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- New records and a comprehensive checklist of mammoth wasps (Hymenoptera,
Scoliidae) in Panama
Abstract: Neotropical Biology and Conservation 19(3): 361-366
DOI : 10.3897/neotropical.19.e127528
Authors : Yostin Añino, Roberto A. Cambra, Darlenys Díaz, Juliet Gómez, Carlos Ramos, Paul E. Hanson, Luis Damián Ramírez-Guillén : A list of Scoliidae species recorded in Panama is presented. Considering the recent taxonomic updates made on this tribe of wasps, as well as the lack of a formal study on its geographical distribution, richness, and species diversity in Panama, this study aimed to document the existing species in the country. Based on literature records and an examination of 383 specimens, we found a total of 13 species and 7 genera. The following two species and one subspecies are recorded for the first time in Panama: Dielis tolteca (Saussure, 1857), Pygodasis hyalina (Saussure, 1864), and Pygodasis ephippium wagneriana (Saussure, 1864). HTML XML PDF
PubDate: Tue, 6 Aug 2024 09:18:15 +0300
- New records on the distribution of the Mexclapique, Girardinichthys
viviparus (Bustamante, 1837) (Cyprinodontiformes, Goodeidae), an
endangered species in Mexico
Abstract: Neotropical Biology and Conservation 19(3): 347-359
DOI : 10.3897/neotropical.19.e126767
Authors : Eduardo López-Segovia, Jorge Pérez-Díaz, Luis Fernando Del Moral-Flores, Tao Hernández-Arellano : The “Mexclapique” Girardinichthys viviparus, is a goodeid endemic to the Valley of Mexico basin. This species is endangered following habitat alterations due to urbanization and pollution in central Mexico over the last 70 years, which has contributed to its population decline. From collections in the aquatic systems of Tlaxcala, 160 juveniles and adults of G. viviparus were captured (17.9–53.4 standard length) in six sites located in the upper basins of the Moctezuma and Atoyac rivers and extended its distribution to the east of the state of Tlaxcala in the Tecolutla River basin. Its presence in these sites may be the result of the processes of expansion, adaptation and establishment that the species has had in central Mexico, as well as the intercommunication through artificial channels in some of these lakes. These new records of G. viviparus are vital as they provide information about the prevailing populations in habitats in a region that has experimented with anthropogenic activities conjointly with the loss of aquatic systems. Besides, the lack of aquatic biodiversity preservation projects in Tlaxcala does not guarantee its long-term conservation. HTML XML PDF
PubDate: Wed, 31 Jul 2024 12:09:27 +030
- Report of coloration anomalies in mammals from Panama
Abstract: Neotropical Biology and Conservation 19(3): 333-345
DOI : 10.3897/neotropical.19.e125890
Authors : Rogemif Fuentes, Melquiades Castillo, Ricardo Moreno, Helio Quintero-Arrieta, Edgar Pérez, Jacobo Araúz, Yostin Añino, Daniel Murcia-Moreno, Roderick Valdés, Braulio Bonilla, Dumas Gálvez : Coloration anomalies are widespread across the animal kingdom; however, they pass underreported for some taxa or are extremely rare, like in the case of mammals. Three of those anomalies are albinism, leucism, and erythrism, each of which generates atypical colorations in white with white spots and reddish-brown, respectively. Here, we report five cases of coloration anomalies in mammals from Panama: 1) albinism in the Derby’s woolly opossum (Caluromys derbianus Waterhouse, 1841), the lowland Paca (Cuniculus paca Linnaeus, 1766), and the variegated squirrel (Echinosciurus variegatoides Ogilby, 1839). 2) leucism in the Central American agouti (Dasyprocta punctata J. E. Gray, 1842), and 3) erythrism in the northern Tamandua (Tamandua mexicana Saussure, 1860). We discuss some implications of these observations and the importance of gathering this type of data for developing more complex studies in the future. HTML XML PDF
PubDate: Wed, 24 Jul 2024 11:01:47 +030
- Marine nematodes of Costa Rica: state of the art
Abstract: Neotropical Biology and Conservation 19(2): 269-281
DOI : 10.3897/neotropical.19.e115345
