A new interaction in an invasive plant in Brazil: Horismenus abnormicaulis (Hymenoptera, Eulophidae) parasitizing Acanthoscelides macrophthalmus (Coleoptera, Chrysomelidae, Bruchinae) in seeds pods of Leucaena leucocephala (Fabaceae)

ABSTRACT The parasitism of Acanthoscelides macrophthalmus (Coleoptera, Chrysomelidae, Bruchinae) by the parasitoid Horismenus abnormicaulis (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) is described for the first time. We harvested 90 Leucaena leucocephala (Fabaceae, Mimosoideae) fruit pods, in June 2019 on the campus of the Federal University of Lavras in the municipality of Lavras, Minas Gerais, Brazil. We found 21 individuals of H. abnormicaulis and 334 of A. macrophthalmus. The presence of cephalic capsule of beetle's pupa and evidence of predation into seed pods from which the wasps emerged suggested H. abnormicaulis is a parasitoid of A. macrophthalmus. Horismenus abnormicaulis has been added to the list of A. macrophthalmus parasitoids, and its occurrence has been expanded to the state of Minas Gerais. This discovery expands our knowledge of H. abnormicaulis biology and distribution in Brazil, as well as the tri-trophic interaction, plant-herbivore-parasitoid in invasive plant systems.

Trabajos originales Mamíferos pequeños de humedales de la costa central del Perú / Small mammals from central Peruvian coast wetlands

Resumen Los humedales son ecosistemas frágiles e importantes que, a pesar de su gran biodiversidad, se conoce poco sobre la diversidad de mamíferos. Por ello, en este estudio se documenta la diversidad y abundancia de los mamíferos pequeños de cuatro humedales de la costa central peruana: Albufera de Medio Mundo, Refugio de vida silvestre Pantanos de Villa, Ensenada San Antonio y Caucato. Se realizó una evaluación convencional con trampas y redes, complementada con el método acústico. El esfuerzo de muestreo fue de 4651 trampas/noche, 145 redes/noche y 48 horas/detector. Registramos 5 especies nativas de roedores, 3 roedores introducidos, 12 murciélagos y un marsupial. El roedor Akodon mollis y los murciélagos Nyctinomops laticaudatus y N. macrotis son primeros registros para el departamento de Lima. El cuy silvestre se distribuye en el centro y sur de la costa y confirmamos la presencia del marsupial Didelphis pernigra a nivel del mar. La mayoría de los humedales están fuertemente impactados por la alta abundancia relativa de roedores introducidos, especialmente de Mus musculus y Rattus rattus. La diversidad β fue moderada a pesar de la relativa cercanía entre los humedales. Resaltamos la alta diversidad de mamíferos pequeños nativos en los humedales y alertamos sobre el impacto que los roedores introducidos pueden producir sobre la sobrevivencia de las demás especies. Además, hipotetizamos que la fauna nativa aquí reportada estuvo presente en la región de Lima al menos todo el periodo republicano. Estos humedales requieren protección continua, monitoreo e implementación de medidas de restauración para asegurar la conservación de su biota.

Abstract Wetlands are fragile, unique and important ecosystems that harbour great biodiversity. However, mammalian diversity in wetlands along the Peruvian coast is poorly known. We present data on the diversity and abundance of small mammals from four wetlands located on the central Peruvian coast: Albufera de Medio Mundo, Pantanos de Villa Wildlife Refuge, Ensenada San Antonio, and Caucato. We used conventional traps to survey rodents and mist nets combined with acoustic recording methods to survey bats. Our sampling effort totalled 4651 traps/night, 145 nets/night, and 48 hours/detector. We recorded 5 native species of rodents, 3 non-native rodents, 12 species of bats, and one marsupial. The rodent Akodon mollis and the bats Nyctinomops laticaudatus and N. macrotis are the first records for the department of Lima. The wild guinea pig is distributed along the central and southern Peruvian coast, and the presence of the Andean White-eared Opossum, Didelphis pernigra, at sea level is confirmed. The majority of wetlands we surveyed are highly impacted by non-native species, notably Mus musculus and Rattus rattus which have a high relative abundance in Pantanos de Villa and Caucato. β diversity among the four wetlands is moderate despite the relatively short distance between them. We highlight the high diversity of small native mammals in coastal wetlands and warn about the harmful impact the high relative abundance of introduced rodents can produce on the survival of native species. Furthermore, we hypothesized that native fauna reported here was present in Lima region at least throughout the Republican period. These wetlands require continuous protection, monitoring and implementation of restoration measures to ensure the conservation of their biota.

