Conservation of the herpetofauna of the Dominican Republic

Abstract

The herpetofauna of the Dominican Republic consists of 39 frogs (two of which areintroduced), 110 squamates (one possibly extinct and three or four introduced), one crocodilian, three turtles (one introduced), plus four species of sea turtles. Reflecting the recent “Global Amphibian Assessment,” 32 of 37 (86%) native species of amphibians are included on the IUCN Red List. Reptilian species given formal recognition as being in need of protection include the sea turtles (listed in CITES appendices and the IUCN Red List), the two native species of pond turtles (Trachemysspp.; IUCN, although one as being at “lower risk” of extinction), both species of rock iguanas (Cycluraspp.; CITES and IUCN), two giant galliwasps (Celestusspp., IUCN), three boids (Epicratesspp.,CITES), a ground boa (Tropidophis haetianus, CITES), and the American crocodile (Crocodylusacutus; CITES and IUCN).