Patterns in composition and occurrence of the fish fauna in shallow areas of the São Francisco River mouth / Padrões de composição e ocorrência da ictiofauna em áreas rasas da foz do rio São Francisco

Abstract The construction of dams causes changes in river variables, as a result of direct changes in their hydrological and biogeochemical cycles. One of the most notable changes is the flow regulation, which reduces seasonal events and the hydrostatic pressure exerted by freshwater, increasing the saltwater wedge intrusion into the system. Changing the salinity regime causes modifications in downstream ecosystems as well as in the distribution and composition of the fish fauna. In Brazil, the São Francisco River stands out, which has a system of cascading dams, built between the 70's and 90's. Because of these changes caused in the natural course of the river, this study aimed to analyze the patterns of composition and occurrence of the ichthyofauna at the mouth of the São Francisco River and relate them to the physical and chemical variables of the region. In order to evaluate the patterns of composition and occurrence of the fish fauna at the mouth of the São Francisco River, monthly trawls were conducted along the bank and physical and chemical variables were analyzed in the river channel over a period of one year. The relationship between abundance and species richness with environmental variables was verified using Generalized Linear Models. A total of 101,958 fish belonging to 87 taxa were caught, with emphasis on marine fish, both in number of individuals (99.92%) and in biomass (99.31%). A spatial gradient was detected, in which sites 1 and 2 were under marine influence, sites 3 and 4 represented the transition between the environments and site 5 was under the influence of brackish and freshwater. In general, the effect of the São Francisco River dams on the fish fauna was observed, with a predominance of fauna with more estuarine and less freshwater characteristics.

Resumo A construção de barragens provoca alterações nas variáveis dos rios, em decorrência de mudanças diretas em seus ciclos hidrológicos e biogeoquímicos. Uma das mudanças mais notáveis é a regulação do fluxo, que reduz os eventos sazonais e a pressão hidrostática exercida pela água doce, aumentando a intrusão das cunhas da água salgada no sistema. Mudar o regime de salinidade causa modificações nos ecossistemas a jusante, bem como na distribuição e composição da ictiofauna. No Brasil, destaca-se o Rio São Francisco, que possui um sistema de barragens em cascata, construído entre as décadas de 70 e 90. Por causa dessas alterações causadas no curso natural do rio, o presente estudo teve por objetivo analisar os padrões de composição e ocorrência da ictiofauna da foz do rio São Francisco e relacioná-los com as variáveis físicas e químicas da região. Para avaliar os padrões de composição e ocorrência da ictiofauna foram realizados arrastos mensais ao longo da margem e analisadas as variáveis físicas e químicas no canal do rio ao longo de um ano. A relação entre abundância e riqueza de espécies de peixes com as variáveis ambientais foi verificada por meio de Modelos Lineares Generalizados. Foram capturados 101.958 peixes pertencentes a 87 táxons, com destaque para peixes marinhos, tanto em número de indivíduos (99,92%) quanto em biomassa (99,31%). Um gradiente espacial foi detectado, em que os pontos 1 e 2 estavam sob influência marinha, os pontos 3 e 4 representavam a transição entre os ambientes e o ponto 5 estava sob a influência de água doce e salobra. De maneira geral, foi observado o efeito das barragens do rio São Francisco sobre a ictiofauna, com predomínio de fauna com características mais estuarinas e menos dulcícolas.

Zoonotic Giardia duodenalis assemblage A in northern sloth from Brazilian Amazon

BACKGROUND The parasite Giardia duodenalis infects a wide range of vertebrate hosts, including domestic and wild animals as well as humans. Giardia is genotyped into eight assemblages (A-H). Zoonotic assemblages A and B have already been identified in humans and wild and domestic animals (non-human primates and cats) from Brazilian Amazon and in the world. Due to its zoonotic/zooanthroponotic nature, surveillance initiatives and the definition of Giardia assemblages are important in order to characterise the epidemiological scenario and to implement further control measures. OBJECTIVES Determine assemblages of G. duodenalis in sloths from the Brazilian Amazon Region. METHODS Faecal parasitological examination of sloths from Amazonas State. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) targeting the beta giardin (BG), and genes from multilocus sequence typing (MLST) scheme, amplicon sequencing and phylogenetic analysis. FINDINGS Here, we identified, by microscopy, Giardia in two northern sloths (Bradypus tridactylus). These two samples were submitted to molecular assays and it was revealed that both were infected by G. duodenalis assemblage A. Phylogenetic analysis showed that they belong to assemblage A within sequences from humans and wild and domestic animals. CONCLUSION Therefore, besides showing, by the first time, the current presence of this parasite in sloths, our findings reveals that this wild animal species would be part of the zoonotic/zooanthroponotic scenario of this parasite in the Brazilian Amazon.

Do river basins influence the composition of functional traits of fish assemblages in Neotropical reservoirs? / As bacias hidrográficas influenciam a composição funcional da assembleia de peixes em reservatórios da região Neotropical?

Abstract In aquatic environments, dams are considered one of the main threats to fish species, acting as an environmental filter for certain functional traits. Although there is some predictability in the composition of the functional traits in reservoirs, it is hypothesized that the environmental filters imposed by evolutionary processes, linked to the characteristics of the basins, are determinant for the functional composition of the traits in reservoirs. For this we performed a PCoA using the functional traits composition matrix of the reservoirs. We used PERMANOVA to test the difference in functional composition between basins. We performed the same process for the species composition matrix to compare the patterns. In this study, there were taxonomic and functional differences among reservoirs inserted in different basins. It was observed that the basin is a determining factor for the functional structure of fish assemblage in reservoirs. When compared, functional and taxonomic structures follow the same pattern, although functionally the reservoir tends to be more similar. These results reinforce the idea that reservoirs act as filters for functional traits (e.g., related with reproduction, feeding and habitat use), although there is a great influence of evolutionary processes related to the basin's characteristics and origin of the ichthyofaunistic province.

