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Iturbide is in the northeast of Mexico and has a rich native and exotic flora; however, there are no ethnobotanical records, therefore, it requires attention in the documentation of traditional knowledge and practices of its botanical resources. In 2021, twelve field trips were carried out, applying 110 semi-structured interviews. Plant samples were collected, identified and deposited in an herbarium. We used the Chi-square test to compare the anthropocentric categories concerning others reported in Mexico. To determine the cultural importance, three ethnobotanical indices were applied (UVI, ICF and FL). We recorded 250 species with ethnobotanical implications associated with 121 genera and 83 families, including 140 native and 110 exotic species. The most common plant families were Asteraceae, Lamiaceae and Fabaceae. The main categories of uses were: ornamental, medicinal and food. The species with the highest UVI values were Lepidium peruvianum, Ocimum basilicum and Salvia rosamrinus. The multifunctionality of the native and exotic flora demonstrates the extensive knowledge associated with botanical resources. For example, the role of ornamental plants, with a direct impact on human well-being, the resilience of healers and traditional inhabitants by using different species for the treatment of various ailments or indigenous edible plants in the daily diet.

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior - CAPES Forests in Rio Grande do Sul have large proportions of fragmented areas, mainly due to agricultural and livestock activities which require studies to increase knowledge about the dynamics of these formations. Therefore, the objective of this work was to evaluate the structure and floristic composition in conjunction with environmental variables and ecological configurations, in a secondary forest environment in Dona Francisca, RS, Brazil. For this purpose, 50 plots measuring 10 m x 20 m (200 m²) were spaced 10 m apart in 10 parallel strips, 40 m apart, from the base to the top of the slope, with a total sampling area of 1 ha forest. Adult individuals were identified and the dendrometric variables, DBH and height were measured. From the environmental variables were collected those related to the soil, topography and luminosity. And for the ecological strategies of plants were determined the functional traits related to leaf, maximum DBH, maximum height, regeneration guilds and dispersion syndrome. From the analyzes and correlations, it was possible to verify 2.045 individuals distributed in 65 tree species distributed in 31 botanical families, with distribution in the most initial dap classes, indicating a young population. Casearia sylvetris was the species of greatest abundance with 505 individuals, followed by Nectandra lanceolata, Cupania vernalis and Guarea macrophylla, in importance value. Seven exotic species were sampled, which totaled 105 individuals. Of these Hovenia dulcis presented 85 individuals. The environmental variables correlated with the distribution of the species were those related to relief, canopy cover and phosphorus content, influencing the tree community structure. In addition, Hovenia dulcis and canopy cover showed a negative correlation, which may be a determining factor in the growth of its population, since the species needs light for its life cycle. From the functional traits, the main species were grouped in conservatives and acquisitions, being the most numerous, reinforcing that the forest is regenerating before the ecological and environmental conditions. Also that the functional traits dispersion syndrome and regeneration guilds are important strategies of plants for the restoration of native vegetation in area after agricultural cultivation. The functional attributes that presented negative correlation were leaf area and specific and positive leaf area between maximum diameter and maximum height, both correlations corresponding to plant growth and development. In this sense, the study area presented characteristics of a forest in the regeneration stage with the capacity to restore native vegetation, being resilient even presenting exotic species. Thus, it is very important to accompany secondary forests in formation, since they allow inferring in the composition of forest formations to a greater basis for their conservation and preservation in the State of RS. As florestas no estado do Rio Grande do Sul apresentam grandes proporções de áreas fragmentadas, principalmente, pela atividade agrícola e pecuária, que necessitam de estudos para ampliar conhecimentos sobre a dinâmica dessas formações. Diante disso, o objetivo principal deste trabalho foi avaliar a estrutura e composição florística conjuntamente com as variáveis ambientais e as estratégias ecológicas, em um trecho de