New record and distribution map of Rhinella ocellata (Günther, 1858) in Brazil (Anura: Bufonidae)

Here, we highlight significant expansions in the distribution of Rhinella ocellata in the state of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil. Originally described as Bufo ocellatus by Günther (1858) and subsequently reclassified as Rhinella ocellata by Cochran (1954), this species belongs to the Rhinella margaritifera group. Novel records were obtained through nocturnal surveys of anurans in two previously undocumented locations for the species. In December 2019, in Vista Alegre, Maracaju, the species was identified approximately 190 km south of the nearest record in Miranda. The second record, in Aparecida do Taboado, November 2021, expanded the distribution by 300 km east of Camapuã and 375 km south of Caldas Novas, Goiás. The observation of males vocalizing near ponds formed by recent rainfall suggests reproductive activity. These findings significantly underscore the expansion of Rhinella ocellata distribution and mark its first record in the state of Mato Grosso do Sul, providing valuable contributions to the understanding of the ecology and dynamics of this species occurrence.