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For nearly four decades, harlequin toads, genus Atelopus, have suffered unparalleled population declines. While this also results in limited understanding of alphataxonomic relationships, these toads face an urgent need for advances in systematics to inform conservation efforts. However, high intraspecific variation and cryptic diversity have hindered a comprehensive understanding of Atelopus diversity. This is particularly exemplified among Amazonian populations related to A. spumarius, where decades of taxonomic work have not been able yet to unravel relationships between the many forms, while the names coined so far have led to taxonomic confusion leaving numerous lineages unnamed. A recent comprehensive phylogenetic study has revealed new insights into the systematics of harlequin toads with an emphasis on Amazonian forms, identifying several unnamed lineages. We here describe one of these evolutionary lineages as a new species, restricted to the Ecuadorian Amazon basin, in an integrative taxonomic approach using molecular, morphological, bioacoustic and larval information. With this, we contribute to a better understanding of Atelopus diversity as the baseline of conservation action. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

European Hare (Lepus europaeus), like many invasive species, have declined in much of their native range but flourished in non-native regions (e.g. South America). Previous studies suggested that loss of farmland heterogeneity due to agricultural intensification is the main driver of the species decline in its native range in Europe. Yet, little is known about the role of spatial and temporal heterogeneity and land cover types as predictors of European Hare local abundance in Neotropical agricultural landscapes. We hypothesized that spatial and temporal heterogeneity, rather than land cover types, would be the most influential predictors of hare local abundance in intensively managed Neotropical agricultural landscapes. We sampled 55 sites embedded within agricultural-dominated landscapes from southeastern Brazil with camera traps and transect surveys. Sites were selected along an uncorrelated gradient of native vegetation cover and compositional heterogeneity. We estimated the relative abundance of European hares using an occupancy model that accounts for imperfect detection of species induced primarily by variation in local abundance. We found that land cover diversity, sugarcane, and savanna cover were the best predictors of European Hare relative abundance. Hare relative abundance estimates were low and did not vary dramatically among sites, suggesting that this invader has not yet attained high local density in our study region. European Hare attained the highest relative abundance in agricultural landscapes that locally combine higher compositional heterogeneity, including sugarcane crops, and little to no native savanna. Areas with these combined features may represent the most important nascent foci, fostering ongoing northward spread of this invasive species in the Neotropics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Resumo: A especialização individual (EI) refere‐se à variação intrapopulacional no uso de recursos não relacionada à ontogenia, ao dimorfismo sexual ou à existência de morfotipos definidos. Um nicho amplo aumenta a especialização individual porque os indivíduos podem se segregar no espaço do nicho. Se a posição trófica influenciar a amplitude do nicho, ela restringirá indiretamente o grau de especialização individual. Os níveis tróficos intermediários, geralmente associados à onivoria, podem apresentar menos restrições em seu nicho trófico, o que levaria a altos níveis de especialização individual. Investigamos o grau de especialização individual e sua relação com a posição trófica em 121 populações de peixes pertencentes a 32 espécies do alto rio Tocantins, no Brasil Central. Calculamos a EI usando o índice V com base nos conteúdos estomacais dos indivíduos, sendo que valores próximos a 1 indicam forte EI. A EI oscilou de 0 a 0,87 e variou muito entre as espécies. Mostramos que a amplitude do nicho afeta positivamente a especialização individual de uma população, independentemente de sua posição trófica. As populações que ocupam posições tróficas intermediárias e altas apresentaram os graus mais altos de especialização individual. A onivoria não tem efeito significativo sobre os valores de especialização individual. Nós acreditamos que a intrincada relação entre a especialização individual, a posição trófica e a amplitude do nicho está relacionada à grande oportunidade ecológica e à plasticidade trófica dos peixes tropicais. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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

We update the distributions in Venezuela for the four species of ghost bats of the genus Diclidurus taxonomically recognized and provide additional information on their echolocation calls. Diclidurus albus has the most extensive geographical range, while the majority of the locations recorded for the other species are in the region south of the Orinoco River, with some extensions to the north. The first records of D. scutatus for the west and the northern extreme of Venezuela are reported. Acoustic patterns previously described for D. albus and D. ingens are confirmed; in addition, the first verified vocal signatures of D. isabella and a clarification of D. scutatus search phase calls are provided. We compare the echolocation parameters obtained for all four congeneric species, based on acoustic records whose identities in some cases were verified through simultaneous field observations or the collection of voucher specimens. General characteristics of vocal signatures of Diclidurus include narrow band and quasi-constant frequency (QCF) search phase pulses in ranges correlated with body size, with long inter-pulse intervals. The characteristic frequency of the dominant harmonic represents the most important acoustic parameter for species separation and identification, showing an inversely proportional relationship with body size. The majority of sampling sites for species of Diclidurus in Venezuela correspond to open spaces associated with water bodies and forests with different levels of disturbance. Diclidurus albus and D. ingens were the species found with the highest frequencies in areas whose environmental conditions have been influenced by anthropogenic activities, while D. isabella showed a greater relationship with pristine areas where primary and extensive forests represented