Introducción: La machaca (Brycon costaricensis), es una de las principales especies objetivo en la pesca recreativa de agua dulce en Costa Rica, particularmente a lo largo de la vertiente Caribe. Sin embargo, la ausencia de datos biológicos y ecológicos, junto con la evidencia de una población en declive, destaca la urgente necesidad de establecer regulaciones especie-específicas. A diferencia de otras especies congéneres, la relación entre la madurez reproductiva y rasgos morfológicos externos en B. costaricensis aún no ha sido estudiada. La falta de conocimientos sobre esta especie puede limitar su gestión y conservación. Objetivo: Evaluar la correlación entre caracteres morfológicos externos y el estado reproductivo de B. costaricensis en la cuenca del río Sarapiquí, Costa Rica. Métodos: Entre febrero y junio del 2014, se colectaron un total de 62 especímenes en cinco ríos de la cuenca del río Sarapiquí. Para evaluar su estado reproductivo, se registraron las diferencias morfométricas entre los sexos, las relaciones morfométricas de las aletas anales, la estacionalidad reproductiva, la asociación de estructuras sexuales secundarias con el sexo y el estadio de desarrollo gonadal, y factores que influyen en su presencia. Resultados: La longitud del octavo radio anal demostró ser una característica estable para la discriminación sexual. El índice gonadosomático mostró un pico reproductivo en febrero con valores más bajos entre marzo y mayo. Las estructuras sexuales secundarias fueron más frecuentes en machos, asociándose principalmente con factores biológicos (índice gonadosomático y estadio de desarrollo gonadal), sin efecto significativo de las condiciones ambientales. Conclusión: Brycon costaricensis posee características morfo-reproductivas que permiten monitorear el estado reproductivo sin sacrificar individuos. En conjunto, estos hallazgos representan un avance significativo para el conocimiento de la especie y proporcionan herramientas clave para estrategias de manejo y conservación sostenibles en la cuenca del río Sarapiquí y regiones similares en Centroamérica.
Introduction: Addressing ecological and social knowledge gaps is essential for the sustainable management of recreational fisheries. Costa Rica is internationally recognized as a premier sport fishing destination, particularly for billfish such as sailfish (Istiophorus platypterus) and blue marlin (Makaira nigricans). Despite their socioeconomic importance, major knowledge gaps remain in the dynamics of sport and tourist fisheries, hindering effective management. Fishers involved in tourist and sport fishing can provide valuable social-ecological insights into their fisheries and target species. Objectives: This paper seeks to identify the spatio-temporal patterns of billfish sport and tourist fishing activity along the Pacific coast of Costa Rica and to assess regional differences shaped by social and ecological factors, drawing on the knowledge and perceptions of fishers. Methods: We conducted semi-structured interviews with sport fishing captains (n=62) from private and charter operations across eight Pacific coast communities: Golfito and Puerto Jimenez in the Southern Pacific (n = 14); Quepos and Herradura in the Central Pacific (n = 34); and Tamarindo, Flamingo, Cuajiniquil, and El Jobo in the Northern Pacific (n = 14). Interviews included a participatory mapping activity to identify key fishing grounds for sailfish and blue marlin, along with a standardized questionnaire on fisher demographics, fishing seasonality, billfish and non-billfish species caught on the most recent trip (and their reported abundance), offshore distances of their most recent trip, and changes in fishing equipment and technology over time. Results: Analyses of fisher responses revealed nearshore fishing hotspots within 60 nautical miles of the Pacific coast of Costa Rica and regional differences in fishing seasonality, likely shaped by both oceanographic variability and tourism. Based on reported values, the Central Pacific exhibited the highest mean releases of sailfish and blue marlin and longest mean offshore distances in their most recent trip, compared to fishers operating in the Northern and Southern Pacific. Fishers in the Northern and Central Pacific reported overall improvements in fishing equipment and technology. Conclusions: These findings underscore the value of integrating fishers’ knowledge into fisheries research, enabling the management of billfish fisheries of Costa Rica to better reflect region-specific fishery dynamics. By capturing fishers’ lived experiences and observations, this study supports a participatory approach to billfish fisheries management in Costa Rica.
