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The Pacific coastal Peruvian landscapes are dominated by desert and dry-forest biomes, which have undergone shifts in extent and floral composition in response to Plio–Pleistocene climatic fluctuations. Within this context, the coastal Lomas develop as seasonal vegetation patches, renowned for their high endemism, rich floral diversity, and essential ecosystem services. Despite growing within the desert biome, the Lomas exhibit characteristic elements and vegetation structure typical of a dry-forest biome, evidencing an active species migration between xeric biomes. However, assessing the historical evolution of this arid flora and, by extension, the coastal desert landscape, presents challenges. The scarcity of continental sedimentary records and a lack of extended and well-described palynological references impede these efforts. In response to this, our study offers a thorough morphological review of the Lomas palynoflora, encompassing over 194 genera from 76 families, representing approximately 80% of the known Lomas flora. Our review includes at least one species per reviewed genus, featuring 37 palynomorphs from endemic species (18.5% of the studied flora). This palynological characterization is intended to serve as accessible reference material for investigating the historical and long-term evolution of the coastal dry flora. Furthermore, these findings facilitate the analysis of honeys and bee floral foraging patterns, as well as the study of animal–plant or human–plant interactions from middens and archaeological remains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate change affects countries worldwide, challenging economies and livelihoods. It negatively impacts food production due to temperature variability, irregular precipitation, frost, and drought, increasing pressure on agrosilvopastoral resources and reducing agricultural and livestock productivity. In Peru, the tropical dry forest, an ecosystem highly vulnerable to climate change, supports traditional goat farming, a primary livelihood for many, with a population of approximately 256,860 goats in Piura. This ecosystem is particularly sensitive to temperature and precipitation changes, which directly affect forage availability and livestock productivity. This study aimed to determine goat producers' perceptions and adaptation strategies to climate change in Marcavelica, Lancones, and La Brea. Data from 130 goat producers were analyzed using descriptive and multivariate statistics (principal component analysis, multiple correspondence analysis, and cluster analysis). Results showed that goat farming occurs predominantly in extensive systems (84.62%). Most producers (56.9%) acknowledged climate change, perceiving changes in temperature (69.9%), precipitation patterns (100%), soil productivity (79.2%), and water availability (50%). Four producer clusters were identified based on adaptive capacity: excellent (6.16%), good (23.08%), regular (75.38%), and poor (24.62%). Producers with higher education, associativity, and training demonstrated better knowledge and adaptive capacity. Climate change is evident in the dry forest ecosystem, negatively affecting goat farming. These findings underscore the importance of education, technical support, and associativity to enhance producers' resilience and sustain livestock production under climate variability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Caatinga biome has been severely devastated over the years due to the replacement of native dry forests with grassland areas in the Brazilian semiarid region. Despite this, variations in key soil quality indicators still need to be fully elucidated. We evaluated soil and root respiration dynamics in grassland (GR), agroforestry (AS), and Caatinga forest (CA) areas, during dry and rainy seasons. In situ, monthly CO 2 flux (total, root, and heterotrophic respirations), soil moisture (θ v), and temperature ( T s o i l ) were measured. Soil samples were collected every 5 cm layer up to 20 cm depth to analyze total organic carbon (TOC) and microbial activities. The highest parameter values occurred during the rainy season. Total soil respiration was highest in AS, followed by CA and then GR, with 19.3, 13.4, and 8.4 ton C h a − 1 y r − 1 , respectively, and root respiration contributed 33.2 and 32.9% to total soil respiration in CA and AS, respectively. However, TOC concentrations and microbial activity were significantly higher in AS than in GR and similar to CA, more than compensating the C losses by respiration. Therefore, agroforestry systems have a high potential for semiarid lands because they preserve soil carbon and microbial activity comparable to Caatinga forests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Myrtaceae stands out as one of the significant woody plant families in the Caatinga. Although its wide morphological variability and well-known ability to influence the provision of ecological services in other ecosystems are recognized, little is known about the richness of the family in the Caatinga. Aim: We aimed to compile a comprehensive catalog of Myrtaceae species present in the Caatinga and pinpoint areas with the highest species diversity and those that are poorly sampled as a foundation to investigate the conservation status of the group. Methods: We collected specimens in situ and analyzed available herbarium collections. The geographical data were used to produce maps of collection effort, species richness (SR), and richness estimation (RE) by Jackknife 1. Key results: We recorded 125 species across nine genera, of which 51 occur within conservation units (CU) or indigenous areas (IA). Of the 18 taxa endemic to the Caatinga vegetation, only six are protected by CU or IA. The collection effort shared some similarities with SR; however, most of the Caatinga is still poorly sampled. The RE marked two main hotspots of diversity, encompassing CUs in the territories of the states Pernambuco, Ceará, and Bahia, with a species richness estimated by RE up to 68% higher than SR. Conclusions: Our research has underscored the significance of ongoing collection efforts, taxonomic investigations, and conservation initiatives aimed at preserving the diversity of Myrtaceae in the Caatinga. Implications: The collection efforts and taxonomic investigations contribute to understanding the conservation status and the real diversity of Myrtaceae species. Brazil's Caatinga is an ecologically diverse region teeming with unique plants. In this study, we have shed light on the gaps in our understanding of this extraordinary biome, uncovering Myrtaceae