Habitat selection by Asiatic black bear (Ursus thibetanus) in Siran and Kaghan Valleys, Pakistan / Seleção de habitat pelo urso-negro asiático (Ursus thibetanus) nos vales Siran e Kaghan, Paquistão

Asiatic black bear is present in variety of habitats like broad-leaves and coniferous forests, extending form sea level to 4300m elevation and change their habitat for food purpose seasonally. The present study was conducted at Kaghan and Siran Valleys, District Mansehra, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan to assess habitat of black bear. Line transect method was used for observation of bear signs. Twelve meter circular radius plots were selected for the concern vegetation’s i.e. (trees, shrubs and herbs) and three to six plots were placed in each transect. At the result of sign survey, thirteen different categories of bear signs were recorded and encounter rate was calculated for each sign. A total of 1858 signs were observed during field surveys. Total (81%) coniferous species were recoded among trees, with the highest appearance of Pinus wallichiana (34.22%) and Spruce spp (27.76%), similarly broad leaves trees (18.56%) were also recoded from habitat plots. Most of the signs were encountered in bushy areas, whereas high number of Viburnum Spp (60.29%) was present. It is indicated that black bear prefers blend of Coniferous Trees, Viburnum and Ferns Species; probably because these plants provide enough food, protection, and meticulous shelter because more than 80% of habitat composed of these three species. Currently habitat destruction and increase in human population are the up-growing issues for wild animals (especially Asiatic black bear), which is highly sensitive to such problems. High levels of conservation efforts are recommended for the protection of black bear habitat and to avoid human interference in their territory.

O urso-negro asiático está presente em uma variedade de habitats, como folhas largas e florestas de coníferas, estendendo-se do nível do mar até 4.300 m de altitude e mudando seu habitat para fins alimentares sazonalmente. O presente estudo foi conduzido nos vales Kaghan e Siran, distrito de Mansehra, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Paquistão, para avaliar o habitat do urso preto. O método de transecto linear foi usado para a observação de sinais do urso. Parcelas de raio circular de 12 m foram selecionadas para a vegetação de preocupação, ou seja, árvores, arbustos e ervas, e 3 a 6 parcelas foram colocadas em cada transecto. No resultado da pesquisa de sinais, 13 categorias diferentes de sinais de urso foram registradas e a taxa de encontro foi calculada para cada sinal. Um total de 1858 sinais foi observado durante os levantamentos de campo. O total (81%) de espécies de coníferas foi recodificado entre as árvores, com maior aparecimento de Pinus wallichiana (34,22%) e Spruce spp (27,76%); árvores de folhas largas (18,56%) também foram recodificadas em parcelas de habitat. A maioria dos sinais foi encontrada em áreas com arbustos, enquanto um alto número de Viburnum spp (60,29%) estava presente. É indicado que o urso-negro prefere a mistura de árvores coníferas, espécies de viburnos e samambaias; provavelmente porque essas plantas fornecem alimento suficiente, proteção e abrigo meticuloso porque mais de 80% do habitat é composto por essas três espécies. Atualmente, a destruição do habitat e o aumento da população humana são questões crescentes para os animais selvagens, especialmente o urso-negro asiático, que é altamente sensível a esses problemas. Altos níveis de esforços de conservação são recomendados para a proteção do habitat do urso-negro e para evitar a interferência humana em seu território.

