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En un ecosistema degradado, que actualmente es objeto de restauración, analizar de manera detallada la estructura de la vegetación y describir su relación con especies de aves es muy relevante para su manejo. El análisis de la arquitectura de las plantas es un método visual para describir la estructura de la vegetación como resultado de su estrategia de crecimiento. Por medio de este método se analizó la oferta de hábitat de las aves insectívoras Myrmeciza longipes (hormiguero ventriblanco), Thamnophilus doliatus (batará rayado) y Synallaxis albescens (pijuí pechiblanco) como parte de un estudio poblacional y de calidad de hábitat en un remanente de bosque seco tropical de 11 079 hectáreas, en Huila, Colombia. Por medio de conteos y también con la información secundaria recopilada, se estableció cómo estas especies usan los diferentes estratos de la vegetación. Teniendo en cuenta que árboles con más perchas incrementan el forrajeo de aves insectívoras, que más perchas significan mayor refugio para las aves, y también que mayor cruce de perchas posibilitan la aparición de horquetas para el anclaje de nidos de estas especies, en 186 parcelas se determinó que la zona está dominada por siete modelos arquitectónicos, divididos en tres grupos según su oferta potencial de recursos del hábitat para las tres especies: 1) modelos arquitectónicos Roux, Petit y Prevost con una calidad alta; 2) modelos arquitectónicos Koriba y Nozerán con una calidad intermedia; y 3) modelos arquitectónicos McClure y Holttum con una calidad muy baja.

To document sequestrate fungal diversity in American tropical regions, we performed a series of field surveys in southeastern Mexico and discovered two new species in the phalloid genus Restingomyces (Trappeaceae, Phallales). Here, we describe them based on morphological and phylogenetic analyses of mitochondrial adenosine triphosphatase (ATPase) subunit 6 and nuc 28S rDNA. Restingomyces guzmanianus is characterized by the brownish peridium, yellowish brown gleba, and ellipsoid basidiospores, whereas R. yaaxtax is characterized by the white peridium, pale green gleba, and small ellipsoid basidiospores. Both species occur in medium-statured tropical dry forest. The original diagnosis of the genus Restingomyces is emended to include these novel species. Illustrations are provided.

This is the first study of the composition of leaf beetles attracted to light in Mexico. We analyze the richness, temporal abundance and similarity between four localities of tropical dry forest in Sierra de San Javier, Sonora. A total of 3217 individuals belonging to 45 morphospecies, 31 genera and 10 tribes within five subfamilies of Chrysomelidae were collected in light traps in the tropical dry forest of Sierra de San Javier, Sonora. Galerucinae was the subfamily with the greatest number of genera and species. The genera with the highest number of species were Pachybrachis Chevrolat and Alagoasa Bechyné. Eight genera were represented by two species and 21 genera by only one species. Metrioidea rugipennis (Blake) was the species with the highest number of individuals (80% of the abundance recorded). According to the taxonomic and species similarity analysis, the sites San Javier and La Barranca had the highest similarity, while the lowest values were recorded at Rancho Las Peñitas and Cañón de Lo de Campa. The low similarity between sites cannot be explained by the geographic distance since it was not a determining factor to explain the low similarity in Sierra de San Javier.

Tropical dry forests are an intricate ecosystem with special adaptations to periods of drought. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) are essential for plant survival in all terrestrial ecosystems but might be of even greater importance in dry forests as plant growth is limited due to nutrient and water deficiency during the dry season. Tropical dry forests in Ecuador are highly endangered, but studies about AMF communities are scarce. We investigated the AMF community of a premontane semi-deciduous dry forest in South Ecuador during the dry season. We estimated AMF diversity, distribution, and composition of the study site based on operational taxonomic units (OTUs) and compared the results to those from the tropical montane rainforest and páramo in South Ecuador. OTU delimitation was based on part of the small ribosomal subunit obtained by cloning and Sanger sequencing. Nearly all OTUs were Glomeraceae. The four frequent OTUs were Glomus, and comparison with the MaarjAM database revealed these to be globally distributed with a wide range of ecological adaptations. Several OTUs are shared with virtual taxa from dry forests in Africa. Ordination analysis of AMF communities from the tropical dry and montane rainforests in South Ecuador revealed a unique AMF community in the dry forest with only few overlapping OTUs. Most OTUs that were found in both dry and rainforests and on the two continents were globally distributed Glomus.

Tropical trees are particularly vulnerable to forest fragmentation because of their low densities, self-incompatibilty system, and high rates of outbreeding. Forest fragmentation is likely to decrease gene flow, increase endogamy, and eventually produce a high differentiation among remnant populations. Our objectives were to evaluate the effect of forest fragmentation on the reproductive success, progeny vigor, and genetic variation of the tropical dry-forest tree Samanea saman. We conducted our study in the dry forest of Costa Rica and compared two tree conditions to evaluate forest fragmentation: (1) isolated, individual trees more than 500 m from the nearest conspecific and surrounded by agricultural fields, pastures, or small remnant forest patches and (2) trees in continuous populations of 10 or more individuals per hectare and surrounded by undisturbed forest. We compared the probability of natural pollination, seed production, genetic variation, and progeny vigor of trees in isolation and in continuous populations. The probability of flowers receiving more than 23 pollen tubes at the base of styles (the flowers more likely to produce a mature fruit) was significantly greater for trees in continuous populations (2.1%) than for trees in isolation (0.4%). However, flowers from the two tree conditions received similar pollen loads on their stigmas. Fruits of trees from continuous populations produced similar numbers of seeds as isolated trees did and had a similar probability of seed abortion. The probability of seed predation by bruchid beetles was significantly greater in continuous populations (30%) than in isolated trees (20%). The number of undamaged seeds ( potentially viable) was similar for both tree conditions. A genetic analysis of progeny showed that levels of genetic diversity in trees in isolation and in continuous populations were comparable. The effective self-fertilization rate and inbreeding coefficient of the progeny were slightly higher for isolated trees than for trees in continuous populations. In addition, there was more genetic similarity in the progeny of isolated trees, within and between fruits. Seeds produced by different fruits within a tree were more likely to be related in an isolated tree than in a tree from continuous populations. Seeds produced by trees from continuous populations were more likely to germinate and to produce greater leaf area and biomass as seedlings than progeny from isolated trees. We concluded that the fragmentation of tropical dry forests affects the genetic variation and vigor of S. saman progeny. Isolated trees showed high reproductive capacity, however, in spite of their habitat condition. Resumen: Los arboles tropicales son particularmente vulnerables a la fragmentacion de bosques debido a su baja densidad, su sistema de auto-incompatibilidad y altas tasas de exogamia. La fragmentacion del bosque posiblemente decrece el flujo de genes, incrementa la endogamia y eventualmente produce una alta diferenciacion entre las poblaciones remanentes. Nuestros objetivos fueron evaluar el efecto de la fragmentacion del bosque sobre el exito reproductivo, el vigor de la progenie y la variacion genetica del arbol de bosque tropical seco Samanea saman. Realizamos nuestro estudio en el bosque tropical seco de Costa Rica y comparamos dos condiciones de los arboles para evaluar la fragmentacion del bosque: (1) individuos aislados mas de 500 m del individuo conespecifico mas cercano y rodeados por campos agricolas, ganaderos o pequenos fragmentos de bosque y (2) arboles en poblaciones continuas de 10 o mas individuos por hectarea y rodeados de bosque no perturbado. Comparamos la probabilidad de la polinizacion natural, produccion de semillas, variacion genetica y vigor de la progenie en arboles aislados y en poblaciones continuas. La probabilidad de que las flores reciban mas de 23 tubos de polen en la base de los pistilos ( las flores con mayor probabilidad de producir un fruto maduro) fue significativamente mayor para arboles en poblaciones continuas (2.1%) que en arboles aislados (0.4%). Sin embargo, flores en arboles en las dos condiciones recibieron similares cargas de polen en sus estigmas. Los frutos de arboles de poblaciones continuas produjeron similares numeros de semillas y tuvieron similar probabilidad de abortar que los de arboles aislados. La probabilidad de depredacion de semillas por escarabajos bruquidos fue significativamente mayor en las poblaciones continuas (30%) que en arboles aislados (20%). El numero de semillas sin dano ( potencialmente viables) fue similar en arboles en las dos condiciones. El analisis genetico de la progenie mostro que los niveles de diversidad genetica de arboles aislados y en poblaciones continuas fueron comparables. La tasa de autofecundacion efectiva y el coeficiente de endogamia de la progenie fue ligeramente mayor en arboles aislados que en los de poblaciones continuas. Adicionalmente, hubo mayor similitud genetica en la progenie de arboles aislados, dentro y entre frutos. Semillas producidas por distintos frutos del mismo arbol tuvieron mas probabilidad de relacion que los de poblaciones continuas. Semillas producidas por arboles en poblaciones continuas tuvieron mayor posibilidad de germinar y producir mayor area foliar y biomasa que las plantulas de la progenie de arboles aislados. Concluimos que la fragmentacion de bosques tropicales secos afecta la variacion genetica y el vigor de la progenie de S. saman. Sin embargo, los arboles aislados tuvieron una alta capacidad reproductiva a pesar de la condicion de su habitat.

