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Collembola are used widely to monitor soil health and functional parameters. Recent developments in high throughput sequencing (especially metabarcoding) have substantially increased their potential for these ends. Collembola are especially amenable to metabarcoding because of their small size, high abundance, and ubiquity in most habitat types. However, most Collembola sampling protocols collect a substantial and highly varied bycatch that can be a considerable impediment to metabarcoding, especially because of data lost to non-target species. We designed a primer set amplifying the D2 expansion segment of ribosomal DNA that is highly conserved across Collembola and successfully excludes from amplification nearly all other invertebrate taxa. We tested the diagnostic power of the primer set by clearly distinguishing Collembola communities between forest sites with differing habitat qualities in São Paulo State, Brazil. The oligos successfully amplified targets from all Collembola orders previously encountered in the sampling locations, with no non-target amplification, and also excluded the closely related Protura and Diplura. Alpha diversity (OTU count) and phylogenetic diversity was significantly higher in high quality habitats. Moreover, the beta diversity indices successfully differentiated high and low-quality habitats. This new addition to the biomonitoring toolbox greatly increases the accessibility of Collembola metabarcoding for various types of habitat assessments.

Conventional agriculture is a significant driver of ecosystem service loss. In contrast, agroforestry is a land use option that can restore ecosystem services, such as carbon sequestration. Using field data from small proprieties we aimed to quantify carbon sequestration and its potential economic impact in coffee agroforestry systems (CAS) in Brazil. Allometric equations were used to estimate carbon stock and tree biomass, while net present value (NPV), internal rate of return (IRR), and payback period were used as economic feasibility parameters in a 16-year modeled scenario. Discount rate and carbon price applied was 6% and US$ 5.1 Mg CO2e-1, respectively. Total mean carbon stock in two years old and 16 years old CAS were 1.38 ± 0.63 Mg C ha-1 and 59.69 ± 32.63 Mg C ha-1, respectively. All CAS presented payback periods of two years, with a mean NPV of US$ 50,585.91 and a mean IRR of 89.93%. Carbon revenue impact on NPV and IRR was US$ 148.80 and 0.24%, respectively. Our results indicate that carbon sequestration economic impact does not encourage the adoption of coffee agroforestry systems. However, these systems can be an economically viable land use option that sequester large amounts of carbon comparable to forest patches.

It is well recognized that commercial beef cattle production systems have a major impact on climate change, mainly due to the emission of enteric methane (CH4). The objective of this research was to evaluate if integrating animal + pasture + timber production in silvopastoral systems (SPS) would help neutralize the impact of enteric CH4 emission by facilitating carbon storage as soil organic carbon (SOC). This paper reports a study conducted in Brazil with a herd of 150 cows in 100 ha of Urochloa brizantha with Eucalyptus urograndis, on four tree configurations: SPS 1-clone GG-100 at 2 × 3 × 15 m spacing; SPS 2-clone i-144 at 2 × 3 × 15 m; SPS 3-clone GG-100 at 3 × 15 m; and SPS 4-clone i-144 at 3 × 15 m. Based on data collected through eight consecutive years, the gas balance was estimated. For all SPS treatments average, the carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) of additional C stock exceeded the emissions. Considering only C sequestration from trees, the average CO2e sequestration was − 26.27 Mg·CO2e ha−1, while the average emissions of CO2 e was 23.54 Mg·CO2e ha−1 for enteric CH4 + pasture + tree, giving a net balance of − 2.73 Mg·CO2e ha−1. The “loss” of CO2e analyzed was compensated by the soil C sequestration in long-lived SOC pools, enhancing the resilience of farming systems by increasing soil organic matter and soil fertility capacity, mitigating greenhouse gas emissions, therefore, providing benefits in livestock production and for environmental remediation.

The vast amount of data contained in a single genome represents a detailed record of past events in that lineage and may forecast its evolutionary potential in the face of environmental changes. Here we employed whole-genome sequence (WGS) data to infer the demographic history and assess signals of recent inbreeding in jaguar (Panthera onca) populations. We analyzed whole genomes from 13 individuals (nine of which are reported here for the first time) sampled in seven different biomes across the species’ range, including its northernmost extreme in the Mexico/USA border region. We modelled demographic history using the PSMC method, and analyzed long runs of homozygosity (ROH) to assess signals of population bottlenecks and inbreeding. PSMC plots were very consistent among individuals, indicating that the jaguar lineage had an effective population size of up 100,000 individuals ca. 1 million years ago, then sharply declined and rebounded during the Late Pleistocene, followed by a more gradual decline in the last 40,000 years. This decline was more pronounced in the North/Central American genomes, likely reflecting population bottlenecks during the south-north colonization towards the edge of the species’ current range. The ROH analysis revealed a relatively small burden for most jaguars, indicating a recent history of outbreeding and large-scale connectivity among regional populations. However, northern range-edge individuals and those from severely fragmented populations showed signals of recent bottlenecks and, in the latter case, inbreeding. Our results illustrate the power of WGS data to survey and monitor the genetic erosion triggered by anthropogenic habitat fragmentation.

Realizing the benefits of forest restoration requires that these ecosystems be maintained after the senescence of planted trees through facilitation of natural regeneration. We analyzed the effect of tree canopy cover, dispersal syndrome, deciduousness, and taxon in facilitating natural regeneration in tropical forest restoration planting. Canopy cover had additive positive effect on natural regeneration when combined with animal dispersal or evergreen trees. Animal dispersal had a positive effect on facilitating natural regeneration abundance, while evergreen species had a positive effect on natural regeneration richness only. Although variation within and among species was high, restoration practitioners could consider using species with these traits to facilitate natural regeneration and hence development of restoration plantings.