Authors : Alcides Sánchez-Monge, Jorge Cortés : Nematoda is the fourth most diverse animal phylum and is widely distributed. Marine nematodes are generally the most speciose group of meiofauna, yet there are relatively few studies on the taxonomy and biodiversity of free living marine nematodes. Here we present a review of the existing scientific literature and data in international databases on marine nematodes of Costa Rica. Most of the papers currently available mentioned Nematoda as the most abundant phylum in terms of the number of individuals within sand samples, nonetheless, only three publications included taxonomic data such as the description of new species or new records. Most publications are for the Pacific coast and we found only one paper for the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica. Large sections of the coasts and almost all the Exclusive Economic Zone remain unexplored in terms of nematode diversity, abundance and ecological role. Ten species, five free-living and five parasitic species, have been reported from the coasts of Costa Rica. Several reports indicate the presence of nematodes without further identification. More effort should be dedicated to the taxonomic identification of nematodes since, in addition to being the most abundant group, they can also be used as biological indicators. HTML XML PDF
PubDate: Fri, 28 Jun 2024 20:00:15 +030
- Gradual change and mosaic pattern of macrofaunal assemblages along depth
and sediment gradients in a tropical oceanic island
Abstract: Neotropical Biology and Conservation 19(2): 243-268
DOI : 10.3897/neotropical.19.e117876
Authors : Jeffrey A. Sibaja-Cordero, Jesús S. Troncoso : The ecology of macrofauna on the sandy bottom of oceanic islands in the tropics has rarely been studied. The present study was conducted at Isla del Coco, Costa Rica, a tropical oceanic island, to determine how the soft-bottom macrofauna assemblages vary along different levels of ocean exposure and their associated environmental conditions. The macrofauna was collected from five grabs at each of the 27 stations (between 3 and 75 m deep) in April 2010. The broad-scale pattern consists of a gradual increase in the complexity of assemblages (taxonomical or feeding guilds in the sediment) from the inner part to the outside of the bays. The leading determinant of this pattern was the interplay between ocean exposure and sediment variation with depth that produces habitat heterogeneity. The main taxa responsible for differences between ocean exposure zones were the polychaetes Westheidesyllis heterocirrata and Magelona californica, the filter-feeding bivalve Gouldia californica, and the predatory isopod Eurydice caudata. Coarse bottoms had more mobile predators and suspension feeders, whereas passive suspension feeders or subsurface deposit feeders dominated fine sands. The deeper stations were dominated by organisms feeding actively on particles from the water or on the sediment surface. Moreover, more feeding guilds were found in deeper waters. Additionally, at the small-scale view (grabs within each station), macrofauna composition evidences a mosaic pattern, mainly at the inner and middle of the bays, caused by biological or environmental disturbances. HTML XML PDF
PubDate: Fri, 28 Jun 2024 20:00:14 +030
- The Trichoptera of Panama XXVII. The third benchmark—a waypoint to
the future
Abstract: Neotropical Biology and Conservation 19(2): 203-241
DOI : 10.3897/neotropical.19.e113487
Authors : Brian J. Armitage, Steven C. Harris, Tomás A. Ríos González, Yusseff P. Aguirre, Roger J. Blahnik, Robin E. Thomson, Tatiana I. Arefina-Armitage : The flora and fauna of Panama is species-rich due to its location and topography, and the resulting diversity of microclimates and habitats. The last two summaries (benchmarks) of information about the caddisfly fauna (Insecta, Trichoptera) Panama were published in1992 and 2015. From 1861 to 2015, researchers from outside of Panama recorded 13 families, 45 genera, and 257 species of caddisflies. From 2015 through 2023, a series of publications by the Aquatic Invertebrate Research Group at the Universidad Autónoma de Chiriquí in David, Panamá have recorded an additional 2 families,11 genera, and 278 species. Thus, a total of 535 species of caddisflies, now recorded from the Republic of Panama, are distributed among 15 families and 56 genera. Panama’s Trichoptera fauna shows greatest affinity to other Central American countries, and to Costa Rica in particular. Indeed, 289 Costa Rican species are shared with Panama, including 91 former Costa Rican endemics now known from both countries. The Hydroptilidae is the most species rich family in Panama. Although the number of new species and new country records of macro-Trichoptera has diminished somewhat over this third benchmark period, no similar fall-off has yet been detected in the micro-Trichoptera. The caddisfly fauna of Panama is now better known, but much more work remains to define the fauna and, just as importantly, to map the surficial and altitudinal distribution of each genus and species. HTML XML PDF
