DISTRIBUCIÓN ECOLÓGICA DE LA HERPETOFAUNA EN GRADIENTES ALTITUDINALES SUPERIORES DEL CERRO EL POTOSI, GALEANA, NUEVO LEÓN, MÉXICO.

This herpetofaunistic study was conducted in Cerro El Potosi in the municipality of Galeana, Mexico, between November 2006 and November 2007. This is the first extensive formal work done in the area, thus increasing the knowledge of the herpetofauna of the Sierra Madre Oriental and in particular of this mountain, a State Protected Natural Area, and providing information that will enhance management and conservation strategies for this vertebrate group. Cerro El Potosí has an altitude gradient between 2000 and 3750 m, where distinct plant communities are found. The objectives of this re search were to identify species that occur in the altitudinal gradient, as well as their substrate preferences and distribution in different plant communities. Sampling was performed using transects, following the sampling and inventory method of Campbell and Christman (1982). A total of 188 individuals of seven species were collected, one species of frog, one species of salamander, four species of lizards and one species of snake. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]