species diversity. We recorded higher species diversity than previously estimated and identified areas of greater richness and insufficient collection effort. This research has paved the way for targeted conservation efforts, safeguarding vital ecosystem services and ensuring a sustainable future for both nature and communities in the Caatinga. Photograph by Paulo Sérgio Santos-Neves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ecotones are the transition zones between ecosystems and can exhibit steep gradients in ecosystem properties controlling flows of energy and organisms between them. Ecotones are understood to be sensitive to climate and environmental changes, but the potential for spatiotemporal dynamics of ecotones to act as indicators of such changes is limited by methodological and logistical constraints. Here, we use a novel combination of satellite remote sensing and analyses of spatial synchrony to identify the tropical dry forest–rainforest ecotone in Area de Conservación Guanacaste, Costa Rica. We further examine how climate and topography influence the spatiotemporal dynamics of the ecotone, showing that ecotone is most prevalent at mid‐elevations where the topography leads to moisture accumulation and that climatic moisture availability influences up and downslope interannual variation in ecotone location. We found some evidence for long‐term (22 year) trends toward upslope or downslope ecotone shifts, but stronger evidence that regional climate mediates topographic controls on ecotone properties. Our findings suggest the ecotone boundary on the dry forest side may be less resilient to future precipitation reductions and that if drought frequency increases, ecotone reductions are more likely to occur along the dry forest boundary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista Peruana de Biología is the property of Facultad de Ciencias Biologicas, Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of International Journal of Primatology is the property of Springer Nature and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The Cerrado has high plant and vertebrate diversity and is an important biome for conserving species and provisioning ecosystem services. Volume equations in this biome are scarce because of their size and physiognomic diversity. This study was conducted to develop specific volumetric models for the phytophysiognomies Gallery Forest, Dry Forest, Forest Savannah, and Savannah Woodland, a generic model and a model for Cerrado forest formation. Twelve 10 m × 10 m (100 m²) (National Forest Inventory) plots were used for each phytophysiognomy at different sites (regions) of the Federal District (FD) where trees had a diameter at breast height (DBH; 1.30 m) ≥5 cm in forest formations and a diameter at base height (Db; 0.30 m) ≥5 cm in savanna formations. Their diameters and heights were measured, they were cut and cubed, and the volume of each tree was obtained according to the Smalian methodology. Linear and nonlinear models were adjusted. Criteria for the selection of models were determined using correlation coefficients, the standard error of the estimates, and a graphical analysis of the residues. They were later validated by the chi-square test. The resultant models indicated that fit by specific phytophysiognomy was ideal; however, the generic and forest formation models exhibited similar performance to specific models and could be used in extensive areas of the Cerrado, where they represent a high potential for generalization. To further increase our understanding, similar research is recommended for the development of specific and generic models of the total volume in Cerrado areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Diversity & Distributions is the property of Wiley-Blackwell and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Journal of Threatened Taxa is the property of Wildlife Information Liaison Development and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Flies belonging to the families Streblidae and Nycteribiidae are highly specialized arthropods that feed on the blood of bats. Their morphology varies and has adapted throughout their coevolutionary history with hosts. Bat flies are often associated with specific bat species and can establish distinct infracommunities. Interaction networks have been used to better understand these associations, revealing interaction modules between bats and their parasites. The Magdalena River basin is the largest in Colombia, encompassing a wide variety of climatic and ecological conditions, with up to 98 bat species reported. We conducted field trips to capture bats and bat flies in different locations along the basin and reviewed literature records and biological collections to gather additional data on interactions between bats and bat flies in this region. We found a high diversity of bats and bat flies in the Magdalena River basin, revealing a medium specialization and modularity in these interactions. We identified bat fly infracommunities and negative associations between certain bat fly species, suggesting competition for resources within hosts. The specialization is similar to that reported in degraded and fragmented habitats where the availability of shelters decreases, favoring the overcrowding of bats, forming multi-species colonies. In conclusion, our study provides important information on the interactions between bats and bat flies in the Magdalena River basin, expanding knowledge about the diversity and structure of these communities in inter-Andean landscapes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Biotropica is the property of Wiley-Blackwell and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Seasonality drives natural processes, impacting environmental factors like temperature and resource availability, leading to shifts in wildlife communities. The Andean dry forests exhibit a marked seasonality, with a dry and cold season (May–September) and a warm, wet season (October–April). In a year-long remote camera survey in Southern Bolivia, we identified 29 medium to large mammal species, 18 outside their known distribution ranges. While overall species richness remained stable, photographic records varied between seasons. Capture rates, reflecting species richness and abundance, were more influenced by season and habitat. Wet season rates were lower, but higher in all other habitats compared to the mountain bush and grasslands. Rates increased with altitude and distance to hiking trails, but decreased with increasing distance from main roads. Medium to large mammals were more active during the dry season, indicating