Latest Articles from Neotropical Biology and Conservation Latest 100 Articles from Neotropical Biology and Conservation https://neotropical.pensoft.net/ Tue, 19 Mar 2024 06:44:21 +0200 Pensoft FeedCreator https://neotropical.pensoft.net/i/logo.jpg Latest Articles from Neotropical Biology and Conservation https://neotropical.pensoft.net/ Sensitisation, research and management for conservation within ESPOL University forests after the COVID-19 pandemic, Ecuador https://neotropical.pensoft.net/article/110615/ Neotropical Biology and Conservation 18(4): 283-303

DOI: 10.3897/neotropical.18.e110615

Authors: Ricardo Villalba-Briones, Paolo Michael Piedrahita, Daniel Omar Garces, Juan S. Monrós

Abstract: Non sustainable land uses are disturbing natural habitats and wild animals’ ecology worldwide. Nevertheless, the sensitisation of key actors combined with research and a consequent management can influence decision-making and improve animals’ well-being. COVID-19 has influenced the number of interactions with wildlife in urban environments and the ESPOL Polytechnic University is a university campus that holds forested areas in Guayaquil, Ecuador. We implemented an environmental education course with an empathetic approach for the security guards of the university. We used questionnaires to evaluate their attitudes and knowledge on wildlife before and after the sensitisation course. In addition, we registered the incidences of native fauna resulting from the guards’ collaborations and we designed management strategies according to the data gathered. The guards showed an improvement in their knowledge of the issues covered (n = 81–87; X̄ = 163.4%) and an increased preference for wild and native fauna after the sensitisation course (n = 67; 151.6%). Furthermore, the collaborations of guards with the Biodiversity Unit of the university concerning animal-human interactions increased, as did the supporting actions towards the well-being of native animals. Moreover, the information about direct and indirect interactions with wildlife included reports on traces of large to medium animal activity and a record of illegal hunting of Choloepus hoffmanni for bushmeat consumption. Obtained data sustained adaptive management actions such as signalling and restrictions in use. We recommend educating key actors with an empathetic approach, developing critical skills and promoting collaborations to reduce human impacts in wild areas.

HTML

XML

PDF

]]>
Research Article Thu, 23 Nov 2023 09:29:06 +0200
Comparing diversity of the terrestrial mammal communities inhabiting native forests and exotic plantations in southern Chile https://neotropical.pensoft.net/article/110272/ Neotropical Biology and Conservation 18(4): 261-282

DOI: 10.3897/neotropical.18.e110272

Authors: Nelson Colihueque, Víctor Vidal, Contanza Vásquez, Alberto Gantz

Abstract: The mammal community of the Coastal Range of southern Chile has been little studied even though they inhabit an environment under severe threats due to anthropic disturbance. During the spring-summer seasons of 2020–2021 and 2021–2022, we characterized the communities of wild terrestrial mammals in a native forest (NF) and an exotic plantation of Eucalyptus (PL) of the Coastal Range of Osorno province by phototrapping. We used 1,060 camera-trap days in the NF and 960 camera-trap days in the PL to explore the effect of habitat type on wild mammal diversity in two localities (L-1 and L-2). We quantified the species richness, abundance, community similarity and daily distribution of mammal communities. Species richness was higher in the NF (7–8 spp) than in the PL (3–4 spp). Two community similarity index (CSI) was significantly higher between native forests (CSI = 0.728 ± 0.088) than between Eucalyptus plantations (CSI = 0.211 ± 0.097) (95% CI). Mean abundance was also higher in the NF than in the PL (L-1: 0.011 vs. 0.004 occurrence/camera-trap day (OCT); L-2: 0.008 vs. 0.004 OCT). In L-1, the most abundant mammals in the NF were Leopardus guigna (45.3% of relative occurrence (RO)) and Pudu puda (18.9% RO), and in the PL, they were Lycalopex culpaeus (50% RO) and L. guigna (37.5% RO). In L-2, the highest abundances in the NF were for P. puda (34.5% RO) and Puma concolor (27.6% RO), while in the PL, P. puda was predominant (66.7% RO). In NF of both localities, 22.2% of melanic L. guigna individuals were observed. The highest frequency of occurrences in both locations was between 12:00 and 23:59 hours, with 60% and 76.9% of detections, respectively. The species richness found in native forest is in accordance with studies carried out in other temperate rainforests of southern Chile. In addition, native forests support a richer and more similar community of terrestrial mammals than exotic forest plantations, which indicates that native forests are the main habitat for most mammals detected and that exotic plantations function as a complementary habitat for some species.

HTML

XML

PDF

]]>
Research Article Wed, 15 Nov 2023 19:09:49 +0200
Corrigendum: Witt PBR, Faria HH, Oliveira J, Oliveira LR (2023) Management effectiveness of Nature Conservation Units in southern Brazil. Neotropical Biology and Conservation 18(3): 209–230. doi: 10.3897/neotropical.18.e103019 https://neotropical.pensoft.net/article/113743/ Neotropical Biology and Conservation 18(4): 259-260

DOI: 10.3897/neotropical.18.e113743

Authors: Patrícia Bernardes Rodrigues Witt, Helder Henrique de Faria, Juliano de Oliveira, Larissa Rosa de Oliveira

Abstract: A implantação de áreas protegidas, em especial, Unidades de Conservação da Natureza (UCs), é uma estratégia de conservação reconhecida mundialmente. No entanto, estes limites de uma gestão eficiente para atingir os seus objetivos de conservação. Quando a gestão das UCs ​​é deficiente, resulta em prejuízos aos seus próprios objetivos, afetando a biodiversidade e os processos ecológicos, além de causar impactos sociais e econômicos. Nesse contexto, avaliamos a efetividade da gestão de 11 Unidades de Conservação Integrais da Natureza no Estado do Rio Grande do Sul, sul do Brasil, por meio de entrevistas, visitas a essas UCs ​​​​e revisão de seus documentos oficiais.Para esta análise utilizou-se o método adaptado de Efetividade de Gestão de Áreas Protegidas (EMAP) que foi desenvolvido por meio de uma escala Likert com cinco níveis oito escopos 73 indicadores e 65 cenários de avaliação. Noventa e um por cento das UCs ​​avaliadas no Sul do Brasil pelo método EMAP oscilaram entre eficácia média e muito insatisfatória e baixa efetividade de gestão: 18% das UCs ​​apresentaram qualidade de gestão muito insatisfatória, 37% insatisfatória, 36% média e apenas 9% alta ou garantia. Além disso, as UC não cumpriram os objetivos principais para os quais foram criados. Neste contexto, recomendamos uma série de ações a aplicar para a melhoria da UC, como a adoção de um modelo de avaliação quali-quantitativo das unidades, através de um modelo matemático;aumento de pessoal; treinar equipes e gestores; melhoria da infraestrutura e insumos da UC; alocação orçamentária regular; regularização fundiária, implementação de conselhos consultivos e revisão urgente dos planos de manejo. Noventa e um por cento das UCs ​​avaliadas no Sul do Brasil pelo método EMAP oscilaram entre eficácia média e muito insatisfatória e baixa efetividade de gestão: 18% das UCs ​​apresentaram qualidade de gestão muito insatisfatória, 37% insatisfatória, 36% média e apenas 9% alta ou garantia. Além disso, as UC não cumpriram os objetivos principais para os quais foram criados.Neste contexto, recomendamos uma série de ações a aplicar para a melhoria da UC, como a adoção de um modelo de avaliação quali-quantitativo das unidades, através de um modelo matemático; aumento de pessoal; treinar equipes e gestores; melhoria da infraestrutura e insumos da UC; alocação orçamentária regular; regularização fundiária, implementação de conselhos consultivos e revisão urgente dos planos de manejo. Noventa e um por cento das UCs ​​avaliadas no Sul do Brasil pelo método EMAP oscilaram entre eficácia média e muito insatisfatória e baixa efetividade de gestão: 18% das UCs ​​apresentaram qualidade de gestão muito insatisfatória, 37% insatisfatória, 36% média e apenas 9% alta ou garantia.Além disso, as UC não cumpriram os objetivos principais para os quais foram criados. Neste contexto, recomendamos uma série de ações a aplicar para a melhoria da UC, como a adoção de um modelo de avaliação quali-quantitativo das unidades, através de um modelo matemático; aumento de pessoal; treinar equipes e gestores; melhoria da infraestrutura e insumos da UC; alocação orçamentária regular; regularização fundiária, implementação de conselhos consultivos e revisão urgente dos planos de manejo.

HTML

XML

PDF

]]>
Corrigendum Wed, 18 Oct 2023 15:30:05 +0300
The Trichoptera of Panama. XXVI. Status of the genus Protoptila (Trichoptera, Glossosomatidae) https://neotropical.pensoft.net/article/111801/ Neotropical Biology and Conservation 18(4): 251-258

DOI: 10.3897/neotropical.18.e111801

Authors: Roger J. Blahnik, Yusseff P. Aguirre, Brian J. Armitage

Abstract: The caddisfly genus Protoptila (Trichoptera, Glossosomatidae) in Panama is currently represented by 15 species, including four endemic species and 11 species also found in Costa Rica. The shared occurrences of Panamanian species with other countries in the region are minimal. Herein, we describe and illustrate a new species, Protoptila harrisi sp. nov., and add one new country record, Protoptila bribri Holzenthal & Blahnik, 2006. These additions are the result of several projects conducted by the Aquatic Invertebrate Research Group at the Universidad Autónoma de Chiriquí. The Republic of Panama now has 17 species of Protoptila and 535 species of caddisflies distributed among 15 families and 56 genera.

HTML

XML

PDF

]]>
Research Article Thu, 5 Oct 2023 19:12:48 +0300
Managing invasive wild boars in Southern Brazil’s protected areas: Challenges and strategies https://neotropical.pensoft.net/article/110008/ Neotropical Biology and Conservation 18(4): 231-250

DOI: 10.3897/neotropical.18.e110008

Authors: Matheus Fragoso Etges, Demétrio Luis Guadagnin, Andreas Kindel

Abstract: Invasive species pose significant threats to ecosystems and biodiversity, necessitating effective management strategies to mitigate their impacts. One such invasive species of concern is the wild boar in Brazil, which has the potential to cause widespread environmental changes. A national plan for monitoring and controlling invasive species, including the wild boar, was developed in response to this threat. Despite this initiative, uncertainties persist regarding the presence of wild boars in protected areas (PAs) and the effectiveness of current management actions. This study intends to diagnose the situation of wild boars in protected areas within the southern region of Brazil, specifically focusing on their distribution, management techniques employed, and reasons for the lack of management actions. An online questionnaire was sent to 297 PAs, with 134 responding. The findings revealed that wild boars were present in 36 surveyed PAs, but management efforts were only being carried out in 14 of them. Cages and corrals were identified as the most commonly used techniques, with corn serving as the preferred bait. The study identified two primary reasons for the lack of management actions: the wild boar’s low invasion intensity and management capacity limitations. To address these challenges effectively, this study advocates for a centralized organization of management actions and emphasizes the development of materials and resources to support successful management strategies. Implementing these measures is essential to safeguard the conservation of ecosystems and vulnerable species in Brazil’s protected areas and ensure the long-term resilience of these valuable ecological assets.

HTML

XML

PDF

]]>
Research Article Thu, 5 Oct 2023 19:12:15 +0300
Management effectiveness of Nature Conservation Units in southern Brazil https://neotropical.pensoft.net/article/103019/ Neotropical Biology and Conservation 18(3): 209-230

DOI: 10.3897/neotropical.18.e103019

Authors: Patrícia Bernardes Rodrigues Witt, Helder Henrique de Faria, Juliano de Oliveira, Larissa Rosa de Oliveira

Abstract: The implementation of protected areas, in particular, nature Conservation Units (CUs), is a conservation strategy recognised worldwide. However, these territories require efficient management to achieve their conservation goals. When the management of CUs is deficient, it results in damage to their own goals, affecting biodiversity and ecological processes, as well as causing social and economic impacts. In this context, we evaluated the management effectiveness of 11 integral Conservation Units of nature in the State of Rio Grande do Sul, southern Brazil, through interviews, visits to these CUs and a review of their official documents. For this analysis, we used the adapted method of Effectiveness of Management of Protected Areas (EMAP), which was analysed using a Likert scale with five levels, eight scopes, 73 indicators and 65 evaluation scenarios. Ninety-one percent of the CUs assessed in southern Brazil by the EMAP method oscillated from average to very unsatisfactory efficacy and low management effectiveness: 18% of the CUs had a very unsatisfactory quality of management, 37% unsatisfactory, 36% average and only 9% high or satisfactory. Moreover, the CUs did not fulfil the main objectives for which they were created. In this context, we recommended a series of actions to be applied for CU improvement, such as the adoption of a quali-quantitative evaluation model for the units, through a mathematical model; increase in staff; training teams and managers; improvement of CU infrastructure and inputs; regular budget allocation; land regularisation, implementation of consultative councils and urgent review of management plans.

HTML

XML

PDF

]]>
Research Article Wed, 27 Sep 2023 19:00:08 +0300
Climatic signals on phenological patterns among tree species in a subtropical forest community https://neotropical.pensoft.net/article/103506/ Neotropical Biology and Conservation 18(3): 191-208

DOI: 10.3897/neotropical.18.e103506

Authors: Gabriela Morais Olmedo, Mateus Raguse-Quadros, Guilherme Taboada Conrado, Juliano Morales Oliveira

Abstract: The study of vegetative and reproductive phenophases of plants is critical for understanding aspects related to plant behavior in different environments. In the tropics, there is a gap of understanding related to plant phenology since the theoretical framework on the topic has been built from perspectives of the temperate region. Furthermore, there are few studies in tropical regions influenced by anthropic conditions, which may be important for understanding these issues in the face of future climate scenarios. This study aimed to describe the vegetative and reproductive phenology of trees in an urban subtropical forest community and to test the influence of climatic variables on the tree community. In an urban forest fragment in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, eight individuals of locally dominant species were monitored: Allophylus edulis, Casearia sylvestris, Guarea macrophylla, Mimosa bimucronata, Myrsine coriacea, Myrsine umbellata, Schinus glandulosum, and Schinus terebinthifolia. The monitoring occurred every two weeks, for two years, with the recording of the presence of leaf flushing, leaf shedding, flowering, and fruiting phenophases for each tree. The seasonality of the species was tested using the Rayleigh test. We described the common pattern of community phenological activity by a Principal Component Analysis. Finally, we correlated the common patterns of each phenophase in the community with climatic variables of total precipitation, average temperature, and day length. All species showed a non-uniform phenological pattern for the evaluated phenophases despite the variable intensity. We evidenced common patterns for the community only for the vegetative phenophases. The reproductive phenophases of flowering and fruiting present themselves independently among species in the community. Finally, we identified influences only of temperature and day length on the vegetative phenophases.

HTML

XML

PDF

]]>
Research Article Wed, 27 Sep 2023 19:00:07 +0300
A case of leucosis in Heptapterus mustelinus (Siluriformes, Heptapteridae) among populations of streams in southern Brazil. Has leucosis in Heptapterus mustelinus an adaptive value in shaded streams? https://neotropical.pensoft.net/article/103523/ Neotropical Biology and Conservation 18(3): 177-189

DOI: 10.3897/neotropical.18.e103523

Authors: Marlon Ferraz, Uwe Horst Schulz, Carlos Alberto Santos de Lucena, Pablo Lehmann A.

Abstract: Fish populations in environments with a high degree of geographic isolation may be prone to mutations expressed in the phenotypes. These mutations may be related to color pattern, forming leucistic individuals. This work aims to register and to describe possible mechanisms that influence this mutation. Additionally, the study compares other morphometric variations among different populations and leucistic individuals of Heptapterus mustelinus. A total of four leucistic individuals were collected in a small shaded stream, highly segmented by rapids and waterfalls. The biometric analyses showed no significant morphological differences when compared to other populations of the same ecoregion. The selection of leucism may be directly related to the sampled environment, since the leucistic specimens occurred in a shaded stream with dense vegetation cover. Low occurrence of predatory species of fish can be an important point to maintain the characteristic. Consequently, predation may not exert a negative selective pressure on leucistic individuals.

HTML

XML

PDF

]]>
Research Article Wed, 27 Sep 2023 19:00:06 +0300
Regeneration in a Neotropical land planarian (Platyhelminthes, Tricladida) https://neotropical.pensoft.net/article/103357/ Neotropical Biology and Conservation 18(3): 163-176

DOI: 10.3897/neotropical.18.e103357

Authors: Piter Kehoma Boll, Ilana Rossi, Silvana Vargas do Amaral, Ana Maria Leal-Zanchet

Abstract: Planarians are known for their ability to regenerate missing body parts. However, little is known about the regeneration ability of land planarians, especially regarding Neotropical species. Herein, we investigated the regeneration in the Neotropical land planarian Luteostriata abundans. Specimens were cut in two at different points along the body and monitored for 50 days. Larger and anterior pieces survived more than smaller posterior pieces. Anterior pieces that retained the pharynx continued to feed normally as intact animals, while posterior pieces that retained the pharynx lost its function temporarily. The growth rate was similar amongst all pieces across 50 days. Anterior mouthless pieces regenerated the pharynx and mouth significantly faster than posterior mouthless pieces. After 50 days, the relative position of the mouth along the body reached values close to intact animals in all regenerating pieces. In general, anterior pieces showed higher survival and regenerated faster than posterior fragments, which agrees with observations with other planarian species. However, surviving posterior pieces were able to retain the proportions of intact animals as well. Our results suggest that L. abundans has a good regenerative capacity similar to many freshwater planarians.

HTML

XML

PDF

]]>
Research Article Wed, 27 Sep 2023 19:00:05 +0300
Land planarians (Platyhelminthes) also prey on web-building spiders https://neotropical.pensoft.net/article/103322/ Neotropical Biology and Conservation 18(3): 157-162

DOI: 10.3897/neotropical.18.e103322

Authors: João C. F. Cardoso, Fernando Carbayo, Marcelo O. Gonzaga

Abstract: Although spiders and land planarians constitute diverse groups of terrestrial predators, interactions between them are still unknown. Here, we describe a predatory event of a land planarian (Choeradoplana cf. gladismariae) on a web-building spider (Helvibis longicauda) in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest. The prey was constricted and covered with sticky mucus while remaining on its web trying to protect its egg sac. The event was observed in the middle-end afternoon at ca. 1.80 m height. Our observation broadens the scope of possible natural enemies of web-building spiders and the prey items of land planarians. It also indicates that these organisms can capture and overpower dangerous predatory arthropods, suggesting that even complex three-dimensional sticky webs can be ineffective against the attack of land planarians. Finally, we also show that land planarians can exhibit a flexible foraging strategy, exploiting the environment during the day and at higher heights from the ground. Our observation opens new possibilities involving focal observations and experiments using spiders and land planarians as models in predator-prey research.