the dominant vegetation. Actualizamos las distribuciones en Venezuela de las cuatro especies de murciélagos fantasmas del género Diclidurus taxonómicamente reconocidas y aportamos información adicional sobre sus señales de ecolocación. Diclidurus albus muestra el rango geográfico más extenso, mientras que la mayoría de las localidades registradas para las otras especies se ubica al sur del río Orinoco, con algunas extensiones hacia el norte. Los primeros registros de D. scutatus para el oeste y el extremo norte de Venezuela son reportados. Los patrones acústicos previamente descritos para D. albus y D. ingens son confirmados; adicionalmente, se presentan las primeras firmas vocales de D. isabella y una clarificación de las emisiones de D. scutatus correspondientes a la fase de búsqueda. Comparamos los parámetros de ecolocación obtenidos para las cuatro especies congéneres, basados en registros acústicos cuyas identidades en algunos casos fueron verificadas mediante observaciones simultaneas en campo o la colecta de especímenes comprobantes. Las características generales de las firmas vocales de Diclidurus incluyen pulsos de la fase de búsqueda con banda estrecha y frecuencias casi constantes (QCF) en rangos correlacionados con el tamaño corporal, además de intervalos entre pulsos prolongados. La frecuencia característica de la harmónica dominante representa el parámetro acústico más importante para la separación e identificación de las especies, mostrando una relación inversamente proporcional al tamaño corporal. La mayoría de los sitios de muestreo de las especies de Diclidurus en Venezuela corresponden a espacios abiertos asociados con cuerpos de agua y bosques con diferentes niveles de perturbación. Diclidurus albus and D. ingens fueron las especies halladas con mayores frecuencias en áreas cuyas condiciones ambientales han sido influenciadas por actividades antrópicas, mientras que D. isabella mostró una relación más estrecha con áreas prístinas donde los bosques primarios y extensos representaron la vegetación dominante. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ganoderma is a genus of wood-decaying polypores fungi with several species, in which morphological delimitation has been challenging due to its large plasticity. Knowledge of the taxonomic diversity of Ganoderma in Cuba remains incomplete. Here, we identified some species, mainly laccate, of Ganoderma present in Cuba based on morphological and phylogenetic data and investigated their relationships with other species. Type specimens, recently collected materials, herbarium specimens and in vitro cultures were studied to delimit morphological species. The phylogenetic affinities of ten species were inferred based on multilocus (ITS rDNA, rpb2 , tef1-α) DNA sequences to delimit phylogenetic species. In this work, 14 species of Ganoderma were recognized in Cuba, of which G. amazonense , G. curtisii , G. dussii and G. multiplicatum are reported for the first time. Ganoderma rodriguezii sp. nov. is described as a novel species. We confirmed G. amazonense is a non-laccate species although it is phylogenetically affine to laccate species. An identification key for studied species, nomenclatural information, updated descriptions and geographical distributions are presented. The lectotypification in second step of G. perzonatum , G. pulverulentum and  G. zonatum was made here. To correctly interpret G. perzonatum , recent collections, including live strains from the type locality, are described. We confirm G. lucidum is not present in Cuba, despite previous records from the country. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista de Arqueologia is the property of Revista de Arqueologia 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.)

Somatic characters are shared by many Chelodesmidae groups, and generic placement and species identifications traditionally have been based on gonopodal morphology. Female genitalic characters have been largely neglected and are rarely photographed or illustrated. This is rather unfortunate as the morphology of female genitalia presents important characters and may be decisive for developing a more robust family classification. We describe the heretofore unknown female of Sandalodesmus araujoi (Schubart, 1946), previously known only from the male holotype collected in São Paulo, Brazil in December 1943; discuss the utility of female genitalic characters for species delineation in Sandalodesmus; and report the first case of a mass occurrence in the Chelodesmidae. While an attempt at a formal diagnosis of Sandalodesmus females based on genitalic characters is premature, the vulvar morphology of the three taxa examined in this study suggests that female genitalia are species-specific. Some characters (i.e., asymmetric valves, presence of digitiform projections and reduction of setae on the internal basal portion of the valves) are constant between the species, suggesting utility for generic-level delineation. Mass occurrences of millipedes are typically unpredictable and likely related to variations in environmental conditions and/or anthropogenic modifications of natural habitats. Although the mass occurrence of S. araujoi reported herein was only observed once, the event coincides with the mating period of millipedes during the rainy season in Brazil. On the other hand, the region where the species was found has been the target of intense urban development, including replacement of natural habitats with residential areas, which may have influenced its population dynamics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new species of Evolvulus from the Brazilian Cerrado, a savanna biodiversity hotspot, is described here. Evolvulus aureus sp. nov. is similar to E. passerinoides, both found in Cerrado, and share erect stems (also decumbent in E. passerinoides), branched at the base, leaves spiral, flat, with acute apex and leaf base rounded, and axillary flowers. They can be distinguished by the indument type and by its color when herborized, shape of the leaf blade, visibility of secondary veins, sepal length, and anther shape. This new species is circumscribed into E. sect. Passerinoidei based on erect stem, axillary and solitary flowers, and funnelform corolla. A diagnosis, morphological description, illustrations, taxonomic notes, informal conservation status, distribution map, and an identification key are provided. É descrita uma nova espécie de Evolvulus ocorrente no Cerrado brasileiro, uma savana considerada hotspot de biodiversidade. Evolvulus aureus sp. nov. é similar a E. passerinoides, ambos ocorrem no Cerrado brasileiro e compartilham caule ereto (também decumbente em E. passerinoides), ramificado na base, folhas espiraladas, lâmina foliar plana com ápice agudo, base foliar redonda e flores axilares. Estas espécies são distinguidas pelo tipo de indumento e sua cor quando herborizadas, forma da lâmina foliar, visibilidade das nervuras secundarias, comprimento das sépalas e forma das anteras. Esta nova espécie é posicionada em E. sect. Passerinoidei baseada no caule ereto, flores axilares e solitárias, e corola infundibuliforme. Uma diagnose, descrições morfológicas, ilustrações, notas taxonômicas, estado de conservação informal, mapa de distribuição e uma chave taxonômica são apresentados. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Geastrum tupiense is a new species belonging to subsect. Velutina (Sect. Myceliostroma). The fundamental diagnostic characteristics are reddish immature basidiomata and rhizomorphs with bipyramidal crystals. It was found in two areas of the Atlantic Forest biome, considered one of the main hotspots in the world for its high level of endemism and biodiversity. Delimitation of this new species was based on morphological characters and phylogenetic analyses of ITS/LSU nrDNA. Descriptions, phylogenetic tree, photographs, and taxonomic discussion are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gymnopilus is an agaricoid genus of mostly wood-rotting mushrooms, with ca. 200 species worldwide distributed, of which 23 of them are currently known in Brazil. In the Amazon region, Gymnopilus taxa correspond mostly to very old names described under Agaricus, later recombined into Gymnopilus, such as G. marasmioides, G. panurensis, G. psamminus, and G. trailii. Based on the examination of a well-annotated exsiccate at the INPA Herbarium, Gymnopilus ianthinilophus is described as a new species. It is characterized by the densely cespitose habit, squarrose pileus with blackish brown squamules, adnate to subdeccurent lamellae with decurrent tooth, violaceous brown stipe, weakly dextrinoid basidiospores 7.6-9.2 × 5.1-6.1 µm, interwoven pileus trama, lageniform with capitate or subcapitate apex cheilocystidia measuring 15.3-25.5 × 5.6-8.2 µm, and absence of pleurocystidia and caulocystidia. Description, photographs, illustrations of the new species, and discussion and comparison with morphologically similar taxa are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The genus Myotis comprises a diverse group of vespertilionid bats with worldwide distribution. Twenty-eight Neotropical species are currently recognized. In this study, we evaluate molecular and morphological variation in the M. keaysi complex, a high elevation clade of Neotropical myotine bats characterized by complex taxonomy and high morphological variation. A phylogeny inferred with cytochrome- b sequences recovered two clades composed of samples traditionally assigned to M. keaysi , with 9% of genetic divergence between them. These clades were also suggested as putative distinct species by molecular species delimitation methods. Qualitative and quantitative morphological analyses indicated a phenotypic discontinuity between specimens from central Andes (including the holotype of M. keaysi) and western lowlands of Ecuador, showing strong congruence between molecular and morphological approaches. We therefore describe a new species for the Tumbes-Choco-Magdalena region, documenting their external and cranial diagnostic characters by comparing them with other Neotropical species. In addition, we provide an emended diagnosis for our new concept of M. keaysi. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The endangered Yellow-headed Parrot (Amazona oratrix) has experienced a considerable reduction in abundance and distribution. Identifying natural and anthropogenic causes of nest failure is a critical step towards developing conservation actions that increase nest survival. In this study, we examined daily nest survival in relation to temporal, habitat, and anthropogenic factors, as well as nest site properties. We monitored nests (n = 124) across 6 study sites in Belize during 2017 and 2018 and independently modeled the effects of predation, abandonment and poaching on daily nest survival rates. Overall, the estimated cumulative nest survival probability was 0.18 (95% CI: 0.12-0.25). Predation was the main cause of nest failure, followed by abandonment, and poaching. Our results showed that nest predation and abandonment usually occurred early in the nesting cycle. Day within the nesting season negatively influenced daily survival for abandoned nests and had a quadratic effect on survival for poached nests. Poaching events occurred at a specific date range later in the season, with nests farther from the nearest human settlement having higher daily survival. Findings from this study highlight the additive mortality effect that nest poaching is having on Yellow-headed Parrot populations in Belize and show that managers can anticipate the timing and location of nests most vulnerable to poaching. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper covers the first record of window flies, Scenopinidae (Díptera), in the archipelago of Fernando de Noronha, Brazil: Scenopinus schulzi Enderlein, which is briefly characterized. This species was recorded in low numbers: three males and 13 female specimens. The occurrence of scenopinids in Fernando de Noronha is regarded as an extension of the Brazilian mainland continental fauna. The colonization of the archipelago is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mammalian carnivores (order Carnivora) perform important regulatory functions in terrestrial food webs. Building a comprehensive knowledge of the dietary patterns of carnivorans and the factors determining such patterns is essential for improving our understanding of the role of carnivorans in ecosystem functioning.In the Neotropics, there are 64 extant species of terrestrial Carnivora, but information on their trophic ecology is diffuse. We compiled and analysed the available quantitative dietary data for Neotropical carnivorans, aiming to detect patterns of intraspecific and interspecific dietary variation at a large geographical scale.The resulting database encompasses information on trophic interactions of 37 native carnivoran species from six families across 14 countries. There are clear geographical biases towards southern Brazil, Chile, and Argentina, and a noticeable knowledge gap within the Amazon. Also, most studies are focused on canids and felids, especially Puma concolor, Panthera onca, Cerdocyon thous, Leopardus