Publications | biorecgen

Peer review publications (PDFs available in MVR's Researchgate page )

2023

Vargas-Ramírez M, Forero-Medina G, Moreno-Torres C, Balaguera-Reina S. 2023. Reintroduction of adult Orinoco crocodiles: a crucial step towards the species recovery. Conservation News. Oryx 57: 557 – 558.

Saldarriaga-Gómez A, Ardila‐Robayo MC, Medem F, Vargas-Ramírez M. 2023. Hope is the last thing lost: Colombian captive-bred population of the critically endangered Orinoco crocodile (Crocodylus intermedius) is a genetic reservoir that could help to save the species from extinction. Nature Conservation 53: 85–103.

Gallego-García N, Vargas-Ramírez M, Shaffer HB. 2023.The importance of cryptic diversity in the conservation of wide-ranging species: The red-footed tortoise Chelonoidis carbonarius in Colombia. Molecular Ecology 00:1–15.

Moreno-Arias RA, Méndez-Galeano MA, Beltrán I, Vargas-Ramírez M. 2023. Revealing anole diversity in the highlands of the Northern Andes: New and resurrected species of the Anolis heterodermus species group. Vertebrate Zoology 73, 2023, 161–188

2022

Matta NE, González LP, Vargas-Ramírez M, Valkiūnas G, Escalante AA, Pacheco MA. 2022. Morphometric and molecular characterization of an unpigmented haemosporidian parasite in the Neotropical turnip-tailed gecko (Thecadactylus rapicauda). Parasitology 21:1-9.

2021

Gutierrez-Liberato GA, Lotta-Arévalo IA, González LP, Vargas-Ramírez M, Rodríguez-Fandiño O, Cepeda AS, Ortiz-Moreno ML, Matta NE. 2021. The genetic and morphological diversity of Haemogregarina infecting turtles in Colombia: Are mitochondrial markers useful as barcodes for these parasites? Infection, Genetics and Evolution 95.105040.

Ali JR, Fritz U, Vargas-Ramírez M. 2021. Monkeys on a free-floating island in a Colombian river: further support for over-water colonization. Biogeographia – The Journal of Integrative Biogeography 36: a005.

Hurtado-Gomez JP, Vargas-Ramírez M, Ruiz-Gómez FJ, Fouquet A, Fritz U. 2021. Multilocus phylogeny clarifies relationships and diversity within the Micrurus lemniscatus complex (Serpentes: Elapidae). Salamandra 57(2):229–239.

Hurtado-Gómez JP, Aponte-Gutiérrez AF, Preciado VJ, Fritz U, Vargas-Ramírez M. 2021. Morphological and molecular evidence reveals the first record of the coral snake Micrurus filiformis (Serpentes: Elapidae) as prey of the piranha Pygocentrus cariba (Teleostei: Serrasalmidae). Russian Journal of Herpetology 28: 117-121.

Morales-Martínez DM, López-Arévalo HF, Vargas-Ramírez M. 2021.Beginning the quest: phylogenetic hypothesis and identification of evolutionary lineages in bats of the genus Micronycteris (Chiroptera, Phyllostomidae). ZooKeys 1028: 135–159.

Gutiérrez-Liberato GA, Lotta-Arévalo IA, Rodríguez-Almonacid CC, Vargas-Ramírez M, Matta NE. 2021. Molecular and morphological description of the first Hepatozoon (Apicomplexa: Hepatozoidae) species infecting a neotropical turtle, with an approach to its phylogenetic relationships. Parasitology 148(6):1-42.

Torres-Ramírez JJ, Angarita-Sierra T, Vargas-Ramírez M. 2021. A new species of Amphisbaena (Squamata: Amphisbaenidae) from the Orinoquian region of Colombia. Vertebrate Zoology 71: 55–74.