floresta secundária em Dona Francisca, RS, Brasil. Para tanto, foram instaladas 50 parcelas de dimensão 10 m x 20 m (200 m²) distanciadas 10 m entre si em 10 faixas paralelas distanciadas 40 m uma da outra, em direção base ao topo da encosta, com área total de amostragem em 1 ha de floresta. Os indivíduos adultos foram identificados e deles mensurados as variáveis dendrométricas, DAP e altura. Das variáveis ambientais foram coletadas aquelas relacionadas com o solo, topografia e luminosidade. Para as estratégias ecológicas das plantas foram determinados os atributos funcionais relacionados à folha, DAP máximo, altura máxima, guildas de regeneração e síndrome de dispersão. Pelas análises e correlações foi possível verificar 2.045 indivíduos distribuídos em 65 espécies arbóreas distribuídas em 31 famílias botânicas, com distribuição nas classes mais iniciais de DAP, indicando uma população jovem. Casearia sylvetris foi a espécie de maior abundância com 505 indivíduos, seguido de Nectandra lanceolata, Cupania vernalis e Guarea macrophylla, em valor de importância. Sete espécies exóticas foram amostradas, as quais totalizaram 105 indivíduos. Desses Hovenia dulcis apresentou 85 indivíduos. As variáveis ambientais correlacionadas com a distribuição das espécies foram as relacionadas com o relevo, cobertura de dossel e teor de fósforo, influenciando na estrutura da comunidade arbórea. Além disso, verificou-se para a Hovenia dulcis e cobertura de dossel uma correlação negativa, podendo ser um fator determinante no crescimento de sua população, uma vez que a espécie precisa de luz para seu ciclo de vida. Dos atributos funcionais, as principais espécies foram agrupadas em conservativas e aquisitivas, sendo as aquisitivas de maior número, reforçando que a floresta está se regenerando diante das condições ecológicas e ambientais. Também que os atributos funcionais síndrome de dispersão e guildas de regeneração são importantes estratégias das plantas para o restabelecimento da vegetação nativa em área após cultivo agrícola. Os atributos funcionais que apresentaram correlação negativa foram área foliar e área foliar específica e positiva entre diâmetro máximo e altura máxima, ambas correlações correspondentes ao crescimento e desenvolvimento da planta. Nesse sentido, a área de estudo apresentou características de uma floresta em estágio de regeneração com capacidade de restabelecimento da vegetação nativa, sendo resiliente mesmo apresentando espécies exóticas. Assim, se faz de suma importância acompanhar as florestas secundárias em formação, uma vez que permitem inferir na composição das formações florestais para um maior embasamento quanto a sua conservação e preservação no estado do Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil

Human land use causes major changes in species abundance and composition, yet native and exotic species can exhibit different responses to land use change. Native populations generally decline in human-impacted habitats while exotic species often benefit. In this study, we assessed the effects of human land use on exotic and native reptile diversity, including functional diversity, which relates to the range of habitat use strategies in biotic communities. We surveyed 114 reptile communities from localities that varied in habitat structure and human impact level on two Caribbean islands, and calculated species richness, overall abundance, and evenness for every plot. Functional diversity indices were calculated using published trait data, which enabled us to detect signs of trait filtering associated with impacted habitats. Our results show that environmental variation among sampling plots was explained by two Principal Component Analysis (PCA) ordination axes related to habitat structure (i.e., forest or nonforest) and human impact level (i.e., addition of man-made constructions such as roads and buildings). Several diversity indices were significantly correlated with the two PCA axes, but exotic and native species showed opposing responses. Native species reached the highest abundance in forests, while exotic species were absent in this habitat. Human impact was associated with an increase in exotic abundance and species richness, while native species showed no significant associations. Functional diversity was highest in nonforested environments on both islands, and further increased on St. Martin with the establishment of functionally unique exotic species in nonforested habitat. Habitat structure, rather than human impact, proved to be an important agent for environmental filtering of traits, causing divergent functional trait values across forested and nonforested environments. Our results illustrate the importance of considering various elements of land use when studying its impact on species diversity and the establishment and spread of exotic species.