Introduction: Atlantic tarpon (Megalops atlanticus) (Elopiformes: Megalopidae) is a tropical-subtropical species that supports fisheries throughout its geographic range. The level of scientific knowledge is greatest along the Gulf of Mexico and southeastern Atlantic coasts of the United States. There are considerable knowledge gaps on tarpon biology, fisheries, and conservation for Costa Rica. Objective: We summarize the status of knowledge of tarpon in the western Atlantic Ocean, Gulf of Mexico, and Caribbean Sea, to provide context for examining the status of knowledge, threats, and research needs for tarpon in Costa Rica. Methods: During September 2025, we conducted a literature review and integrated expert knowledge to evaluate the status of tarpon fisheries and conservation. Additionally, we surveyed recreational anglers and fishing guides in Costa Rica (n = 39) to obtain baseline information on the recreational fishery. Results: We found a marked decline in tarpon abundance in Costa Rica, and substantial uncertainty regarding population connectivity, with evidence suggesting a potentially localized contingent characterized by inland river migrations. Key knowledge gaps persist for movement, nursery habitats, and fisheries dynamics, while local ecological knowledge identifies watershed-scale habitat degradation and post-release mortality as principal threats. Despite high ecological and economic value, tarpon remain largely absent from national management frameworks. Conclusions: Tarpon in Costa Rica may represent a vulnerable, partially localized population that is insufficiently understood and inadequately managed. Critical gaps in knowledge limit effective conservation, highlighting the urgent need for ecosystem-based, policy-integrated, and regionally coordinated management.
Introduction: The family Elmidae consists of cosmopolitan aquatic beetles that primarily inhabit lotic environments, especially in fast-flowing areas, which is why they are known as riffle beetles. In Honduras, the earliest species records date back over 50 years, with some genera being mentioned in studies of aquatic macrofauna. However, a systematic review of their diversity and distribution had never been conducted. Objective: To characterize the occurrence of Elmidae genera in Honduras, presenting data on their abundance and distribution along new records. Methods: We conducted surveys from 2017 to 2023 at 63 sites, ranging from 97 to 1 644 meters above sea level, across both the Atlantic and Pacific slopes. Additionally, we conducted a literature review that included peer-reviewed papers, as well as theses and technical reports. Results: A total of 1 948 adult organisms were identified, and eleven genera were recorded. Nine of these belonged to the subfamily Elminae: Austrolimnius, Cylloepus, Heterelmis, Macrelmis, Microcylloepus, Neocylloepus, Neoelmis, Stenhelmoides and Xenelmis, and two to the subfamily Larainae: Phanocerus and Hexanchorus. The distribution range of six genera was extended, and three were recorded for the first time in Honduras. Conclusion: Current knowledge of Elmidae in Honduras is still limited, as most records come from adult specimens collected on the Pacific slope. Expanding sampling efforts to include the Atlantic slope, larval stages, and a wider range of lotic and lentic microhabitats, combined with species-level identification and molecular approaches, will be essential to achieve a more comprehensive understanding of the diversity, distribution, and ecological patterns of Elmidae in the country.