HTML

XML

PDF

]]>
Short Communication Wed, 27 Sep 2023 19:00:04 +0300
Where do they live? Predictive geographic distribution of Tadarida brasiliensis brasiliensis (Chiroptera, Molossidae) in South America https://neotropical.pensoft.net/article/101390/ Neotropical Biology and Conservation 18(3): 139-156

DOI: 10.3897/neotropical.18.e101390

Authors: Izidoro Sarmento do Amaral, Jéssica Bandeira Pereira, Maurício Humberto Vancine, Ariadna E. Morales, Sérgio Luiz Althoff, Renato Gregorin, Maria João Ramos Pereira, Victor Hugo Valiati, Larissa Rosa de Oliveira

Abstract: Tadarida brasiliensis, the Brazilian free-tailed bat, is an insectivorous molossid with a wide distribution in the Americas. It occurs in different ecosystems and uses varied shelters, from caves and crevices to human constructions, such as roofs and ceilings. Despite its wide distribution, there are several sampling gaps that make it difficult to identify the regions where the species occurs. This is a particular problem for the subspecies T. brasiliensis brasiliensis in South America, a region with few studies in comparison to North America. Considering these problems involved with identifying the distribution of T. b. brasiliensis in South America, we inferred its distribution based on 121 confirmed occurrences for the subspecies. We created a species distribution model (SDM) using the ensemble approach from the combination of BIOCLIM, SVM, GLM and MaxEnt algorithms. The resulting model suggested that the subspecies is unlikely to occur in the Amazon region and has a positive affinity with human population density, topography, a lower vegetation index, and the precipitation in the driest month. Our results show there is a large continuous area suitable for T. b. brasiliensis in central and eastern South America, with interruptions and narrow areas toward Central America. The population in this last area is separated from a smaller site in Chile by Andean deserts, snowy peaks, and high-altitude points. Our results demonstrated that along its distribution suitable habitat for T. b. brasiliensis is not continuous. The discontinuities in populations require further investigation to determine if there are phylogeographic consequences for the species.

HTML

XML

PDF

]]>
Research Article Wed, 27 Sep 2023 19:00:03 +0300
Are caves true habitats for anurans or more a favorable rocky environment? A discussion of habitat occupation by frogs in Neotropical caves https://neotropical.pensoft.net/article/100778/ Neotropical Biology and Conservation 18(3): 131-137

DOI: 10.3897/neotropical.18.e100778

Authors: Vinícius da Fontoura Sperandei, Denizar de Almeida Alvarenga, Marcel Santos de Araújo, Cássio Cardoso Pereira

Abstract: Not applicable

HTML

XML

PDF

]]>
Commentary Wed, 27 Sep 2023 19:00:02 +0300
Productivity and impact of the Unisinos’ Postgraduate Program in Biology and the consequences of its interruption for Brazilian science https://neotropical.pensoft.net/article/103070/ Neotropical Biology and Conservation 18(3): 119-129

DOI: 10.3897/neotropical.18.e103070

Authors: Piter Kehoma Boll, Lucas Krüger

Abstract: On 22 July 2022, the Universidade do Vale do Rio dos Sinos (Unisinos), a private institution and community university in southern Brazil, announced the interruption of 12 of its postgraduate programmes, including the Postgraduate Program of Biology (PPG Biologia), whose professors founded the journal, Neotropical Biology and Conservation. We conducted a bibliometric analysis of papers published by PPG Biologia in the past 20 years to assess its impact on biological research at a national level. The number of publications and citations increased constantly over the years, with publications growing exponentially. Although most collaborations with other research programmes occurred inside Brazil, a significant number of studies were co-authored by researchers from other countries from at least four continents. The main research lines focused on biological sciences, ecology, sociology, education, environmental sciences and genetics. Despite being affected by the decrease in research funding and the reduction of personnel, PPG Biologia kept its high impact score according to the national evaluation, above that of most programmes in private universities and similar to public ones. With a team of renowned researchers working on different and sometimes unique research lines, the interruption of PPG Biologia will harm the progress of biological research and conservation across the Neotropical realm.

HTML

XML

PDF

]]>
Research Article Wed, 27 Sep 2023 19:00:01 +0300
Beware of scientific scams! Hints to avoid predatory publishing in biological journals https://neotropical.pensoft.net/article/108887/ Neotropical Biology and Conservation 18(2): 97-105

DOI: 10.3897/neotropical.18.e108887

Authors: Cássio Cardoso Pereira, Marco A. R. Mello, Daniel Negreiros, João Carlos Gomes Figueiredo, Walisson Kenedy-Siqueira, Lara Ribeiro Maia, Stephannie Fernandes, Gabriela França Carneiro Fernandes, Amanda Ponce de Leon, Lorena Ashworth, Yumi Oki, Gislene Carvalho de Castro, Ramiro Aguilar, Philip M. Fearnside, G. Wilson Fernandes

Abstract: Our motivation for writing this editorial is to alert the academic community about the risks of predatory publishing in Biology. By piggy-backing on the open access (OA) movement and taking advantage of the “publish or perish” culture in a system that prioritises quantity over quality, predatory publishing has grown exponentially in recent years and spread across all areas of knowledge. Thousands of predatory journals and books have emerged and (provided a fee is paid) they publish scientific papers and chapters without submitting them to rigorous peer review. Now there are even predatory meetings, which promise to accept talks and publish complete works for a fee, also without reviewing them properly. These profit-making machines can damage both academia and society, putting at risk the quality of science and public trust in it, the well-being of the population, the conservation of biodiversity and the mitigation of climate change. We show the modus operandi behind invitations to contribute to predatory journals, books and meetings and suggest ways to separate the wheat from the chaff. Finally, we discuss the need to create regulatory agencies that perform a careful and systematic evaluation of the activities carried out by publishers.

HTML

XML

PDF

]]>
Editorial Wed, 2 Aug 2023 17:01:15 +0300
Mammal use of underpasses to cross Route 606 in Guacimal, Costa Rica https://neotropical.pensoft.net/article/102809/ Neotropical Biology and Conservation 18(2): 107-117

DOI: 10.3897/neotropical.18.e102809

Authors: Eleanor R. Terner

Abstract: Roads severely affect the health of ecosystems across the globe by fragmenting and diminishing habitats, reducing population connectivity, and increasing animal mortality. Wildlife underpasses allow for increased road permeability–the ability for animals to safely cross the road. Despite growing success in other regions, little is known about underpass usage in Central America. In this study, I monitored two dry circular culverts and two unfenced tunnels with barbed wire partially blocking their entrances on Route 606 in Guacimal, Costa Rica, from 14 November to 6 December 2021 using 15 camera traps to assess which species used them to cross. Twelve species used the culverts and tunnels for a total of 108 individual crossings. The tunnels were used, in descending order, by agouti (Dasyprocta punctata), common opossum (Didelphis marsupialis), dog (Canis familiaris), nine-banded armadillo (Dasyous novemcinctus), cat (Felis catus), Norway rat (Rattus norvegicus), ocelot (Leopardus pardalis), squirrel (Sciurus variegatoides), northern tamandua (Tamandua mexicana), and coati (Nasua narica). The circular tunnel, Tunnel 1, was used more frequently and by a greater diversity of species than observed in the square tunnel, Tunnel 2. The two smaller culverts were used by common opossum (Didelphis marsupialis), cat (Felis catus), rat opossum (Micoureus alstoni), and Watson’s climbing rat (Tylomus watsoni). Culvert 2 was used more frequently; however, Culvert 1 was used by a greater diversity of species. This study highlights wildlife underpasses as a critical strategy for biological conservation in Costa Rica through improved road safety and habitat connectivity.

HTML

XML

PDF

]]>
Research Article Wed, 2 Aug 2023 09:12:55 +0300
Habitat use, non-breeding groupings and chromatic pattern in Johngarthia lagostoma (H. Milne Edwards, 1837) (Decapoda, Gecarcinidae) in Trindade Island, South Atlantic Ocean https://neotropical.pensoft.net/article/101409/ Neotropical Biology and Conservation 18(1): 83-95

DOI: 10.3897/neotropical.18.e101409

Authors: Hilton Entringer Jr, Ana Carolina Srbek-Araujo

Abstract: The land crab Johngarthia lagostoma is endemic to Trindade Island, Atol das Rocas, Fernando de Noronha and Ascension Islands. The natural history of the species in non-breeding periods is little known. Therefore, here we reported the formation of non-breeding groups and evaluated the chromatic populational pattern of J. lagostoma in Trindade Island. Records were obtained between April and June 2015. The groups were characterized according to their location, terrain elevation, environmental characteristics and specimens’ behavior. The chromatic pattern was defined by the classification of individuals between yellow and purple, and the proportion of each color was compared between populational units (previously defined based on genetic differences). Non-breeding groups were recorded in four locations in Trindade Island, at altitudes < 40 m, and all of them were in locations with food resources and sediment suitable for the construction of shelters. Isolated individuals or the absence of the species were observed in the most inhospitable places, indicating that the maintenance of the species depends on portions of suitable habitat amid the currently arid matrix. Yellow individuals (96.4%) were predominant on Trindade Island and the chromatic pattern differed from the other populations. Color patterns seem to follow genetic differences between populations, and the founder effect may account for current patterns. From the data obtained, we emphasize that the maintenance of the species may depend on food, sediment suitable for shelters construction, humidity and shade. Due to the significant population decline in other regions, the need to define guidelines for the conservation of the species on Trindade Island is highlighted. In this context, the regeneration of insular vegetation and prohibiting the known anthropic consumption of individuals may represent important strategies for the maintenance of the species.

HTML

XML

PDF

]]>
Short Communication Wed, 22 Mar 2023 10:03:10 +0200
Influence of tree-fall gaps on directional seed dispersal by small mammals in Central Panama https://neotropical.pensoft.net/article/97653/ Neotropical Biology and Conservation 18(1): 73-82

DOI: 10.3897/neotropical.18.e97653

Authors: Autumn B. Phillips-Lewis, Thomas D. Lambert, Gregory H. Adler

Abstract: Small mammals, particularly rodents, are often important seed-dispersal agents in Neotropical forests. Directional seed dispersal into tree-fall gaps may enhance seedling survival of light-demanding species and thus influence forest regeneration. To examine this proposition, we tracked seeds of a light-demanding palm (Attalea butyracea), with a focus on spiny rats (Proechimys semispinosus), the most-likely seed-removal agents. We established seed-removal stations at three distances relative to 28 gaps (gap center, gap edge, and intact forest 10 m from a gap edge) in a lowland forest in Central Panama. We placed five fresh fruits (with their seed) in semi-permeable exclosures to exclude larger mammals at each station and tracked the directions in which seeds were moved and deposited intact. More seeds were moved toward or into gaps when removed from gap center or edge stations; however, seeds dispersed from intact forest stations showed no such directionality. Small mammals may have dispersed seeds into and within tree-fall gaps because they favored caching seeds in areas that offered increased cover, which is typical of gaps, and consequently protection from predation. The lack of directional dispersal from intact forest stations may have been because spiny rats were able to find sufficient cover in the young intact forest that was closer than the gaps. In older forest, the contrast between intact forest and gaps may be greater, resulting in directed dispersal into gaps.

HTML

XML

PDF

]]>
Research Article Fri, 3 Feb 2023 18:12:30 +0200
Biochemical, physiological, and molecular characterisation of a large collection of aerobic endospore-forming bacteria isolated from Brazilian soils https://neotropical.pensoft.net/article/86548/ Neotropical Biology and Conservation 18(1): 53-72

DOI: 10.3897/neotropical.18.e86548

Authors: Paulo Henrique Rosa Martins, Leon Rabinovitch, Juliana Capela de Orem, Waldeyr Mendes C. Silva, Felipe de Araujo Mesquita, Maria Ines Andre de Magalhães, Danilo de Andrade Cavalcante, Adriana Marcos Vivoni, Edmar Justo de Oliveira, Vera Cristina Pessoa de Lima, Josiane Teixeira Brito, Marlene Teixeira De-Souza

Abstract: The aerobic endospore-forming bacteria (AEFB) comprise species of Bacillus and related genera and have long been regarded as prominent constituents of the soil bacterial community. The wide diversity of AEFB renders appropriate categorisation and generalisations a challenging task. We previously isolated 312 AEFB strains from Brazilian soils that we designated SDF (Solo do Distrito Federal) strains. To better understand the SDF diversity and explore their biotechnological potential, we addressed the biochemical and physiological profiles of these 312 environmental strains by performing 30 tests in this work. Of these, the 16S rRNA gene sequences segregated 238 SDF strains into four genera in the family Bacillaceae and two in the Paenibacillaceae. Bacillus spp. were the most prevalent, followed by species of Paenibacillus. We summarised the phenotypic test relationships among selected SDF strains using a Pearson correlation-based clustering represented in heatmaps. In practice, biochemical and physiological profiles are often less discriminatory than molecular data and may be unstable because of the loss of traits. Although these test reactions are not universally positive or negative within species, they may define biotypes and be efficient strain markers, enhancing the accuracy of unknown sample identification. It can also help select the most representative phenotypes of samples. Along with the other phenotypic and genotypic data, the present results are of great importance for the robust classification of the SDF strains within the scope of the polyphasic approach.

HTML

XML

PDF

]]>
Research Article Fri, 3 Feb 2023 18:06:24 +0200
A review of environmental and anthropogenic variables used to model jaguar occurrence https://neotropical.pensoft.net/article/98437/ Neotropical Biology and Conservation 18(1): 31-51

DOI: 10.3897/neotropical.18.e98437

Authors: Víctor H. Montalvo, Carolina Sáenz-Bolaños, Eduardo Carrillo, Todd K. Fuller

Abstract: Jaguars (Panthera onca) are a landscape species of conservation importance and our understanding of environmental and anthropogenic drivers of jaguar occurrence is necessary to improve conservation strategies. We reviewed available literature to simply describe environmental and anthropogenic variables used and found to be significant in occurrence modeling. We reviewed 95 documents published from 1980 to 2021 that focused on jaguar occurrence and that used 39 variable types (21 anthropogenic, 18 environmental) among different techniques, scales, and approaches. In general, these variables included both anthropogenic (roads, land use, human activities, and population) and environmental (climate, vegetation, ecological interactions, topographic, water, and others) factors. Twelve variables were identified as affecting jaguar occurrence overall, eleven at local scale and seven at broad scales (regional and continental). Focusing more specifically on the variables that correlate with occurrence should help researchers to make better predictions in areas without quantitative jaguar data.

HTML

XML

PDF

]]>
Review Article Mon, 30 Jan 2023 10:15:35 +0200
Mammals of the Tandilia Mountain system, current species inhabiting Pampean highland grasslands https://neotropical.pensoft.net/article/98374/ Neotropical Biology and Conservation 18(1): 13-29

DOI: 10.3897/neotropical.18.e98374

Authors: María Florencia Aranguren, Melina Alicia Velasco, Clara Trofino-Falasco, María Gimena Pizzarello, David Gustavo Vera, Igor Berkunsky

Abstract: Neotropical temperate grasslands comprise the Pampas ecoregion in Argentina. This region is also the center of agricultural development in Argentina, which has led to a significant simplification and homogenization of the landscape. The Tandilia Mountains, located in the Southeast of the ecoregion, house one of the last remnants of the highland grassland that acts as a refuge for several native species, including both endemic and threatened species. This work aims to present an updated inventory of mammal species that inhabit the highland grassland remnants of the Tandilia Mountains. We used several sources of information to compile the list, including museum collections, citizen science projects (i.e., iNaturalist, EcoRegistros, and Argentinian Network for Monitoring Run Over Fauna), literature, and personal observations. We recorded 40 species of mammals, which include 32 native species and eight exotic species. The richest orders were Rodentia (42.5%), Chiroptera (17.5%), and Carnivora (12.2%). The native mammals found in the Tandilia Mountains represent 44% of the mammal diversity of the Pampas ecoregion, among which there are endemic species of the ecoregion, species whose populations are declining globally, and threatened species. Unfortunately, the presence of protected areas in the system is limited to a few small ones, which highlights the urgency of increasing the number and variety of protected areas. The information presented in this work contributes to the knowledge of biodiversity and the planning of conservation actions for the last remnants of highland grasslands.

HTML

XML

PDF

]]>
Research Article Fri, 27 Jan 2023 18:28:50 +0200
Activity pattern and predatory behaviour of the ocelot (Leopardus pardalis) (Carnivora, Felidae) in mineral licks of the Yasuni National Park, Ecuador https://neotropical.pensoft.net/article/95027/ Neotropical Biology and Conservation 18(1): 1-11

DOI: 10.3897/neotropical.18.e95027

Authors: Patricio Macas-Pogo, Edison Mejía Valenzuela, Gabriela Arévalo-Serrano

Abstract: The ocelot, Leopardus pardalis, is one of the opportunistic predators of the tropical forests that includes birds, small and medium mammals, amphibians and reptiles in its diet. Aiming to observe its behaviour within its natural habitat, 10 cameras were installed in 10 mineral licks within the Yasuni National Park (Ecuador). Both images and videos of ocelot predation events were collected. Hence, the frequency of activity of this specie was determined with the register of captures obtained. Three events are described: the first one, an image of an ocelot stalking a Mazama deer was taken, while in the second scene, a video of stalking an anuran was obtained and in the third event, a video of the ocelot capturing a flying bat was recorded. The use of camera traps allowed us to collect valuable behavioural information about this feline and provide evidence of the importance of the mineral licks for this and other wild species.

HTML

XML

PDF

]]>
Short Communication Wed, 18 Jan 2023 17:39:19 +0200
Release and follow-up of a rehabilitated two-toed sloth (Choloepus hoffmanni) in a tropical dry forest in Ecuador https://neotropical.pensoft.net/article/91332/ Neotropical Biology and Conservation 17(4): 253-267

DOI: 10.3897/neotropical.17.e91332

Authors: Ricardo Villalba-Briones, Edwin R. Jiménez, Juan S. Monros

Abstract: We present the first records of the post-release follow-up and monitoring of a rehabilitated two-toed sloth (Choloepus hoffmanni) as well as freezing behavior and an inferred antagonistic interaction for this species. Two-toed sloths are nocturnal and arboreal mammals whose survival relies on their capability to remain undetected by predators. Nevertheless, in the Guayas province of Ecuador, they are among the most common mammal species in rehabilitation centers. The liberation of animals back to the forest is the main goal of rehabilitation, while the follow-up of post-release human support of animals facilitates their re-establishment in their natural habitat. Follow-up, direct observation, and Bluetooth-based monitoring of the two-toed sloths secured the survival of this species in this part of Ecuador. The range of detectability of the device used indicates its suitability for tracking low-mobility animals. After the first five days, the number of trees used per day increased, and 19 trees within 1152 m2 were visited. Daylight and movement time range showed a correlation towards detectability. The follow-up effort allowed for keeping the two-toed sloth safe for 10 days after release. Due to the difficulty monitoring nocturnal animals, economic constraints in conservation, accessibility, and safety of the animals, biodegradable Bluetooth-based backpacks are recommended to ease the location of the animal and support its survival in the wild.

HTML

XML

PDF

]]>
Short Communication Wed, 23 Nov 2022 15:28:02 +0200
Lessons from a tropical deciduous shrub species: leaf fall can play a more important role than rain in leaf budding https://neotropical.pensoft.net/article/93846/ Neotropical Biology and Conservation 17(4): 239-251

DOI: 10.3897/neotropical.17.e93846

Authors: Nathália Ribeiro Henriques, Cássio Cardoso Pereira

Abstract: In the Cerrado, the sequential chaining of phenological events during the dry season is a pattern observed in many plant species. In this season, many plants completely lose their leaves, and soon after deciduous, there is an expressive production of leaf buds. In this study, we investigated the effect of irrigation and early defoliation on the triggering of leaf budding of the deciduous species Peixotoa tomentosa A.Juss. in the dry season of a seasonal environment with water restrictions. Therefore, we set up an experiment with three groups of plants: control (n = 15), irrigation treatment (n = 15), and removal treatment (n = 15), and after the complete deciduousness of the plants, we carried out phenological monitoring of the development of leaf buds in these plants. From July to August 2022, the leaf budding phenology of the 45 individuals was evaluated twice a week. To test whether there is a difference in the number of leaf buds between treatments, we built generalized linear mixed models (GLMMs). Plants in the removal treatment had a statistically higher number of leaf buds produced than the plants in the irrigation and control groups (P < 0.05). However, the control group and the irrigation treatment did not differ from each other (P > 0.05). We showed that early defoliation influenced the triggering of leaf buds in P. tomentosa, increasing the production of young leaves in their individuals in a seasonal environment with water restrictions. Irrigation was not able to break the dormancy of leaf buds. Our findings contribute to a better understanding of the triggering of vegetative phenophases in deciduous Cerrado plants, showing that leaf fall may play a more important role than rain in the production of leaf buds in the dry season.

