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Chitons are molluscs with scarce world records in estuaries. In the present study, we provide the first records of two species of Polyplacophora in the Coreaú River estuary, Camocim, Ceará, Brazil: Ischnochiton striolatus and Ischnoplax pectinata. The data shows these animals thrive in estuary coastal regions. The taxonomic data together with the ecological data presented in this study, it is possible to conclude that this research represents a significant milestone in understanding the biodiversity of Brazilian estuarine areas.

The short story “High Rise” by Brazilian-American author Frances de Pontes Peebles was published in the online literary magazine Guernica in 2021. The story reflects the socio-political tensions surrounding the death of a five-year-old boy who fell from the ninth floor of a luxurious high-rise in Recife, Brazil, during the Covid-19 pandemic. It explores how neglect and violence shape the lives of Brazil’s marginalized groups, highlighting the ways social hierarchies are maintained even amid global crises like the pandemic. The translation into Portuguese is introduced by a discussion of the story within Brazil’s social, historical, and political framework. It also examines the challenges and nuances of translating such a culturally specific narrative for a Brazilian readership. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Social roles have fostered discussions on gender-related differences in medicinal plant knowledge. However, this variable has not been analyzed in many studies, and investigations often claim that belonging to a specific gender will determine a social role that will, in turn, direct the variation of local ecological knowledge. Therefore, we test whether the influence of gender on medicinal plant knowledge and use is mediated by people's social roles. We conducted Structural Equation Modeling to assess the direct effects of gender and the indirect effects through social roles on (1) the number of cited species, (2) the prevalent area for resource collection (natural areas × homegardens), and (3) the exclusiveness of plant use (only plants versus plants and industrialized medicines or only industrialized medicines). We observed that gender impacted all metrics of knowledge and use of medicinal species. All social roles influenced knowledge of medicinal species to some extent. However, not all of them had a gender-related indirect effect. Thus, we conclude that both gender and social roles directly and indirectly influence knowledge of medicinal species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Impacts of urbanization can affect bat species differently, some bat assemblages demonstrated differences in their activity and richness between forest environments and urban areas. Bats species can seek refuge in green areas (urban forest remnants, parks and groves) or in buildings within the urban landscape. Using bioacoustics, we examined habitat use of by non-phyllostomid bats in a large Metropolitan Region of João Pessoa-PB, northeastern Brazil, comparing the activity and species/sonotypes composition of bat assemblages documented in Atlantic Forest remnants (FF) with those in the urbanized matrix areas (UM). Fifteen species belonging to four families were recorded. Out of these records, 11 were documented in both UM and FF, while Neoplatymops mattogrossensis, Myotis cf. riparius, and Rhynchonycteris naso were exclusively found in FF, and Promops nasutus (first record for the state) was only found in UM. The richness and activity of bats differed between FF and UM. Molossops temminckii and Promops nasutus were observed solely in arboreal habitats, whether in the forest fragments or in the UM areas. Only Cynomops planirostris, Eumops sp., Molossus molossus, Molossus rufus, and Promops centralis were recorded in strictly urban habitats, and they did not show differences in activities between FF and UM. These results indicate the ability of these bats to adapt to structural habitat changes within an urban matrix, reaching the highest levels of synanthropy. Our results demonstrate that the impact of urbanization on bat assemblages can be mitigated by maintaining green areas within an urban matrix. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Multi-proxy approach propose an unprecedented model of sedimentary evolution. • Northeastern Brazil basal sedimentary successions yielded Ordovician age. • Sedimentary provenance indicates Neoproterozoic Brasiliano units as main source areas. • Sedimentary basal sedimentary units deposited by continental-scale fluvial systems. • Ordovician sedimentary deposition took place after Western Gondwana assembly. The sedimentary units of the geographically isolated basins of NE Brazil are historically interpreted as coeval and part of the same depositional system that was ultimately responsible to the deposition of the first sedimentary sequence of the intracratonic Parnaíba Basin. We present the first integrated detrital zircon U-Pb age dataset from the Early Paleozoic basins of NE Brazil, providing new insights into the depositional evolution and erosional history after Western Gondwana assembly. The lowermost sedimentary units (Ipu, Cariri, and Tacaratu formations) of eleven NE Brazil sedimentary basins (Parnaíba, Araripe, Tucano-Jatobá, Lavras da Mangabeira, Fátima, São José do Belmonte, and Mirandiba) were analyzed by a multi-proxy approach aiming to propose new insights on the paleogeographic reconstruction and stratigraphic correlations. Sedimentary provenance data, together with paleocurrents measurements consistently towards NNW-NW, suggests that the primary source for all the Early Paleozoic sedimentary units of NE Brazil were elevated orogenic areas related to the Brasiliano Orogeny to the south of Borborema Province (e.g., Riacho do Ponta, Rio Preto, and Sergipano belts). Based on detrital zircon U-Pb ages, we position the beginning of sedimentation of these basins in the Ordovician. The U-Pb age spectra for all analyzed sedimentary successions are remarkably similar. The analysis of KDE plots, CA-DA gap curves, and (dis)similarity tests, reinforced the correlation and contemporaneity of all the Ordovician sedimentary successions of NE Brazil. The conceived paleogeography model points to deposition of all the analyzed successions in a ramp, slightly tilted towards NW, where continental-scale fluvial system drained Neoproterozoic orogenic areas (i.e., Brasiliano Orogeny) dispersing huge volumes of sediments towards Borborema Province interior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract As part of the “Flora of Ceará: Knowing to Conserve” project, this study aimed to contribute to the knowledge of the diversity and distribution of Vochysiaceae species in the state of Ceará. The identifications, descriptions, comments on ecology and distribution, illustrations and distribution maps of the taxa were based on the analysis of samples obtained in the field, in collections deposited in herbaria, and specialized bibliographies. Eight species of Vochysiaceae belonging to four genera occur in Ceará: Callisthene (2), Qualea (2), Salvertia (1), and Vochysia (3). The species were recorded in 41 municipalities. Callisthene fasciculata and Qualea parviflora were the species with the most collection records. The species inhabit different phytoecological units in Ceará and were recorded mainly in the Dense Ombrophilous Forest (Mata úmida), Steppic Savanna (Caatinga/Carrasco), and Neotropical Savanna and Neotropical Savanna (Cerrado). Seven species occur in five different Conservation Areas. Vochysia oppugnata is a new occurrence for the state of Ceará and was recorded in Dense Ombrophilous Forest.

