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

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

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

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

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

Climatic changes with unpredictable weather conditions have negative effects on many primates. With several lemur species reaching their ecological limits in the dry and hypervariable spiny forest, Madagascar might provide an example for understanding adaptations of primates to unpredictable conditions. Here, we aimed to identify vegetation characteristics that allow Lepilemur petteri to persist in an environment at the limit of its ecological niche. For this, we linked the patchy distribution of the species to vegetation characteristics described on the ground and by remote sensing reflecting primary production (Enhanced Vegetation Index from MODIS) for 17 sites in nine regions, spread over 100 km along Tsimanampetsotse NP. We verified the results on a smaller scale by radio-tracking and vegetation analyses related to home ranges of 13 L. petteri. Remote sensing indicated that L. petteri is more likely to occur in forests where the variation of the annual primary production and the interannual variability of the month with the lowest primary production are low. Lepilemur petteri was more likely to occur with increasing densities of large trees, large food tree species (diameter ≥ 10 cm) and octopus trees (Alluaudia procera). Alluaudia procera provide food year-round and shelter in the spiny forest where large trees with holes are absent. High tree species diversity might buffer food availability against failure of certain tree species to produce food. These findings illustrate limiting constraints of climatic hypervariability for lemurs and indicate benefits of forest restoration with high numbers of tree species for biodiversity conservation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study presents the morphological characterization of guard hairs from six species of small non-flying mammals. Guard hair samples were obtained from both live individuals and museum specimens, with cuticular and medullary impressions made from the middle portions of the shafts and shields, respectively. A total of 112 samples were collected from the following species: Marmosa simonsi, Metachirus myosorus, Sigmodon peruanus, Aegialomys xanthaeolus, Rattus sp., and Mus musculus. This information can be used for taxonomic identification and, for instance, in the identification of prey items in carnivore and nocturnal raptor diet studies, which are areas lacking information in western Ecuador. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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

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

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Abstract Oxalis comprises ca. 500 species and has a tropical and subtropical distribution. This genus contains four subgenera and Oxalis subg. Thamnoxys is the most diverse in Brazil. This subgenus has 9 sections, of which section Thamnoxys is the most diverse with 28 species. This work is based on a taxonomic study of Oxalis section Thamnoxys in Brazil and includes descriptions, illustrations, and notes for the recorded species. The following species were recorded: Oxalis barrelieri, O. cerradoana, O. clausenii, O. cratensis, O. cytisoides, O. diamantinae, O. divaricata, O. frutescens, O. hedysarifolia, O. hyalotricha, O. jacobinensis, O. mucronulata, O. nigrescens, O. pilulifera, O. pyrenea, O. renifolia, O. sellowii, O. sepium, and O. suborbiculata. These species are mostly distributed in rainforest and seasonal semi-deciduous forest.

Aim: Human land‐use and climate change are two of the main threats affecting biodiversity, especially in arid/semiarid regions. The most effective way to protect the species in these ecosystems against these threats is through the delimitation of protected areas (PAs). However, such PAs need to be targeted cost‐efficiently and consider future climate change. We identify priority areas to preserve small mammal species in the Caatinga in the present and in a future of climate changes. We also evaluate how well these priority areas are protected by currently PAs and identify ways forward to improve their protection. Location: The Caatinga Dry Forest, Northeast Brazil. Methods: We use ecological niche models and Zonation spatial prioritisation software to identify the top 30% priority areas to preserve small mammal species under current climate and land use scenarios, besides considering optimistic and pessimistic scenarios of future climate change. We also evaluate how much these priority areas are covered by current PAs, identify ways to further improve their protection using hierarchical mask analysis, and by evaluating species mean distribution coverage. Results: The consequences of climate change will not hugely impact the distribution of priority areas for species conservation in the Caatinga. Around 13% of the identified priority areas overlap with current PAs, and planning the expansion of PAs considering integral protection areas increases the coverage of priority areas to more than 18% and captures more than 72% of species suitable area. Main Conclusions: Our prioritisations take into account climate change and provide low risk if conducted as a 'no‐regrets' conservation action. These priority areas are poorly supported by the Brazilian PA system, and need of further protection. One cost‐effective option could be to upgrade some sustainable use PAs into more restrictive ones. Securing these priority areas helps preserve the long‐term ecosystem functioning and to prevent biodiversity loss in a changing world. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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