adjustments in response to seasonal changes. Our results suggest a cumulative impact of various factors beyond mere seasonality, and call for adjustments in global species distributions. Moreover, emphasize the need for biodiversity monitoring in dry forest habitats, particularly regarding responses to environmental shifts and human-induced alterations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Threatened Taxa is the property of Wildlife Information Liaison Development and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Revista Peruana de Biología is the property of Facultad de Ciencias Biologicas, Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Key message: The high-wood-density species displays greater water limitation tolerance, as it maintains leaf transpiration under drought conditions. The relationship between environmental conditions and plant hydraulic safety is essential to understand species' strategies to minimize damage to their hydraulic structure yet maintain function. In the Brazilian semi-arid, the relationships between rainfall seasonality, hydraulic conductivity, wood density, stomatal conductance, and phenology in different species still needs to be clarified. To better understand these relationships, we selected two deciduous trees species with contrasting wood density: (1) Commiphora leptophloeos (Mart.) J.B. Gillett (low wood density) and (2) Cenostigma pyramidale (Tul.) E. Gagnon & G. P. Lewis (high wood density) from the Caatinga dry forest of northeast Brazil. We tracked monthly measurements of whole-tree hydraulic conductivity, leaf stomatal conductance, leaf transpiration rate, xylem water potential, and phenology. We found that the low-wood-density species had a higher whole-tree hydraulic conductivity and an early leaf flush and fall. In addition, lower leaf transpiration rate and higher water storage capacity maintained high xylem water potential and stomatal conductance values, especially in the rainy season. On the other hand, the high-wood-density species had a lower whole-tree hydraulic conductivity and higher leaf transpiration rate, even during the dry season. These results point to the divergent hydraulic strategies employed by each species, further suggesting opposing hydraulic safety pathways during drought. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current study presents an up-to-date distribution denotating the expansion of the brown anole lizard (Anolis sagrei), an invasive species, in continental Ecuador. The brown anole represents a significant threat to biodiversity through displacement of native species, facilitated by its adaptability and dominance. Our sampling effort covering from 2018 to 2022 and iNaturalist reports between 2015 and 2023, to take into consideration citizens observations, revealed an expanded distribution across provinces along the Ecuadorian coast and one in the Amazon region. Notably, the brown anole's presence in urban areas of Guayas province, including Samborondon and Guayaquil, raises concerns about potential impacts on local ecosystems. The lizard's adaptability is evident in its ability to thrive in various habitats, including urban parks, gardens, and natural areas along riverbanks. Despite extensive surveys, no brown anoles were found in natural forests in the mainland, so until today no potential impacts on native species are expected; except for a reserve in a continental island where two brown anoles were already sighted. The study emphasizes the need for effective management responses, including identification, understanding expansion processes, and anticipating ecological impacts. Our study provides the baseline for the environmental authority to identify the areas were controlling the brown anole's spread if fundamental, particularly in priority conservation areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: The genus Hyperacanthus comprises 11 species, nine in Madagascar and two in Africa, although many Madagascan species remain undescribed. All Madagascan species of Hyperacanthus are evergreen trees occurring in humid and semi-humid forest. Four deciduous species occur in the dry forests of northern, western, and southern Madagascar but are unknown to science. These four species, collectively and informally referred to as the sofikomba alliance, are described here: H. decaryi, H. piliformis, H. septentrionale and H. sofikomba. Three of the four species are illustrated and all four are mapped. A key to species, species descriptions, other key taxonomic information, and preliminary conservation assessments are also provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Boletín de la Sociedad Argentina de Botánica is the property of Sociedad Argentina de Botanica and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Ibis is the property of Wiley-Blackwell and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

In semi-arid regions, is necessary to explore strategies to mitigate abiotic stresses such as water deficit and salinity. This study aimed to evaluate the stress tolerance capacity of three species subjected to different water regimes and salinity levels, based on dry matter production and water use efficiency (WUE). The species Handroanthus impetiginosus, Vachellia farnesiana, and Amburana cearensis were evaluated in combination with different water regimes (50%, 75%, and 100% of reference evapotranspiration – ET0) and salinity levels (0.18, 1.50, and 1.90 dS m−1). The results show that biomass accumulation increased at 50% and 75% ET0, while the WUE decreased at 100% ET0. The salinity level (1.90 dS m−1) caused reductions in leaf dry biomass (LDB), total dry biomass (TDB), LDB/TDB ratio, and WUE. The negative effects of high salinity on plant height were greater with the application of 75% ET0. The highest WUE was obtained at 50% ET0 for A. cearensis and H. impetiginosus, while V. farnesiana obtained the highest WUE at 75% ET0. A. cearensis exhibited the highest biomass accumulation (2.58 g) and WUE (0.21 g L−1). Overall, the species can tolerate drought and salinity conditions, being sensitive to high salinity concentrations during their initial growth. The Caatinga is characterized by low water availability and soil salinization. Therefore, assessing the ability of native species to cope with these conditions allows for their utilization in reforestation programs in drought and salinity-exposed environments. Studies on the combined effects of these factors are scarce. The results indicated that native species show tolerance to drought and salinity conditions, albeit with some reductions in biomass production and water use efficiency at