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Two species of intestinal Capillariidae were hitherto known from the Neotropic cormorant Phalacrocorax brasilianus, Baruscapillaria spiculata (Freitas, 1933), and Baruscapillaria appendiculata (Freitas, 1933). The original descriptions are very short and brief, and further reports of both species are scarce and/or confusing. This paper provides a morphological redescription and molecular characterization, based on the partial 18S rDNA gene, of B. spiculata specimens parasitizing the Neotropic cormorant in two continental lagoons from Buenos Aires province, Argentina. Both morphological and morphometrical differences between B. spiculata and B. appendiculata are highlighted on the examination of available type material. Additionally, two previous reports of B. appendiculata from Mexico and Brazil are discussed. A phylogenetic analysis conducted on specimens of B. spiculata and 46 other capillariid isolates available from the GenBank demonstrated a sister-taxon relationship between our specimens and the type species of Baruscapillaria. But, at the same time, significant genetic distances between both taxa showed an interesting variability of the genus Baruscapillaria. The probable division of this genus into multiple genera could probably be confirmed through integrative studies including more species., Centro de Estudios Parasitológicos y de Vectores

Breast feathers of Neotropic Cormorants (Phalacrocorax brasilianus) from two nesting colonies in Lake Livingston (LALIV) and Richland Creek, Texas, were collected during 2014 and were analyzed for metals and metalloids. Mean concentrations of Al, As, Cr, Cu, Fe, Pb, Sb, and Se were not significantly different in breast feathers of cormorants from the two locations or between sexes. However, mean concentrations of Co, Mn, Ni, and V were significantly greater in feathers of cormorants from Richland Creek than in those from LALIV; and Zn concentrations were greater in cormorants from LALIV than in those from Richland Creek (p

During a survey of the diversity of Mucorales in Atlantic Forest and upland rainforest soils in northeastern Brazil, two strains belonging to Absidia were isolated. These strains are morphologically and molecularly (nuc rDNA internal transcribed spacer ITS1–5.8–ITS2 and D1–D2 domains of nuc 28S rDNA) distinct from other Absidia species. Absidia cornuta sp. nov. presents exclusively cylindrical sporangiospores and up to three projections on columellae. Absidia pernambucoensis sp. nov. presents up to two apical projections on columellae and produces two types of sporangiospores: cylindrical and slightly cuneiform. Based on morphological and phylogenetic evidence, two new species of Absidia are proposed. An identification key for the species of Absidia with cylindrical sporangiospores found in the Neotropics is provided.

The aim of this paper is to expand the current knowledge on the distribution, ecology and morphology of Pseudostaurosira cataractarum (Hustedt) C.E. Wetzel, E. Morales et Ector. We analysed several freshwater diatom assemblages within the Palearctic (Czech Republic, Europe) and Neotropic ecozones (Argentina and Bolivia, South America). In all localities, small araphids were the dominant or co-dominant group. Inside this group, P. cataractarum was only dominant in the samples from Argentina and Czech Republic, while the Bolivian samples had only a few individuals. RDA and PCA analyses show that the relative abundance of P. cataractarum was positively correlated with water conductivity. The following measurements resulted from the morphometric analysis, apical axis: 2.8–8.2 µm, transapical axis: 2.7–7.2 µm and stria density: 15–29 in 10 µm. In conclusion, the present is the first report of P. cataractarum for continental Europe (from fossil material) and the Neotropic ecozone (from extant populations). Besides having a preference for subaerial habitats, this taxon could be locally conditioned by water conductivity, although in each of the analysed samples this species was associated with cosmopolitan diatoms that are tolerant to a wide range of environmental conditions. Based on the morphometric analyses in studied populations, we propose that the size range for the apical and transapical axes of P. cataractarum should be expanded at the lower end of the range. Likewise, the range of stria density should be expanded since it is wider than that presented for the type population from Indonesia (Java). Consequently, an emended description is presented based on our study and on published data on type and fossil populations. Fil: Grana, Lorena Giselle. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro de Investigaciones y Transferencia de Catamarca. Universidad Nacional de Catamarca. Centro de Investigaciones y Transferencia de Catamarca; Argentina Fil: Morales, Eduardo A.. Universidad Católica Boliviana San Pablo; Bolivia Fil: Besta, Tomas. University of South Bohemia; República Checa Fil: Echazú, Daniela. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales. Departamento de Biodiversidad y Biología Experimental. Laboratorio de Diatomeas Continentales; Argentina Fil: Wetzel, Carlos E.. Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology; Luxemburgo Fil: Novais, Maria Helena. University Of Évora; Portugal Fil: Rajdlová, Hana. Charles University; República Checa Fil: Ector, Luc. Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology; Luxemburgo Fil: Maidana, Nora Irene. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Ciudad Universitaria. Instituto de Biodiversidad y Biología Experimental y Aplicada. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales. Instituto de Biodiversidad y Biología Experimental y Aplicada; Argentina

The Trinity River (Texas, USA) has been historically known as a polluted river because of its proximity to the Dallas-Fort Worth area and because of known discharges of sewage and agricultural irrigation waters to the river. Surprisingly, there are no studies regarding the presence of legacy contaminants in the river and their impacts to wildlife. The objectives of this study were to determine accumulation and potential impacts of persistent organic pollutants, such as organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), on Neotropic cormorants (Phalacrocorax brasilianus) nesting along the Trinity River. Adult and first-year cormorants were collected from two sites on the Trinity River Watershed during 2014 and 2015. Tissue sections from liver, spleen, kidneys, and gonads were used for histopathology analysis, and a portion of the liver was analyzed for OCPs, PCBs, and PBDEs. Breast feathers were analyzed for Hg. Surprisingly, all the contaminants were present at low concentrations, p,p'-DDE (2-724 ng/g ww), PCBs (28-851 ng/g ww), PBDEs (1-85 ng/g ww), Hg (1.9-3.4 µg/g dw), and below those that could be associated with adverse effects. Also, histological analysis of liver and kidney samples did not reveal morphologic changes consistent with acute or chronic toxicosis. The majority of the histologic changes were inflammatory and were related to parasitic infestation. Our results suggest that aquatic birds using the Trinity River watershed are not at risk for adverse effects due to the contaminants studied. These results should be useful to wildlife managers regarding concerns over contaminant impacts on wildlife of the Trinity River.

