Community structure of raptors in the páramo landscape of the Ecuadorian Andes

Introduction: Habitat alterations result in biodiversity loss, particularly in regions with high levels of diversity and endemism. Raptors are an essential part of the functionality and stability of ecosystems and indicators of habitat quality. In the paramo grassland ecosystems in the high Andes of Northern South America, raptors contain a high concentration of threatened species. Objective: To describe the raptor community structure and determine the species associations. Methods: We made monthly raptor counts in eight transects from October 2021 to September 2022 and used a principal component analysis to determine species associations. Results: We identified 149 individuals (seven species, three families) in two communities: abundant (Carunculated Caracara, Variable Hawk, Andean Condor and Turkey Vulture; PCI = 47 %), and scarce (Cinereous Harrier, Peregrine Falcon and Aplomado Falco; PCII = 27 %). Conclusion: We provide a valid description and understanding of raptor community structure, identifying two communities and the dynamics between them. The first is characterized by an increased abundance of generalist and regionally common species, when the abundance of these species decreases, the second community is defined, characterized by an increase in the abundance of specialist and rare species at the local scale.

Introducción: Las alteraciones del hábitat provocan la pérdida de biodiversidad, especialmente en regiones con altos niveles de diversidad y endemismo. Las aves rapaces son una parte esencial de la funcionalidad y estabilidad de los ecosistemas, y son indicadores de la calidad del hábitat. En los ecosistemas de páramo en los Andes del norte de Sudamérica, hay una concentración de especies rapaces amenazadas. Objetivo: Describir la estructura de la comunidad de aves rapaces y determinar las asociaciones entre las especies. Métodos: Hicimos conteos mensuales de rapaces en ocho transectos, de octubre 2021 a setiembre 2022 y usamos un análisis de componentes principales para determinar las asociaciones entre especies. Resultados: Identificamos 149 individuos (siete especies, tres familias) en dos comunidades: abundantes (e.g., Caracara Curiquingue, Gavilán Variable, Cóndor Andino y Gallinazo Cabecirrojo; PCI = 47 %), y poco abundantes (e.g., Caracara Curiquingue, Gavilán Variable, Cóndor Andino y Gallinazo Cabecirrojo; PCII = 27 %). Conclusiones: Nuestro enfoque proporciona una descripción y comprensión válida de la estructura de la comunidad de rapaces. Identificamos dos comunidades y la dinámica entre ellas. La primera se caracteriza por una mayor abundancia de especies generalistas y regionalmente comunes, cuando la abundancia de estas especies disminuye, se define la segunda comunidad, caracterizada por un aumento de la abundancia de especies especialistas y raras a escala local.

Arthropod diversity in phytotelmata of Calathea capitata (Zingiberales; Marantaceae) host plants from Peru

Cryptic habitats are often overlooked in biodiversity surveys. Phytotelmata, or plant pools, are one type of cryptic habitat that supports diverse fauna in a miniature ecosystem. This study surveys the arthropod community of two types of phytotelmata, bracts and leaf rolls, on a single species, Calathea capitata (Ruiz and Pav.) Lindl. (Zingiberales: Marantaceae), from one Amazon site in Peru. Specimens were collected from eight bracts and eight leaf rolls. A total of 55 arthropods (36 adults, 19 juveniles) were found in both phytotelmata types. In the bract samples were found: spiders (Araneae: Corinnidae), beetles (Coleoptera: Carabidae, Erotylidae, Staphylindae), flies (Diptera: Limoniidae), a leafhopper nymph (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae), ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae), and unidentified larvae. In leaf roll samples were found: Leaf beetles (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), an earwig (Dermaptera: Spongiforidae), flies (Diptera: Drosophilidae), and an adult leafhopper (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae). A similar survey of Calathea lutea Schultes in Peru revealed a community dominated by Coleoptera in leaf rolls and Diptera in bracts, with a few Dermaptera and Hymenoptera, but no Araneae or Hemiptera. This study demonstrates that phytotelmata host diverse taxa and serve as a nursery to immature stages thus impacting the life cycles of local fauna, which in turn affect local biodiversity.