Habitat selection by Asiatic black bear (Ursus thibetanus) in Siran and Kaghan Valleys, Pakistan

Abstract Asiatic black bear is present in variety of habitats like broad-leaves and coniferous forests, extending form sea level to 4300m elevation and change their habitat for food purpose seasonally. The present study was conducted at Kaghan and Siran Valleys, District Mansehra, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan to assess habitat of black bear. Line transect method was used for observation of bear signs. Twelve meter circular radius plots were selected for the concern vegetations i.e. (trees, shrubs and herbs) and three to six plots were placed in each transect. At the result of sign survey, thirteen different categories of bear signs were recorded and encounter rate was calculated for each sign. A total of 1858 signs were observed during field surveys. Total (81%) coniferous species were recoded among trees, with the highest appearance of Pinus wallichiana (34.22%) and Spruce spp (27.76%), similarly broad leaves trees (18.56%) were also recoded from habitat plots. Most of the signs were encountered in bushy areas, whereas high number of Viburnum Spp (60.29%) was present. It is indicated that black bear prefers blend of Coniferous Trees, Viburnum and Ferns Species; probably because these plants provide enough food, protection, and meticulous shelter because more than 80% of habitat composed of these three species. Currently habitat destruction and increase in human population are the up-growing issues for wild animals (especially Asiatic black bear), which is highly sensitive to such problems. High levels of conservation efforts are recommended for the protection of black bear habitat and to avoid human interference in their territory.

Resumo O urso-negro asiático está presente em uma variedade de habitats, como folhas largas e florestas de coníferas, estendendo-se do nível do mar até 4.300 m de altitude e mudando seu habitat para fins alimentares sazonalmente. O presente estudo foi conduzido nos vales Kaghan e Siran, distrito de Mansehra, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Paquistão, para avaliar o habitat do urso preto. O método de transecto linear foi usado para a observação de sinais do urso. Parcelas de raio circular de 12 m foram selecionadas para a vegetação de preocupação, ou seja, árvores, arbustos e ervas, e 3 a 6 parcelas foram colocadas em cada transecto. No resultado da pesquisa de sinais, 13 categorias diferentes de sinais de urso foram registradas e a taxa de encontro foi calculada para cada sinal. Um total de 1858 sinais foi observado durante os levantamentos de campo. O total (81%) de espécies de coníferas foi recodificado entre as árvores, com maior aparecimento de Pinus wallichiana (34,22%) e Spruce spp (27,76%); árvores de folhas largas (18,56%) também foram recodificadas em parcelas de habitat. A maioria dos sinais foi encontrada em áreas com arbustos, enquanto um alto número de Viburnum spp (60,29%) estava presente. É indicado que o urso-negro prefere a mistura de árvores coníferas, espécies de viburnos e samambaias; provavelmente porque essas plantas fornecem alimento suficiente, proteção e abrigo meticuloso porque mais de 80% do habitat é composto por essas três espécies. Atualmente, a destruição do habitat e o aumento da população humana são questões crescentes para os animais selvagens, especialmente o urso-negro asiático, que é altamente sensível a esses problemas. Altos níveis de esforços de conservação são recomendados para a proteção do habitat do urso-negro e para evitar a interferência humana em seu território.

Mammals in São Paulo State: diversity, distribution, ecology, and conservation / Mamíferos do Estado de São Paulo: diversidade, distribuição, ecologia e conservação