En el recinto Quimis del Cantón Jipijapa, en la zona Sur de Manabí, Ecuador, se realizó una investigación relacionada con la caracterización de la producción apícola en la Asociación Aroma y Miel, cuyo sustento para las abejas en la producción de miel son las especies del bosque seco tropical. Dicha miel es aprovechada por los residentes locales involucrados para, entre otros usos, comercializarla. El objetivo de este estudio se basó en caracterizar la producción apícola en un sistema cooperativo asociado al bosque seco tropical. Se seleccionaron siete apiarios activos distribuidos dentro del recinto, dónde se realizaron entrevistas semiestructuradas a 38 familias miembros de dicha Asociación. Los resultados muestran que, los meses de mayor floración se enmarcan entre marzo hasta inicios de octubre. El tipo de miel en su mayoría la obtienen de varias flores (28 citaciones) y solo 10 entrevistados citaron optar por una sola flor, siendo esta la flor de la especie Ceiba trichistandra. Los apicultores hacen capturas de la abeja reina y dividen la colmena en lo que llaman su nuevo proyecto reina. Más del 50 % de los entrevistados afirmaron que no alimentan sus abejas, en tanto que clasifican las mieles, basados en el sabor, el color y su contextura, de acuerdo con la flor de la que proceden. El 50 % realizan la trasportación fuera del recinto. Los apicultores desconocen la totalidad de las especies melíferas que florecen durante todo el año, evidenciado en los datos presentados en el calendario floral resultante de esta investigación.

Songbird vocalizations serve diverse functions including territory defence against neighbouring conspecific animals. In tropical and south-temperate regions, it is commonplace for both female and male songbirds to sing solo songs and coordinated vocal duets to defend their territories. The Area de Conservacion Guanacaste in Costa Rica is the site of an ambitious conservation effort to protect and regrow tropical dry forests; it consists of a mosaic of regenerating and mature forest patches, presenting a special opportunity to study the effect of different numbers of neighbours on male and female wrens living in these fragmented forests. We analyzed recordings of Rufous-and-white Wrens (Thryophilus rufalbus) over a 17-year period, focusing on vocal behaviour and variation in the number of territorial neighbours within the fragmented landscape in the conservation area, and on diel and seasonal variation in female and male song. We hypothesized that the number of conspecific neighbours would influence vocal behaviours, including female and male solo song rate, duet responsiveness rate, repertoire use, and song-switching rate. For females, we found that wrens change song-types more often in areas with more neighbours, whereas the other aspects of female vocal behaviour did not vary with the number of neighbours. For males, we found no aspect of vocal behaviour that varied with the number of neighbours. For both sexes, we found variation in vocal behaviours with time of day and time of year, in keeping with previous research. Our results underscore the idea that we must explore female and male birds independently, because the sexes may respond differently to external factors. We did not find strong links between wren vocal behaviour and variation in the number of neighbours, yet we encourage further behavioural studies on vocal behaviour of birds with varying numbers of neighbours in fragmented landscapes.

Habitat conversion is one of the major threats for biodiversity conservation and viability of natural populations. Thus, habitat disturbance alters distinct ecological processes, such as plant reproductive success and diaspore fate. In this study, we determined the effects of seasonally tropical dry forests (STDFs) conversion by anthropogenic disturbance by assessing diaspore fate of Enterolobium contortisiliquum. We compared 20 adult trees present in a STDFs preserved area and 20 adult trees present in a human-converted area. In general, diaspore fates from both areas were similar, i.e., there was no difference in the reproductive success of trees in STDFs and human-converted area. Habitat disturbance did not affect the length or width of fruits; only fruit thickness was larger in trees of STDFs habitat. None of the biometric seed measures differed between different habitat conditions. Likewise, the number of undamaged seeds, aborted seeds, pre-dispersal predated seeds, and seed production were independent of habitat conditions. Besides, we did not observe any effect of habitat disturbance on germination percentage. However, seeds from preserved STDFs germinated faster than seeds from the human-converted area. Even though the effects of human-modified habitats on the diaspore fate have already been studied, tree species exhibit different responses to habitat conversion regarding seed predation, seed dispersal, seed germination, and seedling establishment. Overall, our results show that habitat disturbance does not affect the diaspore fate of E. contortisiliquum. This study also highlights the importance of remnants trees in converted landscapes as the population’s connectors which maintain plant–animal mutualistic and antagonistic interactions that mitigate the effects of habitat disturbance.

The white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus Zimmermann 1780) was an apex species for Precolumbian subsistence in the anthropogenic savannas and tropical dry forests bordering Parita Bay on the central Pacific coast of Panama. This paper focusses on Late Preceramic Cerro Mangote, a multi-component site whose domestic occupation corresponds to a maximum time-period of 7900 and 4600 cal BP. At this time, this site's inhabitants developed mixed subsistence strategies including farming and hunting, along with coastal fishing and invertebrate collection. Communities across the seasonally dry and windy plains and foothills of the central Pacific practiced swidden agriculture – a variety of plant food production that would have favored “garden hunting” (sensu Linares 1976), which, in this region, most likely involved white-tailed deer because of this species' acknowledged attraction to cultivated plots. Zooarchaeological and taphonomic analyses of white-tailed deer bone, tooth and antler samples from Cerro Mangote are based on two sequential Late Preceramic occupation layers. Results reveal that the same strategies for white-tailed deer hunting and for the treatment of their carcasses continued without change throughout the Late Preceramic period at Cerro Mangote.

Zanthoxylum magnifructum is a recently described species based on only a fruiting specimen collected in tropical dry forests in the department of Huila in Colombia. An emended description and illustration are presented, including flowers and seeds, which were previously unknown. Comments on its geographical distribution, conservation status, taxonomic affinities, and sexual dimorphism are made. A key for the species of Zanthoxylum that occur in tropical dry forest in Colombia is provided.

