Capacidad de carga turística sustentable del Parque Nacional El Veladero, Acapulco, México / Sustainable tourism carrying capacity. The case of El Veladero National Park, Acapulco, Mexico

RESUMEN Las Áreas Naturales Protegidas (ANP) son demandadas por visitantes que buscan vivir experiencias con calidad ambiental y contacto con las comunidades anfitrionas. Es por ello que, su aprovechamiento turístico debe ser de bajo impacto y que proyecte un desarrollo armónico de los recursos naturales. El objetivo del trabajo fue determinar la capacidad de carga turística del sendero en el Parque Nacional El Veladero, que permita reducir el impacto de las actividades recreativas y prevenir el deterioro ambiental. La metodología se desarrolló a partir de una revisión documental y el análisis de las condiciones sociales y ambientales del parque, que permitieron calcular la capacidad de carga turística (CCT). La capacidad de carga física (CCF) se estimó en 1 988 visitantes, la real (CCR) en 34 visitas y la efectiva (CCE) en 11 visitas por día, la cual deberá ser respetada para no demeritar la calidad del medio ambiente. La implementación de acciones que posibiliten desarrollar un aprovechamiento turístico sustentable, acorde a las condiciones naturales del sitio, así como a las culturales y sociales de la comunidad anfitriona, permitirán preservar a largo plazo la ANP estudiada. La determinación de la CCT es de utilidad para el aprovechamiento turístico, sin afectar el medio ambiente ni la generación de recursos económicos de los habitantes de la zona analizada.

ABSTRACT Natural Protected Areas (NPAs) are demanded by visitors who seek to live experiences with environmental quality and contact with host communities. For this reason, its tourist use must be of low impact and project a harmonious development of natural resources. The objective of this work was to determine the tourism carrying capacity of a trail in el Veladero National Park, which enables a reduction of the impact of recreational activities and stop environmental deterioration. The methodology was based on documentary research, and the analysis of the social and environmental conditions of the park, which enabled the calculation of the tourism carrying capacity (TCC). Results showed that the physical carrying capacity (PCC) was 1 988 visitors, the real (CCR) was 34 visits, and the effective (ECC) 11 visits per day, which must be respected so as to not negatively impact the environmental quality. Conclusions indicate that it is advisable to implement actions that enable the development of sustainable tourism, which is in line with the natural conditions of the site. In a similar vein, respecting the social and cultural traditions of the host community, will enable the longterm preservation of the studied NPA. The calculation of the TCC has been proved useful for tourist use, without negatively impacting the environment or the generation of economic benefits for the host community in the studied area.

DETERMINACIÓN DE LA CAPACIDAD DE ABSORCIÓN DE MATERIA ORGÁNICA CON BUCHÓN DE AGUA (Eichhornia crassipes) MEDIANTE LA MODELACIÓN LOGÍSTICA DE VERHULST PARA EL SECTOR EL ESPINO-RÍO BOGOTÁ PTAP TIBITOC / Determination of the absorption capacity of organic matter with water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) through of the logistic growth model in the sector el Espino-río Bogotá DWTP TIBITOC

RESUMEN La Planta de Tratamiento de Agua Potable- PTAP Tibitoc se abastece en gran medida por el Río Bogotá, a través de dos bocatomas ubicadas en el sector El Espino. Allí es evidente el desarrollo incontrolado de la macrófita Buchón de agua (Eichhornia crassipes) atribuido al constante aporte de carga de nutrientes y materia orgánica aguas arriba de la cuenca, lo cual genera problemas en la dinámica ecosistémica del cuerpo de agua, así como en la calidad del recurso que abastece a la planta. El propósito de este estudio, mediante una metodología experimental verdadera, es evaluar la capacidad de absorción de materia orgánica de la especie, representada por la cantidad de materia orgánica removida por unidad de biomasa, estimando un valor máximo de remoción equivalente a 19,53 mg O2 L-1/g por unidad de Buchón, y con ayuda del modelo logístico de crecimiento, se valida el periodo en el cual se puede mantener la especie en el cuerpo de agua, sin que esta afecte el sistema, concluyendo que su eficiencia empieza a decaer entre los 165 a 195 días después de sembrar los especímenes en cauce de la zona de estudio, luego de los cuales se sugiere su remoción.

ABSTRACT The Potable Water Treatment Plant - PWTP Tibitoc is largely supplied by the Bogotá River, through two intakes located in the sector El Espino. Is evident the uncontrolled development of the macrophyte Eichhornia crassipes attributed to the constant contribution of nutrients and organic matter load upstream of the basin, which generates problems in the ecosystem dynamics of the body of water, as well as in the quality of the resource that supplies to the plant. The purpose of this study, through a true experimental methodology, is to evaluate the absorption capacity of organic matter of the species, represented by the amount of organic matter removed per unit of biomass estimating a removal value of 19.53 mg O2 L-1/g for unit ofWater Hyacinth. With the help of the logistic growth model, the period in which the species can be maintained in the reservoir is validated without affecting the system, concluding that its efficiency decay between 165 to 195 days after sowing the specimens in the course of the study area, after which removal is suggested.

