Latest Articles from Neotropical Biology and Conservation Latest 13 Articles from Neotropical Biology and Conservation https://neotropical.pensoft.net/ Fri, 29 Mar 2024 02:39:55 +0200 Pensoft FeedCreator https://neotropical.pensoft.net/i/logo.jpg Latest Articles from Neotropical Biology and Conservation https://neotropical.pensoft.net/ 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.

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Research Article Thu, 5 Oct 2023 19:12:48 +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.

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Research Article Wed, 27 Sep 2023 19:00:03 +0300
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.

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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.

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Research Article Mon, 10 Jan 2022 14:41:50 +0200
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.

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Research Article Fri, 6 Aug 2021 10:31:40 +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.

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Short Communication Mon, 19 Apr 2021 09:57:40 +0300
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.

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Research Article Tue, 9 Feb 2021 09:47:53 +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.

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Research Article Wed, 30 Dec 2020 09:22:05 +0200
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.

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Short Communication Fri, 9 Oct 2020 09:57:42 +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.

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Short Communication Tue, 18 Aug 2020 10:20:42 +0300
Distribution modeling applied to deficient data species assessment: A case study with Pithecopus nordestinus (Anura, Phyllomedusidae) https://neotropical.pensoft.net/article/47426/ Neotropical Biology and Conservation 15(2): 165-175

DOI: 10.3897/neotropical.15.e47426

Authors: Felipe Pessoa Da Silva, Hugo Fernandes-Ferreira, Martín Alejandro Montes, Lucas Gonçalves da Silva

Abstract: The arboreal frog Pithecopus nordestinus is geographically present in almost all Brazilian Northeast territory and Minas Gerais State. It is currently classified as deficient data (DD) by IUCN Red List of Endangered Species, requiring further knowledge about its geographic distribution and population status. In this context, the species distribution modeling can be applied, since its basis uses species occurrence records and environmental variables related to bioclimatic and landscape features. This kind of method predicts the species suitability of certain organism in the geographic space. We obtained 159 P. nordestinus occurrence records, covering all the previously known distribution of the species. These records were collected from direct field sampling, scientific literature, museum collections, and available online databases. We used four species distribution modeling algorithms to obtain the potential range (extent of occurrence) and available habitat for this frog through habitat area analysis proposed by IUCN. The generated models can be considered as excellent, with mean AUC value of 0.981. The environmental variables related to temperature and radiation were the most important to the construction of this distribution model. Our results indicate that the forested areas of the Atlantic Forest domain and forest patches inside the Caatinga biome present the highest suitability values for the species occurrence and the major part of available habitats, a fact possibly related to the known arboreal habit of this amphibian. We thus provide a new distribution area for P. nordestinus more broadly than previously known and a new polygon for conservation purposes based on extent of occurrence, and an increase of occupancy based on habitat area analysis. The identification of additional areas where the P. nordestinus occurrence was not yet well known, new habitats for possible dispersal or recolonization; and the selection of conservation hotspots applied to this species are direct applications from our study. In addition, the methodological procedures used here may serve as a baseline tool for new investigations with focus on still deficient data species and its ecological and conservation planning requirements.

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Research Article Wed, 10 Jun 2020 09:45:33 +0300
Records of melanistic Tamandua tetradactyla (Pilosa, Myrmecophagidae) from Ecuador https://neotropical.pensoft.net/article/37714/ Neotropical Biology and Conservation 14(3): 339-347

DOI: 10.3897/neotropical.14.e37714

Authors: Gorki Ríos-Alvear, Héctor Cadena-Ortiz

Abstract: In Ecuador, the presence of melanistic individuals of Southern Tamandua Tamandua tetradactyla Linnaeus (1758) has been recognized but there has not been a formal report written about it. Neither has there been one on the observations or the collected specimens in museums. We present six records of melanism in Tamandua tetradactyla from southern Ecuador and discuss other records in wildlife and from museum collections. Half of the records are recent photographic ones (2018), and the other three are museum specimens collected between 2009 and 2016. Our report of melanistic individuals suggests that dark coloration varieties are frequent mutations in the region. This report can be useful to promote conservation initiatives, based on the Southern Tamandua as a potential flagship-species.

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Short Communication Fri, 25 Oct 2019 11:12:21 +0300
First record of the Mozambique tilapia, Oreochromis mossambicus Peters, 1852 (Perciformes, Cichlidae), on Kangean Island, Indonesia https://neotropical.pensoft.net/article/35601/ Neotropical Biology and Conservation 14(2): 207-211

DOI: 10.3897/neotropical.14.e35601

Authors: Veryl Hasan, Fajar Surya Pratama, Win Ariga Mansur Malonga, Annisa Bias Cahyanurani

Abstract: In 2019 we captured specimens of Oreochromis mossambicus Peters, 1852 from Batu Batu River, an estuary river on Kangean Island (Indonesia), a conservation area in the Java Sea. These records are among the first of this species from an island in the Java Sea. A description of morphological characters of sampled specimens is provided.

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Short Communication Mon, 22 Jul 2019 10:12:21 +0300