Abstract Mammals are charismatic organisms that play a fundamental role in ecological functions and ecosystem services, such as pollination, seed dispersal, nutrient cycling, and pest control. The state of São Paulo represents only 3% of the Brazilian territory but holds 33% of its mammalian diversity. Most of its territory is dominated by agriculture, pastures, and urban areas which directly affect the diversity and persistence of mammals in the landscape. In addition, São Paulo has the largest port in Latin America and the largest offshore oil reservoir in Brazil, with a 600 km stretch of coastline with several marine mammal species. These human-made infrastructures affect the diversity, distribution, ecology, and the future of mammals in the state. Here, we answer five main questions: 1) What is the diversity of wild mammals in São Paulo state? 2) Where are they? 3) What is their positive and negative impact on human well-being? 4) How do mammals thrive in human-modified landscapes? 5) What is the future of mammals in the state? The state of São Paulo holds 255 species of native mammals, with four endemic species, two of them globally endangered. At least six species (two marsupials, Giant otter, Pampas deer, Brazilian dwarf brocket deer, and Giant armadillo) were extirpated from the state due to hunting and habitat loss. The intense human land use in the state forced many mammalian species to change their diet to cope with the intense fragmentation and agriculture. Large-scale monoculture has facilitated the invasion of exotic species such as wild boars (javali) and the European hare. Several "savanna-dwelling" species are expanding their ranges (Maned wolf, Brocket deer) over deforested areas and probably reflect changes towards a drier climate. Because the state has the largest road system, about 40,000 mammals from 33 species are killed per year in collisions causing an economic loss of 12 million dollars/year. The diversity of mammals is concentrated in the largest forest remnants of Serra do Mar and in the interior of the State, mainly in the regions of Ribeirão Preto and Jundiaí. Sampling gaps are concentrated throughout the interior of the state, particularly in the northwest region. Wild mammals play a fundamental role in many ecosystem services, but they can also be a concern in bringing new emergent diseases to humans. Although the taxonomy of mammals seems to be well known, we show that new species are continuously being discovered in the state. Therefore, continuous surveys using traditional and new technologies (eDNA, iDNA, drones), long-term population monitoring, investigation of the interface of human-wildlife conflict, and understanding of the unique ecosystem role played by mammals are future avenues for promoting sustainable green landscapes allied to human well-being in the state. The planting of forest or savanna corridors, particularly along with major river systems, in the plateau, controlling illegal hunting in the coastal areas, managing fire regimes in the Cerrado, and mitigating roadkill must be prioritized to protect this outstanding mammal diversity.

Resumo Os mamíferos são organismos carismáticos que desempenham um papel fundamental na função ecológica e nos serviços ecossistêmicos, como polinização, dispersão de sementes, ciclagem de nutrientes e controle de pragas. O Estado de São Paulo representa apenas 3% do território brasileiro, mas detém 33% da diversidade de mamíferos. A maior parte de seu território é dominado pela agricultura, pastagens e áreas urbanas que afetam diretamente a diversidade e a persistência dos mamíferos na paisagem. Além disso, São Paulo possui o maior porto da América Latina e o maior reservatório de petróleo costeiro do Brasil, com 600 km de extensão de litoral com diversas espécies de mamíferos marinhos. Essas infraestruturas afetam a diversidade, distribuição, ecologia e o futuro dos mamíferos no estado. Aqui, respondemos cinco perguntas principais: 1) Qual é a diversidade de mamíferos silvestres no Estado de São Paulo? 2) Onde eles ocorrem? 3) Qual é o seu impacto positivo e negativo no bem-estar humano? 4) Como os mamíferos persistem em paisagens modificadas pelo homem? 5) Qual é o futuro dos mamíferos no estado? O estado de São Paulo possui 255 espécies de mamíferos nativos, com quatro espécies endêmicas, duas delas globalmente ameaçadas de extinção. Pelo menos seis espécies (dois marsupiais, ariranha, veado-campeiro, veado-cambuta e tatu-canastra) foram extirpadas do estado devido à caça e perda de habitat. O intenso uso humano da terra no estado forçou muitas espécies de mamíferos a mudar sua dieta para lidar com a intensa fragmentação e agricultura. A monocultura em larga escala facilitou a invasão de espécies exóticas, como porcos selvagens (javaporco) e a lebre europeia. Várias espécies de áreas abertas estão expandindo suas áreas de distribuição (lobo-guará, veado-catingueiro) sobre áreas desmatadas e provavelmente refletem mudanças em direção a um clima mais seco. Como o estado possui o maior sistema rodoviário do Brasil, cerca de 40 mil mamíferos de 33 espécies são mortos por ano em colisões, causando um prejuízo econômico de 12 milhões de dólares/ano. A diversidade de mamíferos está concentrada nos maiores remanescentes florestais da Serra do Mar e no interior do Estado, principalmente nas regiões de Ribeirão Preto e Jundiaí. As lacunas amostrais estão concentradas em todo o interior do estado, principalmente na região noroeste. Os mamíferos silvestres desempenham um papel fundamental em muitos serviços ecossistêmicos, mas também podem ser uma preocupação em trazer novas doenças emergentes para as populações humanas. Embora a taxonomia de mamíferos pareça ser bem conhecida, mostramos que novas espécies estão sendo continuamente descobertas no estado. Portanto, pesquisas usando tecnologias tradicionais e novas (eDNA, iDNA, drones), monitoramento populacional de longo prazo, a investigação da interface do conflito homem-vida selvagem e a compreensão do papel único no ecossistema desempenhado pelos mamíferos são um caminho futuro para promover uma paisagem verde sustentável aliada ao bem-estar humano no estado. O plantio de corredores florestais ou de cerrado, principalmente junto aos principais sistemas fluviais, no planalto, o controle da caça ilegal nas áreas costeiras, o manejo dos regimes de fogo no Cerrado e a mitigação dos atropelamentos devem ser uma prioridade para proteger essa notável diversidade de mamíferos.