Cercyon Leach, 1817 (Coleoptera: Hydrophilidae: Sphaeridiinae) from Brazil: new species and records

Abstract The study of ca. 280 specimens of Cercyon Leach, 1817 (Hydrophilidae: Sphaeridiinae: Megasternini) deposited in the Coleção Entomológica Pe. J.S. Moure, Universidade Federal do Paraná, Brazil, revealed a new species from Atlantic Rain Forest biome in Paraná State (Southern Brazil) and new records. Cercyon (Cercyon) curi sp. nov. is herein described and illustrated, belonging to the Neotropical C. variegatus species group. Cercyon (Cercyon) nigriceps (Marsham, 1802) is recorded for the first time in Paraná State, and Cercyon (Cercyon) inquinatus Wollaston, 1854 from Amazonas State (Northern Region); these records extend the distributional range of both species in Brazil. Cercyon (Cercyon) praetextatus (Say, 1825) is recorded for the first time from Brazil based on specimens collected in Paraná. Those three species were previously recorded as introduced in South America.

A capture of a lesser bandicoot rat Bandicota bengalensis (Rodentia, Muridae) at Callao Port, Perú: anecdotal record or potential invasive alien species? / Captura de una rata bandicota menor Bandicota bengalensis (Rodentia, Muridae) en el puerto de Callao, Perú: ¿registro anecdótico o especie exótica invasora?

The Lesser bandicoot rat Bandicota bengalensis (Gray and Hardwicke, 1833) is a murid rodent distributed mostly in Asia that can cause substantial negative economic impact in urban and rural areas. Until now, the species has been mostly restricted to the Asian region; and no specimen has been captured or reported as a stowaway arriving to an American port. Here, I report on one specimen captured in Callao's maritime port, Peru, during sanitary inspection surveillance, identified based on external and cranial characteristics, and similar meristic reported values. This finding shows the potential threat of this species as an invasive alien species and highlights the need for strengthening invasive species protocols on ships.

La rata bandicota menor Bandicota bengalensis (Gray & Hardwicke, 1833) es un roedor múrido distribuido principalmente en Asia que puede causar un impacto económico negativo sustancial en las zonas urbanas y rurales. Hasta ahora, la especie se ha restringido principalmente a la región asiática y ningún espécimen ha sido capturado o reportado como polizón en un puerto americano. Aquí, reporto un espécimen capturado en el puerto marítimo del Callao, Perú, durante una inspección sanitaria, identificado en base a características externas y craneales, y valores morfométricos similares. Este hallazgo muestra la amenaza potencial de esta especie como especie exótica invasora y destaca la necesidad de fortalecer los protocolos de especies invasoras en los barcos.