Los hábitats crípticos a menudo son ignorados en los estudios de biodiversidad. fitotelmata, o piscinas de plantas, son un tipo de hábitat críptico que sustenta una fauna diversa en un ecosistema en miniatura. Este estudio examina la comunidad de artrópodos de dos tipos de fitotelmata, brácteas y hojas enrolladas presentes en una sola especie, Calathea capitata (Ruiz y Pav.) Lindl. (Zingiberales: Marantaceae), de un sitio de la Amazonia peruana. Se recolectaron artrópodos de ocho brácteas y ocho rollos de hojas. Se encontraron un total de 55 artrópodos (36 adultos, 19 juveniles) en ambos tipos de fitotelmata. En los fitotelmata de brácteas se encontraron: arañas (Araneae: Corinnidae), escarabajos (Coleoptera: Carabidae, Erotylidae, Staphylindae), moscas (Diptera: Limoniidae), una ninfa saltahojas (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae), hormigas (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) y larvas no identificadas se encontraron en muestras de brácteas. En los fitotelmata de hojas enrolladas, se encontraron escarabajos de las hojas (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), una tijereta (Dermaptera: Spongiforidae), moscas (Diptera: Drosophilidae), y un saltahojas adulto (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae). Un estudio similar de Calathea lutea Schultes en Perú reveló una comunidad dominada por Coleoptera en fitotelmatas de hojas enrolladas y Diptera en brácteas, con algunos Dermaptera e Hymenoptera, pero sin Araneae o Hemiptera. Este estudio demuestra que los fitotelmata albergan diversos taxones y sirven como vivero para las etapas inmaduras, lo que impacta en los ciclos de vida de la fauna local, lo que a su vez afecta la biodiversidad local.

Asparagus sekukuniensis (Oberm.) Fellingham & N.L.Mey.: A threatened medicinal plant species used by Vhavenda in the Soutpansberg Region, Vhembe Biosphere Reserve, Limpopo province, South Africa

Asparagus sekukuniensis is at risk of extinction in South Africa due to over-collection as herbal medicine. However,there is a scant of literature on the diseases cured by the species, parts used, dosage, and how it is administered.Therefore, this study was aimed at documenting ethnomedicinal uses of A. sekukuniensis, in the Soutpansberg Region,Vhembe Biosphere Reserve, Limpopo province, South Africa. Data on ethnomedicinal uses of A. sekukuniensis weregathered with an aid of semi-structured dialogues, observations, and guided field walk by 125 participants betweenMay and December 2018. Among the participants, laypeople were 35.2% and subsistence farmers were 14.4%.Specialist herbal healers include child health-care healers (29.6%), wound healers (11.2%), and general healers(9.6%). The recorded uses of A. sekukuniensis include the enhancement of fontanelle closure in an infant (24.8%),convulsions in an infant (22.4%), vaccinating epilepsy in an infant (17.6%), unhealed or cancer-related wounds(15.2%), genital wounds (12.0%), and boils (8.0%). Asparagus sekukuniensis appeared to be an important herbalmedicine against infant ailments, wounds, infections, and infestations. These findings, therefore, call for an evaluationof the phytochemical and pharmacological properties of this species.

Interacciones temporales y espaciales de mesocarnívoros simpátricos en una Reserva de la Biosfera: ¿coexistencia o competencia? / Temporal and spatial interactions of sympatric mesocarnivores at a Biosphere Reserve: coexistence or competition?

Resumen Las interacciones interespecíficas entre especies de mesocarnívoros tropicales han sido poco estudiadas, a pesar de tener implicaciones importantes en la supervivencia, estructura, demografía, y distribución de estas especies. En este estudio se analizaron las interacciones espacio-temporales de tres mesocarnívoros simpátricos que se encuentran en el límite Noreste de su distribución geográfica en México, con el objetivo de determinar si estas especies coexisten o compiten. Con un periodo de muestreo de enero 2015 a diciembre 2016 y con un total de 26 estaciones de trampeo equipadas con dos trampas-cámara puestas frente a frente y ubicadas en caminos y veredas dentro de los diferentes tipos de vegetación que presenta la Reserva de la Biosfera El Cielo, se determinó el patrón de actividad y uso de hábitat de L. wiedii (margay), L. pardalis (ocelote) y P. yagouaroundi (yaguarundi). Las fotografías independientes de cada especie se agruparon en tres categorías temporales (día, noche y crepúsculo) y en seis categorías espaciales (tipo de vegetación) para el uso del hábitat; Bosque de Encino, Bosque de Pino Encino, Bosque de Encino Pino, Bosque Mesófilo de Montaña, Selva Baja Caducifolia y Selva Mediana. El solapamiento entre especies (o interacciones) temporales y espaciales se obtuvieron con el índice de Czekanowski y el índice de Pianka, respectivamente. Estos índices son simétricos y toman valores de cero a uno, donde los resultados cercanos a cero indican que no hay solapamiento entre especies y los valores cercanos o con valor de uno indican solapamiento. Se obtuvieron un total de 379 fotografías independientes, de las cuales 239 correspondieron al margay, 118 a ocelote y 22 para el yaguarundi. Se documentó que el margay y el ocelote fueron nocturnos, más del 80 % de sus registros se presentaron en esta categoría y fueron también los que mostraron un solapamiento temporal alto (0.85), en contraste, el yaguarundi fue una especie con actividad totalmente diurna, lo que muestra que probablemente coexiste con las otras dos especies. El yaguarundi utilizó tipos de hábitat similares al ocelote y al margay (con un solapamiento de 0.81 y 0.72, respectivamente), mientras que el solapamiento espacial entre el margay y el ocelote fue intermedio (0.53), debido a que utilizaron distintos tipos de hábitat en la mayoría de los casos. Los resultados indican que no hay competencia interespecífica entre las especies de mesocarnívoros tropicales de este estudio, esto probablemente se debe a las interacciones antagonistas que exhiben entre ellos ya sea en el eje temporal o espacial. Estas estrategias pueden favorecer positivamente a las poblaciones de estos mesocarnívoros, los cuales se caracterizan por tener un comportamiento territorial alto.