PubDate: Fri, 28 Jun 2024 20:00:13 +030
- Dispersal capacity as assessed by distance-decay relationships is lower
for aquatic shredder insects than aquatic non-shredder insects in a
Neotropical river network
Abstract: Neotropical Biology and Conservation 19(2): 185-202
DOI : 10.3897/neotropical.19.e113285
Authors : Pavel García, Robert O. Hall Jr : Aquatic shredder insect diversity declines latitudinally toward the equator, contrary to the general latitudinal biodiversity gradient. Shredder diversity along tropical elevational gradients mimics this shredder latitudinal pattern. One of the hypotheses proposed to explain this pattern of diversity is that dispersal capacity drives variation in shredder assemblages given their low dispersal capacity in tropical streams. Additionally, tropical shredders probably have lower dispersal capacity than the rest of tropical aquatic insects, which have lower dispersal capacities than their counterparts in temperate areas. We tested this hypothesis in an elevational gradient of more than 2000 m in 16 reaches of streams distributed in the Usumacinta, Cahabon, and Polochic river watersheds. We quantitatively sampled aquatic insects and measured 12 environmental variables. We found a regional pool of 118 taxa, with 13 taxa classified as shredders, and 2 taxa of predator-shredders. Contrary to expectations, shredder rarefied richness decreased with increasing elevation, which suggests that dispersal capacity did not change with elevation. Assemblage similarity decreased with increasing distance between reaches due to low capacity to fly long distances. This relationship had a smaller slope when using the shortest spatial distances between pairs of reaches due to potential lateral scatter by flying adults. In sum, the results support the hypothesis that dispersal capacity drove aquatic shredder assemblage structure in these 16 tropical streams. HTML XML PDF
PubDate: Fri, 28 Jun 2024 20:00:12 +030
- A preliminary assessment of water quality in silvopastoral systems of
Panama’s dry tropical forest
Abstract: Neotropical Biology and Conservation 19(2): 173-183
DOI : 10.3897/neotropical.19.e111865
Authors : Julia M. Portmann, Grace H. Davenport, Bela H. Starinchak, Heather P. Griscom : Dry tropical forests are unique, biodiverse ecosystems threatened by human development, especially deforestation for agricultural land use. Deforestation reduces carbon sequestration in landscapes and, in turn, pollutes nearby waterways. Agroforestry practices, like silvopastoralism, can mitigate these impacts by integrating trees into working landscapes, but their effect on stream water quality has not been studied. We assessed the stream condition on five silvopastoral farms in Panama’s Azuero Peninsula by utilizing aquatic macroinvertebrates as indicators. We collected aquatic macroinvertebrates and calculated the percent EPT, Diptera, and Odonata. Using ArcGIS, we measured distance to live fence, riparian connectivity, and forest patch size. We also measured tree carbon stored in the riparian area and throughout each farm. We analyzed the relationships between landscape or habitat variables and water quality scores using single linear regressions in R Studio. Percent EPT, Odonata, and diversity were positively predicted by riparian tree carbon, while percent Diptera was negatively predicted by riparian tree carbon. Our results highlight the importance of expanding agroforestry in this region and suggest that increasing tree cover in agricultural landscapes may be beneficial to stream condition, but additional research is needed. HTML XML PDF
PubDate: Fri, 28 Jun 2024 20:00:11 +030
- Pollination of Guatemalan orchids – state of knowledge
Abstract: Neotropical Biology and Conservation 19(2): 149-171
DOI : 10.3897/neotropical.19.e119499