Uncovering the spatial pattern of invasion of the honeybee pest small hive beetle, Aethina tumida, in Italy

ABSTRACT The fast tracking of invasion spatial patterns of alien species is crucial for the implementation of preventive and management strategies of those species. Recently, a honeybee pest, the small hive beetle Aethina tumida (hereafter SHB), has been reported in Italy, where it colonized more than 50 apiaries in an area of about 300 km2. SHB is a nest parasite and scavenger of honeybee colonies native of Sub-Saharian Africa. Likely being helped by the globalization of apiculture, SHB underwent several invasions in the last twenty years, causing locally relevant economic impact. While many features of its biology have been addressed, an important knowledge gap concerns the spatial invasion dynamics in invaded areas. In this paper we coupled two spatial analysis techniques (geographic profiling and a density-based spatial clustering algorithm) to uncover the possible invasion pattern of SHB in Italy. We identified the port town of Gioia Tauro as the most likely point from which SHB may have spread and suggested the possible successive axes of diffusion. These putative diffusion paths suggest that the SHB spread in south Italy might have been due to a mix of natural dispersal between close apiaries and longer distance movement through faster, likely human-mediated, communication routes.

Ecology of the non-native snail Sinotaia cf quadrata (Caenogastropoda: Viviparidae). A study in a lowland stream of South America with different water qualities

ABSTRACT Sinotaia quadrata is a snail native from Asia recorded for the first time in South America in 2009 in central Argentina. In 2015, this species was also found in a lowland stream with different water qualities. Our aims were to contribute to the knowledge of its population ecology and to compare the individuals from the two locations anatomically. Snails were searched at 6 sites, where physicochemical and hydraulic parameters were measured. Biological samples were also taken at two sites (S3 and S4) to study the population traits of S. cf quadrata (density, size structure, fecundity and sex ratio) and to assess the water quality through macroinvertebrates' biological indices (richness, diversity and IBPamp). Physicochemical and biological parameters allowed us classifying sites as "moderately polluted" (S3) and "heavily polluted" (S4). At S4, the population showed a lower density, larger individuals, higher fecundity and a scarce representation of young snails. The differences observed in the radula and mantle border of snails from the two geographical regions might be attributed to environmental differences. We conclude that this species is tolerant to a wide range of environmental variables which, along with its high fecundity and morphological plasticity, could allow this species to colonize neighbor streams.

Naturalization of the bodhi fig tree (Ficus religiosa L. - Moraceae) in Brazil / Naturalização da figueira-dos-pagodes (Ficus religiosa L. - Moraceae) no Brasil

Ficus religiosa L. is one of the most valued cultivated ornamental fig trees. Native to Asia, it is known as Bodhi tree. Since fig trees are involved in a highly species-specific pollination mutualism with agaonid wasps, exotic fig species usually fail to produce seeds due to the lack of the specific pollinating wasps. Since 2005 we have been observing plantlets of F. religiosa growing on buildings in Rio de Janeiro city, Brazil, showing that this species was hosting pollinating wasps and, consequently, undertaking sexual reproduction outside its native range. We observed that Platyscapa quadraticeps Mayr, 1885, the original pollinator in Asia, was occurring in figs of F. religiosa in Brazil. Considering that several non-pollinating fig wasp species are associated with F. religiosa in its native areas, novel occurrences of wasps may be reported in the future in Brazil. The presence of the native pollinator provides conditions for this exotic tree to become naturalized and/or invasive in Brazil, potentially causing considerable damage to buildings and urban trees.

Ficus religiosa L. é uma das figueiras ornamentais mais valorizadas. Nativa da Ásia, é conhecida popularmente como figueira-dos-pagodes. Como as figueiras apresentam um mutualismo especializado com vespas Agaonidae as espécies exóticas geralmente não se reproduzem sexualmente devido a falta dos polinizadores específicos. Desde 2005 nós observamos plantas jovens de F. religiosa crescendo sobre construções na cidade do Rio de Janeiro, Brasil, indicando que esta espécie está interagindo com vespas polinizadoras e, consequentemente, se reproduzindo sexualmente fora de sua área nativa. Observamos que Platyscapa quadraticeps Mayr, 1885, o polinizador original na Ásia, estava ocorrendo em figos dessa espécie no Brasil. Considerando que várias espécies não-polinizadoras de vespas de figo são associadas a F. religiosa em suas áreas nativas, novas ocorrências de vespas podem ser relatadas no futuro no Brasil. A presença do polinizador nativo provem condições para que esta espécie exótica se naturalize e/ou se torne invasiva no Brasil, com grande potencial de causar danos em prédios e árvores urbanos.

