Latest Articles from Neotropical Biology and Conservation Latest 21 Articles from Neotropical Biology and Conservation https://neotropical.pensoft.net/ Thu, 28 Mar 2024 22:51:04 +0200 Pensoft FeedCreator https://neotropical.pensoft.net/i/logo.jpg Latest Articles from Neotropical Biology and Conservation https://neotropical.pensoft.net/ Habitat variety and behaviour of the Sanderling (Calidris alba) in an urban neotropical coastal wetland https://neotropical.pensoft.net/article/115562/ Neotropical Biology and Conservation 19(1): 1-15

DOI: 10.3897/neotropical.19.e115562

Authors: Daniel Barona, Jorge Podestá

Abstract: Sanderling Calidris alba is a migratory coastal bird species whose populations are affected by climatic and anthropogenic issues. Additionally, its behavioural patterns depend on habitat variety. The aim of this study was to evaluate the variation in the frequency and duration of C. alba behaviour in relation to habitat variety in a Peruvian coastal wetland. Based on types of behaviour recorded in a previous study of C. alba during August and September 2019 at low, mid and high tide periods in three habitats of the Coastal Wetland Poza La Arenilla (HCPA) (La Punta, Callao, Peru), differences and diversity in the frequencies and durations of such behaviour between habitats were assessed according to tide condition. Additionally, a correlation analysis between the duration and frequency of behaviour for each habitat according to tide condition was conducted. General differences in behaviour (frequency and duration) between habitats were found, although there was a high similarity of behaviour between areas particularly when mid- and high tide levels were present. The greatest diversity of behaviour, both in frequency and duration, was observed generally during mid-tide conditions in rocky habitats. In most cases, there was a high correlation between the frequency and duration of behaviour for habitats according to tide condition. It is concluded that mid-tide conditions are associated with greater availability of soft substrates, favouring a wide variety of types of behaviour for C. alba, including behaviour related to foraging and locomotion.

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Short Communication Wed, 27 Mar 2024 08:08:32 +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.

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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.

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Research Article Wed, 12 Jan 2022 15:12:30 +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.

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Research Article Tue, 23 Mar 2021 09:17:39 +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.

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Research Article Mon, 11 Jan 2021 12:22:27 +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.

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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.

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Short Communication Wed, 30 Dec 2020 09:58:31 +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.

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Research Article Wed, 23 Dec 2020 12:02:51 +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.

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Review Article Fri, 9 Oct 2020 10:18:42 +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.

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Short Communication Thu, 10 Sep 2020 15:05:46 +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.

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Short Communication Wed, 2 Sep 2020 13:33:44 +0300
Community of diurnal birds of prey in an urban area in southeastern Brazil https://neotropical.pensoft.net/article/52251/ Neotropical Biology and Conservation 15(3): 245-265

DOI: 10.3897/neotropical.15.e52251

Authors: Rafael Martos-Martins, Reginaldo J. Donatelli

Abstract: As urban areas expand, some species of diurnal birds of prey occupy these habitats, and many establish viable populations. The objectives of this study were to: (1) survey the species of birds of prey in the urban area located in the interior of the São Paulo state, Brazil, (2) to verify the proportion of generalist and specialist species in terms of habitat and diet, (3) determine the period that the species are more active during the time period of the point counts, and (4) to evaluate if there is a pattern of seasonality. Samples were collected monthly between October 2014 and September 2016 using the point counts method (four points; 4 hr duration each). We analyzed species richness, habitat and diet, number of contacts and frequency of occurrence, period of greatest activity, and seasonality. We recorded 19 species of birds of prey through 2555 contacts. Most of the registered species (61%) were habitat and diet generalists, and the same percentage of species classified as uncommon or rare. In relation to the period of greatest activity, falconids were more active in the first hour while accipitrids and cathartids were more active in the fourth hour. In addition, we did not observe a seasonal pattern in this community, but Gampsonyx swainsonii showed a seasonal trend. We verified that the urban area of the municipality of Pirajuí has a significant diversity of birds of prey, including specialist species of habitat and diet. This information obtained evidence the importance of urban environments for birds of prey and showed the ability of these species to use this environment. From our results, we suggest that future studies should evaluate the effects of urban areas of different sizes and degrees of urbanization on bird of prey communities.