Resumo Em ambientes aquáticos, a construção de barragens é considerada uma das principais ameaças para as espécies de peixes, atuando como filtro ambiental para determinados traços funcionais. Assim, embora exista certa previsibilidade na composição dos traços funcionais em reservatórios, é hipotetizado que os filtros ambientais impostos pelos processos evolutivos, ligados as características das bacias, são determinantes para a composição funcional dos traços nos reservatórios. Para isso realizamos uma PCoA utilizando a matriz de composição de traços funcionais dos reservatórios. Utilizamos a PERMANOVA para testar a diferença da composição funcional entre as bacias. Realizamos o mesmo processo para a matriz de composição de espécies para comparar os padrões. Foi possível observar que a bacia hidrográfica é um fator determinante para a estruturação funcional da assembleia de peixe em reservatórios. Quando comparadas, a estrutura funcional e taxonômica, ambas seguem o mesmo padrão, embora funcionalmente os ambientes tendem a ser mais semelhantes. Esses resultados reforçam a ideia de que reservatórios atuam como filtros para determinados traços funcionais (e.g., relacionados à reprodução, alimentação e uso de habitat), embora exista uma grande influência dos processos evolutivos ligados a característica da bacia e da origem da província ictiofaunística.

Hydropower affects fish trophic structure both downstream of the dam and upstream of the reservoir

Dams often cause drastic changes in freshwater environments and can compromise the quality and availability of food resources in rivers. This study aims to analyze the influence of a dam on the trophic structure of fish assemblages in lotic areas located both upstream and downstream of the Irapé Hydroelectric Power Plant. Fish sampling occurred before (2003 to 2005) and after (2011 to 2017) the impoundment, which began in 2006. The trophic structure and species composition before dam construction were similar upstream of the reservoir and downstream of the dam. After the building of the dam, both aspects of the assemblages changed along the lotic stretches - the upstream incurred an increase in biomass of detritivores and a decrease of piscivores and omnivores, while downstream went exactly the opposite, causing a differentiation between the two assemblages. Because lotic areas upstream of reservoirs are also impacted by river damming, efforts for impact mitigation should also focus on these areas.(AU)

Barragens causam mudanças drásticas em ambientes de água doce e podem comprometer a qualidade e a disponibilidade de recursos alimentares nos rios. Este estudo teve como objetivo analisar a influência de uma barragem na estrutura trófica da assembleia de peixes em áreas lóticas localizadas a montante e a jusante da usina hidrelétrica de Irapé. A amostragem de peixes ocorreu antes (2003 a 2005) e após (2011 a 2017) o fechamento das comportas, iniciado em 2006. A estrutura trófica e a composição das espécies antes da construção da barragem eram semelhantes a montante do reservatório e a jusante da barragem. Após a construção da barragem, ambos os aspectos das assembleias mudaram ao longo dos trechos lóticos - a montante ocorreu um aumento na biomassa de detritívoros e diminuição de piscívoros e onívoros, enquanto a jusante ocorreu exatamente o oposto, causando uma diferenciação entre as duas assembleias. Como as áreas lóticas a montante dos reservatórios também são impactadas por barramentos, esforços para mitigação de impactos também devem se concentrar nessas áreas.(AU)

The influence of agricultural occupation and climate on the spatial distribution of Plusiinae (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) on a latitudinal gradient in Brazil

Abstract Studies have reported the presence of certain Plusiinae species in both natural and agricultural landscapes, but their turnover in association with agricultural activities remains unexplored. Aiming to understand how the assemblages of Plusiinae are structured by agricultural occupation and climate, this study used automated light traps sampled moths in 18 sites in Brazil, across a broad latitudinal gradient. Our data has demonstrated that climate variables prevails as the most important variables influencing both the composition of Plusiinae and the abundance of its dominant species Chrysodeixis includens. On the other hand, the lack of significance found for the effect of variables representing agricultural occupation evidences that pest species are present both in agricultural and natural ecosystems, also sharing similar abundances at those locations. In other words, instead of following a gradient of agricultural occupation (e.g. crop sizes around sample sites) the composition of these extremely polyphagous insects is more clearly shaped by the latitudinal gradient, in which temperature and precipitation are better predictors. Thus, in contrary to our expectations, pest species inhabits both natural and agricultural landscapes at similar latitudinal sites, probably due to their wide polyphagy spectrum. These results can be used in management and monitoring programs of pest species in South America, since the local abundance variation and species composition can be more reliable predicted by changes in climate conditions.

Epidemiology of Giardia duodenalis assemblages in Brazil: there is still a long way to go

Giardia duodenalis infection is distributed worldwide and can achieve prevalence around 60%, especially in developing countries. This protozoan is divided into eight assemblages, in which A and B have high zoonotic potential, whereas C to H are host-specific. This scenario is changing as molecular studies progress, highlighting that knowledge on host-specificity still has a long way to go. Understanding the players involved in transmission routes enables rational designs of control strategies. Considering the high prevalence of giardiasis, this review aims to gather together the data on available studies on the distribution of G. duodenalis assemblages in Brazil until September 2020.