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

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

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

Landscape alterations may affect beetle assemblages wherein sensitive species can disappear, and highly adapted species populations can increase. Beetle diversity in a restored forest and cropland was assessed in the tropical dry forest of Ecuador. Pitfall trapping and manual collection were performed in three sites: two sites with cropland and one site with secondary forest remnant. Four bait types were used to attract beetles feeding on different resources to achieve an adequate preliminary beetle assessment. This study is the first approach to characterizing the coleopteran community in the tropical dry forest of Manabí. We report 64 morphospecies associated with productive land and fragmented forests and highlight the occurrence of some resilient genera like Canthon, Canthidium, Deltochilum and Euspilotus that have successfully adapted to disturbed ecosystems; on the other hand, Phyllophaga and Diabrotica were also detected mainly in the crop landscape. Overall, present a baseline of the beetle assemblage composition in a secondary forest and cropland, and provide relevant information for further assessment of land use change in the region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and aims: The most substantial global land use change is the transformation of native ecosystems into agroecosystems, leading to loss of biodiversity and reduction of ecosystem services. Potentially, these degraded systems could be restored from their soil seed bank. Our aim was to assess species richness and density of the soil seed bank along a structural complexity gradient in agroecosystems and Espinal forest fragments. Furthermore, we compared species composition between the soil seed bank and established vegetation of the reference system to explore its potential for regeneration of native plant communities. M&M: A structural complexity gradient was created from vegetation and soil structural variables from plots with different land uses to analyze seed bank variables. Results: The highest richness was recorded in the pasture soil seed bank, followed by the forests. The highest density and similarity to the established vegetation of the reference system was registered in the forests. Herbaceous species predominated in all plots. With the exception of Celtis tala, seeds of dominant woody species from the reference system were not observed. Conclusions: The pasture seed bank may be particularly relevant in the early stage of native forest restoration, especially if the aim is to reduce costs. However, the contribution of the seed bank to Espinal forests recovery in short to medium term is limited due to its low similarity to reference system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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

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

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

Hawaiian avifaunal communities have suffered irrevocable harm and significant threats remain for extant species. It is increasingly important to monitor and document bird density to improve our understanding of how remaining species respond to changing climate and emergent stressors. In this paper, we report annual densities (2003–2020) of two native and four non-native forest bird species in a region of Hawaiʻi Island lacking previous estimates. We estimated long-term population trends and short-term trajectories within a Bayesian framework. Our findings support previous studies that demonstrated the negative impact of ungulate browsing on forest bird habitat. We also note a detection of the Japanese Bush Warbler ( Cettia diphone ), a recently documented non-native species. The forest bird population trends presented here fill a regional gap and help extend the understanding of bird populations on Hawaiʻi Island.

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

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

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

Soil erosion is one of the most dangerous impacts of climate change and anthropic disturbance in drylands. Its control and reduction of soil and nutrient loss are essential to maintaining terrestrial ecosystems. Rare studies present data about soil fragility in the Brazilian semiarid. This study aimed to measure soil resistance to erosion. Ten soil profiles were described and classified to represent vegetation cover and geological diversity. The water-stable aggregates (WSA) content is highly variable, regardless of the equivalent diameter of the aggregates. The lowest levels of WSA were recorded by Arenosol and A and E horizons of Solonetz. Plinthosol and argic horizon of Solonetz and Luvisol recorded the lowest levels of soil loss. Large and fine aggregates presented different stability mechanisms. Vegetation cover, clay, and sand contents intermediate the stability of aggregates larger than 1 mm. Soil reactivity, Al3+ content, and altitude are important for aggregates smaller than 1 mm. Conservation practices that favor coverage and maintenance of soil moisture and organic residues should be induced by the government and applied by small rural producers to minimize human environmental effects.

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

A new population of the endangered Xantusia sanchezi, a species of night lizard, has been discovered in Aguascalientes, Mexico. This species is mainly found in rock crevices, decaying yucca and agave plants, and under the bark of trees. Xantusia sanchezi is endemic to Mexico and is known from six localities along the Río Grande de Santiago drainage. The newly discovered population represents the seventh known population of this species and is located in the Calvillo Municipality. The discovery highlights the importance of preserving the riverine corridors in the region. [Extracted from the article]

Background: One of the most diverse and threatened plant associations in the Yucatan peninsula has not been characterized and therefore not included in any protection category in Mexico. We characterize and describe this plant association, which is rapidly disappearing or being irreversibly transformed as a result of anthropic activities. We propose a name and attempt a preliminary assessment of its taxonomic richness, and the identification of priority species to be preserved. Questions: What is the species richness and plant endemism associated within this plant association? What are the ecologically important and high-priority species for conservation? How is it different from associated or similar plant associations? Studied species: Vascular plants. Study site and dates: Northern Yucatan peninsula; 2021-2023. Methods: The plant association was characterized, and quantitative parameters were recorded. The Importance Value Index was estimated to assess its local ecological importance, and each species was assigned a conservation category in order to evaluate the conservation status in a global context. Results: We propose Seasonally flooded Coquinal (SFC) as a name for this plant association based on geomorphological, physiognomic, and structural attributes. A total of 206 species were recorded, which two are endemic to the SFC and 28 to the Yucatan Peninsula Biotic Province (YPBP). Twelve species are listed under a risk category. Conclusions: The SFC harbors a high plant diversity of endemic species to the YPBP, 12 of which are included in the IUCN red list, for which its typification and conservation should be a high priority in Mexico.