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Research Article Fri, 24 Jul 2020 09:55:48 +0300
New record of giant anteater Myrmecophaga tridactyla (Pilosa, Myrmecophagidae) in Northeast Brazil https://neotropical.pensoft.net/article/34842/ Neotropical Biology and Conservation 14(1): 129-135

DOI: 10.3897/neotropical.14.e34842

Authors: Douglas de Matos Dias, Flávia Regina Miranda, Flávio Henrique Guimarães Rodrigues

Abstract: The giant anteater (Myrmecophaga tridactyla) is the largest living anteater, which due to several anthropic impacts, is threatened with extinction. So far, there was only one locality with a confirmed record of M. tridactyla in Northeast of Brazil. We present a new direct record of the species in Brazilian Northeast, registered in July 2017 by camera trap, in an arboreal caatinga area, municipality of Sento Sé, Bahia. This record is the second one of the species in the Caatinga Biome and confirms the occurrence of M. tridactyla in the state of Bahia. It constitutes the first direct record of M. tridactyla in more than 13 years of monitoring in the study area, suggesting that the species is locally rare.

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Short Communication Thu, 11 Apr 2019 14:30:00 +0300
Foam nest construction and first report of agonistic behaviour in Pleurodema tucumanum (Anura: Leptodactylidae) https://neotropical.pensoft.net/article/34841/ Neotropical Biology and Conservation 14(1): 117-128

DOI: 10.3897/neotropical.14.e34841

Authors: Melina J. Rodriguez Muñoz, Tomás Agustín Martínez, Juan Carlos Acosta, Graciela M. Blanco

Abstract: Reproductive strategies are the combination of physiological, morphological, and behavioural traits interacting to increase species reproductive success within a set of environmental conditions. While the reproductive strategies of Leiuperinae are known, few studies have been conducted regarding the reproductive behaviour that underlies them. The aim of this study was to document the structural characteristics of nesting microsites, to describe the process of foam nest construction, and to explore the presence of male agonistic and chorus behaviour in Pleurodema tucumanum. Nests were found close to the edge of a temporary pond and the mean temperature of the foam nests was always close to the mean temperature of the pond water. Our observations corroborate that the foam nest construction phases for P. tucumanum are similar to those described for other Leiuperinae, including dispersion and the beating of the foam, realized by male hind limbs. We also recorded the first scientific observations of male agonistic encounter in Pleurodema tucumanum.

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Short Communication Thu, 11 Apr 2019 14:30:00 +0300
Acari of lizards from Atlantic Forest in northeastern Brazil https://neotropical.pensoft.net/article/34840/ Neotropical Biology and Conservation 14(1): 109-116

DOI: 10.3897/neotropical.14.e34840

Authors: Camila Nascimento de Oliveira, Ikaro Henrique Mendes Pinto Campos, Jaqueline Bianque de Oliveira, Geraldo Jorge Barbosa de Moura

Abstract: Although mites are often associated with reptiles, there is little information available about parasites of lizards in Brazil. The aim of this study was to identify the ectoparasites of the lizards Kentropyx calcarata (Squamata: Teiidae), Hemidactylus mabouia (Squamata: Gekkonidae) and Tropidurus hispidus (Squamata: Tropiduridae) from northeastern Brazil. The lizards were captured during the dry season at Mata de Tejipió, a fragment of Atlantic Forest, located in the municipality of Recife, state of Pernambuco, northeastern Brazil. Eutrombicula sp. (Acari: Trombiculidae), Geckobia hemidactyli and Geckobiella harrisi (Acari: Pterygosomatidae) were found associated with adult lizards of K. calcarata, H. mabouia, and T. hispidus, respectively. Mites were found in skin folds of the throat and post femoral regions (Eutrombicula sp.), “mite-pockets” (G. harrisi); and in axillary, dorsal, ventral and pelvic regions (G. hemidactyli). In Brazil, this study widens the known geographical distribution of Geckobiella harrisi on T. hispidus and G. hemidactyli on H. mabouia. In addition, K. calcarata is recorded as a new host of Eutrombicula sp. These findings show the importance of ectoparasites as a tool for ecological and biogeographic studies.

