Atividade diária, uso do ambiente e comportamento reprodutivo de Bothrops sazimai, espécie criticamente ameaçada, em cativeiro

The genus Bothrops, popularly know as the jararacas group, currently has 32 species in Brazil. They are found both at the sea level and at altitudes close to 3000m, and some species unhabitat continental islands. One of these species is Bothrops sazimai, described in 2016, a snake endemic to Ilha dos Franceses which, due to anthropogenic pressure in its natural environment, is considered a critically endangered species. Therefore, maintaning this speciesw in captivity can help to understand its behavior, biology and environmental use. In this work, through monitoring over 15 days, it was possible to characterize the daily activity, environmental use and reproductive behavior of two individuals of B. sazimai, and conclude that the species presentes nocturnal activity and semi-arboreal habits, despite using the lower stratum more frerquently. This work also presentes aspects of reproductive behavior in captivity, showing that the courtship behavior of B. sazimai is similar to the behavior of other snakes of the genus Bothrops, which basically involves a phase of pursuit, alignment and introduction of the hemipenis. To date, the information available on B. sazimai is limited to the work describing the species, therefore, the information obtained through this work is unprecedented.

O gênero Bothrops, conhecido popularmente como grupo das jararacas apresenta atualmente, no Brasil, 32 espécies. São encontradas tanto ao nível do mar, quanto em altitudes próximas a 3000m, e algumas espécies habitam ilhas continentais. Uma dessas espécies é a Bothrops sazimai, descrita em 2016, serpente endêmica da Ilha dos Franceses que, devido à pressão antropogênica em seu ambiente natural, é considerada uma espécie criticamente ameaçada. Dessa forma, a manutenção dessa espécie em cativeiro pode auxiliar no conhecimento do comportamento, biologia e uso do ambiente. Neste trabalho, através do monitoramento ao longo de 15 dias, foi possível caracterizar a atividade diária, uso do ambiente e comportamento reprodutivo de dois indivíduos de B. sazimai, e concluir que a espécie apresenta atividade noturna e hábitos semi arborícolas, apesar de usar o estrato inferior com mais frequência. Este trabalho também apresenta aspectos do comportamento reprodutivo em cativeiro, mostrando que o comportamento de corte de B. sazimai é semelhante ao comportamento de outras serpentes do gênero Bothrops, que envolve basicamente a fase de perseguição, alinhamento e introdução do hemipenis. Até o momento, as informações disponíveis sobre B. sazimai limitam-se ao trabalho de descrição da espécie, sendo assim, as informações obtidas por este trabalho são inéditas.

Diferencias en el tamaño corporal y la abundancia de peces altoandinos, arriba y abajo de la represa Neusa, Colombia / Differences in body size and abundance of high Andean fishes, above and below the Neusa dam, Colombia

Resumen Introducción: Los ríos tropicales se ven cada vez más afectados por la fragmentación y la regulación; y, en Colombia, se sabe que las represas ponen en peligro a los peces endémicos debido, entre otros, a la migración limitada y la disponibilidad reducida de redes alimenticias basadas en el detrito. Sin embargo, el conocimiento de la ictiofauna nativa afectada por represas en ríos altoandinos es aún incipiente. Objetivo: Evaluar los efectos de la represa del Neusa sobre la ictiofauna. Métodos: Comparamos dos secciones del río, una aguas arriba y otra aguas abajo de la represa con el Sistema Richter IHA, muestreamos tres transectos de 100 m de largo en cada sección, cada dos meses, entre 2017 y 2019. Los peces fueron devueltos al río después de efectuadas las mediciones corporales. Resultados: Recolectamos 729 individuos de cinco familias; los Trichomycterus bogotense eran más pequeños aguas abajo de la represa; Oncorhynchus mykiss fue más pequeño y menos abundante; y no hubo diferencias para Grundulus bogotensis y Eremophilus mutisii. Independientemente de los factores climáticos, O. mykiss y G. bogotensis fueron más abundantes aguas arriba, y E. mutisii y T. bogotense aguas abajo de la represa. Conclusión: Las cinco especies de peces diferían en cómo las poblaciones se diferencian aguas arriba y aguas abajo de la represa, lo que sugiere que algunas se benefician de la represa, mientras que otras se vuelven más pequeñas y menos abundantes.