Spatial and temporal dynamics and potential pathogenicity of fecal coliforms in coastal shallow groundwater wells.

Access to water through shallow groundwater wells is a common practice in coastal settlements. This, coupled with a lack of planning for wastewater disposal promotes fecal contamination of groundwater and poses a threat to human health. Here, the spatial and temporal dynamics of groundwater fecal contamination was evaluated during summer and winter (2013 and 2014) in a coastal protected area having a high touristic relevance (Cabo Polonio, Uruguay). Fecal coliforms (FC) abundance in groundwater was significantly higher during summer, related to an influx of ~ 1000 tourists per day. A significant spatial autocorrelation was found in 2014, when the abundance of FC in a well was influenced by its three nearest wells (Moran and Geary tests). The applied statistical models (mixed models) indicated that total phosphorus and organic matter were the variables significantly explaining FC abundance. The risk for human health was estimated using groundwater-extracted DNA and qPCR of genes encoding for E. coli virulence factors (stx1, stx2, and eae). Potential Shiga toxin-producing enteropathogenic and enterohemorrhagic pathotypes were detected, even at FC abundances ≤ 1 CFU (100 mL-1). Moreover, we found that contaminated groundwater reached the beach, being the presence of FC in sand detected even in winter and showing its highest frequency nearby groundwater wells consistently having high FC abundance (hot spots). Altogether, the results show that fecal contamination of shallow groundwater in Cabo Polonio involves a risk for human health that intensifies during summer (associated to a significant increase of tourists). This contamination also impacts the beach, where FC can remain through the whole year.

Stray dogs in urban fragments: relation between population's perception of their presence and socio-demographic factors / Cães errantes em fragmentos urbanos: relação entre o relato de visualização de cães errantes e fatores sociodemográficos da população local

Stray dogs are associated with environment and public health impacts. São Paulo is a city with approximately 2.5 million owned dogs and until the time of writing no studies describing the distribution of the stray dog population have been conducted in this city. Therefore, no scientific support for intervention plans is available. The objective of this study was to evaluate the association of local sociodemographic and environmental factors with the population perception of presence of stray dogs in urban fragments of São Paulo city. A convenience sample of six urban fragments was selected. In-depth interviews were performe, using a systematic random sample of households in each study area, between October/2010 and January/2011 to identify socio-demographic factors of interest and determine the population's perception of stray dogs. Additionally, the presence of stray dogs was estimated by photographic mark-recapture method. The degree of human-dog proximity and environmental factors such as waste handling were associated to the sighting of stray dogs. Stray dogs were observed in two of the six study areas, agreeing with the greater population perception of this issue on those areas. Intervention in these factors and encouragement of responsible ownership are two potential solutions for management and reduction of problems associated with the presence of stray dogs.(AU)

A presença de cães errantes está associada a impactos no meio ambiente e na saúde pública. São Paulo é uma cidade com aproximadamente 2.5 milhões de cães domiciliados e até o presente momento, não foram desenvolvidos estudos que descrevam a distribuição da população errante na cidade. Desta forma, não há suporte científico para planejar intervenções. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a associação entre os fatores sociodemográficos e ambientais da população local com a frequência com que relataram a visualização de cães errantes em fragmentos urbanos da cidade de São Paulo. Foi definida uma amostra de conveniência composta por seis fragmentos urbanos, onde um questionário foi aplicado em uma amostra sistemática dos domicílios de cada área de estudo. Este questionário, aplicado entre outubro de 2010 e janeiro de 2011, determinou os fatores socio-econômicos de interesse e a percepção da presença de cães errantes pela população. Também foi estimada a presença de cães pelo método de marcação e recaptura fotográfica. Foi possível estabelecer uma relação entre a visualização de cães errantes pela população local e o grau de proximidade com cães e o manejo de resíduos do domicílio. Cães errantes foram observados em duas das seis áreas trabalhadas, em concordância com a maior percepção da sua presença pela população local. Intervenções nestes fatores e incentivo a guarda responsável são duas ações com potencial de contribuir para redução dos problemas causados pela presença de cães errantes.(AU)

Stray dogs in urban fragments: relation between population's perception of their presence and socio-demographic factors / Cães errantes em fragmentos urbanos: relação entre o relato de visualização de cães errantes e fatores sociodemográficos da população local

Stray dogs are associated with environment and public health impacts. São Paulo is a city with approximately 2.5 million owned dogs and until the time of writing no studies describing the distribution of the stray dog population have been conducted in this city. Therefore, no scientific support for intervention plans is available. The objective of this study was to evaluate the association of local sociodemographic and environmental factors with the population perception of presence of stray dogs in urban fragments of São Paulo city. A convenience sample of six urban fragments was selected. In-depth interviews were performe, using a systematic random sample of households in each study area, between October/2010 and January/2011 to identify socio-demographic factors of interest and determine the population's perception of stray dogs. Additionally, the presence of stray dogs was estimated by photographic mark-recapture method. The degree of human-dog proximity and environmental factors such as waste handling were associated to the sighting of stray dogs. Stray dogs were observed in two of the six study areas, agreeing with the greater population perception of this issue on those areas. Intervention in these factors and encouragement of responsible ownership are two potential solutions for management and reduction of problems associated with the presence of stray dogs.(AU)