Common opossum population density in an agroforestry system in Bolivia

The common opossum, Didelphis marsupialis thrives near human settlements. Understanding its ecology could help planning management decisions about this species, especially in anthropogenic landscapes. Yet, there are no density estimations for this species throughout its distribution range in Bolivia. We estimated the density of D. marsupialis in a rural agricultural community, where agroforestry plantations and fallows cover most of the land. We counted individuals in line transects and used DISTANCE software to calculate density. We covered a total of 70.21 km in 143 night counts, obtaining 38 records of D. marsupialis. We estimated a density of 0.30 individuals ha-1 (SE = 0.062; range: 0.20 - 0.45 individuals ha-1), with a mean encounter rate of 0.54 individuals km-1. Encounter rate varied between habitats, with mean values of 0.20 in secondary forests and 0.64 in agroforestry plantations. Our density estimate is near the lower range of previously reported values for the common opossum in other countries. We argue that our results may reflect the response to the availability of food resources and predation pressure in agroforestry plantations. (AU)

Mammals recorded in isolated remnants of Atlantic Forest in southern Goiás, Brazil / Mamíferos registrados em áreas isoladas de Mata Atlântica no sudoeste de Goiás

Abstract: Habitat fragmentation is one of the principal causes of the decline of species worldwide, and the Brazilian Atlantic Forest and Cerrado savanna biomes are among the most severely affected by this process. While highly fragmented, remnants of Atlantic Forest can still be found within the Cerrado domain of southern Goiás, where previous studies have revealed high levels of biodiversity. To inventory the mammalian species that occur in the region, two fragments of semideciduous Atlantic Forest were sampled between 2011 and 2016, using line transect surveys and camera trapping. A total of 1016 records were obtained of 30 mammal species, of which eleven are under some threat of extinction. The species richness recorded on this study was similar to or higher than the values reported from other areas of Goiás, which reinforces the importance of the maintenance of these remnants, located in private properties, for the conservation of the region's mammals.

Resumo: A fragmentação de hábitat é uma das principais causas do declínio das espécies e tanto a Mata Atlântica quanto o Cerrado são considerados um dos biomas mais afetados do mundo. As regiões sul e sudoeste de Goiás são intensamente fragmentadas, mas ainda abrigam alguns dos últimos remanescentes relictuais de Mata Atlântica dentro do domínio do Cerrado e estudos prévios revelaram uma alta biodiversidade. Com o objetivo de elaborar a lista de espécies de mamíferos que ocorrem para a região, dois fragmentos de florestas semideciduais da Mata Atlântica foram amostrados entre 2011 a 2016, através de transecções lineares e armadilhas fotográficas. Foram obtidos um total de 1.016 registros de 30 espécies de mamíferos, das quais onze estão ameaçadas de extinção. A alta riqueza registrada foi similar ou maior ao de outras áreas no Estado e reforça a importância da manutenção desses remanescentes localizados em propriedades particulares para a conservação das espécies.