Abstract Introduction: Tropical rivers are increasingly being affected by fragmentation and regulation; and, in Colombia, dams are known to endanger endemic fishes through, among others, limited migration and reduced availability of sediment-based feeding networks. However, knowledge of native ichthyofauna affected by dams in high Andean rivers is still incipient. Objective: To assess the effects of the Neusa dam on the ichthyofauna. Methods: We compared two rivers' sections, one above and one below the dam with the Richter IHA System, we sampled three 100 m long transects in each section, every two months, between 2017 and 2019. The fishes were returned to the river after body measurements. Results: We collected 729 individuals from five families; Trichomycterus bogotense were smaller under the dam; Oncorhynchus mykiss was smaller and less abundant; and there were no differences for Grundulus bogotensis and Eremophilus mutisii. Independently of climatic factors, O. mykiss and G. bogotensis were more abundant above the dam, and E. mutisii and T. bogotense under the dam. Conclusion: The five fish species differed in how the populations differed above and under the dam, suggesting that some are benefited by the dam, while others become smaller and less abundant.

Ampliación de la distribución geográfica y estado de conservación de Ctenoblepharys adspersa (Tschudi, 1845)

Ampliamos la distribución geográfica de Ctenoblepharys adspersa (Liolaemidae), una especie de saurio endémico y amenazado del desierto peruano. Nuestro nuevo registro extiende la distribucion de esta especie en 60 km (línea recta) de la localidad más oriental previamente conocida, la Reserva Nacional de Paracas. Registramos dos tipos de hábitat nuevos para C. adspersa al interior de las estribaciones andinas e identificamos las plantas nativas asociadas a sus hábitats. Además, revisamos el estado de conservación de esta especie y los desafíos que implican su conservación, resaltando que la mayoría de las poblaciones son vulnerables a los impactos en su hábitat producto del desarrollo de infraestructura urbana y/o agrícola.

We extend the geographical distribution of Ctenoblepharys adspersa (Liolaemidae) an endemic and threatened lizard species from the Peruvian desert. Our new record extends the known species distribution ca. 60 km (straight line) east-southeastern from the eastemost record at Paracas National Reserve. We recorded two new type of habitat for C. adspersa that reach to the Pacific foothills and identified the native plants associated to its habitats. Moreover, we review the conservation status and the challenges that facing it, highlighted that most of its populations are vulnerable to the impacts on their habitat caused by the development of urban and agricultural infrastructure.

Assessing species reintroduction sites based on future climate suitability for food resources.

The reintroduction of a species that is extinct in the wild demands caution because reintroduction locations may be associated with threats, such as hunting, poor-quality habitat, and climate change. This is the case for Cyanopsitta spixii (Spix's Macaw), which has been extinct in the wild since 2000. The few living individuals were created in captivity and will be used in a reintroduction project within the species' original distribution area, the Caatinga domain (Brazil). Because the occurrence records for this bird are old and inaccurate, we investigated the current and future environmental suitability of the 14 plant species used by C. spixii as resource. These plants are key elements for the long-term reestablishment of the species in the wild, so the use of models helps in the assessment of the effects of climate change on the availability of these resources for the species and informs selection of the best places for reintroduction. We based our models of environmental suitability on 19 bioclimatic variables and nine physical soil and topography variables. Climate projections were created for the present and for the year 2070 with an optimistic (SSP2-4.5) and a pessimistic (SSP5-8.5) climate scenario. Both future climate scenarios lead to a reduction in area of environmental suitability that overlapped for all the plant species: 33% reduction for SSP2-4.5 and 63% reduction for SSP5-8.5. If our projections materialize, climate change could thus affect the distribution of key resources, and the maintenance of C. spixii would depend on restoration of degraded areas, especially riparian forests, and the preservation of already existing natural areas. The Caatinga domain is very threatened by habitat loss and, for the success of this reintroduction project, the parties involved must act to protect the species and the resources it uses.