high NaCl concentrations. Among the species, A. cearensis performed the best under water and salinity stress conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sicarius rugosus (F. O. Pickard-Cambridge, 1899) is recorded for the first time in Honduras, with the record of three males and eight immatures collected in the town of Pespire, department of Choluteca, in the south of the country. We also recorded the species from the study of an exuvia collected in the department of Comayagua. A revised diagnosis, photographs of the males, distribution map, as well as information on the natural history of this species in Honduras, are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Austral Ecology is the property of Wiley-Blackwell and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Background: Natural and anthropogenic wildfires burn large areas of arid and semi-arid forests with significant socio-economic and environmental impacts. Fire regimes are controlled by climate, vegetation type, and anthropogenic factors such as ignition sources and human-induced disturbances. Projections of climate and land-use change suggest that these controlling factors will change, altering fire regimes in the near future. In the southern Central Monte, Mendoza, Argentina, the factors that modulate the fire temporal and spatial variability are poorly understood. We reconstructed the fire history of southeast of Mendoza from 1984 to 2023 and investigated the relationships between fire extent and climate variability at seasonal and interannual scales. Burned areas were determined using Google Earth Engine by processing Landsat 5-TM, Landsat 7-ETM+ , and Landsat 8-OLI-TIRS sensor imagery. Results: The region exhibited high spatial and temporal variability in fire occurrence, being a mosaic of areas with different fire histories and recovery times. Between 1985 and 2023, fire recurrence ranged from sites unburned to sites with up to 14 fires. The occurrence of large fires was strongly favored by a combination of a year with abundant spring–early summer precipitation, which favors fuel accumulation, followed by a year of low spring–early summer precipitation. Precipitation and burnt area showed a very pronounced 6–7 year cycle, suggesting a dominant climatic control on fire occurrence. Conclusions: Fire distribution in southeastern Mendoza forests is not homogeneous, resulting in a mosaic of patches with different fire histories. This heterogeneity may be related to vegetation patterns and land use. The temporal variability of fires is strongly influenced by climate variability, which would promote fuel production and subsequent drying. Large fires are concentrated in periods of high interannual precipitation variability. Climate change scenarios predict an increase in temperature and precipitation variability in the region, suggesting future changes in fire dynamics. Our results contribute to the development of fire guidelines for southeastern Mendoza forests, focusing on periods of wet years followed by dry years that favor fire occurrence and spread. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study we investigate the landscape of a multifunctional peasant socio-ecosystem using a dialectic and complex theoretical-methodological framework rooted in agroecology. We describe vegetation floristics and structure, as well as biophysical and anthropic variables. We use maps, multivariate analysis and validation workshops to integrate and analyze information. The vegetation showcases distinct typologies, marked by gradual, non-linear variations, without precise boundaries tied to biophysical and anthropic drivers. Furthermore, based on vegetation structure and floristic heterogeneity, this agroecosystem constitutes a well-managed multifunctional native forest landscape, exemplifying a case of biocultural conservation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Eptesicus innoxius (Gervais, 1841) is a vespertilionid bat commonly known as harmless brown bat or harmless serotine. It is a small bat, with woolly, short dorsal fur (5–6 mm), that is brown to pale grayish brown; the sagittal and lambdoidal crests are very low or absent. Eptesicus innoxius occurs in lowlands west of the Andes, with a geographic distribution restricted to northwestern and southern Ecuador, and northwestern Peru, at elevations from sea level to 1,200 m. It is listed as "Near Threatened" (NT) by the International Union for Conservation of Nature because of a suspected population reduction due to a significant decline of habitat where the species occurs. Resumen : Eptesicus innoxius (Gervais, 1841) es un vespertiliónido conocido como murciélago marrón inofensivo, murciélago marrón del Pacífico o serótino inofensivo. Es un murciélago de tamaño pequeño, de pelaje suave y corto (5–6 mm); de color dorsal pardo a pardo grisáceo, y cuyas crestas sagital y lambdoidal están poco desarrolladas o ausentes. Eptesicus innoxius es endémico del occidente de América del Sur, con distribución restringida al noroccidente y sur del Ecuador, y el noroccidente de Perú, con un intervalo altitudinal que abarca desde el nivel del mar hasta los 1,200 m s. n. m. Está catalogado como "Casi Amenazado" (NT) por la Unión Internacional para la Conservación de la Naturaleza (UICN), debido a una probable reducción poblacional a causa de una disminución significativa del hábitat en el área de ocurrencia de la especie. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studies on soils and their interrelationships with land use in the context of the semi-arid region of Brazil are still scarce, even though they have the potential to assist in understanding the use and management of soil and agricultural crops. From this perspective, this study investigated four land uses in different locations of the Apodi Plateau, an elevated area in semi-arid region of northeastern Brazil. The different soils were analyzed for their resistance to root penetration, water infiltration, inorganic fractions, soil density, total porosity, potential of hydrogen, electrical conductivity, total organic carbon, potential acidity, and sum of bases. The soil resistance to root penetration and water infiltration were determined in the field. The results obtained were interpreted using multivariate and geostatistical analysis. The resistance data were subjected to the Shapiro–Wilk test at 5% of probability and expressed in maps, whereas infiltration data curves were constructed to estimate the amount of infiltrated water at the different time intervals. The textural classification was an important factor for the analysis of soil resistance to root penetration (Q) and