A presença de cães errantes está associada a impactos no meio ambiente e na saúde pública. São Paulo é uma cidade com aproximadamente 2.5 milhões de cães domiciliados e até o presente momento, não foram desenvolvidos estudos que descrevam a distribuição da população errante na cidade. Desta forma, não há suporte científico para planejar intervenções. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a associação entre os fatores sociodemográficos e ambientais da população local com a frequência com que relataram a visualização de cães errantes em fragmentos urbanos da cidade de São Paulo. Foi definida uma amostra de conveniência composta por seis fragmentos urbanos, onde um questionário foi aplicado em uma amostra sistemática dos domicílios de cada área de estudo. Este questionário, aplicado entre outubro de 2010 e janeiro de 2011, determinou os fatores socio-econômicos de interesse e a percepção da presença de cães errantes pela população. Também foi estimada a presença de cães pelo método de marcação e recaptura fotográfica. Foi possível estabelecer uma relação entre a visualização de cães errantes pela população local e o grau de proximidade com cães e o manejo de resíduos do domicílio. Cães errantes foram observados em duas das seis áreas trabalhadas, em concordância com a maior percepção da sua presença pela população local. Intervenções nestes fatores e incentivo a guarda responsável são duas ações com potencial de contribuir para redução dos problemas causados pela presença de cães errantes.(AU)

Stray dogs in urban fragments: relation between populations perception of their presence and socio-demographic factors

ABSTRACT: Stray dogs are associated with environment and public health impacts. São Paulo is a city with approximately 2.5 million owned dogs and until the time of writing no studies describing the distribution of the stray dog population have been conducted in this city. Therefore, no scientific support for intervention plans is available. The objective of this study was to evaluate the association of local sociodemographic and environmental factors with the population perception of presence of stray dogs in urban fragments of São Paulo city. A convenience sample of six urban fragments was selected. In-depth interviews were performe, using a systematic random sample of households in each study area, between October/2010 and January/2011 to identify socio-demographic factors of interest and determine the populations perception of stray dogs. Additionally, the presence of stray dogs was estimated by photographic mark-recapture method. The degree of human-dog proximity and environmental factors such as waste handling were associated to the sighting of stray dogs. Stray dogs were observed in two of the six study areas, agreeing with the greater population perception of this issue on those areas. Intervention in these factors and encouragement of responsible ownership are two potential solutions for management and reduction of problems associated with the presence of stray dogs.

RESUMO: A presença de cães errantes está associada a impactos no meio ambiente e na saúde pública. São Paulo é uma cidade com aproximadamente 2.5 milhões de cães domiciliados e até o presente momento, não foram desenvolvidos estudos que descrevam a distribuição da população errante na cidade. Desta forma, não há suporte científico para planejar intervenções. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a associação entre os fatores sociodemográficos e ambientais da população local com a frequência com que relataram a visualização de cães errantes em fragmentos urbanos da cidade de São Paulo. Foi definida uma amostra de conveniência composta por seis fragmentos urbanos, onde um questionário foi aplicado em uma amostra sistemática dos domicílios de cada área de estudo. Este questionário, aplicado entre outubro de 2010 e janeiro de 2011, determinou os fatores socio-econômicos de interesse e a percepção da presença de cães errantes pela população. Também foi estimada a presença de cães pelo método de marcação e recaptura fotográfica. Foi possível estabelecer uma relação entre a visualização de cães errantes pela população local e o grau de proximidade com cães e o manejo de resíduos do domicílio. Cães errantes foram observados em duas das seis áreas trabalhadas, em concordância com a maior percepção da sua presença pela população local. Intervenções nestes fatores e incentivo a guarda responsável são duas ações com potencial de contribuir para redução dos problemas causados pela presença de cães errantes.

Dieta y disponibilidad de forraje del venado cola blanca Odocoileus virginianus thomasi (Artiodactyla: Cervidae) en un campo experimental de Campeche, México / Forage use and availability for white tailed deer Odocoileus virginianus thomasi (Artiodactyla: Cervidae) in an experimental unit of Campeche, Mexico

In Campeche state, 122 Wildlife Conservation and Management Units have been recently conformed. In these units, eventhough the white tailed deer Odocoileus virginianus thomasi is a game species, no studies on its diet have been undertaken. The objectives of this work were to estimate the botanical composition of the diet and its seasonal change, to determine forage availability, carrying capacity and stocking rate of O. virginianus thomasi. The study was conducted in the experimental unit of Colegio de Postgraduados in Campeche, Mexico, from October 2010 to May 2012. The diet was determined through microhistological analyses of the white tailed deer feces by the use of reference material. Forage availability was determined through the Adelaide´s method; the stocking rate, using the grazing pressure factor; and carrying capacity considering forage availability and 35% of utilization efficiency. In this experimental unit, the deer diet included 40 species belonging to15 families. The highest species richness ocurred during the rainy season with 29 species. However, deers preferred shrubs during all seasons, and herbaceous species during the rainy season. The diet composition, forage availability, carrying capacity and stocking rate varied throughout the year. Carrying capacity ranged from 0.04 to 1.08deer/ha. Additional studies are required to detail about the composition of the diet, habitat availability and use throughout its geographical range, and to detail on nutritional and health aspects. Rev. Biol. Trop. 62 (2): 699-710. Epub 2014 June 01.