Environmental structure affects taxonomic diversity but not functional structure of understory birds in the southwestern Brazilian Amazon

Changes in environmental characteristics can affect habitat use by birds, impacting the number of individuals, number of species, and changing species composition and functional structure of assemblages. Metrics that evaluate the functional structure of biological assemblages constitute a complementary tool to the traditional taxonomic approach, because they quantify the differences between species by means of functional traits. We assessed the effect of environmental characteristics on the taxonomic diversity (species richness, species composition and number of individuals) and functional structure (functional richness, functional evenness, Rao's functional diversity, and community-weighted mean traits) of bird assemblages in northern Mato Grosso state, in the southwestern Brazilian Amazon. We sampled birds in 32 plots. At each plot birds were captured using mist nets, and eight environmental variables were measured: canopy openness, leaf litter, elevation, number of trees in three classes of DBH, soil clay content, and distance to nearest stream. To evaluate functional structure, we measured seven morphological traits from individuals of each bird species. Habitat variables had a significant effect on taxonomic diversity. However, the general functional structure was not affected. Elevation and distance to nearest stream were the main variables driving changes in taxonomic diversity and had a minor effect on functional richness. The other metrics of functional structure were not significantly affected by the set of environmental variables. Our results suggest that the sampled bird assemblages exhibit some functional tolerance (redundancy) to small-scale environmental variation, implying certain resilience to ecosystem modification. (AU)

Physicochemical and sensory characteristics of fine sparkling red wines produced at different maceration lengths in the south of Brazil / Características físico-químicas e sensoriais de vinhos espumantes finos tintos produzidos a partir de diferentes períodos de maceração no sul do Brasil

Maceration is the step of the vinification process in which phenolic and aromatic compounds are transferred to wine. This study aimed at producing fine sparkling red wines by testing different grape varieties and maceration lengths. Grapes underwent maceration for 24 hours (Very Short Maceration ­ VSM) and for 48 hours (Short Maceration ­ SM). Sparkling wines were produced by the traditional method and analyses were carried out in the must, base wines and sparkling wines. Analyzes of minerals, volatile compounds and physicochemicals related to total soluble solids (TSS), Volatile Acidity (VA); Free Sulfur Dioxide (Free SO2); Total Sulfur Dioxide (Total SO2); Total Titratable Acidity (TTA); Fixed Acidity (FA); Hydrogenionic Potential (pH); Alcoholic Content (AC); Reduced Dry Extract (RDE); Total Tannins (TT); Total Anthocyanins (TA); Total Polyphenol Content (TPC); Total Color Intensity (TCI). In addition, during the tasting, a quantitative and descriptive record was distributed to the researchers to characterize the wines in relation to color, perlage, aroma, flavor, main descriptor of the aroma and main general adjective. The sparkling wines which had the best evaluations at different maceration lengths were the following: sparkling wine 100% Teroldego (SM) and sparkling wine 62.5% Teroldego, 18.75% Merlot and 18.75% Pinot (SM). Both short maceration (48 hours) and the Teroldego variety were the vinification parameters which provided the best olfactory-gustatory and color characteristics to the sparkling wines under study. All sparkling wines had enological potential to be vinified in red. Maturation and maceration processes under evaluation produced the typical freshness of sparkling wines and the desired red color.

A maceração é a etapa da vinificação na qual os compostos fenólicos e aromáticos são transferidos ao vinho. O objetivo deste trabalho foi produzir espumantes finos tintos testando a variedade de uva e a duração da maceração. As uvas sofreram maceração por 24 horas (Maceração Muito Curta - MMC) e por 48 horas (Maceração Curta - MC). Os espumantes foram produzidos com o método tradicional e as análises realizadas nos mostos, vinhos base e espumantes. Foram realizadas análises de minerais, de compostos voláteis e físico-químicas relacionadas a sólidos solúveis totais (SST), acidez volátil (AV), acidez total (AcT), dióxido de enxofre livre (SO2L) e total (SO2T), acidez fixa (AF), potencial hidrogeniônico (pH), teor alcoólico (TA), extrato seco (ES), extrato seco reduzido (ESR), índice de polifenóis totais (IPT), antocianinas totais (AT), taninos totais (TT) e intensidade total da cor (ITC). Além disso, durante a degustação, uma ficha quantitativa e descritiva foi distribuída aos pesquisadores para caracterizar os vinhos em relação à cor, perlage, aroma, sabor, principal descritor do aroma e principal adjetivo geral. Nas diferentes macerações, os espumantes que obtiveram melhores avaliações foram: 100% Teroldego (MC) e 62,5% Teroldego, 18,75% Merlot e 18,75% Pinot Noir (MC). Indicando que a maceração curta e a variedade Teroldego foram os parâmetros de vinificação que proporcionaram melhores características olfato-gustativas e de coloração aos espumantes estudados. Excetuando-se o espumante 100% Merlot (MC), todos demonstraram possuir potencial enológico para serem vinificados em tinto e as maturações e macerações testadas produziram o frescor característico dos espumantes e a coloração tinta desejada.

Diferencia espacial de la incidencia de fiebre hemorrágica argentina y la composición y abundancia de roedores en el ensamble / Spatial difference in the incidence of Argentine Hemorrhagic Fever and composition and abundance of rodents in the assemblage