Updated list of earthworms (Oligochaeta: Lumbricina) from Santa Fe (Argentina) is presented in this work, including current data of species richness and territorial distribution status and information collected by Ljungström and collaborators 40 years ago. Field samplings were conducted between 2012 and 2015 at 23 sites, located in 11 of the 19 districts of the province. Earthworms were collected following a standard methodology (Tropical Soil Biology and Fertility). The conservation of specimens was done with 4 % formalin solution and their identification was performed according to taxonomy keys. Richness, similarity and complementarity of species between the phytogeographic provinces were analyzed. A total of 15 earthworm species were identified and grouped into ten genera and five families: Acanthodrilidae (Dichogaster bolaui, Microscolex dubius), Glossoscolecidae (Glossodrilus parecis), Lumbricidae (Aporrectodea caliginosa, Aporrectodea rosea, Aporrectodea trapezoides, Bimastos parvus, Eisenia fetida, Octolasion tyrtaeum), Megascolecidae (Amynthas gracilis, Amynthas morrisi, Metaphire californica), Ocnerodrilidae (Eukerria saltensis, Eukerria rosea, Eukerria stagnalis). From all the species found five, G. parecis, E. saltensis, E. rosea, E. stagnalis and M. dubius, are native to South America, and the rest were introduced from Asia and Europe. The Espinal presented the greatest richness of earthworms (12), while the Pampeana showed high values of complementarity (greater than 70 %) with the Chaco Húmedo and Valle de Inundación del Río Paraná. Endogeic species were present in all environments surveyed. In particular, the exotic species A. trapezoides and A. morrisi showed a wide geographical distribution, having been found at 70 and 50 %, respectively, of the total number of the studied sites. One species, E. rosea, which is in the list, was not recorded in the sampling of 40 years ago. The results of current survey show that the number of species was lower compared to study by Ljungström and collaborators (60 % of the 23 species registered). Possibly the remarkable change in the richness and distribution of earthworms could be a process associated with changes in soil use and land management developed over 40 years. En este trabajo se presenta una lista actualizada de lombrices de tierra (Oligochaeta: Lumbricina) de Santa Fe (Argentina), incluyendo datos actuales de riqueza de especies y estado de distribución territorial e información recolectada por Ljungström y colaboradores hace 40 años. Los muestreos de campo se realizaron entre 2012 y 2015 en 23 sitios, ubicados en 11 de los 19 departamentos de la provincia. Las lombrices fueron recolectadas siguiendo un método estándar (Programa de Biología y Fertilidad del Suelo Tropical). La conservación de los especímenes se realizó con solución de formalina al 4 % y la identificación se realizó mediante claves taxonómicas. Se analizó la riqueza, similitud y complementariedad de especies entre las provincias fitogeográficas. Se identificaron un total de 15 especies de lombrices y se agruparon en diez géneros y cinco familias Acanthodrilidae (Dichogaster bolaui, Microscolex dubius), Glossoscolecidae (Glossodrilus parecis), Lumbricidae (Aporrectodea caliginosa, Aporrectodea rosea, Aporrectodea trapezoides, Bimastos parvus, Eisenia fetida, Octolasion tyrtaeum), Megascolecidae (Amynthas gracilis, Amynthas morrisi, Metaphire californica), Ocnerodrilidae (Eukerria saltensis, Eukerria rosea, Eukerria stagnalis). De todas las especies encontradas cinco, G. parecis, E. saltensis, E. rosea, E. stagnalis y M. dubius, son nativas de América del Sur, y el resto introducidas desde Asia y Europa. Las especies endogeas estuvieron presentes en todos los ambientes estudiados. En particular, las especies exóticas A. trapezoides y A. morrisi mostraron amplia distribución geográfica, encontrándose en el 70 y 50 %, respectivamente, de los sitios estudiados. Una especie, E. rosea, que está en la lista, no fue registrada en el muestreo de hace 40 años. La zona del Espinal presentó la mayor riqueza de lombrices (12), en tanto que la Pampeana mostró valores altos de complementariedad (mayores al 70 %) con el Chaco Húmedo y el Valle de Inundación del Río Paraná. Los resultados del relevamiento actual muestran que el número de especies fue menor en comparación con el estudio de Ljungström y colaboradores (60 % de las 23 especies registradas). Posiblemente el notable cambio en la biodiversidad del paisaje de la provincia, asociado al uso de la tierra y a la gestión de los sistemas de producción desarrollados a lo largo de 40 años, podría haber influido en la distribución y riqueza de especies de lombrices.