Abstract Interspecific interactions among tropical mesocarnivorous species and other mammalian trophic guilds have been poorly studied, despite they have important implications in the survival, structure, demography, and distribution of these species. In this study we analyzed spatio-temporal interactions of three sympatric mesocarnivores that are located in the Northeastern limit of their geographic distribution in Mexico, with the objective of analyzing if these species coexist or compete in the axis of the temporal and spatial niche. With a sampling period from January 2015 to December 2016 and 26 camera-trapping stations (with in a set of two camera traps opposite to each other) and located along roads and animal trails, we determined the activity pattern and habitat use of L. wiedii (margay), L. pardalis (ocelote) y P. yagouaroundi (yaguarundi). All independent photographs of each species were grouped into three temporal categories (day, night and twilight) and six habitat categories; Oak Forest, Oak-Pine Forest, Cloud Forest, Pine-Oak Forest, Tropical Deciduous Forest and Medium Forest. Temporal and spatial overlap between species (i.e. interactions) was obtained with the Czekanowski index and the Pianka index, respectively. These indices are symmetrical and take values from zero to one, where the results close to zero indicate that there is no overlap between species and values close to one indicate overlap. We obtained a total of 379 independent photographs, of which 239 corresponded to margay, 118 to ocelot and 22 to yaguarundi. Margay and ocelot were nocturnal, with 75 % of their records in this category showing a high temporal overlap (0.85); whereas yaguarundi was fully diurnal, suggesting it may be able to coexist with the other two species (margay and ocelot). Moreover, the yaguarundi used habitat similar to ocelot and margay (with high spatial overlap of 0.81 and 0.72, respectively), while the spatial overlap between the margay and ocelot was intermediate (0.53), since they used in most cases different habitat types. Our results suggest that there is no interspecific competition among these tropical mesocarnivorous species, probably due to antagonistic interactions among them on the temporal and spatial axis. These strategies may positively favor populations of mesocarnivores, which are characterized by having a high territorial behavior. Rev. Biol. Trop. 66(3): 996-1008. Epub 2018 September 01.

El jaguar Panthera onca (Carnivora: Felidae) en la Reserva de la Biosfera "El Cielo", Tamaulipas, México / The jaguar Panthera onca (Carnivora: Felidae) in "El Cielo" Biosphere Reserve, Tamaulipas, Mexico

Resumen:Existe poca información acerca de la ecología del jaguar (Panthera onca) para la Reserva de la Biosfera El Cielo, en el Estado de Tamaulipas, México. Los trabajos con los que se cuenta se limitan a experiencias anecdóticas y pocas publicaciones. Los objetivos de la presente investigación fueron: a) determinar la estructura y densidad poblacional del jaguar, b) analizar sus patrones de actividad y su traslape temporal con el puma (Puma concolor), c) determinar las abundancias de presas potenciales, y d) evaluar los daños por depredación en animales domésticos en el Municipio de Gómez Farías. Entre abril 2013 y abril 2014 se colocaron cámaras trampa con un esfuerzo de muestreo de 8 580 días cámaras trampa. Adicionalmente, se aplicaron 136 encuestas semi-estructuradas entre residentes de las comunidades del municipio de Gómez Farías y Llera con el objeto de recabar información sobre daños en animales domésticos por ataques de jaguar y otros carnívoros silvestres. Se identificaron ocho individuos de jaguar; cuatro hembras adultas, una hembra juvenil, dos machos adultos y un macho juvenil. La densidad estimada fue de 5.9 ± 1.3 ind/100 km². Con respecto a los patrones de actividad del jaguar y el puma, se encontró que existe un traslape en el que ambas especies mostraron un comportamiento nocturno-crepuscular. Las especies presa más abundantes fueron: Crax rubra, Cuniculus paca, Mazama temama, Odocoileus virginianus y Didelphis virginiana, mientras que las menos abundantes fueron Mephitis macroura y Procyon lotor. Los resultados de las encuestas mostraron que después de las aves de corral, los perros, los gatos y los cerdos fueron los animales de traspatio más depredados por los jaguares (n = 107). Este estudio representa el primer esfuerzo que aporta información sobre la ecología de la especie para la reserva, sin embargo, es evidente que se necesita incrementar el monitorio para determinar la situación actual de la población, generando estrategias adecuadas para su conservación. Finalmente, consideramos que la Reserva de la Biosfera "El Cielo" representa una unidad ecológicamente importante para las poblaciones de jaguares de la Sierra Madre Oriental, por la Vertiente del Golfo de México, ya que puede funcionar como un corredor biológico entre las poblaciones de San Luis Potosí y Nuevo León, México.

