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

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

We report a disjunct population of Dicrodon guttulatum Duméril & Bibron, 1839 on the eastern slope of the Cordillera Occidental in the inter-Andean Seasonally Dry Forests of the Marañón River, in the Departments of Cajamarca and Piura in northwestern Peru. We include an updated range distribution map using records from museum specimens, the Global Biodiversity Information Facility, and available photographic records on iNaturalist. In addition, we identify widespread cultivation of rice crops as the main threat to D. guttulatum in the inter-Andean Seasonally Dry Forests of the Marañón.

Tropical hydrographic basins have undergone significant land use change processes in recent decades and correspond to areas of high population growth and development of economic activities. This article explores the causes of land use change in a tropical dry forest watershed, taking the Canalete river basin as a case study. For this purpose, stakeholder analysis techniques and participatory methods were applied. The results showed that the main causes of land use change in pastures were associated with biophysical factors, while forestsshrubs and crops were associated with direct and subyacents socioeconomics factors respectively. The participatory mapping allowed obtaining a desired land use scenario for the year 2030, observing a decrease of more than 16.2 ha of pasture, compensated by an increase of almost 2.4 thousand ha of crops and 13.8 thousand ha of forests and shrubs. Similarly, the hydrological impact of changes in land use was observed, especially in terms of flooding.

Abstract Floristic surveys are the main source of information about species composition of different vegetation types and a fundamental input of information for biogeographical studies. Within the Caatinga Domain, there are many vegetation types, of which the most conspicuous is the deciduous caatinga s.s. vegetation. However, along the watercourses of this region, one can find a type of riparian forest called Carnaubais, characterized by a larger presence of evergreen species with access to underground water and a conspicuous occurrence of the endemic “carnauba” palm (Copernicia prunifera). The present study aimed at making a floristic survey on a Carnaubal riverine habitat and a nearby caatinga s.s. site in Ceará, and perform a biogeographical comparison with other sites within the Caatinga Domain. In our study site, we identified 186 species, distributed in 135 genera and 52 families. Of the 186 species recorded, we found 123 species uniquely in the caatinga s.s. phytophysiognomy, 40 uniquely in Carnaubal and 23 in both phytophysiognomies. The most representative families were Fabaceae (31 spp.), Poaceae (15 spp.), and Euphorbiaceae (13 spp.). The UPGMA and NMDS analyses supported the idea that the Carnaubal is a habitat with distinct flora within the Caatinga Domain.

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

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

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

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

These new species are discovered and described based on the combination of their distinctive COI barcodes, Barcode Index Numbers (BIN), overall morphology, genitalia, and life histories. The genus Nystalea Guenée (Notodontidae, Nystaleinae) is reviewed as it occurs in Costa Rica, based on 5,121 reared and wild-collected specimens. All known Costa Rican species are described or redescribed and have adults and genitalia figured, including 17 new species: N. phildevriesi Chacón, N. sylvieduranae Chacón, N. gustavoinduni Chacón, N. anamariamonge Chacón, N. roxanamadrigalae Chacón, N. aurachaconae Chacón, N. mailyngonzalezae Chacón, N. romanmacayai Chacón, N. intichaconi Chacón, N. torbjornekremi Chacón, N. robertpuschendorfi Chacón, N. henrikekmani Chacón, N. erikabjerstromae Chacón, N. lorettafayecooperae Chacón, N. billalleni Chacón, N. jeremyhancei Chacón, and N. brookejarvisae Chacón, as well as 12 newly recorded species (N. marona Schaus, 1905, N. multiplex Dognin, 1909, N. porgana Schaus, 1905, N. corrusca Schaus 1904, N. idonea Walker 1858, N. inchoans Walker 1857, N. superciliosa Guenée, 1852, N. virgula Felder & Felder, 1874, N. nigritorquata Dognin, 1900, N. joanna (Schaus, 1905), and N. ocellata Rothschild, 1917), and seven previously recorded species (N. discalis Schaus, 1910, N. collaris Schaus, 1910, N. montana Weller, 1990, N. aequipars Walker, 1858, N. ebalea (Stoll, 1780), N. guzmani Schaus, 1910 and N. striata Schaus, 1910). Nystalea lineiplena Walker, 1857, N. malga Schaus, 1904, N. marmorea Schaus, 1901 and N. clotho Thiaucourt, 2003 are mentioned but not redescribed. Nystalea adults, larvae, and host plants are recorded from Áreas de Conservación Guanacaste (ACG) in northwestern Costa Rica. The larvae of 18 species are illustrated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Global shifts in climatic patterns have been recorded over the last decades. Such modifications mainly correspond to increased temperatures and rainfall regime changes, which are becoming more variable and extreme. Methods We aimed to evaluate the impact of future changes in climatic patterns on the distribution of 19 endemic or threatened bird taxa of the Caatinga. We assessed whether current protected areas (PAs) are adequate and whether they will maintain their effectiveness in the future. Also, we identified climatically stable areas that might work as refugia for an array of species. Results We observed that 84% and 87% of the bird species of Caatinga analyzed in this study will face high area losses in their predicted range distribution areas in future scenarios (RCP4.5 and RCP8.5, respectively). We also observed that the current PAs in Caatinga are ineffective in protecting these species in both present and future scenarios, even when considering all protection area categories. However, several suitable areas can still be allocated for conservation, where there are vegetation remnants and a high amount of species. Therefore, our study paves a path for conservation actions to mitigate current and future extinctions due to climate change by choosing more suitable protection areas.