Neotropic Cormorants (Phalacrocorax brasilianus) are common seabirds along the Peruvian coast. They frequently perch on trees, poles and port structures in urban areas, producing guano that builds up in areas of high levels of human activity. Hundreds of Neotropic Cormorants rest on lighting poles and telephone cables along a 12.7 km highway in the coastal strip of the city of Lima, Peru. We hypothesized that the distribution of the cormorants along this highway is clustered and could be associated with physical features of both the coast and the adjacent marine area. Fortnightly or monthly surveys were performed from July 2018 to March 2020 in the Circuito de Playas de la Costa Verde highway. At each survey, cormorants were counted per lighting pole and adjacent telephone cables (collectively, “pole-cable”) at four count hours (0600 h, 1000 h, 1400 h and 1800 h). Our results revealed that daily bird numbers varied from 46 to 457 individuals and that only 17% of the total number of pole-cables (N = 651) was occupied once by at least one individual. The number of cormorants also varied between count hours within the same day (higher numbers at 1000 h and 1400 h). Birds were clustered into a maximum of five hotspots along the highway. According to a model selection criterion, higher numbers of cormorants on pole-cables were associated mainly to a closer distance from these structures to the shoreline and to the surf zone, suggesting that Neotropic Cormorants may select such pole-cables as optimal sites for sighting and receiving cues of prey availability. Based on the results, the use of nonlethal deterrents and the relocation of these birds to other perching structures on nearby groynes could be the most suitable management proposal for the problems caused by their feces.

Conservation area networks (CAN) must overlap spatial patterns of conservation priorities in order to ensure their persistence. Threatened species are among the least controversial biodiversity features taken into account to guide conservation policies. Due to growing human pressure and climate change worldwide, chances of planning an effective CAN may be reduced. Santa Fe province is located in the center-east of Argentina and encompasses four bioregions highly threatened of the subtropical temperate South America. Intensive agriculture, livestock and hunting have led to the loss and degradation of its natural habitats and the current CAN fails on the coverage of bioregions. Our aim was to find out areas that enhance the persistence of threatened bird species in the Santa Fe province. We defined spatial conservation priorities that overlap environmentally suitable areas of species over time and overcome the likely impacts of human activity. Conservation priorities (top 20%) belonged mainly to Dry Chaco and Atlantic bioregions and will remain the same in the province. The current CAN mismatches spatial patterns of environmental suitability of threatened species. Sporophila hypochroma, Asthenes hudsoni and Spartonoica maluroides may lose more than half of their current environmentally suitable area in the future. Human activity will lead to a CAN which will require a great number of patches and a large perimeter. Searching for the most environmentally suitable areas of species over time while minimizing conflicts with human activities is a useful conservation strategy regardless the biogeographical context considered.

Neotropic Cormorants (Phalacrocorax brasilianus) are common seabirds along the Peruvian coast. They frequently perch on trees, poles and port structures in urban areas, causing discomfort and esthetic problems due to the dropping of their feces on infrastructure and people. Hundreds of these birds rest on lighting poles and telephone cables along a 12.7 km highway in the coastal strip of the city of Lima, Peru. We hypothesized that the distribution of the cormorants along this highway is clustered and could be associated with physical features of both the coast and the adjacent marine area. Half-monthly or monthly surveys were performed from July 2018 to March 2020 in the Circuito de Playas de la Costa Verde highway. At each survey, cormorants were counted per lighting pole and adjacent telephone cables (pole-cable) at four count hours (0600 h, 1000 h, 1400 h and 1800 h). Our results revealed that daily bird numbers varied from 46 to 457 individuals and that only 17% of the total number of pole-cables (N = 651) was occupied once by at least one individual. The number of cormorants also varied between count hours within the same day (higher numbers at 1000 h and 1400 h). Birds were clustered into a maximum of five hotspots along the highway. According to the Akaike’s information-theoretic approach applied to Poisson GLMM, higher numbers of cormorants on pole-cables were associated mainly to a closer distance from these structures to the shoreline and to the surf zone, suggesting that Neotropic Cormorants may select such pole-cables as optimal sites for sighting and receiving clues of prey availability. Based on the results, the use of nonlethal deterrents and the relocation of these birds to other perching structures on nearby groynes could be the most suitable and eco-friendly solution for the problems caused by their droppings.

The Neotropic Cormorant Nannopterum brasilianus (Gmelin, 1789) is one of the most common and abundant species in Brazil's aquatic environments, but little is known about its natural history. This study elaborates and quantitatively evaluates the ethogram and seasonal abundance of this species at Lake Acu, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Between August 2013 and July 2014, behaviors were registered by the ad libitum sampling method and quantifi ed by the continuous recording during 30-min sessions. The mean number of sighted individuals per month was 30.41 ± 4.79. Abundance was higher during the dry season (41.5 ± 5.36) compared to the rainy season (19.33 ± 4.81) ( t = 3.07, P = 0.01). A total of 42 behaviors were described and grouped into five behavioral categories: maintenance (83.59%), ingestion/excretion (10.67%), locomotion (3.48%), play (1.65%), and agonistic behavior (0.61%). The time spent in these categories did not vary signifi cantly between the morning and afternoon periods. This study can be used as a starting point for further ethological studies on the species.

