Distribution extension and a new state record for Amphisbaena mertensi Strauch, 1881 (Squamata, Amphisbaenidae) in central Brazil

Abstract

We updated the distribution of Amphisbaena mertensi to northeastern central Brazil based on the finding of a specimen in an urban area in the Cerrado. This species had already been recorded in south-central Brazil, Paraguay, and Argentina. Our new record is 300 km away from the nearest point, Araguari, in the north of the State of Minas Gerais, Brazil. We included a distribution map for the species in South America, and a list of the amphisbaenas species found in Distrito Federal and discuss the conservation of this group.