ABSTRACT
Worldwide urban expansion and deforestation have caused a rapid decline of non-human primates in recent decades. Yet, little is known to what extent these animals can tolerate anthropogenic noise arising from roadway traffic and human presence in their habitat. We studied six family groups of titis residing at increasing distances from a busy highway, in a park promoting ecotourism near Santa Cruz de la Sierra, Bolivia. We mapped group movements, sampled the titis' behavior, collected fecal samples from each study group and conducted experiments in which we used a mannequin simulating a human intrusion in their home range. We hypothesized that groups of titi monkeys exposed to higher levels of anthropogenic noise and human presence would react weakly to the mannequin and show higher concentrations of fecal cortisol compared with groups in least perturbed areas. Sound pressure measurements and systematic monitoring of soundscape inside the titis' home ranges confirmed the presence of a noise gradient, best characterized by the root-mean-square (RMS) and median amplitude (M) acoustic indices; importantly, both anthropogenic noise and human presence co-varied. Study groups resided in small, overlapping home ranges and they spent most of their time resting and preferentially used the lower forest stratum for traveling and the higher levels for foraging. Focal sampling analysis revealed that the time spent moving by adult pairs was inversely correlated with noise, the behavioral change occurring within a gradient of minimum sound pressures ranging from 44 dB(A) to 52 dB(A). Validated enzyme-immunoassays of fecal samples however detected surprisingly low cortisol concentrations, unrelated to the changes observed in the RMS and M indices. Finally, titis' response to the mannequin varied according to our expectation, with alarm calling being greater in distant groups relative to highway. Our study thus indicates reduced alarm calling through habituation to human presence and suggests a titis' resilience to anthropogenic noise with little evidence of physiological stress.
ABSTRACT
The jaguar Panthera onca requires large areas of relatively intact habitats containing adequate amounts of prey to survive. Since a substantial portion of jaguar range occurs outside of strict protected areas, there is a need for economic incentives for habitat conservation, which carefully managed selective logging can provide. Forest Stewardship Council and Pan European Forest Council certifications intended to regulate wood extraction to maintain the ecological functions of forests require evidence of biodiversity and ecosystem conservation. We draw on twelve surveys across four countries and a range of biomes to present evidence that adequate logging management can maintain jaguar populations, but that they are at risk without efficient control of secondary impacts of access and hunting. Where resident, the presence of jaguars can serve as an indication that the ecological requirements of certified timber extraction are being met. We present a gradient of rigor for monitoring, recommending cost-effective options.
Subject(s)
Conservation of Natural Resources , Forestry , Panthera , Animals , Biodiversity , Ecosystem , ForestsABSTRACT
We present the case report of a 10 years old patient to whom, based on the clinical examination, lab and imaging studies we established the diagnosis. Sturge- Weber syndrome, oculo-dermal melanocytosis-right side. This case is interesting because of the unusual and rare association of these two diseases.
Subject(s)
Eye/pathology , Nevus of Ota/complications , Skin Neoplasms/complications , Sturge-Weber Syndrome/complications , Child , Diagnosis, Differential , Face/pathology , Humans , Male , Nevus of Ota/diagnosis , Skin Neoplasms/diagnosis , Sturge-Weber Syndrome/diagnosisABSTRACT
A long-term study was carried out on a black howler monkey (Alouatta caraya) population living in 150 ha of forest patches spread out in a 3,000 ha rural area in Northern Argentina. A total of 22 different groups were located between 1980 and 1984 and 11 of these were monitored regularly during 28 months. Ecological density varied between 12.14 and 12.93 groups per sq km of thall dense forest (0.80 to 1.15 ind./ha; biomass 306 to 365 kg/sq km). Solitaries and small associations of adult or subadult individuals of both sexes were also recorded but occupied habitats of inferior quality. Mean sizes of reproductive groups varied from 6.4 to 8.4 and the range was 3 to 15 individuals. Reproductive groups had 1 to 3 adult males, 1 to 3 adult females, and several immatures. Sex ratio was biased toward females among the adults but it varied in other age classes. Births occurred throughout the year showing a peak in the colder and drier season. Subadult or young adult males and females dispersed from suspected natal groups and became solitaries or joined associations. Males invaded groups and displaced or coexisted with resident males. Infanticides and disappearances of infants were associated with male changes. Comparative censuses on an island not far from the main study area showed higher density and biomass (2.8 ind./ha; 1,117 kg/sq km) and different group sizes and composition. Habitat features as well as the history of each study site may account for the observed demographic differences.
ABSTRACT
El propósito del presente manual es brindar una serie de criterios a ser utilizados en la identificación y delimitación de redes de áreas protegidas de ambientes forestales para la conservación de la fauna silvestre, dentro de los bosques manejados de las tierras bajas de Bolivia. El manual está dirigido a las personas encargadas del manejo y planificación forestal. Este manual también incluye un anexo en el que se listan consideraciones adicionales para la conservación de la fauna silvestre en la concesión forestal Tarumá, en el departamento de Santa Cruz, Dicho anexo brinda un ejemplo de la forma en que las condiciones adicionales y más específicas a cada sitio pueden complementar las directrices generales