Neotropic cormorant ( Phalacrocorax brasilianus) is a monomorphic species widely distributed along the American Continent. We used a rapid and efficient molecular technique centred on the chromo-helicase-DNA-binding gene in order to differentiate male and female sex chromosomes based on the size of introns. Males presented a Z chromosome with a single band of 664 base pairs, and females presented the same band plus a shortest one corresponding to the W chromosome with 459 base pairs.

The advances of molecular techniques have increased the development of cost and time-effective libraries of molecular markers, such as microsatellites, which allow us to estimate genetic parameters in order to characterise species' population structures. The Neotropic Cormorant ( Phalacrocorax brasilianus) is one of the most abundant and widespread seabirds from the American continent, being present in a wide range of habitats, however further information about genetic markers in this species is scarce. A total of 26 pairs of primers were synthesised and 22 microsatellites were amplified correctly; 11 of them were polymorphic. The number of alleles per locus ranged from three to seven with a mean of 4.6 per locus. Six loci showed significant departure from Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium. The microsatellite markers identified and characterised in the present study are the first set developed for P. brasilianus and will contribute to the genetic map, quantitative traits mapping, and phylogenetic analysis of this species.

We identified two RNA (paramyxovirus and coronavirus) and two DNA (adenovirus and herpesvirus) viruses in a common aquatic bird, the Neotropic Cormorant ( Phalacrocorax brasilianus), and determined their phylogenetic relationships to other global circulating variants. We analyzed 104 cloacal swabs from individuals collected at locations in Central Chile. Sequences were obtained from amplicons using consensus primers targeting conserved genes of the virus families Paramyxoviridae, Coronaviridae, Adenoviridae, and Herpesviridae. A total of 20.2% of the samples was positive for coronavirus, 8.7% for adenovirus, and 3.8% for herpesvirus. No paramyxoviruses were detected. All coronaviruses were identified as viruses of the Gammacoronavirus genus, closely related to the infectious bronchitis virus clade (bootstrap clade support=75%). All adenovirus samples were identified as Aviadenovirus, related to a gull and falcon adenovirus (Bayesian posterior probability=0.86). The herpesviruses identified were related to the infectious laryngotracheitis virus ( Gallid herpesvirus 1) of the genus Iltovirus (bootstrap clade support=99%). We provide information about the diversity of viruses circulating among apparently healthy Neotropic Cormorants.

Hemosporidian parasites rarely infect aquatic birds. Few studies have been conducted in South America identifying some lineages of the genera Plasmodium, Leucocytozoon, and Haemoproteus, but none has been done in the Neotropic cormorant (Phalacrocorax brasilianus). This species is widely distributed through the American continent, from Southern USA to Tierra del Fuego, using a wide range of aquatic habitats. We molecularly studied the occurrence and diversity of hemosporidian lineages infecting individuals of Neotropic cormorant across a broad latitudinal gradient in Chile (Arica to Tierra del Fuego). As expected, a very low occurrence of individuals infected by Plasmodium sp. (4/123, 3.3%) and Leucocytozoon sp. (2/123, 1.6%) was detected. We found no evidence of Haemoproteus sp. We identified one lineage of Plasmodium (ZEMAC01) and one new lineage of Leucocytozoon (PHABRA01) infecting cormorants. Individuals infected by Plasmodium sp. were birds from only one site (i.e., Chillan), whereas Leucocytozoon sp. was found in one bird from Valdivia and another one from Tierra del Fuego. Our results expand the known range of hemosporidian parasite lineages in aquatic birds providing an essential baseline data that contribute to a better understanding of the geographic range of hemosporidian parasites infecting Phalacrocoracidae in South America.

We identified Miranda's white-lipped frog (Leptodactylus macrosternum) as a new host for chiggers (Hannemania sp.). A total of 57 larvae of Hannemania sp. were found on 31 frogs examined from a semiarid region of northeastern Brazil.

Dung beetles are exposed to a complex microbiological ecosystem during their life cycle. Characterization of novel host-defense peptides (HDP) is essential to understanding the host innate immune response in insects. It constitutes a promising alternative to look for new therapeutic agents against pathogenic microbes. We identified four new HDP, Oxysterlins 1, 2, 3, and 4 from the transcriptome of the Oxysternon conspicillatum dung beetle. These HDP display a highly conserved signal peptide and a mature peptide, characterized by an overall positive charge (cationic) (pI: 10.23-11.49), a hydrophobic ratio (ΦH: 35-41), and amphipathicity. Oxysterlins 1, 2, and 3 have a linear α-helix structure, whilst Oxysterlin 4 has a mixture of both α-helix and β-sheet structures without disulfide bonds through bioinformatics prediction and circular dichroism. Oxysterlins are part of the cecropin family group in an exclusive clade related to beetle cecropins. They have predominant antimicrobial activity against Gram-negative bacteria, including multidrug resistant strains (3.12-50 μg/mL) measured by plate microdilution. Their kinetics, in a time-killing curve showed concentration-dependent bactericidal activity. Furthermore, these HDP have low toxicity against human erythrocytes (62.5-500 μg/mL) and Vero cells (250-500 μg/mL). This article describes new HDP of the cecropin family from the Oxysternon conspicillatum dung beetle, with antimicrobial activity against multidrug resistant bacteria and low toxicity.

Summary. Some cormorant species are perceived as negatively interacting with fish resources but conclusive evidence supporting such suggestions are scarce. Here we studied the diet of the neotropic cormorant and assessed its impact on recreational fish resources. A total of 33 pellets (regurgitated casts) and 73 regurgitations produced by the Neotropic cormorant were collected between 19 October 2006 and 24 February 2007 at a colony on the Carrileufu River, Patagonia, Argentina. Fish (94.3%) were the most abundant prey, followed by crustaceans (5.1%) and molluscs (0.6%). The Patagonian silverside Odontesthes hatcheri was the most frequent fish prey, followed by the rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss and the creole perch Percichthys trucha. The contribution of fish species to the diet varied throughout the breeding season. The fish intake estimate for the colony based on parameters drawn from previous studies was 4.708 tons, which represents a consumption of 41,504 fish specimens. Native species were the ma...

