On the distribution and ecology of Leposternon octostegum: Putting a subterranean reptile species on the map

Basic information on species distribution and ecology is essential for effective species conservation and management. However, several groups even within the vertebrates have received little attention. One of such groups is the subterranean herpetofauna which, although making up about 20% of all known reptile and amphibian species, includes many species for which virtually nothing is known. This situation is showcased by Leposternon octostegum, a worm lizard species from Brazil. In this study we present first verifiable fine scale distribution records for the species, which confirm the presence of the species in the Salvador Metropolitan region and enable the drawing of the first species distribution map. We furthermore present the first information on the species ecology, establishing its presence in a variety of habitats and soil types. Further research will need to be done to clarify aspects of the conservation biology of subterranean herpetofauna, especially as these species are likely to perform important ecosystem services. This will however be especially challenging in megadiverse countries like Brazil, which still harbor a myriad of undescribed and understudied species.