Evaluación de los Sitios de Reintroducción de Especies con base en la Futura Idoneidad Climática para los Recursos Alimenticios Resumen La reintroducción de una especie que se encuentra extinta en vida libre exige precaución pues las localidades de reintroducción pueden estar asociadas con amenazas como la cacería, hábitats de mala calidad y el cambio climático. Éste es el caso para Cyanopsitta spixii (Guacamaya de Spix), que ha estado extinta en vida libre desde el 2000. Los pocos individuos vivos nacieron en cautiverio y se usarán para un proyecto de reintroducción dentro del área original de distribución de la especie: el dominio Caatinga (Brasil). Ya que los registros de la presencia de esta ave son viejos e imprecisos, investigamos la idoneidad ambiental actual y a futuro de 14 especies de plantas que C. spixii usa como recurso. Estas plantas son elementos importantes para el restablecimiento a largo plazo de las especies en vida silvestre, así que el uso de modelos asiste en la evaluación de los efectos del cambio climático sobre la disponibilidad de recursos para la especie e informa la selección de los mejores lugares para la reintroducción. Basamos nuestros modelos de la idoneidad ambiental en 19 variables bioclimáticas y 9 variables físicas del suelo y la topografía. Las proyecciones climáticas fueron creadas para el presente y para el año 2070 con un escenario climático optimista (SSP2-4.5) y uno pesimista (SSP5-8.5) Ambos escenarios climáticos futuros llevan a una reducción en el área de idoneidad ambiental sobrepuesta para todas las especies de plantas: 33% de reducción para SSP2-4.5 y 63% de reducción para SSP5-8.5. Si nuestras proyecciones se materializan, el cambio climático podría entonces afectar la distribución de los recursos importantes, por lo que la conservación de C. spixii dependería de la restauración de las áreas degradadas, especialmente los bosques riparios y la preservación de las áreas naturales existentes. El dominio Caatinga se encuentra muy amenazado por la pérdida del hábitat y, para el éxito de este proyecto de reintroducción, las partes involucradas deben actuar para proteger a la especie y los recursos que utiliza.

Improving species status assessments under the U.S. Endangered Species Act and implications for multispecies conservation challenges worldwide.

Despite its successes, the U.S. Endangered Species Act (ESA) has proven challenging to implement due to funding limitations, workload backlog, and other problems. As threats to species survival intensify and as more species come under threat, the need for the ESA and similar conservation laws and policies in other countries to function efficiently has grown. Attempts by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) to streamline ESA decisions include multispecies recovery plans and habitat conservation plans. We address species status assessment (SSA), a USFWS process to inform ESA decisions from listing to recovery, within the context of multispecies and ecosystem planning. Although existing SSAs have a single-species focus, ecosystem-based research can efficiently inform multiple SSAs within a region and provide a foundation for transition to multispecies SSAs in the future. We considered at-risk grassland species and ecosystems within the southeastern United States, where a disproportionate number of rare and endemic species are associated with grasslands. To initiate our ecosystem-based approach, we used a combined literature-based and structured World Café workshop format to identify science needs for SSAs. Discussions concentrated on 5 categories of threats to grassland species and ecosystems, consistent with recommendations to make shared threats a focus of planning under the ESA: (1) habitat loss, fragmentation, and disruption of functional connectivity; (2) climate change; (3) altered disturbance regimes; (4) invasive species; and (5) localized impacts. For each threat, workshop participants identified science and information needs, including database availability, research priorities, and modeling and mapping needs. Grouping species by habitat and shared threats can make the SSA process and other planning processes for conservation of at-risk species worldwide more efficient and useful. We found a combination of literature review and structured discussion effective for identifying the scientific information and analysis needed to support the development of multiple SSAs. Article impact statement: Species status assessments can be improved by an ecosystem-based approach that groups imperiled species by shared habitats and threats.