2020

Andreína-Pacheco M, Ceríaco MLP, Matta NE, Vargas-Ramírez M, Bauerf AM, Escalante AA.2020. A phylogenetic study of Haemocystidium parasites and other Haemosporida using complete mitochondrial genome sequences. Infection, Genetics and Evolution. 85:104576.

Balaguera-Reina SA, Vargas-Ramírez M, Ordóñez-Garza N, Hernández-González F, Densmore LLD. 2020. Unveiling the mystery: assessing the evolutionary trajectory of the Apaporis caiman population (Caiman crocodilus apaporiensis, Medem 1955) via mitochondrial molecular makers. Biological Journal of the Linnean Society, 2020, XX, 1–9.

Vargas-Ramírez M, Caballero S, Morales-Betancourt MA, Lasso CA, Amaya L, Martínez JG, Silva-Vianag MN, Vogth RC, Pires-Farias I, Hrbekg T, Campbell P, Fritz U. 2020. Genomic analyses reveal two species of the matamata (Testudines:Chelidae: Chelusspp.) and clarify their phylogeography. Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution. 148: 106823.

Acosta-Galvis AR, Vargas-Ramírez M, Anganoy-Criollo M, Ibarra O, Gonzáles S. 2020. Description of a new diminutive Hyloxalus (Anura: Dendrobatidae: Hyloxalinae) from the Magdalena Valley of Colombia. Zootaxa 4758 (1): 083–102.

Lotta-Arévalo, I.A., Vargas-Ramírez, M., Nates-Parra, G., Matta, N.E., & Ospina Torres, R. 2020. Accediendo al pasado: uso de especímenes de colección como fuentes de información genética para el género Bombus (Hymenoptera: Apidae). Revista de Biología Tropical, 68(2), 394-414.

2019

Gallego‐García N, Forero‐Medina G, Vargas‐Ramírez M, Caballero S, Shaffer HB. 2019. Landscape genomic signatures indicate reduced gene flow and forest‐associated adaptive divergence in an endangered neotropical turtle. Molecular Ecology. 28 (11): 2757-2771.

Gonzáleza LP, Pacheco MA, Escalante AA, Jiménez Maldonado AD, Cepeda AS, Rodríguez-Fandiño OA, Vargas‐Ramírez M, Matta NE. 2019. Haemocystidium spp., a species complex infecting ancient aquatic turtles of the family Podocnemididae: First report of these parasites in Podocnemis vogli from the Orinoquia. IJP: Parasites and Wildlife. 10:299-309

Vargas-Ramírez M.2019. Evolución y conservación de las tortugas acuáticas ancestrales de la familia Podocnemididae (Testudines: Pleurodira); contribuciones desde la sistemática molecular. Numero Especial homenaje a Federico Medem. Biblioteca José Jéronimo Triana. 34: 147-165.

2018

Michels J, Vargas-Ramírez M. 2018. Red headed Amazon River Turtles in Venezuela and Colombia: population separation and connection along the famous route of Alexander von Humboldt. Zoology. 130: 67-78.

Acosta-Galvis AR, Vargas-Ramírez M. 2018. A new species of Hyloxalus Jiménez De La Espada, 1871 ‘‘1870’’ (Anura: Dendrobatidae: Hyloxalinae) from a cloud forest near Bogotá, Colombia, with comments on the subpunctatus clade. 68 (2): 123 –141.

2017

Gallego-García N, Vargas-Ramírez M, Forero-Medina G, Caballero S. 2017. Genetic evidence of fragmented populations and inbreeding in the Colombian endemic Dahl’s toad-headed turtle (Mesoclemmys dahli). Conservation Genetics. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10592-017-1021-z.

Vargas-Ramírez M, del Valle C, Ceballos CP, Fritz U. 2017. Trachemys medemi n. sp. from northwestern Colombia turns the biogeography of South American slider turtles upside down. J Zool Syst Evol Res;55:326–339. https://doi.org/10.1111/jzs.12179

Graciá E., Vargas-Ramírez, M., Delfino, M., Anadón, JD., Giménez, A., Botella, F., Fahd, S., Corti, C., Fritz, U. 2017. Expansion after expansion: dissecting the phylogeography of the widely distributed spur-thighed tortoise, Testudo graeca (Testudines:Testudinidae). Biological Journal of the Linnean Society, XX, 1–14.