En Campeche, México no existen estudios de la dieta de Odocoileus virginianus thomasi; a pesar de la existencia de 122 Unidades de Manejo para la Conservación de la Vida Silvestre (UMAS) en donde se realiza aprovechamiento del venado cola blanca. Los objetivos del trabajo fueron conocer la composición botánica de la dieta y su cambio estacional, la disponibilidad de forraje, la capacidad de carga y carga animal de O. virginianus thomasi. El trabajo se realizó de octubre 2010 a mayo 2012 en el Campo Experimental del Colegio de Postgraduados en Campeche, México. La composición de la dieta se determinó mediante el análisis de heces de venado y material de referencia con la técnica microhistológica; la disponibilidad de forraje se estimó con el método de Adelaide; la capacidad de carga utilizando la presión de pastoreo y la carga animal considerando el forraje disponible y 35% de eficiencia de utilización. La dieta incluyó 40 especies de 15 familias. La riqueza de especies más alta fue de 29 especies en la época de lluvia; las arbustivas fueron preferidas en las tres épocas del año y las herbáceas en la época de lluvia. La composición de la dieta, disponibilidad de forraje, la capacidad de carga y carga animal variaron a través del año. La capacidad de carga fluctuó entre 0.04 a 1.08 venados/ha.

Effects of highland land-use over lowlands of the Brazilian Pantanal.

Human activities in the highlands alter the usual ecohydrological dynamics of the Pantanal wetland in the lowlands. These alterations can be noted by historical observation and identification of key processes that change the normal ecohydrology in the highlands and lowlands. Depending on land-use scenarios in the near future, the ongoing changes in the highlands may have positive or deleterious effects on the Pantanal's carrying capacity and resilience for providing ecosystem services such as nutrient retention and recycling, water purification, fish stocks, among others. This article seeks to summarize recent information to clarify, guide and provide support for the pursuit of realistic scenarios and induce scientific research and government policies that reconcile sustainable development in the highlands and lowlands, in line with the conservation of the Pantanal wetland.

Integração de critérios técnicos, ambientais e sociais em estudos de alternativas locacionais para implantação de aterro sanitário / Integrating technical, environmental and social criteria in landfill sitting studies

A Política Nacional do Meio Ambiente tem como objetivo a conciliação do desenvolvimento econômico e social com a qualidade ambiental, e dispõe de vários instrumentos que procuram contemplara capacidade de suporte do meio. Assim, a discussão sobre a localização das atividades é uma etapa importante para a avaliação da viabilidade ambiental de um determinado empreendimento, notadamente em processos de licenciamento ambiental. O trabalho apresenta uma abordagem metodológica para integração de critérios técnicos, ambientais e sociais em estudos de alternativas de localização de aterros sanitários, com especial atenção à interação entre os aspectos ambientais e os elementos fundamentais de um projeto (a saber, requisitos locacionais e concepção tecnológica), aplicado em um estudo de caso em São Carlos (SP). Como resultados principais, destacam-se o maior foco nos impactos significativos e a possibilidade de envolvimento de segmentos importantes da sociedade previamente à elaboração dos estudos ambientais.

The National Environment Policy aims to reconcile economic and social development with environmental quality and has several instruments to address environmental issues within the decision making processes. Thus, the discussion about the location of activities is an important step in the evaluation of the environmental acceptability of aparticular activity, even though the systematic procedures do not require neither to the entrepreneur or to the government studies of sitting alternatives. This paper presents the integration of technical, environmental and social criteria in a landfill sitting study, in order to present a systematic integration of environmental factors and applies in a case study in São Carlos, Brazil. The results allowed the development of an environmental impact statement more focused on significant impacts and the participation of segments of society at early stages of project's development.

Digestibilidade do fósforo em dietas como estratégia nutricional para redução de efluentes da tilapicultura / Digestibility of phosphorus in feed as a nutritional strategy for reduce of effluents from tilapia culture

Avaliou-se a digestibilidade do fósforo em dietas isoproteicas e isoenergéticas contendo 28 por cento de proteína bruta e 3000kcal de ED/kg com porcentagens de 0,8 e 1,2 por cento de fósforo total para juvenis de tilápia-do-nilo (Oreochromis niloticus). Os parâmetros de qualidade da água apresentaram diferenças significativas (P<0,05) para o fósforo total, ortofosfato, DBO5 e condutividade. A digestibilidade das dietas foi de 75,3 por cento para os peixes alimentados com 0,8 por cento de fósforo total e de 77,5 por cento para os alimentados com 1,2 por cento de fósforo total. As taxas de eficiência da absorção do fósforo foram de 74,8 por cento e 76,3 por cento para as tilápias alimentadas com 0,8 por cento e 1,2 por cento de fósforo, respectivamente. O aumento do percentual de 0,4 por cento de fósforo na dieta levou ao acréscimo de 55 por cento de fósforo na água. Dessa forma, a utilização de valores abaixo de 0,8 por cento de fósforo total é uma estratégia que auxilia na redução do impacto causado pelos efluentes oriundos da criação de peixes, sem comprometer a eficiência do aproveitamento das dietas pelas tilápias.(AU)