Mejoramiento de la Evaluación del Estado de una Especie bajo el Acta de Especies en Peligro de los Estados Unidos y Sus Consecuencias para los Retos de la Conservación Multiespecie a Nivel Mundial Resumen A pesar de su éxito, el Acta de Especies en Peligro de los E.U.A. (AEP) ha sido un reto de implementación por las limitaciones en su financiamiento, el retraso en la carga de trabajo y otros problemas. Conforme se intensifican las amenazas a la supervivencia de las especies y más especies resultan amenazadas, aumenta la necesidad de que la AEP y las políticas similares de otros países funcionen efectivamente. Los intentos por parte del Servicio Estadounidense de Pesca y Fauna (SEPF) para optimizar las decisiones de la AEP incluyen planes multiespecie de recuperación y planes de conservación de hábitat (PRH). Abordamos la evaluación del estado de las especies (EEE), un proceso del SEPF para orientar las decisiones del AEP desde el listado hasta la recuperación, dentro del contexto de la planeación multiespecie y de ecosistemas. Aunque las EEE existentes tienen un enfoque sobre una única especie, la investigación basada en el ecosistema puede orientar eficientemente a múltiples EEE dentro de una región y proporcionar una base para la transición a las EEE multiespecie en el futuro. Consideramos a las especies y los ecosistemas en riesgo de los pastizales del sureste de los Estados Unidos, en donde un número desproporcionado de especies raras y endémicas está asociado con los pastizales. Para iniciar nuestra estrategia basada en el ecosistema, usamos un formato de taller de World Café estructurado y basado en la literatura para identificar la necesidad de tener EEE. Las discusiones se centraron en cinco categorías de amenazas para las especies y ecosistemas de los pastizales, consistentes con las recomendaciones para volver a las amenazas compartidas un foco de la planeación bajo la AEP: (1) pérdida del hábitat, fragmentación y disrupción de la conectividad funcional; (2) cambio climático; (3) regímenes alterados de perturbación; (4) especies invasoras; y (5) impactos localizados. Para cada amenaza, los participantes del taller identificaron las necesidades científicas y de información, incluyendo la disponibilidad de bases de datos, prioridades de la investigación y necesidades de modelado y mapeado. La agrupación de las especies por hábitat y amenaza compartida puede hacer más eficientes y útiles el proceso de EEE y otros procesos de planeación de la conservación de especies en riesgo a nivel mundial. Encontramos una combinación de revisiones bibliográficas y discusiones estructuradas para identificar la información y el análisis necesarios para respaldar el desarrollo de múltiples EEE.

Reporte de dieta del Periquito de Cara Amarilla (Forpus xanthops) en el Bosque Tropical Estacionalmente Seco del Marañón, Perú

Resumen Se documentan los registros de las observaciones de campo de Forpus xanthops. Entre 2013 y 2018, ocho observaciones muestran a F. xanthops alimentándose en diversos lugares del bosque tropical estacionalmente seco del Marañón (BTES-Marañón) en Cajamarca y Amazonas. Estos registros muestran que algunos ítems en su dieta son especies de cactus, como Espostoa lanata (Kunth) Britton & Rose, Espostoa mirabilis F. Ritte, Armatocereus rauhii Backeb siendo estas dos últimas especies endémicas de Perú; también se presentan registros de alimentación en Parkinsonia praecox (Ruiz & Pav.) Hawkins, Eriotheca discolor (Kunth) A. Robyns, Ochroma pyramidale (Cav. ex Lam.) Urb. y las especies frutales Spondias purpurea L. y Citrus sinensis (L.) Osbeck.

Abstract Field observation records of Forpus xanthops are documented. Between 2013 and 2018, eight observations show F. xanthops feeding in various places in the seasonally dry tropical forest of the Marañón (BTES-Marañón) in Cajamarca and Amazonas. These records show that some items in their diet are cactus species, such as Espostoa lanata (Kunth) Britton & Rose, Espostoa mirabilis F. Ritte, Armatocereus rauhii Backeb, the latter two species being endemic to Peru. Feeding records include also Parkinsonia praecox (Ruiz & Pav.) Hawkins, Eriotheca discolor (Kunth) A. Robyns, Ochroma pyramidale (Cav. ex Lam.) Urb. and the fruit species Spondias purpurea L. and Citrus sinensis (L .) Osbeck.