Abstract:Information on the ecology of jaguars (Panthera onca) in "El Cielo" Biosphere Reserve in Tamaulipas, Mexico is scant and limited to anecdotic records in a handful of publications. The objectives of our study were to: a) determine population density and structure of jaguars, b) compare their activity patterns with that of pumas (Puma concolor), c) ascertain potential prey relative abundance, and d) evaluate local resident's perception on loss of domestic animals due to jaguar predation. Between April 2013 and April 2014 we conducted camera trapping in Gomez Farias Township with a total sampling effort of 8 580 camera trap days. Besides, we completed 136 semi-structured interviews among local residents of Gomez Farias and Llera Townships to gather information on domestic animal losses attributed to jaguars and other carnivores. We identified eight different jaguar individuals during a complete year of camera-trapping, composed of four adult females, one juvenile female, two adult males and one juvenile male. We estimated a jaguar density of 5.9 ± 1.3 jaguars/100 km². Activity patterns for jaguars and pumas were similar as both were nocturnal and crepuscular in nature. The most abundant potential prey species for jaguars in the study site were Crax rubra, Cuniculus paca, Mazama temama, Odocoileus virginianus and Didelphis virginiana; while the rarest were Mephitis macroura and Procyon lotor. Interview results suggested that chickens, dogs, and house cats were the most consumed domestic animals from all reported losses by local residents (n= 107). This study represents the first attempt to describe jaguar ecology in "El Cielo" Biosphere Reserve; however, there is a need of additional monitoring efforts to determine the current status of jaguars in a larger area in order to establish conservation strategies. Finally, this jaguar population may have an important role in maintaining the species in the Sierra Madre Oriental biological corridor connecting populations in Nuevo Leon and San Luis states in Northeastern Mexico. Rev. Biol. Trop. 64 (4): 1451-1468. Epub 2016 December 01.

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.

Evaluación de la sustentabilidad en espacios rurales relacionados con el ecoturismo. estudio de caso en la selva lacandona, chiapas,México / Assesment of thee sutainability in rural spaces related to ecotouriism. case study in lacandon jungle, chiapas, Mexico

Esta investigación realiza una evaluación ex-post de la sustentabilidad en espacios rurales relacionados con el ecoturismo, centrada en un estudio comparativo de tres empresas enclavadas en la Reserva de la Biosfera Montes Azules (REBIMA) y una empresa más ubicada fuera de ella, todas en el municipio de Ocosingo, Chiapas, México. 75% de los entrevistados son hombres con edad promedio de 36 años, siete años de escolaridad y 1,9 hectáreas. La principal fuente de ingresos es el ecoturismo, que presenta una relación beneficio-costo venida a menos de 2,7 a 1,7, entre 2007 y 2011, respectivamente. La evidencia indica un desequilibrio en el acceso a subsidios, donde la pertenencia étnica desempeña un rol trascendental.

This research performs an ex-post evaluation of the sustainability in rural spaces related to ecotourism, focused on a comparative study of three companies located in the Montes Azules Biosphere Reserve (MABR) and another company located outside, all of them in the town of Ocosingo, Chiapas, México. 75% of respondents are male with an average age of 36 years, seven years of schooling and 1,9 hectares. The main source of income is ecotourism, which presents a cost-benefit relationship that has ran down from 2,7 to 1,7 between 2007 and 2011, respectively. The evidence indicates an imbalance in the access to subsidies, where the ethnical ownership plays a transcendental role.

Adequacy assessment of mathematical models in the dynamics of litter decomposition in a tropical forest Mosaic Atlantic, in southeastern Brazil / Adequação da utilização de modelos matemáticos em estudos da dinâmica de decomposição da serapilheira em um Mosaico de Floresta Tropical Atlântica, no sudeste do Brasil

The study of litter decomposition and nutrient cycling is essential to know native forests structure and functioning. Mathematical models can help to understand the local and temporal litter fall variations and their environmental variables relationships. The objective of this study was test the adequacy of mathematical models for leaf litter decomposition in the Atlantic Forest in southeastern Brazil. We study four native forest sites in Parque Estadual do Rio Doce, a Biosphere Reserve of the Atlantic, which were installed 200 bags of litter decomposing with 20×20 cm nylon screen of 2 mm, with 10 grams of litter. Monthly from 09/2007 to 04/2009, 10 litterbags were removed for determination of the mass loss. We compared 3 nonlinear models: 1 – Olson Exponential Model (1963), which considers the constant K, 2 – Model proposed by Fountain and Schowalter (2004), 3 – Model proposed by Coelho and Borges (2005), which considers the variable K through QMR, SQR, SQTC, DMA and Test F. The Fountain and Schowalter (2004) model was inappropriate for this study by overestimating decomposition rate. The decay curve analysis showed that the model with the variable K was more appropriate, although the values of QMR and DMA revealed no significant difference (p> 0.05) between the models. The analysis showed a better adjustment of DMA using K variable, reinforced by the values of the adjustment coefficient (R2). However, convergence problems were observed in this model for estimate study areas outliers, which did not occur with K constant model. This problem can be related to the non-linear fit of mass/time values to K variable generated. The model with K constant shown to be adequate to describe curve decomposition for separately areas and best adjustability without convergence problems. The results demonstrated the adequacy of Olson model to estimate tropical forest litter decomposition. Although use of reduced number of parameters equaling the steps of the decomposition process, no difficulties of convergence were observed in Olson model. So, this model can be used to describe decomposition curves in different types of environments, estimating K appropriately.