the infiltration rate, being evidenced in the cluster analysis and allowing the formation of two groups, one for the surface layers of the areas and another for the subsurface layers, with the inorganic sand and clay fractions standing out with the greatest dissimilarity. The establishment of conservation practices for soil management is suggested to correct the pore space problems and the degradation of agroecosystems in areas with soils whose conditions are similar to the ones of this study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Scope The epiphytic life form characterizes almost 10 % of all vascular plants. Defined by structural dependence throughout their life and their non-parasitic relationship with the host, the term epiphyte describes a heterogeneous and taxonomically diverse group of plants. This article reviews the importance of crassulacean acid metabolism (CAM) among epiphytes in current climatic conditions and explores the prospects under global change. Results and Conclusions We question the view of a disproportionate importance of CAM among epiphytes and its role as a 'key innovation' for epiphytism but do identify ecological conditions in which epiphytic existence seems to be contingent on the presence of this photosynthetic pathway. Possibly divergent responses of CAM and C3 epiphytes to future changes in climate and land use are discussed with the help of experimental evidence, current distributional patterns and the results of several long-term descriptive community studies. The results and their interpretation aim to stimulate a fruitful discussion on the role of CAM in epiphytes in current climatic conditions and in altered climatic conditions in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Trigona spinipes is a generalist species of stingless bee that is dominant in many pollination networks and has a wide distribution in the tropics and subtropics of the Neotropics. This eusocial species builds exposed aerial nests in tree branches. Although some studies have been carried out on nest density, there are surprisingly few studies on its bionomy, and especially on the population size of the colonies. To survey the density and spatial patterns of nests of this stingless bee, three sites within the Northeast region in Brazil were studied, which ranged from urban to rural to forest habitats. A high density of nests was found in rural and urban sites, with 0.6 nests/ha and 0.4 nests/ha, respectively. In comparison, a lower density was found in the forest site, with 0.1 nests/ha in the edge and 0.03 nests/ha in the interior. Thus, the highest density of nests occurred in open areas. In the urban site, the nests showed a uniform distribution, while the distribution was aggregated in the rural site. The majority of nests were oriented so that the entrance faced the opposite direction to prevailing winds. Several aspects of the bionomy of 22 nests were sampled. The mean estimated total population size of colonies (immatures plus imagoes) was 38,813 (range 25,581–53,083) individuals, with 13,202 adults. Our results confirm that this species produces some of the largest colonies within the stingless bees, although lower than previously mentioned, emphasizing its importance in ecosystems of open neotropical areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Semi‐arid regions are naturally sensitive to soil erosion due to sparse vegetation cover and concentrated rainfall regime. Absence of conservative practices increases soil loss and reduces water retention. Despite the propagation of erosive process in the Brazilian semi‐arid region, few studies address the spatial and temporal distribution of surface erosive processes. Therefore, the present study presents preliminary results of a monitored soil loss and runoff experiment in the Brazilian semi‐arid region. Four plots were set up on the dominant soil groups, Luvisols and Regosols, traditional land uses, fallow system and cactus palm cultivation. Precipitation, surface runoff and soil loss were monitored for 22 months. The plots with the fallow system were more efficient in containing the hydro‐erosive dynamics than the plots with the cactus palm. The high difference in soil erosion between fallow system plots and cactus palm indicates that the human impact on soil loss is substantial. The significant correlation between precipitation and surface runoff allows the prediction of surface runoff. The weak correlation between precipitation and soil loss indicates that erosion is complex, with a strong influence on soil properties and use. The propagation of erosive processes in the Brazilian semi‐arid region induces loss of soil fertility, acceleration of the desertification process and impoverishment of rural communities. Specific conservative practices should be developed to reduce soil loss and mitigate anthropic disturbance in these areas. The surface runoff in Luvisol was up to 47% higher than those measured in Regosol. The plots with cactus palm showed a loss of organic carbon and nitrogen up to seven times greater than the plots in fallow system. Regosol is more sensitive to land‐use change compared with Luvisol. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The female of Hersilia moheliensisFoord & Dippenaar- Schoemann, 2006 is described for the first time. The species is newly recorded from Madagascar, having previously been known from only a single specimen from the Comoros. Additionally, we provide new records of Hersilia insulana Strand, 1907 in Madagascar. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of camera‐trap methods, though important, has pitfalls and inconsistencies such as factors and interactions that may influence species photo rates. Jaguar (Panthera onca) camera‐trap studies place cameras at sites where jaguar detections are likely greater (e.g., sites with previous evidence such tracks, feces, and other presence signs), but do not account for potential placement biases. Our study evaluated methodological implications of a paired camera‐trap design at trail and off‐trail locations, and climate seasonality, on photo rates of jaguars, their prey, and competitors. From June 2016 to June 2017, camera traps were deployed at 58 different sites in a hexagon grid array of 3 km2 each in the Sector Santa Rosa (SSR) of Área de Conservación Guancaste in Costa Rica. Half of the cameras were located at a trail location that jaguars were likely to use, and the other half at an off‐trail location closest to each hexagon centroid. We estimated a photographic relative abundance index (RAI; no. of independent photos/100 trap nights) and used Generalized Linear Models (GLMs) to assess statistical evidence of trail location and climate seasonality. With a total effort of 19,408 trap nights, we recorded 12,678 independent photo events of 64 species of amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals. For the 3 bird species and 14 mammal species we focused on, most species‐specific RAIs were greater at trail locations (n = 8 species, including jaguars and pumas [Puma concolor]), some were greater at off‐trail locations (n = 2 species, including collared peccaries [Pecari tajacu]), and there was no discernable location effect for others (n = 7 species, including tapirs [Tapirus bairdii] and white‐tailed deer [Odocoileus virginianus]). For jaguars, sex ratio data showed a smaller proportion of males at off‐trail locations. Analysis of competitor and prey interaction data indicated temporal segregation at trail locations. Further jaguar camera‐trap studies should highlight camera placement as important source of bias that might influence results; hence, conservationists must be aware of this to avoid erroneous decisions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This revision is part of a continuing series of taxonomic work aimed at the description of new taxa and the redescription of known taxa of the Tachinidae of Area de Conservación Guanacaste in northwestern Costa Rica. Here we describe 33 new species in the genus Belvosia Robineau-Desvoidy, 1830 (Diptera: Tachinidae). All species described here were reared from this ongoing inventory of wild-caught caterpillars spanning a variety of families (Lepidoptera: Erebidae, Eupterotidae, Noctuidae, Notodontidae, Saturniidae, and Sphingidae). We provide a morphological description of each species with limited information on life history, molecular data, and photographic documentation. In addition to the new species, the authors provide a redescription of the genus Belvosia, as well as provide a key to the identification of the species present in the Meso- and North-American fauna. New information: The following 33 new species of Belvosia Robineau-Desvoidy, 1830, all authored by Fleming & Woodley, are described: Belvosia adrianguadamuzi Fleming & Woodley sp. n., Belvosia anacarballoae Fleming & Woodley sp. n., Belvosia angelhernandezi Fleming & Woodley sp. n., Belvosia brigittevilchezae Fleming & Woodley sp. n., Belvosia alixtomoragai Fleming & Woodley sp. n., Belvosia carolinacanoae Fleming & Woodley sp. n., Belvosia ciriloumanai Fleming & Woodley sp. n., Belvosia diniamartinezae Fleming & Woodley sp. n., Belvosia duniagarciae Fleming & Woodley sp. n., Belvosia duvalierbricenoi Fleming & Woodley sp. n., Belvosia eldaarayae Fleming & Woodley sp. n., Belvosia eliethcantillanoae Fleming & Woodley sp. n., Belvosia freddyquesadai Fleming & Woodley sp. n., Belvosia gloriasihezarae Fleming & Woodley sp. n., Belvosia guillermopereirai Fleming & Woodley sp. n., Belvosia harryramirezi Fleming & Woodley sp. n., Belvosia hazelcambroneroae Fleming & Woodley sp. n., Belvosia jorgehernandezi Fleming & Woodley sp. n., Belvosia josecortezi Fleming & Woodley sp. n., Belvosia joseperezi Fleming & Woodley sp. n., Belvosia keinoraragoni Fleming & Woodley sp. n., Belvosia luciariosae Fleming & Woodley sp. n., Belvosia manuelpereirai Fleming & Woodley sp. n., Belvosia manuelriosi Fleming & Woodley sp. n., Belvosia minorcarmonai Fleming & Woodley sp. n., Belvosia osvaldoespinozai Fleming & Woodley sp. n., Belvosia pabloumanai Fleming & Woodley sp. n., Belvosia petronariosae Fleming & Woodley sp. n., Belvosia ricardocaleroi Fleming & Woodley sp. n., Belvosia robertoespinozai Fleming & Woodley sp. n., Belvosia rostermoragai Fleming & Woodley sp. n., Belvosia ruthfrancoae Fleming & Woodley sp. n., Belvosia sergioriosi Fleming & Woodley sp. n. Belvosia canalis Aldrich, 1928 is reared and recorded from the inventory; new information relative to host is provided and the species is rediscribed. The following are proposed by Fleming & Woodley as new synonyms of Belvosia Robineau-Desvoidy, 1830: Brachybelvosia Townsend, 1927 syn. n., Belvosiomimops Townsend, 1935 syn. n. The following three new combinations are proposed as a result of the new synonymies: Belvosia brasilensis (Townsend, 1927), comb. n.; and Belvosia barbiellinii (Townsend, 1935), comb. n. The authors also propose the following new synonymies: Belvosia brasilensis (Townsend, 1927) = Belvosia aurulenta (Bigot, 1888), syn. n.; Belvosia pollinosa Rowe, 1933 = Belvosia borealis Aldrich, 1928 syn. n.; Belvosia weyenberghiana (Wulp, 1883) = Belvosia fuliginosa (Walker, 1853) syn. n.; Belvosia brasiliensis Townsend, 1927 = Belvosia fuliginosa (Walker, 1853) syn. n.; Belvosia luteola Coquillett, 1900 = Belvosia ochriventris (Wulp, 1890) syn. n.; Belvosia socia (Walker, 1853) = Belvosia proxima (Walker, 1853) syn. n.; Belvosia chrysopyga (Bigot, 1887) = Belvosia unifasciata (Robineau-Desvoidy, 1830) syn. n.; Belvosia chrysopygata (Bigot, 1888) = Belvosia unifasciata (Robineau-Desvoidy, 1830) syn. n. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Premise: Pilosocereus (Cactaceae) is an important dry forest element in all subregions and transitional zones of the neotropics, with the highest diversity in eastern Brazil. The genus is subdivided into informal taxonomic groups; however, most of these are not supported by recent molecular phylogenetic inferences. This lack of confidence is probably due to the use of an insufficient number of loci and the complexity of cactus diversification. Here, we explored the species relationships in Pilosocereus in more detail, integrating multilocus phylogenetic approaches with the assessment of the ancestral range and the effect of geography on diversification shifts. Methods: We used 28 nuclear, plastid, and mitochondrial loci from 54 plant samples of 31 Pilosocereus species for phylogenetic analyses. We used concatenated and coalescent phylogenetic trees and Bayesian models to estimate the most likely ancestral range and diversification shifts. Results: All Pilosocereus species were clustered in the same branch, except P. bohlei. The phylogenetic relationships were more associated with the geographic distribution than taxonomic affinities among taxa. The genus began diversifying during the Plio‐Pleistocene transition in the Caatinga domain and experienced an increased diversification rate during the Calabrian age. Conclusions: We recovered a well‐supported multispecies coalescent phylogeny. Our results refine the pattern of rapid diversification of Pilosocereus species across neotropical drylands during the Pleistocene and highlight the need for taxonomic rearrangements in the genus. We recovered a pulse of