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Short Communication Thu, 11 Apr 2019 14:30:00 +0300
Cavity-tree use and frequency of response to playback by the Tropical Screech-Owl in northwestern Argentina https://neotropical.pensoft.net/article/34839/ Neotropical Biology and Conservation 14(1): 99-107

DOI: 10.3897/neotropical.14.e34839

Authors: Alejandro A. Schaaf, Ever Tallei, Natalia Politi, Luis Rivera

Abstract: The Tropical Screech-Owl (Megascops choliba) is a nocturnal raptor with a wide distribution across the Neotropics, which uses cavity trees as nesting and roosting sites. Our objectives were to address cavity use by the Tropical Screech-Owl in the piedmont forest of Argentina and to evaluate if logging affects the availability of suitable cavities for nesting and roosting and the frequency of response of the species to playback. The Tropical Screech-Owl used trees with DBH values > 46 cm of three tree species (69% Calycophyllum multiflorum, 15% Phyllostylon rhamnoides, and 8% Cedrela angustifolia), besides standing dead trees (8%). The density of suitable cavities was significantly lower in logged forests than in the control site. The frequency of response of the species to playback was significantly lower at one logged site. Our results can contribute to delineate sustainable forest management to ensure the conservation of this owl in logged forest.

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Short Communication Thu, 11 Apr 2019 14:30:00 +0300
Bird breeding biology and homogenization process in an urban green area at Atlantic rainforest of Southeastern Brazil https://neotropical.pensoft.net/article/34838/ Neotropical Biology and Conservation 14(1): 83-98

DOI: 10.3897/neotropical.14.e34838

Authors: Gabriel Silva dos Santos, Isael Colonna Ribeiro, Luana D'Avila Centoducatte, Sérgio Lucena Mendes

Abstract: Urbanization is a major cause of biotic homogenization, once it modifies species habitat and creates new environments in which only a few species are able to survive. However, many authors propose that planned green areas within the bounds of urban centers work real islands, providing shelter for several animal species. In this study, we verified the reproductive pattern of a community of birds within an urban green area in southeastern Brazil. Also, we compared the composition of breeding sites and reproductive activities of birds in different environments available and provided insights about how homogenization process affects birds in the study site. We recorded 359 reproductive sites of 36 species. Our data represents 48% of bird species recorded by previous reports at this study site. Out of the total reproductive records, 68.5% were found in wooded areas, even though this land cover class represents only 26.8% of the analyzed landscape. The proportion and the uniqueness of species at this study site show its importance to maintenance of the local diversity of birds. Our results indicate that a local bird diversity homogenization is in process and they provide subsidies for better management practices of green areas within urban centers.

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Research Article Thu, 11 Apr 2019 14:30:00 +0300
Bat Fauna (Chiroptera) in an urban environment in the Atlantic Forest, northeastern Brazil https://neotropical.pensoft.net/article/34837/ Neotropical Biology and Conservation 14(1): 55-82

DOI: 10.3897/neotropical.14.e34837

Authors: Edson Silva Barbosa Leal, Deoclécio de Queiróz Guerra Filho, Daniel de Figueiredo Ramalho, Julianne Moura da Silva, Rafael Sales Bandeira, Luiz Augustinho Menezes da Silva, Maria Adélia Borstelmann de Oliveira

Abstract: In Brazil, only few works have been conducted regarding urban bats and information about richness, composition and ecological interactions in urban areas is little known. Additional studies are important to understand the dynamic of urban bats and offer strategies for their protection. In this paper, we present the results of a bat inventory at the Dois Irmãos campus of UFRPE, Recife, Pernambuco, northeastern Brazil, with analyzes of the composition, richness, diversity, and seasonal variation. From May 2006 to April 2007, we captured 950 bats from 16 species (five families). Frugivores bats accounted for 84.42% of the captures, followed by insectivores, piscivorous, nectarivores, omnivores, and hematophages. The species Artibeus planirostris was the most abundant. There was no significant difference (t = 0.35443, p = 0.7257) on abundance between the seasons of the year. We observed a richer and more diverse bat fauna as one would expect in an urban area, which suggests that the campus is being used for foraging, commuting, or as shelters for these animals.