Abstract: The short story “High Rise” was published in 2021 by Brazilian-American author Frances de Pontes Peebles. The story reflects the socio-political tensions surrounding the death of a five-year-old boy who fell from the ninth floor of a luxurious high-rise in Recife, Brazil, during the Covid-19 pandemic. It explores how neglect and violence shape the lives of Brazil’s marginalized groups, highlighting the ways social hierarchies are maintained even amid global crises like the pandemic. The translation into Portuguese is introduced by a discussion of the story within Brazil’s social, historical, and political framework. It also examines the challenges and nuances of translating such a culturally specific narrative for a Brazilian readership. Keywords: Northeastern Brazil, Covid-19 Literature, Black Lives Matter, Literary Translation, Brazilian Contemporary Literature, Recife, Frances de Pontes Peebles. Resumo: O conto “High Rise” foi publicado em 2021 pela autora brasileiro-americana Frances de Pontes Peebles. A narrativa reflete as tensões sociopolíticas que vêm à tona quando um menino de cinco anos cai do nono andar de um edifício de alto padrão no Recife durante a pandemia de Covid-19. O texto explora como a negligência e a violência determinam a vida de grupos marginalizados no Brasil, evidenciando também como as hierarquias sociais são mantidas mesmo durante uma crise global como a pandemia. A tradução para o português é precedida por uma discussão sobre o texto e o entorno social, histórico e político do Brasil e examina decisões e desafios de traduzir uma narrativa localizada no Nordeste para o público brasileiro. Palavras-chave: Nordeste Brasileiro, Literatura da Covid-19, Vidas Negras Importam, Tradução Literária, Literatura Brasileira Contemporânea, Recife, Frances de Pontes Peebles.

The two major rainforests of the neotropics, the Amazon and Atlantic forests, show maximum expansion during the warm and wet conditions of interglacial periods, including the current Holocene. They are connected by a network of gallery forests through the Cerrado biome. However, the extent of their expansion during glacial periods, when they were more disjunct, is unknown. During glacial periods, a pollen assemblage comprising Podocarpus–Ilex–Hedyosmum–Myrsine displays higher frequencies in marine, continental and coastal Brazilian pollen records. This assemblage is observed today in the high-elevation grasslands of the Cerrado and Atlantic Forest biomes and in the coastal vegetation, the restinga, of southern Brazil. We therefore reviewed the possible migration routes for these species by tracking glacial period Podocarpus–Ilex–Hedyosmum–Myrsine assemblages in published pollen records. The marine pollen records provide evidence of a glacial expansion of restinga, its floristic composition being continuous with the dominant regional vegetation, a cold type of shrubby grassland. There appear to be two migration routes, one involving the expansion of high-elevation grassland taxa within the lowlands, and the other low-sea level stands of coastal restinga. We conclude that the Cerrado was a node of migration between the Amazon and Atlantic rainforests, linking the Andes to the central and coastal mountains of Brazil. The Brazilian mountain ranges represent refugia of ancient taxa that colonized the continent up to the Andes and modified the floristic composition of the two rainforests during the Pleistocene glacial periods.

The Caatinga, an exclusive biome in Brazil, is the largest tropical dry forest area in the Americas. It is characterized by a semi-arid climate and various soils that harbor a great diversity of flora and fauna. Novel records of aerial insectivorous bat species in the family Molossidae in the Chapada Diamantina, northeastern Brazil are presented. The study is based on field sampling of 115 molossid bat specimens from six genera and 12 taxonomically confirmed species, along with four taxa requiring further evaluation for definitive species identification. All specimens were obtained using mist nets around a small freshwater lagoon surrounded by semideciduous dry forest. The verified genera were Cynomops, Eumops, Molossops, Molossus, Neoplatymops, and Nyctinomops. Our findings enhance the understanding of bat diversity in the Brazilian Caatinga, with the first records of Eumops delticus, E. bonariensis, and Molossus currentium. The most abundant species were Molossus rufus, Eumops glaucinus, Cynomops planirostris, Nyctinomops laticaudatus, and Molossus molossus. Previously unreported morphological and morphometric variations for these Caatinga taxa were examined. Additionally, information on sexual dimorphism in craniodental characteristics of Molossops temminckii and variations in the presence of the sagittal crest in Neoplatymops mattogrossensis are provided. Based on the voucher specimens from this study, the recognized number of species of Molossidae known from the Caatinga has increased to 21. Our results offer new insights into the taxonomy and biogeography of Neotropical molossids, highlighting their importance as members of bat communities in dry forest ecosystems from northeastern South America. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Canine dirofilariasis, caused by Dirofilaria immitis, is prevalent worldwide. However, the frequency of canine infection in the state of Alagoas, Brazil is scarcely unknown. This study aimed to evaluate the frequency of D. immitis infection in dogs from the coastal municipalities of Alagoas and analyze the risk factors associated with the infection. A cross-sectional study was performed using 426 dogs of different breeds and sex distributed across 15 coastal municipalities in the state of Alagoas. Blood samples were collected from each dog and analyzed for circulating microfilariae and free D. immitis antigens. To investigate the risk factors associated with D. immitis infection, we collected information on dog environments using an epidemiological questionnaire. The results revealed that 12.7% of dogs tested positive for D. immitis. Dogs with travel history were 3.52 times more likely to be infected. Thus, infected dogs in the coastal region of Alagoas should be regularly monitored and the public health system should plan strategies to control this zoonotic disease.