Seed deposition in the edge interior gradient of a degraded fragment of tropical semi deciduous forest, Northeastern Brazil

he structure, dynamics and density of plant populations in different ecosystems are controlled by climatic seasonality. Seed rain contributes to both establishment and maintenance of the forest as well as to the recovery of disturbed areas near forest fragments. The aim of this study was to assess the deposition rate of different seeds of endemic and exotic tree species for the edge and for the interior of the forest matrix. The study area is a four hectares forest fragment located on the campus of the Federal University of Ceará. To measure seedrain, 80 collectors were suspended 20cm above the ground in the gradient. Samples were collected monthly for 12 months (June 2009May 2010), the material was screened in the laboratory and the diaspores (fruits and seeds) were quantified and taxonomically identified. We found 23 383 seeds belonging to 38 families and 89 different species, with a density of 134.48 seeds per m². The families Rubiaceae and Fabaceae were the most representative ones, with more quantities of seeds. The deposition of the seed rain was influenced by season and, consequently, by temperature and rainfall. There was a clear difference between the edge and the forest interior; with a large supply of native, animal dispersed and late successional seeds on the inside, and a considerable number of seeds belonging to nonnative species and abiotic dispersion on the edge. Small fragments like this one can serve as important sources of seed for adjacent degraded areas, which demonstrate the importance of conservation and management of small fragments to avoid the degradation caused by edge effects. Rev. Biol. Trop. 63 (4): 981994. Epub 2015 December01.

aestructura,dinámicaydensidad de poblaciones de plantas en diferentes ecosistemas son controladas por estacionalidad climática. La lluvia de semillas contribuye tanto al establecimiento y mantenimiento de los bosques, así como a la recuperación de áreas alteradas cerca de los fragmentos de bosque. El objetivode este estudio es evaluar la tasa de deposición de diferentes semillas de especies endémicas y exóticas de árboles tanto al borde y como al interior del bosque. El área de estudio es un fragmento de bosque de 4 hectáreas ubicado en el campus de la Universidad Federal de Ceará. Para medir la lluvia de semillas, 80 recolectores fueron suspendidos a 20 cm del suelo. Las muestras fueron recolectadas mensual mente durante un año (Junio 2009Mayo 2010), elmaterial fue analizado en el laboratorio y las diásporas (frutos y semillas) fueron cuantificadas e identificadas taxonómicamente. Encontramos 23 383 semillas pertenecientes a 38 familias y 89 especies, con una densidad de 1 134.48 semillas m². Las familias Rubiaceae y Fabaceae fueron las más representativas, con mayor cantidad de semillas. La deposición de la lluvia de semillas fue influenciada por la estacionalidad y, en consecuencia por la temperatura y la precipitación.Existeunaclaradiferenciaciónentreelborde y el interior del bosque, una gran cantidad de semillas nativas con dispersión por animales y de dispersión tardía están presentes en el interior del bosque, comparado a un considerable número de semillas pertenecientes a especies no nativas con dispersión abiótica en el borde del bosque. Fragmentos pequeños como este pueden servir como una fuente importante de semillas para las áreas degradadas adyacentes, lo que demuestra la importancia dela conservación y manejo de pequeños fragmentos para evitar la degradación causada por los efectos de borde.

Diversity and impact of invasive alien plant species of family Asteraceae in Jammu district (Jammu and Kashmir, India).