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Research Article Thu, 11 Apr 2019 14:30:00 +0300
Effect of sand granulometry on the egg hatchling success of the sea turtle Caretta caretta https://neotropical.pensoft.net/article/34836/ Neotropical Biology and Conservation 14(1): 43-54

DOI: 10.3897/neotropical.14.e34836

Authors: Maria Fernanda Tacchi, Fernanda Peres Quirino, Diego Júnior Martins Ferreira, Lílian Gomes Afonso, Federico Tognin, Daniel Negreiros

Abstract: The environmental characteristics of nesting sites of sea turtles may directly interfere with the egg hatchling success. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the factors that affect the success of hatchling in the nests of the loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta). Data from 37 nests of C. caretta from the coast of Mata de São João, Bahia, northeastern Brazil, were obtained from TAMAR, Sauípe station. Samples of sand were collected in each nest to determine the granulometry. A significant negative relationship was found between the stillborn rate and the fine sand ratio (r2 = 0.119; p = 0.036), indicating that a larger fraction of fine sand had a positive effect on nest hatchling success. The egg laying date also had a significant influence on the rate of stillbirths (r2 = 0.163; p = 0.013), with a trend towards a higher stillbirth rate, the later the laying date of the eggs. There is indication that the transfer of eggs to sites with more favorable characteristics may be considered as a potential alternative to increase the hatchling success rate of C. caretta eggs.

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Research Article Thu, 11 Apr 2019 14:30:00 +0300
Medium- and large-sized mammals in forest remnants of the southern Cerrado: diversity and ecology https://neotropical.pensoft.net/article/34835/ Neotropical Biology and Conservation 14(1): 29-42

DOI: 10.3897/neotropical.14.e34835

Authors: Roniel Freitas Oliveira, Alessandro Ribeiro de Morais, Levi Carina Terribile

Abstract: Here we present a complete data set on the richness of medium- and large- sized mammals from a fragmented area of the southern Brazilian savanna (Cerrado). We described the frequency, occurrence status and activity period of the most common species. In each remnant, the community of medium- and large-sized mammals was inventoried across the following methods: tracks/prints, vocalizations, sightings, burrows, and camera trap images between August 2016 and January 2017. We recorded 23 species of medium- and large-sized mammals, of which seven are threatened. The study area presented a great potential, where we recorded 45.1% of all medium- and large-sized mammal species occurring in the Cerrado. Myrmecophaga tridactyla, Dasypus novemcinctus, Tapirus terrestris, Cerdocyon thous and Cuniculus paca were classified as common, which was expected since they have large habitat range, and therefore, can be recorded more frequently. Species with large body size, such as T. terrestris, M. tridactyla and C. thous, were also the ones with the greatest variation in time period of activity, occurring both in nocturnal and diurnal time periods. Therefore, our study underscores that this transition area, although fragmented, still maintains an expressive fauna of medium- and large-sized mammals, including endangered species.

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Research Article Thu, 11 Apr 2019 14:30:00 +0300
Environmental factors modulating the bathymetric distribution of the demographic groups of Achelous spinimanus (Crustacea) https://neotropical.pensoft.net/article/34829/ Neotropical Biology and Conservation 14(1): 13-28

DOI: 10.3897/neotropical.14.e34829

Authors: Camila H. Bernardo, Veronica Pereira Bernardes, Aline Nonato de Sousa, Gabriel Fellipe Barros Rodrigues, Thiago Elias da Silva, Adilson Fransozo

Abstract: The spatio-temporal distribution of Achelous spinimanus demographic groups (juveniles, and adult males and females) and its relation with environmental factors was analyzed in the region of Ubatuba, southeastern Brazil. We performed the samplings from January to December 2000, at eight sites of different depths. A total of 402 specimens of A. spinimanus was captured. The lowest abundance of all demographic groups occurred in summer, while in winter and spring the abundance of adults was very high. Spatially, juveniles were found at 5 to 35m of depth, while adults at 15 to 40m, but were more abundant at 25m. The low abundance of all demographic groups during summer is probably due to the arrival of the South Atlantic Central Water in the region, which decreased the water temperature and salinity. These changes caused the migration of A. spinimanus to more sheltered places of the bay, possibly due to more favorable environmental conditions. The high abundance of the demographic groups at 25m of depth was due to its more heterogeneous sediment, and to avoid competition with other species more abundant in shallower areas. Therefore, the factors that modulate the distribution of A. spinimanus may differ depending on the ontogenetic phase.

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Research Article Thu, 11 Apr 2019 14:30:00 +0300