Introduction: Coral microfragmentation is a widely used technique in reef restoration, both in situ and in land-based nurseries. Typically, microfragments are individually attached to pedestals or artificial substrates, which requires substantial time and labor investment in the nursery and during field outplanting. An alternative approach involves the use of biodegradable meshes fixed to the substrate as a single unit supporting multiple microfragments. However, the optimal material combinations that provide the mechanical strength, stability, and adhesion necessary to maintain fragments in place after partial material degradation remain unknown. Therefore, experimental evaluation of biodegradable materials that optimize both stability and coral growth is a priority. Objective: To evaluate whether two polymers (PCL and CAPA) combined with different concentrations of CaCO₃ influence coral growth rates and operational efficiency in both nursery and field conditions. Methods: A controlled multifactorial experiment using a fully randomized block design was conducted over six months. The effect of mesh composition on cumulative growth in area and volume of Montastraea cavernosa was assessed using photogrammetry (Structure from Motion, SfM). Additionally, operational times in the nursery (handling, attachment, and cleaning) and during field outplanting were compared with and without mesh use. Results: No statistically significant effects of mesh composition on growth rates were detected during the study period. Mean a real growth ranged from 0.5 to 0.8 mm², with a significant interaction among treatment, tank, and time, indicating low growth and high variability among tanks. Volumetric increase ranged from 0.25 to 0.62 cm³, with no significant differences among treatments. However, mesh uses reduced nursery handling time by approximately 20 minutes per rack of 18 fragments. Conclusions: Regardless of composition, biodegradable meshes represent a viable alternative to optimize asexual propagation through microfragmentation, improving operational efficiency without compromising coral growth.
Introduction: The Reef Functional Index (RFI) is a tool used to analyze the physical functionality of coral assemblages based on morpho-functional traits that support their geo-ecological roles. This tool has been applied to assess the effects of active restoration on coral reefs under varying levels of stress. However, to date, it has not been used to analyze long-term assisted recovery through restoration activities. Objective: This study evaluated the historical trajectory of physical functionality over the long term (2012–2023) in six coral reef communities within the Islas Marietas National Park (PNIM), considering that active restoration efforts have been in place since 2014, using the RFI as a metric. Methods: The RFI was used as an indicator of physical functionality to assess temporal changes in reef condition throughout the analysis period. The percentage of natural change and change subsidized by restoration was calculated for both RFI and live coral cover (LCC). Results: RFI values revealed that although coral communities in the PNIM had, by 2023, regained LCC levels exceeding those recorded in 1997, physical functionality had not yet been fully restored. Restoration activities have contributed to approaching historical functional values, even under the impact of various natural stressors; however, spatial analysis at the island and site level indicated that recovery has not been uniform. Conclusions: The findings highlight the need to review and adapt restoration strategies, emphasizing greater efforts in sites where coral functionality remains below pre-disturbance levels. Additionally, the results demonstrate that the RFI is a valuable tool for evaluating the long-term success of coral restoration and identifying potential areas of opportunity in degraded reef sites.
Introduction: Coral reefs in the Mexican Pacific and the Gulf of California have undergone a marked decline in live coral cover as a result of the synergistic effects of anthropogenic stressors and climate change. In response, a range of restoration strategies has been developed, among which active restoration using coral fragments of opportunity has gained increasing relevance. Objective: To evaluate a coral restoration approach that involves the in situ cultivation of coral fragments for six months, followed by their transplantation to a degraded reef site as established colonies. Methods: Coral fragments of opportunity were collected and cultivated in table-type nurseries from September 2023 to March 2024. After the nursery phase, fragments were transplanted to the restoration site using PVC bases affixed to the rocky substrate with epoxy putty. Transplanted colonies were monitored in situ until March 2025 to assess growth and survival. Results: During the nursery phase, cultivated fragments exhibited a mean net linear extension of 2.23 cm and 100 % survival. From the nursery stage through the post-transplantation period, growth rates were 0.0127 cm day–¹ (r² = 0.99, p = 1.10 × 10–¹⁹) in height, 0.0168 cm day–¹ (r² = 0.98, p = 1.31 × 10–¹⁸) in maximum diameter, and 0.0163 cm day–¹ (r² = 0.96, p = 1.80 × 10–¹⁴) in minimum diameter. Overall survival following transplantation was 82.5 %. Conclusions: The growth and survival rates observed are consistent with previously reported values for Pocillopora in the Tropical Eastern Pacific. These findings support the robustness and reproducibility of the proposed methodology and highlight its potential to generate viable coral colonies for outplanting, thereby enhancing restoration success in degraded reef systems.