Odonata sampling effort in the state of Minas Gerais has intensified throughout the 21st century. However, research on these insects in some regions and ecosystems such as the Deciduous Forest are incipient, and the effect of prolonged dry periods over these insects is still unknown. This study thus aimed to assess changes in adult Odonata species composition over one year in a Brazilian Deciduous Forest and the Odonata species richness in the Mata Seca State Park in the Manga and Itacarambi municipalities in the Northern region of the state of Minas Gerais State, Brazil. Twenty-four days of sampling were distributed in February, May, July and November, adopting an active search through entomological nets close to lentic environments (Lagoa Angical, Lagoa Comprida, Lagoa Encantada, Lagoa da Prata and two wetlands of Lajedo da Lua); lotic environments (São Francisco river) and in associated terrestrial ecosystems. In total, 55 species were collected. Rainy and dry periods altered Odonata communities’ composition but did not affect species richness and abundance due to the presence of permanent lagoons associated with the São Francisco river. This study shows the importance of the Mata Seca State Park for preserving Odonatofauna in the state of Minas Gerais and for protecting those permanent lagoons.

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

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

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

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

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

ABSTRACT The variation in altitude drives the richness and density of species in tropical ecosystems. The diversity and richness of termites are influenced by the variations in temperature, humidity, and soil properties according to altitude elevation. This is well known for rainy forests and little information is found for semiarid areas of Brazil. In this study, we aimed to identify species richness and encounters density of termites in a hill inserted in the Caatinga Brazilian forest. We found variation in the composition of species as a function of altitude (in a comparison of top and foot of the hill) and in periods of the wet and dry, with an increase in the season wet. The increase the diversity in this period and altitude elevations can be explained by the increases in humidity after rainfalls and maintenance of temperature enabled by the conditions in the hill’s top. Our findings provide valuable information regarding termite diversity in semiarid areas as a function of elevation and contribute to other studies that are expanding our understanding of how elevation can affect these organisms.

The present study analyses the geographical distribution, conservation status, and nomenclature of Peruvian endemic Pedersenia weberbaueri. The species distribution was modelled using MaxEnt based on occurrence data and bioclimatic variables. The conservation status of the species was assessed against the categories and criteria of the IUCN Red List, and nomenclatural and typification issues were resolved. The potential distribution map of P. weberbaueri shows that the species is restricted to the seasonally dry tropical forests of the Marañón valley within a narrow latitudinal, longitudinal, and elevational range. Consequently, we propose to categorise the species as Endangered (EN) and provide the necessary information for its inclusion in the IUCN Red List. Finally, we resolve nomenclatural issues and designate a lectotype. The results contribute to the biological knowledge of P. weberbaueri and support subsequent conservation management plans.