La vegetación arvense y ruderal de México contribuye sustancialmente a la riqueza de especies en México. En los últimos años, sobre todo desde la apertura del comercio con regiones vecinas y lejanas, ha cobrado interés el tema de las plantas exóticas invasoras, debido a su impacto actual y potencial sobre la conservación y las actividades agropecuarias. Existe poca información a nivel nacional concerniente a las plantas vasculares que se desarrollan en ambientes modificados, en particular del hábitat ruderal. Este trabajo tiene el objetivo de contribuir al conocimiento de la vegetación ruderal de una región en el límite entre tipos de clima (templado y tropical) y reinos florísticos (Holártico y Neotropical), a través del análisis de la composición florística, características ecológicas y biogeográficas de las especies de plantas vasculares en Malinalco, Estado de México. En especial, interesa contestar la interrogante si las especies exóticas constituyen una parte importante de la flora ruderal. Para este fin, se documentó y comparó la vegetación urbana de la ciudad pequeña de Malinalco con la vegetación viaria de la carretera Chalma-Malinalco; se incluyeron todas las especies encontradas, también algunas posiblemente plantadas. Se elaboró un listado florístico con base en colectas para cada ambiente, con salidas mensuales de campo durante un año (2008-2009). Para el análisis ecológico se muestrearon cuadros de los que se obtuvo la lista de especies y se estimó la cobertura con base en la escala de Braun-Blanquet. En Malinalco se registraron 442 especies, 335 géneros y 100 familias de plantas vasculares. Existe solo 31.7% de semejanza en especies entre la flora urbana y viaria. A pesar de esto la proporción de las diferentes formas de vida, el espectro de los colores de las flores, de agentes polinizadores, de tipos de fruto y de mecanismos de dispersión son muy similiares, lo cual indica que puede haber patrones al respecto. El análisis biogeográfico muestra que la vegetación viaria presenta más especies endémicas y la zona urbana contiene mayor proporción de especies americanas que migraron al Viejo Mundo y exóticas (24.4% vs. 15%). Las especies exóticas solo constituyen un 16.8% de todas las especies de plantas vasculares registradas. Las afinidades florísticas son principalmente neotropicales y con la cuenca del río Balsas. Un análisis de estadística multivariable identificó especies clave afines a cualidades del suelo como la textura, alcalinidad y contenido de materia orgánica. En conclusión, la vegetación ruderal de esta región principalmente tropical refleja la alta riqueza con dominancia de especies nativas y endémicas, cualidades prioritarias para el Área Natural Protegida “Tenancingo-Malinalco-Zumpahuacán”. _______________ THE RUDERAL FLORA AND VEGETATION OF MALINALCO, MEXICO STATE. ABSTRACT: The agrestal and ruderal vegetation contributes substantially to the species richness of Mexico. Because of the increase of trade with nearby and distant regions in recent years, the subject of exotic invasive plants has become of interest, due to its current and potential impact on conservation and agricultural activities. However, there is little information in Mexico on vascular plants that grow in disturbed habitats, particularly the ruderal type. This paper aims to contribute to the knowledge of the ruderal vegetation in a region on the border between types of climate (temperate and tropical) and floristic kingdoms (Holartico and Neotropical), by analysing the floristic, ecological and biogeographic composition of the vascular plants of Malinalco, State of Mexico. Of particular interest was the question whether alien species are an important part of the ruderal flora. To this end, the urban vegetation of the small town of Malinalco was documented and compared with the road-side vegetation of the rural road Malinalco-Chalma. All species found were included, also some possibly planted. A checklist of the flora for each environment was based on monthly visits during one year (2008-2009). For the ecological analysis, plots were sampled and a list of species obtained, together with an estimated coverage on the Braun-Blanquet scale. The taxa registered in Malinalco were 442 species, 335 genera and 100 families of vascular plants. The similarity between the urban and road-side flora is only 31.7%. Surprisingly, the proportion of different life forms, the spectrum of colors of flowers, pollinators, fruit types and dispersal mechanisms is very similar, indicating the possible existence of patterns. The biogeographical analysis shows that the roadside has more endemic species and the urban area a higher proportion of American species that have migrated to the Old World, as well as exotic species (24.4% vs. 15% of the roadside). Exotic species constitute only 16.8% of all registered vascular plant species. The floristic affinities are mainly neotropical and with the Balsas River basin. A multivariate statistic analysis identified key species related to soil qualities such as texture, alkalinity and organic matter content. In conclusion, the ruderal vegetation of this mainly tropical region reflects the high species richness with the dominance of native species and endemics, priority qualities for the Protected Natural Area "Tenancingo-Malinalco-Zumpahuacán”.