HTML

XML

PDF

]]>
Research Article Fri, 11 Nov 2022 18:12:32 +0200
Ocelot, Leopardus pardalis (Mammalia, Carnivora, Felidae), home range in the Lowland Atlantic Forest of Southeastern Brazil https://neotropical.pensoft.net/article/93828/ Neotropical Biology and Conservation 17(4): 229-237

DOI: 10.3897/neotropical.17.e93828

Authors: Laura Martins Magalhães, Ana Carolina Srbek-Araujo

Abstract: The ocelot is an important Neotropical mesopredator and information on its spatial ecology remains scarce. Here we estimated the ocelot home range in a remnant of Lowland Atlantic Forest in Southeastern Brazil. The data were collected by camera traps installed at eight known ocelot latrines. We estimated the home range both based on the Minimum Convex Polygon (MCP) and the 95% adaptive Kernel density estimator (95%K) to compare with other published studies. We identified 22 ocelots (adult males = 8; adult females = 12; cubs = 2). Six males were recorded at more than one latrine, while all females were recorded at only one sampling point. In addition to male ocelots being recorded at a large number of points, they showed greater intrasexual spatial overlap as they used the same latrines, suggesting larger home ranges than females. The mean home range size for males was 12.1 ± SE 4.4 km2 (range = 6.2 to 20.8 km2) using MCP, and 19.9 ± SE 9.5 km2 (range = 10.1 to 38.9 km2) applying 95%K. Despite our estimates representing an approximation of the total area used by males, both values are consistent with those reported from other locations. Our data complemented the gradient of vegetation type sampled for ocelots in Atlantic Forest and support the suggestion that this environmental variable and, consequently, its effect on prey availability, influence the home range size of ocelot. Information on population ecology and other spatial ecology data are also presented.

HTML

XML

PDF

]]>
Research Article Tue, 11 Oct 2022 10:44:54 +0300
Distribution and conservation of vanilla crop wild relatives: the value of local community engagement for biodiversity research https://neotropical.pensoft.net/article/86792/ Neotropical Biology and Conservation 17(3): 205-227

DOI: 10.3897/neotropical.17.e86792

Authors: Nicola S. Flanagan, Andres Navia-Samboni, Eimer Norberto González-Pérez, Hernan Mendieta-Matallana

Abstract: Natural vanilla is a high-value crop with demand increasing globally. Crop wild relatives (CWR) represent valuable agrobiodiversity and are prioritized in the Global Strategy for Plant Conservation. Vanilla species are naturally rare with historically infrequent botanical collections. Despite their importance as CWR, fewer than 10% of Vanilla species have been evaluated for the IUCN Red List. Colombia is a diversity center for Vanilla species, yet many remote regions are lacking detailed floristic characterization. We show that the participation of rural communities in scientific endeavor enhances capacity to register biodiversity. We report two Vanilla species in the under-explored region of the Serranía de las Quinchas in the mid–Magdalena River valley in Colombia, including the first report for Colombia of Vanilla karen-christianae. For this, and the second species, Vanilla dressleri, we present descriptions with photographic botanical illustrations, updated distribution maps, and preliminary conservation status assessment. Both species are of elevated conservation concern, categorized as Endangered – EN: B2a,b(ii,iii,iv,v) following IUCN criteria. Within Colombia, all recorded occurrences for both species fall outside protected areas. Vanilla crop wild relatives in Colombia have urgent conservation needs. The Serranía de las Quinchas is a priority for further botanical exploration for Vanilla, as well as other protected areas with appropriate habitat. In situ conservation should be complemented with ex situ actions. Community participation in biodiversity research is recommended in this and other remote regions as an integral step towards enhancing biodiversity research and community-based conservation.

HTML

XML

PDF

]]>
Research Article Thu, 29 Sep 2022 10:21:17 +0300
Current state of knowledge on freshwater planarians (Platyhelminthes, Tricladida, Dugesiidae) from Chile https://neotropical.pensoft.net/article/82779/ Neotropical Biology and Conservation 17(3): 185-203

DOI: 10.3897/neotropical.17.e82779

Authors: Constanza Vásquez-Doorman, Javiera Escobedo, Miguel L. Allende

Abstract: The unique geography of Chile encompasses a wide diversity of ecosystems and a rich biodiversity. However, the platyhelminth fauna has been poorly studied. The aim of this work is to compile the historical record of freshwater planarians described for this country. We accessed worldwide databases and published articles to provide a comprehensive review of their discovery history, morphological characteristics and their localities. Freshwater planarians have been collected mainly in central and southern Chile, while in the northern region a single species has been described. The discovery of new species of freshwater triclads has the potential to reveal novel animal models to study regeneration and/or biological adaptations, as some species are suitable for culture in the laboratory. We discuss the many reasons why further research is needed for this animal group, which should include genomic and molecular genetic studies.

HTML

XML

PDF

]]>
Review Article Fri, 5 Aug 2022 10:32:39 +0300
Vascular plants of Punta Ballena: dataset for conservation of an endangered hotspot from Uruguay https://neotropical.pensoft.net/article/84893/ Neotropical Biology and Conservation 17(2): 163-195

DOI: 10.3897/neotropical.17.e84893

Authors: Patricia Mai, María Zabaleta, Laura Cappuccio, Antonella Pollero, Eduardo Marchesi

Abstract: Punta Ballena is the coastal southern tip of the Sierra de la Ballena, a shear zone of two tectonic plates, located at the beginning of the oceanic coast of Uruguay. Coastal rocky points are especially relevant because of their high plant richness, moreover their vegetation is endangered mainly due to the high tourist – urbanistic development of the coast. This study aimed to determine the list of vascular plants occurring on Punta Ballena coastal rocky point and identify its vegetation communities. Also, to identify endemic species, threatened and of interest for conservation species; and to analyze the species historically documented for the site. Punta Ballena stands out for its remarkable species richness with 427 species, dominated by Asteraceae (82), Poaceae (82) and Fabaceae (26). Five vegetation types were found in the natural area, which allows the combination of species with different adaptations. The site supports five vulnerable species and one endangered species (IUCN), 33 priority species for conservation, two local endemisms and numerous national (13) and regional (45) endemisms. Regarding historical collections, to date Punta Ballena has suffered a loss of 14% of its species, this is likely a direct consequence of the recent urban development. From these historically documented species, we consider five of them to be locally extinct. Due to these overwhelming results, we consider the site a diversity hotspot on the Uruguayan coast. It becomes urgent to generate conservation plans that allow the maintenance of the flora and vegetation communities that are still preserved in the area.

HTML

XML

PDF

]]>
Research Article Fri, 22 Jul 2022 17:51:25 +0300
Osteophagia of sea turtle bones by white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) in Santa Rosa National Park, northwestern Costa Rica https://neotropical.pensoft.net/article/87274/ Neotropical Biology and Conservation 17(2): 143-149

DOI: 10.3897/neotropical.17.e87274

Authors: Brayan Morera, Víctor Montalvo, Carolina Sáenz-Bolaños, Juan C. Cruz-Díaz, Todd K. Fuller, Eduardo Carrillo

Abstract: Herbivores obtain nutrients mostly from the vegetation they consume, but may obtain additional minerals during periods of nutritional stress by consuming bones (osteophagia), a behavioral strategy that has been reported for many wild ungulate species, including the white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus). Here we document multiple records (n = 183 camera-trap records) of osteophagia by white-tailed deer chewing sea turtle remains (resulting from jaguar [Panthera onca] predation) near a nesting beach in Santa Rosa National Park, Costa Rica during January-September 2017. Females with fawns, males with hard and velvet-covered antlers, and non-spotted fawns reached a peak of sea turtle bone consumption during June to August. We hypothesize that seasonality, sex, age, and individual growth stage influence the frequency of osteophagy as a strategy to cope with environmental changes and food resource scarcity. Finally, these observations highlight the role of an apex predator as indirectly influencing rare but important ecological processes.

HTML

XML

PDF

]]>
Short Communication Thu, 21 Jul 2022 20:56:35 +0300
Genetic divergence and demography of pudu deer (Pudu puda) in five provinces of southern Chile, analyzed through latitudinal and longitudinal ranges https://neotropical.pensoft.net/article/81324/ Neotropical Biology and Conservation 17(2): 117-142

DOI: 10.3897/neotropical.17.e81324

Authors: Nelson Colihueque, Javier Cabello, Andrea Fuentes-Moliz

Abstract: Pudu deer (Pudu puda) is endemic to the temperate rainforests of Chile. Genetic studies at different geographic scales for this species are required to better determine the genetic divergence within and among populations and their demography across the distribution range. These data can provide unique insights into the species or population status for conservation plans and decision-makers. We analyzed the mtDNA control region (CR) and cytochrome b (Cyt b) sequences of pudu deer in five provinces of southern Chile located at different latitudinal locations (Cautín, Valdivia, Osorno, Llanquihue and Chiloé Island) and three geographic areas within the studied provinces, representative of different longitudinal sites (Andes range, Central Valley and Coastal Range), to understand their genetic divergence and demography. The haplotype (H) and nucleotide (Π) diversities of CR and Cyt b ranged from 0.64286 to 0.98333 and from 0.00575 to 0.01022, respectively. CR diversity was significantly different among provinces, with Valdivia showing higher values than Llanquihue and Chiloé Island (H = 0.98333 vs. 0.64286–0.92727, P < 0.05). Cyt b variation also showed significant differences among provinces, particularly, among Cautín and Llanquihue (H = 1.000 vs. 0.222, P < 0.05). Genetic structuring among provinces was relatively high, as indicated by the FST index (FST = 0.41905). Clustering analysis indicated the presence of a distinctive cluster for Chiloé Island individuals. Fu’s FS and Tajima’s D based on CR revealed significant, negative deviations from equilibrium for Chiloé Island (D = -1.65898), Valdivia (Fs = -7.75335) and Llanquihue (Fs = -3.93267), suggesting population expansion in these provinces. Analysis at the longitudinal range showed significant differences among areas based on Π (P < 0.05), with the Andes range and Central Valley showing higher diversity than the Coastal Range. Neither population structuring (FST = 0.01360, P > 0.05) nor distinctive clusters in the longitudinal range were observed. Fu’s Fs and Tajima’s D were negative and significant for the Coastal Range based on CR (Fs = -6.64752, P < 0.001) and Cyt b (D = -1.74110, P < 0.05), suggesting the existence of population expansion. Our results suggest that pudu deer in the analyzed provinces is a genetically structured species, which could be associated with reduced panmixia among populations. The genetic divergence pattern and the population expansion recorded are likely to be associated with past processes of recolonization after Pleistocene glaciation events.

HTML

XML

PDF

]]>
Research Article Tue, 21 Jun 2022 17:00:21 +0300
Record of occurrence of Nasua nasua (Linnaeus, 1766) (Carnivora, Procyonidae) in a densely urbanized area of the city of Canoas, southern Brazil https://neotropical.pensoft.net/article/81824/ Neotropical Biology and Conservation 17(2): 111-116

DOI: 10.3897/neotropical.17.e81824

Authors: Diego Floriano da Rocha, Thaís Brauner do Rosario, Ana Carolina Pontes Maciel, Duana Suelem Alves, Cristina Vargas Cademartori

Abstract: The South American coati is a carnivore with a wide distribution in South America. Despite this, it is considered a threatened species in Rio Grande do Sul, as Vulnerable, primarily because of the loss of forest habitats. We recorded a Nasua nasua individual at the Canoas airbase, one of the last remaining green spaces in a densely urbanized area in southern Brazil. This confirms the capability of this species to use environments that have been changed by anthropic activity. It also highlights the relevance of green spaces in urban areas for wildlife conservation.

HTML

XML

PDF

]]>
Short Communication Wed, 20 Apr 2022 09:45:31 +0300
Recent observations of Dermochelys coriacea (Vandelli, 1761), in the waters of Pacific Panama https://neotropical.pensoft.net/article/81465/ Neotropical Biology and Conservation 17(1): 103-110

DOI: 10.3897/neotropical.17.e81465

Authors: Eric E. Flores

Abstract: The situation of the Eastern Tropical Pacific subpopulation of the leatherback sea turtle (Dermochelys coriacea) is critical due to the drastic declines of nesting females. Evidence of the presence of leatherback sea turtles along the Pacific coast of Panama is anecdotal and is based on the local knowledge of local residents. I present here an uncommon observation of a subadult and an adult D. coriacea in the waters off the coast of Azuero Peninsula in central Panama. These observations indicate the need for intensive surveys along this coast that in part may rely on key local informants to urgently implement conservation efforts for this species.

HTML

XML

PDF

]]>
Short Communication Tue, 22 Mar 2022 12:15:09 +0200
The importance of pollination and dispersal syndromes for the conservation of Cerrado Rupestre fragments on ironstone outcrops immersed in an agricultural landscape https://neotropical.pensoft.net/article/79247/ Neotropical Biology and Conservation 17(1): 87-102

DOI: 10.3897/neotropical.17.e79247

Authors: Cássio Cardoso Pereira, Daniel Meira Arruda, Fernanda de Fátima Santos Soares, Rúbia Santos Fonseca

Abstract: Studies on pollination and seed dispersal are essential for the conservation of plant diversity. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the pollination and dispersal syndromes of five fragments of the Cerrado Rupestre immersed in an agricultural landscape to answer the following questions: (i) What is the frequency of pollination and dispersal syndromes among species and individuals?; (ii) Which are the predominant pollination and seed dispersal syndromes in this environment?. A total of 66 species, belonging to 44 genera and 29 botanical families, were evaluated. Melittophily was the most common type of pollination syndrome, observed in 54.55% of the species, followed by phalenophily (9.09%), cantharophily, ornithophily, quiropterophilly and sphingophily (all 3.03%), and psychophilly (1.51%). Generalist pollination represented 22.73% of the records. Of the 1246 individuals identified, 59.23% were melitophilous, 25.20% generalists, 5.86% phalenophilous, 3.37% quiropterophilous, 2.49% cantharophilous, 2.25% ornithophilous, 1.44% sphingophilous and 0.16% psychophilous. Regarding dispersion syndromes, zoochory was the most common type of dispersion, observed in 68.18% of the species, followed by anemochory (28.79%) and autochory (3.03%). On the other hand, the frequency among individuals differed from the values found for frequency among species. Of the 1246 individuals identified, 55.38% were anemochoric, 43.10% zoochoric, and 1.52% autochoric. Our results demonstrate the predominance of biotic syndromes in the community, especially melittophily and zoochory, contributing to a better understanding of the functionality and availability of resources in the community, as well as indispensable information for the conservation, management, and restoration of natural environments.

HTML

XML

PDF

]]>
Research Article Tue, 22 Mar 2022 12:14:48 +0200
Non-native freshwater fishes in Guatemala, northern Central America: introduction sources, distribution, history, and conservation consequences https://neotropical.pensoft.net/article/80062/ Neotropical Biology and Conservation 17(1): 59-85

DOI: 10.3897/neotropical.17.e80062

Authors: Diego J. Elías, César E. Fuentes-Montejo, Yasmín Quintana, Christian A. Barrientos

Abstract: Non-native freshwater fishes have been introduced to Guatemalan freshwater ecosystems since the beginning of the last century without prior risk assessment or subsequent evaluation of their impacts. We synthesized historical records, and distributional data from a literature review, online databases and museum records of non-native freshwater fishes in Guatemala. We found records for 22 non-native freshwater fishes with the oldest records dating back to 1926. Non-native freshwater fishes were recorded in 64% of the river sub-basins in Guatemala and we identified that at least 12 species have established populations. The Jaguar guapote (Parachromis managuensis) and Tilapias (Oreochromis spp.) are the most widespread non-native fishes. The species of non-native freshwater fishes introduced indicates that they are human selected (e.g., for farming purposes). Our work shows that aquaculture has been the major driver of introductions in the country, but aquarium release has become an important source in the last 20 years. Given the potential impact of non-native freshwater fishes on native fauna and ecosystems, we highlight an urgent need to assess their ecological effects, as well as to establish a fish fauna monitoring program in Guatemala to detect new introductions. Government and non-governmental agencies should promote the use of native species to supply fish demands in alignment with environmental policies and the objectives of the fishing agency in Guatemala.

HTML

XML

PDF

]]>
Research Article Mon, 21 Mar 2022 11:33:20 +0200
Taxonomic and functional diversity of birds in a rural landscape of high Andean forest, Colombia https://neotropical.pensoft.net/article/66096/ Neotropical Biology and Conservation 17(1): 39-57

DOI: 10.3897/neotropical.17.e66096

Authors: Lina P. Sarmiento-Garavito, Juan S. García-Monroy, Juan E. Carvajal-Cogollo

Abstract: We evaluated the taxonomic and functional diversity of birds in a rural landscape in the north-eastern Andes of Colombia. We carried out seven field trips and used transects of 300 m, separated from each other by 500 m in the dominant plant cover of the rural landscape. We measured alpha (α) and beta (β) diversity at both the taxonomic and functional levels. We registered 10 orders, 21 families, 56 genera and 63 species of birds. In wooded pasture, we recorded 55 species and a relative abundance of 66% and 44 and 34% for an Andean forest fragment. The species that contributed the most to the dissimilarity between the covers were Zonotrichia capensis, Turdus fuscater, Mecocerculus leucophrys, Atlapetes latinuchus and Crotophaga ani. We identified nine functional types, where G1 was made up of small species with anissodactyl and pamprodactyl legs that were insectivorous, frugivorous and nectarivorous as the best represented. The FEve and FDiv were 0.51 and 0.74, respectively in the Andean forest fragment plant cover and, for the wooded pasture, the FEve was 0.45 and the FDiv was 0.81. Both cover types contributed to the diversity of the rural landscape and the dynamics that existed between them formed a complementary factor that favoured the taxonomic and functional richness of the characterised rural landscape.

HTML

XML

PDF

]]>
Research Article Thu, 17 Feb 2022 11:53:23 +0200
Abundance of the Resplendent Quetzal Pharomachrus mocinno (Trogoniformes, Trogonidae) in the tourist sector of a cloud forest reserve https://neotropical.pensoft.net/article/72273/ Neotropical Biology and Conservation 17(1): 29-38

DOI: 10.3897/neotropical.17.e72273

Authors: Javier Adolfo García Reynaud, Miriam Elizabeth Sorto Sabillón, Allan Francisco Padilla Barahona

Abstract: The Resplendent Quetzal (Pharomachrus mocinno) exhibits characteristics that are common to species prone to extinction, such as occurring at low densities, presenting strict ecological requirements, and inhabiting locations with high rates of degradation. The lack of data on the abundance of threatened species makes it difficult to make management decisions and does not allow to know trends over time, which is essential for conservation in their distribution areas. The abundance and density of the Resplendent Quetzal was estimated from audio/visual detections analyzed with distance sampling techniques. Data was collected in the public use sector of La Tigra National Park, a reserve of virgin and secondary growth cloud forest in Honduras, Central America. A population N = 136 was found with a density of 40 quetzals per km2. There are no systematic studies on the population size and density of the species for this site since 1979, in which a population of 145 quetzals was reported. The estimation of the Resplendent Quetzal population for the total area of the park is a main research priority, which will make it possible to evaluate the viability of the species and the establishment of a new baseline for conservation policies and environmental education efforts in the area of influence.