Confirmación de la presencia de la enigmática "rata chinchilla arborícola de Machupicchu" Cuscomys oblativus (Abrocomidae) / Confirmation on the presence of the enigmatic "Machupicchu Arboreal Chinchilla Rat" Cuscomys oblativus (Abrocomidae)

Resumen Se reporta nueva evidencia de la presencia de la rata chinchilla arborícola de Machupichu (Cuscomys oblativus: Abrocomidae), en el Santuario Histórico de Machupicchu mediante el uso de cámaras trampa durante abril de 2018 y abril de 2019. Se obtuvieron 67 registros fotográficos en cinco localidades de bosque montano ubicados entre 2842 y 3413 metros de altitud. Todos los registros corresponden a ejemplares adultos de hábitos nocturnos con mayor actividad a partir de las 10 pm hasta las 04 am. Por el momento no se conocen registros de C. oblativus fuera de Machupicchu, siendo una de las tres especies de mamíferos endémicos del de área natural protegida.

Abstract New evidence on the presence of the Machupicchu Arboreal Chinchilla Rat (Cuscomys oblativus: Abrocomidae) from Machupicchu Historic Sanctuary are reported, using camera tramps during april 2018 to april 2019. 67 photographic records were obtained in five mountain forest localities between 2842 and 3413 meters of altitude. All the records correspond to adult specimens and present nocturnal habits with more activity from 10 pm to 04 am. At the moment, no records are known of C. oblativus outside the Machupicchu, being one of the three endemic mammal species of the protected natural area.

A new species of Farlowella (Siluriformes: Loricariidae) from the upper Bermejo River, La Plata River basin, northwestern Argentina

A new species of Farlowella is described from the Bermejo River basin, in Salta and Jujuy provinces, northwestern Argentina. The new species belongs to the Farlowella nattereri species group. The new species is diagnosed by the following combination of characters: marbled rostrum, five rows of lateral plates series, relatively short snout (snout-mouth length less than 50.0% of head length), complete half-moon shaped spot on caudal fin, and short predorsal distance (37.8-41.8% of standard length).(AU)

Se describe una nueva especie de Farlowella de la cuenca del Río Bermejo, en las provincias de Salta y Jujuy, en el noroeste de Argentina. La nueva especie pertenece al grupo de Farlowella nattereri. La nueva especie se diagnostica con la siguiente combinación de caracteres: rostro veteado, cinco hileras de placas laterales en el cuerpo, hocico relativamente corto (longitud hocico-boca menor a 50.0% longitud cabeza), mancha en forma de media luna completa en la aleta caudal, y distancia predorsal corta (37.8-41.8% longitud estándar).(AU)

Estructura poblacional y distribución espacial del roble negro (Colombobalanus excelsa, Fagaceae), especie endémica, en fragmentos de bosque andino colombiano / Population structure and spatial distribution of black oak (Colombobalanus excelsa, Fagaceae), endemic species, in Colombian Andean forest fragments

Resumen Los bosques andinos en Colombia son reconocidos por su alta biodiversidad y endemismo, sin embargo han experimentado un severo proceso de fragmentación debido a procesos antrópicos. Como resultado de esto, muchas especies vulnerables han sido particularmente afectadas. Este es el caso del roble negro (Colombobalanus excelsa (Lozano, Hern. Cam., & Henao) Nixon & Crepet), especie endémica y poco estudiada de los Andes colombianos, cuya distribución está restringida a cuatro localidades en el país, una de ellas el sector suroriental del departamento del Huila. Con el fin de estudiar las poblaciones de roble negro en la Serrania de Peñas Blancas (Huila), localidad más sur de distribución; en 2006 se establecieron 16 parcelas de 50 x 20 m (1.6 ha) en fragmentos de bosque, donde se determinó la estructura etaria y la distribución espacial de esta especie. En total se registraron 1 228 individuos de roble negro entre adultos, juveniles y plántulas; los cuáles presentaron patrones de distribución Gamma y Weibull. Con estos resultados se pudo confirmar que la mayoría de los individuos se encuentran en las primeras clases diamétricas. Asimismo, sus poblaciones presentaron un patrón de distribución agregado debido al proceso de extracción de madera. Estos resultados indican que las poblaciones de roble negro se encuentran en una fase de recuperación despúes de una fuerte intervención antrópica. El conocimiento del actual estado de los bosques de roble negro, puede contribuir para el diseño de efectivos planes de conservacion de la especie en Colombia.