In tropical dry forest conditions, small ruminant production is an alternative for small farmers. Even so, the quality of the forages does not meet the nutritional requirements of the animals. However, the high biodiversity of trees that exist in the region offers a supplementation alternative especially during the dry season. The objective of this research work was to evaluate the quality and the profile effect of fatty acids in Colombian creole lamb meat supplemented with tree species from the tropical dry forest. A total of 35 lambs were used which were randomly distributed in 5 treatments as follows: T1: Botriochloa pertusa; T2: Botriochloa pertusa + 300 g/day of Leucaena leucocephala; T3: Botriochloa pertusa + 300 g/day of Gliricidia sepium; T4: Botriochloa pertusa + 300 g/day of Guazuma ulmifolia and T5 (BpSs): Botriochloa pertusa + 300 g/day of Senna spectabilis. The experimental units were brought to a final slaughter weight of ±32 kg and the pH, color, and fatty acid composition of the carcasses were evaluated at 24 hours. The meat quality parameters did not present significant differences (P>0.05) in the different supplements and obtained acceptable parameters for their consumption. It was evidenced that the proportions of saturated fatty acids (C 16: 0, C 18: 0, total SFA) in lambs supplemented with Senna spectabilis and Gliricidia sepium were lower (P< 0.05). It is concluded that under the conditions of the study the supplementations with Senna spectabilis and Gliricidia sepium can induce a favorable change in the fatty acid content of lamb meat. Resumen En condiciones de bosque seco tropical, la producción de pequeños rumiantes es una alternativa para los pequeños agricultores. No obstante, la calidad de los forrajes no atiende a los requerimientos nutricionales de los animales. Sin embargo, la alta biodiversidad de árboles que existe en la región ofrece una alternativa de suplementación especialmente en la época seca. El objetivo de este trabajo de investigación fue evaluar la calidad y el perfil de ácidos grasos en carnes de corderos criollos colombianos suplementados con especies arbóreas del bosque seco tropical. Se utilizaron 35 corderos los cuales fueron distribuidos aleatoriamente en 5 tratamientos: T1 (control) = pastoreo en Botriochloa pertusa; T2= pastoreo en Botriochloa pertusa + 300 gr/día de suplemento a base de Leucaena leucocephala; T3= pastoreo en Botriochloa pertusa + 300 gr/día de Gliricidia sepium; T4= pastoreo en Botriochloa pertusa + 300 gr/día de Guazuma ulmifolia y T5= pastoreo en Botriochloa pertusa + 300 gr/día de Senna spectabilis. Las unidades experimentales fueron llevadas a un peso final de sacrificio de ± 32 kg y se evaluó el pH a las 24 horas, el color y el perfil lipídico de las canales. Los parámetros de calidad de la carne no presentaron diferencias estadísticas significativas (P>0.05) en las diferentes suplementaciones y obtuvieron parámetros aceptables para su consumo. Se evidencio que las proporciones de ácidos grasos saturados (C 16:0, C 18:0, total de SFA) en los corderos suplementados con Senna spectabilis y Gliricidia sepium fueron menores (P< 0.05). Se concluye que bajo las condiciones del estudio las suplementaciones con Senna spectabilis y Gliricidia sepium pueden inducir un cambio favorable en el contenido de ácidos grasos de la carne de corderos.

Las hormigas son un componente biótico conspicuo dentro del bosque seco tropical, debido a su gran diversidad tanto a nivel de especies como funcional. Del conjunto de hormigas se destacan las del género Pheidole (Formicidae: Myrmicinae), categorizadas como grupo hiperdiverso por el alto número de especies que presenta en cualquier tipo de bosque tropical. Esta característica hace de este grupo un reto taxonómico durante el desarrollo de estudios de diversidad y ecología, por lo tanto, estudios locales que ofrezcan información sobre la identidad de las especies de Pheidole de un área determinada, se convierten en un recurso importante para la toma de decisiones. En este trabajo se documentó la fauna de hormigas del género Pheidole en diferentes formaciones de bosque seco tropical en Santa Marta, Colombia. Se registran 13 especies de las cuales Pheidole guajirana amplía su distribución al departamento del Magdalena, mientras que P. impressa y P. leptina son registradas por primera vez en el país. También se ofrece la diagnosis y descripción de la nueva especie P. urbana y sus rasgos morfológicos son comparados con especies similares del grupo informal “flavens”. Se evalúa y discute la riqueza de especies del género en los diferentes sitios de muestreo. Se ofrecen características morfológicas distintivas para cada una de las especies. Además, se discute la variabilidad morfológica y se incluyen fotografías a color para las soldados (= obrera mayor) y obreras (= obrera menor) de cada una de las especies registradas.

Resumen: Saccopteryx bilineata es un murcielago de distribucion geografica amplia en el Neotropico, pero en Colombia hay muy poca informacion sobre su biologia y ecologia del refugio. En esta contribucion se presenta una descripcion de los refugios que S. bilineata utiliza en la region Caribe colombiana, especialmente en areas de bosque seco tropical. Aunque se ha documentado que comparte refugios con muchas especies de murcielagos, este trabajo presenta el primer registro donde S. bilineata comparte refugio con Molossus molossus y el uso como refugios o sitios de percha de arboles de las especies Brownea ariza , Caesalpinea coriaria y Ceiba pentandra . Se ratifica la alta plasticidad ecologica de la especie en cuanto al tipo de refugios disponibles, asi como cohabitar con otras especies de murcielagos. SHELTERS AND ROOSTING SITES OF Saccopteryx bilineata (CHIROPTERA: EMBALLONURIDAE) IN THE COLOMBIAN CARIBBEAN: Saccopteryx bilineata is a bat of wide geographical distribution in the Neotropics, but in Colombia there is very little information about its biology and roost ecology. This contribution presents a description of the shelters that S. bilineata uses in the Colombian Caribbean region, especially in areas of tropical dry forest. Although it has been documented that it shares shelters with many species of bats, this work presents the first record where S. bilineata shares refuge with Molossus molossus and the use as shelters or roosting sites of species of Brownea ariza , Caesalpinea coriaria and Ceiba pentandra . The high ecological plasticity of the species is ratified in terms of the use of available environments and shelters, as well as cohabiting with other bat species.

RESUMEN El estudio de la dieta de los murciélagos es importante para entender cómo se conforma su ensamblaje y cómo aportan a la dinámica de los bosques. Al ser pocos los estudios de dieta de murciélagos frugívoros en el bosque seco tropical, nuestro objetivo fue describir su dieta y analizar cuál es su efecto sobre la germinación de semillas. El trabajo se realizó en el Área Natural Única Los Estoraques, Norte de Santander, Colombia; una zona de vida de bosque seco premontano (bs-PM). Para la captura de murciélagos se utilizaron redes de niebla y se recolectaron sus excretas. Las semillas de Vismia baccifera y Piper sp4, obtenidas de las excretas, fueron seleccionadas para el experimento de germinación cuya respuesta se analizó mediante el índice de capacidad de germinación. Se hizo una curva de acumulación para describir la riqueza de semillas, se calculó el índice de mejor dispersor DII y el índice de Morisita para estudiar solapamiento de dieta. Se registraron diez especies de murciélagos con siete registros nuevos para un total de 18 en la zona, trece de ellas fueron frugívoras. Carollia brevicauda fue la especie más abundante y la mejor dispersora, considerándola clave para la mayoría de las especies vegetales. Se identificaron 18 morfoespecies de semillas, incluyendo Calycolpus moritzianus, nuevo registro en la dieta de los murciélagos. En ninguna de las dos especies de plantas se encontraron diferencias en la germinación de semillas obtenidas de las excretas y aquellas extraídas del fruto directamente. ABSTRACT The study of bat diets is important to understand how their assemblage is shaped and how they can contribute to the dynamics of the forests. Since there are few studies on the diet of fruit bats in the tropical dry forest, our objective was to describe their diet and to understand their effect on seed germination. The work was carried out in the Área Natural Única Los Estoraques, Norte de Santander, Colombia, corresponding to a premontane dry forest life zone (bs-PM). Mist nets were used to capture bats; their excreta were also collected. The seeds of Vismia baccifera and Piper sp4, obtained from the excreta, were selected for the germination experiment whose response was analyzed by means of the germination capacity index. An accumulation curve was made for the seeds richness, the best disperser index DII and the Morisita index were calculated to study diet overlap. Ten species of fruit bats were recorded from which seven are new local records for a total of 18 species in the area, thirteen of these were frugivorous species. Carollia brevicauda was the most abundant and the best disperser species, considering it key for the dispersal of most plant species. A total of 18 seed morphospecies were identified, including Calycolpus moritzianus, being a new record for the diet of bats. We did not find differences in the germination of seeds of the two plant species obtained from either the excreta of from the fruit directly.

We provide species lists and geographical occurrence records of the beetle family Passalidae for three subregions of the department of Sucre, northern Colombia. The sampling localities are lowland environments with typical tropical dry forest vegetation. We selected 15 sampling sites and examined decomposing trunks. We record seven species, four genera, and two tribes of Passalidae. The most abundant species were Passalus punctiger Lepeletier & Serville, 1825, P. interstitialis Eschscholtz, 1829, and P. interruptus (Linnaeus, 1758). We also provide new records for Passalus punctatostriatus Percheron, 1835, Paxillus leachi MacLeay, 1819, and Popilius marginatus (Percheron, 1835) in the department of Sucre. Veturius aspina Kuwert, 1898 was present only in the localities with well-preserved forests. Finally, the species number recorded in this study is low compared to other inventories in Neotropical regions.