HTML

XML

PDF

]]>
Research Article Wed, 12 Jan 2022 15:12:30 +0200
Confirmation of the current occurrence of Nasua narica (Procyonidae) in the Caribbean region of Colombia https://neotropical.pensoft.net/article/70352/ Neotropical Biology and Conservation 17(1): 21-28

DOI: 10.3897/neotropical.17.e70352

Authors: Gerson A. Salcedo-Rivera, Alberto Mario Rodríguez, Dairo Carrascal-Prasca, Ramón Granados-Peña, José F. González-Maya

Abstract: The White-nosed Coati, Nasua narica is a small carnivore distributed from the United States to Ecuador, and whose occurrence in Colombia had only been confirmed from the biogeographic Chocó. Although it was previously erroneously considered widespread in the country, a recent revision identified inconsistencies with some supporting records there. Here we present a new distribution record for the species, which confirms previously alleged information about the presence of this procyonid in the Department of Magdalena, also confirming its current occurrence for the Caribbean region, and solving a long-due geographical distribution uncertainty in the country.

HTML

XML

PDF

]]>
Short Communication Mon, 10 Jan 2022 14:42:44 +0200
The distribution and conservation status of Tapirus terrestris in the South American Atlantic Forest https://neotropical.pensoft.net/article/71867/ Neotropical Biology and Conservation 17(1): 1-19

DOI: 10.3897/neotropical.17.e71867

Authors: Kevin M. Flesher, Emília Patrícia Medici

Abstract: Tapirus terrestris is the largest South American land mammal, with an extensive historical distribution and capable of occupying diverse habitats, and yet its populations have declined across its range. In order to provide baseline data on the conservation status of tapirs in the Atlantic Forest, we conducted a long-term study in one landscape, visited 93 forests, and received 217 expert reports over the 15-year study. We estimate that 2,665–15,992 tapirs remain in 48 confirmed populations, occupying 26,654 km2 of forest or 1.78% of its original range in the biome. Historically, hunting and deforestation were the main causes of decline, but today population isolation is the principal long-term threat. Vortex models indicate that 31.3–68.8% and 70.8–93.8% of the populations are demographically and genetically non-viable over the next 100 years, respectively, and that only 3–14 populations are viable when considering both variables. Habitat use data indicate that tapirs are adaptable to disturbed and secondary forests and will use diverse tree plantations and agricultural lands but hunting and highways keep populations isolated. Reserve staff report tapirs as common/abundant at 62.2% of the sites, and populations as stable and growing in 60% and 36% of the sites, respectively, and there is ample habitat in the biome for a population expansion, but overcoming the causes of isolation will be necessary for this to occur. Lack of adequate funding for protecting reserves is a chronic threat throughout the biome, especially in federal and state/provincial reserves, and increased funding will be necessary to implement effective conservation plans.

HTML

XML

PDF

]]>
Research Article Mon, 10 Jan 2022 14:41:50 +0200
Human-wildlife conflicts and drought in the greater Calakmul Region, Mexico: implications for tapir conservation https://neotropical.pensoft.net/article/71032/ Neotropical Biology and Conservation 16(4): 539-563

DOI: 10.3897/neotropical.16.e71032

Authors: Jonathan Pérez-Flores, Sofía Mardero, Antonio López-Cen, Fernando M. Contreras-Moreno

Abstract: Wildlife conservation efforts in the Mesoamerican Biological Corridor have focused on reducing negative interactions between humans and charismatic species. In recent years, droughts have increased in frequency and intensity in southeastern Mexico exacerbating conflicts with wildlife as they compete with humans for limited water. In the Yucatan Peninsula, Greater Calakmul Region of southeastern Mexico, Baird’s tapirs (Tapirus bairdii) are increasingly encroaching into local villages (ejidos) in search of water. This behavior could increase tapir mortality from hunting by Calakmul ejidos residents. We evaluated the trends between annual precipitation and tapir sightings near or within Calakmul ejidos from 2008 to 2019 to determine if the frequency of reported conflicts increased relative to decreased precipitation. In addition, with community participation, from 2016 to 2018 we monitored one of the ejidos where human-tapir conflicts were reported to be increasing to better describe the nature of conflicts. We did not find any relationship between the number of tapir sightings reported and annual precipitation. However, more tapirs were documented near ejidos in 2019, which is one of the years with the lowest rainfall (626.6 mm) in the last decade. Tapirs were reported as the most common wildlife species observed at waterholes (35.4%) and apiaries (32.1%). Our findings suggested that water scarcity has increased tapirs’ incursions into human-populated areas and subsequently the potential for human-tapir conflicts. We recommend that managers consider developing alternative water sources that could mitigate human-tapir conflicts and contribute to the long-term viability of other wildlife species that inhabit the Greater Calakmul Region of southeastern Mexico.

HTML

XML

PDF

]]>
Research Article Fri, 17 Dec 2021 09:45:00 +0200
Strandings of sea turtles on beaches around the oil capital in Brazil https://neotropical.pensoft.net/article/68662/ Neotropical Biology and Conservation 16(4): 521-538

DOI: 10.3897/neotropical.16.e68662

Authors: Raísa da Silva Costa Rêgo, Eric Azevedo Cazetta, Caio Henrique Gonçalves Cutrim, Amanda Soares Miranda, Ana Paula Albano Araújo, Vinícius Albano Araújo

Abstract: The south-western region of the Atlantic Ocean has feeding and nesting areas for the five species of sea turtles registered in Brazil, which are in different degrees of extinction threat, mainly due to anthropogenic factors. Fishing and the ingestion of solid waste, were identified as causing stranding and the mortality of sea turtles. In this work, data from the monitoring of beaches in the Municipalities of Macaé and Rio das Ostras, important oil zone in Brazil, in the north-central region of the State of Rio de Janeiro, were used in order to analyse the effects of seasonality on the sea turtle stranding. The monitoring was carried out daily from September 2017 to June 2019, in a study area covering 23.8 km long beach. Stranding data were obtained from active (n = 126) and passive (n = 66) monitoring of beaches and included the records of Chelonia mydas (n = 151), Caretta caretta (n = 23), Lepidochelys olivacea (n = 14), Dermochelys coriacea (n = 2) and Eretmochelys imbricata (n = 1). The largest stranding record occurred in the summer (n = 61) and spring (n = 60), a period compatible with the reproductive season of the species. The results obtained in this study emphasise the importance of the analysis of strandings of sea turtles, which provide relevant data on the biology of the group, the intra and interspecific dynamics and the state of conservation of these animals.

HTML

XML

PDF

]]>
Research Article Fri, 17 Dec 2021 09:44:50 +0200
Behavior, ecology and territory of the chestnut-bellied hummingbird, Saucerottia castaneiventris, in the xerophytic vegetation of the Chicamocha canyon of Colombia https://neotropical.pensoft.net/article/66094/ Neotropical Biology and Conservation 16(4): 501-520

DOI: 10.3897/neotropical.16.e66094

Authors: Gerson Marcel Peñuela Díaz, Ludy Archila-Durán, Jorge Parra, Juan E. Carvajal‑Cogollo

Abstract: The Chestnut-bellied Hummingbird Saucerottia castaneiventris is an endemic hummingbird of Colombia, currently categorized as Near Threatened (NT) globally and as Vulnerable (VU) in Colombia. We characterize the territorial defense and foraging behaviors of S. castaneiventris hummingbird during different seasons of the year, and we determined the size of the S. castaneiventris territory and its relationship with floral abundance at different times of the year. We made four field trips between 2008 and 2009 and registered 19 individuals from S. castaneiventris. Of these, 10 were in the rainy periods, distributed in five territories (one male and one female for each). Eight were in the dry period (July), distributed in four territories. And one individual was in the dry period of February, which did not settle in any of the identified territories. Territorial defense occupied a large part of species’ time. The nectar drinking, and insect hunting were the most frequent activities. The most common floral resources were Opuntia dillenii, Tillandsia sp. and Aloe vera. The hummingbirds Chlorostilbon gibsoni and Doryfera ludoviciae shared habitats with S. castaneiventris and there were fluctuations in encounter rates between the seasons (C. gibsoni ER: 20–7.5 and D. ludoviciae and ER: 0.0–2.5). Territories ranged between 1800 and 3800 m2 for the dry season and between 1500 and 6500 m2 for the rainy season. Our results provided primary information on the ecology of S. castaneiventris and form the basis for the formulation of conservation strategies for the species and for its habitats..

HTML

XML

PDF

]]>
Research Article Wed, 15 Dec 2021 11:57:46 +0200
Detection of mucormycosis caused by Apophysomyces elegans in a Lesser Long-nosed Bat (Leptonycteris yerbabuenae) in Central Mexico https://neotropical.pensoft.net/article/73365/ Neotropical Biology and Conservation 16(4): 493-499

DOI: 10.3897/neotropical.16.e73365

Authors: Teresa López-Romero, O. Eric Ramírez-Bravo, E. Evangelina Camargo-Rivera, Daniel Jiménez-García, Héctor Bernal-Mendoza, Roberta Marques

Abstract: We describe a case of mucormycosis in a Lesser Long-nosed Bat (Leptonycteris yerbabuenae) caused by Apophysomyces elegans in Puebla, Central Mexico. The diagnosis was supported by laboratory analysis and necropsy. We present the first report of the fungus in a wild host; therefore, we indicate that further studies are necessary to understand its infection cycle since this pathogen may indicate a risk of zoonotic, and anthropozoonotic diseases.

HTML

XML

PDF

]]>
Short Communication Mon, 15 Nov 2021 18:21:13 +0200
Can guava monocultures (Psidium guajava L.) function as refuge for bird conservation? https://neotropical.pensoft.net/article/70296/ Neotropical Biology and Conservation 16(4): 475-491

DOI: 10.3897/neotropical.16.e70296

Authors: Cleverton da Silva, Juan Ruiz-Esparza, Fabiana Oliveira da Silva, Cristiano Schetini de Azevedo, Adauto de Souza Ribeiro

Abstract: Agricultural intensification negatively affects bird communities, and the response of birds to these changes varies from those that survive and increase their populations (disturb-tolerant species) to those that cannot adapt to new conditions and are regionally extinct (disturb-sensitive species). Thus, the present study sought to investigate the bird community in 39 guava orchards in the semiarid region of the state of Sergipe, northeast Brazil. Field observations were made between July and October 2017, through a one-hour visit to each orchard. Samplings were conducted using the MacKinnon’s List method. In addition to bird sampling, walks were carried out in the orchards to observe nesting. Seventy-six species of birds belonging to 30 families were recorded using the guava orchards. The most frequent species were Vanellus chilensis, Columbina talpacoti, Columbina picui, Crotophaga ani, Pitangus sulphuratus and Sporophila albogularis. Of the 186 nests recorded in the orchards, the majority (n = 144 nests; 77.4%) belonged to Columbina picui, Columbina talpacoti and Columbina minuta. The results demonstrate that the bird community in the guava orchards is formed only by disturb-tolerant species, showing that the studied guava orchards are not favorable to the conservation of disturb-sensitive birds of the Caatinga domain.

HTML

XML

PDF

]]>
Research Article Wed, 10 Nov 2021 16:39:23 +0200
Dog predation by jaguars in a tourist town on the Mexican Caribbean https://neotropical.pensoft.net/article/68973/ Neotropical Biology and Conservation 16(4): 461-474

DOI: 10.3897/neotropical.16.e68973

Authors: Mónica Carral-García, Irene Buenrostro, Holger Weissenberger, Víctor Rosales, Jonathan Pérez-Flores

Abstract: Invasion of humans and dogs into the jaguars’ habitat opens the way for future negative events. Dog predation by jaguars has only been recorded anecdotally, despite the high risk of pathogen transmission and the potential conflict due to pet predation. In this study, we document jaguar attacks on dogs in Mahahual, Quintana Roo, Mexico, a tourist town in the Mexican Caribbean. In addition, we describe an initiative designed to prevent jaguar persecution by constructing night houses for dogs at the most recent attack sites. A total of 20 attacks were recorded in the last nine years, most of them fatal (60%) on medium-sized dogs (70%), at night (95%) and during the dry season (65%). Half of the attacks occurred in the north of Mahahual´s coastline and the other half in the south. Attacks in the south were concentrated between 0 to 10 km away from the village, while in the north they were dispersed over distances between 0 and > 30 km. Thirty-eight night houses were constructed covering almost 45 km of the 135 km of Mahahual’s coastline. Further research is required to understand the importance of dogs in the jaguar diet and the impact of dog predation on the health and disease ecology of jaguar populations.

HTML

XML

PDF

]]>
Research Article Thu, 7 Oct 2021 10:37:17 +0300
New records on the distribution and habitat of the northern naked-tailed armadillo, Cabassous centralis (Mammalia, Cingulata, Chlamyphoridae) in Costa Rica https://neotropical.pensoft.net/article/67969/ Neotropical Biology and Conservation 16(3): 451-460

DOI: 10.3897/neotropical.16.e67969

Authors: Pablo Marín, José Manuel Mora, Lucia I. López, José Alberto Pérez Arrieta, Miguel A. Rodríguez, Alison Vega Cambronero, Ignacio Arias

Abstract: The northern naked-tailed armadillo, Cabassous centralis, is a rare and elusive species. It ranges from southern Mexico to northern South America. It has been detected in several types of habitats, but appears to prefer Tropical and Subtropical broadleaf forests. In Costa Rica, this species is difficult to observe and there are only eight records reported in the scientific literature. To search records of this armadillo, we used camera traps in north-western Costa Rica and visited several additional localities in the centre and the Caribbean lowlands of the country. We also examined and assessed records of this species from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) database. We added four new locality records for C. centralis in Costa Rica, based on photos from camera traps and field observations. We found only three localities (five records) in GBIF additional to the eight reported in literature. Habitat in these new Costa Rican localities reported here varied from mature dense forest (one site) to semi-urban areas (two sites). Additionally, two individuals were detected in secondary forest patches, one of them adjacent to mature riparian forest. Given the species’ scarcity, much additional information still is required to ground protection actions in a scientific framework.

HTML

XML

PDF

]]>
Research Article Fri, 27 Aug 2021 13:57:59 +0300
Amphibians of the Sinos River Basin, southern Brazil https://neotropical.pensoft.net/article/65843/ Neotropical Biology and Conservation 16(3): 435-449

DOI: 10.3897/neotropical.16.e65843

Authors: Camila F. Moser, Renata K. Farina, Márcio Borges-Martins, Iberê F. Machado, Patrick Colombo, Alexandro M. Tozetti

Abstract: The Sinos River encompasses a wide area of natural habitats and, at the same time, supports one of the highest population densities of southern Brazil. Consequently, natural habitats along the Basin present a high degree of habitat disturbance. Despite of the existence of threatened species, information about diversity of amphibians in that area is scarce. Thus, we aimed to catalogue the amphibian species of the Sinos River Basin from records in scientific collections and compilation of published articles. We recorded 52 species, all with geographic coordinates validated at the collection point, indicating that the Sinos River Basin harbours about 50% of the amphibian species of the State of Rio Grande do Sul. Three anuran species were classified as having some degree of threat: Melanophryniscus cambaraensis, Melanophryniscus dorsalis and Thoropa saxatilis. We also expected other 18 species with a high probability of occurrence in the Basin. This work shows that, despite the intense human impact, the Sinos River Basin has a relevant role for the maintenance of a considerable fraction of the amphibian biodiversity in southern Brazil.

HTML

XML

PDF

]]>
Research Article Wed, 18 Aug 2021 10:31:00 +0300
First Locality Record of Melanistic Oncilla (Leopardus tigrinus) in Monteverde, Costa Rica https://neotropical.pensoft.net/article/65464/ Neotropical Biology and Conservation 16(3): 427-434

DOI: 10.3897/neotropical.16.e65464

Authors: Jordan E. Rogan

Abstract: The persistence of the coat color polymorphism melanism has been reported for several tropical felids, but its evolutionary advantages remain an active area of research. Few publications have explored melanism in the elusive species, oncilla (Leopardus tigrinus) within the Neotropical part of their range in Costa Rica. Herein, I present the first record of a melanistic oncilla within the montane cloud forest of Monteverde, Costa Rica. Recent studies have found support for theories (e.g. Temporal Segregation Hypothesis and Gloger’s Rule) explaining the ecological advantages driving melanism in oncilla and tropical felid populations. However, it is unclear what is driving melanism in this Monteverde oncilla population due to the singular observation. Further research investigating whether melanism is occurring at a higher frequency in other individuals in the region is critical to better understanding the occurrence of melanism in local populations of this cryptic species. The montane cloud forest in Monteverde provides critical habitat to this vulnerable species within the small Neotropical part of their range. Melanistic individuals may be particularly threatened by land-use change and increasing human pressure if theories for the evolutionary advantages and ecological conditions motivating melanism are supported.

HTML

XML

PDF

]]>
Short Communication Wed, 11 Aug 2021 10:11:25 +0300
Increasing reality of species distribution models of consumers by including its food resources https://neotropical.pensoft.net/article/64892/ Neotropical Biology and Conservation 16(3): 411-425

DOI: 10.3897/neotropical.16.e64892

Authors: Gabriel Preuss, André Andrian Padial

Abstract: Species distribution models are not usually calibrated with biotic predictors. Our study question is: does the use of biotic predictors matter in predicting species distribution? We aim to assess the importance of biotic predictors in the output of distribution models of the Brazilian squirrel (Sciurus aestuans) throughout South America based on fruits of Syagrus romanzoffiana – the most consumed food resource. We hypothesized that the distribution model of S. aestuans using its main food resource as a biotic predictor will be more accurate in comparison with the output of the model without the biotic predictor. We built three different distribution models: (i) distribution of S. romanzoffiana; (ii) distribution of S. aestuans without biotic predictor; and (iii) distribution of S. aestuans with biotic predictor. We evaluated performance scores, number of presence pixels and concordance between suitability maps. We found that performance scores may not vary between models with different predictors, but the output map changed significantly. We also found that models with biotic predictors seem to vary less in presence pixels. Furthermore, the main variable in the distribution model was the biotic variable. We conclude that the knowledge of a species’ biology and ecology can make better predictions of species distribution models mainly by avoiding commission errors.

HTML

XML

PDF

]]>
Research Article Fri, 6 Aug 2021 10:31:40 +0300
New morphological data on the rare sigmodontine Mindomys hammondi (Rodentia, Cricetidae), an arboreal oryzomyine from north-western Andean montane forests https://neotropical.pensoft.net/article/65875/ Neotropical Biology and Conservation 16(3): 397-410

DOI: 10.3897/neotropical.16.e65875

Authors: Jorge Brito, Nicolás Tinoco, Jenny Curay, Ulyses F. J. Pardiñas

Abstract: The monotypic rodent Mindomys Weksler, Percequillo & Voss, 2006 (Cricetidae, Sigmodontinae) is one of the rarest members of the speciose tribe Oryzomyini. As this species is restricted to the Chocó forests of the western Andean slope in northern Ecuador, our knowledge is based on a few specimens collected decades ago. Here we add the first data on some aspects of external anatomy (cheiridia examined in fresh, ears, rhinarium), genital anatomy (penis), soft anatomy (palate, stomach, caecum) and postcranial skeleton retrieved from a full adult male, recently trapped in Reserva Drácula, Carchi, Ecuador. Several features of this specimen, paradoxically the first to be added to Ecuadorian mammal collections, reinforce the view that Mindomys is an arboreal sigmodontine.