This work discusses a fascinating ecological relationship, in which the lizard Tropidurus cocorobensis and the cactus Melocactus violaceus engage in a double mutualism. In this interaction, observed in a Caatinga, a dry tropical forest in Northeastern Brazil, T. cocorobensis feed on the nectar and pollen of M. violaceus, transferring the grains to the stigmas of another flower, acting as a potential pollinator. Additionally, the lizards consume fruits of M. violaceus, helping to disperse the seeds. The concentrated nectar of M. violaceus attracts lizards, and the morphological compatibility between the small pink flowers and the size of T. cocorobensis is important to this double mutualism. The findings mentioned here highlight the importance of Tropidurus lizards in the reproductive success of Melocactus species and provide insights into the coevolution of these species in a seasonal and resource‐scarce environment, like the Caatinga. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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

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

The Parque Nacional Grande Sertão Veredas, northern Minas Gerais, is located in the Cerrado, a global hotspot, and the literature lacks information about its communities of social wasps, insects that perform numerous services for the functioning of ecosystems. Therefore, this study aimed to conduct an inventory of social wasps (Vespidae: Polistinae) in the Parque Nacional Grande Sertão Veredas, and compare its richness and composition with three other fully protected conservation units in northern Minas Gerais and Vale do Jequitinhonha, Minas Gerais. A total of 41 species of 14 genera of social wasps were recorded, including a new occurrence in the state: Mischocyttarus campestris Raw, 1985. The presence of distinct social wasp communities in the Cerrado and Caatinga conservation units analyzed in this study, reinforces and justifies the creation of these fully protected areas, which ensure the conservation of this biological heritage and the environmental services provided by these taxa, besides providing subsidies for the management and sustainable use of the natural resources of these conservation units. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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

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

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

Skunks are important for the ecosystems as consumers of fruits, seeds, and insects. The hooded skunk (Mephitis macroura) is a medium-sized mammal common in North America, but its abundance is poorly known throughout its range. In a semiarid location in southern Mexico, we deployed a camera traps array to study the populations of meso-carnivores in three seasons. With 2520 camera days of sampling effort, we obtained 41 photographs of the hooded skunk, an average of 6.2 photographs per station, meaning a capture rate of 1.63 photographs/camera-day per 100. Based on pelage color patterns and specific characteristics, we identified 25 individuals (seven to twelve skunks per season). Single cam-era-trap stations recorded up to seven different skunk individuals (an average of 3.6 individuals). The maximum number of capture-recaptures was four for three skunk individuals, and the average cap-ture-recapture record was 1.4 per skunk. Although the survey area was appropriate for mesocarnivores, no spatial recaptures were observed for hooded skunks because the distance between cameras was longer. Traditional capture-recapture models estimated hooded skunk abundance at 12.60, 21.10, and 20.20 skunks during the dry, pre-rainy, and rainy seasons, respectively. The capture rate was higher than reported in other camera trapping surveys in Mexico, and estimated abundances were the lowest but, in the range, reported for the species using other techniques. Idiosyncratic characteristics of hooded skunks are useful to the recognition of individuals, but we recommend testing short distances among cameras to achieve spatial recaptures and to apply contemporary spatial capture-recapture analyses.

Background and aims: In the course of floristic dry forest sampling, specimens of Venturiella acrifolia were collected in Santiago del Estero and Santa Fe provinces. This record constitutes the first report in Argentina and the second in South America. M&M: Specimens collected in 2019 and 2023 were analyzed morphologically using conventional techniques for bryophytes and housed in DTE, LIL, MFA and SDE. Results: The species is described and illustrated. Conclusions: This work confirms the presence of Venturiella acrifolia in Argentina. The species is found in North America, Mexico, Bolivia and Argentina.

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

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

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

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

Abstract: Erythrina velutina Willd is a native Fabaceae with wide occurrence, mainly in the Caatinga Domain with multiple uses. This study aimed to compare the vulnerability/tolerance of seeds of four accessions of E. velutina to osmotic stresses. Four replications were conducted with 25 seeds, germinated in osmotic solutions of NaCl or PEG up to -1.73 MPa. Seeds that did not germinate after 14 days were recovered in distilled water. Obtained data were fitted in Boltzmann curves and t50 and synchrony were evaluated. A probit analysis was performed, and hydrotime and halotime models were constructed. In distilled water, the germination curve was similar for all accessions. When the concentration of salt or PEG in the substrate increased, the accessions differentiated into two groups. Two accessions - Jutaí 2012 and Jutaí 2015 - maintained high germination up to -0.86 MPa NaCl, while Caboclo 2008 and Caiçara 2011 accessions presented a lower germination speed. The hydrotime and halotime analyses separated the germination response of accessions according to their physiological quality and tolerance to osmotic and saline conditions. Seeds viability was maintained at both stresses, since germination was reestablished at distilled water, thus constituting a crucial response for this species’ survival and conservation.