Galictis vittata is a small carnivore distributed in all the natural regions of Colombia, but it is considered as a “demographic rarity” due to its low density throughout its range in the national territory. This note documents new records with some ecological data and compiles the existing evidence about the local distribution of G. vittata in the department of Sucre, Colombian Caribbean. The new records are the product of fieldwork aiming at evaluating mammal diversity in the region, among other ecological aspects, by applying camera-trapping and interviews. In addition, other confirmed records of the species in the department were compiled based on the available information in three online data portals. The new records of G. vittata presented include a camera-trap record in a disturbed area of tropical dry forest and one related to an event of attack by domestic dogs. The local distribution of the species is extended to the sub-regions of Golfo de Morrosquillo and San Jorge, based on that three preserved specimens confirm its presence in the Montes de Maria sub-region. This is among the first data compilation of G. vittata focused specifically to the department of Sucre, also confirming its current presence in disturbed zones of tropical dry forest. The new records contribute evidence to previous statements about the potential ecological tolerance of the species to landscape modifications and provide novel information on possible threats and habitat use, specially about the potential importance of some elements in fragmented landscapes.

The Big Crested Mastiff Bat, Promops centralis (Thomas, 1915), is widely distributed from Mexico to South America but has yet to be reported in the state of Sinaloa, Mexico. We collected 122 acoustic recordings of P. centralis from tropical dry forest and agroecosystems in Sinaloa and Sonora for two years (2015 and 2016). We documented a new record for P. centralis outside the known distribution area in northwestern Mexico. Our results reveal that the current P. centralis distribution needs to be reevaluated.

Se analiza una comunidad de hormigas encontrada en un fragmento de Bosque Seco Tropical de la Vereda El Arenoso del municipio de Rivera, Huila; el cual se encuentra altamente intervenido pero que aún conserva suficiente estructura de vegetación. Nuestro objetivo principal era determinar si hay significancias en la diversidad de hormigas dentro del área de estudio. Para lograr dicho objetivo se caracterizaron las muestras colectadas tanto de hormigas como de vegetación para analizar su relación. Se registraron un total de 18 géneros de hormigas en todo el fragmento y 16 géneros de plantas. Se encuentra dominado taxonómicamente por las subfamilias Myrmicinae, Ponerinae, Dolichoderinae, Dorylinae, Formicinae, Pseudomyrmecinae para hormigas y Anacardiaceae, Cactaceae, Piperaceae, Nyctageaceae, Myrtaceae, Apocynaceae, Sapindaceae, Aristolochiaceae, Poaceae, Salicaceae, Asteraceae, Moraceae, Boraginaceae, Rutaceae y Euphorbiaceae para plantas.

Dalea es el único género de la tribu Amorpheae (Leguminosae: Papilionoideae) presente en Colombia. El género comprende 172 especies, de las cuales cinco se encuentran en bosques y matorrales secos del país. Se presenta el tratamiento taxonómico de Dalea para la flora de Colombia, realizado a partir de trabajo de herbario, de campo y de laboratorio. Se incluye una clave de identificación, seguida de las descripciones y notas relacionadas con el hábitat y la distribución geográfica de todas las especies. A la vez, se reevalúan los caracteres diagnósticos de D. cuatrecasasii, y se designa un neótipo para D. coerulea.

We report the predation on the gecko Hemidactylus angulatus by the spider Ancylometes bogotensis, in the Tropical Dry Forest life zone located at Northern Tolima (Colombia). This short note is a contribution to the knowledge about the natural history of the referenced species because of the potential of A. bogotensis as a biological control agent of geckos that decreases its invasive potential. This is important due to the possibility to make populations of the gecko decline and to restrict the entry of these saurians to natural forested areas.

Aims: Percentage of native thorny and thornless Mimosa tenuiflora (Willd.) Poiret trees, and their growth, height and/or diameter class distribution and clustering pattern were determined in a pure stand of this species. Study Design: A survey of the adult and juvenile plants was carried out in a 50 m x 50 m site after 10 years of tree cover regeneration. Place and Duration of Study: The study site was located at Fazenda Nupearido, Patos-PB, Brazil and data collection occurred in September 2017. Methodology: Adult plants with trunk circumference at breast height (1.3 m from the soil) > 6 cm (CBH > 6 cm) were measured for height and CBH, and located within the study area. Juvenile plants (i.e.: CBH ≤ 6 cm) were divided into 4 height classes. The position of only the thornless individuals within the study area was determined. Results: Among the 170 adult plants documented in the area, 95.3% and 4.7% were thorny and thornless, respectively. Height and diameter at breast height averaged higher for thornless than for thorny adult plants (4.13 m and 9.28 cm vs. 3.61 m and 5.90 cm). In contrast, thornless juvenile plants averaged lower for height and basal diameter than the thorny ones. The number of juvenile M. tenuiflora totaled 897 plants, including 58 thornless ones, but percentage of thornless juveniles peaked at 17.6% for 10-to-50 cm high plants. In general, thorny plants showed a clustering pattern of distribution while the thornless plans were randomly distributed. Conclusion: The density, random distribution and growth of the thornless plants suggest the possibility to form thickets of thornless plants in caatinga sites where this tree predominates. Also, these data show that in forested sites with thorny trees that generate thornless mutants, as observed in the Caatinga Biome for M. tenuiflora and other tree species, it is possible to increase the frequency and abundance of the naturally regenerating thornless plants, making easier the exploitation of forest resources, an approach that may be applied in other types of vegetation.

Avocado Branch Dieback and Wilting (ABDW) was recently reported on West-Indian avocado (Persea americana var. americana) orchards in the Serrania de Perija, Colombia. This disease is caused by Bionectria pseudochroleuca and transmitted by ambrosia beetles. In this work we estimated the potential distribution of ABDW to map avocado-growing areas at risk of ABDW in Colombia and Venezuela. Disease occurrence records were obtained from pest and disease surveys undertaken during 2014–2015 period in the avocado-growing areas of the Colombian Caribbean. The correlative maximum entropy-based model (MaxEnt) algorithm was used to assess the potential distribution of ABDW in the Caribbean South America. The MaxEnt model predicted locations with potential distribution for ABDW disease in tropical dry forest biomes of Colombia and Venezuela. The largest producing avocado areas in these locations are Serrania de Perija (Colombia) and Serrania de Merida (Venezuela). Field reports from these locations confirm the presence of avocado trees with symptoms of wilting and branch dieback in association with ambrosia beetles. Isothermality, mean diurnal range in temperature and precipitation of the wettest month were the variables with the highest contribution and importance to the spatial distribution model of ABDW disease. A potential distribution map of the ABDW disease for the Caribbean South America was proposed together with an explanatory hypothesis for disease occurrence.

We describe and illustrate a new species of Capparidastrum subgen. Pulviniglans (Capparaceae). Capparidastrum dugandii occurs in tropical dry forest fragments of the Colombian inter-Andean valley of the Dagua River, near the municipality of Santa Fe de Antioquia. Capparidastrum dugandii is distinguished from other species of subgen. Pulviniglans molecularly and by the lowest number of stamens (18–20). In addition, the species is endemic to the Cauca biogeographic province.

Knowledge of the nutritional efficiency of species can help revegetation of forest areas, guiding the use of species that best adapt to environmental humidity, altitude and diversity. The objective of this study was to evaluate the nutrient utilization efficiency of N, P, K, Ca and Mg of dominant species in tropical dry forest and rainforest environments. The work was carried out in two areas, both in Pernambuco state, characterized as: Tropical Dry Forest of Caatinga and Tropical Rainforest of Atlantic Forest. A floristic and phytosociological survey was carried out. Species with highest density were evaluated, four from the dry forest and three from the rainforest. For each species, leaves of five healthy individuals of similar size were sampled and nutrient contents were determined. Leaf biomass was estimated by allometric equations. Rainforest species were more efficient in the use of N and K, and dry forest species in the use of P and K. In the dry forest environment, the species Pilocarpus spicatus and Guapira oposita stored more nutrients, and in the rainforest, the species Dialuim guianese was more efficient. These species are essential for the balance of ecosystems and the continuous and sustainable cycling of nutrients.

