ABSTRACT The family Pycnothelidae comprises medium to small-sized spiders that construct silk tubes under stones or logs or dig burrows in open environments. In Argentina, Acanthogonatus centralis Goloboff, 1995 and Stenoterommata platensis Holmberg, 1881 are two species commonly found in central region, associated to the mountainous grasslands or to the La Plata River Basin. The Tandilia mountainous grassland is an extended belt located southeastern Buenos Aires province, Argentina. Although some pycnothelid spiders are distributed close to this mountainous system, they are not recorded in Tandilia. Through niche modeling we attempt to evaluate the influence of bioclimatic variables in shaping the distribution of these species and explore their absence in the mountainous belt under past, present and future climatic conditions. We found that Tandilia is a non-suitable area for the establishment of the populations of these species with the exception of Stenoterommata platensis under a future scenario of climatic change.
ABSTRACT Mangroves are coastal ecosystems that exist in the transition zone between terrestrial and marine environments, typical of tropical regions, and they occur in areas with frequent tidal submersion. These ecosystems shelter the species Rhizophora mangle L. (Rhizophoraceae), a mangrove tree that has rhizophores, stem projections that serve as a substrate for a variety of encrusting, sedentary animals and macroalgal species. This study was carried out in an estuarine mangrove on the Acaraú River, located in northeastern Brazil, with the aim of determining the benthic community stablished over R. mangle rhizophores. Accordingly, five trees of this species were chosen, and subsequently, three rhizophores were selected from each tree, totaling fifteen sampled rhizophores, from which all associated macrobenthos were removed. All collected organisms were identified and rhizophores were evaluated for species richness, composition, density, diversity, frequency, equitability and dominance. In addition, vertical zonation of the organisms in rhizophores was determined. The benthic community was characterized by the predominant presence of the phylum Mollusca (Bivalvia and Gastropoda) and the phylum Annelida (Polychaeta). We showed the existence of a vertical zonation of the organisms in the substrate. Understanding the community structure in the rhizophores can facilitate more detailed and experimental studies to comprehend the distribution and even the biological interactions in these environments.
Lotic ecosystems are biodiverse environments that form different mesohabitats suitable for some species of crustaceans, such as those of the genus Hyalella, endemic to the Americas. In the state of Santa Catarina, anew species- Hyalella insulae- was recently described- the first insular species of Hyalella in Brazil, on the island of Florianopolis. The species was identified in the Municipal Natural Monument of Lagoa do Peri (MONA), south of the island, which has a large source of freshwater in the state, consisting of two watersheds: Cachoeira Grande and Ribeirao Grande. This study aims to analyze the spatial distribution of H. insulae in two mesohabitats (backwater and rapids) of these watersheds. Specimens were sampled in stretches of rifles and pools between winter/2010 and summer/2012, in three 1st to 3rd order streams inserted in the two watersheds, totaling 192 samples. It was observed that most samples with the presence of H. insulae occurred in the Cachoeira Grande watershed. The mean total abundance of H. insulae was higher in the pools stretches of Cachoeira Grande streams when compared to Ribeirao Grande. In the streams of both watersheds, in addition to males and females, juveniles of H. insulae were collected, which demonstrates that the species is reproducing in these streams. In addition, a higher concentration of dissolved oxygen and lower values of water temperature, water velocity, electrical conductivity and alkalinity were observed in Cachoeira Grande stream. This study demonstrated the preference of H. insulae for pools stretches of streams in Cachoeira Grande, which has primary and dense vegetation, unlike Ribeirao Grande, where areas with secondary vegetation and evidence of anthropic actions are observed in the surroundings. Thus, this research demonstrated the importance of studies regarding the distribution of endemic species, as well as the conservation and preservation of island streams and their biota.
