Análisis, síntesis y evaluación de la literatura de lagartos de la Región de Atacama, Chile
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 scientifi c 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 signifi cant taxonomic revision. Although the region has been widely explored, additional taxonomic collections are essential to accurately determine the ranges, species richness in specifi c 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 signifi cant revision; while Microlophus atacamensis is the most studied species in terms of ecology, genetics, evolution and morphology. Many type specimens are lost, making diffi cult the taxonomic analysis of some species.