Stable isotope analysis has been extensively used to establish trophic relationships within avian communities of marine ecosystems. The Neotropic Cormorant (Phalacrocorax brasilianus) is a good representative of marine bird communities along the northern coasts of South America. The diet and trophic position of the Neotropic Cormorant during the non-breeding season in a tropical lagoon, Bocaripo-Chacopata, in northeastern Venezuela, was determined by using gut content analyses and stable isotope ratios of carbon (δ13C) and nitrogen (δ15N), from birds, fish and invertebrates muscle tissue. Gut content and stable isotopes both indicated that cormorants are strict piscivores, whose diet is mainly based on benthonic fish, and thus occupy a high trophic level, above that of the piscivorous fish in the same habitat. Crustaceans and mollusks were circumstantial components of cormorant diet, found in the gut of some cormorant fish prey, as shown from their δ15N isotope values. A mixing model, MixSIR, estimated that two fish species, Cetengraulisedentulous and Arius sp., were the main components of the diet. However, consumer stable isotope values fell outside the mixing polygon, suggesting that either another food source with a larger 15N value was present in the diet of the cormorant but we failed to detect it, or, that we used inaccurate discrimination factors in the model. This cormorant species is a trophic specialist. It appears that, at least during the studied period, this population fed only on fish from the lagoon or from the nearby sea.

We present the ecological functions of cormorants and estimate the economic value of these functions to artisanal fishermen, as a valuation exercise for Neotropic Cormorants at Los Olivitos Estuary, Lake Maracaibo, Venezuela. Ecological functions were based on estimating the abundance, distribution and diet of cormorants; economic values were attached to a selection of goods, services and attributes. Based on available information, we selected four ecological–economic functions of cormorants: harvesting for food; contributors to fish diversity; indicators of fish schools; and contributors to fish biomass, due to guano production. Cormorants consumed nine commercial fish species. Mean consumption was 225 g/ind/day. All ecological–economic functions were positive except for the role as contributors to fish biomass. Total value of the cormorant population to fishermen was $5,429,703/year. Unlike many studies, our results show that Neotropic Cormorants have a negligible impact on artisanal fisheries. We emphasize the importance of these results for management policies.

Phalacrocorax brasilianus (Neotropic Cormorant) has been observed with increasing frequency in the alluvial plain (Delta region) of Mississippi. In the past 6 years, 22 individuals have been observed in 20 separate sightings during spring and summer. These sightings have occurred at breeding colonies of other colonial waterbirds and commercial aquaculture facilities of Ictalurus punctatus (Channel Catfi sh). Two sexually mature Neotropic Cormorants have been collected at a colonial waterbird breeding colony near the Mississippi River in the western Delta region among fl ocks of Phalacrocorax auritus (Double-crested Cormorants). Twice during the summer of 2008, confi rmed nesting of Neotropic Cormorants were documented in the Delta region of Mississippi. The increased abundance and range expansion of Neotropic Cormorants in the Delta region of Mississippi may be a result of the readily available food source of cultured Channel Catfi sh.

Pumas occupy the largest latitudinal range of any New World terrestrial mammal. Human population growth and associated habitat reduction has reduced their North American range by nearly two-thirds, but the impact of human expansion in Central and South America on puma populations is not clear. We examined mitochondrial DNA diversity of pumas across the majority of their range, with a focus on Central and South America. Four mitochondrial gene regions (1140 base pairs) revealed 16 unique haplotypes differentiating pumas into three geographic groupings: North America, Central America and South America. These groups were highly differentiated as indicated by significant pairwise FST values. North American samples were genetically homogenous compared to Central and South American samples, and South American pumas were the most diverse and ancestral. These findings support an earlier hypothesis that North America was recolonized by founding pumas from Central and South America.

RESUMEN. Notas sobre la presencia del Cheilolejeunea paroica Mizut. (Lejeuneaceae, Marchantiophyta) en el Neotrópico. Se cita Cheilolejeunea paroica Mizut. por primera vez para el Neotrópico. Se presentan descripciones e ilustraciones, y se aportan datos acerca de los hábitats, sustratos y distribución geográfica.Palabras clave. Marchantiophyta, Lejeuneaceae, Cheilolejeunea.ABSTRACT. Notes on the occurrence of Cheilolejeunea paroica Mizut. (Lejeuneaceae, Marchantiophyta)in Neotropic. In this paper, the occurrence of Cheilolejeunea paroica Mizut is reported for the first time to the Neotropic. Description, illustration and comments on habitat, substrate, and geographical distribution are provided.Key words. Marchantiophyta, Lejeuneaceae, Cheilolejeunea.

The southeastern Yucatan Peninsula hosts high numbers of transient Nearctic-Neotropic migrants during autumn migration, but the importance of this region during migratory stopover has not been addressed. We studied autumn stopover body mass gains among passerine migrants in tropical lowland forest 20 km inland from the Gulf of Honduras. Most individuals captured had some subcutaneous fat. Ten of 15 taxa with sufficient sample sizes had significant positive diel (24 hr) gains in a body condition index. Estimates of net mass gains in these 10 taxa suggested they all were depositing fat; average individuals in four of these taxa were depositing sufficient fuel to undertake an entire night of migration after only 1 day of fattening: Empidonax spp., Red-eyed Vireo (Vireo olivaceus), Gray Catbird (Dumetella carolinensis), and Northern Waterthrush (Seiurus noveboracensis). Two (Wood Thrush [Hylocichla mustelina] and Common Yellowthroat [Geothlypis trichas]) of the four species apparently not gaining mas...