The present study deals with comprehensive list and impact of invasive alien plants species of family Asteraceae in Jammu district (J&K, India) with background information on habit and nativity. A total of 15 invasive alien plant species under have been recorded. These include Ageratum conyzoides L., Anthemis tinctoria L., Aster pilosum Willd., Bidens pilosa L., Cichorium intibus L., Cirsium arvense (L.) Scop., Eclipta prostrata (L.) L., Emilia sonchifolia (L.) DC., Parthenium hysterophorus L., Silybum marianum (L.) Gaertn., Sonchus arvensis L., Sonchus asper (L.) Hill, Tridax procumbens L., Xanthium strumarium L., Youngia japonica (L.) DC. The analysis of invasive species reveals that most species have been introduced unintentionally through trade while only 2species intentionally introduced. Most of the species are of American origin. A better planning is needed for early detection to control and reporting of infestations of spread of new and naturalized weeds to be monitored.

Documentation of Aquatic Invasive Alien flora of Jammu region, Jammu and Kashmir.

The present study deals with the first ever inventorisation and documentation of aquatic invasive alien plant species of Jammu region with background information on family, habit and nativity . Total 55 invasive alien plant species belonging to 24 families were documented. It was prepared based on history, species origin, species behaviour and field observations. A total of 15 different geographic regions in terms of nativity are recorded in the present study. Among these, more than 90% are contributed by four major geographical regions, viz., continent of America, Africa, Europe and Mediterranean. The American continents contributed majority of noxious invasive plants in Jammu region followed by the Europe and Africa respectively. The families Potamogetonaceae and Cyperaceae are the most dominant family with (7 sp. each) followed by Hydrocharitaceae (5 sp.) , Menyanthaceae , Poaceae and Alismataceae (3 sp. each ) , Amaranthaceae , Ceratophyllaceae , Polygonaceae , Convolvulaceae ,Typhaceae ,Najadaceae , Ranunculaceae , Brassicaceae and Characeae with ( 2 sp. each) and least contributing families are Pontederiaceae , Cabombaceae , Salviniaceae , Isoetaceae , Marsileaceae , Aplaceae , Juncaceae , Azollaceae and Plantiginaceae with (1 sp. each). Habit wise analysis shows herbaceous species share 65% (36 sp.) , followed by graminoid 20% (11sp.) , sedges 5.45% (3sp.) , algae 3.6% (2sp.) , Shrub ,climber and fern share 1.8% (1 sp. each).

Diversity of invasive alien species of Jammu district (Jammu and Kashmir).

The present study deals with comprehensive list of Invasive alien plants of Indian Himalayan Region with background information on family, habit and nativity. A total of 60 invasive alien species under 51 genera, belonging to 33families have been recorded. Among these, the dicotyledons represent by 28families and 52 species; monocotyledons represent by 5 families and 8 species. The analysis of invasive species reveals that most species have been introduced unintentionally through trade while only 11species intentionally introduced. Most of the species are of American origin. While in life form analysis, the herbs (45 species) are dominant, followed by shrubs (6 species), Grass (3 species), Trees, sedges and climbers (2 species each). Most of the invasive species are annual habit (57%). A better planning is needed for early detection to control and reporting of infestations of spread of new and naturalized weeds to be monitored.

Habitat, redescription and distribution of Latrodectus geometricus in Uruguay (Araneae: Theridiidae) / Hábitat, redescripción y distribución de Latrodectus geometricus en Uruguay (Araneae: Theridiidae)

This study provides the first accurate records of Latrodectus geometricus C. L. Koch, 1841 for Uruguay and extends the known distribution of this species to the Southeastern region of South America. Data and figures of the genitalic morphology for the recognition of the species and natural history in this country are indicated. In Uruguay L. geometricus was mainly restricted to urban areas at the west of this country and it is associated with locations with high human activity.

Este estudio reporta los primeros registros precisos de Latrodectus geometricus C. L. Koch, 1841 en Uruguay y extiende la distribución conocida de esta especie para la región sureste de Sudamérica. Datos y figuras de las estructuras genitales para el reconocimiento de la especie e historia natural en este país son indicados. En Uruguay L. geometricus se encuentra principalmente restringida a áreas urbanas del oeste de este país y asociada a sitios con elevada actividad humana.