Habitat loss and fragmentation represent major threats for the conservation of apex predators, such as the jaguar (Panthera onca). Investigating species’ resource selection behavior in response to landscape alteration is critical for developing relevant conservation management plans. The jaguar is found across a variety of habitats with different gradients of human disturbance, making them a good candidate to study how apex predators respond to increasing intensity of human land use. We developed resource selection models to characterize patterns of jaguar resource selection at two different spatial scales, home range (coarse) and foraging scale (fine). This analysis was based on the largest existing GPS-location dataset for jaguars (n = 40 individuals, n = 87,376 locations), spanning the species’ geographic range in Brazil and Argentina. We found that both males and females jaguars exhibited an overall preference for forests and areas close to watercourses at both the home range and foraging scale. At the foraging scale, areas of high livestock density “attracted” male jaguars. We also performed a follow-up analysis to test for context-dependent resource selection (i.e., functional responses) by relating individual behavior to local habitat characteristics. We found that jaguars in heavily-forested landscapes showed strong avoidance of non-forest. Furthermore, we found that only the individuals in closest proximity to watercourses showed positive selection for water. Our results highlight that jaguars display different patterns of resource selection in different areas, demonstrating a considerable ability to use or tolerate a wide variety of different conditions across the species geographic range. This plasticity may allow jaguars to adjust their behavior according to land use changes but also increases human-jaguar conflict and jaguar mortality, especially in areas with high livestock density. Fil: Morato, Ronaldo G.. Instituto Chico Mendes de Conservação da Biodiversidade; Brasil. Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute. Conservation Ecology Center; Estados Unidos. Instituto Pró-carnívoros; Brasil Fil: Connette, G.M.. Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute. Conservation Ecology Center; Estados Unidos Fil: Stabach, J.A.. Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute. Conservation Ecology Center; Estados Unidos Fil: De Paula, R.C.. Instituto Chico Mendes de Conservação da Biodiversidade; Brasil. Instituto Pró-carnívoros; Brasil Fil: Ferraz, K.M.P.M.. Universidade de Sao Paulo; Brasil. Instituto Pró-carnívoros; Brasil Fil: Kantek, D.L.Z.. Instituto Chico Mendes de Conservação da Biodiversidade; Brasil Fil: Miyazaki, Silvia Susana. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina. Instituto Chico Mendes de Conservação da Biodiversidade; Brasil Fil: Pereira, T.D.C.. Instituto Chico Mendes de Conservação da Biodiversidade; Brasil Fil: Silva, L.C.. Universidade Federal de Viçosa; Brasil Fil: Paviolo, Agustin Javier. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Nordeste. Instituto de Biología Subtropical. Instituto de Biología Subtropical - Nodo Puerto Iguazú | Universidad Nacional de Misiones. Instituto de Biología Subtropical. Instituto de Biología Subtropical - Nodo Puerto Iguazú; Argentina. Centro de Investigaciones del Bosque Atlántico; Argentina Fil: de Angelo, Carlos Daniel. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Nordeste. Instituto de Biología Subtropical. Instituto de Biología Subtropical - Nodo Puerto Iguazú | Universidad Nacional de Misiones. Instituto de Biología Subtropical. Instituto de Biología Subtropical - Nodo Puerto Iguazú; Argentina. Centro de Investigaciones del Bosque Atlántico; Argentina Fil: Di Bitetti, Mario Santiago. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Nordeste. Instituto de Biología Subtropical. Instituto de Biología Subtropical - Nodo Puerto Iguazú | Universidad Nacional de Misiones. Instituto de Biología Subtropical. Instituto de Biología Subtropical - Nodo Puerto Iguazú; Argentina. Centro de Investigaciones del Bosque Atlántico; Argentina Fil: Cruz, María Paula. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Nordeste. Instituto de Biología Subtropical. Instituto de Biología Subtropical - Nodo Puerto Iguazú | Universidad Nacional de Misiones. Instituto de Biología Subtropical. Instituto de Biología Subtropical - Nodo Puerto Iguazú; Argentina. Centro de Investigaciones del Bosque Atlántico; Argentina Fil: Lima, F.. Univesidade Estadual de São Paulo; Brasil. Instituto de Pesquisas Ecológicas; Brasil Fil: Cullen Jr., Laury. Univesidade Estadual de São Paulo; Brasil Fil: Sana, D.A.. Instituto Pró-carnívoros; Brasil. Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul; Brasil Fil: Ramalho, E.E.. Instituto Pró-carnívoros; Brasil. Instituto de Desenvolvimento Sustentável Mamirauá; Brasil Fil: Carvalho, M.M.. Instituto de Defesa e Preservação dos Felídeos Brasileiros; Brasil Fil: da Silva, M.X.. Universidade Estadual Paulista Julio de Mesquita Filho; Brasil Fil: Moraes, M.D.F.. Universidade Estadual Paulista Julio de Mesquita Filho; Brasil Fil: Vogliotti, Ana. Instituto Pró-carnívoros; Brasil. Universidade Federal da Integração Latino-Americana; Brasil Fil: May Jr., J.A.. Universidade do Sul de Santa Catarina; Brasil. Associação Onçafari; Brasil Fil: Haberfeld, M.. Associação Onçafari; Brasil Fil: Rampim, L.. Associação Onçafari; Brasil Fil: Sartorello, L.. Associação Onçafari; Brasil Fil: Araujo, G.R.. Universidade Federal do Mato Grosso do Sul; Brasil Fil: Wittemyer, G.. State University of Colorado - Fort Collins; Estados Unidos Fil: Ribeiro, M.C.. Univesidade Estadual de São Paulo; Brasil Fil: Leimgruber, P.. Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute. Conservation Ecology Center; Estados Unidos

Spatial and temporal collections provide important data on the distribution and dispersal of species. Regional-scale monitoring invariably involves hundreds of thousands of samples, the identification of which is costly in both time and money. In this respect, metabarcoding is increasingly seen as a viable alternative to traditional morphological identification, as it eliminates the taxonomic bottleneck previously impeding such work. Here, we assess whether terrestrial arthropods collected from 12 pitfall traps in two farms of a coffee (Coffea arabica L.) growing region of Sao Paulo State, Brazil could differentiate the two locations. We sequenced a portion of the cytochrome oxidase 1 region from minimally processed pools of samples and assessed inter- and intraspecific parameters across the two locations. Our sequencing was sufficient to circumscribe the overall diversity, which was characterized by few dominant taxa, principally small Coleoptera species and Collembola. Thirty-four operational taxonomic units were detected and of these, eight were present in significantly different quantities between the two farms. Analysis of community-wide Beta diversity grouped collections based on farm provenance. Moreover, haplotype-based analyses for a species of Xyleborus beetle showed that there is significant population genetic structuring between the two farms, suggesting limited dispersal. We conclude that metabarcoding can provide important management input and, considering the rapidly declining cost of sequencing, suggest that large-scale monitoring is now feasible and can identify both the taxa present as well as contribute information about genetic diversity of focal species.

Made available in DSpace on 2018-12-11T17:14:27Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2017-09-01 We describe molecular testing for felid alphaherpesvirus 1 (FHV-1), carnivore protoparvovirus 1 (CPPV-1), feline calicivirus (FCV), alphacoronavirus 1 (feline coronavirus [FCoV]), feline leukemia virus (FeLV), feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), and canine distemper virus (CDV) in whole blood samples of 109 free-ranging and 68 captive neotropical felids from Brazil. Samples from 2 jaguars (Panthera onca) and 1 oncilla (Leopardus tigrinus) were positive for FHV-1; 2 jaguars, 1 puma (Puma concolor), and 1 jaguarundi (Herpairulus yagouaroundi) tested positive for CPPV-1; and 1 puma was positive for FIV. Based on comparison of 103 nucleotides of the UL24-UL25 gene, the FHV-1 sequences were 99–100% similar to the FHV-1 strain of domestic cats. Nucleotide sequences of CPPV-1 were closely related to sequences detected in other wild carnivores, comparing 294 nucleotides of the VP1 gene. The FIV nucleotide sequence detected in the free-ranging puma, based on comparison of 444 nucleotides of the pol gene, grouped with other lentiviruses described in pumas, and had 82.4% identity with a free-ranging puma from Yellowstone Park and 79.5% with a captive puma from Brazil. Our data document the circulation of FHV-1, CPPV-1, and FIV in neotropical felids in Brazil. Departments of Preventive Veterinary Medicine and Animal Health School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science University of São Paulo Departments of Pathology School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science University of São Paulo Jaguar Conservation Fund Instituto Onça-Pintada Institute for the Conservation of Neotropical Carnivores Instituto Pró-Carnívoros Institute for Ecological Research Instituto de Pesquisas Ecológicas (IPE) Department of Microbiology and Immunology Biosciences Institute State University of São Paulo (UNESP) Júlio de Mesquita Filho Brazilian Institute for Conservation Medicine Instituto Brasileiro para Medicina da Conservação (TRÍADE) Chico Mendes Institute for Biodiversity Conservation ICMBio Department of Microbiology and Immunology Biosciences Institute State University of São Paulo (UNESP) Júlio de Mesquita Filho