diversification during the Pleistocene that was likely driven by multiple dispersal and vicariance events within and among the Caatinga, Cerrado, and Atlantic Forest domains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Copyright of Revista Intropica is the property of Revista Intropica and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Throughout the year, wild animals are exposed to a variety of challenges such as changing environmental conditions and reproductive activity. These challenges may affect their stress hormone levels for varying durations and in varying intensities and impacts. Measurements of the glucocorticoid hormone cortisol in the hair of mammals are considered a good biomarker for measuring physiological stress and are increasingly used to evaluate stress hormone levels of wild animals. Here, we examined the influence of season, reproductive activity, sex, as well as body condition on hair cortisol concentrations (HCC) in Lepilemur edwardsi, a small Malagasy primate species. L. edwardsi lives in the seasonal dry forests of western Madagascar, which are characterized by a strongly changing resource availability throughout the year. We hypothesized that these seasonal changes of resource availability and additionally the reproductive cycle of this species would influence HCC of L. edwardsi. Results revealed that hair cortisol concentration of females did not change seasonally or with the reproductive cycle. However, we found a significant increase of hair cortisol levels in males from the early wet season during the early dry season (mating season). This increase is presumably due to changed behavior during the mating season, as sportive lemurs travel more and show aggressive behavior during this time of the year. This behavior is energy‐costly and stressful, and presumably leads to elevated HCC. As elevated cortisol levels may impair immune function, L. edwardsi males might also be more susceptible to parasites and diseases, which is unfavorable in particular during a period of low resource availability (dry season). Research Highlights: Hair cortisol concentrations of male Lepilemur edwardsi increased from the early wet season to the early dry season, presumably due to mating behavior.Female hair cortisol concentration showed no seasonal changes throughout their reproductive cycle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Tropical Lepidoptera Research is the property of Association for Tropical Lepidoptera and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Arid and semiarid environments are characterized by low water availability (e.g., in soil and atmosphere), high air temperature, and irregularity in the spatio-temporal distribution of rainfall. In addition to the economic and environmental consequences, drought also causes physiological damage to crops and compromises their survival in ecosystems. The removal of vegetation is responsible for altering the energy exchange of heat and water in natural ecosystems and agricultural areas. The fluxes of CO2 are also changed, and environments with characteristics of sinks, which can be sources of CO2 after anthropic disturbances. These changes can be measured through methods such as sap flow, eddy covariance, remote sensing, and energy balance. Despite the relevance of each method mentioned above, there are limitations in their applications that must be respected. Thus, this review aims to quantify the processes and changes of energy fluxes, CO2, and their interactions with the surfaces of terrestrial ecosystems in dry environments. Studies report that the use of methods that integrate data from climate monitoring towers and remote sensing products helps to improve the accuracy of the determination of energy fluxes on a global scale, also helping to reduce the dissimilarity of results obtained individually. Through the collection of works in the literature, it is reported that several areas of the Brazilian Caatinga biome, which is a Seasonally Dry Tropical Forest have been suffering from changes in land use and land cover. Similar fluxes of sensible heat in areas with cacti and Caatinga can be observed in studies. On the other hand, one of the variables influenced mainly by air temperature is net radiation. In dry forest areas, woody species can store large amounts of carbon in their biomass above and belowground. The use of cacti can modify the local carbon budget when using tree crops together. Therefore, the study highlights the complexity and severity of land degradation and changes in CO2, water, and energy fluxes in dry environments with areas of forest, grassland, and cacti. Vegetation energy balance is also a critical factor, as these simulations are helpful for use in forecasting weather or climate change. We also highlight the need for more studies that address environmental conservation techniques and cactus in the conservation of degraded areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: We used data from a grid of camera traps, combined with satellite telemetry data from one female jaguar, to estimate jaguar population density in northwestern Costa Rica. Our estimate of 2.6 females and 5.0 males per 100 km2 was influenced by camera placement and sex of the jaguar, and indicated the importance of telemetry data to improve field design and parameter estimation. We recommend population assessments of at least 3 consecutive months, expanding the survey area to one several times the size of an individual's home range, and including sex and camera placement considerations to reduce bias in jaguar density estimates. Regular evaluation of jaguar (Panthera onca) population status is an important part of conservation decision-making. Currently, camera trapping has become the standard method used to estimate jaguar abundance and demographic parameters, though evidence has shown the potential for sex ratio biases and density overestimates. In this study, we used camera trap data combined with satellite telemetry data from one female jaguar to estimate jaguar population density in the dry forest of Santa Rosa National Park in the Guanacaste Conservation Area of northwestern Costa Rica. We analyzed camera trap data collected from June 2016 to June 2017 using spatial capture-recapture methods to estimate jaguar density. In total, 19 individual jaguars were detected (11 males; 8 females) with a resulting estimated population density of 2.6 females (95% [CI] 1.7–4.0) and 5.0 male (95% [CI] 3.4–7.4) per 100 km2. Based on telemetry and camera trap data, camera placement might bias individual detections by sex and thus overall density estimates. We recommend population