We report the first record of Eptesicus innoxius in northwestern Ecuador, in the province of Esmeraldas, occurring in a disturbed area, at 134.3 km northwest from the nearest known locality in Ecuador, which represents an important latitudinal extension in the distribution of this species. A predictive distribution model is presented using a total of 43 records from localities of Ecuador and Peru, and its distribution area is determined by a minimum convex polygon (PMC). The sensitivity value obtained in the test data was 0.984 and the area under curve ROC (AUC) value obtained (0.979) indicates an acceptable confidence level. Based on new records and known records, we estimate its distribution area in 135,243 km2. The environmental variables with the greatest influence in the distribution of E. innoxius were: Precipitation seasonality (37.4 %), Minimum temperature of coldest month (20.1 %), Precipitation of driest month (14.5 %), and Mean temperature of wettest quarter (12.8 %). This data show that E. innoxius has been recorded mainly in tropical dry forest, but also has presence in humid areas. Within these new reports, we recommended an upgrade of its conservation status in Ecuador and Peru.

Geographic variation in acoustic signals may arise in vocal learning species due to processes of cultural evolution and population dynamics, but few studies have evaluated geographic vocal variatio...

The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of the composition and diversity of plant species browsed in a tropical dry forest, on the selection and voluntary intake (VI) by cattle during two seasons of the year. Plant species selection and VI of nine adult cattle (390 ± 13 kg of live weight) was evaluated for 7 weeks during the dry and rainy seasons on secondary vegetation (acahual). The composition, structure, diversity and importance value index were measured for fodder species browsed by cattle. The bite frequency (BF), preference index (PI) and VI of plants were also recorded. A total of 4882 plants belonging to 26 species and 17 families were registered, with a Shannon–Wiener diversity (H′) of 2.45. The species with the highest BF, PI and VI (P

To determine the use of the habitat and the patterns of daily activity of two species of psittacids, present in a tropical dry forest in a town in the Montes de María, we make direct observations through point counts, advantageous points and intensive search, in 24 samplings between March and July 2017, between 05:30 and 18:30 hrs. We recorded 421 individuals of Pionus menstruus in 148 sightings and 517 of farmed Amazona in 235 sightings. The largest number of individuals of Pionus menstruus appears in April and May, while the largest number of individuals of Amazona farinosa was observed in July (X = 48.26, p

Attalea nucífera is a threatened palm endemic to the Magdalena River basin in Colombia. In the past its seeds were consumed by the inhabitants of the town of Guaduas, Cundinamarca, although currently its use is less frequent. To assess the productive potential of this palm, we studied its phenology, biometric parameters, and fruit productivity in a forest relict in Guaduas. Field work was carried out between April 2016 and March 2017. The reproductive cycle of this species lasted approximately 12 and a half months from bud to fruit ripening. Although bud production occurred throughout the year, it increased during periods of greatest rainfall. Flowering peaks occurred towards the end of the rainy season and fruits ripened towards the period of low rainfall. We found a positive correlation between the number of leaves in the crown and the production of reproductive structures (rs = 0.447, p = 0.004). Palms of A. nucífera produced on average 1.3 ripe infructescences per year (± 0.62 SD) with a mean of 22.4 (± 7.34 SD) fruits each. Fruit weighed 182.9 g (± 45.97 SD) on average, 5 % (9.3 g) of which corresponded to the edible nut. The reproductive cycle of A. nucífera is closely related to rainfall patterns and fruit production is low compared to other Attalea species. RESUMEN Attalea nucífera es una palma amenazada, endémica de la cuenca del río Magdalena, en Colombia. Aunque en el pasado sus frutos eran consumidos por los habitantes del municipio de Guaduas, Cundinamarca, en la actualidad su uso es esporádico. Para evaluar el potencial productivo de esta palma, se estudió su fenología, parámetros biométricos y productividad de frutos en un relicto de bosque del municipio de Guaduas. El trabajo de campo se realizó entre abril de 2016 y marzo de 2017. El ciclo reproductivo de esta especie tuvo una duración de 12 meses y medio desde la yema hasta la maduración de los frutos. Aunque durante todo el año hubo producción de yemas, estas se incrementaron durante los periodos de mayor precipitación. Los picos de floración se produjeron hacia el final del periodo de lluvias y la maduración de los frutos hacia el periodo de bajas precipitaciones. Se encontró una correlación positiva entre el número de hojas en la corona y la producción de estructuras reproductivas (rs = 0,447, p = 0,004). Las palmas de A. nucífera produjeron en promedio 1,3 infrutescencias maduras por año (± 0,62 DE) y cada una en promedio tuvo 22,4 (± 7,34 DE) frutos. Los frutos pesaron en promedio 182,9 g (± 45,97 DE), de los cuales el 5 % (9,3 g) correspondió a la nuez comestible. El ciclo reproductivo de A. nucífera está estrechamente relacionado con los patrones de precipitación y la producción de frutos es baja en comparación con otras especies de Attalea.

The Chamela Biological Station (ChBS) is located in the Pacific Coast of Mexico in the State of Jalisco. This represents one of the core areas of the Chamela-Cuixmala Biosphere Reserve, characterized by one of the most threatened ecosystems, the tropical dry forest. Although accumulated knowledge of biological diversity, only few studies have been focused on ectoparasites or ectodytes associated with mammals, only 23 arthropod taxa had been recorded. In order to increase knowledge about arthropods associated with Mexican mammals, the objective of this work was to record the richness of arthropods (mites, ticks, lice, and fleas) associated with small and medium-sized mammals in the ChBS. A total of 81 hosts belonging to four orders, six families and nine species were captured. From these hosts, 4,946 arthropods were recovered: 4,007 mites, 673 ticks, 230 lice, and 36 fleas. Among medium-sized mammals, Nasua narica (L.) and Didelphis virginiana Kerr showed the highest levels of richness, with six arthropod taxa; among rodents, Heteromys pictus (Thomas) had the highest number of associated species (five). Within the 22 arthropod taxa registered in the present work, 12 represent new records for the reserve, and 3 represent new records for Mexico. With this study, the arthropod fauna associated with mammals in the ChBS has been raised to 38 taxa. In terms of biological conservation, knowledge of the species that inhabit natural reserves must be a priority, since this represents the baseline for species protected, not only in Mexico but around the world.

Caatinga is the largest continuous Seasonally Tropical Dry Forests (STDF) in America, with a wide variety of vegetation physiognomies. Understanding how biodiversity is structured in each ecosystem allows to define what set of species and species attributes thrives under different vegetation physiognomies. We compared dung beetle diversity and functional groups in three physiognomies (Caatinga sensu strictu, Grota and Cerrado) within a mosaic of Caatinga during the rainy season. A total of 1073 dung beetles from 14 species were collected. Cerrado had a higher species richness than the other physiognomies. Alpha, gamma and beta diversities were statistically higher in Cerrado and Grota, while Caatinga sensu strictu was the least diverse physiognomy. Dung beetle expected species richness, abundance, and body size were similar among the physiognomies. In Cerrado and s. strictu diet-generalist dung beetles had a clearly higher species richness and abundance than the coprophagous and necrophagous dung beetles. This may indicate that diet generalists may be more successful than diet specific species in this ecosystem. Our study provides cues supporting that each physiognomy harbors distinct dung beetle communities, which this may be related to different microhabitat conditions and food availability.

Arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi are well-known contributors to soil aggregation and nutrient cycling functions, but we still know little about their capacity to resist or recover from persistent disturbance. Rangeland management may deteriorate these functions by affecting the activity of soil biota, including AM fungi, among other consequences. If affected, some soil properties show recovery when management stops and natural regeneration is allowed. We conducted an experiment to evaluate if the functions related to soil aggregation and promotion of exocellular enzymatic activities associated with AM fungal communities had been affected by rangeland management and, if they had, whether they recovered with successional time when management stopped. AM fungal communities from ten sites with different successional ages in a tropical dry forest region were inoculated to the same host growing in pots divided by mesh into a plant compartment and an AM mycelium compartment. We examined soil stable aggregates fractions and enzymatic activities produced or promoted by AM fungi. Soil aggregation changed significantly only after the study had run for 3 years, was higher in the hyphosphere than in the root compartment, and showed a low but positive relation with the successional age of the communities. The activity of phosphatase, but not casein-protease and beta-glucosidase, increased with successional age. Therefore, soil aggregation and enzyme activities associated with AM fungal communities seemed resilient because casein-protease and beta-glucosidase were unchanged, and aggregation and phosphatase were reduced by rangeland management but recovered with successional time.

The tropical dry forest (TDF) ecosystem is characterised by strong seasonality exasperated periodically by the El Nino/southern oscillation (ENSO). The environment produced by this event could constrain the survival of small organisms, such as insects. Carabid beetles were collected in a TDF in Armero, Colombia, during wet and dry seasons in both El Nino and non-El Nino periods. A series of traits linked to desiccation resistance were measured to characterise their adaptation to the TDF environment and to investigate changes experienced by carabid beetles during both episodes in quantitative (assemblage) and qualitative (traits) parameters. We found no difference in the presence of traits between El Nino and non-El Nino episodes, but carabid assemblages changed significantly in composition and assemblage structure between these episodes. During both periods, small-sized and nocturnal species dominated the assemblages, but in terms of number of individuals, medium and large-sized, and visual hunter species dominated. Calosoma alternans and Megacephala affinis were the most abundant species with high dispersal capacity. Carabid beetles exhibited morphological traits well-adapted to drought experienced in TDF, including when it is exasperated by ENSO. However, long-term studies can help to elucidate the real effects of ENSO and to confirm the adaptation of carabid beetles to cope with this extreme environment.

A new species, Phaea sondenegro Botero, Ahumada-C., and Navas, new species, is described from Colombia (Bolivar department), and the lectotype of Phaea flavovittata Bates, 1881 is illustrated for the first time. Additionally, the known geographical distribution of eleven species of Cerambycidae (Cerambycinae and Lamiinae) is expanded in Colombia.

Simple Summary The cranial structure is highly variable among mammals and thought to reflect specializations for feeding and echolocation in bats. However, recent analyses of skull structure, feeding behavior and bite force across a wide range of bats suggest that correlations between morphology, performance, and ecology are not as delineated as previously thought. For example, most of the variations in bite force in insectivorous bats have been explained by differences in body size rather than specific cranial traits. We tested several relationships associated with the cranium to ascertain predictors of bite force in different bat species based on in vivo measurements from the Colombian tropical dry forests and museum specimens. Our data show that skull size had a significant contribution to bite force for beetle-eating bats, such as Noctilio albiventris, Molossus molossus, M. coibensis, and Molossops temminckii. Cranial traits and the combined action of the jaw morphology generate a biomechanical comparative advantage that allows these species to feed on “hard” prey, supporting the hypothesis that skull morphology, bite force, and diet are linked in insectivorous bats. Abstract In Neotropical bats, studies on bite force have focused mainly on differences in trophic ecology, and little is known about whether factors other than body size generate interspecific differences in bite force amongst insectivorous bats and, consequently, in their diets. We tested if bite force is related to skull morphology and also to diet in an assemblage of Neotropical insectivorous bats from tropical dry forests in the inter-Andean central valley in Colombia. It is predicted that the preference of prey types among insectivorous species is based on bite force and cranial characteristics. We also evaluated whether skull morphology varies depending on the species and sex. Cranial measurements and correlations between morphological variation and bite force were examined for 10 insectivorous bat species. We calculated the size-independent mechanical advantage for the mandibular (jaw) lever system. In all species, bite force increased with length of the skull and the jaw more than other cranial measurements. Obligate insectivorous species were morphologically different from the omnivorous Noctilio albiventris, which feeds primarily on insects, but also consumes fish and fruits. Our results show that bite force and skull morphology are closely linked to diets in Neotropical insectivorous bats and, consequently, these traits are key to the interactions within the assemblage and with their prey.

Simple Summary Tropical dry forests are highly threatened by human activities such as agriculture, livestock, and selective logging. These activities have resulted in fragments of tropical dry forest under different successional stages that negatively affect the interaction between plants and fruit-eating birds. We analyzed the consumption of the fruits of zoochorous trees by birds during the dry season in a tropical dry forest and evaluated whether the horizontal and vertical structure of these trees explains fruit consumption. We also related the bird body mass and fruit size removed from zoochorous trees. We found that the tree structure can influence the visitation of fruit-eating birds, and therefore, the number of fruits consumed as the succession progresses. There was a relationship between fruit sizes and bird body mass in the successional gradient. Our results indicate that structural and fruit traits of zoochorous trees drive foraging preferences of fruit-eating birds, whose interactions in different successional stages can help to reverse the negative effects of fragmentation in tropical dry forests of the study area. Abstract Tropical dry forests (TDFs) are affected by land-use changes. These modifications impact their composition and arboreal structure, as well as the availability of food for several bird groups. In this study, we evaluated the foraging preferences in zoochorous trees of fruit-eating birds during the dry season of the year in three successional stages (early, intermediate, and mature) of TDFs in southern Mexico. The fruits of these trees are important in the diet of several birds during the dry season, a period during which food resources are significantly reduced in TDFs. We estimated foliar cover (FC) and foliage height diversity (FHD) of zoochorous trees in 123 circular plots. These variables were recognized as proxies of food availability and tree productivity. Foraging preferences were evaluated at the community level, by frugivore type, and by bird species. We evaluated the effect of the structural variables and the fruit size of zoochorous plants on fruit removal by birds and related the bird body mass and fruit size removed in the successional gradient. A total of 14 zoochorous tree species and 23 fruit-eating bird species were recorded along the successional gradient. Intermediate and mature stages showed greater fruit removal. The birds removed mainly B. longipes fruits across the three successional stages. The FHD and fruit size were important drivers in the selection of zoochorous trees and fruit removal by fruit-eating birds. Fruit size and bird body mass were positively related along the successional gradient. The results suggest that fruit removal by fruit-eating birds in the successional gradient can promote the demographic dynamics of several zoochorous tree species, especially of Bursera spp. along the TDFs.

Antecedentes y Objetivos: Bactrospora es un género de líquenes costrosos que se caracteriza por el color negro, aspecto verrucoso a denticulado y pequeño de sus apotecios, posee esporas mayoritariamente aciculares y en ocasiones muriformes, pero siempre más largas que anchas. El género está representado por 38 especies aceptadas. El objetivo de este trabajo es describir Bactrospora totonacae, una especie nueva del bosque tropical seco de Veracruz, México.Métodos: Los especímenes fueron recolectados en el “Cerro de los Metates”, municipio Actopan, Veracruz, México. Se realizaron pruebas macroquímicas, reacción UV y cromatografía en capa fina; asimismo, con la solución de Lugol se verificó la presencia de sustancias amiloides distribuidas en el talo y el ascoma. Las muestras estudiadas se depositaron en el herbario XALU de la Facultad de Biología de la Universidad Veracruzana.Resultados clave: La nueva especie Bactrospora totonacae se caracteriza por presentar pruina K + magenta rojizo en el disco. Conclusiones: La especie que se describe en Bactrospora es única porque la combinación de pruina K + magenta rojizo y un excípulo carbonizado y grueso no había sido reportada en alguna otra especie de este género.