La liebre europea Lepus europaeus (Lagomorpha: Leporidae) una especie invasora en el Perú

Este trabajo describe la distribución actual de la liebre europea, Lepus europaeus, en el Perú, la que actualmente abarca la puna, valles andinos, alrededores del lago Titicaca e irrigaciones costeras; en los departamentos de Arequipa, Cusco, Moquegua, Puno y Tacna. En base a su distribución actual desarrollamos modelos de distribución potencial de esta especie, los que pronostican que esta especie llegaría al norte del Perú. Hacemos recomendaciones sobre los principales aspectos que debieran ser estudiados en el Perú sobre L. europaeus y las posibles consecuencias de su proceso invasivo en el territorio peruano

We describe the current distribution of the European hare, Lepus europaeus, in Peru which currently covers the highlands, Andean valleys, surrounding areas of the Titicaca Lake and coastal irrigations; in Arequipa, Cusco, Moquegua, Puno and Tacna departments. Based on its current distribution we developed models of potential distribution of this species, which would forecast this species in northern Peru. We make recommendations on the main issues that should be studied in Peru, and the possible consequences of their invasive process of in Peru

Recurrencia histórica de peces invasores en la Reserva de la Biósfera Sierra de Huautla, México / Historical presence of invasive fish in the Biosphere Reserve Sierra de Huautla, Mexico

Historical presence of invasive fish in the Biosphere Reserve Sierra de Huautla, Mexico. The effects of invasive species on native ecosystems are varied, and these have been linked to the disappearance or decline of native fauna, changes in community structure, modification of ecosystems and as vectors of new diseases and parasites. Besides, the development of trade in species for ornamental use has contributed significantly to the import and introduction of invasive fish in some important areas for biodiversity conservation in Mexico, but the presence of these species is poorly documented. In this study we analyzed the fish community in the Biosphere Reserve Sierra de Huautla by looking at diversity changes in the last 100 years. For this, we used databases of historical records and recent collections for five sites in the Amacuzac river, along the Biosphere Reserve area. We compared the values of similarity (Jaccard index) between five times series (1898-1901, 1945-1953, 1971-1980, 1994-1995 and 2008-2009), and we obtained values of similarity (Bray-Curtis) between the five sites analyzed. In our results we recognized a total of 19 species for the area, nine non-native and ten native, three of which were eliminated for the area. Similarity values between the early days and current records were very low (.27); the major changes in the composition of the fauna occurred in the past 20 years. The values of abundance, diversity and similarity among the sampling sites, indicate the dominance of non-native species. We discuss the role of the ornamental fish trade in the region as the leading cause of invasive introduction in the ecosystem and the possible negative effects that at least four non-native species have had on native fauna and the ecosystem (Oreochromis mossambicus, Amatitlania nigrofasciata, Pterygoplichthys disjunctivus and P. pardalis). There is an urgent need of programs for registration, control and eradication of invasive species in the Sierra de Huautla Biosphere Reserve and biodiversity protection areas in Mexico. Rev. Biol. Trop. 60 (2): 669-681. Epub 2012 June 01.