Tropical dry forests are increasingly threatened by human activities. In Northeast Brazil, the Caatinga, an area of tropical dry forests surrounded by wetlands, is considered globally unique among these habitats. In this region, the stingless bee Plebeia flavocincta is found in a variety of environmental, ecological, and demographic conditions. We aimed to characterize P. flavocincta populations within its natural range through wing geometric morphometrics and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) analyses. The characterization of population variability can clarify whether the species is morphologically and genetically diverse and whether populations are morphologically and genetically structured. We analyzed 673 samples by wing morphometry and 75 by cytochrome-b assays. Our results revealed P. flavocincta is genetically and morphologically diverse and populations are morphologically and genetically structured. Despite the differentiation between the two most morphologically distant populations, we verified a large overlap of morphological variation between all populations. The genetic analysis showed that the haplotypes were geographically structured into six clusters, four of which were located in coastal areas, and the remaining two in the drier inland region. The characterization of P. flavocincta populations is an important step toward decision-making in programs for the protection, management, and sustainable use of this stingless bee in local breeding efforts.

In the Dry Chaco region, agriculture expansion has caused significant land use change hotspots. However, the post-impact of land use change on nitrous oxide (N 2 O) emissions and carbon (C) budgets remains unknown. This study aimed to contrast the impacts of the main land use systems on N 2 O emissions related to its C inputs and C budgets by comparing them with those of a native forest at two sites of the Dry Chaco region of Argentina. At Site 1, the land use system were soybean-fallow-soybean and maize-fallow-maize sequences, whereas at Site 2, it was a soybean-wheat sequence. Measurements of soil N 2 O and carbon dioxide (CO 2) fluxes were carried out monthly using the static chamber method. The C budgets of each system were determined for the annual crop-fallow cycle by the difference between the C inputs (from annual aboveground (ABG), belowground (BG), and rhizodeposition) and C outputs (defined as cumulative CO 2 -C emissions). At Site 1, the native forest showed 168 and 50 % more cumulative N 2 O emissions than maize and soybean, respectively. However, most land use differences were based on C inputs. Thus, when the cumulative N 2 O emissions of each system were related to their C inputs, the N 2 O emissions per ton of C entered of the native forest were lower than those of soybean and similar to those of maize. The C budgets (± standard error) at Site 1 were 6.4 ± 1.3, 1.0 ± 0.3 and −0.7 ± 0.6 t C ha−1 yr−1 for native forest, maize and soybean, respectively. At Site 2, they were 3.1 ± 0.7 and −4.0 ± 0.6 t C ha−1 yr−1 for the native forest and the soybean-wheat sequence, respectively. This paper proposes a comprehensive approach that integrates C inputs and budgets when evaluating N 2 O emissions from different land uses as a guide to define mitigating management practices and considers a native vegetation system to unmask the real impacts of agroecosystems. [Display omitted] • How do changes in land use affect N 2 O emissions and C budgets in the Dry Chaco region. • C-scaled N 2 O emissions can change the point of view of agroecosystem impacts. • Maize and the native forest had similar N 2 O emissions per unit of assimilated C. • The approach of C budgets allows determining sustainable crop rotation. • Better N 2 O emissions and C budgets start improving at a 5-ton C input threshold. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Caves are natural underground cavities eroded by water, where vertebrates remains accumulated. Toca da Boa Vista (TBV) in the State of Bahia has importance as the largest cave in the country and is located in Boqueirão da Onça, a region covered by seasonal forest, rocky fields, and anthropized areas. We conducted an analysis of craniomandibular and dental material of small mammals collected on the surface of this cave, deposited for the most part, by the owl Tyto furcata. Thirty-one species of small mammals were recorded, including seven Didelphimorphia (Didelphidae), 14 Rodentia (Caviidae, Echimyidae, Cricetidae, and Muridae), and 10 Chiroptera (Furipteridae, Natalidae, Phyllostomidae, and Vespertilionidae). All these species are known from the Caatinga. The distribution of Holochilus oxe is confirmed for Bahia. The sample includes threatened species (e.g., Thylamys karimii, Kerodon rupestris, and Furipterus horrens), restricted to bioma limits or to transitional areas (Marmosops incanus and Pseudoryzomys simplex), and ones of forest habits (e.g., Marmosa demerarae and Rhipidomys cariri). These species reflect the environments conserved within Boqueirão da Onça. On the other hand, the presence of Mus musculus and Rattus rattus is related to anthropized areas near TBV. These data support the importance of caves as a source of material for small mammals studies and increase the knowledge of the fauna of Boqueirão da Onça, one of the most representative areas of the Caatinga. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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