Introduction: The family Chironomidae is one of the most diverse and abundant groups of aquatic macroinvertebrates in aquatic ecosystems. Objective: To analyze Chironomidae's composition and diversity in the Caquetá department's Andean-Amazonian corridor, Colombia. Methods: Three study zones (Andean, Transition, and Amazonian), each with ten sampling stations, were selected. We conducted four field campaigns to collect biological material and record riverscape characteristics. We assessed alpha diversity using Hill numbers, a set of diversity measures providing a unified framework for diversity analysis. We also analyzed beta diversity by considering species richness differences and turnover. Using multivariate RDA analysis, physical and chemical variables of the riverscape contrast with taxonomic composition and beta diversity. Results: 36 chironomid taxa were identified, with the subfamily Chironominae and the genera Cricotopus, Chironomus, Larsia, and Polypedilum standing out. Hill numbers showed differentiation in Shannon-Wiener diversity (q1) and inverse Simpson diversity (q2), but richness (q0) showed less variation across study zones. The most significant component of beta diversity was species richness differences. Current velocity, total dissolved solids (TDS), vegetation cover, and substrates of sandy and vegetative origin (roots, aquatic macrophytes), as well as other components of the riverscape, significantly influenced species composition and beta diversity. Conclusions: Significant genus level information is provided for the Chironomidae family in the Andean-Amazonian region of the department of Caquetá, revealing dissimilarity among the study areas driven by differences in richness, as a measure of taxonomic beta diversity. Moreover, these findings indicate that the transition region functions as an ecotone for Chironomidae, serving as an intermediate zone between the Andes and the Amazon.
Introduction: Gobies of the freshwater or amphidromous eleotrid genus Giuris (Sauvage 1880) are widespread in tropical rivers and lakes. Eight species are recognized to date through extensive taxonomic revision of the species complex G. margaritaceus and remain challenging to identify based solely on morphological characteristics. Objective: The aim of this study was to clarify the Giuris species occurring in three lakes along the northern arm of Sulawesi Island in the Wallacea bioregion (Limboto, Tondano and Bolano Sau) using an integrated molecular (DNA barcoding) and morphological approach. Methods: Giuris specimens were collected from the three lakes, and their morphological characters were recorded. Before voucher specimen preservation, fin clippings were preserved in 96 % ethanol for genetic analysis. DNA barcodes were produced through DNA extraction, PCR (primers Fish F1, Fish R1) and Sanger sequencing of Cytochrome C Oxidase Subunit I Mitochondrial DNA (COI mtDNA) nucleotide sequences. Results: The DNA barcodes (615 bp) nested in two clades: G. laglaizei (Bolano Sau Lake) and G. aporocephalus (all three lakes). Morphometric and meristic data were consonant with DNA barcode species assignments. Conclusions: Our study confirms that the fish known locally as payangka in Limboto and Tondano Lakes belong to G. aporocephalus, while those from Bolano Sau Lake correspond to G. aporocephalus and G. laglaizei. This study also expands the known range of G. aporocephalus, with five Giuris species now confirmed from Tomini Bay watersheds.