Incluye contenido parcial de los autores Abstract.Mammalian carnivores are considered a key group in maintaining ecologicalhealth and can indicate potential ecological integrity in landscapes where they occur. Carni-vores also hold high conservation value and their habitat requirements can guide managementand conservation plans. The order Carnivora has 84 species from 8 families in the Neotropicalregion: Canidae; Felidae; Mephitidae; Mustelidae; Otariidae; Phocidae; Procyonidae; andUrsidae. Herein, we include published and unpublished data on native terrestrial Neotropicalcarnivores (Canidae; Felidae; Mephitidae; Mustelidae; Procyonidae; and Ursidae). NEOTRO-PICAL CARNIVORES is a publicly available data set that includes 99,605 data entries from35,511 unique georeferenced coordinates. Detection/non-detection and quantitative data wereobtained from 1818 to 2018 by researchers, governmental agencies, non-governmental organi-zations, and private consultants. Data were collected using several methods including cameratrapping, museum collections, roadkill, line transect, and opportunistic records. Literature(peer-reviewed and grey literature) from Portuguese, Spanish and English were incorporated inthis compilation. Most of the data set consists of detection data entries (n=79,343; 79.7%) butalso includes non-detection data (n=20,262; 20.3%). Of those, 43.3% also include count data(n=43,151). The information available in NEOTROPICAL CARNIVORES will contribute tomacroecological, ecological, and conservation questions in multiple spatio-temporal perspec-tives. As carnivores play key roles in trophic interactions, a better understanding of their distri-bution and habitat requirements are essential to establish conservation management plans andsafeguard the future ecological health of Neotropical ecosystems. Our data paper, combinedwith other large-scale data sets, has great potential to clarify species distribution and relatedecological processes within the Neotropics. There are no copyright restrictions and no restric-tion for using data from this data paper, as long as the data paper is cited as the source of theinformation used. We also request that users inform us of how they intend to use the data.

Made available in DSpace on 2022-05-01T07:58:51Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2021-08-09 Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas WWF International Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP) Large terrestrial carnivores have undergone some of the largest population declines and range reductions of any species, which is of concern as they can have large effects on ecosystem dynamics and function.1–4 The jaguar (Panthera onca) is the apex predator throughout the majority of the Neotropics; however, its distribution has been reduced by >50% and it survives in increasingly isolated populations.5 Consequently, the range-wide management of the jaguar depends upon maintaining core populations connected through multi-national, transboundary cooperation, which requires understanding the movement ecology and space use of jaguars throughout their range.6–8 Using GPS telemetry data for 111 jaguars from 13 ecoregions within the four biomes that constitute the majority of jaguar habitat, we examined the landscape-level environmental and anthropogenic factors related to jaguar home range size and movement parameters. Home range size decreased with increasing net productivity and forest cover and increased with increasing road density. Speed decreased with increasing forest cover with no sexual differences, while males had more directional movements, but tortuosity in movements was not related to any landscape factors. We demonstrated a synergistic relationship between landscape-scale environmental and anthropogenic factors and jaguars’ spatial needs, which has applications to the conservation strategy for the species throughout the Neotropics. Using large-scale collaboration, we overcame limitations from small sample sizes typical in large carnivore research to provide a mechanism to evaluate habitat quality for jaguars and an inferential modeling framework adaptable to the conservation of other large terrestrial carnivores. Asociación Guyra Paraguay and CONACYT Parque Ecológico Asunción Verde Insituto Saite Centro Nacional de Pesquisa e Conservação de Mamíferos Carnívoros Instituto Chico Mendes de Conservação da Biodiversidade Instituto de Biociências Universidade Estadual Paulista-UNESP Departamento de Biodiversidade Laboratório de Ecologia Espacial e Conservação LEEC Instituto Pró-Carnívoros Department of Animal Nutrition and Management Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences Instituto de Biociências Departamento de Ecologia Universidade de São Paulo Cidade Universitária, Rua do Matão, Trav. 14, no. 321 Instituto de Biología Subtropical Universidad Nacional de Misiones and CONICET Asociación Civil Centro de Investigaciones del Bosque Atlántico Programa Jaguares de la Selva Maya Bioconciencia A.C. School of Environmental and Geographical Sciences University of Nottingham Malaysia, Jalan Broga IPÊ-Instituto de Pesquisas Ecológicas Faro Moro Eco Research Estancia Faro Moro Departamento de Boquerón Instituto Onça Pintada Estacao Ecológica Taiamã Instituto Chico Mendes de Conservação da Biodiversidade Instituto de Desenvolvimento Sustentável Mamirauá Associação Onçafari Rua Ferreira de Araújo, 221, Cj.14, Sala 4, Pinheiros Panthera, 8 West 40th Street, 18th Floor Instituto SOS Pantanal, R. Gutemberg, 328 Centro Programa de Pós-graduação em Biologia Animal Instituto de Biociências Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS) Instituto de Ecología Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México and CONACyT Ciudad Universitaria Instituto Internacional en Conservación y Manejo de Vida Silvestre Universidad Nacional de Costa Rica Department of Environmental Conservation University of Massachusetts, Amherst Centro de Investigación en Ciencias Biológicas Aplicadas Universidad Autónoma del Estado de México Instituto Literario 100 Col. Centro C.P. Instituto de Biologia Laboratório de Ecologia de Mamíferos LEMA Universidade Federal de Uberlândia Primero Conservation, Box 1588 Namá Conservation Rescate Animal Zooave Fundación Restauración de la Naturaleza, Apdo Projeto Carnívoros do Iguaçu Universidade Federal da Integração Latino-Americana Instituto Latino-Americano de Ciências da Vida e da Natureza Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso do Sul Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia Instituto Onças do Rio Negro Fazenda Barranco Alto Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Universidade Federal de Viçosa Instituto de Defesa e Preservação dos Felídeos Brasileiros SUNY College of Environmental Science & Forestry Wildlife Biology Program W.A. Franke College of Forestry & Conservation University of Montana Universidade do Sul de Santa Catarina Wildlife Protection Solutions, 2501 Welton Street San Diego Zoo Global Institute for Conservation Research, 15600 San Pasqual Valley Road Universidade Federal de São João del Rei Departamento de Ciências Naturais Laboratório de Ecologia Manejo e Conservação de Fauna Silvestre Programa de Pós-Graduação Interunidades em Ecologia Aplicada Universidade de São Paulo ESALQ/CENA Universidad Nacional de Córdoba Facultad de Ciencias Exactas Físicas y Naturales Centro de Zoología Aplicada Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas CONICET Instituto de Diversidad y Ecología Animal IDEA Instituto Nacional de Medicina Tropical ANLIS Ministerio de Salud de la Nación Instituto de Pesquisa e Conservação de Tamanduás do Brasil Instituto de Biociências Universidade Estadual Paulista-UNESP Departamento de Biodiversidade Laboratório de Ecologia Espacial e Conservação LEEC FAPESP: 2014/24921-0 FAPESP: 2018/13037–3 FAPESP: 2018/24891-5

This study describes the 35-year progression of activities in the Pontal do Paranapanema region of São Paulo State, Brazil. These activities began as a research project on the conservation ecology of the highly endangered Black Lion Tamarin and broadened into a landscape-scale restoration and conservation project involving the active participation of hundreds of landless families that colonized the region. Rather than viewing these colonists as a threat, a non-governmental organization arose to address their needs, providing training and support livelihoods. Local communities were engaged in conservation and restoration activities focused on studying the movement patterns of endangered species, environmental education programmes, planting native trees along riparian corridors, establishing coffee agroforestry plantings and initiating community-managed nurseries for the production of local native seedlings and non-native fruit trees. Farmers gained knowledge, income and food security, and developed a sense of ownership and shared responsibility for protecting wildlife, conserving forest fragments and restoring forests. Land sharing and restoring forest functions within an agricultural landscape matrix created new opportunities for people and endangered wildlife. We explore how key factors and partnerships critically influenced the landscape trajectory and conclude with lessons learned that may be relevant to sustainable landscape initiatives in other contexts.