The tropical dry forest is under constant threat from many anthropic activities which are conducted indiscriminately, modifying the forest, and therefore, affecting species that are closely related to its phenology, such as longhorned beetles (Cerambycidae). The spatio-temporal variation of the cerambycid diversity in two fragments of tropical dry forest (Reserva Campesina la Montaña and La Flecha) in the Caribbean region of Colombia was analyzed. At each locality, four squared plots were delimited, and the beetles were collected with fruit traps, beating sheets and manual capture, and with light traps in the center. Five hundred eighty-seven specimens representing 128 species were collected, of which members of the tribe Ectenessini (Cerambycinae) were the most abundant. At the subfamily level, Cerambycinae was the most abundant (465 specimens) and diverse (73 species), followed by Lamiinae and Prioninae. The highest values of richness (110 species), abundance (428), biomass (21.18 g), and as well as the highest values of true diversity (1D= 73.44, 2D= 34.30) were found during the first precipitations. Regarding beta diversity, temporal variation was determined and mainly explained by a high percentage of turnover (> 70%). Lastly, the high diversity of Cerambycidae was associated with high values of relative humidity and canopy cover during the rainy season. This showed that the structure of the cerambycid community in the tropical dry forest of the Caribbean region of Colombia depends on these variables, which are closely related to precipitation. Resumo: A floresta seca tropical está sob constante ameaça devido às muitas atividades antrópicas que são realizadas indiscriminadamente, modificando a floresta e, portanto, afetando espécies que se encontram muito relacionadas com a sua fenologia, tais como os besouros serra-pau (Cerambycidae). Foi analisada a variação espaço-temporal da diversidade de cerambícidos em dois fragmentos de floresta seca tropical ("Reserva campesina La Montaña e La Flecha") na região caribenha da Colômbia. Em cada localidade, quatro quadrantes foram delimitados e os besouros foram coletados usando armadilhas com isca de fruta, guarda-chuva entomológico, captura manual e armadilhas de luz. Quinhentos e oitenta e sete espécimes, de 128 espécies foram coletados, sendo os membros da tribo Ectenessini (Cerambycinae) os mais abundantes. Ao nível de subfamília, Cerambycinae foi a mais abundante (465 espécimes) e diversa (73 espécies), seguida de Lamiinae e Prioninae. Os valores mais altos de riqueza (110 espécies), abundância (428) e biomassa (21.18 g) foram encontrados durante as primeiras chuvas, assim como os valores mais altos de diversidade verdadeira (1D= 73.44, 2D= 34.30). Em relação à diversidade beta, a variação temporal foi determinada e principalmente explicada por uma alta porcentagem de substituição (> 70%). Por último, uma alta diversidade de Cerambycidae foi associada com altos valores de humidade relativa e cobertura vegetal durante a temporada de chuva, mostrando que a estrutura da comunidade de Cerambycidae na floresta seca tropical da Colômbia depende dessas variáveis, as quais são muito relacionadas com a precipitação.

Scavenger birds are common species frequently associated with open habitats, but sympatric vulture species have differing natural history traits that may influence seasonal habitat relationships and responses to natural disturbances, such as hurricanes. We evaluated seasonality and habitat relationships of Black Vultures (Coragyps atratus) and Turkey Vultures (Cathartes aura) at sites within and outside the path of maximum winds of Hurricane Patricia in western Mexico. We used 1.5-km line transects to survey vultures during dry and rainy seasons in four habitats of the tropical dry forest biome over a 2-yr period after hurricane landfall. We measured habitat structure along each transect using the point-centered quarter method, and determined landscape composition within a 3000-ha circular plot centered around the midpoint of each transect. Vulture abundance was influenced by habitat structure variables of open areas, but at sites affected by hurricane disturbance vulture abundance was positively associated with increased cover of wetlands and agricultural land. Both species of vultures had low abundance in forests, and Black Vultures had significantly higher abundance in agricultural land and wetlands. Season significantly influenced vulture abundance by habitat: agricultural land and wetlands had higher vulture abundance in the rainy season, but forests had higher abundance in the dry season. Disturbance by a major hurricane induced species-specific changes in spatial-temporal abundance of vultures: the Black Vulture in particular had higher abundance in all habitats except wetlands during the dry season, and greater abundance in the first months after hurricane landfall. Hence, although vultures occur predominantly in open areas, they show species-specific habitat associations and responses to hurricane disturbance.

As a major disturbance, hurricanes affect growth and phenology of trees. Tree diameters were annually measured for three years, and the phenology of 16 tree species monthly recorded in a seasonally dry tropical forest in Veracruz, Mexico, when on September 2010, Hurricane Karl struck the region. One month later, tree damage was recorded and phenological observations resumed for 12 more months, and diameter measurement for two more years. Tree damage due to the hurricane was high: 10 % were uprooted, 7 % broken and 2 % bent. All trees uprooted died, but some broken or bent trunk trees resprouted (15 % of tagged trees died). Overall, mean diameter growth of trees that survive the hurricane (0.79 cm yr-1) was greater than pre-hurricane growth rate (0.68 cm yr-1). For all the studied species together, leaf fall, leafing, and flowering phenology did not differ between pre- and post-hurricane whereas fruiting was lower for the post-hurricane year. At species level, most species displayed differences in reproductive phenology between pre-hurricane and post-hurricane years. Most species did not flower, lower flowering and fruiting (Calyptranthes schiedeana), or did not fruit (Luehea candida, Maclura tinctoria, Tabebuia chrysantha) the year following the hurricane. In conclusion, due to hurricane damage, tree mortality was high but many trees recovered from damage, and that the hurricane negatively influenced intensity in reproductive phenology, and in turn may alter forest structure, shift species composition, and affect the trophic relationships and functioning of the whole forest community.

We revise the genus Metaplagia Coquillett, 1895 and describe five new species from Area de Conservación Guanacaste (ACG) in northwestern Costa Rica. All new species were reared from an ongoing inventory of wild-caught caterpillars spanning a variety of species within the family Sphingidae (Lepidoptera: Sphingidae). Our study provides a concise description of each new species using morphology, life history, molecular data and photographic documentation. In addition to the new species, the authors provide a re-description of the genus and a revised key to the species of Metaplagia. The following five new species of Metaplagia are described: Metaplagia leahdennisae Fleming & Wood sp. n., Metaplagia lindarobinsonae Fleming & Wood sp. n., Metaplagia paulinesaribasae Fleming & Wood sp. n., Metaplagia robinsherwoodae Fleming & Wood sp. n. and Metaplagia svetlanakozikae Fleming & Wood sp. n. The following is proposed by Fleming & Wood as new combination of Plagiomima Brauer & Bergenstamm, 1891: Plagiomima latifrons (Reinhard, 1956) comb. n.

Introduction: Water availability is one of the main factors determining the distribution of woody species in the tropics. Although the functional mechanisms that determine the species tolerance to water deficit have been extensively studied in adult individuals, the responses of early ontogenetic stages have been less explored. Objective: To identify functional strategies and trait correlations between different seedlings’ dimensions (leaf, stem, and root). We expect limited coordination between above and below-ground functional traits due to a single conservation-acquisition trade-off cannot capture the variability of functions and environmental pressures to which the root system is subjected. Methods: We measured 12 functional traits belonging to 38 seedling species in a tropical dry forest in Colombia. We explored the relationships between pairs of traits using Pearson correlations, and to obtain an integrated view of the functional traits, a principal component analysis (PCA) was performed. Results: The results showed limited evidence of linkage between above- and below-ground traits, but we did find significant correlations between traits for the continuum of conservative and acquisitive strategies. Root traits related to water and nutrient take capacity formed an orthogonal axis to the acquisitive-conservative continuum. Conclusions: Our results showed that dry forest seedlings have different functional strategies to cope with water deficit. The incorporation of root traits helps to explain new functional strategies not reported for leaf and stem traits. This study contributes to understanding the mechanisms that explain species coexistence and is particularly relevant for predicting future forest trajectories. Resumen Introducción: La disponibilidad de agua es uno de los principales factores que determina la distribución de las especies leñosas en los trópicos. A pesar que los mecanismos funcionales que determinan la tolerancia de las especies al déficit hídrico han sido ampliamente estudiados en los individuos adultos, las respuestas de estados ontogenéticos tempranos han sido menos exploradas. Objetivo: Identificar las estrategias funcionales y las correlaciones de rasgos entre diferentes dimensiones de las plántulas (hoja, tallo y raíz). Nosotros esperamos baja coordinación entre los rasgos funcionales sobre y bajo el suelo debido a que un único trade-off conservación-adquisición de recursos, no puede capturar la variabilidad de funciones y presiones ambientales a las que están expuestas las raíces. Métodos: Medimos 12 rasgos funcionales pertenecientes a 38 plántulas en un bosque seco en Colombia. Exploramos las relaciones entre pares de rasgos usando correlaciones de Pearson, y para tener una visión integrada de los rasgos funcionales, usamos un análisis de componentes principales (ACP). Resultados: Reportamos limitada evidencia de acoplamiento entre los rasgos sobre y bajo el suelo, pero encontramos correlaciones significativas entre el continuo de estrategias conservativas y adquisitivas. Los rasgos de raíz relacionados con la capacidad de absorción de agua y nutrientes formaron un eje ortogonal al continuo adquisitivo-conservativo. Conclusiones: Nuestros resultados mostraron que las plántulas del bosque seco tienen diferentes estrategias funcionales para lidiar con el déficit hídrico. La incorporación de los rasgos de la raíz ayuda a explicar nuevas estrategias funcionales no reportadas por los rasgos de hoja y tallo. Este estudio contribuye al entendimiento de los mecanismos que explican la coexistencia de especies y es particularmente relevante para predecir las trayectorias de los bosques futuros.