Dispersal is more intense in the ocean than on land because most marine taxa present planktonic life stages that are transported by currents even without specific morphological traits. Thus, species dispersal shapes the distribution of biodiversity along seascapes and drives the composition of biodiversity assemblages. To identify marine assembling zones which characterise spatial areas particularly prone to receive and retain similar animal assemblages from the regional pool of species through passive dispersal, we propose a community‐based approach grounded on Lagrangian simulations of plankton dispersal. This novel approach was applied to communities (coast, outer shelf, slope, seamounts and islands; 0–80 m depth) of the Tropical Southwestern Atlantic and used to assess connectivity pathways. For that, we classified the modelled particles in 15 categories according to biological traits (planktonic life duration and spawning habitat) of representative planktonic communities. From the hierarchical clustering of the multivariate matrix containing the amount of arriving particles from each category in each cell we defined 14 assembling zones. Results highlighted that the assembling zones were mostly shaped by the degree of exposure to currents and the presence of mesoscale features (eddies, recirculation) derived from the interaction between these currents and coastlines. The boundaries, dispersal and connectivity patterns of these zones consistently align with local and regional in situ spatial distribution and abundance patterns of organisms, and provide an appropriate basis for the formulation of ecological hypotheses in the metacommunity framework to be tested in situ, such as the balance between species sorting and mass effect assembling archetypes. This approach, when coupled with the knowledge of other processes shaping communities' structure and distribution, provides important insights for regions and animal groups for which knowledge is limited or absent, and more generally allows for a comprehensive overview of the distribution of distinct communities and connectivity pathways along marine environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Triatominae are associated with various Brazilian habitats, including bird nests, animal burrows, and peridomestic structures. Despite extensive studies on triatomines in domiciliary environments in Ceará, Brazil, there has been limited research on their presence in the wild. This study focuses on the municipality of Morrinhos in Ceará, which is characterized by a Caatinga biome and riparian forests along the Acaraú River. During the study, a total of 185 nests of Pseudoseisura cristata were analyzed in rural locations and triatomines were collected in 26 nests from 12 different locations. A total of 117 triatomines was collected, belonging to three species: Psammolestes tertius, Rhodnius nasutus, and Triatoma pseudomaculata. Rhodnius nasutus was the only species found in a nest inhabited by Didelphis albiventris. Nests of P. cristata serve as shelters for various animals, providing an ideal environment for triatomines to establish colonies due to their proximity to food sources and their generalist feeding habits. The incorporation of anthropogenic materials by birds in nest construction can indirectly affect the presence of other animals that may serve as food sources for triatomines. Understanding the interactions between triatomines, birds, and their habitats is essential for assessing the risks associated with triatomine infestation in wild ecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We evaluated how fish assemblages in estuaries on the semiarid coast of Brazil are impacted taxonomically and functionally under two contrasting events: prolonged drought vs. ample precipitation. The fish fauna of six local estuaries was sampled, three under each event. The species composition of the two groups was compared using non-metric multidimensional scaling, permutational multivariate analysis of variance, and similarity percentages analysis. The functional structure was described using principal coordinate analysis and expressed as functional richness (FRic) and functional dispersion (FDis). We also ran extinction simulations to estimate how the most functionally original (FOri) and specialized (FSpe) species contributed to functional structure (FRic, FDis). Estuaries exposed to prolonged drought displayed greater abundance of marine stragglers and marine migrants and higher FRic values than did estuaries exposed to ample precipitation. They also suffered smaller losses in FRic when the most original and specialized species were removed. No clear pattern was discernible for FDis. In short, prolonged drought was associated with changes in the taxonomic and functional structure of the fish fauna in the sampled estuaries through the process of 'marinization.' Monitoring these ecosystems can predict changes in salinity associated with long-term global climate trends and their effects on the fish fauna. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper records the invasive gastropod Melanoides tuberculata in a limnetic ecosystem located in integral protection area in the semiarid region of the state of Paraíba in northeast Brazil. Live individuals were collected and photographed along shallow margins of the Piranhas Reservoir associated with different types of substrates. Photographic quadrants were used to calculate the number of living individuals and empty shells on different substrates. Individuals of M. tuberculata were found at five sampling sites in the littoral zone on different types of substrates with densities ranging of 13 ind.(m2)-1 to 22 ind.(m2)-1. The average density of individuals was: 18 ind.(m2)-1 on thin sediment, 15 ind.(m2)-1 on gravel and 20 ind.(m2)-1 on rocks. Empty shells were extremely abundant in the terrestrial zone of the reservoir. We did not observe native species of freshwater molluscs in the marginal areas of the reservoir in which the specimens of M. tuberculata were found. Knowledge about the distribution, establishment and impact caused of M. tuberculata in limnetic ecosystems of the Brazilian semi-arid region needs to be better studied in order to ascertain the degree of impact on native species and environmental modifications that reflect negatively on ecosystems.

Abstract The floristic-taxonomic survey of Clusiaceae is presented as part of the project “Flora of Ceará: knowing to conserve”. The study was based on the analysis of specimens deposited in national and international herbaria and observations of natural populations during field expeditions carried out from February, 2019 to March, 2020. The family is represented in Ceará by eight species distributed in four genera: Clusia, Garcinia, Symphonia and Tovomita. Clusia was the most representative with five species: C. ibiapabensis, C. melchiorii, C. nemorosa, C. nogueirae and C. panapanari. The other genera are represented by one species each: Garcinia gardneriana, Symphonia globulifera and Tovomita mangle. The species preferentially occur in humid environments such as Dense Ombrophilous Forest and near watercourses. Clusia ibiapabensis and C. nogueirae are endemic to Ceará, and C. melchiorii and S. globulifera are new records for the state. Only Clusia nemorosa and C. panapanari were recorded in conservations units. Identification keys, descriptions, taxonomic relationships, illustrations, and comments on the geographical distribution and phenology of the species are presented.