pardalis, and Chrysocyon brachyurus, whereas for 27 native species, we found no quantitative dietary information.Neotropical carnivorans consume species from at least 651 genera of vertebrates, invertebrates, and plants. We found clear species‐specific dietary patterns and marked differences between Neotropical felids and canids. Although predators generally exhibit high levels of consistency in their diets regarding prey body mass, we detected significant intraspecific variation for all species analysed across study sites.Body mass imposes strong constraints on prey use, but biogeographical differences in prey availability and human influence may drive the geographical variation we found. Overall, observed patterns show not only similarities with resource‐use patterns found for carnivorans in other continents, such as nestedness driven by body mass, but also differences, such as high levels of frugivory and consumption of invertebrates by canids. Assessing resource‐use patterns is the first step towards a better understanding of processes underlying the organisation of trophic interactions, and is imperative for addressing impacts of defaunation on ecosystems and for informing conservation efforts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the second decade of the 20th century, Lycogala flavofuscum aethalia were collected in Brazil by Rev. Johannes Rick. Despite being easily observed in the field because of the size of the aethalia, the species was only found again in 2019, on a live trunk of Sebastiania commersoniana (branquilho, Euphorbiaceae) in the municipality of São Gabriel, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. The description and illustration of recently collected material, and data on exsiccates collected by Rick from Brazil, deposited at Herbarium BPI, are presented herein. Information on substrates, microhabitats, and geographic distribution of the species in the Neotropics is provided based on bibliographical sources and herbarium catalogs. Considering the large time interval between records and the restricted area of occurrence in the country, its inclusion as near threatened in the Brazilian Red List is recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We describe a colorful and distinctive new species of tanager from the lower slopes of the Andes of southeastern Peru and western Bolivia. The species was first noted from southeastern Peru in 2000, but little of its natural history was uncovered until the 2011 discovery of a breeding population in deciduous forest in an intermontane valley, the Machariapo valley, in Bolivia. This species appears to be an intratropical migrant, breeding in deciduous forest during the rainy season (November-March) and spending the dry season dispersed along the lower slopes of the Andes, apparently favoring Guadua bamboo-dominated habitats in both seasons. Phylogenetic evidence suggests this tanager is embedded within a clade of thraupids that includes Ramphocelus, Coryphospingus, Loriotus, Tachyphonus, and related genera in the subfamily Tachyphoninae. Within this subfamily, the new species falls in a clade with two monotypic genera, Eucometis penicillata (Gray-headed Tanager) and Trichothraupis melanops (Black-goggled Tanager). There is strong support for a sister relationship between the new tanager and T. melanops, but because all three species in this clade are highly distinctive phenotypically, we propose erecting a new genus and species name for the new tanager. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, five species of Cathedra (Olacaceae s. l.) were recognized, four of them endemic to Brazil and one widely distributed, occurring in Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Peru, and Venezuela. Cathedra rupestris, a new species described here, is endemic to campos rupestres (Cerrado) in the state of Bahia, and is differentiated from other species of the genus mainly by reticulate bark, length of pedicel in flower (1.5–2.2 mm), length of petals (3–3.5 mm), as well as by the proportion of the hypogynous disk in relation to the fruit, which in this species is limited to the base of the drupe. Regarding informal conservation status, C. bahiensis, C. grandiflora, and C. rubricaulis are suggested as Endangered, while C. acuminata and C. rupestris as Least Concern and Critically Endangered, respectively. Here the genus is reviewed, nomenclatural (one synonymization and two typifications) and geographic distributional updates are provided, in addition to an identification key, descriptions, and illustrations. Emended descriptions are also provided for two species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Family Orchidaceae is widely recognized for its mutualistic relationship with their pollinators, however, the knowledge about the most diverse monocotyledonous group on the planet it is still limited. Here, we recognized the ecological requirements and modeled the habitat preferences for Catasetum bicolor and C. ochraceum (Subfamily: Epidendroideae). We used climatic and bioclimatic data along with species' occurrences records in a) Principal Components Analysis (PCA) to screen for the most influential variables; and, b) a maximum entropy algorithm (Maxent) for habitat suitability modeling. Also, preliminary conservation status and probable priority areas for monitoring and conservation were identified. Both species differed in their habitat preferences as shown by the altitudinal range. Factors screened by PCA were associated to temperature (average, minimum, seasonality), solar radiation, and precipitation of the driest and warmest months. The variables that influenced the most in the modeling process for C. bicolor were solar radiation, temperature seasonality, and its annual range; while for C. ochraceum were the precipitation of the driest month and solar radiation. Areas with habitat suitable conditions were identified in countries (Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Nicaragua, Panama, and Venezuela) and biomes (humid and dry tropical, and subtropical forests) with highly dynamic land cover changes. The studied species were found to be in an endangered status based on their area of occupancy (< 76 km2). However, considering their extent of occurrence (> 20000 km2), they are in a status of less concern. These findings may be relevant for future monitoring plans and planning for ex-situ and in-situ conservation strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Neotropiella quinqueoculata (Denis, 1931) is redescribed, SEM photos and drawings are included, new localities and intraspecific variation data