Population density and primate conservation in the Noroeste Biosphere Reserve, Tumbes, Peru / Densidad poblacional y conservación de los primates de la Reserva de Biosfera del Noroeste, Tumbes, Perú

The Noroeste Biosphere Reserve (NBR) is home to at least 22 species of medium and large mammals including the primates Alouatta palliata aequatorialis and Cebus albifrons aequatorialis. Previous estimates of A. p. aequatorialis population density vary from 2.3-8.6 ind/km² in 1983 to 17-19 ind/km² in 2005 and 2006, respectively. While for C. a. aequatorialis there are no estimates of population density in the NBR. In order to calculate the population density estimates for both species we installed six transects in 10.5 km² within the Cerros de Amotape National Park (belonging to the NBR) from August 2012 to March 2013. Based on 112.3 km of transects we obtained a population density of 8.3 ± 3.6 ind/km² for A. p. aequatorialis. However, for the reduced number of Cebus albifrons aequatorialis sightings we were only able to calculate a group size from three to 12 individuals and an encounter rate of 0.3 ind/km. Even though A. p. aequatorialis has potentially increased in population density, it is not feasible to make comparisons with previous estimates in the same area because of the different employed methodologies and the lack of randomness in the data collection. We recommend a long-term monitoring plan, including C. a. aequatorialis which makes it a conservation priority for the NBR, this monitoring plan should include mitigation of potential threats such as illegal hunting and trapping for the pet trade.

La Reserva de Biósfera del Noroeste (RBN) alberga por lo menos 22 especies de mamíferos medianos y grandes entre las cuales se encuentran los primates Alouatta palliata aequatorialis y Cebus albifrons aequatorialis. Los estimados previos de la densidad poblacional de A. p. aequatorialis varían de 2.3‒8.6 ind/km² en 1983 a 17‒19 ind/km² en 2005 y 2006, respectivamente. Mientras que para C. a. aequatorialis no existen estimados poblacionales para la RBN. Para calcular la densidad poblacional de estas dos especies instalamos seis transectos lineales en 10.5 km² dentro del Parque Nacional Cerros de Amotape (perteneciente a la RBN) de agosto del 2012 a marzo del 2013. En base a 112.3 km de transectos se obtuvo una densidad poblacional de 8.3 ± 3.6 ind/km² para A. p. aequatorialis; sin embargo, por el reducido número de avistamientos de Cebus albifrons aequatorialis solo se pudo calcular el tamaño de grupo que varió de tres a 12 individuos y la tasa de encuentro de 0.3 ind/km. A pesar que la población del A. p. aequatorialis aparentemente ha aumentado, no es factible hacer comparaciones con los estimados anteriores debido a las diferentes metodologías empleadas y a la falta de aleatoriedad en la toma de datos. Recomendamos un plan de monitoreo a largo plazo, que incluya a C. a. aequatorialis como objeto y prioridad de conservación para la RBN, el cual debería incluir la mitigación de posibles amenazas como caza y captura para comercio de mascotas.

New mammalian records in the Parque Nacional Cerros de Amotape, northwestern Peru

The Pacific Tropical Rainforest and Equatorial Dry Forest are found only in southern Ecuador and northern Peru, and are among the most poorly known ecosystems of South America. Even though these forests are protected in Parque Nacional Cerros de Amotape (PNCA), they are threatened by fragmentation because of farming and agriculture. The aim of this study was to determine the medium and large mammalian species richness, using transect census, camera trapping, and specimen bone collection. Nine transects were established and 21 camera trap stations were placed along 16 km² in three localities of PNCA, from August 2012 to April 2013. Total sampling effort was 215 km of transects and 4077 camera-days. We documented 22 species; including 17 with camera trapping, 11 with transect census, and 10 with specimen collection. Camera traps were the most effective method, and four species (Dasyprocta punctata, Cuniculus paca, Leopardus wiedii and Puma concolor) were documented only with this method. This comprised the first Peruvian record for Dasyprocta punctata, and the first record for the western slope of the Peruvian Andes for Cuniculus paca. Also, both specimen collections and sightings confirm the presence of Potos flavus, first record in the western slope of the Peruvian Andes. Panthera onca, Tremarctos ornatus and Saimiri sciureus are considered locally extinct, while several species are in need of further research. We highlight the importance of the high diversity of this rainforests and encourage local authorities to give the area the highest priority in conservation.