Home range estimation is routine practice in ecological research. While advances in animal tracking technology have increased our capacity to collect data to support home range analysis, these same advances have also resulted in increasingly autocorrelated data. Consequently, the question of which home range estimator to use on modern, highly autocorrelated tracking data remains open. This question is particularly relevant given that most estimators assume independently sampled data. Here, we provide a comprehensive evaluation of the effects of autocorrelation on home range estimation. We base our study on an extensive data set of GPS locations from 369 individuals representing 27 species distributed across five continents. We first assemble a broad array of home range estimators, including Kernel Density Estimation (KDE) with four bandwidth optimizers (Gaussian reference function, autocorrelated-Gaussian reference function [AKDE], Silverman´s rule of thumb, and least squares cross-validation), Minimum Convex Polygon, and Local Convex Hull methods. Notably, all of these estimators except AKDE assume independent and identically distributed (IID) data. We then employ half-sample cross-validation to objectively quantify estimator performance, and the recently introduced effective sample size for home range area estimation ((Formula presented.)) to quantify the information content of each data set. We found that AKDE 95% area estimates were larger than conventional IID-based estimates by a mean factor of 2. The median number of cross-validated locations included in the hold-out sets by AKDE 95% (or 50%) estimates was 95.3% (or 50.1%), confirming the larger AKDE ranges were appropriately selective at the specified quantile. Conversely, conventional estimates exhibited negative bias that increased with decreasing (Formula presented.). To contextualize our empirical results, we performed a detailed simulation study to tease apart how sampling frequency, sampling duration, and the focal animal´s movement conspire to affect range estimates. Paralleling our empirical results, the simulation study demonstrated that AKDE was generally more accurate than conventional methods, particularly for small (Formula presented.). While 72% of the 369 empirical data sets had >1,000 total observations, only 4% had an (Formula presented.) >1,000, where 30% had an (Formula presented.)

Xenarthrans -anteaters, sloths, and armadillos- have essential functions for ecosystem maintenance, such as insect control and nutrient cycling, playing key roles as ecosystem engineers. Because of habitat loss and fragmentation, hunting pressure, and conflicts with domestic dogs, these species have been threatened locally, regionally, or even across their full distribution ranges. The Neotropics harbor 21 species of armadillos, 10 anteaters, and 6 sloths. Our data set includes the families Chlamyphoridae (13), Dasypodidae (7), Myrmecophagidae (3), Bradypodidae (4), and Megalonychidae (2). We have no occurrence data on Dasypus pilosus (Dasypodidae). Regarding Cyclopedidae, until recently, only one species was recognized, but new genetic studies have revealed that the group is represented by seven species. In this data paper, we compiled a total of 42,528 records of 31 species, represented by occurrence and quantitative data, totaling 24,847 unique georeferenced records. The geographic range is from the southern United States, Mexico, and Caribbean countries at the northern portion of the Neotropics, to the austral distribution in Argentina, Paraguay, Chile, and Uruguay. Regarding anteaters, Myrmecophaga tridactyla has the most records (n = 5,941), and Cyclopes sp. Have the fewest (n = 240). The armadillo species with the most data is Dasypus novemcinctus (n = 11,588), and the fewest data are recorded for Calyptophractus retusus (n = 33). With regard to sloth species, Bradypus variegatus has the most records (n = 962), and Bradypus pygmaeus has the fewest (n = 12). Our main objective with Neotropical Xenarthrans is to make occurrence and quantitative data available to facilitate more ecological research, particularly if we integrate the xenarthran data with other data sets of Neotropical Series that will become. Fil: Marques Santos, Paloma. Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais. Instituto de Ciências Biológicas; Brasil Fil: Bocchiglieri, Adriana. Universidade Federal de Sergipe; Brasil Fil: Garcia Chiarello, Adriano. Universidade de Sao Paulo; Brasil Fil: Pereira Paglia, Adriano. Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais. Instituto de Ciências Biológicas; Brasil Fil: Moreira, Adryelle. Amplo Engenharia e Gestão de Projetos ; Brasil Fil: Abba, Agustin Manuel. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - La Plata. Centro de Estudios Parasitológicos y de Vectores. Universidad Nacional de La Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Museo. Centro de Estudios Parasitológicos y de Vectores; Argentina Fil: Paviolo, Agustin Javier. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Nordeste. Instituto de Biología Subtropical. Universidad Nacional de Misiones. Instituto de Biología Subtropical; Argentina Fil: Gatica, Ailin. Universidad Nacional de San Luis; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - San Luis. Instituto Multidisciplinario de Investigaciones Biológicas de San Luis. Universidad Nacional de San Luis. Facultad de Ciencias Físico Matemáticas y Naturales. Instituto Multidisciplinario de Investigaciones Biológicas de San Luis; Argentina Fil: Ochoa, Ana Cecilia. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - San Luis. Instituto Multidisciplinario de Investigaciones Biológicas de San Luis. Universidad Nacional de San Luis. Facultad de Ciencias Físico Matemáticas y Naturales. Instituto Multidisciplinario de Investigaciones Biológicas de San Luis; Argentina Fil: de Angelo, Carlos Daniel. Universidad Nacional de Rio Cuarto. Facultad de Cs.exactas Fisicoquimicas y Naturales. Instituto de Ciencias de la Tierra, Biodiversidad y Ambiente. - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Cientificas y Tecnicas. Centro Cientifico Tecnologico Conicet - Cordoba. Instituto de Ciencias de la Tierra, Biodiversidad y Ambiente.; Argentina Fil: Tellaeche, Cintia Gisele. Universidad Nacional de Jujuy. Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias. Centro de Estudios Ambientales Territoriales y Sociales; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de Jujuy. Instituto de Ecorregiones Andinas. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Salta. Instituto de Ecorregiones Andinas; Argentina Fil: Varela, Diego Martin. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Nordeste. Instituto de Biología Subtropical. Instituto de Biología Subtropical - Nodo Puerto Iguazú | Universidad Nacional de Misiones. Instituto de Biología Subtropical. Instituto de Biología Subtropical - Nodo Puerto Iguazú; Argentina Fil: Vanderhoeven, Ezequiel Andres. Ministerio de Salud. Instituto Nacional de Medicina Tropical; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina Fil: Caruso, María Flavia. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina. Administración de Parques Nacionales. Delegación Regional del Noroeste; Argentina Fil: Arrabal, Juan Pablo. Secretaria de Gobierno de Salud. Instituto Nacional de Medicina Tropical - Sede Puerto Iguazú Misiones; Argentina. Centro de Investigaciones del Bosque Atlántico; Argentina Fil: Iezzi, María Eugenia. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Nordeste. Instituto de Biología Subtropical. Instituto de Biología Subtropical - Nodo Puerto Iguazú | Universidad Nacional de Misiones. Instituto de Biología Subtropical. Instituto de Biología Subtropical - Nodo Puerto Iguazú; Argentina Fil: Di Bitetti, Mario Santiago. Centro de Investigaciones del Bosque Atlántico; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Nordeste. Instituto de Biología Subtropical. Instituto de Biología Subtropical - Nodo Puerto Iguazú | Universidad Nacional de Misiones. Instituto de Biología Subtropical. Instituto de Biología Subtropical - Nodo Puerto Iguazú; Argentina Fil: Cruz, Paula Andrea. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Nordeste. Instituto de Biología Subtropical. Instituto de Biología Subtropical - Nodo Puerto Iguazú | Universidad Nacional de Misiones. Instituto de Biología Subtropical. Instituto de Biología Subtropical - Nodo Puerto Iguazú; Argentina. Centro de Investigaciones del Bosque Atlántico; Argentina Fil: Reppucci, Juan Ignacio. Administración de Parques Nacionales. Delegación Regional del Noroeste; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina Fil: Benito Santamaria, Silvia. Centro de Investigaciones del Bosque Atlántico; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Nordeste. Instituto de Biología Subtropical. Instituto de Biología Subtropical - Nodo Puerto Iguazú | Universidad Nacional de Misiones. Instituto de Biología Subtropical. Instituto de Biología Subtropical - Nodo Puerto Iguazú; Argentina Fil: Quiroga, Verónica Andrea. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Córdoba. Instituto de Diversidad y Ecología Animal. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas Físicas y Naturales. Instituto de Diversidad y Ecología Animal; Argentina Fil: Di Blanco, Yamil Edgardo. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Nordeste. Instituto de Biología Subtropical. Instituto de Biología Subtropical - Nodo Puerto Iguazú | Universidad Nacional de Misiones. Instituto de Biología Subtropical. Instituto de Biología Subtropical - Nodo Puerto Iguazú; Argentina Fil: Marás, Gustavo Arnaldo. Administración de Parques Nacionales. Delegación Regional del Noroeste; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina Fil: Camino, Micaela. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Nordeste. Centro de Ecología Aplicada del Litoral. Universidad Nacional del Nordeste. Centro de Ecología Aplicada del Litoral; Argentina Fil: Perovic, Pablo Gastón. Administración de Parques Nacionales. Delegación Regional del Noroeste; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina Fil: Martínez Pardo, Julia. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Nordeste. Instituto de Biología Subtropical. Instituto de Biología Subtropical - Nodo Puerto Iguazú | Universidad Nacional de Misiones. Instituto de Biología Subtropical. Instituto de Biología Subtropical - Nodo Puerto Iguazú; Argentina Fil: Costa, Sebastián Andrés. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Nordeste. Instituto de Biología Subtropical. Instituto de Biología Subtropical - Nodo Puerto Iguazú | Universidad Nacional de Misiones. Instituto de Biología Subtropical. Instituto de Biología Subtropical - Nodo Puerto Iguazú; Argentina Fil: Pinheiro, Fabiana. Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul; Brasil Fil: Volkmer de Castilho, Pedro. Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina; Brasil Fil: Bercê, William. Universidade Estadual Paulista Julio de Mesquita Filho; Brasil Fil: Camara Assis, Julia. Universidade Estadual Paulista Julio de Mesquita Filho. Faculdade de Engenharia.; Brasil Fil: Rodrigues Tonetti, Vinicius. Universidade Estadual Paulista Julio de Mesquita Filho; Brasil Fil: Alves Eigenheer, Milene. Universidade Estadual Paulista Julio de Mesquita Filho; Brasil Fil: Chinem, Simonne. Universidade de Sao Paulo; Brasil Fil: Honda, Laura K.. Universidade Estadual Paulista Julio de Mesquita Filho; Brasil Fil: Bergallo, Helena de Godoy. Universidade do Estado de Rio do Janeiro; Brasil Fil: Alberici, Vinicius. Universidade de Sao Paulo; Brasil Fil: Wallace, Robert. Wildlife Conservation Society; Estados Unidos Fil: Ribeiro, Milton Cezar. Universidade de Sao Paulo; Brasil Fil: Galetti, Mauro. Universidade Estadual Paulista Julio de Mesquita Filho; Brasil

