Latest Articles from Neotropical Biology and Conservation Latest 7 Articles from Neotropical Biology and Conservation https://neotropical.pensoft.net/ Fri, 29 Mar 2024 13:44:18 +0200 Pensoft FeedCreator https://neotropical.pensoft.net/i/logo.jpg Latest Articles from Neotropical Biology and Conservation https://neotropical.pensoft.net/ 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.

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Research Article Thu, 5 Oct 2023 19:12:15 +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.

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Research Article Wed, 24 Mar 2021 09:29:14 +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.

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Short Communication Wed, 18 Nov 2020 10:21:39 +0200
An update of the invasive Pterygoplichthys Gill, 1858 (Actinopterygii, Loricariidae) in Guatemala: new records and notes on its interactions with the local fauna https://neotropical.pensoft.net/article/53020/ Neotropical Biology and Conservation 15(3): 285-300

DOI: 10.3897/neotropical.15.e53020

Authors: Carlos A. Gaitán, César E. Fuentes-Montejo, Manolo J. García, Julio C. Romero-Guevara

Abstract: Fishes have been introduced in non-native ecosystems all over the world. These introductions have been recognised for their overall negative effects on native biodiversity. Plecos (Pterygoplichthys Gill, 1858) have been introduced worldwide due to bad practices in the aquarium trade and, in Central America, there is little information regarding these invasive fishes. Plecos have been demonstrated to be a threat in non-native ecosystems because they interfere with their new ecosystems through bottom-up impacts, altering nutrient availability and interactions with native wildlife. Herein, new records of plecos are reported for river basins from Guatemala in northern Central America where they had not previously been reported. Evidence of interactions of plecos with the native fauna that had not been recorded to date are also included. We compiled a total of 34 records in Guatemala, with eight new records. We present the first records of the genus in a river basin of the Caribbean drainage for Guatemala. Three new interactions of fauna preying upon plecos are presented (Black vulture, Bare-throated tiger Heron and Domestic dog), along with a compilation of previously known interactions. Establishing a monitoring and surveillance programme should be a priority in Guatemala, along with other actions to safeguard the native wildlife that could be at high risk because of biological invasions, such as the one with plecos. In order to better understand this invasion, joint efforts of local fishermen and rangers with State institutions should be promoted.

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Research Article Fri, 31 Jul 2020 09:29:02 +0300
Características reprodutivas de peixes invasores no rio Paranapanema, bacia do alto rio Paraná, sul do Brasil https://neotropical.pensoft.net/article/49079/ Neotropical Biology and Conservation 14(4): 511-528

DOI: 10.3897/neotropical.14.e49079

Authors: Diego Azevedo Zoccal Garcia, Ana Paula Vidotto-Magnoni, Mário Luís Orsi

Abstract: Estudos sobre biologia reprodutiva podem fornecer explicações sobre o sucesso na colonização de novas áreas, dado que características biológicas associadas às espécies invasoras podem conferir vantagem na invasão. Objetivamos avaliar variações de características reprodutivas de peixes invasores em lagoas e rios livres de barragens. Foram estudadas populações de Serrasalmus marginatus, Loricariichthys platymetopon, Ossancora eigenmanni, Auchenipterus osteomystax e Trachelyopterus galeatus em habitat lêntico (Lagoas 1 e 2) e lótico (rios Pirapozinho e Anhumas) durante as estações seca e chuvosa. Fêmeas predominaram na maioria das populações (χ2, α < 0,05). Fêmeas de L. platymetopon e T. galeatus apresentaram maior índice gonadossomático durante a estação chuvosa no rio Anhumas e na Lagoa 2, respectivamente (teste de Mann-Whitney, α < 0,05). Populações de S. marginatus, L. platymetopon, O. eigenmanni e T. galeatus apresentaram atividade reprodutiva muito intensa na Lagoa 1. Trachelyopterus galeatus apresentou atividade reprodutiva muito intensa nas duas lagoas e no rio Pirapozinho. Enquanto algumas espécies exibem alto investimento reprodutivo, independentemente do tipo de habitat (T. galeatus), outras podem apresentar variações (S. marginatus e L. platymetopon). Fêmeas em maiores razões sexuais, alto investimento reprodutivo, cuidado parental, fertilização interna e desova parcelada podem ser características que favorecem o estabelecimento na área receptora. Serrasalmus marginatus e L. platymetopon apresentam estratégia de história de vida intermediária Equíbrio/Sazonal e Equilíbrio, respectivamente, enquanto A. osteomystax e T. galeatus apresentam estratégia Sazonal. Por apresentarem indivíduos que se dispersam, sobrevivem e se reproduzem em diferentes tipos de habitat, essas espécies possuem extensa área de ocorrência e invadiram com sucesso a bacia do alto rio Paraná. Portanto, são necessárias ações que controlem as populações e minimizem seus impactos.

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Research Article Wed, 18 Dec 2019 09:43:37 +0200
An inconvenient routine: introduction, establishment and spread of new non-native fishes in the Paraíba do Sul River basin, state of Minas Gerais, Brazil https://neotropical.pensoft.net/article/38058/ Neotropical Biology and Conservation 14(3): 329-338

DOI: 10.3897/neotropical.14.e38058

Authors: André Lincoln Barroso Magalhães, Marcelo Fulgêncio Guedes Brito, Boutros Sarrouh

Abstract: This study updates the introduction of non-native fishes Nannostomus beckfordi, Aphyocharax anisitsi, Knodus moenkhausii, Moenkhausia costae, Ancistrus multispinis and Astronotus ocellatus in the largest ornamental aquaculture center located in Paraíba do Sul River basin, state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. There is evidence that all species are established and that some are spreading to a reservoir in the region. Management actions such as awareness campaigns to educate fish farmers and the inspection of fish farms carried out by IBAMA officials are suggested to avoid new introductions and spread.

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Short Communication Wed, 9 Oct 2019 11:08:31 +0300
Invasion alert: new record of the exotic Gambusia holbrooki Girard, 1859 in the Puna Austral region, Northwestern of Argentina https://neotropical.pensoft.net/article/36535/ Neotropical Biology and Conservation 14(2): 291-295

DOI: 10.3897/neotropical.14.e36535

Authors: Julieta Andreoli Bize, Luis Fernández

Abstract: We report the first record of Gambusia holbrooki Girard, 1859 at elevations above 1,615 m in the Puna Austral, Provincia Catamarca, Argentina. This fish was introduced by intentional release. The Puna is characterized by an endorheic system, where the exotic species would cause a negative impact on the aquatic fauna by predation of eggs and larvae of native fish. Unfortunately, Argentinian conservation policies are directed to protect exotic fish before endemic ichthyofauna.

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Short Communication Fri, 9 Aug 2019 10:11:06 +0300