O estudo da ciclagem de nutrientes através da decomposição de serapilheira é essencial para conhecer a estrutura e funcionamento das florestas tropicais nativas. Em decorrência da sua dependência de variáveis ambientais, o uso de modelos matemáticos pode ajudar a compreender as variações locais e temporais da decomposição do folhedo. O objetivo deste estudo foi testar a adequação dos modelos matemáticos para avaliar a dinâmica da decomposição da serapilheira em um mosaico de Floresta Tropical Atlântica no sudeste do Brasil. O estudo foi realizado em quatro remanescentes de mata nativa no Parque Estadual do Rio Doce, parte da Reserva da Biosfera da Mata Atlântica, onde se instalou 200 bolsas decompositoras feitas de tela de nylon 20×20 cm de 2 mm, com 10 gramas de serapilheira recém-colhida. Mensalmente, de 09/2007 a 04/2009, 10 litterbags foram removidos por área, para limpeza, secagem e posterior determinação da perda de massa. Comparamos três modelos não lineares: 1 – Modelo exponencial de Olson (1963), que considera a constante K, 2 – Modelo proposto por Fountain and Schowalter (2004), 3 – Modelo proposto por Coelho e Borges (2005), que considera a variável K através do QMR, SQR, SQTC, DMA e Teste F. O modelo de Fountain and Schowalter (2004) mostrou-se inadequado por superestimar a taxa de decomposição. A análise mostrou que a curva de decaimento do modelo com K variável foi o mais adequado, embora os valores de QMR e DMA não revelaram nenhuma diferença significativa (p> 0,05) entre os modelos. A análise mostrou um melhor ajustamento do DMA usando a variável K, que foi reforçada com os valores do coeficiente de calibração (R2). No entanto, problemas de convergência foram observados neste modelo, que não foi capaz de estimar com precisão os valores “outliers” para cada área de estudo, o que não ocorreu com o modelo de Olson. Entretanto, parece que os problemas de não convergência podem estar relacionados ao ajuste não linear dos dados de massa por tempo, utilizados para gerar o modelo. Quando submetido ao ensaio de parâmetros iguais, o modelo com K constante (Olson, 1963) mostrou-se adequado para descrever a curva de decomposição por áreas de estudo separadamente, de modo que o seu melhor ajuste não compensou os problemas de convergência encontrados. Os resultados demonstraram a aptidão do modelo proposto por Olson (1963) para estimar a decomposição de serapilheira de florestas tropicais, mesmo que eventualmente não detecte diferenças entre as etapas do processo de decomposição. Este modelo não apresenta dificuldades de convergência, permitindo descrever as curvas de decomposição em diferentes tipos de ambientes, estimando os valores de K mais apropriadamente e com mais acurácia.

An Ethnobotanical and Floristical Study of Medicinal Plants Among the Baka Pygmies in the Periphery of the Ipassa- Biosphere Reserve, Gabon.

Aims: This paper aims to describe the popular use of medicinal plants by the Baka Pygmies settled in the periphery of the Ipassa Reserve, analyses their relative importance and characterizes the medicinal flora. Study Design: Gathering data on the popular use of medicinal plants in a given area. Place and Duration of Study: Data obtained from direct interviews conducted in August 2011 in Mekob, a village settled at 10 km to the Makokou city in the North Gabon. Methodology: The household was considered as the sample unit. For each health problem cited, the name of the plants, the plant parts, the modes of preparation, and the modes of administration of recipes were recorded. The plants were identified in the herbarium, Libreville. Plants were characterized by their phytogeographical distribution, their morphological types, their habitats, and their modes of scattering of seeds. The relative importance of the plants was established based on the number of citations “events” occurred in the recipes. Results: Six Baka informants with an average age of 40 years old including three men and three women interviewed. A total of 136 citations composed of 71 plant species recorded in the treatment of 24 ailments. The examination of the curve showing the evolution of the number of plants with that of informants recommends enlarging the sample as to gather the maximum of plants used by the Baka pygmies. The typical Guinean species are most represented in terms of both number of plant species (72%) and citations (61.5%). Conclusion: Some plant species cited at least twice for the same ailment are known in the literature to possess active compounds. Further studies should be undertaken to complete the sample and to investigate the affectivity of other plants that have not yet been studied for their chemical compounds and their pharmacological activity.