Resumen La fiebre hemorrágica argentina (FHA) es una enfermedad zoonótica endémica en una amplia zona de la pampa húmeda de Argentina. El agente etiológico es el virus Junin que es mantenido en la naturaleza por el roedor Calomys musculinus y transmitido, principalmente, al humano a través de aerosoles generados de las secreciones y excreciones. Objetivos: Caracterizar la composición y diversidad de los ensambles de pequeños roedores, determinar la abundancia del hospedador C. musculinus y la prevalencia del virus de la FHA en las zonas epidémica, histórica y no endémica de dicha enfermedad en Argentina. Métodos: Para el muestreo de roedores en cada una de las zonas se demarcaron un área central y dos periféricas para 18 localidades de la región central de Argentina (incluyendo las provincias de Córdoba, Buenos Aires y Santa Fe) muestreadas en dos años. Se comparó la abundancia de C. musculinus entre zonas y entre las áreas dentro de cada zona y áreas cercanas entre zonas, utilizando modelos de análisis de varianza anidados. Resultados. Dentro de cada zona, el ensamble de roedores mostró diferencia espacial en la composición específica, diversidad y abundancia de C. musculinus. La zona epidémica registró mayor número de especies y mayor abundancia del hospedador. En zona histórica se capturó el menor número de especies (de roedores) y Akodon azarae fue la más abundante. En zona no endémica la composición del ensamble y la abundancia de C. musculinus variaron entre los dos años. Sólo se detectó infección por virus Junin en C. musculinus correspondientes a la zona epidémica con una prevalencia de 2,7 y 1,1% para los años 2007 y 2008, respectivamente. Conclusión: En este sistema, la abundancia del hospedador estaría afectando la dinámica espacial de este virus, más que la diversidad del ensamble o la presencia de A. azarae.

Background. The Argentine Hemorrhagic Fever (AHF) is a zoonotic disease endemic in a wide area of the humid pampa of Argentina. The etiologic agent is the Junin virus that is maintained in the wild by the rodent Calomys musculinus and transmitted to humans, mainly, through aerosols generated from secretions and excretions. Aims: To characterize and compare the assemblages of small rodent composition and diversity inside the epidemic, historic and non-endemic zone of AHF and to register C. musculinus abundance in each zone and in each area within each zone, registering the prevalence of infection in rodent populations. Method: One central and two peripheral areas were delimited to sample rodents in each zone with different incidence of AHF. Thus, 18 localities were selected to do the sampling in two years. Host abundance between zones and among areas inside each zone and among nearby areas between zones were compared applying nested ANOVA's. Results: In each zone, the rodent assemblage showed differences in composition, diversity and numeric representation of C. musculinus. The epidemic zone was the richest of the three, registering also great host abundance; meanwhile in the historic zone, A. azarae was the dominant numeric species with less number of other species. Regarding the non-endemic zone, the assemblage composition and C. musculinus abundance varied respect the sampled year. Junin virus infection was only detected in C. musculinus individuals corresponding to the epidemic zone, with a prevalence of 2.7 and 1.1% for the years 2007 and 2008, respectively. Conclusion: In this system, the abundance of C. musculinus could be impacting over the pathogen dynamic, rather than the assemblage diversity or the A. azarae presence.

Ichthyofauna of the inner shelf of Paraná, Brazil: checklist, geographic distribution, economic importance and conservation status / Ictiofauna da plataforma interna do Paraná, Brasil: checklist, distribuição geográfica, importância econômica e estado de conservação

Abstract Comprehensive species checklists are essential to effectively implementing preservation and recovery measures, and should assess conservation status, vulnerability degree and anthropogenic threats. This checklist was compiled from fish species recorded in surveys conducted over the last 30 years in the shallow inner continental shelf in the State of Paraná, Brazil. Information on biogeography, conservation status, economic importance and degree of species' vulnerability are provided. A total of 272 fish species were recorded, spanning 25 orders and 88 families. The most speciose family was Sciaenidae (25 species), followed by Carangidae (23), Engraulidae (10), Carcharhinidae (9), Epinephelidae (9) and Paralichthyidae (9). Most species occurring in Paraná's shallow inner continental shelf are restricted to the West Atlantic. In terms of economic importance, 93% (253) of the species recorded were of fishery, aquaculture or aquaria interest. A notable fraction (39%) of the recorded species was classified as having moderate to very high vulnerability to extinction. In particular, 28 species (10%) were listed as globally endangered, and 34 species (12%) were listed as endangered in the Brazilian territory.

Resumo Listas abrangentes de espécies são essenciais para a implementação efetiva de medidas de preservação e devem avaliar o estado de conservação e o grau de vulnerabilidade das comunidades ecológicas. Esta lista foi compilada a partir de espécies de peixes registradas em pesquisas realizadas nos últimos 30 anos na plataforma continental interna rasa do Estado do Paraná. Foram fornecidas informações sobre biogeografia, estado de conservação, importância econômica e grau de vulnerabilidade das espécies. Um total de 272 espécies de peixes foram registradas, abrangendo 25 ordens e 88 famílias. A família com maior número de espécies foi Sciaenidae (25 espécies), seguida de Carangidae (23), Engraulidae (10), Carcharhinidae (9), Epinephelidae (9) e Paralichthyidae (9). A maioria das espécies registrada na plataforma continental interna do Paraná está limitada ao Atlântico Oeste. Em termos de importância econômica, 93% (253) das espécies incluídas nesta lista são comercialmente viáveis, seja na pesca, aquicultura ou aquariofilia. Uma fração notável (39%) das espécies registradas foi classificada como de vulnerabilidade moderada a muito alta. Em particular, 28 espécies (10%) estão listadas como ameaçadas de extinção em escala global, e 34 espécies (12%) estão listadas como ameaçadas de extinção no território brasileiro.

Do river basins influence the composition of functional traits of fish assemblages in Neotropical reservoirs?

Abstract In aquatic environments, dams are considered one of the main threats to fish species, acting as an environmental filter for certain functional traits. Although there is some predictability in the composition of the functional traits in reservoirs, it is hypothesized that the environmental filters imposed by evolutionary processes, linked to the characteristics of the basins, are determinant for the functional composition of the traits in reservoirs. For this we performed a PCoA using the functional traits composition matrix of the reservoirs. We used PERMANOVA to test the difference in functional composition between basins. We performed the same process for the species composition matrix to compare the patterns. In this study, there were taxonomic and functional differences among reservoirs inserted in different basins. It was observed that the basin is a determining factor for the functional structure of fish assemblage in reservoirs. When compared, functional and taxonomic structures follow the same pattern, although functionally the reservoir tends to be more similar. These results reinforce the idea that reservoirs act as filters for functional traits (e.g., related with reproduction, feeding and habitat use), although there is a great influence of evolutionary processes related to the basins characteristics and origin of the ichthyofaunistic province.

