This study presents an experimental tribological approach to the analysis of microscopic manufacturing traces produced by different lithologies used as tools in metalworking processes. The aim is to establish diagnostic criteria for inferring the lithological family of stone tools involved in the production of hammered metal artifacts from the archaeological site of El Caño, Panama. A comparative experimental framework was developed using basalt, granite, quartz arenite, andesite, and limestone to generate controlled traces on aluminum sheets as an analog for ductile metals. Petrographic characterization was conducted through thin-section analysis, while the resulting traces were examined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and quantified through image analysis. Both morphological attributes and metric variables—including trace width and grain size (Feret diameter)—were analyzed statistically.The results show that lithological microstructure plays a decisive role in trace formation. Two morphologically distinct trace types (A and B) were identified. While type A traces occur in all lithologies, type B traces are restricted to sedimentary rocks and are associated with more discontinuous abrasive contact configurations. Trace width emerges as the most discriminant metric variable, whereas no direct proportional relationship is observed between grain size and trace dimensions, indicating a non-linear interaction between abrasive elements and metal surfaces. The observed differences demonstrate that both trace morphology and trace dimensions are controlled by the organization of abrasive components within the active surface rather than by individual mineral properties alone. These findings indicate that microscopic traces reflect functional surface configurations resulting from the interaction between texture, matrix, grain exposure, and microtopography. Diagnostic criteria can therefore be defined based on combinations of attributes—such as trace type, variability, density, distribution patterns, and morphology—rather than on absolute metric thresholds. This study provides a methodological framework for inferring lithological families and contributes to the interpretation of technological signatures in archaeometallurgical contexts where direct access to raw materials is not possible.
El 22 de abril de 2025, una tortuga verde juvenil viva (Chelonia mydas) fue encontrada enredada en un cordel de pesca con un flotador plástico adherido, en la bahía de Milton Bight, José Santos Guardiola, Roatán, Honduras. El individuo presentaba limitaciones en su capacidad de nado y fue asistido cuidadosamente durante la remoción del cordel de pesca y los desechos plásticos asociados, tras lo cual fue liberado en el sitio de encuentro. El enredamiento afectaba la aleta frontal izquierda, produciendo eritema visible. Este registro subraya la relevancia ecológica y de conservación de documentar las interacciones entre la fauna silvestre y los desechos antropogénicos, un tema que permanece escasamente estudiado en el contexto hondureño.
Tropical dry forests play host to high biodiversity but are globally threatened. The dry forest region of Nicaragua spans the length of the country on the Pacific slope, incorporating a number of volcanic locations. Despite the importance of dry forests, there have been few quantitative studies of the fauna of these regions. Here we present an assessment of the abundance of butterflies across a range of habitats in the Nicaraguan Pacific area, from closed canopy forests to open pastures and roadsides. The data include 255 species represented by 7,828 individuals from 56 walked transects. The species are dominated by Hesperiidae and Nymphalidae, with approximately equal numbers of Lycaenidae, Pieridae, and Riodinidae. Cluster and ordination analyses highlighted major differences between the faunas of forest and disturbed areas. The differences in composition of disturbed and forest assemblages were demonstrated further through the identification of indicator species. Variation in diversity and composition were linked to differences in environmental conditions (temperature and rainfall) corresponding to latitude. Comparison with similar analyses in dry forest regions of Colombia and Mexico illustrate commonalities in indicator species. The data presented here provide a baseline for assessment of future faunal change within a highly fragmented landscape.
We assessed the knowledge and perception of ecosystem services provided by the Lapa River among nearby residents in Puerto Rico. The study aimed to (1) characterize the socioeconomic profile of residents living near the Lapa River; (2) to describe how nearby communities interact with and use the river; and (3) to assess associations between residents' sociodemographic and economic characteristics and their knowledge and perceptions of the Lapa River, particularly in relation to its use, tourism potential, preservation, and conservation. A total of 235 residents were surveyed. Frequent river visitors were mainly female (61%), aged 40-49 (76%), with a high school education (75%), income exceeding $10,000 (61%), and from households of three or more people (67%). College students (48%) and three-person households (41%) recognized the river's recreational, tourism, and contemplative value. Most participants supported economic development through excursions (82%), recognized the community benefits of the river (81.7%), and agreed that it should be protected (100%). These findings highlight the influence of sociodemographic factors on shaping environmental perceptions and support the development of targeted conservation strategies.
study provides a checklist of the freshwater fishes from St. Vincent, West Indies, based on a survey conducted across 40 stations in 14 river systems. A total of 18 species belonging to 13 families were documented, with Gobiidae, Eleotridae, and Mugilidae emerging as the dominant families. Two species, Sicydium buscki Everman & Clark, 1906 and Oreochromis mossambicus (Peters, 1852), represent new records for St. Vincent. These findings provide the first comprehensive listing of the island's freshwater ichthyofauna, laying a foundation for future efforts in research, conservation, and management.