Introduction: The in-situ cultivation of acroporid corals in Culebra, Puerto Rico, has been impacted by blooms of filamentous red algae in recent years. Since 2022, the onset of this bloom has occurred from March to the end of April, with a consistent recurrence pattern. The filamentous algae become entangled with corals both in nursery structures and after outplanting to the reef, often leading to partial or complete tissue smothering. Objective: Document, for the first time, the recurrence and ecological impact of a filamentous red algal bloom observed since 2022 in the coral nurseries and restoration sites of Culebra, Puerto Rico. Results: The mortality rate resulting from each bloom event, including corals on farms and transplants, ranged from 5 % to 20 %. The specific algal species or assemblage remains unknown; however, visual inspection is consistent with species of the genus Cottoniella, characterized by fine, red filamentous thalli, profuse branching, and the formation of dense, entangling mats. Conclusions: The environmental factors that promote these blooms and their origin remain to be elucidated. Furthermore, the origin and the geographical distribution of these blooms have not been determined; at present, it is yet unclear whether they are a local or regional phenomenon. It is vital to note that these events, when considered in conjunction with other environmental disturbances, have the potential to compromise the success of coral reef restoration and conservation efforts.
Introduction: Plastic particles are pollutants in the ocean that are ingested by aquatic organisms, including corals, causing negative effects on their reproduction, growth, nutrition, and survival. The increased urban development, as well as the tourist use of coral reef sites, has heightened their presence, increasing the vulnerability of coral communities, threatening their survival, particularly in sites where coral restoration programs are being implemented. Objective: Evaluate the presence of potential microplastic (pMPs) particles in the marine sediment in three sites: Playa del Amor and Zona de Restauracion, located in an insular Natural Protected Area with high and low touristic pressure, respectively, but with a coral restoration program implemented, and Las Virgencitas with low touristic and fishing activities. Methods: Sediment samples were collected at three sites. The abundance and characteristics of pMPs, such as size, shape, color, and weight, were determined. Results: Evidence of pMPs is observed at all sites, with sizes ranging from 5 to ≤ 600 μm. The highest abundance was recorded at Playa del Amor (0.58 pMPs/g) and the lowest at Las Virgencitas (0.029 pMPs/g). A total of five types of pMPs were identified (fibers, fragments, films, foams, and fiber bundle), with fibers being the most predominant form at all three sites (> 90 %). Regarding shapes, some were found in low abundance, such as foam and films at Playa del Amor, and fiber assemblages exclusively at the Zona de Restauracion. The most abundant colors were blue and black. Sizes varied among sites, with the widest range found at Playa del Amor. Conclusions: The presence of pMPs at both highly visited sites and those categorized as having low human impact suggests that tourism is one of the most important vectors for the introduction of pMPs; however, indirect carriers, such as rainwater runoff, river flow, and wind transport, should be considered. The constant influx of pMPs increases the vulnerability of coral reefs and, therefore, the conservation and management strategies. Furthermore, these negative effects can escalate from a local to a regional scale, making it necessary to promote mitigation measures that prevent these potential pollutants from entering the water column.
Introduction: Coral reef restoration requires building local capacity and engaging stakeholders throughout planning and implementation to reduce conflicts and enhance ecological and socio-economic outcomes. Objectives: To compare stakeholder perspectives on community engagement in coral reef restoration within the Seaflower Biosphere Reserve (Colombia) and Laughing Bird Caye National Park (Belize), and to develop tailored guidelines for effective engagement strategies. Methods: We conducted a multiple-case study in the Seaflower Biosphere Reserve (Colombia) and Laughing Bird Caye National Park (Belize), collecting eight months of field data through interviews, surveys, and SWOT analyses, coding qualitative data and analyzing surveys with unpaired two-sample t-tests. Results: The primary strategy for enhancing engagement in coral reef restoration was building local capacity, complemented by strategic planning, budgeting, and educational initiatives for youth. Respondents from Seaflower Biosphere expressed greater concern for coral declines, a stronger sense of reef identity, and felt personally affected by the issues. In contrast, residents of Laughing Bird Caye focused more on economic opportunities, community meetings, and passive educational approaches. Conclusions: These guidelines provide a flexible framework for community engagement in coral reef restoration, emphasizing the importance of understanding socio-cultural and economic contexts, identifying key stakeholders, and fostering trusting, inclusive, and transparent relationships to empower communities and prioritize their active participation in restoration efforts.