The complete sequence of the Neotropic cormorant (Phalacrocorax brasilianus) mitochondrial DNA was obtained by the shotgun sequencing approach. The mitogenome is 19 042 bp in length and includes 13 protein-coding genes, 2 ribosomal subunit genes, 22 transfer RNA genes, a control region and a duplicated region of 2418 bp. The base composition is 32.1% for C, 31.8% for A, 22.6% for T and 13.4% for G, with an overall GC content of 45.5%. This is the first mitogenome of the P. brasilianus described and will be a useful tool for further phylogenetic and population genetic studies.

Feline leukemia virus (FeLV), Gammaretrovirus, and feline immunodeficiency virus, a Lentivirus, are members of the family Retroviridae, and may establish persistent infections in the domestic cat (Felis catus). Cytoproliferative and cytosuppressive disorders may result from infection with these viruses. Morbidity and mortality rates are high in domestic cats worldwide. Infection of endangered neotropic small felids with these viruses could be devastating. To investigate the prevalence of FeLV and feline lentiviruses in neotropic small felids kept in captivity in São Paulo state. Brazil, serum samples from 104 animals belonging to the species Leopardus pardalis, Leopardus tigrinus, Leopardus wiedii, Herpailurus yaguarondi, and Oncifelis geoffroyi were tested for FeLV and feline lentiviruses by commercially available immunoassays. All results were negative, suggesting that retrovirus infection is not an important clinical problem in these populations. Because domestic cats in São Paulo city are naturally infected with these pathogens, and feral cats are commonly found in zoologic facilities in Brazil, preventive measures should be taken to avoid transmission of retroviruses to naive populations of wild and captive neotropic felids in Brazil.

The effects of fragmentation on tropical bee communities are not well understood. The present study investigated these effects on wild bee species richness and diversity in fragments of tropical forest in the Yucatan Estate (Mexico). We present an analysis of bee community structure based on fragment size, connectivity, and bee life form, and include an analysis of m-dominance to evaluate if large fragments sustain greater species diversity compared to small fragments. Results indicated that the bee community within each fragment was composed of different bee species, and that species richness and diversity increased with fragment size, although this relationship varied between the life forms. Results suggest a high degree of isolation between fragments and greater differences in species composition. The m-dominance analysis indicated that 37% of the species recorded were restricted to medium and large-size fragments, while all other species were randomly distributed across fragments of different size in general; ours results indicate that not only do large fragments support greater species diversity than small fragments, but they are also essential for the conservation of wild bee species.

Fil: Casaux, Ricardo Jorge. Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores, Comercio Interno y Culto. Direccion Nacional del Antartico. Instituto Antartico Argentino; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de la Patagonia "San Juan Bosco"; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Cientificas y Tecnicas; Argentina

We investigated chick development and feeding rate in the neotropic cormorant, Phalacrocorax brasilianus, in a colony in Central Chile. The year of our study was characterized by relatively good foraging conditions. Brood sizes varied from two to five chicks, and hatching was asynchronous, with gaps of 0 to 6 days between the youngest and the oldest chick. Egg size declined over laying order in three-egg clutches, but not in four-egg clutches. Hatch weight did not vary with hatching position, irrespective of brood size. Chicks increased mass on average by 60 g/day between 8 and 20 days of age. Growth rates and survival to fledging depended on hatching position only in broods of four, where D-chicks grew slower and showed a higher pre-fledging mortality. There was a non-significant tendency that also A-, B-, and C-chicks in broods of four grew slower than in smaller broods. Average number of fledglings was 2.76. Feeding frequency decreased with chick age between the ages of 10–40 days. Four-chick broods received more feeds per day than smaller broods, leading to a similar per-chick feeding frequency across all brood sizes. D-chicks were clearly disadvantaged in growth and survival, and facultative brood reduction occurred.

Two new genera and two new species of nematodes (Ungellidae, Drilonematoidea) parasitic in Neotropic acanthodrilids from the collection of the Natural History Museum of Geneva, Switzerland, are described. Yagansiella longicollis gen. n., sp. n. and Ungella chileana sp. n. are parasitic in Yagansia spatulifera, whereas Ungella micronychium sp. n. in Y. diversicolor and Patagoniella capitoporus gen. n., sp. n. in Y. papillosa. Yagansiella longicollis gen. n., sp. n. resembles Ungella in general morphology but differs by anterior position of ovary top cell and posterior vulva position, characteristic body and caudal fimbriate organs shape. U. chileana sp. n. is distinguished by large circular fimbriate organs in tail, female body shape and arrangement of female genital tube and spicule shape. Ungella micronychium sp. n. differs by minute cephalic hooks and shape of fimbriate organs and spicules and gubemaculum. Patagoniella capitoporus gen. n., sp. n. is distinguished by anteriormost position of excretory pore, anterior vulva position and shape of fimbriate organs and spicules and gubemaculum.