ABSTRACT The genus Platyrrhinus Saussure, 1860 is one of the most speciose within the Phyllostomidae family in the Neotropical region, with 19 documented species worldwide, nine of which are found in Brazil. Platyrrhinus guianensis Velazco and Lim, 2014 was first recorded in the Guiana Shield, followed by a record in the Brazilian Amazon. This study represents the second record of P. guianensis in Brazil, specifically in the Maranhão (MA) Amazon biome (Turiaçu/MA - 01°39’36”S and 45°22’12”W). Morphological, craniodental, and molecular characters were employed for species identification. The specimen exhibited a dark brown dorsal fur, a conspicuous wide and white dorsal stripe, dark gray ventral fur, a forearm length of 38.5 mm, a short skull without a fossa in the scaly root of the zygomatic arch, with two stylar cusps on the posterior crest of the upper second premolar, one stylar cusp on the anterior crest of the lower second premolar, and upper internal incisors bilobed and convergent. Molecular results supported the morphological identification, confirming the occurrence of P. guianensis in the Maranhão Amazon. Molecular results provide the first public sequence of P. guianensis for the 16S rRNA gene and a new sequence for the COI gene, which will be useful in future studies for the species. These results supported the morphological identification, confirming the occurrence of P. guianensis in the Maranhão Amazon. This record extends the known distribution of this species approximately 1428.32 km to the east within the Amazon biome in Brazil.
Grazing intensity is one of the main factors that shape vegetation structure, influencing the grassland bird community. Tall grass birds, including several threatened species, are depending on low intensities or exclusion of grazing, which is rarely practiced in Pampa. In this study we evaluate how grazing intensities affects the bird community in Brazilian Pampa grasslands. We established three transect lines, one each grazing treatment (moderate and low intensity, and on an area with cattle exclusion). During 13 months, transects were sampled monthly to record the diversity and abundance of bird species. All three areas presented very similar species richness, ranging from 50 to 54 species, and diversity (H') ranging from 2.79 to 2.95. The abundance was favored by the decrease in intensity and the exclusion of grazing. In general, shortgrass bird species were more representative in the area under moderate grazing, while tallgrass birds were favored by low intensity and grazing exclusion. The taller and denser vegetation, in areas less impacted by livestock, was especially important for endangered species, such as Culicivora caudacuta Vieillot, 1818 and Sporophila cinnamomea Lafresnaye, 1839, providing shelter, perches and substrate for building and fixing nests. We corroborate the need for areas with distinct grazing intensities, forming a mosaic with different heights of vegetation, maintaining the grassland bird diversity. However, more areas with low intensity or exclusion of grazing are needed, on which several threatened species depend. Although, even these areas must be managed, avoiding the encroachment of excessive woody vegetation, which can lead to the deterioration of grassland vegetation, affecting the associated birdlife.
RESUMO Ecossistemas lóticos são ambientes biodiversos que formam diferentes mesohabitats propícios para algumas espécies de crustáceos, como as do gênero Hyalella, endêmico das Américas. No estado de Santa Catarina foi recentemente descrita a primeira espécie insular de Hyalella do Brasil, na ilha de Florianópolis - Hyalella insulae. A espécie foi amostrada no Monumento Natural Municipal da Lagoa do Peri (MONA), no sul da ilha, o qual apresenta um grande manancial de água doce do estado, sendo formado por duas microbacias: Cachoeira Grande e Ribeirão Grande. Este estudo tem por objetivo analisar a distribuição espacial de H. insulae em dois mesohabitats (remanso e corredeira) destas duas microbacias. Exemplares foram amostrados em trechos de remanso e corredeira entre o inverno/2010 e o verão/2012, em três riachos de 1ª a 3ª ordem inseridos nas duas microbacias, totalizando 192 amostras. Foi observado que a maioria das amostras com presença de H. insulae ocorreram na microbacia do Cachoeira Grande. A abundância total média de H. insulae foi superior nos trechos de remanso dos riachos do Cachoeira Grande quando comparado ao Ribeirão Grande. Nos riachos de ambas microbacias, além de machos e fêmeas, juvenis foram coletados, o que demonstra que a espécie está se reproduzindo nestes riachos. Além disto, foi observada maior concentração de oxigênio dissolvido e menores valores de temperatura da água, velocidade da água, condutividade elétrica e alcalinidade no Cachoeira Grande. Este estudo demonstrou a preferência de H. insulae por trechos de remanso de riachos do Cachoeira Grande, o qual apresenta vegetação primária e densa ao contrário do Ribeirão Grande, no qual observa-se áreas com vegetação secundária e indícios de ações antrópicas no entorno. Dessa forma, esta pesquisa demonstra a importância de estudos quanto à distribuição de espécies endêmicas, bem como a conservação e preservação de riachos insulares e de sua biota.