are provided, and phenology and ontogenetical development with specimens from Estación Biología Tropical de Los Tuxtlas, Veracruz Mexico are given. The complement to original descriptions of N. silvestrii (Denis, 1929) and N. carli (Denis, 1924) are also added. New records, confirmation or ratifications of distribution for the three taxa from Mexico and countries from Central America are given; Barcode Index Number (BIN) from BOLD System is included for N. quinqueoculata material from Panama. An identification key for members of the genus is also provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to carry out a taxonomic floristic survey of species in the genus Ditassa (Asclepiadoideae/ Apocynaceae), as part of the "Flora do Ceará: knowing to conserve" project. The study was based on the analysis of morphological characters of specimens from representative herbaria for the genus. The identifications were performed using specialized bibliography and confirmed by analyzing type collections. For Ceará state, six species of Ditassa were registered: D. blanchetii, D. capillaris, D. dardanoi, D. glaziovii, D. hastata and D. hispida. The species occur in Savana (Cerrado), Stepic Savanna (Caatinga/Carrasco), Dense Ombrophilous Forest (Wet forest) and Lowland Semideciduous Seasonal Forest (Tableland forest). Only D. capillaris and D. hastata were recorded in Conservation Units. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study presents a taxonomic treatment of Anacardium for the state of Pará (Brazil), based on the analysis of specimens from herbaria (CEN, ESA, IAN, INPA, MBM, MFS, MG, RB, UB, and UEC), material collected in the field, and images of specimens from virtual databases. Species identifications were confirmed by consultation of protologues and types or images of types. A morphoanatomical analysis of the leaves of Anacardium was conducted to support taxonomic characterizations. Descriptions, plates, a distribution map, and an identification key for the species of Anacardium occurring in Pará (A. amapaense, A. giganteum, A. humile, A. microsepalum, A. occidentale, and A. spruceanum) are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The genus Parkinsonia has a pantropical distribution with 12 species globally, occurring mainly in arid and semi-arid climate environments. Many taxonomic studies have considered Parkinsonia as a distinct genus of Cercidium, but phylogenetic analyses do not support this distinction because, when together, they form a well-supported monophyletic group. The aim of this study was to review the taxonomy of Parkinsonia species from the Americas. We examined 400 specimens deposited in herbaria, original diagnoses, and types. We present here morphological descriptions, identification key, taxonomic notes and nomenclatural notes, ecology and conservation status, reproductive phenological states, distribution maps and drawings for each species in this treatment. Our study points out eight species of Parkinsonia for the Americas (P. aculeata, P. andicola, P. florida, P. glauca, P. microphylla, P. peruviana, P. praecox, and P. texana), three new synonyms of Parkinsonia (Cercidium macrum, P. inermis, and P. texana var. macra) and six new lectotypifications (Cercidium plurifoliolatum, C. spinosum, P. inermis, P. microphylla, P. praecox, P. texana). The main diagnostic characteristics are green or gray stem, branches generally with thorns, reduced leaves (pinnate appearance) or not reduced (bipinnate), hyphodromous venation, racemose inflorescences, yellow petals and moniliform or flat pod fruit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Brazilian state of Maranhão is located in a transition zone between the Amazon and Cerrado domains; its geographic position enables the coexistence of species from both biomes. Taxonomic information of Orchidaceae and especially Epidendrum in the state are scarce; thus this study aimed to provide a taxonomic treatment for the genus based on field expeditions and analyses of herbarium specimens (IAN, MAR, MG, NY, SLUI, and UB). Epidendrum is represented in Maranhão by 10 species, of which three are new records: E. amapense, E. anceps, and E. carpophorum. Another three previously cited species, E. nocturnum, E. sculptum, and E. viviparum, were not collected and also not found in the herbaria visited; moreover, these records represent misidentifications. The majority of the species is distributed in the Amazon domain; however, E. macrocarpum is recorded for the first time for the Brazilian Cerrado. Here we provide an identification key, descriptions, photographs, and a distribution map of the species in the state. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Some bat species use leaves or trees to roost during the day and the Stenodermatinae species are known to build tents in leaves of specific plant species. Tent-roosting bat species and Emballonuridae bats have a widespread geographic distribution in the Amazon region, but it can be difficult to find these bats perched in roosts due to changes in the availability of food and the low durability of the tents. Here, we describe the type of roost, tent architecture and plant species used by Uroderma bilobatum, Mesophylla macconnelli, and Saccopteryx leptura in a fragmented landscape in Brazilian Amazonia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Resumo O presente trabalho faz parte da série de monografias taxonômicas realizadas na porção norte da Mata Atlântica. A partir de observações de campo e análise de materiais de herbário foram registradas 25 espécies pertencentes a cinco gêneros. As espécies Casearia aculeata e C. ulmifolia são novos registros para a área de estudo. Chave de identificação, descrições, ilustrações, dados de distribuição geográfica e habitat são apresentados.

Resumo Apresentamos o levantamento florístico de Begoniaceae no estado do Ceará, como parte do projeto Flora do Ceará: conhecer para conservar. O estudo baseou-se na análise de caracteres morfológicos de espécimes depositados nos herbários ALCB, EAC, HUEFS, HUVA, MBM, MBML, RBR e SP, complementada com bibliografias especializadas e análise de imagens de coleções-tipo. No estado, Begoniaceae está representada por quatro espécies do gênero Begonia: B. convolvulacea, B. humilis, B. reniformis e B. saxicola. As espécies ocorrem preferencialmente em vegetação de floresta ombrófila densa (mata úmida), mas ocorrem também em floresta estacional decidual (mata seca). A maior riqueza de espécies se concentra nos topos serranos úmidos do estado. Todas as espécies foram registradas em Unidades de Conservação (quatro) no Ceará.