2016

Vamberger M, Stuckas H, Vargas-Ramírez M, Kehlmaier C, Ayaz D, Aloufi A. A, Lymberakis P, Široký P, Fritz U. 2016. Unexpected hybridization patterns in Near Eastern terrapins (Mauremys caspica, M. rivulata) indicate ancient gene flow across the Fertile Crescent. Zoologica Scripta. DOI: 10.1111/zsc.12227.

Vargas-Ramírez M, Petzold A, Fritz U. 2016. Distribution modelling and conservation assessment for Pelomedusa species. Salamandra 52: 306-316.

Forero-Medina G, Páez V, Garcés-Restrepo MF, Carr J, Giraldo A, Vargas-Ramírez M. 2016. Research and Conservation Priorities for Tortoises and Freshwater Turtles of Colombia. Tropical Conservation Science 1-14.

2014

Vargas-Ramírez M, Moreno R. 2014. Unknown Evolutionary Lineages and Population Differentiation in Anolis heterodermus from Middle-Eastern Cordillera of Colombia (Squamata: Dactyloidae) revealed by DNA Sequence Data. The South American Journal of Herpetology 9:131-141.

González-Zárate A, Montenegro O, Castaño-Mora OV, Vargas-Ramírez M. 2014. Abundancia, Estructura poblacional y Conservación de Podocnemis lewyana (podocnemididae) en el Rio Prado, Colombia. Acta Biólogica Colombiana 19: 351-361.

Petzold A, Vargas-Ramírez M, Kehlmaier C, Vamberger M, Branch WR, Du Preez L, Hofmeyr MD, Meyer L, Schleicher A, Široký P, Fritz U. 2014. A revision of African helmeted terrapins (Testudines: Pelomedusidae: Pelomedusa), with descriptions of six new species. Zootaxa 3795: 523–548.

2013

Vargas-Ramírez M , Carr J, Fritz U. 2013. Complex phylogeography in Rhinoclemmys melanosterna: conflicting mitochondrial and nuclear evidence suggests past hybridization (Testudines: Geoemydidae). Zootaxa, 3670: 238–254.

Vargas-Ramírez M, Michels J, Castaño-Mora OV, Cárdenas-Arevalo G, Gallego-García N, Fritz U. 2012. Weak genetic divergence between the two South American toad-headed turtles Mesoclemmys dahli and M. zuliae (Testudines: Pleurodira: Chelidae). Amphibia-Reptilia, 33: 373-385.

Vargas-Ramírez M, Castaño-Mora OV, Stuckas H, Fritz U. 2012. Extremely low genetic diversity and weak population differentiation in the critically-endangered Colombian endemic river turtle Podocnemis lewyana (Testudines, Podocnemididae). Conservation Genetics, 13: 65-77.

2012

Fritz U, Vargas-Ramírez M, Široký P. 2012. Phylogenetic position of Pelusios williamsi and a critique of current GenBank procedures (Reptilia: Testudines: Pelomedusidae). Amphibia-Reptilia 33, 150-154.

Fritz U, Alcalde L, Vargas-Ramírez M, Goode E.V., Fabius-Turoblin D.U., Praschag P. 2012. Northern genetic richness and southern purity, but just one species in the Chelonoidis chilensis complex. Zoologica Scripta, 41: 211–325.

2011

Fritz U, Packert M, Vargas-Ramírez M, Maran J, Stuckas H, Hundsdörfer AK. 2011. Molecular phylogeny of Central and South American slider turtles: implications for biogeography and systematics (Testudines: Emydidae: Trachemys). Journal of Zoological Systematics and Evolutionary Research, 50: 89–173.