Introduction: The 2023–2024 global coral bleaching event severely impacted coral communities and reefs across the South Pacific of Costa Rica. Understanding coral species and genotype responses to extreme heat stress is critical to improving restoration strategies under accelerating climate change. Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of a Coral Bleaching Contingency Plan (CBCP) implemented by Raising Coral in mitigating bleaching and mortality during the 2023–2024 thermal anomaly in Golfo Dulce. Methods: Ecological monitoring of natural and restored coral communities was conducted at two reef sites (Islotes and Punta Adela) using the National Program for Ecological Monitoring (PRONAMEC) protocol, documenting bleaching severity and survival across coral genera. In parallel, the CBCP focused on Pocillopora, the most thermally susceptible and restoration prioritized genus in the region, by deploying transplanted coral fragments across five restoration sites (Platanares, Punta Estrella, Sándalo 1, Sándalo 2, and Punta Gallardo). Survival of fragments from 17 Pocillopora donor colonies (genotypes) was analyzed using generalized linear mixed models (GLMMs) to assess site, time, and donor level effects. Results: Coral bleaching was widespread and severe, with 100 % of colonies bleached and 90 % mortality for Pavona and Pocillopora species. Porites maintained the highest live cover (up to 54 % at Punta Adela). Survival of outplanted colonies decreased from > 88 % in 2021–2022 to 13.6 % after the event. Among genotypes, survival differed significantly over time (Donor × Time, p < 0.001), with Pocillopora donors D20, D26, and D2 maintaining the highest percentages of survival. Site-level differences were significant: the reef star cluster at Punta Gallardo experienced 55 % survival of fragments, while the cluster at Platanares experienced total loss. Conclusions: The CBCP enabled rapid deployment and survival tracking of vulnerable coral genotypes during an extreme bleaching event. Results demonstrate that restoration outcomes under acute thermal stress are shaped by pronounced site and genotype-level variability. Maintaining coral nurseries and programs that incorporate multiple species, diverse genotypes, and deployment across heterogeneous environments increases the likelihood that some corals persist despite widespread losses, thereby strengthening the overall resilience of restoration efforts under future marine heatwaves.
Introduction: Bryophyte diversity in the Northern Andes is high compared with the Central Andes and other tropical regions, yet regional documentation remains uneven; therefore, department-level inventories are essential for biogeography and conservation. Objectives: To update the bryophyte inventory of the Quindío Department (Central Andes of Colombia) and describe species richness, taxonomic composition, substrate preferences, and altitudinal distribution. Methods: We integrated published and herbarium records with field surveys across six municipalities and nine localities. Sampling encompassed four elevational belts (premontane 970–1 600, montane 1 600–2 400, upper Andean 2 400–3 200, and paramo 3 200–4 200 m.a.s.l.) and five substrates (epiphytic, terricolous, lignicolous, rupicolous, and epiphyllous). Microclimatic variables were recorded in situ during sampling using a thermo-hygrometer (air temperature and relative humidity) and a lux meter (illuminance). Taxonomy and nomenclature were standardized using specialized literature and international databases. Results: We recorded 474 species (82 families, 198 genera): 276 liverworts, 195 mosses, and three hornworts, plus eight subspecies and 15 varieties. Richness was highest on epiphytic substrates (303 spp.), followed by terricolous (242), lignicolous (225), rupicolous (113), and epiphyllous (50) substrates. Lejeuneaceae was the most diverse family (76 spp.); among mosses, Fissidentaceae (17 spp.) and the genera Fissidens (13 spp.) and Campylopus (10 spp.) were prominent. Richness was concentrated in montane and upper Andean forests, with pronounced turnover among substrates and elevational belts. Conclusions: The bryophyte inventory of Quindío was updated to 474 species (82 families, 198 genera). Community composition showed high turnover, driven primarily by microhabitat/substrate filters (with peak richness in epiphytes) and, at the regional scale, by the elevational gradient, providing a baseline to guide monitoring and targeted sampling in underrepresented units.