HTML

XML

PDF

]]>
Short Communication Wed, 7 Jul 2021 11:24:51 +0300
Phylogeography of the Central american red brocket deer, Mazama temama (Artiodactyla, Cervidae) in southeastern Mexico https://neotropical.pensoft.net/article/58110/ Neotropical Biology and Conservation 16(2): 369-382

DOI: 10.3897/neotropical.16.e58110

Authors: Ricardo Serna-Lagunes, Dayana Kristel Romero-Ramos, Christian Alejandro Delfín-Alfonso, Juan Salazar-Ortiz

Abstract: Anthropogenic threats have increasingly isolated the populations of Mazama temama (Erxleben, 1777) and limited the gene flow in this species. Knowledge of the phylogeographic structure of this species is therefore essential for its conservation. Thus, in this study, we describe the phylogeographic structure of two M. temama populations of Veracruz and Oaxaca, Mexico. We sequenced the D-Loop region of the mitochondrial DNA of 16 individuals, in order to estimate the diversity and genetic differentiation (FST), Tajima’s D index, "Mismatch distribution" test; a phylogram and a haplotype network was constructed and we performed multidimensional scaling analysis to test the hypothesis of association between geographic distance and genetic diversity. The haplotypic and nucleotide diversity was high, indicating divergent populations (FST = 0.223), while the Tajima’s D index (-1,03300; P > 0.10) determined disequilibrium in the D-Loop region, derived from a population expansion that was evidenced in the "Mismatch distribution" test and confirmed with the haplotype network in the form of a star. Four lineages were identified in the phylogram (Veracruz n = 3, Oaxaca n = 1), evidencing geographic and reproductive isolation between the two populations. This was confirmed by the multidimensional scaling analysis, which evidenced recent evolutionary divergence between the populations analyzed, which are considered evolutionary units of conservation.

HTML

XML

PDF

]]>
Research Article Fri, 11 Jun 2021 10:09:58 +0300
Medium and large-sized mammals in Private Natural Heritage Reserves in the Quadrilátero Ferrífero of Minas Gerais, Brazil https://neotropical.pensoft.net/article/62189/ Neotropical Biology and Conservation 16(2): 383-396

DOI: 10.3897/neotropical.16.e62189

Authors: Thales Claussem Vicente Corrêa, Lara Modesto Mendes, Kleiber José Vaz de Melo Barbosa, Fabiano Rodrigues de Melo

Abstract: Habitat fragmentation has been shown to be constantly growing and increasingly affecting the conservation of species that require large areas for their populations to subsist, as is the case for most large animals. In Minas Gerais, there are 45 species threatened with extinction in the Brazilian Red List and for most mammal species there is not yet sufficient data on their populations and distributions, which makes it difficult to understand their conservation status. To understand the composition of medium and large mammals in two Private Natural Heritage Reserves (RPPNs) in the Quadrilátero Ferrífero of Minas Gerais (Cata Branca and Córrego Seco), in a transition zone between the Atlantic Forest and the Cerrado, a camera trapping survey of mastofauna was carried out between November 2019 and May 2020. The combined RPPNs have a rich diversity with 20 species of medium and large mammals and provide a fundamental service for the protection of animals threatened with extinction, in addition to harbouring important species for the maintenance of local ecosystems. However, they are areas with a strong anthropic impact and have a lower richness than some other reserves also located in the Quadrilátero Ferrífero, especially Cata Branca, which had a lower richness than Córrego Seco.

HTML

XML

PDF

]]>
Research Article Fri, 11 Jun 2021 09:22:44 +0300
Success in conserving the bird diversity in tropical forests through private protected areas in Western Ecuador https://neotropical.pensoft.net/article/63414/ Neotropical Biology and Conservation 16(2): 351-367

DOI: 10.3897/neotropical.16.e63414

Authors: José Guerrero-Casado, José Manuel Seoane, Nikolay Aguirre, Jeronimo Torres-Porras

Abstract: Private protected areas have recently attained more importance at a worldwide level as regards nature conservation. Particularly, the specific region of Western Ecuador receives hardly any protection from the State, and private reserves could, therefore, be a suitable tool to ensure the preservation of its forests and their associated wildlife biodiversity. In this work, we compare the bird species richness between private reserves and public protected areas (managed by the State) located in this region. We also show a checklist of bird species found in the Buenaventura Reserve, a private reserve located in south-western Ecuador. Our comparison shows that smaller private reserves may harbour a similar number of bird species than larger protected areas managed by the state, and they have a higher number of bird species per area. In particular, a total of 233 different bird species were registered in Buenaventura, which were distributed in 16 orders and 42 families. Three species were classified as endangered at an international level: El Oro Parakeet (Pyrrhura orcesi), El Oro Tapaculo (Scytalopus robbinsi), and the Grey-backed Hawk (Pseudastur occidentalis), and another three at a national level: the Long-wattled Umbrellabird (Cephalopterus penduliger), the Slaty-winged Foliage-gleaner (Philydor fuscipenne), and the White-vented Plumeleteer (Chalybura buffonii). Therefore, private reserves can be appreciated as a suitable conservation tool for bird conservation, and they should not be undervalued because of their smaller size. Buenaventura Reserve is a good example of how private reserves are extremely important in fragmented landscapes, as is the case with tropical forests in Western Ecuador.

HTML

XML

PDF

]]>
Research Article Thu, 27 May 2021 10:00:38 +0300
Seasonal dynamics of waterbirds from a relict wetland in the central Monte Desert, Argentina https://neotropical.pensoft.net/article/61672/ Neotropical Biology and Conservation 16(2): 333-349

DOI: 10.3897/neotropical.16.e61672

Authors: Ever Tallei, Analía Benavidez, Alejandro Schaaf, Pablo Isola, Marcelo Zanotti

Abstract: Wetlands currently have high rates of degradation, with more than 70% lost globally. In the central Monte Desert, Argentina, they are a scarce and limited resource for the biodiversity which depends on them. Waterbirds have been used as biological indicators of wetlands because they respond to fluctuations in food resources and to environmental changes in the short term. Here we analyse the seasonal variations in the structure of the waterbird assemblage from a relict wetland in this region. We carried out censuses of waterbirds in a 6-year period (between 2009 and 2019) during the southern summer and winter. We recorded 1875 individuals of 33 species of waterbirds during the summer and 677 individuals of 29 species during the winter. The grouping patterns of the waterbird assemblages differed between seasons (R = 0.35; p < 0.01). Taxonomic diversity profiles showed greater diversity for all indexes (qD) during the summer. The guild of invertivorous and omnivorous waders had a greater abundance of individuals during the summer (p < 0.05) and, together with the surface-feeding herbivores, contributed to the 87% of the dissimilarity of the assemblages between seasons. Phoenicopterus chilensis was the only species registered as threatened with national and international extinction. Relict wetlands, such as Laguna del Viborón, still have attributes of community diversity and represent the last refuges for waterbirds of the central Monte Desert. The information gathered in this study will contribute to the guidelines for integrated management plans and monitoring programmes for the conservation of the wetland and its biodiversity.

HTML

XML

PDF

]]>
Research Article Thu, 20 May 2021 13:14:54 +0300
Ecology and morphology of the dwarf bromeliad boa Ungaliophis panamensis (Squamata, Boidae, Ungaliophiinae) in Costa Rica and Panama https://neotropical.pensoft.net/article/57872/ Neotropical Biology and Conservation 16(2): 317-331

DOI: 10.3897/neotropical.16.e57872

Authors: Todd R. Lewis, Rowland K. Griffin, Irune Maguregui Martin, Alex Figueroa, Julie M. Ray, Josh Feltham, Paul B. C. Grant

Abstract: Ecological and morphological data on Ungaliophis panamensis is extremely limited as this species is rarely encountered. These knowledge gaps have been advanced in this study where data was analysed from a small sample of snakes collected in two tropical forested environments in Costa Rica and Panama. Standardised major axis testing and a Bayesian latent variable ordination revealed that the species is sexually dimorphic, closely associated with tree trunks in natural forested areas, and occasionally discovered in rural buildings. Although further investigation into its natural history is warranted, this study shows that even with just a few individuals it is possible to elucidate ecological information that is relevant to the conservation of snake species.

HTML

XML

PDF

]]>
Research Article Tue, 18 May 2021 14:24:29 +0300
Gauchergasilus euripedesi (Copepoda, Ergasilidae) parasitizing different species of fish from two environments in southern Brazil https://neotropical.pensoft.net/article/64668/ Neotropical Biology and Conservation 16(2): 289-298

DOI: 10.3897/neotropical.16.e64668

Authors: Moisés Gallas, Laura R. P. Utz

Abstract: The parasitic copepod Gauchergasilus euripedesi (Montú, 1980) Montú & Boxshall, 2002 was described from plankton samples and specimens found in four fish species from the estuarine area of Patos Lagoon, state of Rio Grande do Sul (RS), Brazil. Later, one different fish species was reported parasitized with G. euripedesi in the same locality. Species of Astyanax Baird & Girard, 1854 (Astyanax henseli Melo & Buckup, 2006 and Astyanax lacustris (Lütken, 1875)) and Psalidodon Eigenmann, 1911 (Psalidodon eigenmanniorum (Cope, 1894) and Psalidodon aff. fasciatus (Cuvier, 1819)) were collected in two environments (Pintada Island, municipality of Porto Alegre and Itapeva Lagoon, municipality of Terra de Areia, RS) to investigate their parasites. The copepods found in the gill arches were counted, processed, mounted in permanent slides, and photographed using light microscopy, or processed for observation in scanning electron microscopy. Specimens of P. eigenmanniorum from Pintada Island, A. lacustris and P. aff. fasciatus from Itapeva Lagoon, were parasitized by G. euripedesi, with prevalences of 29.03% (A. lacustris), 10.34% (P. eigenmanniorum), and 9.68% (P. aff. fasciatus). Measurements obtained for specimens of G. euripedesi were similar to those found in the literature, except for egg sacs which were larger in the specimens examined in the present study. In addition to being the first report of G. euripedesi parasitizing species of fish (A. lacustris, P. eigenmanniorum, and P. aff. fasciatus), the results presented here also extend the known geographic distribution of the copepod species.

HTML

XML

PDF

]]>
Research Article Wed, 12 May 2021 11:37:12 +0300
Nest site selection and nesting behavior of the mud turtle Kinosternon scorpiodes (Testudines, Kinosternidae) in Palo Verde National Park, Costa Rica: implications for management https://neotropical.pensoft.net/article/60754/ Neotropical Biology and Conservation 16(2): 273-287

DOI: 10.3897/neotropical.16.e60754

Authors: José M. Mora, Franklin E. Castañeda

Abstract: Habitat selection is the process whereby individuals preferentially use, or occupy, a non-random set of available habitats. At the same time, nest site selection is defined as the placement of eggs by females at sites differing from random sites within a delimited area. We located 59 nests of the mud turtle Kinosternon scorpioides in Palo Verde National Park (PVNP) in Northwestern Costa Rica. We compared eight microhabitat variables at nest sites against those at random sites. Females significantly placed their eggs at sites with more understory, leaf litter cover, and greater leaf litter depth than in random sites. Additionally, females selected sites with lower air and soil temperature and lower air humidity. Palo Verde NP is subject to active management actions designed to control invasive plant species in the wetland, namely cattail (Thypha domingensis Pers.). The main actions have been cattle grazing, controlled fires, and mechanical crushing of vegetation. We found that habitat quality in nesting areas is being threatened by at least one of these actions: cattle grazing. This is detrimental for three microhabitat traits that turtles select for nesting sites: understory cover, leaf litter cover, and leaf litter depth. The continued degradation of microhabitats at nesting areas of K. scorpioides at PVNP could be affecting recruitment due to embryo survivorship.

HTML

XML

PDF

]]>
Research Article Wed, 12 May 2021 10:04:35 +0300
Temporal edge effects structure the assemblages of Drosophilidae (Diptera) in a Restinga forest fragment in Southern Brazil https://neotropical.pensoft.net/article/61481/ Neotropical Biology and Conservation 16(2): 299-315

DOI: 10.3897/neotropical.16.e61481

Authors: Mayara Ferreira Mendes, Monica Laner Blauth, Luana Amaral Dos Santos, Vera Lúcia da Silva Valente Gaiesky, Marco Silva Gottschalk

Abstract: Anthropogenic habitat fragmentation directly affects ecological processes, leading to negative biodiversity impacts for insects and other biota. Increased edge effects are one consequence of fragmentation, and may alter the composition or abundance of species in the remaining habitat fragments. Understanding the ways in which edge effects impact upon the biota is essential for conservation decision-making in fragmented landscapes. Therefore, the aim of this study was to analyze the seasonal patterns of abundance, richness, and composition of Drosophilidae in a Restinga forest fragment in the extreme south of Brazil, as a function of the distance from the edge to the interior of the fragment. The data were analyzed using SIMPER analyses, which showed that the edge and the forest interior were most dissimilar during winter, followed by spring, autumn and summer. An NMDS and the SIMPER analyses showed that the lower dissimilarity between the edge and interior in spring, autumn and summer, compared to winter, is driven by immigration of individuals from outside of the forest fragment. Furthermore, some species were asymmetrically distributed in the fragment, with some species restricted to the edge of the fragment and others to the interior. This information aids in the understanding of the functioning and dynamics of fragmentation, which is fundamental for the maintenance and integrity of environments and their fauna.

HTML

XML

PDF

]]>
Research Article Wed, 12 May 2021 09:58:04 +0300
Structure of aquatic macroinvertebrate communities in streams of a sub-basin in the Pampa Biome, Southern Brazil https://neotropical.pensoft.net/article/60579/ Neotropical Biology and Conservation 16(2): 249-271

DOI: 10.3897/neotropical.16.e60579

Authors: Sirlei Maria Hentges, Tieli Cláudia Menzel, Cristiane Maria Loebens, Samuel Elias Siveris, David Augusto Reynalte-Tataje, Milton Norberto Strieder

Abstract: The Piratinim River is located in the northwest of Rio Grande do Sul, and represents an important effluent from the Uruguay River, with streams located far from urbanized areas, in conditions similar to those of environmental integrity, but under the influence of agricultural activities. In this study, we aim at investigating the structure of the aquatic macroinvertebrate community in streams of the Piratinim river basin by observing both spatial and local scales. The sampling was carried out in six streams distributed in three regions (upper, middle and lower) of the basin, thus exploring its upstream, intermediate and downstream stretches, during spring and autumn. Macroinvertebrates were collected using aquatic dipnets and were identified at the family level; trophic-functional categories were established according to the classification adapted to the state of Paraná. The spatial and temporal variations of the groups and of the biotic attributes (density, richness, diversity and equitability) were subjected to Kruskal-Wallis non-parametric tests and a posteriori Dunn’s tests. The abiotic variables were obtained to verify possible influence on the composition of the macroinvertebrate community, evaluated through a Canonical Correspondence Analysis. We sampled 11,564 macroinvertebrate individuals from 72 taxa, and found a predominance of the collector-filter trophic group. Abundance and richness were different between streams; the highest densities were found in the streams located in the upper region of the watershed (Chuní and Itú). The highest taxon richness was found in the lower region of the watershed (Guaracapa stream), and the lowest richness was found in the two streams for the intermediate region (Santana and Ximbocu). Diversity and equitability did not vary; temporal variations were not found. Canonical correspondence analysis explained 31.7% of the data variability. The main environmental variables that influenced macroinvertebrates distribution were temperature, electrical conductivity, dissolved oxygen, altitude and extension of the riparian forest. Seasonality and the longitudinal gradient along the basin represented determining factors for the structure and distribution of the macroinvertebrate community in the tributary streams of the Piratinim River.

HTML

XML

PDF

]]>
Research Article Wed, 21 Apr 2021 12:02:46 +0300
First records of lowland tapir, Tapirus terrestris (Perissodactyla, Tapiridae), outside conservation areas after 30 years, in Santa Catarina, southern Brazil https://neotropical.pensoft.net/article/61001/ Neotropical Biology and Conservation 16(2): 239-247

DOI: 10.3897/neotropical.16.e61001

Authors: Douglas Ticiani, Osvaldo Onghero Jr., Mario Arthur Favretto

Abstract: Intense hunting pressure and habitat loss have significantly reduced populations of the lowland tapir Tapirus terrestris in southern Brazil. Remaining individuals inhabit mainly legally protected areas. Here we report the first records outside of conservation areas in the state of Santa Catarina, over the last 30 years. These records were found during a mammal monitoring program, developed between May 2018 and July 2020. The records provide new evidence of the distribution of the species in Santa Catarina and reinforce the relevance of connectivity between protected areas of the Serra do Mar Ecological Corridor.

HTML

XML

PDF

]]>
Short Communication Mon, 19 Apr 2021 09:57:40 +0300
Biological invasions in brazilian environmental science courses: do we need new approaches? https://neotropical.pensoft.net/article/60200/ Neotropical Biology and Conservation 16(1): 221-238

DOI: 10.3897/neotropical.16.e60200

Authors: Erika Pereira Cordeiro de Melo, Juliana Simião-Ferreira, Herson Pereira Cordeiro de Melo, Bruno Spacek Godoy, Rodrigo Damasco Daud, Rogério Pereira Bastos, Daniel Paiva Silva

Abstract: The increasing destruction of natural environments worldwide favored more and more alien species’ dispersal, distancing people from nature and consequently from native species. We investigated undergrad students’ perception about alien and native Brazilian species evaluating classes of the first (freshmen) and last semesters (seniors) of four courses in environmental sciences in three institutions and assessed these students’ knowledge level in different aspects related to native and alien species. The 509 interviewees were able to identify Brazilian native species better than alien species. They also produced better identifications among taxonomic groups of mammals (either alien or native), native birds, and exotic fish compared to invertebrate species. Most students did not consider themselves well informed about the topic. We found an association between the courses/semesters attended and the level of knowledge of the students. Thus, we concluded that, on the one hand, the students demonstrated relevant knowledge about the native species but, on the other, presented deficiencies in invasive alien species’ knowledge. Therefore, we suggest the revision/restructuring of how the biological invasions theme is covered in the academic curricula of undergraduate courses in the environmental area.

HTML

XML

PDF

]]>
Research Article Wed, 24 Mar 2021 09:29:14 +0200
Feeding ecology of the Green-cheeked Parakeet, Pyrrhura molinae (Psittaciformes, Psittacidae), in a subtropical forest of Argentina https://neotropical.pensoft.net/article/62109/ Neotropical Biology and Conservation 16(1): 205-219

DOI: 10.3897/neotropical.16.e62109

Authors: Analía Benavídez, Ever Tallei, Echevarría Ada Lilian, Luis Rivera

Abstract: Although there are studies on certain aspects of the feeding ecology of several species of Neotropical parrots, there is scarce ecological information about Pyrrhura molinae – a Psittacidae species which is widely distributed in South America and abundant in the Yungas of Argentina. For two years (May 2014 to June 2016), the composition and seasonal variation in the Green-cheeked Parakeet diet in the Yungas Piedmont forest in Jujuy, Argentina were examined. Furthermore, fruiting phenology transects were established to evaluate food resource availability and the patterns of food resource used by the Green-cheeked Parakeet. In 214 food plant trees, it was found that flower and dry fruit availability was highest in the dry season, and fleshy fruit production peaked in the wet season, but these phenology patterns for aged plant species suggest that there were no significant differences in food availability. The consumption of 18 plant species was recorded, being Celtis iguanaea (30.73%) and Trema micrantha (22.01%) the most consumed species. In terms of food items, fruits were the most consumed items, followed by seeds and flowers and, to a lesser extent, nectar and leaves. Levins’ niche breadth showed varying levels of diet specialisation amongst seasons, which was narrower (B = 0.28) in the wet season, indicating specialisation in diet during this season. There was a medium overlap in parakeet diet between seasons (Morisita Index = 0.59). We did not find a statistically significant relationship between resource availability and food use, but expansion and contraction in Levins Index and variation in food items consumed throughout the year and season demonstrate high flexibility in the diet. Like other congeners, the Green-cheeked Parakeet has a flexible diet that could be adjusted to the seasonal availability of food resources. These data may contribute to the design of conservation plans for the species and its habitat.