ABSTRACT The mangrove ecosystems are characterized by being one of the most productive, despite their poor soils, finding a great faunal richness. Meanwhile, pseudoscorpions are arachnids that inhabit all terrestrial ecosystems, and diverse in the tropics and subtropics. We evaluated the relationship of pseudoscorpions composition in mangrove forest fragments in the southern Gulf of Morrosquillo, using different metrics related to vegetation and land use. A total of 1063 individuals were collected, distributed in four families and eight species. Three indicator species of good conservation status were identified, Pachyolpium isolatum (Beier, 1931) a good indicator (A = 1.0; B = 0.93; p <0.001), and four detecting species of disturbed mangroves. The proximity to urban and tourist areas influences the composition of the community of the pseudoscorpion. The indicator capacity and the sensitivity demonstrated by the species make them a valuable argument and are considered as a tool that can indicate promptly the negative effects of certain management practices in the different mangrove forest fragments in the southern Gulf of Morrosquillo.
RESUMO A intensidade de pastejo é um dos principais fatores que moldam a estrutura da vegetação, influenciando a comunidade de aves campestres. Aves de grama alta, incluindo diversas espécies ameaçadas, dependem de baixas intensidades ou exclusão de pastejo, pouco praticadas no Pampa. Aqui, avaliamos a comunidade de aves em campos sob intensidade de pastejo moderada, baixa e sob exclusão de pastejo. Estabelecemos 3 transecções, uma em cada uma destas condições. As três transecções foram amostradas mensalmente, durante 13 meses, registrando as espécies e suas abundâncias e posteriormente relacionando-as com as condições da vegetação observadas. As três áreas apresentaram riqueza e diversidade (H’) de espécies muito semelhantes entre si, variando de 50 a 54 espécies, e de 2,79 a 2,95, respectivamente. A abundância de indivíduos, foi favorecida pela diminuição da intensidade e pela exclusão de pastejo. De modo geral, espécies de aves associadas à grama curta foram mais representativas na área sob pastejo moderado, enquanto as associadas à grama alta foram favorecidas pela baixa intensidade e exclusão de pastejo. A vegetação mais alta e densa, das áreas menos impactadas pelo gado, foi especialmente importante para as espécies ameaçadas de extinção, como Culicivora caudacuta Vieillot, 1818 e Sporophila cinnamomea Lafresnaye, 1839 fornecendo abrigo, poleiros e substrato para construção e fixação de ninhos. Corroboramos, dessa forma, a necessidade de áreas com distintas intensidades de pastejo, formando um mosaico com diferentes alturas de vegetação, mantendo a diversidade de aves campestres. São necessárias, porém, mais áreas com baixa intensidade ou exclusão de pastejo, das quais diversas espécies ameaçadas dependem. Contudo, estas áreas também devem ser manejadas, evitando o desenvolvimento de excessiva vegetação lenhosa, que pode levar à descaracterização da vegetação campestre, afetando a avifauna a ela associada.
The Lear's Macaw (Anodorhynchus leari Bonaparte, 1856) is a Brazilian parrot globally threatened by extinction. Despite its threatened status (endangered), there is a scarcity of studies on its behavior. Understanding the behavior of this species is crucial to prevent inaccuracies in management and conservation strategies. This study aimed to delineate the behavioral repertoire of Lear's Macaw individuals residing at the Funda & ccedil;& atilde;o Parque Zool & oacute;gico de S & atilde;o Paulo under two distinct conditions: paired and in flocking. From September 2014 to February 2016, we conducted direct observations using all-occurrences sampling. An ethogram was compiled, encompassing 65 behavioral acts categorized into ten groups: maintenance, rest, locomotion, exploration, feeding, vigilance, socio-agonistic, socio-affiliative, reproduction, and stereotypic behaviors. Additionally, six vocalizations were identified based on spectrograms and associated with specific behavioral contexts: alarm, contact, pair cohesion, reproduction, and imitation. These findings provide a comprehensive overview of Lear's Macaw behavior in captivity. The ethogram and vocalization descriptions serve as a foundational resource for future studies, facilitating the refinement of tools employed in the conservation efforts for this species.