Araucaria angustifolia, also known as the Paraná Pine is an endangered tree species in Brazil and little is known of the diversity of soil invertebrates inhabiting these forests. Therefore, the present study was set up to evaluate the biomass and diversity of earthworms in natural and reforested Araucaria plots, impacted or not by fire, and to identify the most efficient earthworm collection method. Four study areas included: native forest with Araucaria (NF); Araucaria reforestation (R); Araucaria reforestation submitted to an accidental fire (RF); and native grass pasture with native Araucaria and submitted to an intense accidental fire (NPF). Five soil samples containing the earthworm community were taken in a 0.3 ha area in each of the forest sites, close to five Araucaria trees selected at random. Three collection methods were tested: application of dilute Formol (0.5%) to the soil surface, handsorting of small (25 ´ 25 cm) or large (40´ 40 cm) monoliths. Five earthworm species were found: the native Glossoscolex sp.1, Glossoscolex sp.2, Glossoscolex bondari and Urobenus brasiliensis (Glossoscolecidae), and the exotic Amynthas corticis (Megascolecidae). Formol was more efficient for collecting A. corticis, found in much higher abundance and biomass in NF than in the other areas. Larger handsorted samples were more efficient for capturing Glossoscolex species, mainly present in RF and NPF. For adequate characterization of earthworm abundance and biomass in these Araucaria forests, both the Formol and the larger monolith methods are recommended. Araucaria angustifolia, também conhecida como Pinheiro do Paraná é uma espécie de árvore ameaçada de extinção no Brasil e pouco se conhece sobre a diversidade de invertebrados que habitam os solos destas florestas. O presente estudo teve o objetivo de avaliar, em florestas com araucária naturais e reflorestadas impactadas ou não pela queima acidental, a diversidade e a biomassa de minhocas, além de identificar o método mais eficiente para coletar estes animais. As áreas estudadas incluem: floresta nativa com araucária (NF); reflorestamento de araucária (R); reflorestamento de araucária submetido a incêndio acidental (RF); e campo nativo com araucárias nativas e ocorrência de incêndio (NPF). Em cada floresta, cinco amostras de solo para avaliação da comunidade de minhocas foram coletadas em 0,3 ha, perto de cinco árvores de araucária selecionadas ao acaso. Foram testados três métodos: aplicação de Formol diluído (0,5%) na superfície do solo; escavação e triagem manual de monólitos pequenos (25 ´ 25 cm) ou maiores (40 ´ 40 cm). Foram encontradas cinco espécies de minhocas, as nativas Glossoscolex sp.1, Glossoscolex sp.2, Glossoscolex bondari e Urobenus brasiliensis (Glossoscolecidae), e a exótica Amynthas corticis (Megascolecidae). Formol foi mais eficiente para coletar A. corticis espécie encontrada em maior abundância e biomassa fresca total em NF do que nas outras áreas. A triagem manual de amostras de solo maiores foi mais eficiente para capturar as espécies de Glossoscolex, presentes principalmente em RF e NPF. Formol e a triagem manual de monólitos maiores são recomendados para caracterizar a abundância e biomassa de minhocas nas florestas com araucárias.