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

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

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

Societal Impact Statement The sustainable management of the southern African woodlands is closely linked to the livelihoods of over 150 M people. Findings from the Socio‐Ecological Observatory for the Southern African Woodlands (SEOSAW) will underpin the sustainability of two of the largest industries on the continent: woodfuels and timber. SEOSAW will also improve our understanding of how human use shapes the biogeography and functioning of these ecosystems. Summary Here we describe a new network of researchers and long‐term, in situ, measurements that will characterize the changing socio‐ecology of the woodlands of southern Africa. These woodlands encompass the largest savanna in the world, but are chronically understudied, with few long‐term measurements. A network of permanent sample plots (PSPs) is required to: (a) address management issues, particularly related to sustainable harvesting for energy and timber; (b) understand how the woodlands are responding to a range of global and local drivers, such as climate change, CO2 fertilization, and harvesting; and (c) answer basic questions about biogeography, ecosystem function, and the role humans play in shaping the ecology of the region. We draw on other successful networks of PSPs and adapt their methods to the specific challenges of working in southern African woodlands. In particular we suggest divergences from established forest monitoring protocols that are needed to (a) adapt to a high level of ecosystem structural diversity (from open savanna to dry forest); (b) quantify the chronic disturbances by people, fire, and herbivores; (c) quantify the diversity and function of the understory of grasses, forbs, and shrubs; (d) understand the life histories of resprouting trees; and (e) conduct work in highly utilized, human‐dominated landscapes. We conclude by discussing how the SEOSAW network will integrate with remote sensing and modeling approaches. Throughout, we highlight the challenges inherent to integrating work by forest and savanna ecologists, and the wide range of skills needed to fully understand the socio‐ecology of the southern African woodlands.

O objetivo deste trabalho foi investigar como as comunidades de borboletas respondem ao período de seca em floresta decidual no estado de Minas Gerais, e inventariar a fauna desses insetos no Parque Estadual Mata Seca (PEMS), no período de fevereiro a novembro de 2021. Foram coletados 703 indivíduos de 77 espécies de borboletas, expressiva riqueza para a floresta decidual. Dentre as borboletas coletadas, aproximadamente 24% foram consideradas raras para o local estudado, já que apresentaram apenas um indivíduo durante o período de amostragem, podendo ser reflexo do período de estiagem que incide na oferta de alimento. Além disso, a família Nymphalidae foi mais representativa quando comparada com as outras famílias, tanto para riqueza, quanto para abundância. Esse segundo fator pode ser explicado pela abundância elevada de Eunica talila bellaria Fruhstorfer (N=164) e Hamadryas februa februa Hübner (N=75). Como resultado disso, não houve diferença estatística quanto à abundância durante as quatro estações do ano, em função da quantidade de indivíduos coletados da espécie E. t. bellaria. Contudo, houve diferença estatística devido à menor riqueza, menor índice de diversidade e maior índice de dominância no inverno, reflexo da menor oferta de alimento no PEMS.

Social wasps use different substrates for nesting, such as plants, rocks, and human buildings, and may adopt different strategies to protect their colony and brood. Here, we report the nesting behavior of Polistes versicolor in the deciduous forest, Northern Minas Gerais state, Brazil. The occurrences were recorded during fieldwork from February to December 2021. We found 30 colonies in eight plant species. The statistics demonstrate a preference of this social wasp for the plant Cereus jamacaru Cactaceae, which is used for nestings over a large area. Also, we report the first known record of P. versicolor colonies on the Acacia plumosa, Commiphora leptophloeos, Quiabentia zehntneri, and Ziziphus joazeiro, all of them with thorns. From the preference of P. versicolor for plants with thorns, we conclude this study to reinforce the role of these vegetal structures in protecting the colonies.

