In the Cristalino area one can find a rich variety of reptiles that includes lizards of different shapes and sizes, many types of amphibians, turtles, tortoises and terrapins. The majority of reptiles and amphibians that inhabit Cristalino's region originate in the Amazon basin. However, as the south of the Amazon is a transition area of biomes, several typical species of the Cerrado can also be found. Among these, we can mention the Spiny Weapontail (Hoplocercus spinosus), the Mato Grosso Poison Frog (Ameerega braccata) and the Chaco treefrog (Boana raniceps). A major part of the most interesting amphibians of the Amazon is present in Cristalino's area, including the Amazonian horned frog (Ceratophrys cornuta), the Brazil-nut poison frog (Adelphobates castaneoticus), the Giant gladiator treefrog (Boana boans), the Banded-limb glassfrog (Hyalinobatrachium cappellei), the White-lined leaf frog (Phyllomedusa vaillanti) and the Smooth-sided toad (Rhaebo guttatus). Furthermore, the reserves are home to many reptiles and amphibians that are endemic to the Southeastern Amazon such as the Splash-Backed Poison Frog (Adelphobates galactonotus), the Munduruku's poison frog (Ameerega munduruku), the Pará thin-toed frog (Leptodactylus paraensis), the Golden Tegu (Tupinambis matipu) and the Leaf-litter lizard (Rondonops biscutatus).
Ameerega flavopicta.
The observation of reptiles and amphibians in the Amazon is a challenge that requires time and patience. Some commonly observed reptiles include the Striped forest whiptail (Kentropyx calcarata), the Black-Spotted Skink (Copeoglossum nigropunctatum) and the Spotted Anole (Dactyloa punctata). During excursions along the river, Yellow-spotted River Turtle (Podocnemis unifilis) and Geoffroy’s Side-necked Turtle (Phrynops geoffroanus) can often be seen sunbathing on tree trunks. At night, it is possible to focus on the Spectacled caiman (Caiman crocodilus) and the Schneider's dwarf caiman (Paleosuchus trigonatus). The snakes are difficult to see, but if you're lucky, you can see the harmless Amazon Tree Boa (Corallus hortulana) and Banded Cat-eyed Snake (Leptodeira annulata) during night walks.
The Cristalino Lodge thanks its friends and colleagues Jéssica dos Anjos, Leandro Moraes e Sidnei Dantas, as well as Dr. Guarino Colli, Laurie Vitt, Janalee Caldwell, Donald Shepard and Frederick Fraça for the feedback from their studies on reptiles and amphibians in the Cristalino Reserve.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION
To learn more about the reptiles and amphibians of Cristalino Lodge, download our detailed guide with a comprehensive list of species illustrated with photos.
To find out more about the lizards, watch this video published by the guide and biologist Jéssica dos Anjos. And for fans of the beautiful but deadly Dendrobates (poison dart frogs), take a look at this publication by Anja de Baas and Han Peper.
Yellow-spotted Amazon River Turtle (Podocnemis unifilis)