Pathogens of free-ranging chickens create a risk of disease for wild birds, some of which migrate to the United States, as well as potential economic losses for resource-poor farmers. Free-roaming backyard chickens are commonly kept in shade-grown coffee plantations, habitats that attract large numbers of wild birds. The husbandry and pathogen prevalence of backyard chicken flocks in San Luis, Costa Rica, were investigated. Based on serologic evidence, Newcastle disease virus, infectious laryngotracheitis virus, infectious bronchitis virus, chicken anemia virus, and infectious bursal disease virus, as well as both Mycoplasma gallisepticum and Mycoplasma synoviae, appear to be significant diseases of this population, and thus, we consider these backyard chickens potential reservoirs for these diseases. There was no evidence of avian influenza. Interviews, clinical examinations, and microscopic examination of tissues led us to believe that poxvirus is also a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in these chickens. We found that Escherichia coli isolates were resistant against tilmicosin, tetracycline, ampicillin, amoxicillin with clavulanic acid, ticarcillin, and cephalothin, and contained genes considered responsible for conferring tetracycline resistance. Additionally, although production was not measured, we suspect that husbandry and lack of preventative medicine are directly related to the diseases reported, all of which negatively affect production. Las parvadas de aves de traspatio representan un riesgo de enfermedad para las aves tropicales en Costa Rica. Los patógenos de las aves de traspatio generan un riesgo de enfermedad para las aves silvestres, algunas de las cuales migran a los Estados Unidos, generando a su vez potenciales pérdidas económicas para granjeros de escasos recursos. Las aves de traspatio criadas a la intemperie son comúnmente mantenidas en plantaciones de café con abundante sombra, un habitat que atrae un gran número de aves silvestres. En San Luis, Costa Rica, se investigó el manejo y la prevalencia de patógenos en aves de traspatio. Basado en evidencia serológica, los virus de la enfermedad de Newcastle, laringotraqueitis infecciosa, bronquitis infecciosa, anemia infecciosa aviar y enfermedad infecciosa de la bolsa, así como el Mycoplasma gallisepticum y el Mycoplasma synoviae, son agentes causantes de enfermedades en esta población y en consecuencia se consideran a estas aves de traspatio como reservorios potenciales de estas enfermedades. No se encontró evidencia de influenza aviar. Entrevistas, exámenes clínicos y evaluaciones microscópicas de tejidos nos llevan a creer que el virus de la viruela aviar es también una causa significativa de morbilidad y mortalidad en estas aves. Se demostró que los aislamientos de Escherichia coli eran resistentes a la tilmicosina, tetraciclina, ampicilina, amoxiciclina y ácido clavulánico, ticarciclina, cefalocina y contenían genes considerados responsables de conferir la resistencia a la tetraciciclina. Adicionalmente, aunque no se midió la producción, se sospecha que las prácticas de manejo y la falta de medicina preventiva está indirectamente relacionadas con las enfermedades reportadas, todas capaces de afectar negativamente la producción. Universidad Nacional, Costa Rica Escuela de Medicina Veterinaria

Here, we review the human botfly (Dermatobia hominis), which belongs to a group of Diptera generically known as "myiasis-causing flies," characterized by the ability of their larvae to develop in animal flesh. In addition to its medical and economic importance, there is an academic interest in this botfly because of its peculiar biology, particularly because a phoretic diptera is needed to complete the life cycle. The larvae penetrate the host's skin, causing furuncle-like lesions that are pruritic, painful, and resemble subcutaneous nodules, producing irreversible perforations in the skin. Although D. hominis is distributed from Mexico to Argentina, a review performed by our working group from 1999 to 2015 determined that the countries with the highest infection rates in travelers are Belize, Bolivia, and Brazil. Interestingly, infected men show a higher variation in the distribution of the lesions than in women. Many treatment schemes have been suggested, including the application of highly dense liquids to the lesion to cause anoxia in the D. hominis larvae. We showed, for the first time, a Bayesian inference between D. hominis and other myiasis-causing flies. The flies grouped into two main clusters according to their capacity to produce facultative and obligatory myiasis, and D. hominis was phylogenetically close to Cuterebra spp.

A survey for entomopathogenic fungi of Musca domestica adults was conducted in poultry houses in La Plata, Buenos Aires province, Argentina, during the years 2002 and 2003. Adult house flies were found infected with the fungus Beauveria bassiana (Bals.) Vuill. (Deuteromycotina: Hyphomycetes) from field collections, with a natural infected prevalence between 0.4–1.45%. This is the first record of natural infections of house flies caused by B. bassiana for the neotropics. Pathogenicity assays under laboratory conditions showed 94% adult mortality at 14 days post challenge.

Nearctic-neotropic migrant birds need to replenish energy reserves during stopover periods to successfully complete their semiannual movements. In this study we used linear models to examine the habitat use of 11 migrant species in northeastern Costa Rica to better understand the influence of food and structural resources on the presence of birds during stopover periods. Our models indicated that frugivorous migrants primarily used food abundance, while insectivorous migrants chiefly used vegetation structure as cues for habitat use during stopover. In addition to habitat use models, we documented fruiting plant phenology and found a general relationship between migrant arrival and the timing of ripe fruit availability. Our results suggest that insectivorous migrants probably rely on structural features when using habitat because it may be inherently difficult to assess cryptic-arthropod availability during a short period of time in a novel habitat, such as stopover periods.

Six new species of Newsteadia are described from the Nearctic and Neotropic Regions. A key is presented for the identification of 10 species currently included in the genus from these regions. The number of species in the genus worldwide is 37. A modified concept of the genus is presented and some new characters are given as diagnostic of the genus. The zoogeography of the genus is discussed.

Seasonal parameters of infection by the nematode Contracaecum rudolphii in the Neotropic cormorant Phalacrocorax brasilianus (Phalacrocoracidae) and their relation with feeding and infection in fishes from River Valdivia, Chile, were determined. The prevalences of infection in birds were similar during seasons, whereas mean intensity and percentages of adult gravid females were higher in spring and summer, respectively. For fishes no seasonal differences were found in infection. Cormorant diet varied seasonally in relation to fish prey consumed and this can be related to seasonal differences in infection parameters of birds. The high infection in birds should be considered as a potential risk for salmoniculture.

The recent identification of hoatzins (Opisthocomiformes) in the Miocene of Africa showed part of the evolution of these birds, which are now only found in South America, to have taken place outside the Neotropic region. Here, we describe a new fossil species from the late Eocene of France, which constitutes the earliest fossil record of hoatzins and the first one from the Northern Hemisphere. Protoazin parisiensis gen. et sp. nov. is more closely related to South American Opisthocomiformes than the African taxon Namibiavis and substantiates an Old World origin of hoatzins, as well as a relictual distribution of the single extant species. Although recognition of hoatzins in Europe may challenge their presumed transatlantic dispersal, there are still no North American fossils in support of an alternative, Northern Hemispheric, dispersal route. In addition to Opisthocomiformes, other avian taxa are known from the Cenozoic of Europe, the extant representatives of which are only found in South America. Recognition of hoatzins in the early Cenozoic of Europe is of particular significance because Opisthocomiformes have a fossil record in sub-Saharan Africa, which supports the hypothesis that extinction of at least some of these “South American” groups outside the Neotropic region was not primarily due to climatic factors.