Authors : Monika M. Lipińska, Cecylia Barabasz : This literature review aims to synthesise existing knowledge on research on pollination of orchid species in Guatemala. Orchids, known for their diverse and specialised interactions with pollinators, play a key role in the ecosystems of this Central American country. As a base for our research, we have used the orchid checklist published in 2018 where more than 1200 taxa have been listed. Then we conducted a systematic search of academic databases, including, but not limited to PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus and relevant botanical databases. From 1231 orchid species reported to occur in Guatemala and classified in 221 genera, we have found data on pollination of only 98 taxa, classified in 71 genera. Through an exhaustive survey of the relevant scientific literature, this review intends to provide a comprehensive summary of the available data, highlighting gaps in current knowledge and suggesting directions for future research. Research on pollination in tropical orchids presents a formidable challenge due to the immense diversity of species, the intricacies of pollination mechanisms, the elusive nature of pollinators and the susceptibility of these ecosystems to environmental changes. Despite these challenges, the importance of unravelling these mysteries is underscored by the critical role orchids play in tropical ecosystems and their potential implications for conservation and biodiversity. HTML XML PDF
PubDate: Fri, 28 Jun 2024 20:00:10 +030
- The poorly-known amblypygid fauna (Arachnida, Amblypygi) of Honduras,
Central America: an overview
Abstract: Neotropical Biology and Conservation 19(2): 137-148
DOI : 10.3897/neotropical.19.e113507
Authors : Luis F. de Armas, Alex M. Cubas-Rodríguez : A significant study of the amblypygid fauna of Honduras is lacking. Historically, species were misidentified and data on distribution, natural history and conservation status of the known species are lacking or insufficient. In this contribution, an overview on the amblypygids of Honduras, including taxonomy, distribution, natural history and comments on their conservation are provided. In a review of the literature of the Honduran amblypygids, we examined 21 works, including books, unpublished thesis, articles, the World Amblypygi Catalogue (2023), as well as the website Arácnidos de Centroamérica and the citizen-science websites Alamy, iNaturalist and Flicks. Only the family Phrynidae, with the genera Paraphrynus Moreno, 1940 and Phrynus Lamarck, 1801, is known to occur in Honduras. A total of seven species have been recorded, but only four [Paraphrynus laevifrons (Pocock, 1894), Phrynus palenque Armas, 1996, Ph. similis Armas, Víquez & Trujillo, 2017 and Ph. whitei Gervais, 1842] have been positively identified. No endemic species are known, but available data suggest that some undescribed new species may be restricted to Honduras. In order to understand the amblypygids of Honduras, sampling within the country must be conducted and revisionary studies will be needed. This paper examines our current knowledge of the fauna. HTML XML PDF
PubDate: Fri, 28 Jun 2024 20:00:09 +030
- Ants in the clouds: A preliminary checklist of the ant (Hymenoptera,
Formicidae) fauna of a Honduran cloud forest ecosystem, featuring a key to
country genera
Abstract: Neotropical Biology and Conservation 19(2): 107-135
DOI : 10.3897/neotropical.19.e119775
Authors : Frederik C. De Wint, Dominik Oorts, Michael G. Branstetter, Dario De Graaf, Wouter Dekoninck, Merlijn Jocque, Thomas E. Martin, Jennifer Sudworth, Ronja Van Osselaer, Matthew T. Hamer : Ant diversity in tropical montane rainforests is globally understudied. This is true for Cusuco National Park (CNP), a cloud forest ecosystem in northwestern Honduras that supports geographically isolated and threatened habitats. The current study presents the first comprehensive ant species checklist for CNP, which is also the first ant checklist for Honduras in over a century. Species records from several projects are also combined and presented. Sampling occurred along an elevational range (mainly between 1170 and 2030 m a.s.l.), with methodologies and intensities varying among projects and dates. Overall, 162 ant species belonging to nine subfamilies and 60 genera are reported from the CNP. Five species are recorded for the first time in Honduras (Pheidole natalie Longino, 2019; Strumigenys cf. calamita; Solenopsis invicta Buren, 1972; Solenopsis texana/carolinensis; Pseudomyrmex pallens Mayr, 1870). For the first time, male individuals are reported in Pheidole balatro Longino, 2019. For each species, we provide information on observed habitat preference, elevational range, and sampling technique. Species accumulation curves are provided for each sample technique, representing sampling intensity and community sample coverage. We also provide a key to the ant genera of Honduras to aid future taxonomic efforts in the country. Our research demonstrates that CNP harbours a surprisingly rich diversity of ant species, despite its small area, similar to many other taxa in the park. The information provided here represents baseline information for future work on ants in CNP and other Honduran cloud forests and will help guide research in these otherwise poorly explored yet highly threatened ecosystems. HTML XML PDF
