Filling gaps in the disjunct distribution of Rhinoclemmys punctularia (Daudin, 1801) (Testudines: Geoemydidae) and first record from Bahia state, northeast Brazil

Abstract

Rhinoclemmys punctularia (Daudin, 1801) inhabits rivers and lakes primarily in the Amazon region, with a disjunct population in southeastern Brazil. Herein we present the second record of R. punctularia from the Atlantic rainforest and the first from the state of Bahia, northeast Brazil. We recorded four specimens over a decade in different habitats from the north coast of Bahia. Our records fill distribution gaps of 980 km from the northern record in Maranhão and 1,130 km from the southern population.