Resumen

VALLADARES FAUNDEZ, Pablo. Analysis, synthesis and evaluation of the literature of lizards from Atacama Region, Chile. Gayana (Concepc.) [online]. 2011, vol.75, n.1, pp. 81-98. ISSN 0717-6538.  doi: 10.4067/S0717-65382011000100006.

Herpetology has been one of the most studied disciplines of zoology in the Atacama region, but our knowledge remains woefully incomplete. For example, there is no consensus on the number of species inhabiting this region. Some authors estimate 18 Liolaemus species, two subspecies of Callopistes maculatus and one species of geckkonid lizard. Our aim is to make a critical analysis of the scientific literature on lizards from the Atacama Region. We analyze the major issues, taxonomy of species recognized in this region and knowledge gaps that exist. We reviewed the distributional ranges for each species according to available literature and taxonomic sources. Our results indicate that many Atacama species require significant taxonomic revision. Although the region has been widely explored, additional taxonomic collections are essential to accurately determine the ranges, species richness in specific areas, abundance and morphological and genetic variation of almost all species. Many previous studies were restricted to taxonomy, and very few focused on ecology and conservation. There are extensive taxonomic uncertainties in many groups, especially those related to the "nigromaculatus" group. Two subspecies of Callopistes maculatus and the gecko species require significant revision; while Microlophus atacamensis is the most studied species in terms of ecology, genetics, evolution and morphology. Many type specimens are lost, making difficult the taxonomic analysis of some species.

Palabras clave : Atacama lizards; biodiversity; endemism; taxonomic richness.