HTML

XML

PDF

]]>
Research Article Tue, 23 Mar 2021 09:17:39 +0200
An annotated list of the reptiles of the highland grassland of Tandilia Mountains, Argentina https://neotropical.pensoft.net/article/60629/ Neotropical Biology and Conservation 16(1): 185-204

DOI: 10.3897/neotropical.16.e60629

Authors: David Gustavo Vera, Diego Omar Di Pietro, Germán Tettamanti, Manuel Eirin, Clara Trofino Falasco, María Florencia Aranguren, Jorge Daniel Williams, Federico Pablo Kacoliris, Igor Berkunsky

Abstract: The study of biodiversity is a fundamental step to develop conservation strategies. Reptile populations are immersed in a global crisis, due to anthropic disturbances. Almost the entire Pampa ecoregion in Argentina was modified for agricultural and livestock activities, the only remnants of mountain native grasslands in Buenos Aires province being the Tandilia and Ventania mountain systems. Ventania reptiles have been exhaustively researched in last years, while Tandilia counts with fewer studies. We presented an actualized reptiles list of the Tandilia Mountain System. We used five data sources to collect presence records: literature, fieldwork, museum collection, citizen science, and a online database. The composition of reptiles from the Tandilia Mountain range includes 26 species in 12 families. Due to the presence of several endemic reptiles, and the representativeness of more than half of the reptiles of Pampa Ecoregion, Tandilia would be useful to determine conservation priority areas to conserve the native grassland and their reptile fauna.

HTML

XML

PDF

]]>
Research Article Tue, 9 Mar 2021 10:25:36 +0200
Natural regeneration in a mixed ombrophilous forest remnant in southern Brazil https://neotropical.pensoft.net/article/58188/ Neotropical Biology and Conservation 16(1): 167-183

DOI: 10.3897/neotropical.16.e58188

Authors: Manuela Gazzoni dos Passos, Geisa Percio do Prado, Claudia Fontana, Edilvane Ines Zonta, Edmilson Bianchini

Abstract: The study of forest regeneration allows the diagnosis of conservation status of fragments and estimating population parameters that are essential for management projects. This study evaluated the structure, diversity and dynamics of the tree regenerating component of a remnant of mixed ombrophilous forest, aiming to support management actions for this forest type. The study was developed at the Parque Estadual das Araucárias (PEAR), located in the western region of the state of Santa Catarina, southern Brazil. A total of 100 plots of 25 m2 (0.25 ha) were allocated, all individuals with height ≥ 1.0 m and DBH < 5 cm were sampled. Shannon’s diversity index (H’), Pielou’s equability index (J) and total natural regeneration rate (TNR) were estimated. We sampled 1,425 individuals from 99 species and 39 families, with an estimated total density of 5,700 individuals by hectare. The richest families were Fabaceae (13), Myrtaceae (10) and Lauraceae (7). The H’ was 3.76 and the J was 0.80. The TNR rate ranged from 0.05 to 8.12%, highlighting Trichilia elegans, with the highest rate and Araucaria angustifolia with low potential for natural regeneration. The analysis of the results indicated a high diversity in the regenerating component of the PEAR compared to other studies, probably because the area presents itself as a successional mosaic due to past disturbances.

HTML

XML

PDF

]]>
Research Article Tue, 2 Mar 2021 09:57:10 +0200
Species richness, geographical affinities and activity patterns of mammals in premontane Andean forests of the Magdalena River basin of Colombia https://neotropical.pensoft.net/article/57109/ Neotropical Biology and Conservation 16(1): 145-166

DOI: 10.3897/neotropical.16.e57109

Authors: Diego A. Torres, Abel Eduardo Rojas

Abstract: More than half of the population of Colombia is settled in the Magdalena River basin, resulting in high deforestation rates due to productive activities and urbanisation. Within this scenario of forest loss and ecosystem degradation, it is imperative to record and monitor the biodiversity in order to decrease and mitigate the negative consequences of human activities on species and ecosystems. For six years, we assessed the mammal species richness, abundance and activity patterns in premontane forests of the Magdalena River basin in the Department of Caldas, Colombia. We also presented additional information on the geographical affinities of this fauna. We recorded 101 species, seven of them endemic to Colombia, with Chiroptera being the richest order, followed by Rodentia. Most of the species are common and not listed in threatened categories and only four are vulnerable and two endangered, according to the Red List of the IUCN and the Ministerio de Medio Ambiente y Desarrollo Sostenible of Colombia. The mammalian fauna of the study area is similar to that of other lowland localities in the Neotropics and different to the fauna in highland localities, including the nearby ones. Specifically, this fauna was most similar to that in lowland Tolima and the Caribbean Region of Colombia, Venezuela and Costa Rica; however, when we accounted only for bat fauna, it was more similar to the fauna in Caribbean and Pacific Regions of Colombia. To secure the long-term persistence of these species, we recommend maintenance of the current corridors, such as riparian forests and living fences and an increase in the forested area.

HTML

XML

PDF

]]>
Research Article Tue, 23 Feb 2021 10:50:13 +0200
Bird composition of different valley habitats after land-use changes in Northern Honduras https://neotropical.pensoft.net/article/57624/ Neotropical Biology and Conservation 16(1): 129-144

DOI: 10.3897/neotropical.16.e57624

Authors: Stefan Hohnwald

Abstract: The northern coast of Honduras is potentially covered with tropical rainforests, reaching from the Caribbean Sea up to the cloud forests of the Pico Bonito summits. Therefore, it was blessed with the mega-diverse avifauna of the Central American humid neotropics. Although local bird species have been generally well documented, there are hardly any updates on the biodiversity of northern Honduras. Thus, this study contributes to our knowledge of the natural shift of bird life, following up the Cangrejal River with its different slight land use intensification in the region. Standardized bird records along the valley are analyzed, reaching from the beaches of La Ceiba up to the managed rainforests of El Toncontíns in the lower montane rainforests. Nine points were checked over the course of at least 6 days, taking point counts between 16 March and 20 June 2005. A NMDS of the joined nine point-lists elucidates four main groups, namely the beach/city ecosystems, open habitats along the river banks, slightly cleared forests (park landscape), and a mature rainforest. In total, 115 bird species, from 102 genera and 44 families, were found in 2005. As methods are limited, results can represent merely a prodromus of bird composition of neotropical valleys of the Central American isthmus. However, avi-diversity is affected by forest degradation and increasing land-use changes. Since deforestation is still soaring in the region, bird species composition should be monitored, as it will be as dynamic as land use changes in the region.

HTML

XML

PDF

]]>
Research Article Tue, 9 Feb 2021 09:47:53 +0200
An update of the amazon prawn (Macrobrachium amazonicum) distribution in the low course of the São Francisco river (northeast Brazil) https://neotropical.pensoft.net/article/58895/ Neotropical Biology and Conservation 16(1): 105-114

DOI: 10.3897/neotropical.16.e58895

Authors: Lucia Vanessa Rocha Santos, Petrônio Alves Coelho Filho

Abstract: The prawn Macrobrachium amazonicum has been considered a successful colonizing species of freshwater environments beyond its native range; however, information on the distribution of the species in rivers in northeastern Brazil is doubtful or incomplete. This study updates the presence of the Amazon River prawn Macrobrachium amazonicum in the São Francisco River (northeast Brazil) where eight areas were sampled downstream from the Xingó Hydroelectric Plant (Alagoas/Sergipe) up to the mouth of the river, between April 2014 and February 2016. The specimens were sampled using manual trawls and artisanal traps. Hydrological data were obtained using a multi-parameter probe. Only 258 specimens were found in Piranhas, Pão de Açúcar, and Belo Monte, which are regions far from the mouth of the river. They were found in shallow (3.96 ± 1.01 m), warm (26.15 ± 1.18 °C), and oxygenated fresh waters (5.70 ± 1.14 mg L-1) with low turbidity (71.33 ± 6.43 mg L-1) and slight alkalinity (7.26 ± 0.53), always associated with the aquatic vegetation. The presence of M. amazonicum has not yet been evaluated in relation to possible impacts on local native diversity. Therefore, studies addressing the interaction of this species with native species are necessary to understand whether or not it poses a risk to endemic species.

HTML

XML

PDF

]]>
Short Communication Fri, 29 Jan 2021 10:18:12 +0200
New records and conservation of Passiflora L. (Passifloraceae s.s.) in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil https://neotropical.pensoft.net/article/62045/ Neotropical Biology and Conservation 16(1): 115-128

DOI: 10.3897/neotropical.16.e62045

Authors: Michaele Alvim Milward-de-Azevedo, Natália Brandão Gonçalves Fernandes

Abstract: Passiflora L. belongs to the family Passifloraceae sensu stricto, and comprises 700–750 species. There are approximately 161 known species of the family in Brazil, of which 153 belong to Passiflora, 89 are endemic, 83 occur in the region of the Atlantic Domain; 40 occur in Rio de Janeiro State (RJ). Using field samplings techniques and scientific collection analyses, we present here new geographic records for Passiflora deidamioides Harms, P. imbeana Sacco, P. junqueirae Imig & Cervi, and P. truncata Regel for RJ, principally in the Serra dos Órgãos National Park (PARNASO). Geographic distribution data was used to calculate the Extension of Occurrence (EOO) and Area of Occupancy (AOO) of the species. Passiflora junqueirae, previously considered endemic to Espírito Santo State, now has new records for RJ. Passiflora imbeana and P. truncata are extended into RJ, being recorded there for the first time in the municipality of Teresópolis. The four species are cited for the first time in PARNASO, occurring between 1,000 and 1,700 m.a.s.l. in Montane and Upper Montane Atlantic Rainforest. We provide taxonomic information, distribution maps, and the conservation status of the species.

HTML

XML

PDF

]]>
Short Communication Fri, 29 Jan 2021 10:17:19 +0200
Invasive alien plants in Sergipe, north-eastern Brazil https://neotropical.pensoft.net/article/56427/ Neotropical Biology and Conservation 16(1): 89-104

DOI: 10.3897/neotropical.16.e56427

Authors: Juliano Ricardo Fabricante, Kelianne Carolina Targino de Araújo, Thieres Santos Almeida, João Paulo Bispo Santos, Daniel Oliveira Reis

Abstract: Biological invasions are considered one of the greatest threats to global biodiversity. In addition, they cause substantial economic impacts. However, studies about the subject in Brazil are still scarce. The aim of the present study was to prepare an inventory of non-native flora with invasive potential from Sergipe, Brazil. The inventory was carried out along the entire length of the sites. The species with potential invaders were grouped according to the biome/ecosystem and classified according to their habit and origin. Eighty-five species with invasive potential were sampled, 43 in the Caatinga, 75 in the Atlantic Forest, 36 in Sandbank and 22 in Mangrove. From these species, 17 were inventoried in all the biomes/ecosystems and 36 were observed in only one of them, six in the Caatinga, 27 in the Atlantic Forest and three in Sandbank. The number of potentially-invasive species sampled in Sergipe is alarming. The present study showed nearly twice the species listed by other authors for the entire northeast Brazil. This high number of taxa may be a consequence of facilitating the transfer of these species and the conservation conditions of the ecosystems studied in Sergipe. Another very worrying factor is that many of the species sampled are extremely aggressive and cause a series of impacts.

HTML

XML

PDF

]]>
Research Article Fri, 29 Jan 2021 10:07:30 +0200
Current knowledge on biology, fishing and conservation of the blue shark (Prionace glauca) https://neotropical.pensoft.net/article/58691/ Neotropical Biology and Conservation 16(1): 71-88

DOI: 10.3897/neotropical.16.e58691

Authors: Thaísy Emmanuelle Florentino da Silva, Rosangela Lessa, Francisco Marcante Santana

Abstract: The blue shark (Prionace glauca) is a large predator in marine ecosystems, figuring as the most common and abundant species in oceanic fisheries. For this reason, many studies on this species were conducted throughout its entire distribution range. However, no comparison has been made regarding the variability of the aspects addressed herein. Thus, the present study aims at analyzing the available information on P. glauca. This species constitutes between 85 and 90% of the total elasmobranchs caught by oceanic fisheries with pelagic longlines. Growth parameters reveal that individuals in the Atlantic Ocean show the highest asymptotic lengths when compared to those found in other oceans. Females present an average uterine fecundity of 30 embryos. Although it shows a diverse diet, it is mainly composed of teleost fish and cephalopods. Currently, the main threat to the species is commercial fishing, being listed in Brazil and worldwide, according to IUCN as Near Threatened. Regardless, information on crucial aspects, such as its population dynamics, are still scarce or unreliable for many areas. Despite the number of studies regarding its distribution, abundance, and biology, data for new stock assessments of P. glauca are still needed to improve the species’ management.

HTML

XML

PDF

]]>
Review Article Thu, 21 Jan 2021 14:10:53 +0200
Influence of environmental and morphological parameters on the microfauna community present in phytotelmata of a bromeliad in a fragment of Atlantic Forest, southern Brazil https://neotropical.pensoft.net/article/56186/ Neotropical Biology and Conservation 16(1): 59-70

DOI: 10.3897/neotropical.16.e56186

Authors: Débora Alessandra Antonetti, Eduardo Malfatti, Laura Roberta Pinto Utz

Abstract: Bromeliads are important epiphytes due to their abundance in the Neotropical region and morphological complexity. Their compact and imbricated leaf bases form water storage cisterns that promote important resources for colonization by several prokaryotic and eukaryotic microorganisms. Due to the lack of knowledge about these environments, the objective of the study was to investigate which physical-chemical and ecological parameters exert effects on the biological richness present in the cisterns of Vriesea platynema. The study was carried out in the Center for Research and Nature Conservation (CPCN – Pró-Mata), in the Serra Geral plateau, northeastern Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Active searches were performed for 10 trees with bromeliads fixed at two heights (< 1.5 m and > 2.5 m). For each bromeliad individual, the height in relation to the ground, the diameter and depth of the central cistern, water temperature, number of lateral cisterns and number of adjacent bromeliads, were measured. A total of 23 taxa were identified in the phytotelmata of V. platynema, with Philodina, Lambornella, Paramecium, Tetrahymena and Diptera larvae being the most representative groups. The richness of organisms in the phytotelmata presented a positive correlation with water temperature (p = 0.01), and the number of adjacent bromeliads (p = 0.05), indicating that physicochemical and ecological factors could influence the richness of bromeliad biota.

HTML

XML

PDF

]]>
Research Article Tue, 19 Jan 2021 14:11:43 +0200
Arinosaster patriciae (Porifera, Demospongiae): new genus and species and the second record of a cave freshwater sponge from Brazil https://neotropical.pensoft.net/article/50156/ Neotropical Biology and Conservation 16(1): 45-57

DOI: 10.3897/neotropical.16.e50156

Authors: Cecília Volkmer-Ribeiro, Maria da Conceição Tavares-Frigo, Alexandre Cunha Ribeiro, Maria Elina Bichuette

Abstract: Arinosaster patriciae gen. nov. et sp. nov. is the second continental sponge registered for a subterranean environment (cave habitat) in Brazil and the Neotropical Region. The sponges were recorded and collected in a 5m depth technical dive in a sinkhole of Rio Claro, tributary of Rio Arinos, Tapajós system, Amazon Basin (-13.8170386, -56.6914225) at the locality of Sumidouro do Rio Claro, Municipality of Diamantino, state of Mato Grosso, central western Brazil. The cave is placed in sandstone rocks of the Parecis Group (Upper Cretaceous). “In situ” photographs of colonies, of living specimens, SEM illustrations of dissociated spicules as well as of the skeletal structure, are presented. The occurrence of euaster microscleres of the type spherasters are for the first time reported for continental sponges but, also new, is the occurrence of spongin fibers, composing with fibers of silicious spicules in the skeletal arrangement. The absence of gemmules in the studied material and the fact that new specimens remain undetected call for the proposition of a new monospecific genus to be retained as Incertae Sedis until new and gemmuliferous colonies are found.

HTML

XML

PDF

]]>
Research Article Tue, 19 Jan 2021 10:33:52 +0200
Movement distances for four small mammals in two Atlantic forests fragments, Southern Brazil https://neotropical.pensoft.net/article/59669/ Neotropical Biology and Conservation 16(1): 11-18

DOI: 10.3897/neotropical.16.e59669

Authors: Daniela Oliveira de Lima, Luana Gabriele Arenhart Braun, Fabrício Luiz Skupien, Daniele Pereira Rodrigues, Jady de Oliveira Sausen

Abstract: Animal movement has an important role in individual performance, species reproduction, population demography, and conservation, especially in fragmented landscapes. The distance moved by an individual may vary depending on individual needs, such as the search for food resources and sexual partners. Here we investigated which factors affect the distances between successive captures (hereafter DSC) for Akodon montensis, Oligoryzomys nigripes, Sooretamys angouya, and Didelphis albiventris. This study was conducted from April 2015 to October 2016 in two fragments in the south of Atlantic Forest biome through capture, mark and recapture technique. DSC was analyzed using Generalized Linear Models with Poisson distribution where the independent variables were sex, whether the animal was active or not in terms of reproduction, body weight, and climatic season. The mean DSC was greater for D. albiventris (44.6 ± 28.8 m), followed by S. angouya (31.9 ± 25.7 m), O. nigripes (25.8 ± 22.5 m) and A. montensis (18.9 ± 22.0 m). Males of all species moved larger DSC than females. Considering the rodents, reproductive animals also moved larger DSC than non-reproductive animals. Sex may have masked the effect of body weight, as males tend to be larger than females. Climatic effects were tested for A. montensis and O. nigripes, however, with diverse effects.

HTML

XML

PDF

]]>
Research Article Thu, 14 Jan 2021 12:42:14 +0200
New records of mammals of the Coffee Region, Central Andes of Colombia using citizen science https://neotropical.pensoft.net/article/57932/ Neotropical Biology and Conservation 16(1): 27-43

DOI: 10.3897/neotropical.16.e57932

Authors: Sofía Terán-Sánchez, Alejandra Díaz-Arango, Héctor Fabio Arias-Monsalve, Héctor E. Ramírez-Chaves

Abstract: The Coffee Region of Colombia is one of the most representative areas of the country due to its cultural appeal. 200 of the 528 mammal species in the country occur in this region. Pre-existing knowledge about the group in this region has been obtained through indirect and direct sampling methods. We present new records of mammals of the “Reserva Forestal Protectora Bosques de la Central Hidroeléctrica de Caldas (CHEC)”, located in the Coffee Region, based on vouchered citizen science records. To accomplish this, we held training workshops on the relevance of information provided by non-invasive vouchers for mammal collections that include bone remains, hairs, skin and other signs that can be found incidentally in the field by park rangers and other staff of the Reserve. In addition, we included photographic and video records of mammals taken by park rangers before and after the training workshops. We added vouchers obtained by the park rangers to the biological collection of the Natural History Museum of the Universidad de Caldas (MHN-UCa). Using this method, we obtained records of 34 mammalian species belonging to 20 families and 11 orders. We highlight the obtention of museum preserved vouchers of the Northern Naked-tailed Armadillo, Cabassous centralis (Miller 1899), and the Cauca Slender Opossum, Marmosops caucae (Thomas 1900), that had limited samples in national collections or had not been previously collected in the study area. With this work, a contribution network with the CHEC reserve staff was established, promoting the inclusion of these agents in the development of scientific research, and showing the relevance of collaborative science in assisting with filling information gaps about medium and large mammals.