Fish diet composition in permanent and semi-permanent pools in tropical wetlands of the Yucatan Peninsula

We compared fish diet composition between permanent (P) and semi-permanent (SP) pools in Petenes Biosphere Reserve (PBR), Campeche. A total of 445 gut contents were examined to determine stomach relative fullness (RF), fish diet as index of niche breadth (INB) and diet overlap. In SP pools, species showed a RF of 1.66 (57.20 % empty stomachs) whereas in P pools, the RF was 2.91 (31.16%). We classified fish diet into six trophic groups: detritivorous, herbivorous-detritivorous, insectivorous, piscivorous, omnivorous and malacophagous. Species in P pools were found to be specialist. Conversely, species present in both habitats shifted to generalist patterns. There was a 54.0% dissimilarity in fish diet composition between pools. From all items identified, detritus (21.33% of the total dissimilarity), aquatic and terrestrial invertebrates (12.31%), fish remains (10.29%), plant remains (7.37%), and crustaceans (2.74%) distinguished diets between pools. Significant diet overlaps (>0.6) and low INB values (<0.3) were observed in P pools, whereas in SP pools, intermediate-low diet overlaps (<0.4) and higher INB values (>0.5) were observed. In SP pools seasonality had a strong effect on fish diet, increasing the frequency of food items such as terrestrial insects, amphipods and arachnids, during the rainy season while P pools showed lower variation. Thus, fish trophic habits appear to be regulated by pools hydrology.

Se analizaron y compararon los contenidos estomacales de la ictiofauna en cuerpos de agua permanentes (P) y semi-permanente (SP) de la reserva de la Biosfera Los Petenes, Campeche. Se analizaron un total de 445 estómagos en los cuales se determino la diversidad de dieta (como Índice de amplitud de nicho = INB), plenitud relativa de estómagos (PRE) y traslape de dietas. En las pozas SP 57.20 % de los estómagos se encontraron vacíos y los estómagos con alimento presentaron un PRE de 1.66. En las pozas P solo el 31.16 % de los estómagos se encontraron vacíos y un PRE de 2.91. Los peces se clasificaron en seis grupos tróficos: detritívoros, herbívoros-detritívoros, insectívoros, piscívoros, omnívoros y malacófagos. Los individuos en la pozas P tendieron a presentar dietas especializadas mientras que en las pozas SP patrones generalistas. Se observo una disimilitud de dietas entre pozas del 54.0 % asociada a los items: detritus (21.33%), invertebrados acuáticos y terrestres (12.31%), fragmentos de peces (10.29%), fragmentos de vegetación (7.37%) y crustáceos (2.74%). Los mayores traslapes de dietas (> 0.6) y menores INB (< 0.3) se observaron en especies presentes en las pozas P mientras que en las pozas SP se observaron valores de traslape intermedios-bajos (<0.4) e INB mayores (> 0.5) en especies que utilizaron mayores fuentes de alimento. En las pozas SP la estacionalidad tuvo una marcada influencia en la proporción de los ítems: insectos acuáticos, anfípodos y arácnidos, los cuales presentaron mayores frecuencias, sobre todo en la época de lluvias, mientras que las pozas P no presentaron cambios significativos. Los resultados sugieren que los peces en pozas de la RBP modifican su dieta en función de la hidrología de los cuerpos de agua, con un patrón trófico particular a escala regional comparado con otros cuerpos de agua estacionales en Centro y América del Sur.

Habitat characteristics and environmental parameters influencing fish assemblages of karstic pools in southern Mexico

Fish assemblage structure was evaluated and compared among 36 karstic pools located within protected areas of the Calakmul Biosphere Reserve (southern Mexico) and unprotected adjacent areas beyond the Reserve. Nonmetric multidimensional scaling (MDS), indicator species analysis (ISA), and canonical correspondence analysis (CCA) were used to identify which environmental factors reflected local influences and to evaluate the correlation of these variables with fish assemblages structure. Thirty-one species were encountered in these karstic pools, some for the first time within the Reserve. These aquatic environments were separated into three groups based on physico-chemical characteristics. Although CCA identified significant associations between several fish species (based on their relative abundance) and environmental variables (K, NH4, NO3, and conductivity), the most abundant species (Astyanax aeneus, Poecilia mexicana, and Gambusia sexradiata ) occur in most pools and under several environmental conditions. Baseline data on fish diversity along with a continued monitoring program are essential in order to evaluate the conservation status of fish assemblages and their habitats, as well as to measure the influence of anthropogenic impacts on pristine habitats such as the karstic pools of the Calakmul Biosphere Reserve.