The objective of this study was to evaluate the digestibility of phosphorus in isonitrogenous and isocaloric diets containing 28 percent crude protein and 3000kcal DE/kg at different levels of total phosphorus, 0.8 percent and 1.2 percent, in Nile tilapia juveniles (Oreochromis niloticus). The water quality parameters presented significant differences (P<0.5) for total phosphorus, orthophosphate, BOD5 and conductivity. The digestibility of diets was 75.3 percent for fish fed 0.8 percent total phosphorus and 77.5 percent for treatment with 1.2 percent total phosphorus. It was observed that the efficiency rate in phosphorus absorption among the treatments was 74.3 and 76.3 percent for tilapia fed 0.8 percent and 1.2 percent phosphorus, respectively. It can be concluded that a percentage increase of 0.4 percent phosphorus in tilapia diets contributes to the increase of 55 percent of phosphorus in water and the lower phosphorus input in the diet can be a nutritional strategy to be practiced. Thus, it will help to reduce the impact caused by effluents from fish farming, without lowering the efficiency of tilapia diet utilization.(AU)

Digestibilidade do fósforo em dietas como estratégia nutricional para redução de efluentes da tilapicultura / Digestibility of phosphorus in feed as a nutritional strategy for reduce of effluents from tilapia culture

Avaliou-se a digestibilidade do fósforo em dietas isoproteicas e isoenergéticas contendo 28 por cento de proteína bruta e 3000kcal de ED/kg com porcentagens de 0,8 e 1,2 por cento de fósforo total para juvenis de tilápia-do-nilo (Oreochromis niloticus). Os parâmetros de qualidade da água apresentaram diferenças significativas (P<0,05) para o fósforo total, ortofosfato, DBO5 e condutividade. A digestibilidade das dietas foi de 75,3 por cento para os peixes alimentados com 0,8 por cento de fósforo total e de 77,5 por cento para os alimentados com 1,2 por cento de fósforo total. As taxas de eficiência da absorção do fósforo foram de 74,8 por cento e 76,3 por cento para as tilápias alimentadas com 0,8 por cento e 1,2 por cento de fósforo, respectivamente. O aumento do percentual de 0,4 por cento de fósforo na dieta levou ao acréscimo de 55 por cento de fósforo na água. Dessa forma, a utilização de valores abaixo de 0,8 por cento de fósforo total é uma estratégia que auxilia na redução do impacto causado pelos efluentes oriundos da criação de peixes, sem comprometer a eficiência do aproveitamento das dietas pelas tilápias.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the digestibility of phosphorus in isonitrogenous and isocaloric diets containing 28 percent crude protein and 3000kcal DE/kg at different levels of total phosphorus, 0.8 percent and 1.2 percent, in Nile tilapia juveniles (Oreochromis niloticus). The water quality parameters presented significant differences (P<0.5) for total phosphorus, orthophosphate, BOD5 and conductivity. The digestibility of diets was 75.3 percent for fish fed 0.8 percent total phosphorus and 77.5 percent for treatment with 1.2 percent total phosphorus. It was observed that the efficiency rate in phosphorus absorption among the treatments was 74.3 and 76.3 percent for tilapia fed 0.8 percent and 1.2 percent phosphorus, respectively. It can be concluded that a percentage increase of 0.4 percent phosphorus in tilapia diets contributes to the increase of 55 percent of phosphorus in water and the lower phosphorus input in the diet can be a nutritional strategy to be practiced. Thus, it will help to reduce the impact caused by effluents from fish farming, without lowering the efficiency of tilapia diet utilization.

Capybaras in an anthropogenic habitat in Southeastern Brazil

Capybaras (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris) are widely distributed in the Neotropics, living in both natural and anthropogenic habitats. In the present study, we monitored the fluctuating capybara population at the Campus "Luiz de Queiroz", University of São Paulo, in Piracicaba, Southeastern Brazil from 1998 to 2000. To assess population fluctuation and growth rates, we used an abundance index based on direct weekly daylight counts. Population monitoring was carried out in an anthropogenic wetland associated with an agroecosystem. The observers bias was established as directly related to their distance from the animals. The capybara population density and biomass in the anthropogenic wetland in question were found to be significantly higher than in pristine habitats. The species seems to present a seasonal pattern of fluctuation, with a peak in late spring (Oct to Dec). Unlike young capybaras, adults and juveniles present similar seasonal fluctuation patterns. In this anthropogenic wetland, the carrying capacity may be as high as 195 individuals/Km². At a conservative exploitation rate (17%) in anthropogenic wetlands of Southeastern Brazil, capybara productivity may reach approximately 630 Kg/Km²/year.