Symbiotic relationships are associations where two or more species live closely associated, including parasitism, phoresis, mutualism, and others. In mites, one of the most common associations occurs between larvae of Leptus (Erythraeidae), a cosmopolitan genus that parasitizes several groups of arthropods. However, in Brazil, these reports are scarce. In the present study, we recorded the number of ectoparasitic erythraeid mite larvae of the genus Leptus found associated to Opiliones of the species Gonyleptes fragilis Mello-Leitao, 1923 (Gonyleptidae) in an Atlantic Forest fragment (Cubatao, Sao Paulo, Brazil), collected over one year, between the four seasons. We recorded 405 mite larvae associated with 152 opilionid individuals. The intensity and prevalence of mite's infection, seasonal variation, mite's preference for body parts and host sex were the parameters used to determine host-parasite relationship. Mean infestation intensity (number of mites per individual) ranged from 0.3 to 11.3 with maximum observed intensity of 20 mites/individual. There was no sexual host preference and regarding seasonality, there were differences between infestation intensity and season with infestation being higher in summer compared to the other seasons. As for location, most mites were found in the median region of the dorsal shield, near the median frame of area III and IV. This study provides the first description of annual and seasonal variation in mite infestation on Opiliones in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest.
ABSTRACT This study aimed to assess population and reproductive aspects of the ampithoid amphipod Cymadusa filosa Savigny, 1816 in a region with pollution by petrogenic hydrocarbons. Sampling of Sargassum furcatum Kützing, 1843 fronds and the associated fauna was conducted in March, September and December 2007 and February 2008, on four rocky shores located on São Sebastião Island, southeastern Brazil. A total of 1372 specimens of C. filosa were recorded, including 934 juveniles, 274 females (60 ovigerous) and 164 males. Population mean density ranged from 1.27 to 6.40 ind/g with higher mean values in March 2007 and lower in December 2007 and February 2008. The total body length of males varied from 4.11 to 20.75 mm and of females from 3.58 to 20.22 mm. No significant difference was detected between male and female body length. The overall sex ratio significantly differed from 1:1 proportion and was skewed toward females (0.60:1). Ovigerous females occurred in higher proportion in February 2008 and presented mean fecundity of 26.01 ± 1.84 eggs/female (mean ± se), with great variation in the number of eggs found in the marsupium (between 1 and 56). Fecundity increased significantly with increasing female body length. The C. filosa population structure and reproduction were similar to those of populations in other locations, in Brazil and abroad indicating that pollution by petrogenic hydrocarbons in the São Sebastião Channel did not affect the population parameters of C. filosa in this region.
ABSTRACT Insects of the Ephemeroptera order have been used as bioindicators of water quality as they respond to countless anthropic impacts. In this study, we assessed the use of Ephemeroptera as bioindicators of streams impacted by agricultural activities. We collected Ephemeroptera nymphs in six streams with different uses and soil cover in their drainage areas located in the northern region of the Brazilian state of Rio Grande do Sul. Based on soil use and cover analysis, we categorized the streams as ‘natural’ (drainage area with >42% native arboreal vegetation) and ‘agricultural’ (drainage area with >72% agricultural use). We collected a total of 2,767 organisms, distributed into four families and eleven genera. We observed greater abundance (68%) and taxonomic richness (11 genera) of Ephemeroptera in the agricultural streams. The natural streams comprise 32% of the fauna collected, with eight genera. That pattern was especially determined by the Baetidae and Leptohyphidae families. The genera Caenis, Cloeodes, and Tricorythopsis were abundant in the agricultural streams. In this study, we observed that genera of Ephemeroptera are tolerant to environmental changes, particularly those caused by agricultural activities. Therefore, the use of the order in studies to assess water quality must be carried out with caution.
ABSTRACT In this work, the population dynamics and reproductive aspects of two sympatric Hyalella species in a river spring were analyzed in the northwestern state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. The samplings were performed by one person, for ten minutes and using a hand net for one-year period (March 2018 to April 2019) and transported to the laboratory. All individuals sampled were sexed, measured, and separated by cephalothorax length (CC) size classes. Hyalella gauchensis Streck & Castiglioni, 2017 was 22.7 times more frequent and showed significantly greater mean cephalothorax when compared to Hyalella longipropodus Limberger, Graichen & Castiglioni, 2021. Males had a larger body size (CC) than females, although they occur in smaller numbers in both species. The total frequency distribution in CC size classes was bimodal in males and juveniles, and polimodal in females of H. gauchensis. In H. longipropodus the distribution as bimodal in males, females and juveniles. Both H. gauchensis and H. longipropodus had their breeding season and recruitment during the colder seasons of the year (fall and winter, respectively). However, there was a seasonal temporal separation of the intensity peaks between the two species, which could indicate different strategies and/or evolutionary adaptations for their coexistence.