Resumo Em ambientes aquáticos, a construção de barragens é considerada uma das principais ameaças para as espécies de peixes, atuando como filtro ambiental para determinados traços funcionais. Assim, embora exista certa previsibilidade na composição dos traços funcionais em reservatórios, é hipotetizado que os filtros ambientais impostos pelos processos evolutivos, ligados as características das bacias, são determinantes para a composição funcional dos traços nos reservatórios. Para isso realizamos uma PCoA utilizando a matriz de composição de traços funcionais dos reservatórios. Utilizamos a PERMANOVA para testar a diferença da composição funcional entre as bacias. Realizamos o mesmo processo para a matriz de composição de espécies para comparar os padrões. Foi possível observar que a bacia hidrográfica é um fator determinante para a estruturação funcional da assembleia de peixe em reservatórios. Quando comparadas, a estrutura funcional e taxonômica, ambas seguem o mesmo padrão, embora funcionalmente os ambientes tendem a ser mais semelhantes. Esses resultados reforçam a ideia de que reservatórios atuam como filtros para determinados traços funcionais (e.g., relacionados à reprodução, alimentação e uso de habitat), embora exista uma grande influência dos processos evolutivos ligados a característica da bacia e da origem da província ictiofaunística.

Sobre ensambles y ensamblajes ecológicos - respuesta a Monge-Nájera / Ecological ensembles and assemblages - a reply to Monge-Nájera

ResumenEvaluar críticamente la terminología que usamos en ecología es importante para evitar el uso de palabras que no ayudan a facilitar la comunicación científica. En este trabajo contestamos el comentario de Monge-Najera sobre el uso de los términos ensamble y ensamblaje, argumentando que estas palabras son válidas y útiles en el idioma español.Además, ambos términos tienen su lugar en la ecología, por lo que proveemos información para usarlos en un contexto ecológico apropiado.

AbstractCritical evaluation of terminology use in ecology is important to avoid using jargon that helps little to facilitate communication. Here we reply to Monge-Najera’s comment on the use of the terms ensemble and assemblage, we argue for the use of the words ensamble and ensamblaje in Spanish. In addition, both terms have a proper place in ecology and we provide a case for their use in proper ecological context. Rev. Biol. Trop. 64 (2): 817-819. Epub 2016 June 01.

Estructura trófica de los peces en arroyos del Corral de San Luis, cuenca del Bajo Magdalena, Caribe, Colombia / Trophic structure of river fish from Corral de San Luis, Magdalena river basin, Colombia Caribbean

ResumenLos estudios sobre la ecología trófica de las especies permiten reconocer los diferentes grupos tróficos, importancia de los niveles tróficos y las interrelaciones que existen entre sus componentes y los demás miembros de la comunidad. Es común en peces emplear el análisis del contenido estomacal como una herramienta útil desde el punto de vista ecológico. En esta investigación se estudiaron los hábitos alimenticios, variación alimenticia y relaciones tróficas de los peces presente en arroyos del corregimiento del Corral de San Luis, Tubará, Atlántico, cuenca del bajo Rio Magdalena, Caribe, Colombia, a partir del análisis del contenido estomacal, entre noviembre 2012 y octubre 2013. Para la recolecta de los peces se empleó una la red de arrastre (2x5 m, ojo de malla de 0.5 cm), se reportó in situ variables fisicoquímicas. En el análisis del contenido estomacal se utilizó el método numérico (% N), volumétrico (% v) y frecuencia de ocurrencia (% FO), coeficiente de vacuidad (C.v) e índice de importancia alimentaria (i.A). La información se procesó por medio de análisis multivariados, índices ecológicos y modelos nulos: análisis de correspondencia canónica (ACC), análisis de componentes principales (ACP), amplitud del nicho trófico (ShannonWeaver H´) y solapamiento trófico (Morisita-Horn). La ictiofauna se conformó por Awaous banana, Agonostomus monticola, Andinoacara latifrons, Hyphessobrycon proteus, Poecilia gillii, Gobiomorus dormitor y Synbranchus marmoratus. Las especies mostraron diferencias significativas (K-W= 20.86; p<0.05) con respecto al consumo del recurso trófico. Fueron clasificados según sus hábitos tróficos como: omnívoros con tendencia a la insectivoría (A. monticola H´0.60; A. latifrons H´0.43), herbívoros con tendencia a la alguivoría (A. banana H´0.50; P. gillii H´0.54) y carnívoro con tendencia a la insectivoría (H. proteus H´0.23), donde los invertebrados bentónicos y las microalgas son los recursos tróficos más importantes. Un total de 65 ítems alimenticios fueron determinados 21 en A. banana (2 únicos, 19 compartidos), 40 en A. monticola (21 únicos, 19 compartidos), 19 en A. latifrons (5 únicos, 14 compartidos), 6 en H. proteus (1 único, 5 compartidos) y P. gillii con 28 (4 únicos, 24 compartidos). El análisis de correspondencia canónica mostró a la conductividad, la salinidad y el pH como las variables con una relación directa sobre la estructura del ensamblaje de los peces en los sitios de muestreo. Los modelos nulos muestran que el grupo de peces se encontraban significantemente segregados (p=0.001) en el eje trófico con respecto a los ítems alimenticios compartidos, dicha segregación no está influenciada o generada por la competencia; el índice de Morisita-Horn mostró un falso solapamiento trófico (similitud del 80 % aprox.) entre A. banana y P. gillii. El ACP fue explicado en el primer componente principalmente por fitoplancton, mientras en el componente dos se correlacionó con ítems de origen animal, los peces asociados al CP1 son P. gillii con altos valores en la ingesta de microalgas, y A. banana, el CP2 fue explicado por A. monticola la cual se correlacionó con los altos valores en ítems de origen animal. El grupo de peces estudiados se comportan como un ensamblaje ya que la interrelación trófica corresponde a un falso solapamiento trófico y estas no se excluyen unas a otras dentro del ecosistema, utilizando diferentes recursos alimenticios con diferencias espaciales.