El Bosque Tropical de Pacífico y el Bosque Seco Ecuatorial, solo se encuentran desde el Sur de Ecuador hasta el Norte de Perú y están dentro de los ecosistemas más pobremente estudiados de Sudamérica. A pesar que estos bosques se encuentran protegidos dentro del Parque Nacional Cerros de Amotape (PNCA), están amenazados por fragmentación de hábitat debido a la agricultura y la ganadería. El objetivo de esta investigación fue determinar la riqueza de mamíferos medianos y grandes utilizando censos por transecto, cámaras trampa y colecta de especímenes. Se establecieron nueve transectos y se colocaron 21 estaciones con cámaras trampa en tres localidades del PNCA (16 km²) de agosto del 2012 a abril del 2013. El esfuerzo de muestreo acumulado fue 215 km de censos por transecto y 4077 cámara-días. Registramos 22 especies de mamíferos, 17 registradas con cámaras trampa, 11 con censos por transecto y diez con colecta de especímenes. El uso de cámaras trampa fue el método más efectivo y cuatro especies (Dasyprocta punctata, Cuniculus paca, Leopardus wiedii y Puma concolor) fueron registradas únicamente con este método. El registro de Dasyprocta punctata, es el primero para Perú y Cuniculus paca, el primer registro para la vertiente occidental de los Andes peruanos. Además, con avistamientos y colecta de especímenes se confirmó la presencia de Potos flavus para el PNCA siendo también el primer registro para la vertiente occidental de los Andes peruanos. A Panthera onca, Tremarctos ornatus y Saimiri sciureus se les considera localmente extintos, mientras que varias especies más necesitan mayor investigación para confirmar su presencia. Se resalta la importancia y alta diversidad de estos bosques y se recomienda a las autoridades locales darle prioridad en conservación.

Diversidade de mamíferos de médio e grande porte da região do rio Urucu, Amazonas, Brasil / Diversity of medium and large sized mammals in the Urucu basin, Amazonas, Brazil

Entre abril de 2008 e maio de 2009 foram realizadas expedições para o estudo sobre a riqueza, a composição e a abundância relativa dos mamíferos de médio e grande porte na região do rio Urucu (Amazonas, Brasil). Foram empregados três métodos de amostragem: censo por transecção linear, busca ativa por vestígios e armadilhas fotográficas. No total foram registradas 41 espécies de mamíferos pertencentes a 17 famílias e oito ordens. As ordens com maior riqueza foram Primates, com 13 espécies registradas, e Carnivora, com 11 espécies registradas. Entre os grupos mais abundantes se destacaram as ordens Primates, Perissodactyla, Artiodactyla e Rodentia. A alta diversidade de espécies de mamíferos de médio e grande porte encontrada em Urucu reforça a importância desta região para a conservação da mastofauna amazônica.

Between April 2008 and May 2009, studies on the species richness, composition and relative abundance of the medium and large sized mammals were carried out in the Urucu basin (Brazilian Amazon). The survey was conducted using line transect sampling method, active search for signs and camera-traps. A total of 41 species of 17 families and eight orders were recorded. Primates was the group with the highest species richness in sympatry (13 species), followed by carnivores (11 species). Primates, Perissodactyla, Artiodactyla and Rodentia were the most abundant groups. The high diversity of medium and large sized mammals presented here indicates the importance of the region for mammals conservation in Amazonia.