Aim: Water column acoustic backscatter is regularly registered during oceanographic surveys, providing valuable information on the composition and distribution of pelagic life in the ocean. We propose an objective approach based on functional data analysis to classify these acoustic seascapes into biogeographical regions. Location: Tropical South Atlantic Ocean off northeastern Brazil. Taxon: Sound‐scattering pelagic fauna detected with acoustic echosounders, principally small fish, crustaceans, squid and diverse gelatinous life‐forms. Methods: We use acoustic backscatter as a function of depth, simultaneously at three frequencies, to numerically describe the vertical distribution and composition of sound‐scattering organisms in the water column. This information is used to classify the acoustic seascape through functional principal component analysis. The analysis routine is tested and illustrated with data collected at 38, 70 and 120 kHz in waters affected by contrasting environmental conditions. Results: Acoustic seascape partitioning mirrored the distribution of current systems, fronts and taxonomically based regionalization. The study area was divided between slope‐boundary and open‐ocean waters, and between spring and fall hydrological regimes. Main Conclusions: The acoustic seascape consistency and the spatiotemporal coherence of the regions classified show that the method is efficient at identifying homogeneous and cohesive sound‐scattering communities. Comparisons against hydrological and biological regionalization prove that the method is reliable at delineating distinct pelagic ecosystems in a cost‐efficient and non‐intrusive way. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The caves of Igatu, municipality of Andaraí, belonging to the region known as Chapada Diamantina represent a new hotspot of subterranean fauna. These caves are siliciclastic, which are sedimentary rocks where silica predominates, such as sandstones and (following metamorphism) quartzites, which makes them even more relevant from the point of view of subterranean diversity. For five caves, which we named Igatu Cave System (ICS), thirty-seven obligate cave species were found, of which thirty-five were troglobitic and two were stygobitic. The troglobitic taxa for ICS belong to three phyla, nine classes, 18 orders, and 32 families, representing a high phylogenetic diversity. Some taxa were, for the first time, reported as troglobitic in Brazil and even worldwide, such as Acari and scutigeromorphans (Chilopoda). We started the studies in 2009 and continue trough long-term monitoring projects. Some threats, severe in the past, such as "garimpo" (illegal small-scale artisanal mining) continue nowadays in an incipient way; however, the urban expansion due to the touristic appeal is also considered a threat. Our data ranked ICS as the Brazilian hotspot with the highest number of troglobitic/stygobitic species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work is a floristic study of Selaginella in Maranhão. The species survey is based on collections from fieldwork conducted between April 2006 and February 2023 and specimens from Maranhão deposited at the CCAA, HBRA, MG, and SLUI herbaria. Ten species were identified: Selaginella conduplicata, S. convoluta, S. erythropus, S. flagellata, S. gynostachya S. marginata, S. minima, S. radiata, S. simplex, and S. sulcata. We report the first record of S. gynostachya for Maranhão and the Cerrado domain in Brazil. Until now, this species was only known from areas of Amazonia. We provide a map with records, an identification key, and comments about the identification and geographic distribution of Selaginella species in Maranhão state. For the new record, we also provide photos. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While hunting wild animals may be considered a problem for conserving native fauna, they can represent an essential part of the diet for some human communities, such as those living in rural areas. Therefore, regulations to combat overhunting should be designed to accommodate the needs of local communities dependent on hunting as a source of food and income in a sustainable way. We interviewed local residents in three communities and wildlife specialists in Sergipe, NE Brazil, where the hunting of columbids is common both for subsistence and leisure, about their perceptions of Columbidae hunting using a semi-structured questionnaire. Most residents defend hunting and make regular use of columbids, suggesting quota hunting as a way of reconciling the practice with the conservation of the species while also noting that columbid populations are decreasing. The wildlife and conservation specialists are opposed to hunting and propose improvement of the socioeconomic status of the residents to mitigate the hunting problem, while also noting that the national environmental agency (IBAMA) is understaffed and underfunded, and there is a lack of adequate reliable data on columbid populations to adequately assess the impact of hunting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over the past few decades, a significant amount of agricultural land has been lost due to soil degradation/desertification. In addition, the increasing frequency of extreme events, such as intense droughts and forest fires, has negatively impacted various ecosystem services. Two of the main Brazilian biomes—the Cerrado and the Caatinga—have been affected by increased rainfall variability, leading to desertification, increased fire frequency, and, consequently, rising concerns regarding the water and food security of the local population. In this study, we develop a methodology to assess these impacts using a Socio-Environmental Vulnerability Index (SEVI) that combines physical, environmental, and socio-economic indicators related to exposure, sensitivity, and adaptation, as well as including socio-environmental feedback. The developed SEVI is then applied to the São Francisco and Parnaíba river basins. The proposed index is based on the MEDALUS methodology and is adapted to include multiple biological, physical, and socio-economic indicators, allowing for the discrimination of areas characterized by different levels of vulnerability. We also analyze the effectiveness of governmental policies, such as the creation of conservation areas and the rural registration of properties, in reducing vulnerability. The SEVI analysis highlights that adaptive capacity is the main constraint for reducing socio-environmental vulnerability in the Parnaíba basin, while exposure and sensitivity are the greater challenges in the São Francisco basin. The results of this study are crucial for the prioritization of recovery actions in degraded areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The caatinga vegetation is an important natural laboratory for the study of how plants and gall-inducing insects interact in highly variable and stressful moisture regimes. Despite this, only five gall inventories have been conducted and its richness of inducing insects and host plants has been little known. To contribute to our knowledge of galls from caatinga habitats, we registered and characterized the macroscopic aspects of the galls, then identifed the plant hosts and their associated fauna in two areas of caatinga in São Francisco River Natural Monument (MONA). Nineteen morphotypes of galls were recorded on 11 plant belonging to eight genera and six host plant families. Of the total number of galls recorded, most occurred in the rainy season (n=13). Most of the galls are globoid (n=10), pilose (n=10), green (n=15), and isolated (n=12). Most of the gall-inducing insect species found belonged to Diptera (Cecidomyiidae). All morphotypes recorded in this study are the first ones recorded of galls and their host plants in MONA. We also recorded, for the first time, the occurrence of galls in the floral buds of Cnidoscolus obtusifolius Pohl ex Baill. (Euphorbiaceae), demonstrating the importance of conducting studies in areas not yet sampled in the Caatinga biome. It is expected that this study will stimulate future investigations, helping in the protection and conservation of this conservation area and consequently increasing our knowledge about its biodiversity.