AbstractEcological studies of species, such as the stomach content analysis, allow us to recognize different trophic groups, the importance of trophic levels and the interrelationships among species and other members of the community. in this investigation, we studied food habits, feeding variation and trophic relationships of the fishes present in streams of the Corral de San Luis drainage, Tubará, Atlántico Department, a part of the lower Magdalena River Basin in Colombian Caribbean. Fish samples of Awaous banana, Agonostomus monticola, Andinoacara latifrons, Hyphessobrycon proteus, Poecilia gillii, Gobiomorus dormitor and Synbranchus marmoratus were obtained using a seine (2x5 m, mesh 0.5 cm), from November 2012 to October 2013. To analyze their stomach contents, we used numeric (% N), volumetric (% v) and frequency of occurrence (% FO) methods, an emptiness coefficient (C.v), index of food item importance (i.A). Besides, physical and chemical habitat parameters were recorded on site. information obtained was processed using multivariate statistical analysis, ecological indices, and null models: canonical correspondence analysis (CCA), principal component analysis (PCA), trophic niche amplitude (Shannon-Weaver H´) and trophic overlap (Morisita-Horn). We observed significant differences on food resources consumption (K-W= 20.86; p<0.05) among the studied species. They were classified according to their food habits as omnivores with a tendency towards insectivory (A. monticola H´0.60; A. latifrons H´0.43), herbivores with a tendency towards the consumption of algae (A. banana H´0.50; P. gillii H´0.54) and carnivores with a tendency towards insectivory (H. proteus H´0.23); benthic invertebrates and microalgae were found the most important food sources. A total of 65 food items were identified in this study: 21 for A. banana (2 unique, 19 shared), 40 for A. monticola (21 unique, 19 shared), 19 for A. latifrons (5 unique, 14 shared), 6 for H. proteus (1 unique, 5 shared) and P. gillii with 28 (4 unique, 24 shared). The canonical correspondence analysis showed that water conductivity, salinity and pH were the variables that directly influenced fish community structure at the sampled sites. The null model analyses showed that the group of fishes was significantly segregated (p= 0.001) along the trophic axis, with respect to shared food items, and that the segregation was not influenced or generated by competition. The Morisita-Horn index showed false trophic overlap (similarity of about 80 %) between A. banana and P. gillii. The first component of the PCA analysis was explained mainly by phytoplankton, and component two was correlated with items of animal origin. The fishes associated with PC1 were P. gillii and A. banana, with high ingestion values of microalgae. PC2 was explained by A. monticola with high numbers of food items of animal origin. The group of fishes studied behaved as an assemblage; given that the trophic interrelationships showed false trophic overlap, and that they did not exclude one another from the ecosystems, but instead, used different food resources and different physical spaces within their habitat. Rev. Biol. Trop. 64 (2): 715-732. Epub 2016 June 01.

Determinación del ensamblaje genético de aislados axénicos colombianos de Giardia intestinalis / Genetic assemblages of axenic Colombian cultures of Giardia intestinalis

Resumen Objetivo: Genotipificar muestras de Giardia aisladas de pacientes de tres regiones geográficas de Colombia. Materiales y métodos: Se examinaron 22 aislados de G. intestinalis, los primeros descritos cultivados axénicamente de origen colombiano por medio del análisis del polimorfismo de longitud de fragmentos de restricción (RFLP) del gen glutamato deshidrogenasa (gdh). Resultados y conclusión: El patrón del RFLP mostró que todos los aislados pertenecían al ensamblaje A, específicamente al AI; resultado confirmado por secuenciación. Con este estudio se pretende contribuir al conocimiento de los genotipos circulantes de Giardia intestinalis en Colombia.

Abstract Objective: To genotype samples of G. intestinalis isolated from patients of three Colombian regions. Materials and methods: 22 isolates of Giardia (all of them established as axenic cultures) were examined by analyzing restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) of the glutamate dehydrogenase gene (gdh). Results and conclusion: The RFLP patterns showed that all of the Giardia isolates belonged to the assembly A, specifically to AI. This result was confirmed by sequencing. This study aims to contribute to the knowledge of circulating genotypes of Giardia intestinalis in Colombia.

A survey of necrophagous blowflies (Diptera: Oestroidea) in the Amazonas-Negro interfluvial region (Brazilian Amazon)

ABSTRACT The fauna of blowflies (Calliphoridae and Mesembrinellidae) in three localities of primary Amazon forest coverage in the Amazonas-Negro interfluvial region was assessed. A total of 5066 blowflies were collected, with Chloroprocta idiodea being the most abundant species (66.3%). A difference in species richness between the localities ZF2 and Novo Airão was observed. Comparison among sampled sites revealed no considerable variation in fauna composition, except for the species Eumesembrinella benoisti (Séguy 1925) and Hemilucilia sp., whose occurrence was observed only in a single locality. Apparently, Amazon rivers are not efficient geographical barriers to influence the current composition of necrophagous blowfly assemblages. Also, most of the blowfly species did not show a noticeable specificity for any specific forest among the interfluvial areas of the ombrophilous forest. Finally, an updated checklist of necrophagous blowfly species of the Amazonas state in Brazil is presented.

