Citizen science expanding knowledge: a new record of the lizard Heterodactylus imbricatus (Squamata, Gymnophthalmidae) in south-eastern Brazil

Background Through citizen science projects, like Projeto Bromelias, community members contribute valuable data on species diversity, notably those with low detectability like the Heterodactylus imbricatus lizard. A recent observation in the State of Espirito Santo (south-eastern Brazil), amidst coffee and eucalyptus crops, highlights the utility of widespread technology use in tracking and documenting wildlife. Such initiatives are especially beneficial for mapping the distribution of rare, endemic or endangered reptiles. Therefore, we advocate for more citizen science initiatives near protected areas, involving local communities.