HTML

XML

PDF

]]>
Research Article Thu, 14 Jan 2021 11:30:07 +0200
What’s on the menu? A presumed attack of Andean bear on a Mountain tapir at the Puracé National Natural Park, Colombia https://neotropical.pensoft.net/article/57140/ Neotropical Biology and Conservation 16(1): 19-25

DOI: 10.3897/neotropical.16.e57140

Authors: Gustavo Adolfo Pisso-Florez, Ignacio Gómez-Lora, I. Mauricio Vela-Vargas, Héctor Pizo, Isaac Bedoya Dorado, Héctor E. Ramírez-Chaves

Abstract: Two iconic and charismatic species that inhabit the northern Andes of South America are the Andean bear (Tremarctos ornatus) and the Mountain tapir (Tapirus pinchaque). Both species can be found sympatrically in several areas of Colombia, Ecuador, and northern Peru. Despite their overlap in distribution, little is known about interactions between both species, with few reported cases of Andean bear attacks on the Mountain tapir. Here, we report a possible attack by an Andean bear on a Mountain tapir in the northern part of Puracé National Natural Park, Colombia based on strong wounds and marks on a tapir’s back and rump. The wounds match typical attack patterns generated by Andean bears and corroborates previous camera traps records of bears attacking tapirs in this locality.

HTML

XML

PDF

]]>
Short Communication Thu, 14 Jan 2021 11:19:09 +0200
Bird activity patterns in the understorey of an evergreen forest in Oaxaca, Mexico https://neotropical.pensoft.net/article/59360/ Neotropical Biology and Conservation 16(1): 1-10

DOI: 10.3897/neotropical.16.e59360

Authors: Gabriela Pérez-Irineo, Antonio Santos-Moreno

Abstract: Activity patterns of species are related to their physiology, their behaviour and the environment and can change in response to different factors, such as interactions between species. Bird species, typical of the understorey, show morphological and ecological similarities and must thus have some mechanism of ecological separation, such as temporal niche partitioning. The objective of this study was to provide information about activity patterns and activity overlap of bird species typical of the understorey. We expected temporal niche partitioning between ecologically-similar species. We placed camera traps in 29 sampling points in a high evergreen forest in the southeast of Mexico between 2011 and 2013. All species were mainly diurnal and, contrary to what we expected, there was temporal partitioning between tinamids, but not in galliforms and columbiforms. The degree of activity overlap might reflect a solitary or group lifestyle of the three sets of species, as well as shared behavioural preferences and similar adaptations. These results contribute to our knowledge of the basic biology and behavioural ecology of birds of the understorey.

HTML

XML

PDF

]]>
Research Article Mon, 11 Jan 2021 12:22:27 +0200
Analysis of abiotic factors associated with foam nests of Cuvier’s foam froglet (Physalaemus cuvieri) in southeastern Brazil https://neotropical.pensoft.net/article/57804/ Neotropical Biology and Conservation 15(4): 675-688

DOI: 10.3897/neotropical.15.e57804

Authors: Cristiano Lúcio Rodrigues, Thiago Borges da Silva, Wilfried Klein, Marcelo dos Santos Fernandes

Abstract: Climate change may have significant impacts on amphibian diversity due to alterations in microhabitat conditions where these species occurs. Understanding the abiotic factors associated with a species’ microhabitat are therefore necessary to evaluate the impact they may suffer. Amphibians are exposed to changing microhabitat conditions at multiple life stages, since reproduction and larval development of most species depend on water, whereas adults frequently depend on terrestrial habitats. Physalaemus cuvieri is a Neotropical frog that uses foam nests for reproduction that may provide some protection for tadpoles against temperature and humidity fluctuations. Herein, foam nests of P. cuvieri were studied within vegetation around a pond, with the aim of analyzing the morphometric (depth, area and volume) relationships of foam nests with abiotic factors (humidity, temperature). Humidity 2 cm above the nests was significantly greater than 2 m from the nests. Temperature, measured at different depths of the nests, was significantly reduced by up to 10 °C when compared to atmospheric air temperatures above the nests. We conclude that foam nests facilitate a protective environment for eggs by regulating temperature and humidity to acceptable levels.

HTML

XML

PDF

]]>
Research Article Wed, 30 Dec 2020 15:18:39 +0200
Status of knowledge of the broad-nosed weevils of Colombia (Coleoptera, Curculionidae, Entiminae) https://neotropical.pensoft.net/article/59713/ Neotropical Biology and Conservation 15(4): 583-674

DOI: 10.3897/neotropical.15.e59713

Authors: Jennifer C. Girón

Abstract: Broad-nosed weevils in the subfamily Entiminae (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) are highly diverse, not only in terms of number of species, but also in their sizes, forms and colours. There are eight tribes, 50 genera and 224 entimine species recorded from Colombia: seven genera and 142 species are considered endemic and only a handful of species, which are recognised as pests of Citrus or potatoes, are broadly known. The large diversity of this subfamily in the country is only superficially known and even though genus level identifications are generally achievable, species identification remains quite challenging, due in part to limited access to broadly-scattered basic information. Summaries of available information and bibliographic resources for each of the tribes represented in Colombia are offered, along with a checklist of the species of Entiminae recorded from the country, obtained from literature and a pictorial key for tribal recognition. New combinations are proposed for eight species of the genus Lanterius Alonso-Zarazaga & Lyal. Information on the distribution of entimine species in Colombia is compiled for the first time, including complete references to each original description and available taxonomic revisions. About a third of the species of Entiminae remain as recorded from the country without specific locality information. In addition, genus level distributional maps are presented, generated from data obtained from four Colombian entomological collections. Lastly, some challenges for entimine identification in Colombia, which likely extend throughout the Neotropical region, are briefly discussed. This contribution aims, in part, to facilitate and promote entimine research in northern South America.

HTML

XML

PDF

]]>
Review Article Wed, 30 Dec 2020 11:00:31 +0200
Nesting habitat and density, nest characteristics, home ranges and group sizes of the Rufous-fronted Thornbird (Phacellodomus rufifrons) in Central Brazil https://neotropical.pensoft.net/article/55715/ Neotropical Biology and Conservation 15(4): 571-581

DOI: 10.3897/neotropical.15.e55715

Authors: Luane Reis dos Santos, Yara Ballarini, Zélia da Paz Pereira, Miguel Ângelo Marini

Abstract: Rufous-fronted Thornbird (Phacellodomus rufifrons) reproduction has been studied under a few environmental conditions but might show some variations among regions throughout its wide geographic distribution. We describe here nesting habitat and density, nest characteristics, home ranges and group sizes of Rufous-fronted Thornbird in a Cerrado reserve in central Brazil. We found 131 nests in 2003, 2004, and 2011, and studied four groups inside a 100-ha grid. Nests were found only in cerrado típico and cerrado ralo but changed in abundance and density over the years, with a higher density in 2004 (0.37 nest/ha) than in 2011 (0.23 nest/ha). Nests were built 3.2 ± 1.0 m above the ground at 6.3 ± 0.2 m high trees of 31 species, but mostly of Qualea spp. Nests were 0.66 ± 0.27 m high and 0.44 ± 0.11 m wide. Home ranges had an average of 3.1 ± 0.3 ha, used by family groups of 4.6 ± 0.5 individuals. This study consolidates the findings of previous ones, but also highlights differences in habitat use, nest size, and nesting tree among regions or study sites, and changes in density among years, stressing the importance of studying the reproductive biology of the same bird species under different environmental conditions since different conditions might affect reproductive traits, such as reproductive investment and timing.

HTML

XML

PDF

]]>
Research Article Wed, 30 Dec 2020 10:40:54 +0200
Number, density and distribution of Rufous-banded Owl Ciccaba albitarsis (Strigiformes, Strigidae) in a cloud forest https://neotropical.pensoft.net/article/55788/ Neotropical Biology and Conservation 15(4): 711-716

DOI: 10.3897/neotropical.15.e55788

Authors: Romuald Mikusek, Andrzej Dyrcz, Marcin Polak

Abstract: The aim of the research was to determine the number and distribution of the Rufous-banded Owls Ciccaba albitarsis in a cloud forest on the northern slopes of the Andes. The study was performed using the territory mapping technique and a GPS device in an area of 7 km2. The number of territories was estimated at 40, resulting in a density of 5.7 territories/km2. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first published data on density of the Rufous-banded Owl in a cloud forest. The population density of the species in our study area corresponds with the densities of the other similar owl species in the Tropics.

HTML

XML

PDF

]]>
Short Communication Wed, 30 Dec 2020 09:58:31 +0200
Updating the distribution of Vampyrum spectrum (Chiroptera, Phyllostomidae) in Colombia: new localities, potential distribution and notes on its conservation https://neotropical.pensoft.net/article/58383/ Neotropical Biology and Conservation 15(4): 689-709

DOI: 10.3897/neotropical.15.e58383

Authors: Diego A. Esquivel, Carlos Aya-Cuero, Angie P. Penagos, Julio Chacón-Pacheco, Carlos J. Agámez-López, Andrés Vargas Ochoa, Héctor E. Ramírez-Chaves, David Bennett

Abstract: The Spectral Bat (Vampyrum spectrum) is classified as Near Threatened by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. In Colombia, it has not been included in any risk assessments, because it is a poorly documented species in the country. Using new occurrence data and ecological niche modelling we evaluate the distribution and analyze the species’ ecological and conservation needs in Colombia. With the new records, V. spectrum shows a distribution over six biogeographic provinces in the country, along an elevational range between 96 and 1750 m. The Spectral Bat has been reported in a wide variety of ecosystems from dry forest and fragmented landscapes, to forested areas. Predictive models suggest a wider presence of this species in the west of the country, center, and southern Andes. The limited number of specimens limits our attempt to evaluate morphometric variation among Colombian populations; however, we detect a variation in the mean value of the forearm and ear length regarding northeast South American populations. Areas with the greatest potential distribution detected in this study could be prioritized in conservation strategies, and make plans accordingly for this and other species that coexist in its range. Finally, we highlight the low representativeness of Protected Areas for the Spectral Bat and add some ecological notes about this rare species.

HTML

XML

PDF

]]>
Research Article Wed, 30 Dec 2020 09:22:05 +0200
The underground sex life of the Guatemalan Spike-thumb Frog (Plectrohyla guatemalensis) https://neotropical.pensoft.net/article/57142/ Neotropical Biology and Conservation 15(4): 551-559

DOI: 10.3897/neotropical.15.e57142

Authors: Sergio González-Mollinedo, Alejandro Mármol-Kattán

Abstract: Two populations of Plectrohyla guatemalensis from two different sites in Sacatepéquez, Guatemala, were monitored for three consecutive rainy seasons, and noteworthy reproductive behavior was observed. The objective of the surveys was to assess the impact of nearby high-tension power lines, but additional information could be obtained. Our observations that male vocalizations to attract females occurred in the crevices of rocks in streams, inside which females lay eggs, suggest that the species’ reproduction is closely linked to the presence of such crevices. Any clutches were then guarded by the male until hatching. We inferred the existence of male-male competition for gaining control of these reproduction sites building upon previous observations, remarks about the genus and other species with similar patterns, and evidence of such aggression, although we did not directly observe any. Also, with the help of local wardens, we recorded vocalizations in mid-January, extending the previously reported reproductive period for this species. We therefore consider the conservation and restoration of rocky streams with adequate forest coverage to be an important conservation action for this species.

HTML

XML

PDF

]]>
Research Article Wed, 23 Dec 2020 12:02:51 +0200
An alternative method for determining the body condition index of the free-living South American coati https://neotropical.pensoft.net/article/56578/ Neotropical Biology and Conservation 15(4): 561-569

DOI: 10.3897/neotropical.15.e56578

Authors: Filipe Martins Santos, David Risco, Nayara Yoshie Sano, Gabriel Carvalho de Macedo, Wanessa Teixeira Gomes Barreto, Pilar Gonçalves, Pedro Fernández-Llario, Heitor Miraglia Herrera

Abstract: Assessing and monitoring the welfare of free-living mammals is not a usual process due to the logistical complications associated with their capture and sedation, collection and storage of biological samples and their release. In this context, non-invasive methods for monitoring wildlife constitute a good alternative approach for in situ conservation. Body condition index, as a measurement of health status, has been used in free-living mammals; its low value may be associated with negative effects on reproduction and survival. The present study aimed to generate an alternative and reliable non-invasive method and then determine the body condition index, based on previously-collected biometric measurements, without the need to capture and immobilise the animals. A total of 178 free-living Nasua nasua Linnaeus, 1766 were trapped, weighed and measured. Statistical methods were used, based on Boosted Regression Trees (BRT) using body mass, biometric measurements (body length, height and chest girth) and gender as explanatory variables. To assess the agreement between the real Body Condition Indices (BCIs) and the predicted values of BCIs, we explored the correlation between each model using the Bland-Altman method. This method showed a strong agreement between the predictive BRT models proposed (standardised residuals from a linear regression between body length and chest girth) and standardised residuals (linear regression between body mass and body length). The results obtained herein showed that BRT modelling, based on biometrical features, is an alternative way to verify the body conditions of coatis without the need to capture and immobilise the animals.

HTML

XML

PDF

]]>
Short Communication Wed, 23 Dec 2020 10:24:03 +0200
Vegetation structure as the main source of variability in scorpion assemblages at small spatial scales and further considerations for the conservation of Caatinga landscapes https://neotropical.pensoft.net/article/59000/ Neotropical Biology and Conservation 15(4): 533-550

DOI: 10.3897/neotropical.15.e59000

Authors: Stênio Ítalo Araújo Foerster, André Felipe de Araújo Lira, Cauê Guion de Almeida

Abstract: Even at the local scale, environmental changes due of anthropogenic actions represent a source of disturbance in terrestrial ecosystems, forcing species to respond according to their ecological plasticity. Thus, stenotopic species and those with low-dispersal ability will likely be negatively affected by landscape modifications that reduce environmental complexity. In this study, we identify and quantify the effects of biotic and abiotic factors related to habitat complexity on the variation in scorpion assemblages in terms of both species’ richness, abundance and composition across 18 transects covering Caatinga landscapes with different levels of degradation. Using ultraviolet flashlights, we sampled 269 scorpions, belonging to six species and two families. The results showed contrasting patterns of species richness and abundance that depend on the level of habitat complexity. More specifically, we reported that scorpion species richness could be predicted by the number of trees, while the coefficient of variation of the diameter at breast height of trees (cvDBH) is a predictor of scorpion abundance. These findings suggest that vegetation structure is deterministic for the maintenance of scorpion assemblages in Caatinga landscapes. In addition, the cvDBH and tree number may explain 39% and 40% of the variability observed amongst scorpion assemblages in terms of richness difference and species composition, respectively. This study provides insights concerning the development of conservation strategies, clarifying the role of habitat complexity for the preservation of low-dispersal animals in neglected environments, such as those within the Caatinga domain.

HTML

XML

PDF

]]>
Research Article Thu, 17 Dec 2020 10:46:53 +0200
New records on distribution and habitat of the lesser long-nosed bat (Leptonycteris yerbabuenae) in Honduras https://neotropical.pensoft.net/article/57376/ Neotropical Biology and Conservation 15(4): 521-531

DOI: 10.3897/neotropical.15.e57376

Authors: José M. Mora, Mario R. Espinal, Lucia I. López

Abstract: The lesser long-nosed bat (Leptonycteris yerbabuenae Martínez & Villa-R, 1940) is a specialized nectar feeding species found from southern USA to Nicaragua in Central America, mostly in dry forest. We sampled bats using mist nets and Anabat detectors, and also looked for them at refuges and other sites in Honduras from 2011 to 2016. The lesser long-nosed bat is known in Honduras from only two localities in the southern dry forests below 100 m elevation, and there are no recent records of this species in the country. Our objective is to report new records on distribution and habitat of the lesser long-nosed bat in Honduras. We found eight lesser long-nosed bats at Cerro de Hula, Francisco Morazán department in 2012, and 10 at La Anonilla, Choluteca department, southern Honduras in 2015. Based on these 18 individuals of the lesser long-nosed bat, we report two new localities in Honduras, an altitude record, and the use of another habitat other than the dry forest. The highest point registered was at 1710 m a.s.l. in pastureland with forest remnants in an area heavily impacted by human activities. The new localities are found in the Subtropical Moist Forest. Populations of long-nosed bats in Honduras are probably resident and may include altitudinal movements. Although this species has been described widely in North America, its behavior in Honduras is practically unknown. It is a key species for the tequila and mezcal industry, but its range extends beyond the tequila production area, where it maintains a key role as a pollinator and link between habitats. As a result, research and conservation efforts should be an international goal.

HTML

XML

PDF

]]>
Research Article Fri, 11 Dec 2020 09:44:57 +0200
Invasive plants in the Brazilian Caatinga: a scientometric analysis with prospects for conservation https://neotropical.pensoft.net/article/57403/ Neotropical Biology and Conservation 15(4): 503-520

DOI: 10.3897/neotropical.15.e57403

Authors: Anderson Silva Pinto, Fernanda Kalina da Silva Monteiro, Maiara Bezerra Ramos, Rubenice da Costa Correia Araújo, Sérgio de Faria Lopes

Abstract: Understanding the impacts caused by invasive plant species, especially in regions where studies are scarce, is of great importance to the development of management and conservation strategies. Amongst the biomes present in Brazil, the Caatinga (Dry Tropical Forest) stands out for having had few studies dealing with biological invasions by plants and animals. An evaluation of scientific production can provide a means by which the progress of invasion-related studies can be assessed, as well as identify research gaps and provide a broad overview of the importance of invasions in this biome. Thus, the objective of this study was to perform a scientometric analysis to evaluate the development of scientific research over the years on exotic and invasive plant species in the Caatinga. We found 46 papers dealing with invasive plants in the Caatinga published over a 14-year period. The main objectives of most of the papers focused on identifying the main strategies used by plants in the process of invasion and characterising the invaded environment. A total of 28 species were cited as invasive for the Caatinga, with Prosopis juliflora (Sw.) DC., Cryptostegia madagascariensis Bojer, Calotropis procera (Aiton) W.T.Aiton and Parkinsonia aculeata L. being the most cited species. Although studies on the subject are incipient, there is already important information about the dynamics of the invasiveness of plant species in the Caatinga, which can serve as a basis for new studies, as well as for the development of management policies, based on consistent information. Biological invasion, dry forest, exotic species, northeast Brazil, scientometry, semi-arid

HTML

XML

PDF

]]>
Research Article Fri, 27 Nov 2020 10:19:09 +0200
Bat assemblage at a high diversity locality in the Atlantic Forest https://neotropical.pensoft.net/article/55986/ Neotropical Biology and Conservation 15(4): 487-501

DOI: 10.3897/neotropical.15.e55986

Authors: João Paulo Maires Hoppe, Maria Lavanholle Ventorin, Bruna Malavazi Dell’ Antonio, Carlos Tiago Machel da Silva, Albert David Ditchfield

Abstract: The Estação Biológica Santa Lúcia (EBSL) is one of the oldest reserves in Brazil, used as a research site since 1939 by the naturalist Augusto Ruschi. It is an Atlantic Forest fragment, and its fauna and flora have been studied throughout the years. However, its chiropteran fauna remains virtually unknown. Here, we aim to provide a bat species list for EBSL. We installed mist-nets over 19 nights from mid-2009 to mid-2010, with a sampling effort of 20 875.5 m2.h. We captured 204 specimens, from two families and 22 species. Ecological analysis reveals a medium to high diversity, heavily dominated by frugivorous species. The collector’s curve and the estimative of species richness suggests that the chiropteran fauna at EBSL remains partially unknown, and we encourage further inventories.