The Scorpion Mud turtle, Kinosternon scorpioides, is a widely distributed, semiaquatic species known to engage in regular terrestrial movement and terrestrial estivation. We studied terrestrial behavior in this species in Palo Verde National Park, northwestern Costa Rica. We determined terrestrial activity patterns by searching for active individuals during transects along 3.4 km of trails. We determined the distance that turtles traveled between the wetlands and estivation sites by fitting 10 terrestrially active individuals with a thread-bobbin tracking device attached to the rear of the carapace. We identified sex and marked and measured every turtle found active. We accumulated 92 observations of K. scorpioides active on land and we identified two behaviors: traveling and nesting. These turtles showed a bimodal activity pattern (χ2 = 18.1, p < 0.02, df = 8) with maximum activity during early morning hours (06:00 to 08:00 h) and twilight and early evening hours (16:00 to 20:00 h). We found 41 turtles estivating in deciduous dry forest at an average distance (±SE) of 156.4 ± 13.7 m (range 20.9–304.9 m) from the wetland border (water´s edge). Adults estivated at greater distances from the wetland than did juvenile turtles, and males estivated at greater distances than females. Turtles found estivating were in three different habitats: leaf litter (85%), rock cavities (10%), and tree buttresses (5%). Kinosternon scorpioides was observed to estivate for at least 84 days in PVNP during the dry season. We recorded several behavioral traits that may account for its ability to withstand desiccation during the estivation period. Our work underscores the need to include terrestrial habitats when considering the conservation needs of semiaquatic turtles.

The tropical dry forest is a forest formation that requires greater knowledge of its dynamics and structure for management and conservation. In order to generate information on a dry forest remnant of the Sancán area, the floristic composition and structure of this was evaluated. Six sampling parcels settled down with a surface of 1 000 m² (20 × 50 m); the diameter (D1,30) and height of all individuals e" 5 cm were recorded. Floristic composition, Shannon and Simpson index, abundance, frequency, dominance and importance value index were determined; and diametric structure was calculated. A total of 236 individuals, 21 species within 20 genera in 14 families were recorder. The families with the highest number of species were: Fabaceae, Malvaceae and, Euphorbiaceae; the most ecologically important species were: Ceiba trichistandra, Bursera graveolens and Geoffroea spinosa. According to the Shannon index, diversity is high (3.83). The diameter distribution of the individuals presented an inverted "J" pattern, indicating that the forest still conserves elements in its composition and structure from the original. The species found are representative of the dry forest with anthropic intervention of selective use and without technical planning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dispersion is a key element in plant life, allowing them to colonize and establish in new environments. The morphological traits involved in structures specialized in species dispersal play an important role in this process. In this work, the relationship between samara size and the distance and dispersion speed of Gallesia integrifolia in an enclosed environment and one with the presence of wind, at two experimental heights, was analyzed and compared. Results showed high variation and correlation among the morphological samara traits. Positive and significant relationships between the samaras dimensions were evident with the distance and speed of flight at one and two meters high in the open environment. On the other hand, a defined pattern for the enclosed environment was not found, resulting in negative relationships in the size of samaras with the distance and speed of flight at the height of one meter. Knowing the effect of morphological traits on dispersal contributes to a better understanding of seed ecology based on the morphological traits of samaras, understanding current species dispersal and distribution processes, and knowing the ability of forest plants to cope with potential future climate change scenarios in dry forests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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