The caatinga vegetation is an important natural laboratory for the study of how plants and gall-inducing insects interact in highly variable and stressful moisture regimes. Despite this, only five gall inventories have been conducted and its richness of inducing insects and host plants has been little known. To contribute to our knowledge of galls from caatinga habitats, we registered and characterized the macroscopic aspects of the galls, then identifed the plant hosts and their associated fauna in two areas of caatinga in São Francisco River Natural Monument (MONA). Nineteen morphotypes of galls were recorded on 13 plant belonging to nine genera and seven host plant families. Of the total number of galls recorded, most occurred in the rainy season (n=13). Most of the galls are globoid (n=10), pilose (n=10), green (n=15), and isolated (n=12). Most of the gall-inducing insect species found belonged to Diptera (Cecidomyiidae). All morphotypes recorded in this study are the first ones recorded of galls and their host plants in MONA. We also recorded, for the first time, the occurrence of galls in the floral buds of Cnidoscolus obtusifolius Pohl ex Baill. (Euphorbiaceae), demonstrating the importance of conducting studies in areas not yet sampled in the Caatinga biome. It is expected that this study will stimulate future investigations, helping in the protection and conservation of this conservation area and consequently increasing our knowledge about its biodiversity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The State of Alagoas dedicates 1o,95% of its area to the cultivation of sugar cane (Saccharums sp.). Soil heat flux (SHF) is a crucial component of net radiation (Rn), which also varies due to changes in vegetation cover. This experiment was carried out in an area of experimental sugar cane cultivation in the municipality of Rio Largo (09°28'03" S, 35°49'49" W) from November 2017 to November 2018. The aim was to characterize SHF and Rn under different degrees of soil vegetation cover in the Coastal Tablelands of the Alagoas state, Brazil. Net radiation components were measured using a Kipp and Zonen CNR1 net radiometer, whereas SHF was measured using three HFT-3 plates (REBS, Campbell Scientific Inc., USA), which were installed at a depth of 0.05 meters. The predominant atmospheric transmittance (Kt) classification was partly cloudy (54.70%). Precipitation, along with cloudiness, incident solar radiation, and land cover, influenced the seasonal cycle of net radiation (Rn) and soil heat flux (SHF). On average, the removal of vegetation cover had a negligible impact on Rn, whereas it led to a 437% increase in SHF during the day and a 240% increase during the night. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pseudochthonius lubueno sp. nov., a new obligatory cave-dwelling pseudoscorpion species is described from Gruna da Altina cave, the fifth species of the genus in the region of Serra do Ramalho karst area, southwestern Bahia, Brazil. This genus occurs in South and Central America, sub-Saharan central Africa, and in the Arabian Peninsula. The new species can be identified by the following combination of characters: eyes or eyespots absent, coxa I with two and coxa II with 4--5 coxal spines, without microdenticles on the fixed pedipalpal finger, rallum with five blades, ratio ist--est/ist--esb = 1.9. With this new description, the genus now includes 15 species from Brazil: P. biseriatus Mahnert, 2001, P. brasiliensis Beier, 1970, P. diamachi Prado & Ferreira, 2023, P. gracilimanus Mahnert, 2001, P. heterodentatus Hoff, 1946, P. homodentatus Chamberlin, 1929, P. koinopoliteia Prado & Ferreira, 2023, P. lubueno sp. nov., P. orthodactylus Muchmore, 1970, P. olegario Schimonsky, 2022, P. pali Prado & Ferreira, 2023, P. ramalho Assis, Schimonsky & Bichuette, 2021, P. ricardoi Mahnert, 2001, P. strinatii Beier, 1969 and P. tuxeni Mahnert, 1979. The new species shows troglomorphic characteristics such as the depigmentation of the carapace and the absence of eyes. In addition, illustrations, diagnoses, an identification key for cave-dwelling species of the genus, and distribution maps for all Brazilian species of Pseudochthonius are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We examined here the diversity and distribution of Vitaceae species in Ceará state, Brazil, as part of the "Flora of Ceará Project: knowing to conserve", analyzing the morphological characters of specimens collected in the field, those available in the ALCB, BHCB, EAC, CEN, EAFM, HCDAL, HST, HUEFS, HUVA, HVASF, IAN, IPA, K, MBM, MOSS, NY, P, R, UEC, and US herbaria or in the specialized literature. We include here an identification key, occurrence maps, morphological descriptions, and comments concerning their ecology. The main morphological features for species delimiting were leaf type and symmetry, trichome and tendril types, presence or absence of streaks on branches, stipule, flower bud and fruit shape. Eleven species of Vitaceae included within two genera were recorded in Ceará: Cissus albida, C. blanchetiana, C. campestris, C. erosa, C. gongylodes, C. subrhomboidea, C. sulcicaulis, C. tinctoria, C. verticillata, C. xerophila, and Clematicissus simsiana. The species were registered in 45 municipalities, with C. erosa and C. verticillata being widely distributed. Those species inhabit different phytoecological areas in Ceará, although preferentially growing in Stepic Savanna (Caatinga). Six species occur in nine legally protected conservation areas. Ceará state holds 40.74% of the registered species of the family found in northeastern Brazil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The floristic-taxonomic survey of Clusiaceae is presented as part of the project "Flora of Ceará: knowing to conserve". The study was based on the analysis of specimens deposited in national and international herbaria and observations of natural populations during field expeditions carried out from February, 2019 to March, 2020. The family is represented in Ceará by eight species distributed in four genera: Clusia, Garcinia, Symphonia and Tovomita. Clusia was the most representative with five species: C. ibiapabensis, C. melchiorii, C. nemorosa, C. nogueirae and C. panapanari. The other genera are represented by one species each: Garcinia gardneriana, Symphonia globulifera and Tovomita mangle. The species preferentially occur in humid environments such as Dense Ombrophilous Forest and near watercourses. Clusia ibiapabensis and C. nogueirae are endemic to Ceará, and C. melchiorii and S. globulifera are new records for the state. Only Clusia nemorosa and C. panapanari were recorded in conservations units. Identification keys, descriptions, taxonomic relationships, illustrations, and comments on the geographical distribution and phenology of the species are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract We examined here the diversity and distribution of Vitaceae species in Ceará state, Brazil, as part of the “Flora of Ceará Project: knowing to conserve”, analyzing the morphological characters of specimens collected in the field, those available in the ALCB, BHCB, EAC, CEN, EAFM, HCDAL, HST, HUEFS, HUVA, HVASF, IAN, IPA, K, MBM, MOSS, NY, P, R, UEC, and US herbaria or in the specialized literature. We include here an identification key, occurrence maps, morphological descriptions, and comments concerning their ecology. The main morphological features for species delimiting were leaf type and symmetry, trichome and tendril types, presence or absence of streaks on branches, stipule, flower bud and fruit shape. Eleven species of Vitaceae included within two genera were recorded in Ceará: Cissus albida, C. blanchetiana, C. campestris, C. erosa, C. gongylodes, C. subrhomboidea, C. sulcicaulis, C. tinctoria, C. verticillata, C. xerophila, and Clematicissus simsiana. The species were registered in 45 municipalities, with C. erosa and C. verticillata being widely distributed. Those species inhabit different phytoecological areas in Ceará, although preferentially growing in Stepic Savanna (Caatinga). Six species occur in nine legally protected conservation areas. Ceará state holds 40.74% of the registered species of the family found in northeastern Brazil.