Two new species of Triplocania Roesler, based on male specimens, were here described and illustrated for Ecuador, increasing the number of Ecuadorian species of Triplocania to seven. The irst identiication key to Triplocania species from Ecuador is presented. The Ecuadorian Triplocania species here described increase the diversity of Triplocania in Ecuador to seven species, making it the third most diverse country in Triplocania. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The recent revolution in sequencing methods allowed the generation of genomic, transcriptomic, and other large-scale data at a speed and low cost undreamed fifteen years ago. These large datasets can be used for understanding complex processes and are already a reality for many taxonomic groups in the world. The transition of several biological fields such as ecology, systematics, developmental biology and biological conservation into the genomic era promises to foster our understanding of functional and structural mammalian biodiversity in Neotropics, as new sequencing technologies liberate virtually any species from genomic ignorance and transform them into new study models. Here, we aim to first give a brief overview on recent development of genomic technologies and then illustrate how these technologies are being used to study Neotropical mammals in several fields. Finally, we discuss caveats and future perspectives, as the number of genomic sequences available is continually increasing and opening new avenues for research. Although progressing in a slower pace when compared to other mammals of the world, genomics has already provided important insights and promises to deliver many more. Considering the great importance of Neotropical realm and all the threats that biodiversity must face on this biogeographical area, the future of the diversity of mammals here depends largely on urgent conservation actions based on scientific knowledge, making genomics as useful as never before. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tropical mountains feature marked species turnover along elevational gradients and across complex topography, resulting in great concentrations of avian biodiversity. In these landscapes, particularly among morphologically conserved and difficult to observe avian groups, species limits still require clarification. One such lineage is Scytalopus tapaculos, which are among the morphologically most conserved birds. Attention to their distinctive vocal repertoires and phylogenetic relationships has resulted in a proliferation of newly identified species, many of which are restricted range endemics. Here, we present a revised taxonomy and identify species limits among high-elevation populations of Scytalopus tapaculos inhabiting the Peruvian Andes. We employ an integrated framework using a combination of vocal information, mitochondrial DNA sequences, and appearance, gathered from our own fieldwork over the past 40 yr and supplemented with community-shared birdsong archives and museum specimens. We describe 3 new species endemic to Peru. Within all 3 of these species there is genetic differentiation, which in 2 species is mirrored by subtle geographic plumage and vocal variation. In a fourth species, Scytalopus schulenbergi, we document deep genetic divergence and plumage differences despite overall vocal similarity. We further propose that an extralimital taxon, Scytalopus opacus androstictus, be elevated to species rank, based on a diagnostic vocal character. Our results demonstrate that basic exploration and descriptive work using diverse data sources continues to identify new species of birds, particularly in tropical environs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Campesino hunting scholarship appears numerically and conceptually limited even though campesinos are the most numerous hunters in Latin America and therefore the most likely to influence conservation success (Ojasti [58]). This recurring theme indicates that decades of conservation discourse and enforcement are potentially shifting campesino communities away from hunting, which is reinforced as campesinos cast hunting aside to pursue other livelihood alternatives, such as agriculture (Gray et al. [32]; Coomes et al. [21]). In turn, research trends suggest that the invisibility of the many social drivers of hunting, their entanglement with hunting conflicts, observed livelihood and perceptual shifts away from hunting, and the targeted elicitation of LTK on wildlife population trends are likely occurring at the expense or loss of broader campesino hunting LTK. Unacknowledged or lost campesino LTK is a concern for campesino communities and conservation programs and denies conservationists insights into the targets and sustainability of campesino hunting. We suggest that campesino hunting represents a transboundary and interdisciplinary field that is relevant across Latin America, and we recommend that scholars use collaborative methods to situate their work within campesino hunting contexts and cultures. [Extracted from the article]

In the present work, we synonymize Micropholis compta under M. gardneriana due to the overlap of morphoanatomical characters and the absence of distinctive attributes, verified during taxonomic and anatomical study of the genus Micropholis for Brazil. This study provides an updated description of M. gardneriana, including macro- and micro-morphological data, a distribution map, and comments on conservation status, ecological and taxonomy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite the great impacts of invasive wild pig (Sus scrofa) to natural ecosystems, habitat use by this species in the neotropics remains poorly studied. Here, we investigated the effects of local habitat and landscape covariates (vegetation types, running watercourses and roads) on occupancy patterns of wild pig in the Atlantic Forest of southern Brazil. We used single season occupancy modeling to estimate detection (p) and occupancy (ψ) probabilities, using 8-day camera-trap monitoring of 100 sampled sites. The cameras detected wild pig in 64 sites (naïve occupancy = 64 %). The four best models explained 72.7 % of the occupancy patterns, and the top model (with "water" variable) had a weight of 28.5 %. Even though none of the tested variables had high explanatory power of wild pig occupancy, the water variable had a negative effect trend (ß = -1.124; SE = 0.734), with 59 % of occupancy when water was present and 82 % when it was absent around the sampling sites. Vestiges of the presence of wild pig in different vegetation types revealed that they used plantations of Pinus sp., native forests, and corn and oat crops. The occupation pattern shows that wild pig are generalist at our study site at the Atlantic Forest being found everywhere, raising ecological and economic concerns about the high potential negative effects of its invasion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herein a new species, Varronia xinguana, is described and illustrated. In addition, Varronia polystachya, a species previously known only from Venezuela, is reported for the first time for Brazil. Both species are restricted to the phytogeographic domain of Amazonia, northern Brazil. A distribution map and a conservation assessment are provided. An identification key is also provided for the species of Varronia with spike inflorescence from Northern of Brazil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Montane forests are one of the most decimated of Neotropical biomes even though they