Experiencia y materialidad en lugares de memoria colectiva en Chile / Experience and Materiality at Places of Collective Memory in Chile

Los monumentos y lugares de memoria construidos en Chile para recordar las violaciones a los derechos humanos durante la dictadura militar (19731990) contribuyen a la construcción de versiones hegemónicas sobre dichos acontecimientos. que tienen el efecto de producir "verdades" sobre los hechos. En este artículo, se analizan los resultados de una investigación conducida en Santiago de Chile, que muestra cómo quienes visitan estos lugares se relacionan con el espacio e interpretan su materialidad como "prueba de verdad". El análisis se realizó a partir de la noción de experiencia, entendida como un producto que surge en el ensamblaje de cuerpos, objetos, discursos y prácticas que se actualizan en la interacción entre visitantes y espacios de memoria.

The monuments and places of memory built in Chile to remember the human rights violations that occurred during the military dictatorship (1973-1990) contribute to the construction of hegemonic versions of these events. which have the effect of producing a "truth" about the facts. This article discusses the results of a research conducted at Santiago de Chile and shows how visitors of these places of memory relate to the space and interpret its materiality as a "proof of truth". The analysis was based on the notion of experience, understood as a product arising in the assembly of bodies, objects, discourses and practices that are update in the interaction between visitors and memory places.

¿Existen realmente los ensambles y ensamblajesecológicos? / Do biological assemblages and ensembles really exist?

Resumen:En años recientes ha aparecido la palabra "ensamble" (con menos frecuencia, "ensamblaje") en la literatura biológica en castellano, con dos significados diferentes: grupos de especies de un hábitat relacionadas taxonómicamente;y grupos de especies de un lugar sin interacciones ecológicas.Tras analizar las definiciones de la palabra en el original francés, así como sus usos técnicos en castellano e inglés, concluyo que las palabras assemblagey ensembletienen traducción adecuada al español, assemblagecomo asambleay ensemblecomo conjunto,pero en la mayoría de los casos tienen un aporte dudoso y complican innecesariamente los textos, por lo que según los principio de concisión y comunicación, conviene evitarlas.

Abstract:In recent years the terms assemblageand ensemblehave become more frequent in the ecological literature. After analyzing the definitions of the words in the French original, as well as their use in English and Spanish and opinions on how they can be defined, I conclude that the words assemblageand ensemblerarely improve scientific communication and can be eliminated from most ecological articles. The few justified exceptions are articles in which the emphasis is on how taxonomically close species interact trophically.

Comunidades de equinodermos en la región de Tunantal, Golfo de Cariaco, Venezuela / Echinoderms communities in the Tunantal area, Gulf of Cariaco, Venezuela

Resumen Los equinodermos son un grupo importante en la estructura de las comunidades bentónicas, tanto por su diversidad como por su relevancia ecológica, sin embargo los trabajos dirigidos al conocimiento de la presencia, abundancia y distribución espacial de este grupo en venezuela aún son escasos. Se comparó la estructura de las comunidades de equinodermos en diferentes hábitats en la región de Tunantal, Golfo de Cariaco, venezuela. Se realizaron muestreos durante septiembre - octubre de 2010 y febrero - abril 2011 mediante buceos cualitativos y con la utilización de cuadrantes de 1 m2, en zonas someras en ambientes de parches de corales, praderas de Thalassia testudimun, sustrato arenoso, rocoso y la desembocadura del Río Tunantal, identificando y contabilizando los equinodermos presentes. Se determinó la densidad, riqueza y diversidad de Shannon, así como los índices de similitud de Bray-Curtis y Sorensen. Se detectó diferencias en la estructura comunitaria entre los hábitats. La riqueza general de equinodermos se estimó en 40 ± 3.02 especies. Los parches coralinos y sustratos rocosos exhibieron mayor riqueza, abundancia de especies, diversidad de Shannon y equidad que el resto de los hábitats, aunque estos últimos resultaron similares en cuanto a equidad y diversidad de Shannon, se detectaron diferencia en las estructura de las comunidades. En los parches de coral la especie dominante fueron Echinometra viridis, Ophiactis savignyi y Ophiothrix angulata. Mientras que en el ambiente rocoso las especies Echinometra lucunter y Ophiocoma echinata mostraron la mayor frecuencia y abundancia seguido por Ophionereis reticulata. Los otros ambientes de la bahía (praderas de T. testudinum, fondo arenoso y desembocadura del río) mostraron muy baja diversidad y abundancia de equinodermos, en algunos casos con ocurrencias ocasionales. Se propone la heterogeneidad de los sustratos como el principal promotor de las diversidades y estructuración de las comunidades de equinodermos en la zona. Por lo que los corales y sustratos rocosos ofrecen los hábitats a las especies dominantes (E. viridis, E. lucunter y O. echinata), pero las diferencias de los ambientes en cuanto a los sustratos, profundidad y presión por oleaje pueden dar a lugar a estas diferencias en las comunidades. La diversidad general de equinodermos es producto de la presencia de gran variedad de ambientes y de los cambios en composición de especies entre los ambientes.