Capivaras (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris) distribuem-se amplamente na região neotropical em habitats naturais e antrópicos. No presente estudo, a flutuação populacional de capivaras foi monitorada no Campus "Luiz de Queiroz" da Universidade de São Paulo, em Piracicaba, Região Sudeste do Brasil no período entre 1998 e 2000. Para avaliar a flutuação populacional e suas taxas de crescimento, foi usado um índice de abundância baseado em contagens diurnas semanais. O monitoramento foi conduzido em uma área de várzea antrópica. O viés de observadores foi avaliado, sendo diretamente proporcional à sua distância em relação aos animais. A densidade populacional e biomassa de capivaras na área antrópica estudada foram significativamente maiores do que em habitats naturais. A espécie apresentou um padrão sazonal de flutuação com pico no final da primavera (outubro a dezembro). Adultos e juvenis apresentaram padrões de flutuação sazonal similares, diferindo do apresentado por filhotes. Neste habitat de vázea antrópica, a capacidade de suporte foi de aproximadamente 195 indivíduos/Km². Para uma taxa de extração conservadora (17%) em várzeas antrópicas da Região Sudeste do Brasil, a produtividade de capivaras pode alcançar cerca de 630 Kg/Km²/ano.

Capybaras in an anthropogenic habitat in Southeastern Brazil

Capybaras (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris) are widely distributed in the Neotropics, living in both natural and anthropogenic habitats. In the present study, we monitored the fluctuating capybara population at the Campus "Luiz de Queiroz", University of São Paulo, in Piracicaba, Southeastern Brazil from 1998 to 2000. To assess population fluctuation and growth rates, we used an abundance index based on direct weekly daylight counts. Population monitoring was carried out in an anthropogenic wetland associated with an agroecosystem. The observers’ bias was established as directly related to their distance from the animals. The capybara population density and biomass in the anthropogenic wetland in question were found to be significantly higher than in pristine habitats. The species seems to present a seasonal pattern of fluctuation, with a peak in late spring (Oct to Dec). Unlike young capybaras, adults and juveniles present similar seasonal fluctuation patterns. In this anthropogenic wetland, the carrying capacity may be as high as 195 individuals/Km². At a conservative exploitation rate (17%) in anthropogenic wetlands of Southeastern Brazil, capybara productivity may reach approximately 630 Kg/Km²/year.

Capivaras (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris) distribuem-se amplamente na região neotropical em habitats naturais e antrópicos. No presente estudo, a flutuação populacional de capivaras foi monitorada no Campus "Luiz de Queiroz" da Universidade de São Paulo, em Piracicaba, Região Sudeste do Brasil no período entre 1998 e 2000. Para avaliar a flutuação populacional e suas taxas de crescimento, foi usado um índice de abundância baseado em contagens diurnas semanais. O monitoramento foi conduzido em uma área de várzea antrópica. O viés de observadores foi avaliado, sendo diretamente proporcional à sua distância em relação aos animais. A densidade populacional e biomassa de capivaras na área antrópica estudada foram significativamente maiores do que em habitats naturais. A espécie apresentou um padrão sazonal de flutuação com pico no final da primavera (outubro a dezembro). Adultos e juvenis apresentaram padrões de flutuação sazonal similares, diferindo do apresentado por filhotes. Neste habitat de vázea antrópica, a capacidade de suporte foi de aproximadamente 195 indivíduos/Km². Para uma taxa de extração conservadora (17%) em várzeas antrópicas da Região Sudeste do Brasil, a produtividade de capivaras pode alcançar cerca de 630 Kg/Km²/ano.

Desempenho da tilápia nilótica Oreochromis niloticus (L.) em gaiolas de pequeno volume

To determine the carrying capacity and overall performance of the Nile tilapia Oreochromis niloticus (L.) in small volume cages, 5,850 sexually inverted fingerlings, averaging 18.85 g of live weight, were stocked in 1.3 m3 cages, at densities of 75, 150, 300, and 600 fish/m3 (T75; T150; T300, and T600). The 196-day long trial was set up in a totally randomized design, with 4 treatments and 3 replicates. Cages were set up in a 4-ha, 2 m average depth reservoir. Twenty percent (20%) of each cage stock were weighed and measured every 30 d to determine growth rate as weight gain (WG), and feed conversion rate (FCR). Fish were fed twice-a-day (09:00 and 17:00 h) an extruded, floating, 28% crude protein commercial diet. Feed consumption, mortality and water temperature were recorded at feeding time, and pH, dissolved oxygen (DO) and water transparency were recorded monthly. The first evaluation (30-d) showed FCR values between 0.68 and 2.40:1, and WG between 11.19 and 21.52 g. Best FCR values were recorded for T600. However, the stock could not repeat or maintain the initial performance level, and final results showed: FCR = 6.31:1 and WG = 71.52 g for T75; FCR = 4.08:1 and WG = 65.14 g for T150; FCR = 3.57:1 and WG = 59.60 g for T300; and FCR = 2.96:1 and WG = 69.17 g for T600. The best WG result was attained by T600, which was not significantly different of T75 (P 0.01). The FCR was better for T600 than for T75. The performance of both T150 and T300 was inferior to T600 and T75. Compared to literature data, the performance of Nile tilapia in this trial was very poor. Low cage effective depth (0.85 cm), causing thermal and brightness stress, poor quality of commercial feed and low sex reversal rate of fish stock could explain the unsatisfactory results here obtained.