Abstract The Colombian Andean forests are recognized for its great biodiversity and endemism; however, they have undergone a severe process of fragmentation due to anthropic factors. As a result, many vulnerable species have been especially affected. That is the case of the black oak (Colombobalanus excelsa (Lozano, Hern. Cam., & Henao) Nixon & Crepet), an endemic and poorly studied species of the Colombian Andes, which has a distribution restricted to only four areas in the country, one of which is the Southeastern Huila region. To examine black oak populations in Serranía Peñas Blancas (Huila), in 2006 we studied the age structure and spatial distribution in plots of 50 x 20 m (1.6 ha) in forest fragments, in southern distribution. In total, 1 228 black oak species were registered among saplings, juvenile and adults, and they have distribution patterns Gamma and Weibull. These results confirm that the majority of the individuals are in the first diametric class. Also, these populations show an added distribution pattern due to the wood extraction process. These results indicate that black oak populations are in a recovery phase after forceful anthropic intervention. Knowing the current status of black oak forests can contribute to the design of effective conservation plans of this species in Colombia. Rev. Biol. Trop. 66(2): 486-494. Epub 2018 June 01.

A new species of Astyanax (Ostariophysi: Characidae) from the headwaters of the arheic Río Sucuma, Catamarca, Northwestern Argentina

A new species of Astyanax is described from the arheic system of Río Sucuma, in Catamarca, Northwestern Argentina. The new species is distinguished from its congeners by a combination of characters including the presence of a broad vertical humeral spot, absence of maxillary teeth, and absence of circuli in posterior field of scales. Furthermore, this species is distinguished by the orbital diameter, head length, branched anal-fin rays, perforated lateral-line scales, transverse scales, dentary teeth with abrupt decrease in size. This species is, to date, the single known fish endemic of Río Sucuma basin.(AU)

Una nueva especie de Astyanax, se describe del Sistema arreico del Río Sucuma, en Catamarca, Noroeste de Argentina. Esta nueva especie se distingue de sus congéneres por una combinación de caracteres que incluyen la presencia de una gran mancha humeral, verticalmente elongada, ausencia de diente en el maxilar, ausencia de circuli en el campo posterior de las escamas, además se distingue por un ojo relativamente pequeño, longitud de la cabeza, radios ramificados en la aleta anal; escamas perforadas en la línea lateral; escamas transversas; dentario con dientes que decrecen abruptamente. Esta especie es, a la fecha, el único pez endémico para la cuenca de Río Sucuma.(AU)

Length-weight relationships and condition factor of the eaglebeak pacu Ossubtus xinguense Jégu, 1992 (Characiformes, Serrasalmidae), an endangered species from Rio Xingu rapids, northern Brazil / Relações peso-comprimento e fator de condição do pacu-capivara Ossubtus xinguense Jégu, 1992 (Characiformes, Serrasalmidae), uma espécie ameaçada de extinção das corredeiras do Rio Xingu, norte do Brasil

Abstract This study reports on the length-weight relationships and condition factor for the endangered rheophilic fish Ossubtus xinguense Jégu from Rio Xingu rapids. This species is threatened by construction of the third largest hydroelectric in the world, the Belo Monte dam close to the city of Altamira, northern Brazil. Specimens were collected in the dry season between July 2012 and September 2012. Male specimens have body length larger than females, atypical in serrasalmid fishes, and different length-weight relationships were found between adult and juvenile specimens. This study presents the first biological characteristics for O. xinguense.