Abstract Echinoderms are relevant in the structure of marine benthic assemblages, both due their diversity and their ecological niche. However, studies related with occurrence, abundance and patterns of distribution of echinoderms in venezuela are still scarce. In the present study we describe the echinoderms in shallow-waters habitats (corals patches, Thalassia beds, sandy bottom, rocky subtidal shore, and mouth of river) at Tunantal bay, Golfo de Cariaco, venezuela, an area that face threats related with the increase of urban development. Samples were performed during September - October 2010 and February - April 2011, using quantitative (1 m2 plots) and qualitative diving observations. Measurements include density, number of species, evenness, Shannon diversity and similarities between habitats based on Bray-Curtis and Sorensen Indexes. Differences in the structure of echinoderm assemblages were detected between habitats. The overall number of echinoderm species in the area was estimated in 40 ± 3.02. Coral patches and rocky shores showed more species and abundance, evenness and Shannon diversity than others habitats. Although the former habitats are similar in evenness and Shannon diversity, differences in the structure of the assemblages were detected. In coral habitats Echinometra viridis, Ophiactis savignyi and Ophiothrix angulata were the dominants species of the assemblages, meanwhile in rocky shores E. lucunter and Ophiocoma echinata were dominants in abundance followed by Ophionereis reticulata. Other habitats of the bay (Thalassia beds, sandy bottom and mouth of river) showed very low diversity and abundance of echinoderms, in some cases only occasional occurrence. Substrate heterogeneity is proposed as the main driving factor of the diversity and structure of the echinoderms assemblages in the bay. Moreover coral patches and rocky shores offer a substratum to dominant species (E. viridis, E. lucunter and O. echinata), but habitat differences in terms of substratum, depth and wave stress could explain the differences in the echinoderm assemblage. The overall echinoderm diversity is promoted by the differences of habitats in the bay and the changes of species composition between habitats. Rev. Biol. Trop. 63 (Suppl. 2): 195-207. Epub 2015 June 01.

Morcegos (Mammalia: Chiroptera) da região do Médio Rio Teles Pires, Sul da Amazônia, Brasil / Bats (Mammalia: Chiroptera) from the Middle Teles Pires River region, Southern Amazonia, Brazil

Amazonia is the largest tropical rainforest in the world and at least 147 bat species occur in this environment. Despite its richness, the diversity of bat fauna is poorly known for this region and there are large gaps in its knowledge. This study aims to describe the bat assemblage of the Middle Teles Pires River (MTP) region, southern Amazonia. Furthermore, we evaluated the similarity of this assemblage in relation to 14 assemblages studied in other Amazonian localities, and correlations were found between the similarity values among the sites and their geographic distances. Thirty-three bat species were recorded, accounting for 71% of the estimated species richness (Jackknife2). The three species that had the higher relative abundance values were Carollia perspicillata, Pteronotus parnellii and Phyllostomus hastatus, which together accounted for more than 50% of the captures. The frugivore functional group had the highest number of recorded species. A negative correlation was found between the geographic distances and the similarities among the Amazonian bat assemblages (r = -0.22; p = 0.014). Geographic distance could explain only 6% of the similarities among the analyzed assemblages, even though, the similarity found allowed them to be grouped by their distances. Besides, the MTP bat fauna is different from other Amazonian areas, which gives it a special role in the Amazonian bat conservation.

A Amazônia é a maior floresta tropical do mundo e pelo menos 147 espécies de morcegos ocorrem neste ambiente. A despeito desta grande riqueza, a diversidade de morcegos da Amazônia é pobremente conhecida e existem grandes lacunas neste conhecimento. O objetivo do presente trabalho foi descrever a assembleia de morcegos ocorrentes na região do Médio Teles Pires (MTP), no sul da Amazônia. Além disso, avaliou-se a similaridade dessa assembleia em relação a 14 assembleias estudadas em outras localidades amazônicas e avaliou-se a correlação entre as similaridades destas localidades e suas distâncias. Trinta e três espécies de morcegos foram registradas, representando 71% das espécies estimadas (Jackknife2). As três espécies com maior abundância relativa foram:Carollia perspicillata, Pteronotus parnellii e Phyllostomus hastatus que somadas contam com mais de 50% das capturas. O grupo funcional dos frugívoros obteve o maior número de espécies capturadas. Foi encontrada uma correlação negativa entre as distâncias e as similaridades das assembleias de morcegos amazônicos (r = -0,22; p = 0,014). A distância geográfica pode explicar apenas 6% da similaridade entre as assembleias analisadas, ainda assim, as similaridades destas assembleias permitem que as mesmas sejam agrupadas por suas distâncias geográficas. Além disso, a fauna de morcegos do MTP é diferenciada de outras áreas da Amazônia o que lhe confere um papel especial na conservação dos morcegos amazônicos.

Occurrence and Molecular Identification of Giardia duodenalis from Stray Cats in Guangzhou, Southern China

The objective of this study was to genetically characterize isolates of Giardia duodenalis and to determine if zoonotic potential of G. duodenalis could be found in stray cats from urban and suburban environments in Guangzhou, China. Among 102 fresh fecal samples of stray cats, 30 samples were collected in Baiyun district (urban) and 72 in Conghua district (suburban). G. duodenalis specimens were examined using light microscopy, then the positive specimens were subjected to PCR amplification and subsequent sequencing at 4 loci such as glutamate dehydrogenase (gdh), triose phosphate isomerase (tpi), beta-giardin (bg), and small subunit ribosomal RNA (18S rRNA) genes. The phylogenetic trees were constructed using obtained sequences by MEGA5.2 software. Results show that 9.8% (10/102) feline fecal samples were found to be positive by microscopy, 10% (3/30) in Baiyun district and 9.7% (7/72) in Conghua district. Among the 10 positive samples, 9 were single infection (8 isolates, assemblage A; 1 isolate, assemblage F) and 1 sample was mixed infection with assemblages A and C. Based on tpi, gdh, and bg genes, all sequences of assemblage A showed complete homology with AI except for 1 isolate (CHC83). These findings not only confirmed the occurrence of G. duodenalis in stray cats, but also showed that zoonotic assemblage A was found for the first time in stray cats living in urban and suburban environments in China.