Alevinos de tilápia nilótica Oreochromis niloticus (L.) com peso médio de 18,85 g, foram estocados em gaiolas de 1,7 m3 cada, em densidades de 75, 150, 300 e 600 peixes/m3 (T75; T150; T300 e T600), num delineamento inteiramente casualizado (4 tratamentos e 3 repetições), e criados por 196 dias, com ração comercial extrusada, flutuante, contendo 28% de proteína bruta. A cada 30 dias, 20% do lote de peixes de cada gaiola foi medido e pesado para determinar ganho de peso (GDP) e conversão alimentar (CA) de cada tratamento. Os resultados finais de CA e GDP para cada tratamento foram, respectivamente: para T75, 6,31:1 e 71,52g; para T150, 4,08:1 e 65.14g; para T300, 3,57:1 e 59,60g; e para T600, 2,96:1 e 69,17g. Em relação ao ganho de peso, T600 e T75 foram semelhantes (P > 0,01) sendo que T600 apresentou melhor CA que T75 (P 0,01). Os tratamentos T150 e T300 apresentaram desempenho inferior a T600 ou T75. Os índices de CA e GDP obtidos no experimento, resultaram da interação de fatores como estresse térmico e luminoso, a baixa qualidade da ração comercial utilizada e a baixa taxa de reversão sexual do lote de alevinos adquiridos de produtores comerciais.

Desempenho da tilápia nilótica Oreochromis niloticus (L.) em gaiolas de pequeno volume

To determine the carrying capacity and overall performance of the Nile tilapia Oreochromis niloticus (L.) in small volume cages, 5,850 sexually inverted fingerlings, averaging 18.85 g of live weight, were stocked in 1.3 m3 cages, at densities of 75, 150, 300, and 600 fish/m3 (T75; T150; T300, and T600). The 196-day long trial was set up in a totally randomized design, with 4 treatments and 3 replicates. Cages were set up in a 4-ha, 2 m average depth reservoir. Twenty percent (20%) of each cage stock were weighed and measured every 30 d to determine growth rate as weight gain (WG), and feed conversion rate (FCR). Fish were fed twice-a-day (09:00 and 17:00 h) an extruded, floating, 28% crude protein commercial diet. Feed consumption, mortality and water temperature were recorded at feeding time, and pH, dissolved oxygen (DO) and water transparency were recorded monthly. The first evaluation (30-d) showed FCR values between 0.68 and 2.40:1, and WG between 11.19 and 21.52 g. Best FCR values were recorded for T600. However, the stock could not repeat or maintain the initial performance level, and final results showed: FCR = 6.31:1 and WG = 71.52 g for T75; FCR = 4.08:1 and WG = 65.14 g for T150; FCR = 3.57:1 and WG = 59.60 g for T300; and FCR = 2.96:1 and WG = 69.17 g for T600. The best WG result was attained by T600, which was not significantly different of T75 (P 0.01). The FCR was better for T600 than for T75. The performance of both T150 and T300 was inferior to T600 and T75. Compared to literature data, the performance of Nile tilapia in this trial was very poor. Low cage effective depth (0.85 cm), causing thermal and brightness stress, poor quality of commercial feed and low sex reversal rate of fish stock could explain the unsatisfactory results here obtained.

Alevinos de tilápia nilótica Oreochromis niloticus (L.) com peso médio de 18,85 g, foram estocados em gaiolas de 1,7 m3 cada, em densidades de 75, 150, 300 e 600 peixes/m3 (T75; T150; T300 e T600), num delineamento inteiramente casualizado (4 tratamentos e 3 repetições), e criados por 196 dias, com ração comercial extrusada, flutuante, contendo 28% de proteína bruta. A cada 30 dias, 20% do lote de peixes de cada gaiola foi medido e pesado para determinar ganho de peso (GDP) e conversão alimentar (CA) de cada tratamento. Os resultados finais de CA e GDP para cada tratamento foram, respectivamente: para T75, 6,31:1 e 71,52g; para T150, 4,08:1 e 65.14g; para T300, 3,57:1 e 59,60g; e para T600, 2,96:1 e 69,17g. Em relação ao ganho de peso, T600 e T75 foram semelhantes (P > 0,01) sendo que T600 apresentou melhor CA que T75 (P 0,01). Os tratamentos T150 e T300 apresentaram desempenho inferior a T600 ou T75. Os índices de CA e GDP obtidos no experimento, resultaram da interação de fatores como estresse térmico e luminoso, a baixa qualidade da ração comercial utilizada e a baixa taxa de reversão sexual do lote de alevinos adquiridos de produtores comerciais.