Hawaiian dryland ecosystems are important for global biodiversity conservation and contain numerous species threatened with extinction. Over the past century, wildfire frequency and size have increased dramatically because of invasion by fire-promoting non-native invasive species, greatly threatening these ecosystems. Native species restoration is a tool that can disrupt the cycle of increased fire and invasion in lowland dry forest communities, but restoration prescriptions have not been studied systematically in other dryland plant communities. We examined the restoration of three Hawaiian dryland plant communities (a high-productivity Diospyros sandwicensis and Metrosideros polymorpha lowland dry forest (HP), a moderate-productivity Myoporum sandwicense and Sophora chrysophylla dry forest/woodland (MP), and a low-productivity Dodonaea viscosa shrubland (LP)), using a community-assembly framework to understand the abiotic and biotic constraints to species establishment and growth in each community. Because active restoration methods are often needed, at both high and low levels of productivity, we also examined restoration treatments and outcomes across the three sites, which spanned a gradient of rainfall and substrate age. At each site, we used the same factorial field experiment with three factors: habitat quality (high or low), weed control (yes or no), and species addition (none, seeding, or outplanting). Outplants (cohort 1) and seeds were added in the winter of 2009–2010, and outplants were added again in March 2011 (cohort 2). Dispersal limitation was apparent at the LP and HP sites, but was not observed in the MP site, which had, overall, greater native diversity and abundance. Outplant survival was greater in high-quality habitats at the HP site, likely due to reduced abiotic stress. Invasive species were found in greater abundance in certain types of microsites at the LP and MP sites, suggesting that shade or topography can be used to plan restoration and weed-control activities. Overall, active restoration methods improved restoration outcomes at the high- and low-productivity sites, and less so at the moderately productive site. Weed removal and outplanting were effective restoration prescriptions at the LP and HP sites, and habitat quality could also be used to increase survival at the HP site. Active restoration could be a lower priority for moderately invaded, moderate-productivity communities, which have the capability to maintain a native ecosystem state. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Arid regions are characterized by water shortage throughout the year, which constrains both the vegetation growth and the supply of water for livestock consumption. The Arid Chaco (~10 Mha) hosts extensive and low-investment livestock systems based on rainwater harvesting stored in dams (small impoundments) as the main source of water supply. In this study, we characterized the spatial distribution of dams in the Arid Chaco and analyzed their relationship with biophysical variables (e.g. rainfall, vegetation, roads). For these purposes, we used satellite images, vector information and performed multivariate analysis on a spatial grid of 135 cells of 0.25°x0.25°. In total, 7920 dams were identified (1 dam every 1230 ha), with maximum densities of 1 dam every 185 ha but also cells without dams associated with the presence of mountains, salt flats and dunes. Dam density was higher in cells with higher densities of livestock establishments, roads and cattle stock (r=0.63, r=0.56 and r=0.51, respectively; P<0.01 in all cases), and in cells with higher mean annual rainfall and lower interannual rainfall variability (r=0.62 and r=-0.47, respectively; P<0.01 for both cases). Although the mean annual rainfall was the best-associated variable with the distribution of dams at the regional scale, this relationship weakened towards the extremes of the gradient (arid and sub-humid). This may be due to anthropic factors such as the low profitability of livestock systems, the previous land uses or land-use changes. The results of this study represent a first attempt to assess the importance of impoundments in the Arid Chaco. We believe that this study may be useful not only to understand livestock production, but also for future studies related to the conservation of wildlife and the development of rural towns in the region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herbivores obtain nutrients mostly from the vegetation they consume, but may obtain additional minerals during periods of nutritional stress by consuming bones (osteophagia), a behavioral strategy that has been reported for many wild ungulate species, including the white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus). Here we document multiple records (n = 183 camera-trap records) of osteophagia by white-tailed deer chewing sea turtle remains (resulting from jaguar [Panthera onca] predation) near a nesting beach in Santa Rosa National Park, Costa Rica during January-September 