PubDate: Fri, 28 Jun 2024 20:00:08 +030
- Interaction intensity as determinant of geographic range overlap between
ant-following birds and army ants
Abstract: Neotropical Biology and Conservation 19(2): 87-106
DOI : 10.3897/neotropical.19.e117386
Authors : Ana Lucía Interiano, Dulce Herrera, Habibi Orellana Carrera, Nery D. Monroy R., Pavel García, Jorge Erwin López, Rosa Alicia Jiménez : Biogeography has as a central theme, which is the study of geographic ranges of species that are determined by evolutionary history, abiotic factors, and biotic interactions. Understanding the influence of biotic interactions on geographic ranges is a topic that has been little explored, especially in a way that compares species that vary in intensity of interaction. Here, we assessed interaction intensity as a determinant of geographic range overlap between ant-following birds and army ants in Mexico and Central America. We hypothesized that the intensity of the interaction between army ants and ant-following birds, obligate or facultative, predicts the overlap of geographic ranges of interacting species, as well as the extension of geographic ranges. We generated species distribution models with MAXENT and estimated the percentage of overlap between two species of army ants and 10 species of ant-following birds. Contrary to our predictions, Bayesian regression models found no support for an estimated higher range overlap for obligate ant-following birds and army ants, or wider geographic ranges for facultative ant-following bird species. However, our results suggested trends for higher percentages of range overlap between obligate ant-following birds and army ants, and for geographic ranges of facultative ant-following birds extending to areas without the presence of army ants. Our research encourages further exploration of the biogeography of biotic interactions as part of a quantitative gradient of intensities and not as qualitative categories, integrating spatial and temporal variation in the intensity of interaction. HTML XML PDF
PubDate: Fri, 28 Jun 2024 20:00:07 +030
- Trophic ecology and niche overlap of two sympatric species of Rhamdia
(Siluriformes, Heptapteridae) from northeast Oaxaca, Mexico
Abstract: Neotropical Biology and Conservation 19(2): 67-86
DOI : 10.3897/neotropical.19.e119908
Authors : César Camilo Julián-Caballero, Emilio Martínez-Ramírez, Rosa María Gómez-Ugalde, Eufemia Cruz-Arenas : The trophic ecology of fishes in the genus Rhamdia remains poorly reported. Here, we aim to describe the diet composition and infer the trophic levels, niche breadth, and niche overlap between Rhamdia guatemalensis and Rhamdia laticauda in northeast Oaxaca, Mexico. Fishes were sampled using an electrofishing device between 2016 and 2017. We calculated the Quotient index and the diet composition was analyzed using the percentage of the Index of Relative Importance (%IRI) to analyze possible ontogenetic and sexual differences on feeding ecology. We then calculated the trophic niche breadth using the Levins´ standardized index (BA). Trophic levels (TLk) of each species were calculated using the trophic index and trophic niche overlap using Pianka´s index (Ojk). The results indicate that both species are carnivorous and tend to prey on aquatic insects, with R. guatemalensis feeding on nine different orders of animals and R. laticauda displaying a broader diet spectrum, encompassing 19 orders. Our data showed ontogeny and sex differences in the trophic ecology of R. guatemalensis. They were secondary consumers (TLk> 3) and showed a specialized diet (BA < 0.4). We found evidence of trophic niche partitioning between adults (Ojk = 0.40) and females (Ojk = 0.42). Our results highlight the fundamental role of this species in the area as a carnivorous/insectivorous, predatory fishes, secondary consumers, and biological control for Diptera, Ephemeroptera, and Megaloptera. Both species minimize the trophic overlap through food resource partitioning mediated by fish body size. Additionally, adults and females consume different prey, which allows the coexistence of closely related species. Our findings regarding trophic ecology could be crucial for devising conservation and management plans for these particular Rhamdia species. HTML XML PDF