Made available in DSpace on 2018-11-26T17:54:14Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2018-07-01 The field of movement ecology has rapidly grown during the last decade, with important advancements in tracking devices and analytical tools that have provided unprecedented insights into where, when, and why species move across a landscape. Although there has been an increasing emphasis on making animal movement data publicly available, there has also been a conspicuous dearth in the availability of such data on large carnivores. Globally, large predators are of conservation concern. However, due to their secretive behavior and low densities, obtaining movement data on apex predators is expensive and logistically challenging. Consequently, the relatively small sample sizes typical of large carnivore movement studies may limit insights into the ecology and behavior of these elusive predators. The aim of this initiative is to make available to the conservation-scientific community a dataset of 134,690 locations of jaguars (Panthera onca) collected from 117 individuals (54 males and 63 females) tracked by GPS technology. Individual jaguars were monitored in five different range countries representing a large portion of the species' distribution. This dataset may be used to answer a variety of ecological questions including but not limited to: improved models of connectivity from local to continental scales; the use of natural or human-modified landscapes by jaguars; movement behavior of jaguars in regions not represented in this dataset; intraspecific interactions; and predator-prey interactions. In making our dataset publicly available, we hope to motivate other research groups to do the same in the near future. Specifically, we aim to help inform a better understanding of jaguar movement ecology with applications towards effective decision making and maximizing long-term conservation efforts for this ecologically important species. There are no costs, copyright, or proprietary restrictions associated with this data set. When using this data set, please cite this article to recognize the effort involved in gathering and collating the data and the willingness of the authors to make it publicly available. Inst Chico Mendes Conservacao Biodiversidade, Ctr Nacl Pesquisa & Conservacao Mamiferos Carnivo, BR-12952011 Atibaia, SP, Brazil Inst Conservacao Carnivoros Neotropicais, BR-12945010 Atibaia, SP, Brazil Asociac Guyra Paraguay, Parque Ecol Asuncion Verde, Asuncion 1101, Paraguay CONACYT, Parque Ecol Asuncion Verde, Asuncion 1101, Paraguay Univ Nacl Misiones, Inst Biol Subtrop, RA-3370 Puerto Iguazu, Misiones, Argentina Consejo Nacl Invest Cient & Tecn, RA-3370 Puerto Iguazu, Misiones, Argentina Asoc Civil Ctr Invest Bosque Atlantico, RA-3370 Puerto Iguazu, Misiones, Argentina Univ Nacl Autonoma Mexico, Inst Ecol, Ciudad Univ, Mexico City 04318, DF, Mexico CONACyT, Ciudad Univ, Mexico City 04318, DF, Mexico IPE, BR-12960000 Nazare Paulista, SP, Brazil Univ Estadual Paulista, Inst Biociencias, LEEC, Dept Ecol, BR-13506900 Rio Claro, SP, Brazil Faro Moro Eco Res, Dept Boqueron, Asuncion 9490, Paraguay Inst Onca Pintada, CP 193, BR-75830000 Mineiros, Go, Brazil Inst Chico Mendes Conservacao Biodiversidade, Estacao Ecol Taiama, BR-78200000 Caceres, MT, Brazil Inst Desenvolvimento Sustentavel Mamiraua, BR-69553225 Tefe, AM, Brazil Projeto Oncafari, BR-05428000 Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil Univ Nacl Costa Rica, Inst Int Manejo & Conservac Vida Silvestre, Heredia 13503000, Costa Rica Univ Massachusetts, Dept Environm Conservat, Amherst, MA 01003 USA Univ Autonoma Estado Mexico, Ctr Invest Ciencias Biol Aplicadas, Inst Literario 100, Toluca 50000, Estado De Mexic, Mexico Univ Fed Uberlandia, Inst Biol, BR-38408100 Uberlandia, MG, Brazil Primero Conservat, Box 16106, Portal, AZ 85632 USA Univ Nacl Costa Rica, Escuela Med Vet, Hosp Especies Menores & Silvestres, Heredia 863000, Costa Rica Projeto Carnivoros Iguacu, BR-85851970 Foz Do Iguacu, PR, Brazil Univ Fed Integracao Latinoamer, Inst Latinoamer Ciencias Vida & Nat, BR-85851970 Foz Do Iguacu, PR, Brazil Univ Fed Mato Grosso do Sul, Fac Med Vet & Zootecnia, BR-79070900 Campo Grande, MS, Brazil Fazenda Barranco Alto, Projeto Oncas Rio Negro, BR-79208000 Aquidauana, MS, Brazil Univ Fed Vicosa, Dept Med Vet, BR-36570 Vicosa, MG, Brazil Inst Def & Preservacao Felideos Brasileiros, BR-72960000 Corumba De Goias, Go, Brazil Panthera, 8 West 40th St,18th Floor, New York, NY 10018 USA Univ Fed Mato Grosso, Programa Posgrad Ecol & Conservacao Biodiversidad, BR-78060900 Cuiaba, MT, Brazil SUNY Coll Environm Sci & Forestry, Syracuse, NY 13210 USA Univ Sul Santa Catarina, BR-88704900 Tubarao, SC, Brazil Univ Fed Sao Joao del Rei, Dept Ciencias Nat, BR-36301160 Sao Joao Del Rei, MG, Brazil Univ Sao Paulo, ESALQ CENA, Programa Posgrad Interunidades Ecol Aplicada, Lab Ecol Manejo & Conservacao Fauna Silvestre, BR-13418900 Piracicaba, SP, Brazil Minist Salud Nacion, Inst Med Trop, RA-3370 Puerto Iguazu, Misiones, Argentina Inst Pesquisa & Conservacao Tamanduas Brasil, BR-64200025 Parnaiba, PI, Brazil Univ Estadual Paulista, Inst Biociencias, LEEC, Dept Ecol, BR-13506900 Rio Claro, SP, Brazil