A estrutura da assembleia de peixes foi avaliada e comparada entre 36 poços cársticos localizados dentro de áreas protegidas da Reserva da Biosfera Calakmul (sul do México) e nas áreas desprotegidas adjacentes à Reserva. A análise multidimensional não-métrica (MDS), a análise da espécies indicadora (ISA) e a análise de correspondência canônica (CCA) foram utilizadas para identificar as variáveis ambientais localmente mais importantes e para avaliar a correlação destas com a estrutura das assembleias de peixes. Trinta e uma espécies foram amostradas nos poços cársticos, algumas das quais representam o primeiro registro para a Reserva. Os poços foram separados em três grupos de acordo com as suas características físico-químicas. Embora a CCA tenha possibilitado a identificação de associações significativas entre várias espécies (baseado na abundância relativa das espécies) e as variáveis ambientais (K, NH4, NO3 e condutividade), as espécies mais abundantes (Astyanax aeneus, Poecilia mexicana e Gambusia sexradiata ) ocorreram na maioria dos poços em diferentes condições ambientais. A obtenção de dados de base sobre padrões de diversidade, associado a implantação de programas de monitoramento, são essenciais para a avaliação do estado de conservação das assembleias de peixes e seus habitats, assim como para proporcionar informações sobre a influência de impactos antropogênicos sobre habitats prístinos, tais como os poços cársticos da Reserva da Biosfera Calakmul.

Medicinal Plants of Ultapani Forest Range Under Holtugaon Division, Manas Biosphere Reserve (Assam).

Ultapani is one of a “hotspot” area situated in Holtugaon forest division under Manas Biosphere Reserve, Assam. Ultapani forest range is located in between 26068.18// N to26081.18// N and 90024.44// E to 90041.90// E. Vegetation of the forest is unique in the world as most of its plants are evergreen and semi-evergreen. It consists of lots of floristically diverse plants, of which some of them are rare, endangered and threatened. Moreover, the forest of Ultapani forest range under Holtugaon division is rich for its valuable plant resources. Among these some plants have medicinal values, some are edible fruits, while, some of them are oil and timber yielding plants with great economic prospects. But the valuable asset of this forest is now threatened due to over exploitation of forest resources by forest mafias and encroachment for agricultural and human settlements by economically poor people in the forest lands living there in. Therefore, authors thought that the medicinal plants of the study area need to be surveyed, conserved and protected in their natural habitat. Considering this view point in mind, a survey has been carried out on certain naturally occurring medicinal plants of the study area. The present paper throws light on the description and uses of certain species of medicinally important plants along with their botanical and local names.

Mosquito biodiversity of Dibru-Saikhowa biosphere reserve in Assam, India.

Entomological surveys were conducted for three consecutive years in core and buffer zone of the Dibru-Saikhowa biosphere reserve in pre monsoon, monsoon and post-monsoon seasons. A total of 52 species of mosquitoes under eleven genera have been detected. The genus Anopheles (18 species) was the predominant followed by Culex, Aedes, Mansonia, Armigeres, Mimomyia, Ochlerostatus, Malaya, Toxorhynchites, Ficalbia and Aedeomyia. The buffer zone of the forest reserve where human habitations are there exhibited the presence of maximum number of species (49 species under 10 genera) in comparison to core zone (42 species under 10 genera). In buffer zone, maximum numbers of species (38) were recorded in monsoon season followed by post- monsoon (35 species) and Pre-monsoon season (34 species). Whereas in core zone, maximum number of species were collected in post monsoon season followed by pre monsoon season and monsoon season. In Core and buffer zone, the maximum species were recorded from the ground pool habitat and slow flowing stream respectively. Among the disease vectors, the potential Japanese encephalitis vectors incriminated in India were very much prevalent. This study provides the list of available mosquito species recorded for the first time in the Dibru-Saikhowa biosphere reserve.

Spatial and temporal variation of fish assemblages in a coastal lagoon of the Biosphere Reserve La Encrucijada, Chiapas, Mexico

Composition and abundance of the ichthyofauna in estuarine and coastal lagoon systems of the South Pacific in Mexico have been scarcely studied. In particular, there is a lack of information on how environmental variables determine the spatio-temporal structure of fish assemblages in those habitats. In this study, fishes were sampled by drop net during twelve months (May 2004 -April 2005) in 22 sites distributed along the Carretas-Pereyra lagoon, located in the Biosphere Reserve La Encrucijada, Chiapas, Mexico. We recorded 11 797 individuals (40 species, in 30 genera and 21 families). Dormitator latifrons was the most dominant species in terms of the Importance Value index, IV (23.05 %), followed by Lile gracilis (10.31 %), Poecilia sphenops (8.60 %) and Poecilia butleri (7.30 %). D. latifrons also accounted for more than one half of the total biomass (50.14 %). Species richness and Shannon-Wiener’s diversity indexes showed similar temporal fluctuations, reaching their highest values during the dry season. The system evidenced temporal variations in salinity, having observed four different regimes: freshwater, oligohaline, mesohaline and polyhaline. Mean richness and diversity indexes achieved their highest values during the mesohaline period. On the other hand, mean abundances (CPUE) were highest during the freshwater period. Canonical correspondence analysis (CCA) indicated that salinity and temperature were the most important environmental parameters affecting associations of fishes in terms of their abundances. Correlation analyses revealed that among the environmental variables measured in this study, transparency showed the most significant negative correlation with fish richness and Shannon-Wiener’s diversity index. At a local scale, results suggest that spatial and temporal distribution of fish assemblages are determined by differences in the regimes of salinity and transparency, primarily driven by freshwater input from rivers. Rev. Biol. Trop. 56 (2): 557-574. Epub 2008 June 30.