RESUMO A arara-azul-de-lear (Anodorhynchus leari Bonaparte, 1856) é um psitacídeo brasileiro globalmente ameaçado de extinção. Apesar de seu status de ameaça (em perigo), há escassez de estudos sobre seu comportamento. Compreender o comportamento desta espécie é crucial para evitar imprecisões nas estratégias de manejo e conservação. Este estudo teve como objetivo delinear o repertório comportamental de indivíduos de arara-azul-de-lear residentes na Fundação Parque Zoológico de São Paulo sob duas condições distintas: pareados e em flocking. De setembro de 2014 a fevereiro de 2016, conduzimos observações diretas utilizando amostragem de todas as ocorrências. Foi compilado um etograma abrangendo 65 atos comportamentais categorizados em dez grupos: manutenção, descanso, locomoção, exploração, alimentação, vigilância, comportamentos sócio-agonísticos, sócio-afiliativos, reprodução e comportamentos estereotipados. Além disso, seis vocalizações foram identificadas com base em espectrogramas e associadas a contextos comportamentais específicos: alarme, contato, coesão de pares, reprodução e imitação. Esses resultados fornecem uma visão abrangente do comportamento da arara-azul-de-lear em cativeiro. As descrições do etograma e das vocalizações servem como recurso fundamental para estudos futuros, facilitando o refinamento das ferramentas empregadas nos esforços de conservação desta espécie.
ABSTRACT This is paper we analyze the diet and body condition factor (Mi) of three endemic species inside and outside an environmental protection area, to compare the effectiveness of the protection area in providing a greater spectrum of food items and greater environmental well-being to ichthyofauna. The study area comprised streams of the Ribeira do Iguape River basin, Campos Gerais National Park (CGNP), Paraná state and its surroundings. Eleven streams were sampled inside and outside, using electric fishing. A Permutational Multivariate Analysis of Variance to investigate the composition of food items and a Permutational Analysis of Multivariate Dispersions was used to investigate the variability between food items. The Scaled Mass Index (Mi) of the body condition was used to determine the relative condition factor of each individual of each species. Regarding the diet, there were no significant differences between inside and outside in the composition and variability of food items, this similarity may be associated with existing environmental degradation inside. However, the Mi was significant, and only one species presented greater well-being inside, because inside streams receive greater allochthonous intake of riparian vegetation, but, when it comes to the two species that perform the link of the aquatic food web with the terrestrial, the opposite occurred. These results indicate that the studied fragment, under anthropic pressures, is currently unable to conserve its biodiversity. The inside has no Management Plan, the manager must elaborate and implement it as a first step so that the situation can be reverted and the conservation effectiveness ensured in this highly threatened area, characterized by being one of the most important remnants of the Atlantic Forest, having relevant ecosystem services from a rare humid forest of Araucaria.
Neoptychodes hondurae trivittatus (Taschenberg, 1870) is synonymized with N. hondurae (White, 1858). The holotype of the former is illustrated for the first time. The identity of the holotype of N. cosmeticus Martins & Galileo, 1996 is commented. All species of Neoptychodes Dillon & Dillon, 1941 are illustrated and a key to species of the genus is provided.
ABSTRACT. Two muriqui species are currently described in the literature: the southern muriqui, Brachyteles arachnoides (E. Geofroy, 1806) and the northern muriqui, Brachyteles hypoxanthus (Kuhl, 1820). Nowadays, the distribution of the southern muriqui is restricted to forest patches of the states of Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo and Paraná, while the northern muriqui occurs in Espírito Santo, Bahia and Minas Gerais. Both are threatened species, but there are still many gaps in our knowledge of their occurrence, especially for southern muriquis in the state of RJ. The purpose of this work is precisely to identify the primary areas of occurrence of the muriqui in Rio de Janeiro through historical reports by naturalists, adventurers and others since the 16th century. Thus, allowing to assist in the establishment and conservation strategies of the species.