Fil: Lima, Fernando. Universidade Estadual Paulista. Instituto de Biociências. Departamento de Ecología; Brasil. Fil: Lima, Fernando. Instituto de Pesquisas Ecológicas; Brasil. Fil: Beca, Gabrielle. Universidade Estadual Paulista. Instituto de Biociências. Departamento de Ecología; Brasil. Fil: Lara Muylaert, Renata de. Universidade Estadual Paulista. Instituto de Biociências. Departamento de Ecología; Brasil. Fil: Jenkins, Clinton N. Instituto de Pesquisas Ecológicas; Brasil. Fil: Lages Perilli, Miriam Lucia. Instituto para Conservação dos Carnívoros Neotropicais; Brasil. Fil: Paschoal, Ana Maria de Oliveira. Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais. Departamento de Biologia Geral; Brasil. Fil: Lima Massara, Rodrigo. Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais. Departamento de Biologia Geral; Brasil. Fil: Pereira Paglia, Adriano. Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais. Departamento de Biologia Geral; Brasil. Fil: Garcia Chiarello, Adriano. Universidade de São Paulo. Faculdade de Filosofia, Ciências e Letras de Ribeirão Preto. Departamento de Biologia; Brasil. Fil: Graipel, Maurício Eduardo. Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina. Departamento de Ecologia e Zoologia; Brasil. Fil: Cherem, Jorge José. Caipora Cooperativa para a Conservação da Natureza; Brasil. Fil: Regolin, André Luis. Universidade Estadual Paulista. Instituto de Biociências. Departamento de Ecología; Brasil. Fil: Rodrigues Oliveira Santos, Luiz Gustavo. Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso do Sul. Instituto de Biologia. Departamento de Ecologia; Brasil. Fil: Brocardo, Carlos Rodrigo. Universidade Estadual Paulista. Instituto de Biociências. Departamento de Ecología; Brasil. Fil: Brocardo, Carlos Rodrigo. Instituto Neotropical Pesquisa e Conservação; Brasil. Fil: Paviolo, Agustín Javier. Universidad Nacional de Misiones. Instituto de Biología Subtropical. Nodo Puerto Iguazú; Argentina. Fil: Paviolo, Agustín Javier. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Instituto de Biología Subtropical. Nodo Puerto Iguazú; Argentina. Fil: Paviolo, Agustín Javier. Asociación Civil Centro de Investigaciones del Bosque Atlántico; Argentina. Fil: Di Bitetti, Mario Santiago. Universidad Nacional de Misiones. Instituto de Biologia Subtropical. Nodo Puerto Iguazú; Argentina. Fil: Di Bitetti, Mario Santiago. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Instituto de Biologia Subtropical. Nodo Puerto Iguazú; Argentina. Fil: Di Bitetti, Mario Santiago. Asociación Civil Centro de Investigaciones del Bosque Atlántico; Argentina. Fil: Di Bitetti, Mario Santiago. Universidad Nacional de Misiones. Facultad de Ciencias Forestales; Argentina. Fil: Moraes Scoss, Leandro. Tropical Ecology Assessment and Monitoring Network. Terrestrial Vertebrate. Bicho do Mato Instituto de Pesquisa; Brasil. Fil: Lopes Rocha, Fabiana. Universidade Federal da Paraíba, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ecologia e Monitoramento Ambiental; Brasil. Fil: Fusco-Costa, Roberto. Instituto de Pesquisas Cananéia; Brasil. Fil: Fusco-Costa, Roberto. Universidade Federal do Paraná. Programa de Pós-Doutorado em Ecologia e Conservação; Brasil. Fil: Alves da Rosa, Clarissa. Instituto Alto Montana da Serra; Brasil. Fil: Hufnagel, Ludmila. Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais. Departamento de Biologia Geral; Brasil. Fil: Marques Santos, Paloma. Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais. Departamento de Biologia Geral; Brasil. Fil: Teixeira Duarte, Gabriela. Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais. Departamento de Biologia Geral; Brasil. Fil: Neves Guimarães, Luiza. Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais. Departamento de Biologia Geral; Brasil. Fil: Bailey, Larissa Lynn. Colorado State University. Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology; Estados Unidos. Fil: Guimarães Rodrigues, Flávio Henrique. Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais. Departamento de Biologia Geral; Brasil. Fil: Morais Cunha, Heito. Sete Soluções e Tecnologia Ambiental; Brasil. Fil: Moreli Fantacini, Felipe. Instituto Ambiental Brüderthal; Brasil. Fil: Oliveira Batista, Graziele. Instituto Brasileiro do Meio Ambiente e dos Recursos Naturais Renováveis; Brasil. Fil: Bogoni. Juliano André. Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina. Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ecologia; Brasil. Fil: Tortato, Marco Adriano. Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso do Sul. Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ecologia e Conservação; Brasil. Fil: Micheli Ribeiro Luiz. Instituto Felinos do Aguaí; Brasil. Fil: Peroni, Nivaldo. Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina. Departamento de Ecologia e Zoologia; Brasil. Fil: Volkmer de Castilho, Pedro. Universidade do Estado de Santa Catarina. Departamento de Engenharia de Pesca; Brasil. Fil: Bernardes Maccarini, Thiago. Rua Martim Stahl; Brasil. Fil: Picinatto Filho, Vilmar. Instituto Nacional de Pesquisas da Amazônia. Programa de Pós-Graduação em Genética, Conservação e Biologia Evolutiva; Brasil. Fil: De Ángelo, Carlos. Universidad Nacional de Misiones. Instituto de Biología Subtropical. Nodo Puerto Iguazú; Argentina. Fil: De Ángelo, Carlos. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Instituto de Biología Subtropical. Nodo Puerto Iguazú; Argentina. Fil: De Ángelo, Carlos. Asociación Civil Centro de Investigaciones del Bosque Atlántico; Argentina. Fil: Cruz, Paula. Universidad Nacional de Misiones. Instituto de Biología Subtropical. Nodo Puerto Iguazú; Argentina. Fil: Cruz, Paula. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Instituto de Biología Subtropical. Nodo Puerto Iguazú; Argentina. Fil: Cruz, Paula. Asociación Civil Centro de Investigaciones del Bosque Atlántico; Argentina. Fil: Quiroga, Verónica. Universidad Nacional de Misiones. Instituto de Biología Subtropical. Nodo Puerto Iguazú; Argentina. Fil: Quiroga, Verónica. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Instituto de Biología Subtropical. Nodo Puerto Iguazú; Argentina. Fil: Quiroga, Verónica. Asociación Civil Centro de Investigaciones del Bosque Atlántico; Argentina. Fil: Iezzi, María Eugenia. Universidad Nacional de Misiones. Instituto de Biología Subtropical. Nodo Puerto Iguazú; Argentina. Fil: Iezzi, María Eugenia. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Instituto de Biología Subtropical. Nodo Puerto Iguazú; Argentina. Fil: Iezzi, María Eugenia. Asociación Civil Centro de Investigaciones del Bosque Atlántico; Argentina. Fil: Varela, Diego. Universidad Nacional de Misiones. Instituto de Biología Subtropical. Nodo Puerto Iguazú; Argentina. Fil: Varela, Diego. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Instituto de Biología Subtropical. Nodo Puerto Iguazú; Argentina. Fil: Varela, Diego. Asociación Civil Centro de Investigaciones del Bosque Atlántico; Argentina. Fil: Cintra Cavalcanti, Sandra Maria. Instituto para Conservação dos Carnívoros Neotropicais; Brasil. Fil: Camargo Martensen, Alexandre. Instituto Nacional de Pesquisas da Amazônia. Programa de Pós-Graduação em Genética, Conservação e Biologia Evolutiva; Brasil. Fil: Maggiorini, Erica Vanessa. Prefeitura da Estância Turística de Salto. Secretaria de Meio Ambiente; Brasil. Fil: Ferreira Keesen, Fabíola. Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto. Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ecologia de Biomas Tropicais, Brasil. Fil: Valle Nunes, André. Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso do Sul, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ecologia e Conservação; Brasil. Fil: Mendes Lessa, Gisele. Universidade Federal de Viçosa. Departamento de Biologia Animal, Laboratório de Mastozoologia; Brasil. Fil: Cordeiro-Estrela, Pedro. Universidade Federal da Paraíba. Departamento de Sistemática e Ecologia. Laboratório de Mamíferos; Brasil. Fil: Guimarães Beltrão, Mayara. Universidade Federal da Paraíba. Departamento de Sistemática e Ecologia. Laboratório de Mamíferos; Brasil. Fil: Guimarães Beltrão, Mayara. Universidade Federal da Paraíba. Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Biológicas; Brasil. Fil: Figueiredo de Albuquerque, Anna Carolina. Universidade Federal da Paraíba. Departamento de Sistemática e Ecologia. Laboratório de Mamíferos; Brasil. Fil: Figueiredo de Albuquerque, Anna Carolina. Universidade Federal da Paraíba. Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Biológicas; Brasil. Fil: Ingberman, Bianca. Instituto de Pesquisas Cananéia; Brasil. Fil: Righetto Cassano, Camila. Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz. Laboratório de Ecologia Aplicada à Conservação; Brasil. Fil: Cullen Junior, Laury. Instituto de Pesquisas Ecológicas; Brasil. Fil: Ribeiro, Milton Cezar. Universidade Estadual Paulista. Instituto de Biociências. Departamento de Ecología; Brasil. Fil: Galetti, Mauro. Universidade Estadual Paulista. Instituto de Biociências. Departamento de Ecología; Brasil. Our understanding of mammal ecology has always been hindered by the difficulties of observing species in closed tropical forests. Camera trapping has become a major advance for monitoring terrestrial mammals in biodiversity rich ecosystems. Here we compiled one of the largest datasets of inventories of terrestrial mammal communities for the Neotropical region based on camera trapping studies. The dataset comprises 170 surveys of medium to large terrestrial mammals using camera traps conducted in 144 areas by 74 studies, covering six vegetation types of tropical and subtropical Atlantic Forest of South America (Brazil and Argentina), and present data on species composition and richness. The complete dataset comprises 53,438 independent records of 83 species of mammals, includes 10 species of marsupials, 15 rodents, 20 carnivores, eight ungulates and six armadillos. Species richness averaged 13 species (±6.07 SD) per site. Only six species occurred in more than 50% of the sites: the domestic dog Canis familiaris, crab-eating fox Cerdocyon thous, tayra Eira barbara, south American coati Nasua nasua, crab-eating raccoon Procyon cancrivorus and the nine-banded armadillo Dasypus novemcinctus. The information contained in this dataset can be used to understand macroecological patterns of biodiversity, community, and population structure, but also to evaluate the ecological consequences of fragmentation, defaunation, and trophic interactions.

