We report an adult male specimen of the snake Pantherophis emoryi from xerophytic scrub habitat in the Municipality of Real de Asientos, Aguascalientes, México. This specimen represents the first state record of P. emoryi from Aguascalientes and extends the known distribution of the species 107 km in a straight line west-northwest from the nearest previous record. Our specimen was found in habitat that is under heavy agricultural pressure, and recently, threatened by mining. This may indicate that other Chihuahuan Desert taxa may be found in this area.

Measuring the potential effects of future climate changes on the spatio-temporal variance of optimal conditions for seasonal species is a key conservation issue. This study assesses the impact of climate change on the spatial and temporal patterns of optimal conditions for activity in two burrowing frogs, Smilisca fodiens and S. dentata. Ecological Niche Modeling was used to implement niche seasonality models, with calibration performed during the peak activity (July). These models were then transferred to current and future conditions for the remainder of the year, predicting future scenarios up to 2070 with an intermediate trajectory greenhouse gas concentration of 4.5 W/m2. Climate change transferability was assessed for four potential scenarios: 1) high precipitation and low temperature, 2) high precipitation and high temperature, 3) low precipitation and low temperature, and 4) low precipitation and high temperature. We examined the impact across future projected areas and analyzed geographic change trends based on latitude, longitude, and elevation. For both species, the best scenario would involve increased precipitation in the future. However, the worst-case would be a combination of reduced precipitation and higher temperatures. Due to large area loss, northern populations of S. fodiens may be highly vulnerable. Concerning S. dentata, the outlook is worrisome, with all known populations experiencing losses in most months. Area gains may not help either species since they tend to occur at elevations above their known ranges. Using a seasonal approach in spatio-temporal analysis enhances comprehension of the behavioral adaptations of seasonal species and their vulnerability to current and future climatic variations.

A partir de 2017 iniciamos el monitoreo de mamíferos medianos y grandes mediante cámaras trampa. El área de estudio se localiza al noroeste del Estado de Aguascalientes, en la localidad de Monte Grande, municipio San José de Gracia. El sitio de estudio está dentro del Área Silvestre Estatal “Sierra Fría” (ASE SF) con una extensión de 106,614.76 hectáreas. Se instalaron ocho estaciones dobles de fototrampeo, cada estación tiene una cámara trampa configurada para tomar video y la otra para tomar una ráfaga de tres fotografías continuas. Durante el proceso de revisión de videos y fotografías se obtuvo una biodiversidad característica de las zonas templadas con 20 especies de mamíferos medianos y grandes. Destaca el registro de un individuo adulto de jaguar (Panthera onca) fotografiado el 20 de diciembre del 2023 en tres imágenes en la Estación VII. Este registro es notable, ya que fue hallado a una altitud de 2,886 msnm. Es el primer registro de la presencia de jaguar en el estado de Aguascalientes, que además amplía su distribución en 100 km en línea recta del registro más cercano que se encuentra al oeste en la localidad de Monte Escobedo, en el estado de Zacatecas, además que se confirma que es el registro de mayor altitud hasta el momento para la especie en México.