Los efectos de las especies invasoras en los ecosistemas nativos son variados, y estos se han vinculado con la desaparición o disminución de la fauna nativa, cambios en la estructura de la comunidad, modificación de los ecosistemas y como vectores de nuevas enfermedades y parásitos. El desarrollo del comercio de especies para uso ornamental ha contribuido significativamente a la importación e introducción de peces invasores en algunas áreas importantes para la conservación de la biodiversidad en México, pero la presencia de estas especies está escasamente documentada. En este estudio se analiza la comunidad de peces en la reserva de Biosfera Sierra de Huautla, registrando los cambios en la diversidad en los últimos 100 años. Con bases de datos de registros históricos y recientes colecciones para cinco sitios en el río Amacuzac, que cruza la zona de reserva de la Biosfera, se comparan los valores de similitud (índice de Jaccard) entre cinco series de tiempo (1898-1901, 1945-1953, 1971-1980, 1994-1995 y 2008-2009), así mismo, obtuvimos los valores de similitud (Bray-Curtis) entre los cinco sitios analizados. En total hemos reconocido 19 especies para el área, diez nativas y nueve no nativas, de las cuales tres están extirpadas para el área, los valores de similitud entre los primeros registros y los actuales son muy bajos (0.27), los principales cambios en la composición de la fauna se han producido en los últimos 20 años. Los valores de abundancia, diversidad y similitud entre los sitios de muestreo, indican el predominio de especies no nativas. Discutimos el papel del comercio de peces ornamentales de la región como la principal causa de introducción de invasoras en el ecosistema, y los posibles efectos negativos que han tenido al menos cuatro especies en la fauna nativa y el ecosistema (Oreochromis mossambicus, Amatitlania nigrofasciata, Pterygoplichthys disjunctivus y P. pardalis), se hace notar la ausencia de programas de registro, ...

InBUy database of Invasive and Alien Species (IAS) in Uruguay: a useful tool to confront this threat to biodiversity / La base de datos de Especies Exóticas e Invasoras (EEI) en Uruguay-InBUy: una herramienta útil para enfrentar esta amenaza sobre la biodiversidad

In Uruguay, as well as in other regions of the world, IAS cause negative impacts on natural and managed ecosystems. The use of databases is a helpful tool to elaborate different strategies for prevention and control, and to develop policies and scientific analyses related to IAS. The database of IAS in Uruguay (InBUy) was developed during two time periods (2006-2007 and 2009-2010). It currently contains information on 33 specialists of different taxonomic groups, 14 research projects, 185 references, 351 species and 4,715 records, with vascular plants having both the highest number of species and records. Among vascular plants, herbaceous life forms are the most strongly represented, followed by trees and shrubs. Within animals, the fishes and mollusks are the most important groups. Analysis of the native distribution areas of IAS showed that most are indigenous from Europe, followed by Asia and Oceania. Data showed that introductions of IAS into Uruguay are mainly intentional (67 percent), so efforts should be focused on policies and rules in order to control the entrance of exotic organisms and prevent new invasions. The geography of the compiled dataset shows the main impact is along the coastline, where the highest exotic species richness and records occurs, and also the most biological invasions. The InBUy database is up-to-date and has successfully contributed to the creation of an official IAS list for Uruguay and both a National and a Coastal Geographic Information System. It has also been used for developing consciousness about this important threat to biodiversity, at both national and regional scales.

En Uruguay, al igual que en otras partes del mundo, las EEI han causado impactos negativos sobre los sistemas naturales y productivos. El uso de bases de datos a nivel mundial es una herramienta útil para elaborar estrategias de prevención y control, y para desarrollar políticas y análisis científicos en relación a las EEI. La base de datos de EEI en Uruguay (InBUy) fue desarrollada durante dos períodos (2006-2007 y 2009-2010). Actualmente contiene información de 33 especialistas de diferentes grupos taxonómicos, 14 proyectos de investigación, 185 referencias bibliográficas, 351 especies y 4715 registros, donde las plantas vasculares presentan el mayor número de especies y registros. Entre las plantas vasculares, las herbáceas son la forma de vida más representada, seguida por árboles y arbustos. Dentro de los animales, los peces y moluscos son los grupos más importantes. El origen geográfico de las EEI muestra que la mayoría son nativas de Europa, seguido por Asia y Oceanía. Los datos recabados muestran que la introducción de EEI a Uruguay es mayormente intencional (67 por ciento), por tanto los esfuerzos deberían ser focalizados en políticas y reglamentaciones para controlar el ingreso de organismos exóticos y prevenir nuevas invasiones biológicas. Por otra parte, los datos muestran un impacto mayor sobre los ambientes costeros, donde fue registrado el mayor número de especies y registros, así como el mayor número de invasiones biológicas. Hasta la fecha, la base de datos InBUy ha contribuido exitosamente en la conformación de una lista oficial de EEI para Uruguay, y en la construcción de un Sistema Geográfico de Información Nacional y Costero. Asimismo, ha contribuido a la concientización a través de políticas de divulgación acerca de esta importante amenaza sobre la conservación de la biodiversidad, tanto a escala nacional como regional.