Habitat fragmentation may disrupt original patterns of gene flow and lead to drift-induced differentiation among local population units. Top predators such as the jaguar may be particularly susceptible to this effect, given their low population densities, leading to small effective sizes in local fragments. On the other hand, the jaguar's high dispersal capabilities and relatively long generation time might counteract this process, slowing the effect of drift on local populations over the time frame of decades or centuries. In this study, we have addressed this issue by investigating the genetic structure of jaguars in a recently fragmented Atlantic Forest region, aiming to test whether loss of diversity and differentiation among local populations are detectable, and whether they can be attributed to the recent effect of drift. We used 13 microsatellite loci to characterize the genetic diversity present in four remnant populations, and observed marked differentiation among them, with evidence of recent allelic loss in local areas. Although some migrant and admixed individuals were identified, our results indicate that recent large-scale habitat removal and fragmentation among these areas has been sufficiently strong to promote differentiation induced by drift and loss of alleles at each site. Low estimated effective sizes supported the inference that genetic drift could have caused this effect within a short time frame. These results indicate that jaguars' ability to effectively disperse across the human-dominated landscapes that separate the fragments is currently very limited, and that each fragment contains a small, isolated population that is already suffering from the effects of genetic drift.

Major evolutionary questions remain elusive due to persistent difficulties in directly studying the genetics of variable phenotypes in natural populations. Many phenotypic variants may be of adaptive relevance, and thus important to consider in the context of conservation genetics. However, since the dynamics of these traits is usually poorly understood in the wild, their incorporation in conservation strategies is difficult to accomplish. For animals which exhibit intriguing phenotypic variation but are difficult to track in the wild, innovative approaches are required to investigate such issues. Here we demonstrate that non-invasive DNA sampling can be used to study the genetics and ecology of melanism in the jaguar, by directly genotyping the molecular polymorphism underlying this coloration trait. These results open new prospects for the in-depth investigation of this polymorphism, and highlight the broader potential of non-invasive DNA-based phenotype tracking for wildlife in general. Fil: Haag, Taiana. Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul; Brasil. Pontificia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul; Brasil Fil: Santos, Analisie S.. Pontificia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul; Brasil Fil: Valdez, Fernanda P.. Pontificia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul; Brasil Fil: Sana, Dênis A.. Instituto Pró-Carnívoros; Brasil Fil: Silveira, Leandro. Instituto Onça Pintada; Brasil Fil: Cullen Jr., Laury. Instituto de Pesquisas Ecológicas; Brasil Fil: de Angelo, Carlos Daniel. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Nordeste; Argentina. Centro de Investigaciones del Bosque Atlántico; Argentina Fil: Morato, Ronaldo G.. Centro Nacional de Pesquisa e Conservaçao de Mamíferos Carnívoros; Brasil. Instituto Pró-Carnívoros; Brasil Fil: Crawshaw Jr., Peter G.. Centro Nacional de Pesquisa e Conservaçao de Mamíferos Carnívoros; Brasil Fil: Salzano, Francisco M.. Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul; Brasil Fil: Eizirik, Eduardo. Instituto Pró-Carnívoros; Brasil. Pontificia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul; Brasil

Serum samples from 19 jaguars (Panthera onca), nine pumas (Puma concolor), and two ocelots (Leopardus pardalis) were collected between January 1999 and March of 2005 and tested for presence of canine distemper virus (CDV). All cats were free-ranging animals living in two protected areas in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest. In addition, 111 domestic dogs from nearby areas were sampled for CDV. Our results show the first evidence of CDV exposure in Brazilian free-ranging felids. From the 30 samples analyzed, six jaguars and one puma were tested seropositive for CDV. All seropositive large felids were from Ivinhema State Park, resulting in 31.5% of the sampled jaguars or 60% of the total jaguar population in Ivinhema State Park, and 11.28% of the sampled pumas. From the total 111 domestic dogs sampled, 45 were tested seropositive for CDV. At Morro do Diabo State Park, 34.6% of the dogs sampled were positive for CDV, and 100% at Ivinhema State Park. Canine distemper virus in wild felids seems to be related with home range use and in close association with domestic dogs living in nearby areas.