Abstract We present the first record of Heterosperma (H. ovatifolium, Asteraceae) for Brazil as a result of the taxonomic study of tribe Coreopsideae for Northeastern Brazil. The genus currently comprises 11 species, occurring from southwestern United States to South America and the West Indies. We present a complete morphological description, a photo plate, and a distribution map with the updated distribution for H. ovatifolium. Additionally, we present an updated identification key for the genera of Coreopsideae for Brazil.

Abstract This study evaluates the reproductive and ecological similarity between loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta) and Hawksbill sea turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata) two species of sea turtles on the southern coast of Bahia (Brazil) during two breeding seasons (October to April 2013 to 2015). The study covers a 10-km area composed of three beaches, Pompilho, Itacarezinho and Patizeiro beach, which are 5, 3, and 2 km long, respectively. Daily field surveys were performed for 102 days to assess patterns between the studied species, using the non-metric multidimensional scaling order and the Spearman correlation analysis to obtain the oviposition pattern of the two species. Moreover, Kruskall-Wallys tests were performed to review the differences in the number of hatchlings on the three beaches. The NMDS proved the species are very similar from an ecological perspective since as there were three clear groupings in terms of the number of hatchlings on the three beaches. With reference to the number of nests, a negative correlation was observed in the two species. Regarding the hatching activity of both species on the three beaches studied, a larger amount of C. caretta and E. imbricata hatchlings was found on Pompilho beach, followed by Patizeiro and Itacarézinho. These findings influence management strategies to reduce anthropogenic impact and contribute to the conservation of these two endangered sea turtle species.

The caves of Igatu, municipality of Andaraí, belonging to the region known as Chapada Diamantina represent a new hotspot of subterranean fauna. These caves are siliciclastic, which are sedimentary rocks where silica predominates, such as sandstones and (following metamorphism) quartzites, which makes them even more relevant from the point of view of subterranean diversity. For five caves, which we named Igatu Cave System (ICS), thirty-seven obligate cave species were found, of which thirty-five were troglobitic and two were stygobitic. The troglobitic taxa for ICS belong to three phyla, nine classes, 18 orders, and 32 families, representing a high phylogenetic diversity. Some taxa were, for the first time, reported as troglobitic in Brazil and even worldwide, such as Acari and scutigeromorphans (Chilopoda). We started the studies in 2009 and continue trough long-term monitoring projects. Some threats, severe in the past, such as “garimpo’’ (illegal small-scale artisanal mining) continue nowadays in an incipient way; however, the urban expansion due to the touristic appeal is also considered a threat. Our data ranked ICS as the Brazilian hotspot with the highest number of troglobitic/stygobitic species.

The analysis of precipitation data is extremely important for strategic planning and decision-making in various natural systems, as well as in planning and preparing for a drought period. The drought is responsible for several impacts on the economy of Northeast Brazil (NEB), mainly in the agricultural and livestock sectors. This study analyzed the fit of 2-parameter distributions gamma (GAM), log-normal (LNORM), Weibull (WEI), generalized Pareto (GP), Gumbel (GUM) and normal (NORM) to monthly precipitation data from 293 rainfall stations across NEB, in the period 1988–2017. The maximum likelihood (ML) method was used to estimate the parameters to fit the models and the selection of the model was based on a modification of the Shapiro-Wilk statistic. The results showed the chosen 2-parameter distributions to be flexible enough to describe the studied monthly precipitation data. The GAM and WEI models showed the overall best fits, but the LNORM and GP models gave the best fits in certain months of the year and regions that differed from the others in terms of their average precipitation. HIGHLIGHTS Real monthly precipitation data from 293 rainfall stations in Northeastern Brazil.; The selection of the model was based on a modification of the Shapiro-Wilk statistic.; The gamma and Weibull distributions showed the best fits compared to the others.;