Do climate variables and human density affect Achatina fulica (Bowditch) (Gastropoda: Pulmonata) shell length, total weight and condition factor? / Variáveis ambientais e humanas afetam o comprimento da concha, peso total e fator de condição de Achatina fulica (Gastropoda: Pulmonata)?

The length-weight relationship and condition factor have been broadly investigated in snails to obtain the index of physical condition of populations and evaluate habitat quality. Herein, our goal was to describe the best predictors that explain Achatina fulica biometrical parameters and well being in a recently introduced population. From November 2001 to November 2002, monthly snail samples were collected in Lauro de Freitas City, Bahia, Brazil. Shell length and total weight were measured in the laboratory and the potential curve and condition factor were calculated. Five environmental variables were considered: temperature range, mean temperature, humidity, precipitation and human density. Multiple regressions were used to generate models including multiple predictors, via model selection approach, and then ranked with AIC criteria. Partial regressions were used to obtain the separated coefficients of determination of climate and human density models. A total of 1.460 individuals were collected, presenting a shell length range between 4.8 to 102.5 mm (mean: 42.18 mm). The relationship between total length and total weight revealed that Achatina fulica presented a negative allometric growth. Simple regression indicated that humidity has a significant influence on A. fulica total length and weight. Temperature range was the main variable that influenced the condition factor. Multiple regressions showed that climatic and human variables explain a small proportion of the variance in shell length and total weight, but may explain up to 55.7 percent of the condition factor variance. Consequently, we believe that the well being and biometric parameters of A. fulica can be influenced by climatic and human density factors.

A relação peso comprimento e o fator de condição têm sido bastante explorados em pesquisas envolvendo caracóis para obter o índice de condição física em populações e avaliar a condição do habitat. Neste trabalho, nosso objetivo foi descrever que variáveis influenciam os parâmteros biométricos e o bem estar de Achatina fulica em uma recente introdução. De novembro de 2001 a novembro de 2002, amostras mensais desses caracóis foram coletadas na cidade de Lauro de Freitas (Bahia), Brasil. Em seguida, os caracóis foram acondicionados em laboratório e foram obtidos o tamanho da concha e o seu peso. A partir desses dados a curva potencial e o fator de condição foram calculados. Cinco variáveis ambientais foram consideradas: amplitude de temperatura, temperatura média, humidade, precipitação e densidade humana. Regressões múltiplas foram usadas para gerar modelos preditivos através do critério de seleção e logo foram ordenados utilizando o critério de Akaíke. Regressões parciais foram usadas para obter os coeficientes de determinação do clima e fatores humanos. Um total de 1460 indivíduos foram coletados, apresentando uma amplitude de crescimento de concha entre 4,9 a 102,5 mm (média 42,18 mm). A relação entre o crescimento total e o peso revelou que A. fulica apresentou um crescimento alométrico negativo. Regressões simples indicaram que a umidade teve uma influencia significativa sobre o tamanho total e o peso. A amplitude de temperatura foi a variável que mais influenciou o fator de condição. Os modelos de regressão múltipla indicaram que os fatores climáticos e humanos explicaram uma pequena porção da variança, no entanto explicou 55,8 por cento da variância do fator de condição. Consequentemente, acreditamos que o bem estar e os parâmetros biométricos de A. Fulica podem ser influenciados por fatores climáticos e humanos.