2010

Vargas-Ramírez M, Vences M, Branch WR, Daniels SR, Glaw F, Hofmeyr MD, Kuchling G, Maran J, Papenfuss TJ, Široký P, Vieites DR, Fritz U. 2010. Deep genealogical lineages in the widely distributed African helmeted terrapin: Evidence from mitochondrial and nuclear DNA (Testudines: Pelomedusidae: Pelomedusa subrufa). Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution, 56: 428–440.

Vargas-Ramírez M, Maran J, Fritz U. 2010. Red- and yellow-footed tortoises, Chelonoidis carbonaria and C. denticulata (Reptilia: Testudines: Testudinidae), in South American savannahs and forests: do their phylogeographies reflect distinct habitats? Organisms Diversity & Evolution, 10: 161–172.

Fritz U, Branch WR, Hofmeyr M, Maran J, Prokop H, Schleicher A, Široký P, Stuckas H, Vargas-Ramírez M, Vences M, Hundsdörfer A.K. 2010. Molecular phylogeny of African hinged and helmeted terrapins (Testudines: Pelomedusidae: Pelusios and Pelomedusa). Zoologica Scripta, 40: 115–125.

2009

Gong S, Shi H, Mo Y, Auer M, Vargas-Ramírez M, Hundsdörfer AK, Fritz U. 2009. Phylogeography of the endangered black-breasted leaf turtle (Geoemyda spengleri) and conservation implications for other chelonians. Amphibia-Reptilia, 30: 57-62.

Paez VP, Restrepo A, Vargas-Ramírez M, Bock BC. 2009. Podocnemis lewyana (Duméril 1852) – Magdalena River turtle. In: Rhodin, A.G.J., Pritchard, P.C.H., van Dijk, P.P., Saumure, R.A., Buhlmann, K.A., Iverson, J.B., and Mittermeier, R.A. (Eds.). Conservation Biology of Freshwater Turtles and Tortoises: A Compilation Project of the IUCN/SSC Tortoise and Freshwater Turtle Specialist Group. Chelonian Research Monographs No. 5, pp. 024.1-024.6.

2008

Vargas-Ramírez M, Castaño-Mora OV, Fritz U. 2008. Molecular phylogeny and divergence times of ancient South American and Malagasy river turtles (Testudines: Pleurodira: Podocnemididae). Organisms Diversity & Evolution, 8: 388-398.

2007

Vargas-Ramírez M, Chiari Y, Castaño-Mora OV, Menken SBJ. 2007. Low genetic variability in the endangered Colombian endemic freshwater turtle Podocnemis lewyana (Testudines, Podocnemididae). Contributions to Zoology, 76: 1-7.

2000

Lynch JD, Vargas-Ramírez M, 2000. Lista preliminar de especies de ranas del departamento de Guainía, Colombia. Rev. Acad. Colomb. Cienc. Ex-. Fis. Nat 23 (93): 2000. SIN 0370-3908.

Book chapters

Hurtado Gómez JP. 2015. Anfibios y Reptiles. In: Propuesta para la gestión integral de la biodiversidad y los servicios ecosistémicos en Medellín. Alcaldía de Medellín, Medellín, pp. 61–67.

Vargas-Ramírez M. 2012. Filogenia y Filogeografía de las Tortugas Continentales Colombianas. Chapter 6. Pp.91-101. In: Páez, V. P., M. A. Morales-Betancourt, C. A. Lasso, O. V. Castaño-Mora y B. Bock. (Editors). 2012. V. Biología y conservación de las tortugas continentales de Colombia. Serie Editorial Recursos Hidrobiológicos y Pesqueros Continentales de Colombia. Instituto de Investigación de los Recursos Biológicos Alexander von Humboldt (IAvH). Bogotá, D. C., Colombia.