PubDate: Fri, 28 Jun 2024 20:00:06 +030
- A record of a non-fatal attack of an American crocodile (Crocodylus
acutus) in the “Rio Segovia” on the Honduras-Nicaragua border
Abstract: Neotropical Biology and Conservation 19(2): 63-66
DOI : 10.3897/neotropical.19.e120434
Authors : Alex M. Cubas-Rodríguez, Fabio G. Cupul-Magaña : A case of a non-fatal crocodile attack on a human was reported on the banks of the Segovia River on the Honduras and Nicaragua border. The 12-year-old girl survived the attack, only with damage to the tibia of her right leg, where she lost part of the muscle tissue due to the bite. It was after the attack that the American crocodile was shot and killed by local people. In this paper, we discuss the possible causes of crocodile attacks. HTML XML PDF
PubDate: Fri, 28 Jun 2024 20:00:05 +030
- The amphibians and reptiles of Cusuco National Park, Northwest Honduras:
updates from a long-term conservation programme
Abstract: Neotropical Biology and Conservation 19(2): 37-62
DOI : 10.3897/neotropical.19.e120902
Authors : Alexandra E. Laking, José M. Solís, Tom Brown, Simon T. Maddock, Oliver Burdekin, Peter Taylor, George Lonsdale, Stephen E. W. Green, Thomas E. Martin, Josue R. Galdamez, Jonathan E. Kolby, Jesse Erens, Merlijn Jocque : Mesoamerican cloud forests support a rich and unique biodiversity but face severe threats from increasing habitat degradation and climate change. Here, we present an updated overview of the amphibians and reptiles of Cusuco National Park (CNP), an isolated cloud forest in the Sierra de Omoa, Northwest Honduras. Based on surveys conducted over a 17-year period, we report the presence of 105 confirmed species of amphibians (30) and reptiles (75) within the reserve. This includes numerous threatened and regionally endemic amphibian species, as well as several reptile species previously unrecorded within the park. Given that it harbours approximately 26% of all recorded Honduran herpetofauna, our study highlights CNP as the most diverse forest region in Honduras with respect to the reptile and amphibian diversity documented to date. Our findings reinforce the plea to actively protect CNP as a globally valuable biodiversity hotspot and a centre of herpetofaunal endemicity. Furthermore, in the face of rapid deforestation across Mesoamerica, our findings highlight the need for expanded biodiversity studies across extant forest regions in Honduras to refine species distribution ranges and facilitate timely and effective conservation measures. HTML XML PDF
PubDate: Fri, 28 Jun 2024 20:00:04 +030
- New records of two marsupials (Didelphimorphia, Didelphidae) and
conservation notes from southern Mexico
Abstract: Neotropical Biology and Conservation 19(2): 29-36
DOI : 10.3897/neotropical.19.e119836
Authors : Angel I. Contreras-Calvario, César Camilo Julián-Caballero, Abigail Mora-Reyes, Medardo Arreortúa : In Mexico opossums are difficult to find, and much of their natural history, ecology, and behavior are unknown. Through photographic and visual records, we obtained data on the presence of two species of marsupials in southern Mexico. We report new municipal records of Derby’s woolly opossum, Caluromys derbianus in Veracruz, and new municipal records of the Gray four-eyed opossum Philander opossum for Oaxaca, Veracruz, and Chiapas. Local mammal records are crucial for understanding the biology and ecology of species, as well as identifying its threats. HTML XML PDF
PubDate: Fri, 28 Jun 2024 20:00:03 +030
- New records of Neogale frenata and Potos flavus from Sierra Madre de
Oaxaca, Mexico
Abstract: Neotropical Biology and Conservation 19(2): 19-27
DOI : 10.3897/neotropical.19.e117799
Authors : Hermes Santiago-Dionicio, Medardo Arreortúa, Angel I. Contreras-Calvario, Edna González-Bernal, César Camilo Julián-Caballero : We provide new records of Neogale frenata and Potos flavus, two carnivores with elusive behaviors that are challenging to observe in their natural habitats. Through direct records compiled in diurnal and nocturnal monitoring over three years, we record two individuals of N. frenata, a juvenile and an adult, and three individuals of P. flavus, an adult and two juveniles. The juvenile of N. frenata increases the distribution range to 68 km from its nearest record. The two juveniles of Potos flavus represent an extension of their distribution range of 22 km away from their nearest record. This new data highlights the importance of opportunistic records in combination with passive methods as part of fauna inventories. We emphasize the relevance of considering the habitat conditions of each record to identify possible threats to their conservation, like human disturbances. HTML XML PDF