Resumo Este estudo relata as relações peso–comprimento e fator de condição para o peixe reofílico ameaçado de extinção Ossubtus xinguense Jégu. Esta espécie, endêmica das corredeiras do Rio Xingu, é ameaçada pela construção da terceira maior hidrelétrica do mundo, denominada Belo Monte localizada às proximidades da cidade de Altamira, norte do Brasil. Os espécimes foram coletados na estação seca do rio, entre julho e setembro de 2012. Espécimes machos apresentaram tamanho corporal maior que fêmeas, condição atípica entre os peixes serrasalmídeos, e diferentes relações peso–comprimento foram encontradas entre espécimes juvenis e adultos. Este estudo apresenta as primeiras características biológicas para O. xinguense.

Length-weight relationships and condition factor of the eaglebeak pacu Ossubtus xinguense Jégu, 1992 (Characiformes, Serrasalmidae), an endangered species from Rio Xingu rapids, northern Brazil

Abstract This study reports on the length-weight relationships and condition factor for the endangered rheophilic fish Ossubtus xinguense Jégu from Rio Xingu rapids. This species is threatened by construction of the third largest hydroelectric in the world, the Belo Monte dam close to the city of Altamira, northern Brazil. Specimens were collected in the dry season between July 2012 and September 2012. Male specimens have body length larger than females, atypical in serrasalmid fishes, and different length-weight relationships were found between adult and juvenile specimens. This study presents the first biological characteristics for O. xinguense.

Resumo Este estudo relata as relações pesocomprimento e fator de condição para o peixe reofílico ameaçado de extinção Ossubtus xinguense Jégu. Esta espécie, endêmica das corredeiras do Rio Xingu, é ameaçada pela construção da terceira maior hidrelétrica do mundo, denominada Belo Monte localizada às proximidades da cidade de Altamira, norte do Brasil. Os espécimes foram coletados na estação seca do rio, entre julho e setembro de 2012. Espécimes machos apresentaram tamanho corporal maior que fêmeas, condição atípica entre os peixes serrasalmídeos, e diferentes relações pesocomprimento foram encontradas entre espécimes juvenis e adultos. Este estudo apresenta as primeiras características biológicas para O. xinguense.

Small mammals (Chiroptera, Didelphimorphia, and Rodentia) from Jaíba, middle Rio São Francisco, northern Minas Gerais State, Brazil / Pequenos mamíferos (Chiroptera, Didelphimorphia, and Rodentia) de Jaíba, médio Rio São Francisco, norte do estado de Minas Gerais, Brasil

We report the results of small mammals inventories conducted in the region of Jaíba, northern Minas Gerais state, southeastern Brazil, from 1990 to 1995. This region is located in the southern limit of the Caatinga biome, and harbors a unique set of natural ecosystems and extensive agricultural areas. With a total effort of 2964 trap-nights and 44 net sessions, we captured 893 small mammals from 46 species, including four marsupials, 13 rodents, and 29 bats. We report on species that are endemic to the Caatinga (Wiedomys pyrrhorhinos and Xeronycteris vieirai), and species that are new to the mammal fauna of the state of Minas Gerais (Tonatia saurophila, X. vieirai, and Myotis lavali). We also provide the first valid voucher-supported record of Micronycteris sanborni from southeastern Brazil, and extend the known range of X. vieirai 800 km southward. All bats highlighted here as endemic or representing new records were associated to limestone outcrops, suggesting that preservation of this kind of habitat may be particularly relevant to the conservation of these mammals.