Factores que influyen en la distribución de nidos de la hormiga Argentina Linepithema humile Mayr (Hymenoptera: Formicidae), en un ecosistema precordillerano de la zona central de Chile / Factors influencing the distribution of nests of the Argentine ant Linepithema humile Mayr (hymenoptera: formicidae), in a foothills ecosystem of the central zone of Chile

The purpose of this research was to demonstrate the dependant relationship between the Argentine ant Linepithema humile Mayr, plant coverage, and human settlements. A method was designed in order to sample the presence of the Argentine ant and other ant species that may had influenced L. humile distribution, under different types of vegetation and percentages of plant coverage, taking in consideration the distance from human settlements. Eight sample stations were established. Four of these stations were found on a dwelling home and the other four were found on similar areas, but far from human settlements. Three transects were established from the center of each sampling station (Tt1, shrublike vegetation, Tt2, herblike vegetation and Tt3, no vegetation). Transects were compound by 10 m side quadrants. A negative correlation was found between nest number of L. humile and human settlement distance, therefore nests were not found at distances higher than 80 m, in all studied areas. There was a positive and significant correlation between nest number of L. humile and plant coverage percentage, regardless the type of vegetation found. The same trend was found for other ant species studied in the area. Finally, it was proved that the distribution of L. humile nests is not influenced by other ant species.

Composição e diversidade de mamíferos de médio e grande porte no Cerrado do Brasil central / Composition and diversity of medium and large size mammals in the Cerrado of central Brazil

Composição e diversidade de mamíferos de médio e grande porte no Cerrado do Brasil central. Estudos com mamíferos de médio e grande porte (>1,0 kg) em áreas alteradas no Cerrado revelam que muitas espécies se adaptam aos ambientes antropizados. Foi investigada a estrutura da comunidade de mamíferos em uma área de 92.000 ha localizada no sudoeste baiano e constituída por plantios de Pinus spp., soja e faixas de cerrado sentido restrito. Os mamíferos foram registrados ao longo de nove campanhas de 12 dias, entre janeiro/2008 e maio/2009, no período diurno e noturno através de transectos lineares variando entre 5-15 km de extensão e que totalizaram 3.600 km percorridos/período. Foram registradas 29 espécies, sendo 23 através dos transectos lineares e as demais por observação indireta, captura e registros pretéritos. A comunidade é constituída em sua maioria por representantes da ordem Carnivora (41,4 por cento) e espécies onívoras (36,7 por cento), sendo Lycalopex vetulus a única espécie endêmica do Cerrado registrada na área. Apenas 13,6 por cento das espécies foram frequentes em todas as campanhas (Ozotoceros bezoarticus, Pecari tajacu e Tolypeutes tricinctus) e sete delas correspondem a 91,73 por cento dos registros realizados. O tatu-bola (T. tricinctus) representou o maior número de registros (23,76 por cento) e provavelmente a área de estudo abriga a maior população dessa espécie ameaçada no bioma, destacando a importância em evitar que as áreas de vegetação nativa sejam substituídas por monoculturas e reflorestamento. Muitas das espécies registradas são generalistas no uso do habitat e amplamente distribuídas pelo bioma, ocorrendo inclusive em ambientes alterados. Considera-se que a manutenção da diversidade observada na área é decorrente de sua grande extensão e do mosaico de ambientes que proporcionam uma maior variedade e diversidade de recursos, como abrigo e alimento, possibilitando inclusive a presença de espécies com baixas densidades e especialistas na dieta e habitat.