Se evaluó la influencia de los factores ambientales sobre la variación espacio-temporal de los ensamblajes de peces, en el sistema lagunar Carretas-Pereyra, Chiapas, México. Entre mayo de 2004 y abril de 2005, se realizaron 12 muestreos mensuales en 22 sitios. Se recolectaron 11 797 organismos, pertenecientes a 40 especies, representando a 30 géneros y 21 familias. Dormitator latifrons fue la especie dominante en Índice de Valor de importancia, IV (23.05 %), seguida por Lile gracilis (10.31 %), Poecilia sphenops (8.60 %) y Poecilia butleri (7.30 %). D. latifrons, contribuyó con 50.14 % de la biomasa total. Los valores de riqueza y diversidad de especies (H’) mostraron variaciones temporales similares, siendo más altos en la época de secas que de lluvias. El sistema lagunar presentó variaciones importantes en los valores de salinidad con los siguientes regimenes: agua dulce, oligohalino, mesohalino y polihalino. La riqueza media de especies y la diversidad alcanzaron sus valores más altos durante el periodo mesohalino. Contrario a los valores de riqueza y diversidad, la abundancia promedio (CPUE) presentó los valores más altos durante el régimen de agua dulce.

Evaluation of sampling methods for periphytic fauna in macrophytes at the Espinhaço Mountain Range Biosphere Reserve, Minas Gerais State, Brazil - DOI: 10.4025/actascibiolsci.v30i3.377 / Avaliação dos métodos de amostragem para fauna perifítica em macrófitas na Reserva da Biosfera, Serra do Espinhaço, Estado de Minas Gerais, Brasil - DOI: 10.4025/actascibiolsci.v30i3.377

The methods Jar, Manual Removal and modified Ekman`s Dredge were evaluated for sampling periphyton fauna associated to aquatic macrophytes. Sixty three samples were collected from five lentic and three lotic water bodies at Espinhaço Mountain Range Biosphere Reserve (Minas Gerais, Brazil). ANOVA and Tukey statistical tests were performed for Protista, Rotifera and Crustacea richness, whilst Protista, Rotifera, Crustacea, Gastrotricha, Tardigrada and Nematoda, abundance were evaluate by percentage. Amongst the three methods, Dregde is less indicated for different water bodies systems when there is interested in analyzing various microinvertebrate groups. The Protista and Rotifera are both 80% of the total invertebrate community abundance and richness. In evaluated ecosystems, for Protista analysis all methods are relevant; on the other hand, Crustacea analysis demands Jar methods. The Manual Removal and Dregde methods are appropriated to Rotifera analysis. The abundance of Gastrotricha and Tardigrada demonstrated better results for Jar method, and Nematoda for Dregde method. The three methods are appropriated for periphytic fauna sampling in both water body systems, nevertheless is important to be aware that for each fauna community in a specified ecosystem there is a specific method for best performance.

Os métodos Jarra, Remocao Manual e Draga de Eckman modificada foram avaliados para amostrar a fauna perifitica associada a macrofitas aquaticas. Foram coletadas 63 amostras em cinco ambientes lenticos e tres loticos na reserva da biosfera da Serra do Espinhaco (Estado de Minas Gerais, Brasil). Os testes estatisticos Anova e Tukey foram feitos para riqueza de Protista, Rotifera e Crustacea, enquanto para a abundancia de Protista, Rotifera, Crustacea, Gastrotricha, Tardigrada e Nematoda foram avaliados os percentuais. Os protozoarios e rotiferos representaram 80% da abundancia e riqueza da comunidade. Nos ecossistemas avaliados todos os metodos foram relevantes para Protista, por outro lado, o metodo da Jarra foi o mais adequado para a analise de Crustacea. Entre os metodos, a Draga foi menos indicada para os grupos de microinvertebrados nos ecossistemas aquaticos. Os metodos Remocao Manual e Draga foram apropriados para analisar Rotifera. A abundancia de Gastrotricha e Tardigrada demonstrou melhores resultados pelo metodo da Jarra e Nematoda pelo metodo da Draga. Os tres metodos sao apropriados para amostragem da fauna perifitica em ambos os sistemas aquaticos. Entretanto, e importante estar ciente de que para cada tipo de ecossistema a amostragem da comunidade faunistica requer um metodo especifico para obter a melhor performance.