assessments be made at several consecutive 3-month intervals, that larger areas be covered so as not to restrict surveys to one or two individual home ranges, as in our case, and to carry out long-term camera monitoring programs instead of short-term studies to better understand the local population, using auxiliary telemetry data to adjust field designs and density estimations to improve support for jaguar conservation strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Copyright of Journal of Threatened Taxa is the property of Wildlife Information Liaison Development and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Journal of Neotropical Mammalogy / Mastozoologia Neotropical is the property of Sociedad Argentina para el Estudio de los Mamiferos and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Aim: Some species have populations that vary in ecologically relevant traits along environmental gradients, which is a pattern often generated by secondary contact post divergence in allopatry. However, an alternative explanation for such a pattern would be primary contact, where populations diverge in the presence of gene flow through the action of strong natural selection. We aimed to test the divergence‐with‐gene‐flow model across an environmental gradient in a Chaco‐Andes dry forest bird. Location: Central Andes Mountain range and Chaco region of Argentina and Bolivia. Taxon: Phytotoma rutila (Aves, Cotingidae). Methods: We generated ddRADseq loci for 23 individuals and obtained body size variation data for 146 museum specimens. We evaluated population genetic structure and tested the effects of elevation and isolation by geographic distance on genomic divergence. To distinguish divergence in allopatry from divergence‐with‐gene‐flow, we compared the divergence of phenotypic traits (bill, tarsus and wing) with neutral genomic variation (S‐test and PST–FST comparisons), conducted coalescent analyses to estimate gene flow and divergence time, and calculated relative (FST) versus absolute (DXY) genomic divergence. Results: We found (a) P. rutila differs genomically and phenotypically following the highland‐lowland axis of the study region, with altitudinal variation explaining genomic variation; (b) larger phenotypic than neutral genomic divergence; (c) asymmetric gene flow between Andean and Chacoan populations; and (d) a pattern of relative and absolute genomic differentiation compatible with divergence‐with‐gene‐flow. Main conclusions: The mechanism behind the morphological and genomic diversification along the Chaco‐Andes dry forest belt in P. rutila is divergence‐with‐gene‐flow. Diversification in South America implicates gene flow between populations and natural selection following environmental gradients, as well as vicariance. This complex combination contrasts with the traditional idea that speciation in birds occurred primarily in allopatry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Litsea glaucescens Kunth (Mexican bay leaf, laurel) has a wide distribution in Mexico, growing at both riparian and rupicolous environments in the mountainous region of the Central Highlands of the country. Sierra Fría-Sierra Laurel is a protected natural area covered by a dry forest. The Mexican bay leaf is associated with the oak forest, especially on ravines. The species has been considered at risk in recent years. This research is focused on analyzing the elements of the environment of the ravines, which are influencing the distribution and establishment of laurel populations in the region. Two mountainous regions of Aguascalientes were selected, Sierra Fría and Sierra Laurel. Three ravines of the basin were selected to obtain environmental data. Variables registered were topographic, edaphic, and biotic. Principal component analysis was used to identify ecological factors associated with the presence of L. glaucescens. Mexican bay leaf populations were registered in 10 ravines. At the structural level in the community, 29 woody species were registered, Mexican bay leaf had an Importance Value Index of 15.8, ranking 10th among all species. Individuals of laurel were classified by size classes (S1, individuals with heights ranging from 0 to 20 cm; S2, heights ranging from 0.2 to 1.0 m; S3, heights between 1 and 2 m with light trace of flowering; S4, heights greater than 2 m with flowering greater than 30 % of the canopy; and S5, individuals with heights greater than 5 m, curved trunk and basal regrowth) to obtain the population structure. The importance index value for all the species in the riparian community was calculated to the community level. Edaphic factors that characterized the presence of Mexican bay leaf were a high percentage of rock coverage (90%), less mulch depth, and sandy loam shallow soils. Sites that showed higher cation exchange capacity had a higher presence of individuals of the S2, S3, and S4 size classes. Class S1 individuals were found in shady places with 97% of intercepted light. Individuals of classes S2 and S3 endure less shady places (75%–85% of intercepted light), and individuals class S4 and S5 are more frequent in open canopies and crag conditions. Regarding the ecological site factors, such as riverside stream, and rocks on mountain slopes, L. glaucescens life form is riparian and rupicolous. Cation exchange capacity, sodium and calcium levels play an important role in the presence of Mexican bay leaf. Distribution on the ravine and recruitment of the Mexican bay leaf populations are associated with shaded sites, mainly for individuals of size classes S1 and S2, versus sunny places for individuals of size classes S3 and S4. The overall population structure had a positive kurtosis with all plant size categories well represented; statistically, the population structure of L. glaucescens is very close to the normal distribution. The information obtained allows us to affirm that the laurel populations in the mountainous areas of Sierra Fría and Sierra Laurel from central Mexico are in good demographic condition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new salticid species of the genus Ceriomura Simon 1901 is described herein as C. momilensis n. sp. found in the dry forest of the Córdoba department in northwestern Colombia. Photographs and illustrations of the diagnostic characters for both males and females and ecological comments are provided. In addition, a distribution map, and a key with all species of the genus Ceriomura are included. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Copyright of Therya is the property of Asociacion Mexicana de Mastozoologia, A. C. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)