Morales-Betancourt M.A, Lasso C.A., Páez V., Trujillo F., Vargas-Ramírez M., Forero-Medina G., Hernández O., Trujillo G. 2012. Estrategias para la conservación de las tortugas continentales de Colombia. Chapter 20. Pp.495-522. In: Páez, V. P., M. A. Morales-Betancourt, C. A. Lasso, O. V. Castaño-Mora y B. Bock. (Editors). 2012. V. Biología y conservación de lastortugas continentales de Colombia. Serie Editorial Recursos Hidrobiológicos y Pesqueros Continentales de Colombia. Instituto de Investigación de los Recursos Biológicos Alexander von Humboldt (IAvH). Bogotá, D. C., Colombia.

Páez V.P., Restrepo-Isaza A., Vargas-Ramírez M., Bock, B.C., Gallego-García, N. Podocnemis lewyana. Pp.379-385. In: Páez, V. P., M. A. Morales-Betancourt, C. A. Lasso, O. V. Castaño-Mora y B. Bock. (Editors). 2012. V. Biología y conservación de lastortugas continentales de Colombia. Serie Editorial Recursos Hidrobiológicos y Pesqueros Continentales de Colombia. Instituto de Investigación de los Recursos Biológicos Alexander von Humboldt (IAvH). Bogotá, D. C., Colombia.

Technical reports

Vargas-Ramírez M, Castaño-Mora OV. 2009. Actions towards the conservation of the endangered-endemic fresh water turtle Podocnemis lewyana in the Upper Magdalena River, Colombia. Report, 26 pp.

Vargas-Ramírez M, Castaño-Mora OV, Meza-Fernandez N, Zarate-Gonzalez A. 2007. Participatory research towards the conservation of the endangered-endemic fresh water turtle Podocnemis lewyana in the Upper Magdalena River, Colombia. Report, 49 pp.

Vargas-Ramírez M, Castaño-Mora OV., Menken SBJ. 2006. First genetic survey on the Magdalena’s endemic fresh water turtle Podocnemis lewyana (Testudines, Podocnemididae) and its relation with human communities. Consequences for the species conservation. Report, 60 pp.

Vargas-Ramírez M, Forero-Medina, G, Gallego-García, N. 2016. Conservación genética de la tortuga endémica amenazada Mesoclemmys dahli (Testudines:Chelidae). Convenio No. 5212105, Ecopetrol-WCSReport, 60pp.

Antelo R., Vargas-Ramírez M, Saavedra-Rodríguez CA, Forero-Medina G. 2022. Plan de acción interinstitucional para la conservación del caimán llanero (Crocodylus intermedius) en Colombia. Wildlife Conservation Society, Estación de Biología Tropical Roberto Franco, Gobernación de Casanare y Universidad Nacional. Cali, Colombia. 46 pp.

Press

La nueva especie de tortuga icotea que migró hace 8,6 millones de años . El Tiempo, Colombia. November the 23rd of 2017.

Belleza blindada en peligro - Una tortuga colombiana recién descubierta necesita protección. AlphaGalileo. International News portal. October the 6th 2017.

En el Atrato vive una tortuga que migró hace años. La Opinion, Colombia. November the 23rd of 2017.

GEPANZERTE SCHÖNHEIT IN GEFAHR. Senckenberg, Germany. October the 6th 2017

Cousine der berühmt-berüchtigten Rotwangenschildkröte entdeckt. Natur, Germany. October the 10th 2017.

Las ranas que serían útiles para hacer antibióticos. El Tiempo, Colombia. November the 20th of 2017.

En la búsqueda por identificar a rana que produce antibiótico.Unimedios. November the 14th of 2017

Endogamia amenaza supervivencia de la tortuga carranchina en el Caribe. Unimedios. October the 31st 2017.

Tras el rastro molecular de las tortugas traficadas. November the 20th 2018.

Reconocen nueva especie de tortuga matamata. Unimedios | Agencia de Noticias UN. 11/4/2020.

Reconocen nueva especie de tortuga matamata. El Tiempo. 11/4/20.