Land-reform and environmental movements, revitalized by the democratization of civil society in Brazil in the 1990s, found their objectives in conflict over forested parcels that settlers want for conversion to agriculture but that are important for wildlife conservation. In the Atlantic Forest, where 95% of the forest is gone, we reviewed three cases of Brazilian nongovernmental organization (NGOs) engagement with the land- reform movement with respect to forest remnants neighboring protected areas that have insufficient habitat for the long-term survival of unique endangered species. In the Pontal do Paranapanema (S˜ ao Paulo), Poco das Antas (Rio de Janeiro), and southern Bahia, environmental NGOs have supported agricultural alternatives that improve livelihood options and provide incentives for habitat conservation planning. Where land-reform groups were better organized, technical cooperation on settlement agriculture permitted the exploration of mutual interests in conciliating the productive landscape with conservation objectives. Processes of regular consultation among NGOs, environmental agencies, and the private sector revealed that there was less zero- sum conflict over the same lands than commonly perceived. In both groups, technicians found forested lands less suitable for small-scale agriculture, and leaders took risks to justify and support claims to alternative existing agricultural lands. Based on the cases we examined, the construction of landscapes with both forest stewardship and poverty-reducing agrarian reform faces continued obstacles from contradictory agrarian and environmental sector policies and inadequate economic incentives for forest stewardship on private lands. Reforma Agraria y Conservacion de Biodiversidad en Brasil en los 1990s: Conflictos y la Articulacion de Intereses Mutuos Resumen: La reforma agraria y los movimientos ambientales, revitalizados por la democratizaci´

The Brazilian Atlantic Forest in the State of Sao Paulo is one of the world most threatened ecosystems, as only 1.8% of its original coverage is left. With a biodiversity that includes endemic species, such as the black lion tamarin (Leontopithecus chrysopygus) a seriously endangered primate, the conservation of forest remnants has become a priority. The non-profit organization Instituto de Pesquisas Ecologicas (Institute for Ecological Research (IPE)) has studied the forest in Pontal do Paranapanema and undertaken conservation initiatives such as environmental education, community involvement, habitat restoration and the promotion of policies that protect natural areas while simultaneously empowering people to improve their conditions of living. Movimento dos Trabalhadores Rurais Sem Terra (MST) a movement of the landless, has pressed local landowners and the government to distribute land for landless families, creating conflicts and diminishing the priority of nature conservation. Through transparent and participatory approaches IPE has succeeded in bringing the conservationists and the landless to work together in the planting of trees. Trees protect water, improve the soil and shield the settlers from environmental damages, while they form corridors for wildlife, buffer zones to protect forest fragments and “stepping stones” to propitiate seed dispersal. This innovative approach to conservation is already seen as an example to be followed in other contexts.

This paper evaluates the ecological consequences of hunting by comparing mammalian densities, biomass, relative energy consumption and community structure between sites with different levels of hunting pressure. Hunting is carried out mainly by colonists who farm on the edge of Atlantic forest fragments in the State of São Paulo, Brazil. Mammals were studied over a period of 18 months, along 2287 km of line transects. Transects were distributed among two protected sites, one slightly hunted site and two heavily hunted sites. Tapirs, the two peccary species, brocket deer, armadillos and agoutis are preferred by hunters in the region. Primates are not hunted in the region. Hunting has affected community structure, with ungulates dominating mammalian biomass at protected sites and primates dominating at hunted sites. This has caused an ecological inversion in the hunted areas of the Atlantic forests. In Amazonian regions of the Neotropics hunting is more evenly distributed among primates, large rodents, and ungulates and has resulted in an opposite inversion, with hunted sites having lower primate biomass. Atlantic forests are very susceptible to the possible ecological imbalances induced by hunting by humans, and this must be considered for management and conservation programmes.

This study evaluates the impact of hunting on mammalian and avian species in Atlantic forest fragments of the Mata de Planalto in the State of Sao Paulo, Brazil. Colonists who farm on the edge of fragments also hunt for subsistence within fragments. Hunters commonly take the two peccary species, tapir, brocket deer, armadillos and agoutis. Primates are rarely hunted in this region. Effects of hunting on species were measured by changes in relative abundance of species between four sites with similar sizes (approximately 2000 ha each), but different hunting pressures (two slightly hunted and two heavily hunted). In addition, one large protected area (35 000 ha) was also censused. Species abundances were measured during 18 months along 2287 km of line transects. Abundances of tapirs, brocket deer, white-lipped peccaries, armadillos and coatis decreased between slightly hunted and heavily hunted sites. Abundances of collared peccaries, agoutis, primates and guans did not show any trends with hunting pressure. Extirpations of tapirs and white-lipped peccaries at heavily hunted sites suggest that in forest remnants encroached by people, hunting exacerbates effects of fragmentation, such as genetics and demographics, and is probably the most important factor in emptying these forests of large species over the short-term.

Resumo O Pontal do Paranapanema, extremo oeste do estado de Sao Paulo, e conhecido em todo Brasil devido aos conflitos pela posse de terra, protagonizados pelo MST (Movimento dos Trabalhadores Rurais Sem Terra), que transformaram significantemente a paisagem da regiao, onde, atualmente, observamse pequenas ilhas de assentamentos rurais imersos numa matriz de grandes pastagens. O Codigo Florestal preve que esses assentamentos devam manter, no minimo, 20% de area com cobertura vegetal arborea. Essa area e conhecida como Reserva Florestal Legal e deve ser restaurada caso se encontre degradada. Assim, esta pesquisa se desenvolveu no assentamento Santa Zelia, municipio de Teodoro Sampaio, Sao Paulo, numa area de 27,5 hectares de Reserva Legal, onde onze familias deste assentamento foram responsaveis pela restauracao da area, atraves do sistema Taungya. Tres indicadores foram utilizados para a avaliacao economica da area: Valor Presente Liquido (VPL), Relacao Beneficio-Custo (RB/C) e payback. A partir disso, verificou-se que resultados economicos apresentaram valores positivos para oito das onze familias analisadas, levando a conclusao que sistemas agroflorestais podem ser adotados na recuperacao de areas de Reserva Legal em propriedades rurais. Sua maior ou menor viabilidade economica ira depender de um manejo mais intenso na area para producao agricola e de precos satisfatorios para venda no mercado. Palavras-chave: Sistema Taungya; reserva legal; indicadores economicos.

O Pontal do Paranapanema, extremo oeste do Estado de São Paulo, é marcado pela recente devastação florestal, e ações que visam à recuperação de áreas onde outrora havia cobertura florestal tornam-se indispensáveis para a conservação da biodiversidade na região, principalmente quando se trata de Áreas de Preservação Permanente. Diante do exposto, esta pesquisa teve como objetivo realizar um levantamento florístico e fitossociológico em uma área de 81 hectares de preservação permanente, restaurada pelo método de parcelas. Os resultados mostraram a presença de 55 espécies distribuídas em 23 famílias botânicas. Apesar do número de espécies estar abaixo do recomendado pela legislação competente, as espécies presentes na área são adequadas a uma área de influência ripária do bioma Floresta Estacional Semidecidual, o que garante o início do desenvolvimento do plantio e serve como base para desencadear o processo de sucessão secundária na área.