provide a suite of valuable ecosystem services such as provision of water to lowland settlements and prevention of erosion and mudslides. In some instances, to restore these and other ecosystem services, degraded montane forests are replaced by exotic tree plantations, which cover sizeable areas in several countries. Despite their importance for assessment of ecological services and for intrinsic ecological value, comparative studies of paired native montane forest and conifer plantation are scarce along the Northern Andean Cordillera. Additionally, extrapolations are challenging because each pair of communities is highly site specific due to environmental setting, age and density of plantation, and reforestation species. Here, we assess and compare structure, biogeochemistry and ecosystem services provided by closely positioned native forest and pine plantation from a protected montane area in Venezuela. Soil nutrients and soil carbon content were 60 and 54% respectively higher in the forest. As consequence of pine' growth form and leaf biochemistry, aboveground biomass and litter mass, as well as nutrient content and carbon stocks, were higher in the plantation. This results in the plantation storing 30% more MgC ha-1 than the nearby forest. Canopy structure and litter properties influence the hydrology of both ecosystems through differences in rain throughfall. Most of the ecosystem services itemized are superior in the native forest, with exception that the younger plantation sequesters more carbon. An additional service provided by plantations might be that of ecological corridors that connect fragmented native forests. Our study, a specific case of nutrient and carbon cycling dynamics in paired montane forests and pine plantations, provides another set of data for the design of policy and management of considerable areas in the Neotropics with established conservation plantations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Solanum asterophorum species group includes four species, all endemic to the Brazilian Atlantic Forest. Species of this group are all prickly shrubs with zig-zag branches, paired leaves, reduced leaf-opposed inflorescences, and partially accrescent fruiting calyces. Two species, S. asterophorum and S. pilluliferum, are relatively widespread, while the other two, S. igniferum and S. sessilantherum, are narrow endemics in southeastern Brazil. We review the morphology, taxonomic history, nomenclature, distribution, and some ecological aspects of these species, and provide descriptions, distribution maps, photos, and assessment of conservation status of each species, as well as a dichotomous key for the group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The genus Mikania is comprised of approximately 450 species, most of which, have neotropical distribution. Mikania is a monophyletic genus and can be easily recognized by the capitula with four phyllaries, four florets surrounded by a subinvolucral bract. This study aims to provide an inventory of Mikania in the Ceará state, northeast Brazil. The collections of the herbaria ALCB, EAC, HCDAL, HUEFS, HVASF, IPA, K, NY, P and R; data and images available on the websites SpeciesLink, JSTOR and Virtual Herbarium Reflora and specialized literature were analyzed, besides samples obtained through field expeditions. Mikania is represented in Ceará by eight species, of which three are new records for the state. Mikania biformis is also a new record in the Northeastern region. Mikania elliptica and M. ternata were collected in the rainforest areas. The former, until now was only recorded in the states of Bahia and Minas Gerais, in the Caatinga and Cerrado; while the latter, in Bahia and the South and Southeastern regions of Brazil, in the Cerrado and Mata Atlântica. The other species (M. congesta, M. cordifolia, M. micrantha, M. psilostachya and M. vitifolia) are widely distributed in Brazil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present work is part of the series of taxonomic monographs of the families of Angiosperms occurring at the Usina São José, Igarassu, Pernambuco. Based on field observations and analysis of herbarium materials were recorded six species of Salicaceae: Banara guianensis, Casearia arborea, C. hirsuta, C. javitensis, C. selloana and C. sylvestris, and three of Violaceae: Amphirrhox longifolia, Paypayrola blanchetiana and Pombalia calceolaria. Among the species, Casearia selloana is a new record for the state of Pernambuco. An identification key, descriptions, illustrations, geographic distribution and habitat of the species are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sapotaceae (Ericales) is a pantropical family holding 58 genera and about 1,250 species with Pouteria being the richest genus holding ca. 200 species. In Brazil there are 124 species, of which 52 are endemic. In the Brazilian Atlantic Forest 40 species are recorded, most of them from Espírito Santo and Bahia states. The present study aimed to provide a better morphological and taxonomic understanding about Pouteria species from Estação Biológica de Santa Lúcia (EBSL), Espírito Santo, Brazil. A total of 13 taxa were identified in EBSL: Pouteria bangii, P. bullata, P. caimito, P. cuspidata, P. durlandii, P. gardneri, P. guianensis, P. macahensis, P. macrocarpa, P. psammophila, P. reticulata, P. samborae, and P. venosa subsp. amazonica. Descriptions, identification key and taxonomic comments are provided. Main vegetative useful features to distinguish them are leaf venation pattern, presence/absence of lenticels, secondary and tertiary leaf veins pattern, and indumentum. Inflorescence location, number of sepals, corolla lobes, locules, and seeds are the most important reproductive characters to determine the species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The White-throated Kingbird (Tyrannus albogularis) is a widespread species in north-central South America, where it inhabits a variety of open to semi-open habitats. The breeding biology of the species is almost unknown. We describe the reproduction of the species based on 34 nests found in southeastern Brazil and eastern Bolivia since 2004, and eggs and nests found in museum collections. The breeding season lasts from mid-September to mid-February throughout its breeding range. The nest is cup shaped and supported from below. Nests were built with woody stems, grass stems, rootlets, and palm fibers. Mean clutch size was 2.3 eggs, which were ovoid with a pink ground coloration, covered by dark spots and blotches of variable size and color concentrated at the rounded end. The mean incubation period was 16.3 d and the nestling period was 18 d. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract A new species assigned to the genus Pouteria is described and illustrated. Pouteria citriodora is morphologically related to Pouteria procera but differs from itmainly by its axillary and isolated flowers (3–15-flowered in P. procera), calyx aestivation quincuncial (convolute/contorted in P. procera), longer tube corolla (5.0–7.3mmlong vs. 1.75–3.5mmlong in P. procera), and fruits with whitish dots on the surface and a very distinctive Citrus-like smell. Herein environmental, geographic distribution and conservation data for the new species are provided. In addition, a key to species of Pouteria with 5-merous flowers from Bahia state-Brazil is presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed carry out the floristic inventory of Polygalaceae species, as part of Flora of Ceará project. The study was based in the analysis of morphological characters of specimens obtained in field or in herborized collections from herbaria EAC, BHCB, HST, HVASF, RB and UFP. The field expeditions were realized between September/2015 and March/2016.. The identifications were based on specialized bibliography, confirmed by analysis of collections-types. In the Ceará State, 20 species and seven genera were registered: Acanthocladus (1) Asemeia (3), Bredemeyera (2), Caamembeca (1), Monnina (1), Polygala (9) and Securidaca (3). The species were registered in distincts vegetation types, but occurs, preferably, in stepic savannah (caatinga) and savannah (cerrado) and 13 (62%) were recorded in five Conservations Units. Monnina insignis and Polygala celosioides are new records for Ceará state. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to carry out the floristic inventory and update the geographical distribution of Oxalidaceae species that occur in Ceará state, continuing the project “Flora do Ceará”. Herbaria specimens (ASE, EAC, HUEFS, RB, UFRN) and material obtained during field expeditions, from march/2012 to april/2015, were used to perform the morphological analyses, species’ descriptions and distribution maps. The identifications were based on type collections and specific literature. For Ceará, fourteen species of Oxalis were recorded. The main features used to identify the species were the type of leaf, shape of leaflets and color of the flowers. Oxalis divaricata was registered in all vegetation types; O. cratensis, O. frutescens, O. glaucescens and O. juruensis var. juruensis in ombrophilous dense forest, seasonal semideciduous forest (known as “mata seca’), and stepic savannah (locally known as “carrasco”) and the other species occurred preferentially in ombrophilous dense forest. Seven species were recorded in state Protected Areas [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During 2000-2004, we studied five groups of the Critically Endangered Saguinus oedipus to determine dietary items exploited in a dry tropical forest fragment in northern Bolívar, Colombia. The diet, as measured by the percentage of total multiyear feeding frequencies, consisted of 48.6% fruits (includes aril, fruits and seeds, 28.1% of the dry season diet and 59.9% of the wet season diet), 24% exudates (44.9% in the dry season and 14.9% in the wet season), 15% nectar (2.1% in the dry season and 16.9% in the wet season), 9.8% arthropods (based on multi-year consumption this was 35.7% in the dry season and 64.3% in the wet season), 1.1% fungi, 0.7% flowers (5 species) and three frogs. Eighty-five plant species in 45 families were identified as part of the diet. The families providing the most species were Rubiaceae (8 species), Sapindaceae (7 species), Bignoniaceae (5 species), and Boraginaceae, Fabaceae, and Meliaceae (4 species each). Food items from an additional 30 families also were consumed, but they were only represented in the diet by 1-3 species per family. We found marked seasonal differences in the consumption of food types across seasons in fruit, exudates and nectar but not arthropods. In the dry season exudates served as a vital food, but they were also important during the wet season, putting into question their designation as "fallback foods." Gum consumption may play a role other than that as a fallback food, including its medicinal properties and the provision of essential nutrients and water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Santa Marta cave, Chiapas, is a unique archaeological site with high-resolution chronological control and continuous human occupation since 12500 cal BP. In this work we report a correlation between human activity and climate conditions inferred from sedimentological, palynological, archaeozoological and stable isotopic analyses with the aim of assessing the late Pleistocene and early Holocene environmental conditions faced by the first settlers in tropical America. Results suggest that the late Pleistocene and early Holocene periods of abrupt climatic change (ACC), the Younger Dryas and the 8.2 ka event, are recorded in the rock shelter, and coincide with the two main periods of human occupation. The data suggest that these ACC periods were both cold and moist. Human activity had a limited impact at the local or regional level, over a changing environment during the Pleistocene-Holocene transition, though there is some evidence for the introduction of exotic species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hyboptera Chaudoir, 1872 of the Cryptobatida group of subtribe Agrina, Lebiini, living in the Neotropics and southernmost Nearctic realms are diagnosed, described, and illustrated, and new species are assigned to two inclusive species groups. Occurrences of species range from Texas, USA, to the state of Santa Caterina in Brazil. Seven new species of Hyboptera are described: Hyboptera biolat Erwin & Henry, sp. n.; Type locality -- Perú, Madre de Dios, Manu Reserved Zone, Río Manu, BIOLAT Biological Station, Pakitza; Hyboptera vestiverdis Henry & Erwin, sp. n.; Type locality -- Perú, Madre de Dios, Manu Reserved Zone, Río Manu, BIOLAT Biological Station, Pakitza; Hyboptera lucida Henry & Erwin, sp. n.; Type locality -- French Guiana, Cayenne, Commune de Roura, Montagne des Chevaux; Hyboptera scheelea Erwin & Henry, sp. n.; Type locality -- Perú, Loreto, Pacaya- Samiria National Reserve, Río Samiria (South Branch), Camp Terry; Hyboptera shasta Erwin, sp. n.; Type locality -- Brazil, Amazonas, north of Manaus on Amazonas 010 at Km 26, Reserva Ducke; Hyboptera tepui Erwin & Henry, sp. n.; Type locality -- Venezuela, Amazonas, Cerro de la Neblina, Río Baria Basecamp; Hyboptera tiputini Erwin & Henry, sp. n.; Type locality -- Ecuador, Orellana, Yasuni National Park (edge), 95.43 km E (heading 101.46°) Coca, Tiputini Biodiversity Station. A revised identification key is provided to the genera of the Cryptobatida group and another to the species of Hyboptera Chaudoir and distributional data are provided for all known species of the latter. Adults of these species often occur in the canopy of many tropical tree species and records are reported where known. In addition, adults are found under the webbing of Psocoptera and in fleshy anther rings of Bombacaceae (Pseudobombax septenatum (Jacq.) Dugand), on the rain forest floor in the dry season. Larval and pupal stages of one species from Panamá are known from under bark of living fence posts; however, these immature stages are not treated in the current paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We provide a floristic inventory of Angiosperms from rocky outcrops of the Área de Proteção Ambiental Pedra do Elefante, Espírito Santo, Brazil. Fieldwork was performed monthly from March/2015 to July/2016. A checklist with 302 species belonging to 219 genera and 74 families is provided. Bromeliaceae, Orchidaceae, Fabaceae, Euphorbiaceae, Apocynaceae, Asteraceae, Cactaceae, Convolvulaceae, Rubiaceae, Bignoniaceae and Cyperaceae are the richest families with around 50% of the listed species. One hundred forty seven species are exclusively rupicolous, 125 spp. exclusively terricolous, 26 spp. are epiphytes, and six species are found as both rupicolous and terricolous. Phanerophytes and chamaephytes were predominant life forms. Our results added 18 new records to the Espírito Santo state, indicated the occurrence of nine endemic species for the state and noticed that only 55 taxa of the total of species have threat assessments according to IUCN. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]