2017. Females with fawns, males with hard and velvet-covered antlers, and non-spotted fawns reached a peak of sea turtle bone consumption during June to August. We hypothesize that seasonality, sex, age, and individual growth stage influence the frequency of osteophagy as a strategy to cope with environmental changes and food resource scarcity. Finally, these observations highlight the role of an apex predator as indirectly influencing rare but important ecological processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The contingent valuation method employs a hypothetical scenario to record a person's declared preference with regard to their willingness to pay for an environmental asset or willingness to accept (WTA) compensation for not using it. Many studies have evaluated the inclination to conserve watersheds, forest areas, or certain species. In this study, we reported the economical values of medicinal species based on the perceptions of locals living within a protected area in a seasonal dry tropical forest in Northeastern Brazil. Moreover, we assessed the effects of socioeconomic variables (gender, family income, and family size) on the WTA compensation for not using the species. We interviewed 96 household heads from seven communities to obtain their socioeconomic data and WTA values. Additionally, we used data from a plant inventory to gather information on species abundance. We found that the selected socioeconomic variables are a poor predictor of the WTA values. Our findings also demonstrate that women accept lower WTA values to not use some species. Additionally, individuals from bigger families accept lower WTA values to not use just one of the plant species. Species abundance did not influence informants' WTA values. Generally, informants overestimated bids, which may hinder biodiversity conservation. Socioeconomic and ecological factors may not have an influence on WTA values in communities that inhabit protected areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Global warming is expected to affect movement‐related thermoregulation in ectotherms, but the likely effects on thermoconforming lizards, which spend little energy in thermoregulation behavior, are unclear. We used the Guatemalan beaded lizard (Heloderma charlesbogerti) as a model thermoconforming species to investigate the effects of ambient temperature and barometric pressure (a cue for rain in the study area) on activity intensity and the structure of movement paths. We tracked 12 individuals over a total of 148 animal days during the wet season of 2019 using Global Positioning System tags and triaxial accelerometry. We found a clear positive effect of ambient temperature on activity (using vectorial dynamic body acceleration [VeDBA]) and step length of lizard movements. The movement also became more directional (longer step lengths and smaller turning angles) with increasing ambient temperatures. There was a small negative effect of barometric pressure on VeDBA. We propose that our patterns are indicative of internal state changes in the animals, as they move from a state of hunger, eliciting foraging, which is enhanced by lower temperatures and rainfall to a thermally stressed state, which initiates shelter‐seeking. Our findings highlight the sensitivity of this species to temperature change, show that not all thermoconforming lizards are thermal generalists, and indicate that predicted regional increases in temperature and reduction in rainfall are likely to negatively impact this species by reducing the width of their operational thermal window. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background – Phialiphora (Spermacoceae, Rubiaceae) is a herbaceous genus restricted to unconsolidated white sands in open spaces in dry forests in northwestern Madagascar. The genus is characterized by the semi-succulent nature of its leaves and stems, its basal leaf rosette, its head-like inflorescences subtended by large leaf-like involucrate bracts and its isostylous flowers. Hitherto, only two species were described.Methods – Classical methods of herbarium taxonomy are followed.Key results – Two new Phialiphora species, P. glabrata De Block and P. valida De Block, are described, which brings the number of species in the genus to four. The two new species differ from the two previously described species by their glabrous branches, bracts, ovaries, calyces and fruits. They are easily distinguished from each other by the shape and size of the calyx lobes. A detailed description, illustration, distribution map and preliminary conservation assessment is given for the new species, which are assessed as critically endangered. We also present a key for the genus and discuss in detail the typical branching system, the capsules and the dispersal mechanism of Phialiphora. The description of these two new species exemplifies the uniqueness of the dry vegetations on unconsolidated white sands in western Madagascar, which are characterized by a high level of endemicity.