Unconsolidated regolith from fluvial and hillslope origin occurring along the eastern seaboard of the Northeastern Brazil passive margin has long been overlooked as viable proxy for Quaternary environmental changes, or simply dismissed and interpreted as sediments of older planation cycles, for example, Neogene sediments. This study applies geochemical and geochronological techniques to assess the degree of weathering, sediment provenance and time of residence in the landscape. The results shed light on the upper Quaternary geomorphological history of the Borborema Piedmont, with depositional units spanning the last 50,000 years, as a response to climatic inputs in sync with major Pleistocene events (e.g., Heinrich Event 1, 2, 3 and 5, Last Glacial Maximum) and Holocene events in the Northern Hemisphere (e.g., Holocene Climatic Optimum), and the morphotectonic rearrangement of stream channels base level along reactivated fault-line subordinated to the underlying Proterozoic structural framework. [Display omitted] • OSL data show sedimentation in tropical area is driven by abrupt climate changes. • Sedimentation in the study area dates to at least since the Heinrich 5 Event. • The Piemonte of Borborema Plateau has two main sedimentation phases: ∼25 and ∼9 Ka. • Neotectonic was responsible for the creation of hollows and changes in base level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two contrasting deposits of human remains, a semi-articulated skeleton in a plant funerary container and numerous burnt commingled human remains, were discovered at the archaeological site of Toca do Alto da Serra do Capim in Serra das Confusões National Park, Piauí State, Northeastern Brazil. This cave has evidence of ritual and ceremonial use dating to the Middle-Late Holocene, from 3750 ± 30 (4154–3960 cal BP) to 8590 ± 60 (9670–9490 cal BP) years BP. A mortuary analysis, focused on an archaeothanatological approach, allowed us to understand the deposit’s formation process and to reconstruct the atypical funerary pattern present in this cave. This case study included the individual primary/temporary burial of a body wrapped in a hammock bundle made of plant fibres, which was subsequently placed within a “straw nest” funerary container, while additional empty plant containers suggested exhumation of other corpses after passive natural decay, and lastly, the scattering all over the cave of burnt bones and ashes after the secondary cremation of several skeletons. Taking into account other similar Recent Holocene discoveries from various archaeological sites outside the study area and ethnographic narratives from indigenous groups of the Macro-Jê linguistic trunk, the taphonomic methodology used here allowed us to infer the sequential stages of a secondary funerary practice: involving temporary inhumation of bodies, exhumation of clean dry bones and cremation with redeposition of skeletal burnt remains. Finally, this case study shows that an archaeothanatology approach is a key tool for interpreting mortuary behaviour in certain complex and atypical archaeological bone deposits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Resource availability and bee production in a particular locality are directly related to the floristic cover of the grazing area around the area where the hives are located. Therefore, the present work aimed to collect and identify the native and exotic apiculture flora, which produces apiculture resources around the area of two apiaries in the municipality of Major Izidoro, as well as to collect phenological data and preferential specimens visited by bees (Apis mellifera L.), which will ultimately be instrumental in measuring the final production of apiaries and enabling producers to schedule their apiaries from the production of a beekeeping calendar for the municipality. The present study was conducted in two distinct apiaries located in Major Izidoro municipality, Sertão Alagoano. With regard to their flowering phenophases (Table 1) most species remained flowering all year round and most months such as: Jatropha mollissima (Pohl) Baill. (Pinhão) which maintained its flowering from January to December, Cleome spinosa Jacq. (Munssambé) from January to August/November to December, Croton heliotropiifolius Kunth (Velame) from January to July/December, Cnidoscolus urens (L.) Arthur (Nettle) from January to March/May to December. In contrast, there were species that maintained their flowering for only one month during observation: Commelina erecta L (Santa Luzia Eye) and Indigofera suffruticosa Mill. (Indigo). The shortage of flowers occurred in the months of January, February and December, consequently the production of honey tends to decrease. However, because most plants have flowering most months, they can be indicated as important food sources for the local apifauna.

Abstract Ceará state holds the second largest wetland extension in Northeastern Brazil and, thus far, there have been taxonomic studies developed about aquatic macrophytes richness for the clades of Monocots and Nymphaeales, and of two Eudicot families only. In this context, the present study is a synopsis of the aquatic representatives of Eudicotyledons and Ceratophyllaceae in Ceará state, providing further information about the biodiversity of aquatic ecosystems in the Brazilian semiarid. We present an updated survey based on material deposited at the EAC, IPA, R and RB herbaria and on images from digital platforms, including diagnostic descriptions, identification keys, photographs and comments about geographic distribution. We recorded 28 families, 43 genera and 82 species. The most representative families were Lentibulariaceae (12 spp.), Malvaceae (9 spp.), Plantaginaceae (9 spp.), Fabaceae (8 spp.) and Onagraceae (7 spp.), whilst Ceratophyllaceae was represented by one species only. Helophytes were the predominant growth form (64%), followed by the bottom-rooted emergent hydrophytes (20%), and Podostemaceae was the only family represented by haptophytes (4 spp.).

