cyperaceae Marshes, while C. yacare used more islands and flooded grasslands. This study shows that both species of caimans responded to changes in depth and vegetation types, as their habitat as a whole was changed by river intrusion.
Rediscovery of Dipsas peruana (Serpentes: Dipsadidae) in Bolivia and extension of its distribution
(University of São Paulo, 2025) Oliver Quinteros-Muñoz; Paola De la Quintana; Pedro Gómez-Murillo; Rodrigo Aguayo; Konrad Mebert
Thermoregulation and microhabitat use of Tachymenis peruviana (Dipsadidae) in semi-captivity conditions
(Brill, 2024) Alejandro Bruno Miranda‐Calle; Paola De la Quintana; James Aparicio; Noelia Ríos; Luis F. Pacheco
Abstract We studied Tachymenis peruviana `s thermoregulatory strategy, and microhabitat use and selection in an open enclosure at 3400 m elevation during the wet season. We expected that thermal conditions at a high elevation locality would result in differences in the thermoregulatory efficiency within microhabitats through their use and selection along the day. We obtained preferred temperatures and critical thermal tolerance limits of field-captured individuals. Some individuals were kept in an open enclosure with access to four microhabitat types with retreats where to hide. We measured individuals’ field-body temperatures along with substrate and air temperatures, and recorded where the snakes were found according to microhabitat type and if they were inside or outside retreats. Meanwhile, operative temperatures were registered every hour at each offered microhabitat between 08:00 to 18:00 hours. The body and microenvironmental temperatures were highly correlated. Even though the enclosure offered appropriate thermal sources for snakes to reach their preferred temperatures, results indicate that the species met its energy requirements with a low effort in this high elevation enclosure. Almost three-quarters of the observations were recorded in retreat sites, showing a lower thermoregulatory efficiency compared to when they were captured aboveground. A comparative evaluation of the thermoregulation of the species in the field within a variety of thermal regimes experienced along its altitudinal and latitudinal range must still be carried out to better understand the species’ thermoregulatory strategies across the Andes.