A new genus Crossoliparis of the subtribe Malaxidinae (Orchidaceae), from tropical area of Central America is proposed. The new genus type species is described and illustrated. Keys to species of genus Crossoliparis and its close related genera of subtribe Malaxidinae from Americas, is added.

Habenaria bicornis was first described in 1835 from Cuba and has only been known from that country and from a few records in Panama from the 1920s. Here we show that H. bicornis and H. goyazensis, known from Brazil and Guyana, are conspecific and that the species is distributed from Mexico to southeastern Brazil. Niche modeling and collection data indicate that this species has a preference for wet lowland savannas and its distribution is predicted to include most of the Neotropics with suitable habitats. The molecular phylogenetic analyses based on DNA sequences from the nuclear internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region and part of the plastid matK gene placed H. bicornis in an isolated position near the base of the Neotropical clade, although with low support. In terms of its morphology, its relationships are likewise not clear as there are no evident similarities between H. bicornis and the basal subclades or any other Neotropical subclade. Cytogenetic analysis indicated a basic chromosome number of x=21, similar to other basal Neotropical species. Habenaria bicornis fue descrita por primera vez en 1835, para Cuba, y era conocida apenas para este país y unos pocos registros de Panamá, de 1920. En el presente estudio, demostramos que H. bicornis y H. goyazensis, esta última conocida para Brasil y Guiana, son específicas y la especie se distribuye desde México hasta el sudeste de Brasil. El modelado de nicho y la recolección de datos indican que esta especie posee una preferencia por sabanas húmedas de tierras bajas y es predicho que su distribución incluye gran parte del Neotrópico con hábitats favorables. Los análisis filogenéticos moleculares con secuencias del ADN nuclear (ITS) y plastidial (matK) ubicaron H. bicornis en una posición aislada próximo a la base del clado Neotropical, aunque con bajo soporte. En términos de su morfología, sus relaciones no están aclaradas, ya que no hay similitudes evidentes entre H. bicornis y los subclados básales o cualquier otro subclado Neotropical. Los análisis citogenéticos indican un número cromosómico básico de x=21, similar a las otras especies basales del Neotrópico.

Lymnaeidae play a crucial role in the transmission of fasciolosis, a disease of medical and veterinary importance. In the Neotropic, a region where fasciolosis is emergent, eight Lymnaeidae species are currently considered valid. However, our knowledge of the diversity of this taxon is hindered by the fact that lymnaeids exhibit extremely homogeneous anatomical traits. Because most species are difficult to identify using classic taxonomy, it is difficult to establish an epidemiological risk map of fasciolosis in the Neotropic. In this paper, we contribute to our understanding of the diversity of lymnaeids in this region of the world. We perform conchological, anatomical and DNA-based analyses (phylogeny and barcoding) of almost all species of Lymnaeidae inhabiting the Neotropic to compare the reliability of classic taxonomy and DNA-based approaches, and to delimitate species boundaries. Our results demonstrate that while morphological traits are unable to separate phenotypically similar species, DNA-based approaches unambiguously ascribe individuals to one species or another. We demonstrate that a taxon found in Colombia and Venezuela (Galba sp.) is closely related yet sufficiently divergent from Galba truncatula, G. humilis, G. cousini, G. cubensis, G. neotropica and G. viatrix to be considered as a different species. In addition, barcode results suggest that G. cubensis, G. neotropica and G. viatrix might be conspecifics. We conclude that conchological and anatomical characters are uninformative to identify closely related species of Lymnaeidae and that DNA-based approaches should be preferred.

International audience; We describe the earliest fossils of the enigmatic avian taxon Opisthocomiformes (hoatzins) from the Oligo-Miocene (22-24 mya) of Brazil. The bones, a humerus, scapula and coracoid, closely resemble those of the extant hoatzin, Opisthocomus hoazin. The very similar osteology of the pectoral girdle in the new Brazilian fossil compared to the extant O. hoazin, in which it reflects peculiar feeding adaptations, may indicate that hoatzins had already evolved their highly specialized feeding behavior by the mid-Cenozoic. We further show that Namibiavis senutae from the early Miocene of Namibia is another, previously misclassified representative of Opisthocomiformes, which documents that the extant Neotropic distribution of hoatzins is relictual. Because of the weak flight capabilities of hoatzins, their occurrence on both sides of the South Atlantic is of particular biogeographic interest. We detail that this distribution pattern is best explained by dispersal from Africa to South America, and that Opisthocomiformes provide the first example of transatlantic rafting among birds.

The aim of the current study was to investigate the exposure of captive wild felids to various infectious pathogens using serological and molecular methods. One hundred and fifty-nine neotropic felids and 51 exotic felids from 28 captive settings in Brazil were tested. While antibodies against Feline parvovirus and Feline coronavirus (FCoV), Feline calicivirus and Bartonella spp. were frequently detected by serologic tests, antibodies against Felid herpesvirus 1 or infection with hemotropic mycoplasmas were less prevalent. Serologic evidence of exposure to Ehrlichia spp., Feline immunodeficiency virus, and Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) was detected rarely, and infections with FeLV, Ehrlichia spp., and Cytauxzoon spp. were found infrequently. The detected Bartonella sequence was molecularly similar to B. koehlerae and B. henselae; for Cytauxzoon, the sequence resembled those from domestic cats. No Anaplasma phagocytophilum and Theileria spp. infections were detected. The positive test results varied significantly among different facilities and species. Additionally, FCoV seropositivity was more prevalent in captivity than in free-ranging populations. Results suggest that testing is appropriate prior to relocation of felids.