PubDate: Fri, 28 Jun 2024 20:00:02 +030
- Ocelot (Leopardus pardalis) breeding effort and productivity in seasonal
tropical forests of the central Mexican Pacific
Abstract: Neotropical Biology and Conservation 19(2): 1-17
DOI : 10.3897/neotropical.19.e114194
Authors : Tiberio C. Monterrubio-Rico, Leticia Núñez-Landa, Juan F. Charre-Medellín : Camera trap studies on ocelots in Mexico have focused on abundance, habitat use, and activity patterns, mainly within Protected Areas of tropical humid forests in southern regions. However, their ecology, including breeding effort and productivity in seasonal dry Pacific forests and areas outside Protected Areas, has received less attention. The species’ low reproductive rates make their populations vulnerable to decline. In evaluating the reproduction, the species’ breeding activity was examined for two survey periods performed during 2010–2016. We estimated the percentage of females raising young in the surveys and their associated fecundity–”productivity”. The overall results revealed a population of 26 males and 46 females that included 10 females (21%) rearing 12 young, defined as kittens, cubs, or juveniles, for an effective sample area (ESA) of 200 km2. Overall, the productivity averaged 2.05/100 km2 per season. All parameters varied between the two areas, and productivity was not constant in time in either area or site. Information on species breeding activity in combination with density estimations may facilitate determining the minimum area required for a viable ocelot population in the region. Protected Areas are required in the studied region for the ocelot in order to maintain a viable local population. This is due to the increasing fragmentation caused by agriculture, cattle ranching, and forest fires, and it is hypothesized that ocelots do not tolerate disturbance or severe fragmentation. HTML XML PDF
PubDate: Fri, 28 Jun 2024 20:00:01 +030
- Herpetofauna of Laguna Blanca National Park, Argentinean Patagonia:
species list and conservation status
Abstract: Neotropical Biology and Conservation 19(1): 35-50
DOI : 10.3897/neotropical.19.e115561
Authors : Melisa Celia Jazmin Rolón, David Gustavo Vera, Facundo Leonel De Los Santos, Micaela Harkes, Germán Tettamanti, Rodrigo Calvo, Diego Omar Di Pietro, Melina Alicia Velasco, Luciano Javier Avila, Jorge Daniel Williams, Federico Pablo Kacoliris : Laguna Blanca National Park (LBNP) is located in the mid-west of Neuquén Province, Argentina. It was created in 1940 with the aim of conserving the nesting and breeding habitats of an important diversity of birds. Until now, there have been no exclusive works that address the herpetofauna present. The aim of this article is to provide an updated inventory of reptile and amphibian species in LBNP. We used four sources of information to create the species list: 1) data coming from field observations; 2) specimens deposited in herpetological collections; 3) scientific literature review; 4) online biodiversity databases. We confirm the occurrence of 18 species of herpetofauna in LBNP, including 13 reptiles and 5 amphibians. We also included six species with probable presence according to the range of distribution and habitat similarity. We added the conservation status of the national and international lists for each species. Five species are in some threat category at the national (Vulnerable, Endangered) or international level (Endangered, Critically Endangered). Seven taxa are listed as “Species of Vertebrates of Special Value” by the Administración de Parques Nacionales. Despite being protected within a national park, the herpetofauna present face threats such as prolonged drought events, habitat modification due to the presence of livestock, introduced exotic species, and emerging diseases. Conservation efforts are imperative to protect these species and mitigate their threats. HTML XML PDF
PubDate: Mon, 17 Jun 2024 17:00:39 +030
- The Trichoptera of Panama. XXV. Eight new country records of caddisflies
(Insecta, Trichoptera)
Abstract: Neotropical Biology and Conservation 19(1): 17-24
DOI : 10.3897/neotropical.19.e117513