Lysenkoism and the population control movement.

The case of Lysenkoism in the Soviet Union helps us understand how people's wrong beliefs can be influenced by what the information they receive from outside, especially when there is a large volume of media coverage and there is no contrary information to be heard. The population control movement in contemporary United States has many parallels to the Lysenko episode.

PIP: The history of the population control movement in the US resembles the Lysenkoism which destroyed agriculture and the study of genetics in the Soviet Union for 25 years, starting in the 1930s under Stalin's rule. Both movements developed out of only theoretical ideas, with no scientific evidence. Lysenko and Prezent rejected the classical theory by assuming that heredity is a general internal property of living matter. They rejected the gene theory on a priori abstract considerations, ignoring the factual basis of genetics. Likewise, population control advocates adhere to the abstract notion that some unit of discourse is finite, therefore inevitably limiting growth in population and consumption. However, the available evidence does not support the argument that population growth and density are associated with poorer economic results. The case of Lysenkoism in the Soviet Union helps one to understand how people's wrong beliefs can be influenced by what outside information they receive, especially when there is considerable media coverage and no information to the contrary.

Forests of hope: Costa Rica. Restoring hope in the clouds.

PIP: The rapid population growth in Central America has created pressure on the largest tract of cloud forest spanning the Talamanca Mountains in Costa Rica and Panama. Of immediate concern is restoring hope in the forest and improving the standard of living among local people. Such is the goal of the Amistad Conservation and Development (AMISCONDE) project in the communities of Cerro Punta, Panama, and San Rafael in Costa Rica. Through agriculture, forestry, animal husbandry, environmental education, and community development, AMISCONDE aims to restore the degraded lands in the reserve's buffer zone and improve the income of the people. All the local people, the farmers, women and children have benefited from the project. Some of the activities carried out to meet its objectives include helping the farmers improve the productivity and marketability of their products by teaching them new technologies and giving agricultural credits to farmers, women, and youth groups. In addition, AMISCONDE conducts training courses to address the economic, social and educational needs of women and communities. It is assured that the community and the group will be prepared to continue on their own after the official AMISCONDE office is gone.^ieng

[Population and food scarcity]. / Poblacion y la escasez de alimentos.

PIP: Rapid population growth and increasing industrialization threaten to exhaust the world's natural resources, while the air, water, and soil are contaminated by wastes. Efforts to modify processes endangering man's survival are merely local palliatives. World population increased by 2 billion in the past 10 years. El Salvador's population is growing at 2% annually and now exceeds 5 million. These facts are well known, but the average person does not feel personally affected by them, trusting in scientific and technological progress to solve problems. The reality is that 2/3 of the world's people are vulnerable to hunger. Technological advances in agriculture have been outpaced by rapid population growth. Droughts and other climatic disturbances lead to hunger, and lost harvests constitute calamities. El Salvador's ecological situation is critical, with widespread degradation of agricultural lands. Thousands of hectares are lost each year. The high cost of basic foods is due to the collapse of agricultural production, itself a result of poor planning. El Salvador has become an importer of many essential foodstuffs. Experts have predicted that rapid population growth will soon mean that the country is no longer able to produce all the food it needs. Campaigns for responsible parenthood are needed to slow population growth. Couples should decide how many children to have based on their ability to support and educate them. The government should adopt a realistic position and encourage responsible parenthood, with free medical advice and family planning services for those desiring to avoid pregnancy.^ieng

[Excessive population and health]. / La poblacion excesiva y la salud.

PIP: Population density in El Salvador is among the highest in the world. In metropolitan San Salvador and the other main cities, crowding, squatter settlements, unemployment and underemployment, scarcity of basic services, squalor, and other social pathologies appear to be increasing. Overpopulation poses an enormous challenge for development. Reflection on the benefits of family planning has been delayed in El Salvador, and in the interim there have been increases in social inequality, misery, and hunger. Family planning programs have been referred to as "neo-Malthusian" and contrary to the right to life, but in fact they promote birth spacing and free selection of methods by couples, contributing to improvement in the quality of family life. Family planning allows couples to limit their offspring to those they can adequately care for emotionally and materially. People must be shown that family planning alleviates many of humanity's problems.^ieng

[Deforestation and overpopulation]. / Desforestacion y sobrepoblacion.

PIP: Ecological damage and irrational deforestation in El Salvador are very serious problems with potentially catastrophic consequences in the near future. Each year the amount of rainfall declines precipitously, the rivers lose volume, temperatures rise to levels unheard of in the rainy season, and ecological balance is disturbed, with disappearance of entire species of plants and animals. Desertification threatens future generations of Salvadorans. The causes of deforestation are multiple, but ill-conceived urbanization policy and immoderate population growth are two important factors. The increased population requires new housing, electric lines, aqueducts, clinics, and schools. When conditions are unfavorable, marginal zones or squatter settlements lacking all these basic services proliferate. With their concentrations of waste and environmental degradation, they are converted into foci of infectious disease and social pathology. Much scarce agricultural land has been lost to urban development as the population grows uncontrollably in the nation's small area.^ieng