Introduction: Coral reefs are essential ecosystems for tourism-based economies worldwide, offering ecological, social and economic benefits. However, increasing on-water activities represent a risk to reef health. In Culebra Bay, there is limited understanding of how on-water tourism interacts with the coral reefs of the area. Objective: To characterize the spatial and temporal distribution of on-water tourism interactions around coral reefs sites in Culebra Bay. Methods: Direct observations were conducted twice a month from April 2021 to April 2022, at three coastal coral reefs to document the number of interactions and users, the types of activities and watercraft involved, and the duration of each interaction. A Kruskal-Wallis test was applied to evaluate differences across sites, and the U Mann-Withney test for compare tourist seasons (peak and off-season). Additionally, a Correspondence Analysis (CA) was used to explore the relationship between activities and sites. Results: We recorded 2,437 interactions involving 6 728 users, and identified ten tourism-related activities. The spatial distribution of tourism interactions was heterogeneous among sites, with the highest volume of interactions, activities, and users concentrated at Jícaro reef. The activities involving watercraft-based activities were dominant, representing 93% of all interactions. Also, the recorded activities were different by site: Blanca reef was mainly linked to non-motorized tours, while Virador reef was primarily used for transit. We found no statistical differences in the volume of users, the temporal distribution of interactions and its duration between seasons. Conclusion: Aquatic tourism in Bahía Culebra was concentrated at Jícaro reef and dominated by motorized activities. This pattern may pose potential environmental risks for reef resilience.
Introducción: El blanqueamiento global de corales pétreos de 2023–2024 afectó a las colonias intermareales y submareales de P. lobata, propiciando invasiones de macroalgas sobre su superficie. Objetivos: Divulgar la evolución del evento de blanqueamiento en P. lobata, así como, resumir actividades de monitoreo y restauración realizado por el Ministerio de Medio Ambiente y Recursos Naturales. Métodos: Se realizaron monitoreos mediante fotografías de montículos de P. lobata en una franja intermareal y una submareal (< 3m) desde finales de 2022 a la fecha, en los que se registraron los niveles de blanqueamiento y presencia de algas invasoras en su superficie. Estas frondas aledañas a Punta Remedios fueron removidas con toallas en un primer intento con frecuencia quincenal, pero las algas recolonizaron rápidamente. Posteriormente se utilizaron cepillos con alambre metálico. Resultados: Se registró un evento fuerte de blanqueamiento en colonias intermareales de P. lobata en abril de 2023. Todas las colonias submareales presentaron blanqueamiento desde noviembre aproximadamente con importantes invasiones de macroalgas. La eliminación de las algas con toallas pequeñas no funcionó por la rápida recolonización. El uso de cepillos ha reflejado cierta estabilidad en colonias sobrevivientes de más de 20 cm de diámetro. También se detectó similar situación en los montículos submareales desde noviembre de 2023, que hasta mayo de 2025 presentaron tejidos superficiales blanqueados con macroalgas en sus superficies. Conclusiones: Se describió un evento fuerte de blanqueamiento de P. lobata, seguido de colonización de macroalgas y turf, así como actividades de restauración.