Reportamos os resultados de inventários de pequenos mamíferos conduzidos na região de Jaíba, norte de Minas Gerais, sudeste do Brasil, entre 1990 e 1995. Essa região está localizada no limite sul do bioma Caatinga, e abriga um conjunto único de ecossistemas naturais e extensas áreas cultivadas. Com um esforço total de 2964 armadilhas-noite e 44 sessões de captura com redes de neblina, nós capturamos 893 pequenos mamíferos, que permitiram a identificação de 46 espécies, incluindo quatro marsupiais, 13 roedores e 29 morcegos. Nós reportamos espécies endêmicas da Caatinga (Wiedomys pyrrhorhinos e Xeronycteris vieirai) e espécies que são novas para a fauna de mamíferos de Minas Gerais (Tonatia saurophila, X. vieirai e Myotis lavali). Nós também fornecemos o primeiro registro válido, com material testemunho, de Micronycteris sanborni para o sudeste do Brasil, e estendemos a distribuição geográfica conhecida de X. vieirai em 800 km na direção sul. Todos os morcegos destacados aqui como endêmicos ou representando novos registros estiveram associados a afloramentos de calcário, sugerindo que a preservação deste tipo de hábitat pode ser particularmente relevante para conservação desses mamíferos.

Setting practical conservation priorities for birds in the Western Andes of Colombia.

We aspired to set conservation priorities in ways that lead to direct conservation actions. Very large-scale strategic mapping leads to familiar conservation priorities exemplified by biodiversity hotspots. In contrast, tactical conservation actions unfold on much smaller geographical extents and they need to reflect the habitat loss and fragmentation that have sharply restricted where species now live. Our aspirations for direct, practical actions were demanding. First, we identified the global, strategic conservation priorities and then downscaled to practical local actions within the selected priorities. In doing this, we recognized the limitations of incomplete information. We started such a process in Colombia and used the results presented here to implement reforestation of degraded land to prevent the isolation of a large area of cloud forest. We used existing range maps of 171 bird species to identify priority conservation areas that would conserve the greatest number of species at risk in Colombia. By at risk species, we mean those that are endemic and have small ranges. The Western Andes had the highest concentrations of such species-100 in total-but the lowest densities of national parks. We then adjusted the priorities for this region by refining these species ranges by selecting only areas of suitable elevation and remaining habitat. The estimated ranges of these species shrank by 18-100% after accounting for habitat and suitable elevation. Setting conservation priorities on the basis of currently available range maps excluded priority areas in the Western Andes and, by extension, likely elsewhere and for other taxa. By incorporating detailed maps of remaining natural habitats, we made practical recommendations for conservation actions. One recommendation was to restore forest connections to a patch of cloud forest about to become isolated from the main Andes.

Cytogenetics of the Brazilian whiptail lizard Cnemidophorus littoralis (Teiidae) from a restinga area (Barra de Maricá) in Southeastern Brazil

Chromosomes of Cnemidophorus littoralis, a new species of teiid lizard recently described, were studied. The animals are from a restinga area in Barra de Maricá, RJ. The karyotype presents a diploid number of 2n = 46 chromosomes and a chromosomal sex determination mechanism of the type XX:XY. Nucleolar organizer regions, Ag-NORs, are at the sixth pair of chromosomes; there is variability of size and number of the Ag-stained nucleoli on the 50 interphase nuclei for each specimen analyzed. These nucleoli are related to NOR patterns that also demonstrated variability in size and number. This paper presents the first description of the karyotype of Cnemidophorus littoralis and of a chromosomal sex determination mechanism of the XX:XY type in the genus Cnemidophorus from Southeastern Brazil.

Estudamos os cromossomos de Cnemidophorus littoralis, uma nova espécie de lagarto recentemente descrita, pertencente à família Teiidae. Os animais são oriundos de uma população de restinga na Barra de Maricá, RJ. O cariótipo apresenta número diplóide 2n = 46 cromossomos, com mecanismo cromossômico de determinação do sexo do tipo XX:XY. As regiões organizadoras do nucléolo, Ag-RONs, estão no sexto par de cromossomos. Analisamos 50 núcleos interfásicos corados pela prata para cada exemplar e observamos variação quanto ao número e ao tamanho de nucléolos; estes estão relacionados aos padrões RONs, que também apresentaram variação quanto ao tamanho e ao número. Este trabalho também descreve pela primeira vez a presença de um mecanismo de determinação cromossômica do sexo para o gênero Cnemidophorus do Sudeste do Brasil.