Trypanosoma cruzi is the etiological agent of Chagas disease, a neglected tropical infection with great public health importance. This protozoan has triatomine insects as vector but may also be transmitted through blood transfusion, organ transplants, ingestion of contaminated food, or congenitally. It has a heterogeneous population classified into Discrete Typing Units (DTUs), TcI–TcVI and TcBat. The aim of this study was to molecularly characterize the DTUs of T. cruzi in triatomines from a Chagas disease endemic area in Northeastern Brazil. Triatomines were collected and the gut content was microscopically analyzed to investigate the presence of trypanosomatid flagellates. In addition, digestive tracts of some specimens were dissected and molecularly analyzed through PCR for Trypanosoma spp. and sequencing. PCR positive samples were further submitted to a multiplex PCR for DTUs of T. cruzi. A total of 117 triatomines were collected, 93.16% being in intradomicile and 6.84% in peridomicile environments. Insects were identified as Panstrongylus lutzi (37.60%), Triatoma pseudomaculata (26.50%), Triatoma brasiliensis (23.08%) and Panstrongylus megistus (12.82%). The specimens herein analyzed presented infection rates by T. cruzi of 5.49% and 12.09% in parasitological and molecular examinations, respectively. Multiplex PCR screening revealed 70.59% of the TcI genotype, detected in all triatomine species identified in this study and 29.41% of the DTU TcIII/TcIV detected in P. megistus and P. lutzi. T. cruzi infect triatomines in intradomicile and peridomicile environments, which brings attention to the risk of human infections and to the importance of the implementation of surveillance and entomological control actions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Disruption of ecosystem services associated with climate change may affect human well-being in different ways. Medicinal plants provide extremely relevant ecosystem services. Here, we tested the hypothesis that highly suitable habitats (i.e., suitability ≥ 0:8) for medicinal plants in Caatinga dry forest may be potentially contracted under scenarios of climate change, which are represented by different levels of increases in greenhouse gas emissions. We performed species distribution modelling to simulate the effects of climate change on the range of suitable habitats for medicinal plants native to the Caatinga dry forest. We selected the 10 most important plant species based on their high local importance as medicinal resources. We documented that climate change may distinctly affect areas of suitable habitats for medicinal plants in the Caatinga dry forest. Independent of the future climatic scenario projected to 2090, 70% of the studied species will likely experience reductions in their areas of highly suitable habitats and 30% will likely experience increases. Specifically, suitable habitats will likely be reduced for (1) Amburana cearensis, (2) Anadenanthera colubrina, (3) Bauhinia cheilantha, (4) Myracrodruon urundeuva, (5) Neocalyptrocalyx longifolium, (6) Operculina hamiltonii, (7) O. macrocarpa; and will likely be increased for (1) Cereus jamacaru, (2) Erythrina velutina, (3) Maytenus rigida. We also documented a reduction in medicinal plant species richness and composition in all three future climatic scenarios analyzed. We alert that potential future contractions of highly suitable habitats for the most important medicinal plants may compromise ecosystem functions and the provisioning of relevant natural medicines, mainly to low-income communities, which are abundant in the Caatinga dry forest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Justicieae is one of the largest tribes of Acanthaceae, composed of 2000 species distributed in 100 genera, with highest diversity in the neotropical region. Palynological studies containing several representatives of the tribe are rare, specially species from Northeastern Brazil. The present study aims to differentiate species and evaluate palynological characters in the light of a phylogenetic hypothesis of Justicieae. Eighteen species belonging to six genera were analyzed. Pollen grains were acetolyzed, measured and photographed under light microscopy (LM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Pollen grains are medium to very large in size, isopolar, planaperturate, subprolate, prolate to prolate spheroidal, and two-colporate to three-colporate, or with six pseudocolpi. The exine ornamentation is microreticulate to reticulate with areolae between the apertures in most species. Some species present a cavea in the mesocolpium. The pollen morphology of Justicia chamaedryoides, J. congrua, J. glaziovii, J. thunbergioides, J. sphaerosperma, Pseuderanthemum congestum, and P. modestum are hereby described for the first time. A new combination is also proposed, Thyrsacanthus angustissimus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ceará state holds the second largest wetland extension in Northeastern Brazil and, thus far, there have been taxonomic studies developed about aquatic macrophytes richness for the clades of Monocots and Nymphaeales, and of two Eudicot families only. In this context, the present study is a synopsis of the aquatic representatives of Eudicotyledons and Ceratophyllaceae in Ceará state, providing further information about the biodiversity of aquatic ecosystems in the Brazilian semiarid. We present an updated survey based on material deposited at the EAC, IPA, R and RB herbaria and on images from digital platforms, including diagnostic descriptions, identification keys, photographs and comments about geographic distribution. We recorded 28 families, 43 genera and 82 species. The most representative families were Lentibulariaceae (12 spp.), Malvaceae (9 spp.), Plantaginaceae (9 spp.), Fabaceae (8 spp.) and Onagraceae (7 spp.), whilst Ceratophyllaceae was represented by one species only. Helophytes were the predominant growth form (64%), followed by the bottom-rooted emergent hydrophytes (20%), and Podostemaceae was the only family represented by haptophytes (4 spp.). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present the first record of Heterosperma (H. ovatifolium, Asteraceae) for Brazil as a result of the taxonomic study of tribe Coreopsideae for Northeastern Brazil. The genus currently comprises 11 species, occurring from southwestern United States to South America and the West Indies. We present a complete morphological description, a photo plate, and a distribution map with the updated distribution for H. ovatifolium. Additionally, we present an updated identification key for the genera of Coreopsideae for Brazil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Brazilian Journal of Biology is the property of Instituto Internacional de Ecologia 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 Caatinga is the property of Revista Caatinga 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 Background The spread of Dengue virus (DENV) infections, as well as their signs and symptoms, are the result of a complex interaction between several factors. In Brazil, especially in the Northeastern, dengue is an important public health problem. Here, we report an epidemiological analysis of dengue cases in Pernambuco state, Northeastern Brazil, during 2015–2017. Methods This work is a retrospective cross-sectional observational study on the epidemiological profile of all dengue cases confirmed and reported to the Health Secretary of Pernambuco between 2015 and 2017. These data cover all municipalities of Pernambuco, except Fernando de Noronha. DENV-positive individuals were classified according to the dengue type (without and with warning signs, or severe dengue), age, gender, ethnicity and intermediate geographic region of residence (Recife, Caruaru, Serra Talhada or Petrolina). The distribution of cases over the years was assessed by χ2 test. Temperature and rainfall data were evaluated by Unpaired t-test. p-value

Tropical precipitation patterns will most likely be altered by future climate change, with major socioeconomic consequences for human populations that are highly reliant on water availability for subsistence like populations in northeastern (NE) Brazil. Socioeconomic consequences may be particularly disruptive in the occurrence of abrupt climate change. Understanding the response of tropical precipitation to abrupt climate change is a crucial task for improving future projections and devising adaptation policies. Past abrupt climate change events such as the Dansgaard-Oeschger (DO) cycles may provide relevant insights regarding the dynamics of the climate system under this type of climate change. Here we present a paleoceanographic reconstruction off NE Brazil based on geochemical analyses (stable oxygen isotopes, Mg/Ca and Ba/Ca) performed in planktonic foraminifera, that focus on DO stadials of Marine Isotope Stage 5 (MIS5, 130–71 ka). Our new Ba/Ca record shows increases in fluvial discharge linked to enhanced continental precipitation over NE Brazil during DO stadials of MIS5. Tropical precipitation patterns were altered with enhanced rainfall in NE Brazil during DO stadials as a consequence of a southward displacement of the Intertropical Convergence Zone, which, in turn, was likely a response to changes in ocean heat transport and sea ice cover, as highlighted by recent climate model simulations. The results presented here provide useful information on how abrupt climate change can impact tropical rainfall, which is crucial for tropical societies in order to delineate strategies to cope with future climate change.