Composition and diversity of medium and large size mammals in the Cerrado of central Brazil. Studies about medium- and large sized mammals (> 1.0 kg) in disturbed areas in the Cerrado showed that many species are adapted to anthropogenic environments. We investigated the structure of mammals assemblages in an area of 92,000 ha located in southwest of Bahia and covered by plantations of Pinus spp., soybeans and conserved strips of cerrado sensu stricto. The mammals were recorded in nine sampling campaigns of 12 days between January/2008 and May/2009 in diurnal and nocturnal transects that varied 5-15 km in length per campaigns totaling 3,600 km traveled/period. In this area 29 species were recorded, 23 through the line transect and others outside transect by indirect observation, capture and previous records. The mammal community consists mostly of representatives of the Carnivora (41.4 percent) and omnivore species (36.7 percent). The only endemic species of Cerrado recorded in the area was hoary fox, Lycalopex vetulus. Only 13.6 percent of species were present in all sampling (Ozotoceros bezoarticus, Pecari tajacu and Tolypeutes tricinctus) and seven of which correspond to 91.73 percent of the records made. The species that had largest number of records (23.76 percent) is three-banded armadillo (T. tricinctus), probably this area holds the largest population of this endangered species in biome, highlighting the importance of avoiding areas of native vegetation are replaced by monocultures and reforestation. Many of the species recorded are generalists in habitat use and widely distributed throughout the biome, occurring even in disturbed habitats. The maintaining of observed diversity in this area is due to its large size and the mosaic of environments that provide a greater variety and diversity of resources such as shelter and food, allowing also the presence of species with low densities and specialists in the diet and habitat.

Presence of insectivorous birds in the forest area of Istanbul University, Turkey.

Facilitation insectivorous birds life which is among the significant predators of insects in the forest is extremely important in terms of maintaining an intact natural ecosystem, biological variety and biological fight against over-reproducing harmful insects. The aim of our study is to conduct a preliminary search of insectivorous birds living in the research forest. Observation and field studies were conducted between January–December 2002 . Transect observation and counting methods were applied in the simplest way to observe the birds during the research. Aim of the count is to separate the bird species into ordinal categories of their abundance. As a result of this study 47 of 88 bird species found in research area are insectivorous bird species. They belong to 19 families. When encounter rates of insectivorous birds are considered, one of them is common, nine of them are frequent, thirty six of them are uncommon and one species is rare.

Study on the relationship of working family conflict and result varience in Wanzhou district of Chongqing / 中国实用护理杂志

Objective To tudy the relationship of working family conflict and working pressure, symptom, working satisfaction, job burnout, and working achievement in Wanzhou district of Chongqing. Methods 1094 nurses were randomly surveyed in this study. Nursing woking family conflict scale, working pressure scale, symptom, working satisfaction scale, job burnout, and working achievement-related data were collected from clinical nursing units. Results High working family conflict had been ob-served in nurses of Wanzhou district of Chongqing. Nurses individual health had been greatly influenced by working family con-filct, which not influencing working achievement. Conclusions It is important to keep individual mental health through relieving job family conflict and taking more care for nurse population in family conflict.

The line transect method for estimating densities of large mammals in a tropical deciduous forest: An evaluation of models and field experiments.

We have evaluated techniques of estimating animal density through direct counts using line transects during 1988-92 in the tropical deciduous forests of Mudumalui Sanctuary in southern India for four species of large herbivorous mammals, namely, chital (Axis axis). sambar (Cervus unicolor). Asian elephant (Elephas maximus) and gaur (Bos gaurus) Density estimates derived from the Fourier Series and the Half-Normal models consistently had the lowest coefficient of variation. These two models also generated similar mean density estimates. For the Fourier Series estimator, appropriate cut-off widths for analyzing line transect data for the four species are suggested. Grouping data into various distance classes did not produce any appreciable differences in estimates of mean density or their variances, although model fit is generally better when data arc placed in fewer groups. The sampling effort needed to achieve a desired precision (coefficient of variation) in the density estimate is derived. A sampling effort of 800 km of transects returned a 10% coefficient of variation on estimate for ehital; for the other species a higher effort was needed to achieve this level of precision. There was no statistically significant relationship between detectability of a group and the size of the group for any species. Density estimates along roads were generally significantly different from those in the interior of the forest, indicating that road-side counts many not be appropriate for most species.