The neotropic cormorant (Phalacrocorax brasilianus) breeding colony of the Rio Cruces Nature Sanctuary and Ramsar site was surveyed for nematode parasites in southern Chile. Moribund chicks (n=128) of different ages were inspected for anchored nematodes using complete guts. We tested if chicks harbored the same parasites as the adults feeding them. Besides the known Contracaecum rudolphii, third or fourth stage larvae of Pseudoterranova sp. and Anisakis (type I and II) were obtained in this waterbird species for the first time. Most parasites were located in the stomach and C. rudolphii was the dominant species. The prevalence and mean intensity of C. rudolphii infections and the prevalence of Anisakis type I larvae were significantly less (P < 0.05) in the youngest age group of the birds. The prevalence of Pseudoterranova sp. larvae infection was similar among birds of different age. The mean intensity with Pseudoterranova sp. was significantly less (P < 0.05) in younger birds and in Anisakis type I it was similar in different age groups.

An early stage of sex chromosome differentiation is reported to occur in the electric eel Eigenmannia virescens (Pisces, Sternopygidae) from populations of two tributaries of the Paraná river system (Brazil). Cytogenetic studies carried out in the two populations showed that the Mogi-Guaçu population is characterized by 2n = 38 chromosomes and undifferentiated sex chromosomes and the Tietê population presents 2n = 38 both for males and females and an XX:XY sex chromosome system. The X-chromosome is acrocentric, easily recognized by the presence of a conspicuous heterochromatin block in its distal portion; the Y-chromosome is probably one of the medium sized acrocentrics present in the male karyotype. BrdU induced R-bands of the two populations did not reveal any difference in the euchromatic regions of the chromosomes. AluI and HaeIII restriction enzyme digestion patterns and chromomycin A3 staining of the X-chromosome are presented. The possible role of heterochromatinization in the evolution of sex chromosomes in fish is discussed.

Neoeubria inbionis , new genus and new species, is described from Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Panama and Ecuador. All life stages are descibed and illustrated, and a key to adults of the Eubriinae genera of the Neotropics is provided. Neoeubria is one of the most basal genera of the Eubriinae.

In 1997, one of the strongest recorded El Niiio-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) events occurred in the eastern Pacific. It caused strong oceanic and climatic anomalies, such as high sea surface temperatures (SST) and heavy rainfall along the eastern Pacific coast. We investigated the effects of this event on the reproductive ecology of the Neotropic Cormorant (Phalacrocorax brasilianus) in central Chile (36037'S; 73'03'W) by comparing the preEl Nifio season in 1996 with the 1997 El Nifio year. Fish landings immediately prior to the 1997 breeding season were notably lower and rainfall increased. In 1997, the number of breeding pairs declined by 71% from the previous year. During El Nifio, laying started 15 days later, was less synchronized and ended 35 days later. Although egg size, clutch size and hatching success did not differ significantly between the two years, the decrease in the breeding numbers in 1997 would have caused a considerable drop in offspring production. We suggest that poor environmental conditions may have caused young or poor quality birds to miss breeding in the El Nifio year. Since it appears that large El Nifio events are becoming more frequent, it is important to undertake more research into the ability and mechanisms of seabirds to cope with them. Received 12 February 2001, accepted 26June 2001.

The Neotropical freshwater cladoceran Bergamina lineolata (Sars, 1901) was found in a small temporal pond in the Magdalena department. Hitherto, it has been reported in Brazil and El Salvador. It was originally described as Alonella lineolata by Sars, 1901 from Brazil and then placed to the genus Bergamina by Elmoor-Loureiro et al. (2013). This is the first record of this species in Colombia. B. lineolata can be identified by a unique combination of characters including: 1) a remarkably large and oblong postabdomen, with three denticles on distal corner; 2) basal spine of the claw very short, length less than the half claw diameter at base; 3) IDL with two setae shorter than ODL seta, armed with fine setules unilaterally in terminal half; 4) endite 1 of trunk limb I with a long smooth seta between endites 1 and 2. Resumo O cladócero neotropical de água doce Bergamina lineolata (Sars, 1901) foi encontrado em uma pequena lagoa temporária no departamento de Magdalena, na Colômbia. Até o momento, havia sido relatado no Brasil e em El Salvador. Foi originalmente descrito como Alonella lineolata por Sars, 1901 no Brasil, e, em seguida, colocado no gênero Bergamina por Elmoor-Loureiro et al. (2013). Esse é o primeiro registro dessa espécie na Colômbia. B. lineolata pode ser identificada por uma combinação única de caracteres, incluindo: 1) um pós-abdômen notavelmente grande e oblongo, com três dentículos no ângulo distal; 2) espinho basal da garra muito curto, comprimento menor que o diâmetro da metade da garra na base; 3) IDL com duas cerdas mais curtas que cerdas ODL, armadas com sétulas finas unilateralmente na metade terminal; e 4) endito 1 do toracópodo I com uma longa cerda lisa entre os enditos 1 e 2.

An investigation of several tropical frogs was undertaken in order to find species in which synchronous oogenesis takes place, so that the RNA synthesized at the lampbrush stage could be labelled and followed through early development. The reproductive cycle of Engystomops pustulosus was found to include both synchronous and asynchronous phases. Laboratory maintenance and induction of synchronous oogenesis in this organism are described. By using toads carrying out synchronous oogenesis, RNA synthesized during the lampbrush stage was shown to be retained through gastrulation. The pattern of new RNA synthesis in the embryo resembles that in other anurans. Radioautographs suggest that the distribution in the embryo of maternal RNA synthesized at the lampbrush stage is distinct from that of RNA newly synthesized by the embryo; the possible implications of these observations are discussed.