RESUMO. Este trabalho tem por objetivo caracterizar a biologia populacional e reprodutiva do anfípodo terrestre exótico Talitroides topitotum (Burt, 1934) em uma área florestada da Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Campus de Palmeira das Missões, estado do Rio Grande do Sul. As amostragens foram realizadas mensalmente (Abril/2015 a Março/2016) para as quais foram utilizadas armadilhas de queda que foram instaladas em quatro transectos (cinco armadilhas em cada), totalizando 20 unidades coletoras/área. Foi amostrado um total de 2.948 indivíduos de T. topitotum: 1.066 juvenis (36,16%), 1.882 fêmeas (63,84%), sendo destas 258 fêmeas ovígeras (8,7%). A abundância mensal dos indivíduos variou consideravelmente, sendo observada maior frequência relativa nas estações mais frias do ano, sendo que no outono foram amostrados 28,9% dos animais e no inverno 58,4%. As fêmeas ovígeras são significativamente maiores que fêmeas não ovígeras. A distribuição de frequência em classes de tamanho não foi normal para juvenis, fêmeas não ovígeras e fêmeas ovígeras. Os períodos reprodutivo e de recrutamento foram sazonais, com pico no inverno, seguido do outono. A fecundidade de T. topitotum variou de 1 a 8 ovos, com média de 3,54 ± 1,33. Diante dos resultados apresentados, pode-se compreender sobre o ciclo de vida de T. topitotum em Palmeira das Missões, na qual foi constatado que a espécie parece ser estável, com presença de fêmeas ovígeras e juvenis o que comprova que a mesma está se reproduzindo na área, apesar dos machos não terem sido amostrados ao longo do ano.
RESUMO O principal objetivo do nosso trabalho foi o levantamento da composição (riqueza e abundância) da avifauna em um remanescente florestal de Mata Atlântica em Santa Catarina, suscetível à ampliação e intervenção de uma pedreira para subsidiar futuras análises de impactos ambientais dessa atividade. Registramos 142 espécies de aves, distribuídas em 16 ordens e 42 famílias. A partir dos resultados, concluímos que a riqueza total de espécies não deve ser afetada pela ampliação da área de lavra sob o remanescente. No entanto, constatamos que a abundância das aves foi menor nas proximidades da borda da mata, especialmente das aves endêmicas, ameaçadas e especialistas de sub-bosque. Dessa maneira, esperamos que a abundância nas áreas florestais adjacentes seja maior por um período, após o deslocamento das espécies, e diminua ao longo do tempo, à medida em que as relações ecológicas intraespecíficas e interespecíficas aumentem pela competição por recursos e território no habitat. Alertamos que se o tamanho do remanescente não for suficiente para populações viáveis, nossa hipótese é que haja um lapso temporal até que as espécies mais sensíveis desapareçam do local. O tamanho e qualidade do fragmento remanescente deve ser fundamental para minimizar os impactos da atividade e garantir a persistência das populações de aves sensíveis e especializadas na região. Por esse motivo, se a expansão da mina ocorrer, advertimos para que os remanescentes florestais do entorno sejam preservados para garantir a migração e persistência de aves sensíveis, principalmente insetívoras de sub-bosque relatadas em nosso estudo. Nesse contexto, apontamos cinco medidas prioritárias que devem ser implementadas pelo empreendedor, caso o órgão licenciador delibere em favor da ampliação/manutenção da atividade minerária: 1) aquisição dos remanescentes do entorno para transformá-los em RPPN, 2) reposição florestal equivalente à área desmatada, 3) contribuir com as ações do Plano de Ação Nacional para conservação das aves da Mata Atlântica por meio de medida compensatória, 4) diminuição da área de mina para exploração e 5) monitoramento de aves durante a instalação e operação do empreendimento.
ABSTRACT The widely distributed species, Stenochrus portoricensis Chamberlin, 1922, is recorded for the first time from Costa Rica and Venezuela, and new occurrences from Brazil and Colombia are presented. Morphology of spermathecae from 14 localities is compared and illustrated. The need for studies to evaluate the potential status as an invasive species of S. portoricensis is commented on and a distribution map of the species in southern Central America and South America is given.