HTML

XML

PDF

]]>
Research Article Thu, 19 Nov 2020 11:10:06 +0200
A new record of the exotic Guapote jaguar, Parachromis managuensis (Günther, 1867) (Cichliformes, Cichlidae) in a tropical coastal lagoon of the Mexican Pacific slope https://neotropical.pensoft.net/article/57669/ Neotropical Biology and Conservation 15(4): 479-485

DOI: 10.3897/neotropical.15.e57669

Authors: Luis Fernando Del Moral-Flores, Rubén Pintor, Eduardo García-Mercado, Cesar León

Abstract: The presence of Parachromis managuensis has been reported for the first time in the Tres Palos Lagoon, State of Guerrero, on the coastal Lagoon of the Mexican Pacific slope. Two specimens (189 mm and 215 mm standard length) were caught by local fishermen from the community of San Pedro de Las Playas. A description of the morphological and meristic characters of the specimens is provided. The natural distribution of the species is from Honduras to Costa Rica and, as it is predatory and highly territorial, in conjunction with other introduced species, it can present a risk to native species and alter the biological dynamics in the lagoon system.

HTML

XML

PDF

]]>
Short Communication Wed, 18 Nov 2020 10:21:39 +0200
Notes on the natural history of the Stump-tailed Porcupine, Coendou rufescens (Rodentia, Erethizontidae), in Colombia https://neotropical.pensoft.net/article/56926/ Neotropical Biology and Conservation 15(4): 471-478

DOI: 10.3897/neotropical.15.e56926

Authors: Héctor E. Ramírez-Chaves, Cristina Romero-Ríos, Jose Jaime Henao-Osorio, Juan Pablo Franco-Herrera, Bernardo Ramiro Ramírez-Padilla

Abstract: Porcupines of the genus Coendou are among the least studied mammals in the Neotropics. The Stump-tailed Porcupine, Coendou rufescens, is distributed in the Andean region from Colombia and south to Bolivia. Despite its wide distribution, nothing is known about its natural history, besides observation of banana consumption in captivity. Here we present new observations on the feeding habits, diurnal activity, and the use of the tail for support during feeding obtained by means of collaborative (citizen) science. We also comment on its locomotion on land and in trees. We observed five diurnal events of C. rufescens feeding on infructescences of trumpet tree (Cecropia angustifolia Trécul). During the feeding activities, the Stump-tailed Porcupine used the tail for stability and support. These are the first observations of such behavior in the wild for this species and suggest a more diurnal activity for this species which belongs to a group of rodents traditionally considered to be predominantly nocturnal.

HTML

XML

PDF

]]>
Short Communication Wed, 11 Nov 2020 11:21:51 +0200
One side makes you taller: a mushroom–eating butterfly caterpillar (Lycaenidae) in Costa Rica https://neotropical.pensoft.net/article/57998/ Neotropical Biology and Conservation 15(4): 463-470

DOI: 10.3897/neotropical.15.e57998

Authors: Kenji Nishida, Robert K. Robbins

Abstract: Electrostrymon denarius is the first mushroom-feeding butterfly caterpillar discovered in the New World. It belongs to the Calycopidina, a subtribe of lycaenid butterflies whose caterpillars eat detritus and seeds in the leaf litter. Electrostrymon denarius has not been reared previously, and we illustrate and briefly describe the biology and morphology of its caterpillar and pupa. The significance of this discovery is that it increases the range of organic leaf litter substrates that Calycopidina caterpillars will eat. Increased diet breadth may decrease the likelihood of species extinction.

HTML

XML

PDF

]]>
Research Article Wed, 11 Nov 2020 10:40:19 +0200
Main trends and gaps in studies for bird conservation in the Pantanal wetland https://neotropical.pensoft.net/article/52905/ Neotropical Biology and Conservation 15(4): 427-445

DOI: 10.3897/neotropical.15.e52905

Authors: Angélica Vilas Boas da Frota, Breno Dias Vitorino, Josué Ribeiro da Silva Nunes, Carolina Joana da Silva

Abstract: Birds are considered one of the most well-known groups of animals in the Pantanal, playing an important ecological role in wetland ecosystems. Our aim was to identify the main themes and gaps in current knowledge of these birds, considering thirty years of scientific research to direct future studies. We performed a scientometric analysis based on five platforms with the search words “Aves” and “Pantanal” as well as “Bird” and “Pantanal”. We identified 145 scientific studies, with themes of ecology (64), conservation (23), health (17), fauna (15), genetics (12), geographic distribution (7), and environmental education (7). The number of publications has increased significantly over the years. However, the focus is predominantly on certain Pantanal regions, such as the municipalities of Corumbá in Mato Grosso do Sul state and Poconé in Mato Grosso state. Anodorhynchus hyacinthinus and Mycteria americana are among the species with the largest number of studies in the Pantanal, with 12 and 11 papers, respectively. We highlighted the need for new studies in regions such as the north-west and themes such as threatened species and ecosystem services. Integrated knowledge and interdisciplinary approaches can be useful in strategic decision-making and more effective for bird conservation in wetlands.

HTML

XML

PDF

]]>
Review Article Fri, 9 Oct 2020 10:18:42 +0300
First documented predation of a Baird’s tapir by a jaguar in the Calakmul region, Mexico https://neotropical.pensoft.net/article/57029/ Neotropical Biology and Conservation 15(4): 453-461

DOI: 10.3897/neotropical.15.e57029

Authors: Jonathan Pérez-Flores, Héctor Arias-Domínguez, Nicolás Arias-Domínguez

Abstract: To date, records of predation on Baird’s tapir (Tapirus bairdii) by jaguars (Panthera onca) were anecdotal and did not allow for differentiation regarding whether the animal had been preyed upon or scavenged. Here, we present the first documented event of predation on a Baird’s tapir by a jaguar in the Calakmul region, Campeche, Mexico. In August 2017, we observed a jaguar eating a juvenile female Baird’s tapir; when we analysed the skull, we observed the characteristic “lethal bite” with which jaguars kill their prey by piercing the temporal and parietal bones with their canine teeth. Jaguars select to attack tapirs when they are most vulnerable (young or sick). Records of these type of events are important for understanding the food webs and ecology of these iconic Neotropical species that inhabit the Mesoamerican forests.

HTML

XML

PDF

]]>
Short Communication Fri, 9 Oct 2020 10:15:27 +0300
Re-discovery of Catasetum mojuense (Orchidaceae: Catasetinae), a poorly-known Amazonian species https://neotropical.pensoft.net/article/54142/ Neotropical Biology and Conservation 15(4): 447-452

DOI: 10.3897/neotropical.15.e54142

Authors: Felipe Fajardo Villela Antolin Barberena, Deivid Lucas de Lima da Costa, José Antônio Lima Rocha Junior

Abstract: The re-discovery of Catasetum mojuense A.T. Oliveira & J.B.F. Silva (Orchidaceae), an Amazonian species described in 1999 from the State of Pará, Brazil, is reported. In addition to geographic distribution data, a morphological description, taxonomical and ecological comments, conservation status assessment and photographs of C. mojuense are also provided. The species is characterised by having epiphytic habit, non-resupinate staminate flowers, brown-spotted petals, galeiform and smooth (no ribs) lip, lateral lobes with sparsely short-fimbriate margins and convergent antennae. Catasetum mojuense is morphologically similar to Catasetum discolor (Lindl.) Lindl, but is easily distinguished by the longer sepals and petals and the spotted petals on the staminate flowers. The new locality of occurence for C. mojuense is approximately 190 km east of the type locality, also in the State of Pará. The species is assessed as Critically Endangered. Habitat depletion and the limited number of sites of occurrence are the main concern for the conservation of C. mojuense.

HTML

XML

PDF

]]>
Short Communication Fri, 9 Oct 2020 09:57:42 +0300
Azara’s No. 21 “Gavilán pardo obscuro” is not a Short-tailed Hawk Buteo brachyurus https://neotropical.pensoft.net/article/55611/ Neotropical Biology and Conservation 15(4): 409-414

DOI: 10.3897/neotropical.15.e55611

Authors: Paul Smith

Abstract: Almost half of the 400+ species described in Félix de Azara’s “Apuntamientos para la historia natural de los páxaros del Paraguay y Rio de la Plata” were new to science at the time of its publication; however, not all of these have yet been correctly identified. Azara’s No. 21 “Gavilán pardo obscuro” has long been misidentified as a dark phase of the Short-tailed Hawk Buteo brachyurus. However, the description of plumage, jizz, habitat and measurements are inconsistent with that species and Azara’s No. 21 can, in fact, be convincingly identified as a juvenile Swainson’s Hawk Buteo swainsoni, the earliest Paraguayan report of this species. No scientific names were apparently ever based on Azara No. 21.

HTML

XML

PDF

]]>
Short Communication Thu, 1 Oct 2020 13:06:05 +0300
Anurofauna of a remnant of Atlantic Forest in northeast Brazil https://neotropical.pensoft.net/article/49656/ Neotropical Biology and Conservation 15(4): 415-425

DOI: 10.3897/neotropical.15.e49656

Authors: Gessica Gomes Barbosa, Camila Nascimento de Oliveira, Umberto Diego Rodrigues de Oliveira, Gilberto Gonçalves Rodrigues

Abstract: Studies on spatial occupation are fundamental to understand amphibian communities. The aim of this study was to record information on the spatial distribution of anurans in the Tejipió forest, state of Pernambuco, northeastern Brazil. Fieldwork was carried out weekly between October 2011 and April 2012, with daytime and night-time excursions for time-constrained active searching, in forested and open areas, military construction area and water bodies. Pitfall traps and accidental sightings were also used as alternative collection methods. Data were used to calculate richness, rarefaction curves and richness estimators. A total of 21 species were recorded, distributed in six families: Bufonidae (2 spp.); Craugastoridae (1 sp.); Hylidae (8 spp.); Leptodactylidae (8 spp.); Microhylidae (1 sp.) and Phyllomedusidae (1 sp.). Only the species Rhinella jimi was found occupying all sampled habitats in the research area. Adenomera hylaedactyla and Pristimantis ramagii deserve special care in the area because they are specialists, occupying a smaller number of habitats and microhabitats. The community of anurans of the Tejipió forest is similar to those recorded in other areas of the Atlantic Forest at the Pernambuco state, and its knowledge is essential as a basis for conservation of the area. The gradual recovery of this Atlantic Forest remnant would favor the recolonization of fauna and flora and the conservation of local biodiversity.

HTML

XML

PDF

]]>
Research Article Thu, 1 Oct 2020 10:26:11 +0300
Wildlife associated with burrows of Dolichotis patagonum in central west Argentina https://neotropical.pensoft.net/article/54979/ Neotropical Biology and Conservation 15(3): 399-407

DOI: 10.3897/neotropical.15.e54979

Authors: Ailin Gatica, Ana Cecilia Ochoa, Natalia Mariana Denkiewicz, Antonio Marcelo Mangione

Abstract: Community structure is strongly influenced by positive interactions between species. Detecting and describing these interactions is essential in the study of communities. Dolichotis patagonum Zimmermann, 1780 (CN: mara) is a cavid rodent that builds burrows for breeding. In this study, camera traps were used to identify which species use the burrows built by maras in Sierra de las Quijadas National Park, San Luis, Argentina. All burrows were used by other species. A total of 68.7% of all medium- and small-sized taxa recorded in this study used the burrows. This is a clear indicator of the role of D. patagonum as an ecosystem engineer in this environment.

HTML

XML

PDF

]]>
Short Communication Fri, 25 Sep 2020 16:46:59 +0300
Aberrant plumage records in Southern Lapwing Vanellus chilensis (Aves: Charadriidae) https://neotropical.pensoft.net/article/55754/ Neotropical Biology and Conservation 15(3): 391-398

DOI: 10.3897/neotropical.15.e55754

Authors: Luiz Liberato Costa Corrêa, Natascha Horn, Caroline dos Santos Brückmann, Vinicius Weber, Antônio Coimbra de Brum, Maria Vírginia Petry

Abstract: Aberrant colored plumages in birds are not uncommon events in nature. These cases might be associated with genetic, environmental and nutritional factors, the presence of parasites, or even age. This study had the objective of reporting two new aberrant plumage cases in Vanellus chilensis individuals, an individual with progressive greying and a melanistic one, and review information available at the “Birds of Brazil Encyclopedia” (WikiAves). The study also presents a case review of published cases in indexed journals about V. chilensis aberrant coloring published in indexed journals. In total, 24 cases of V. chilensis individuals with aberrant plumage are known. For some cases following current specialized literature, we only suggest changes to progressive graying and brown. Finally, we encourage researchers to publish their records of birds with aberrant plumage in scientific journals.

HTML

XML

PDF

]]>
Short Communication Thu, 10 Sep 2020 15:05:46 +0300
Rediscovery of Vampyressa thyone (Chiroptera, Phyllostomidae) in Honduras: updated distribution and notes on its conservation https://neotropical.pensoft.net/article/53766/ Neotropical Biology and Conservation 15(3): 379-390

DOI: 10.3897/neotropical.15.e53766

Authors: Diego I. Ordoñez-Mazier, Hefer D. Ávila-Palma, José A. Soler-Orellana, Eduardo J. Ordoñez-Trejo, Marcio Martínez, Manfredo A. Turcios-Casco

Abstract: In Central America, Vampyressa is represented by two species, Vampyressa elisabethae and V. thyone. The latter is the only representative of the genus in Honduras and the most recent record was in 2007. Six surveys were carried out in the Departments of Cortés, Atlántida and Gracias a Dios. Only seven individuals of V. thyone were recorded between March 2016 and September 2017. The low abundance of V. thyone supports the fact that it is an uncommon species in the country; however, these records update the distribution in northern Honduras. We recommend systematic bat assessments on the three protected areas in which we recorded V. thyone for a better comprehension of the local populations on this species in the country.

HTML

XML

PDF

]]>
Research Article Thu, 3 Sep 2020 10:17:50 +0300
The bigger the better? Vigour of the exotic host plant Calotropis procera (Apocynaceae) affects herbivory https://neotropical.pensoft.net/article/55148/ Neotropical Biology and Conservation 15(3): 359-366

DOI: 10.3897/neotropical.15.e55148

Authors: Geraldo Wilson Fernandes, Jarcilene Silva de Almeida, Maria Fernanda Vicente Rodrigues-Menelau, Lucas Arantes-Garcia, Samuel Novais

Abstract: The Plant Vigour Hypothesis states that herbivores preferentially feed on the most vigorous plants within a plant population and/or the most vigorous modules within a plant. The goal of this study was to evaluate how shoot size (as an indication of module vigour) affects leaf herbivory in the host plant Calotropis procera, an exotic xerophyte perennial milkweed shrub. We predicted that the proportion of leaf area removed by insect herbivores would be positively related to shoot size. Eight patches were selected containing a varied number of C. procera individuals (5, 8, 29, 31, 55, 79, 116, and 172 individuals/patch) in the Brazilian seasonally dry vegetation (Caatinga), of which five individuals were randomly selected for further analysis. From each individual, three to six shoots were randomly selected, measured and had their leaves collected, for a total of approximately 200 leaves per patch. At the regional scale, the proportion of leaf area removed was positively affected by shoot size. In addition, this pattern was also found for the majority of the studied patches (29, 31, 55, 116, and 172 individuals/patch). Among the insect herbivores associated with C. procera, larvae of Danaus spp. (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae) were commonly observed feeding on all patches. These herbivores present a specialized behaviour to circumvent the presence of latex in the host leaves. Although more vigorous plant modules should be better defended compared with the less vigorous modules, Danaus species were able to bypass host defences, and feed on healthy, rapidly growing and vigorous plant modules of C. procera, hence causing more damage to these modules.

HTML

XML

PDF

]]>
Short Communication Wed, 2 Sep 2020 13:33:44 +0300
Influence of abiotic factors in a population of Parides ascanius (Papilionidae, Lepidoptera) in an urban restinga fragment https://neotropical.pensoft.net/article/55719/ Neotropical Biology and Conservation 15(3): 367-377

DOI: 10.3897/neotropical.15.e55719

Authors: Emily dos Santos Pereira, Amanda Soares Miranda, Ana Paula Albano Araújo, Vinícius Albano Araújo

Abstract: Fragmentation and loss of natural habitats has reduced biodiversity in neotropical ecosystems. The restinga, a phytophysiognomy of the Atlantic Forest, has lost much of its original coverage and remains largely threatened by urbanisation. Restingas are considered hotspots of biodiversity and are listed as priority areas for conservation due to their great presence of endemic species, such as the endangered butterfly Parides ascanius Cramer, 1775. In this work, we analyse the influence of abiotic factors (temperature and humidity) on the abundance of P. ascanius in an urban restinga fragment of Iriry’s Environmental Protection Area (Iriry APA), located in the municipality of Rio das Ostras in Rio de Janeiro. For that, the mark-recapture technique was used. Sampling was carried out from October 2017 to May 2018, between 7:00 am and 11:00 am. Seventy-two individuals of P. ascanius were collected and showed higher proportions of males over females and greater abundance of individuals in the month of October. On average, the number of individuals was significantly higher with the increase in air temperature and lower with the increase in air humidity. The abundance of P. ascanius at the restinga of Iriry APA varied monthly and temporally throughout the day, influenced by temperature and air humidity. The results provide information that can support management plans for conservation of this threatened species, as well as for urban areas of the Atlantic Forest.

HTML

XML

PDF

]]>
Research Article Wed, 2 Sep 2020 10:19:49 +0300
Filling gaps in the southern range of the endangered snake Philodryas agassizii: new localities in Tandilia highland grassland, Argentina https://neotropical.pensoft.net/article/51815/ Neotropical Biology and Conservation 15(3): 351-357

DOI: 10.3897/neotropical.15.e51815

Authors: David Gustavo Vera, Igor Berkunsky, Germán Tettamanti, Manuel Eirin, Federico Pablo Kacoliris, Diego Omar Di Pietro

Abstract: Philodryas agassizii is an endangered snake of shrubland and grasslands well preserved in Argentina, Paraguay, Brazil, and Uruguay. In the southeastern area of its range, this snake was only found associated with highland grassland of the Tandilia and Ventania mountain systems, Argentina. In this work, we described six new records of Philodryas agassizii from the Tandilia Mountain System, which represent four new localities for the species. These records extend the known range of Philodryas agassizii in the Tandilia mountain system, 100 km from the closest previously known site.

HTML

XML

PDF

]]>
Short Communication Tue, 18 Aug 2020 10:20:42 +0300
Biology and fishery of Acoupa Weakfish Cynoscion acoupa (Lacepède, 1801): a review https://neotropical.pensoft.net/article/55563/ Neotropical Biology and Conservation 15(3): 333-349

DOI: 10.3897/neotropical.15.e55563

Authors: Cicero Diogo Oliveira, Rosangela Lessa, Zafira Almeida, Francisco Marcante Santana

Abstract: The present study describes the fishery and biology of Acoupa Weakfish Cynoscion acoupa, an important fishery resource in South America. We found and analyzed 31 articles and 10 publications about the species. Cynoscion acoupa is an estuarine marine species, which has a feeding habit with preference for fish and crustaceans. Its spawning occurs during two periods of the year and the size at maturity of females is 40 to 50 cm, while males mature earlier, with 38–40 cm. Their growth is considered slow to moderate, with growth coefficient k ranging from 0.13 to 0.28, and the species can reach up to 15 years of age. C. acoupa is target of commercial and recreational fisheries in estuarine and marine coastal environments, mainly in the northern region of South America. The fisheries occur throughout the year, with different fishing gear, being more frequent with gillnets. In addition, fishing is more frequent on juveniles, which may compromise the stock. This species is categorized as of Least Concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, although it has a high degree of vulnerability to fishing, which, combined with overexploitation, shows that C. acoupa should be listed as under threat of extinction to some degree. The lack of studies on the species makes it difficult to establish management measures. Therefore, further studies should be prioritized, especially on reproductive biology, growth and fishing exploitation.

HTML

XML

PDF

]]>
Review Article Fri, 14 Aug 2020 10:39:51 +0300