Barra Honda National Park (BHNP) lies in the Tempisque River Basin of the Península de Nicoya, Guanacaste, Costa Rica. The Park is well known for its limestone caverns, which date from the Upper Paleocene–Lower Eocene and are the main attraction of BHNP. The area shows a marked climatic seasonality with a predominantly semideciduous tropical dry forest. We present a floristic treatment of the orchids of BHNP based on field collections, herbarium sampling, and documentation of living specimens. We discuss the biodiversity, climate, geology, and topography of the Park and provide a novel vegetation zones map with eight floristic associations: bean plantations, disturbed secondary forest, evergreen forest, jaragua fields, mature secondary forests, pastures, rocky areas, karstic limestone pavement, and young secondary forest. For the 36 species belonging to 29 genera recorded, we provide composite line drawings and Lankester composite digital plates, descriptions, distribution, ecology, etymology, synonymy, taxonomy, photographs, and a key to the species for field identification based on morphology. Ten species of orchids (27.8%) are terrestrials and 26 are epiphytes (72.2%). The evergreen forest contains 80% of the orchid species of BHNP. We describe Pelexia barrahondaensis and Sarcoglottis calcicola as new to science, and we propose a new combination under Specklinia for Pleurothallis panamensis. Also, we record the terrestrial orchid genus Tropidia for the first time in Costa Rica. The present study provides new information on the Nicoya Peninsula’s dry forest ecosystems for in situ conservation and research. This work can be useful for other protected areas within the same ecosystem that lack a floristic treatment of the Orchidaceae. UCR::Vicerrectoría de Investigación::Unidades de Investigación::Ciencias Agroalimentarias::Jardín Botánico Lankester (JBL)

Two isolates of fungal endophytes were obtained from the leaves of Tillandsia catimbauensis (Bromeliaceae) in the Brazilian tropical dry forest (Caatinga), according to their morphology, they were previously identified as Phialophora-like fungi. On the basis of phylogenetic analysis using ITS and LSU rDNA sequences, along with morphological features, these isolates are here described as Cladophialophora bromeliacearum sp. nov. The new species is morphologically characterized by Phialophora-like conidiogenous cells, subspheric to ellipsoid conidia, and the production of chlamydospores in culture.

espanolAntecedentes y Objetivos: Amazilia luciae, conocido como Colibri Esmeralda Hondureno, es un ave endemica de Honduras cuyo habitat se ha visto amenazado por actividades antropicas. Los objetivos de este trabajo fueron contribuir al conocimiento de las especies vegetales que componen el recurso floral anual de A. luciae en el bosque seco tropical (BST) del Valle de Agalta, Honduras, y estimar la riqueza de especies con el numero de unidades y coberturas de muestreo. Metodos: Se utilizaron las notas de campo de muestreos sistematicos de aves que fueron ejecutados por un ano en 35 sitios en el BST del Valle de Agalta, Honduras. Los tipos de muestreo fueron el conteo por punto y la busqueda de area. Se construyo una lista de especies vegetales visitadas por A. luciae basada en los muestreos sistematicos y se complemento con observaciones incidentales. Seguidamente se usaron curvas de rarefaccion para estimar la riqueza de especies de plantas visitadas por A. luciae y la cobertura de cada muestreo. Se calcularon las frecuencias relativas para las plantas visitadas durante septiembre-diciembre 2014, marzo-abril 2015 y junio-julio 2015. Se recolectaron muestras botanicas y se determinaron en el Herbario TEFH. Finalmente se examino si A. luciae utilizo recursos florales de especies vegetales de importancia para la conservacion del BST. Resultados clave: Se registraron 26 especies de plantas, de las cuales ocho presentaron la mayor frecuencia de visitas por parte de A. luciae: Opuntia hondurensis (mas utilizada durante la mayor parte del ano), Salvia coccinea, Combretum fruticosum, Aechmea bracteata, Bromelia plumieri, Tillandsia fasciculata, T. balbisiana y Pilosocereus leucocephalus. Conclusiones: Se contribuyo al conocimiento de la historia natural de A. luciae, determinando las especies vegetales utilizadas como recurso floral en el BST del Valle de Agalta. Asimismo, se establece una base para estudios sobre la interaccion ecologica de A. luciae en este ecosistema. EnglishBackground and Aims: Amazilia luciae,known as the Honduran Emerald Hummingbird, is endemic to Honduras and is threatened by habitat loss due to anthropogenic activities. The objectives of this research were to contribute to the knowledge of the plant species that make up the annual floral resource of A. luciae in the tropical dry forest (TDF) of the Agalta Valley, Honduras, and evaluate the richness of those species with the types and coverage of sampling.Methods: Field notes were used from systematic bird surveys conducted during a one-year study across 35 sites within TDF in Agalta Valley, Honduras. Two bird survey types were used, point counts and area. A list of plant species visited by A. luciae was compiled during avian surveys, complemented by incidental records. Then, data were evaluated via rarefaction curves, to estimate the species richness of plants visited by A. luciae and the sampling effort coverage. The relative frequencies were calculated for the plants visited during September-December 2014, March-April 2015, and June-July 2015. Botanical samples were collected and examined at the Herbarium TEFH. Finally, an evaluation was made to determine if A. luciae used floral resources of plant species considered of importance to the conservation of TDF.Key results: Twenty-six plant species were recorded, of which eight presented the highest frequency of visits by A. luciae: Opuntia hondurensis was the most visited throughout the year, followed by Salvia coccinea, Combretum fruticosum, Aechmea bracteata, Bromelia plumieri, Tillandsia fascicu-lata, T. balbisiana and Pilosocereus leucocephalus. Conclusions: We contributed to the knowledge of the natural history of A. luciae, determining the plant species used as a floral resource in the TDF of the Agalta Valley. This work establishes a basis for studies on the ecological interaction of A. luciae in this ecosystem.

In the coming decades, the rapid expansion of livestock production in highly biodiverse regions is likely to increase deforestation, threatening biodiversity and disrupting key ecological functions. However, the relationship between biodiversity and ecosystem function in tropical livestock-dominated landscapes is still poorly understood and empirically under-explored. We evaluated how livestock intensification affects different attributes of the dung beetle community (species richness, number of individuals, and biomass) and their impact to dung removal. The study was done in twenty 1-km2 sites in the Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico. These sites were located within a heterogeneous region representing five different land management types ranging from tropical dry forest to high-yield cattle ranches, including traditional and silvopastoral systems. The most plausible diversity-function relationship was based on biomass, while species richness and number of individuals were less supported and had similarly shaped diversity-function relationships. We found that intensification of livestock management drastically reduced dung beetle biomass which affected the rate of dung removal. Our results also show that the loss of larger-sized dung beetle species following forest loss has an effect on the rate of dung removal. Nonetheless, the remarkable increase in abundance of small-sized species seems to compensate for potential losses of function in low-yield cattle farms, as in the case of traditional and silvopastoral systems. Although low- and medium-yield livestock landscapes harbour high species richness and similar dung removal rate versus forested sites, other community attributes such as biomass provide additional information in understanding the effects of management practices in the livestock-dominated landscape.