Introduction: Epigeous ants are widely used as bioindicators to test ecological and biogeographic hypotheses. In tropical regions, elevation is a key driver of biodiversity patterns due to the rapid ecosystem shifts with increasing altitude. Objective: To examine the distribution and turnover of epigeous ants along an altitudinal gradient (1 000-2 800 m asl) on the opposite slopes of the Western and Central Andean cordilleras in the tropical belt of Colombia, South America. Methods: Intensive field sampling of ants was conducted, and Zeta diversity was used as an analytical metric to assess spatial diversity components within a multi-site partitioning framework, given its sensitivity to richness differences among habitat types. Results: A total of 204 ant species were recorded: 128 on the Western Cordillera and 131 on the Central Cordillera. Myrmicinae was the most diverse subfamily, represented across all elevational bands. The mid elevation band (1 500 m asl) exhibited the highest diversity in both cordilleras, while the 2 800 m asl band showed the lowest. The 1 500 m band on the Central Cordillera harbored 71 species, in contrast, the 2 800 m band on the Western Cordillera had only two species. Ant community composition on opposite flanks of the Western and Central Cordilleras showed a high turnover, with only three species occurring across all five elevational bands in both ranges. The ant communities were dominated by rare species or those with low capture frequencies, likely reflecting the interaction of biotic and abiotic factors specific to each elevational life zone. Conclusions: These findings confirm that each altitudinal gradient is home to specific ant communities that respond to the environmental, historical, and biogeographical conditions of each mountain range. Likewise, it is confirmed that environmental and spatial factors determine the composition of ants and the replacement rate of the community.
Introduction: The condition of coral reefs in the Caribbean has deteriorated sharply over the past few decades, with Acropora palmata — historically a dominant reef-building coral — experiencing a regional decline of over 90 % due to the cumulative impacts of white band disease, hurricanes, and recurrent thermal stress. In response, Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) have been widely implemented across the region, yet their effectiveness in conserving vulnerable coral species remains uncertain. Objective: To document long-term trends in A. palmata cover at Little Reef, a secondary barrier reef located within the Seaflower MPAs surrounding San Andres Island, Colombia. Methods: Using standardized ecological monitoring protocols (CARICOMP, SIMAC, and years in which RRA was conducted), we analyzed coral cover based on five monitoring events (1995, 2002, 2006, 2021, 2024) spanning 29 years at a representative reef site in the Seaflower Biosphere Reserve. Results: Our results reveal a dramatic and statistically significant decline in A. palmata cover, from ~45 % total coral cover (dominated by A. palmata) in 1995 to just 1.13 % in 2024. The 2023 mass bleaching event led to near-complete mortality, with no visible signs of recovery observed during 2024 surveys. Statistical analyses confirmed a strong negative trend (Kendall’s Tau = –1.0, p = 0.017; R² = 0.865, p = 0.022), indicating sustained decline despite long-term protection. Conclusions: These findings reinforce growing evidence that MPAs alone may be insufficient to prevent coral loss under accelerating climate pressures. We highlight the need for conservation frameworks that combine passive protection with active restoration, climate-adaptive management, and genetic rescue approaches to safeguard A. palmata and other threatened reef-building species across the Caribbean.
Introduction: Coral reefs are biodiversity-rich ecosystems increasingly threatened by disease and, in particular, mass bleaching events driven by elevated sea-surface temperatures. Objectives: To assess spatio-temporal variation in reef structure and coral health across three reef zones within Tayrona National Natural Park (TNNP) from 1998 to 2023. Methods: Coral cover (CC), algal cover (AC), and coral health (CH: bleaching and diseases) were quantified following the protocols of the Colombian Coral Reef Monitoring System. Results: In Gayraca, mean CC was 37.05 %, dominated by massive corals with a declining trend. Mean AC was 43 %, and turf algae increased significantly through time. Black band disease and white plague were recorded with < 2 % incidence. In Chengue, mean CC was 30 % (massive corals), with disease incidence around 2 %, and the mean AC was 44 %. In Granate, mean CC was 28.2 %, largely massive corals with a downward trend, while mean AC was 47 %, dominated by turf algae with an increasing trend. Stony Coral Tissue Loss Disease (SCTLD) was not detected. Conclusions: Bleaching increased sharply in 2023, reaching unprecedented levels. Across bays, we observed a tendency toward lower CC and higher AC in areas closer to human populations. Although disease prevalence across years was high, annual disease incidence remained low and did not track thermal stress, suggesting comparatively high biological robustness of local coral populations.
