ABSTRACT: The latitudinal distribution patterns of alpha, beta
and gamma diversity of reptiles, amphibians and herpetofauna
were analyzed using individual binary models of potential
distribution for 301species predicted by ecological modelling
for a grid of 9,932 quadrants of ~25 km2 each. We arranged
quadrants in 312latitudinal bands in which alpha, beta and gamma
values were determined. Latitudinal trends of all scales of
diversity were similar in all groups. Alpha and gamma responded
inversely to latitude whereas beta showed a high latitudinal
fluctuation due to the high number of endemic species. Alpha and
gamma showed a strong correlation in all groups. Beta diversity
is an important component of the herpetofauna distribution
patterns as a continuous source of species diversity throughout
the region. Animal Biodiversity and Conservation. 01/2007;