Abstract: Handroanthus spongiosus (Rizzini) S. Grose is an endangered tree species. However, its seed quality, storage, and conservation strategies are issues still unexplored. This study aimed to evaluate the physiological quality of H. spongiosus seeds subjected to different storage times, packaging, and environments for their conservation. A completely randomized experimental design was used, in a double factorial arrangement with an additional treatment (recently-harvested seeds), consisted of five storage times (up to 24 months) and six storage conditions, combining packaging types (permeable and impermeable) and environments (room, cold chamber, freezer, and liquid nitrogen conditions). Seed germination percentage and normal seedling percentage, shoot length, root length, and root to shoot dry weight ratio were evaluated. The seed germination and normal seedling percentages of H. spongiosus seeds conserved under room conditions decreased over the storage time. Normal seedling percentages decreased from the 12th month of storage onwards. Low and ultralow temperatures are recommended for short and medium-term conservation of H. spongiosus seeds, since they did not affect the growth of seedlings.

Abstract Global warming is expected to affect movement‐related thermoregulation in ectotherms, but the likely effects on thermoconforming lizards, which spend little energy in thermoregulation behavior, are unclear. We used the Guatemalan beaded lizard (Heloderma charlesbogerti) as a model thermoconforming species to investigate the effects of ambient temperature and barometric pressure (a cue for rain in the study area) on activity intensity and the structure of movement paths. We tracked 12 individuals over a total of 148 animal days during the wet season of 2019 using Global Positioning System tags and triaxial accelerometry. We found a clear positive effect of ambient temperature on activity (using vectorial dynamic body acceleration [VeDBA]) and step length of lizard movements. The movement also became more directional (longer step lengths and smaller turning angles) with increasing ambient temperatures. There was a small negative effect of barometric pressure on VeDBA. We propose that our patterns are indicative of internal state changes in the animals, as they move from a state of hunger, eliciting foraging, which is enhanced by lower temperatures and rainfall to a thermally stressed state, which initiates shelter‐seeking. Our findings highlight the sensitivity of this species to temperature change, show that not all thermoconforming lizards are thermal generalists, and indicate that predicted regional increases in temperature and reduction in rainfall are likely to negatively impact this species by reducing the width of their operational thermal window.

Biological conservation projects conducted in inhabited areas are often based on the combination of ecological diagnostics and study of practices and use of the environment by local communities. They less frequently integrate the influence of the perception and representation of nature on these practices, while these should also be taken into account in the initiation of sustainable conservation actions. We carried out a long-term study combining biological and social science approaches in North-western Madagascar in the Antrema protected area (with dry forest/savannah/coastal ecosystems), including an analysis of the use and perception of nature by its inhabitants. Together with the study of tree diversity, forest structure and biomass in 7 forest fragments, we estimated population densities of whole communities of diurnal and nocturnal lemurs, one of which is considered sacred. We interviewed local resource users from several villages using classical methods of social anthropology supplemented with perception tests derived from sensory evaluation methods. The structure of forest fragments as well as their basal area and richness in tree species varied with human pressure on specific plants (timber extraction) or with historical changes in pasture management (forest regrowth). Lemurs were generally abundant, with a high total biomass compared to other dry forests. Although the inhabitants of Antrema (Sakalava, Tsimihety, and Betsileo) still strongly adhered to local use rights and shared deeply rooted knowledge about the forest, the use and perception of nature (e.g., regarding the sacred lemur Propithecus coronatus) have changed since the Antrema protection project in 2000. The results suggest that local communities tend to integrate traditional rules about nature with international environmental regulation, perhaps a sign of a new ecological awareness. However, in the new management mode accompanying this transition, it can also be a means of local empowerment that takes advantage of a program supporting pro-environmental management of the Antrema area.

A new species of Hippeastrum Herb. (Amaryllidaceae), H. lara-ricoi L. Moya, D. Villalba & Zent.- Ruiz, is described and illustrated. It is a perennial- bulbous geophyte herb, with a 2-flowered, dark red umbel, which grows on the rocky slopes of the dry Yungas montane forest of Bolivia. It is apparently restricted to the Chamaca Valley, province of Sud Yungas, in the department of La Paz (Bolivia). The new species differs from the most similar species H. escobaruriae (Cárdenas) Van Scheepen and H. yungacense (Cárdenas & I. S. Nelson) Meerow by its color pattern and floral morphology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: “Ant gardens” are ant nests located at different heights on trees on which vascular epiphytic plants that have been transported and sown by ants have germinated. Although this mutualistic relationship has been studied in humid tropical ecosystems, information on other tropical and Colombian ecosystems is scarce. Objective: To characterize the distribution, building, diversity, demography and phenology of ant gardens in dry tropical forest. Methods: In January and February, 2018, we identified 170 ant gardens on a 100x5 m transect on the banks of the Quesada River, Colombia, and in adjacent secondary dry premontane transitional forest; we monitored changes, for gardens and plants, in 28 of them, every two weeks (March 2018-February 2019). Results: The gardens, built by Azteca ulei, were aggregated near water bodies; had 10 species of epiphytes and were on 13 tree species. Larger gardens had more epiphyte species. Some epiphytes had a bimodal phenological pattern. Less seedlings become established in the dry season, and less adults remain in the gardens. Garden characteristics benefit both epiphytes and ants. Conclusions: The gardens built by A. ulei have ecological characteristics that favor the germination, establishment, and reproduction of diverse epiphytes in this dry tropical ecosystem, including aggregation near water flows. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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

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