Authors : Brian J. Armitage, Yusseff P. Aguirre, Tomas A. Ríos Gonzalez, Viterbo Rodriguez, Roger J. Blahnik, Steven C. Harris : Herein we add eight new country records to Panama’s caddisfly fauna (Insecta, Trichoptera): Hydropsychidae – Leptonema turrialbum Flint, McAlpine & Ross, 1987; Polycentropodidae – Polyplectropus bravoae Bueno-Soria, 1990; Hydroptilidae – Mayatrichia ayama Mosely, 1937 and Bredinia selva Harris, Holzenthal & Flint, 2002; Glossosomatidae – Mortoniella stilula Blahnik & Holzenthal, 2008; Anomalopsychidae – Contulma talamanca Holzenthal & Flint, 1995; Helicopsychidae – Helicospyche planata Ross, 1956; and Odontoceridae – Marilia crea Mosely, 1949. The Republic of Panama now has 533 species of caddisflies distributed among 15 families and 56 genera. HTML XML PDF
PubDate: Mon, 8 Apr 2024 17:17:20 +0300
- Howling shadows: First report of domestic dog attacks on globally
threatened mountain tapirs in high Andean cloud forests of Colombia
Abstract: Neotropical Biology and Conservation 19(1): 25-33
DOI : 10.3897/neotropical.19.e117437
Authors : Juan Camilo Cepeda-Duque, Eduven Arango-Correa, Christian Frimodt-Møller, Diego J. Lizcano : Domestic dogs (Canis lupus familiaris) are recognised worldwide not only as man’s best friend, but also as a form of anthropogenic edge effect impacting wildlife through predation, competition and disease infection. In the Northern Andes, there is growing evidence of dogs inducing activity shifts or alterations in the habitat use of native mammalian species. However, little information exists on direct attacks of dogs on wildlife, even in the case of species of conservation concern such as the mountain tapir (Tapirus pinchaque). Here, we used camera traps to report two cases of dogs chasing and attacking mountain tapirs in a protected area of the Central Andes of Colombia. The first event showed a direct physical contact between a living adult mountain tapir and two dogs, but the picture’s angle did not lead to observable signs of wounds or other injuries. The second event showed an adult mountain tapir running while being chased by the same two dogs of the first event, denoting a stressful moment for the tapir. This may have negative consequences on the populations of mountain tapirs through decreased reproductive performance and foraging efficiency, increased potential for disease outbreaks and more. Population management and control of domestic dogs inside and around protected areas must be considered a priority in future conservation actions to support a healthy population of mountain tapirs and other imperilled species in the region. HTML XML PDF
PubDate: Mon, 8 Apr 2024 10:59:08 +0300
- Habitat variety and behaviour of the Sanderling (Calidris alba) in an
urban neotropical coastal wetland
Abstract: Neotropical Biology and Conservation 19(1): 1-15
DOI : 10.3897/neotropical.19.e115562
Authors : Daniel Barona, Jorge Podestá : Sanderling Calidris alba is a migratory coastal bird species whose populations are affected by climatic and anthropogenic issues. Additionally, its behavioural patterns depend on habitat variety. The aim of this study was to evaluate the variation in the frequency and duration of C. alba behaviour in relation to habitat variety in a Peruvian coastal wetland. Based on types of behaviour recorded in a previous study of C. alba during August and September 2019 at low, mid and high tide periods in three habitats of the Coastal Wetland Poza La Arenilla (HCPA) (La Punta, Callao, Peru), differences and diversity in the frequencies and durations of such behaviour between habitats were assessed according to tide condition. Additionally, a correlation analysis between the duration and frequency of behaviour for each habitat according to tide condition was conducted. General differences in behaviour (frequency and duration) between habitats were found, although there was a high similarity of behaviour between areas particularly when mid- and high tide levels were present. The greatest diversity of behaviour, both in frequency and duration, was observed generally during mid-tide conditions in rocky habitats. In most cases, there was a high correlation between the frequency and duration of behaviour for habitats according to tide condition. It is concluded that mid-tide conditions are associated with greater availability of soft substrates, favouring a wide variety of types of behaviour for C. alba, including behaviour related to foraging and locomotion. HTML XML PDF
PubDate: Wed, 27 Mar 2024 08:08:32 +020
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