Endangered flora in protected areas of Rio de Janeiro municipality ­ Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil

This study presents a qualitative analysis of endangered species occurrences in conservation units of Rio de Janeiro, one of the largest Brazilian municipalities in population size. Increasing human activities trigger changes in biodiversity, promote fragmentation, and reduce species distribution ranges, which can ultimately lead to declines in population sizes. One of the main goals of protected areas (PAs), such as conservation units, is to protect and conserve biodiversity. Here, we compiled all vascular plant species recorded within Rio de Janeiro PAs by consulting the Reference Center for Environmental Information (SpeciesLink), Flora do Brasil (2020), and primary data records contained in management plans. We compared this compilation with the list of Brazilian endangered plant species, verifying whether the management plans presented specific programs for these species. Of the 60 surveyed PAs, 24 had records of endangered species and only 17 had management plans, 14 of which had a specific program that contemplated the monitoring and/or conservation of endangered species. A total of 70 endangered species were recorded. The highest numbers of endangered species were found in the Tijuca National Park (41) and the Pedra Branca State Park (17), the two largest PAs with the two largest forest fragments. Despite the high number of endangered species and the number of protected areas that harbor them, few internal programs address endangered species conservation and management. Thus, efforts to maintain endangered species in protected areas can be aided by field data collections that confirm their occurrence and maintenance in these PAs.(AU)

Ant diversity (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) in Turvo State Park, municipality of Derrubadas, state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil

Abstract The knowledge of ant assemblages that occurs in Conservation Units in the Atlantic Forest domain is a priority, considering the number of endemic species and the impacts that this biome has been suffering. The aim of this study was to evaluate ant assemblages in the Turvo State Park, which is the largest conservation unit in the State of Rio Grande do Sul and presents an important role on biodiversity protection. Two samplings were conducted in 2019, one in the summer (January) and the other in the spring (November and December), at five sites 2 km apart, with pitfall traps (soil and canopy), sardine baits, glucose, beating net, sweeping net and manual collection. We sampled 121 species in the summer and 120 in the spring, totaling 163 ant species. A total of 78 species (47.8%) occurred in both sampling seasons. The richest genera in the study were Camponotus (S = 30), Pheidole (S = 23) and Linepithema (S = 11). Seventeen species were recorded for the first time for Rio Grande do Sul state. The results indicate that this is one of the most species-rich assemblages of ants ever surveyed in a conservation unit in southern Brazil. The study highlights the importance of Conservation Units as protected environments against habitat loss for ant biodiversity. The results of this study contribute to myrmecofauna knowledge and serve as a basis for environmental impact studies, management plans and conservation of Atlantic Forest remnants.

Resumo O conhecimento das assembleias de formigas que ocorrem em Unidades de Conservação no domínio Mata Atlântica é prioritário, considerando-se o número de espécies endêmicas e os impactos que este bioma vem sofrendo. O objetivo desse trabalho foi caracterizar a assembleia de formigas que ocorre no Parque Estadual do Turvo, a maior unidade de conservação do Rio Grande do Sul que se destaca pelo seu papel na proteção da biodiversidade da Mata Atlântica austral. Foram realizadas duas amostragens no ano de 2019, uma no verão (janeiro) e a outra na primavera (novembro e dezembro), em cinco pontos distantes 2 km entre si, com armadilhas pitfall (solo e dossel), iscas de sardinha, iscas de glicose, guarda-chuva entomológico, rede de varredura e coleta manual. A riqueza amostrada no verão foi de 121 e na primavera de 120, totalizando 163 espécies. Ao todo, 78 espécies (47,8%) ocorreram concomitantemente nas duas amostragens. Os gêneros mais ricos foram Camponotus (S=30), Pheidole (S=23) e Linepithema (S=11). Dezessete espécies foram registradas pela primeira vez para o estado do Rio Grande do Sul. Os resultados se constituem em uma das mais ricas assembleias de formigas já inventariadas em uma unidade de conservação na região sul do Brasil. O estudo destaca a importância das Unidades de Conservação como ambientes protegidos contra a perda de habitat para a biodiversidade de formigas. Os resultados deste estudo contribuem para o conhecimento da mirmecofauna e servem como base para estudos de impacto ambiental, planos de manejo e conservação de remanescentes da Mata Atlântica.

Ant diversity (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) in Turvo State Park, municipality of Derrubadas, state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil / Diversidade de formigas (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) no Parque Estadual do Turvo, Derrubadas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil

The knowledge of ant assemblages that occurs in Conservation Units in the Atlantic Forest domain is a priority, considering the number of endemic species and the impacts that this biome has been suffering. The aim of this study was to evaluate ant assemblages in the Turvo State Park, which is the largest conservation unit in the State of Rio Grande do Sul and presents an important role on biodiversity protection. Two samplings were conducted in 2019, one in the summer (January) and the other in the spring (November and December), at five sites 2 km apart, with pitfall traps (soil and canopy), sardine baits, glucose, beating net, sweeping net and manual collection. We sampled 121 species in the summer and 120 in the spring, totaling 163 ant species. A total of 78 species (47.8%) occurred in both sampling seasons. The richest genera in the study were Camponotus (S = 30), Pheidole (S = 23) and Linepithema (S = 11). Seventeen species were recorded for the first time for Rio Grande do Sul state. The results indicate that this is one of the most species-rich assemblages of ants ever surveyed in a conservation unit in southern Brazil. The study highlights the importance of Conservation Units as protected environments against habitat loss for ant biodiversity. The results of this study contribute to myrmecofauna knowledge and serve as a basis for environmental impact studies, management plans and conservation of Atlantic Forest remnants.

O conhecimento das assembleias de formigas que ocorrem em Unidades de Conservação no domínio Mata Atlântica é prioritário, considerando-se o número de espécies endêmicas e os impactos que este bioma vem sofrendo. O objetivo desse trabalho foi caracterizar a assembleia de formigas que ocorre no Parque Estadual do Turvo, a maior unidade de conservação do Rio Grande do Sul que se destaca pelo seu papel na proteção da biodiversidade da Mata Atlântica austral. Foram realizadas duas amostragens no ano de 2019, uma no verão (janeiro) e a outra na primavera (novembro e dezembro), em cinco pontos distantes 2 km entre si, com armadilhas pitfall (solo e dossel), iscas de sardinha, iscas de glicose, guarda-chuva entomológico, rede de varredura e coleta manual. A riqueza amostrada no verão foi de 121 e na primavera de 120, totalizando 163 espécies. Ao todo, 78 espécies (47,8%) ocorreram concomitantemente nas duas amostragens. Os gêneros mais ricos foram Camponotus (S=30), Pheidole (S=23) e Linepithema (S=11). Dezessete espécies foram registradas pela primeira vez para o estado do Rio Grande do Sul. Os resultados se constituem em uma das mais ricas assembleias de formigas já inventariadas em uma unidade de conservação na região sul do Brasil. O estudo destaca a importância das Unidades de Conservação como ambientes protegidos contra a perda de habitat para a biodiversidade de formigas. Os resultados deste estudo contribuem para o conhecimento da mirmecofauna e servem como base para estudos de impacto ambiental, planos de manejo e conservação de remanescentes da Mata Atlântica.

Ant diversity (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) in Turvo State Park, municipality of Derrubadas, state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil / Diversidade de formigas (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) no Parque Estadual do Turvo, Derrubadas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil

Abstract The knowledge of ant assemblages that occurs in Conservation Units in the Atlantic Forest domain is a priority, considering the number of endemic species and the impacts that this biome has been suffering. The aim of this study was to evaluate ant assemblages in the Turvo State Park, which is the largest conservation unit in the State of Rio Grande do Sul and presents an important role on biodiversity protection. Two samplings were conducted in 2019, one in the summer (January) and the other in the spring (November and December), at five sites 2 km apart, with pitfall traps (soil and canopy), sardine baits, glucose, beating net, sweeping net and manual collection. We sampled 121 species in the summer and 120 in the spring, totaling 163 ant species. A total of 78 species (47.8%) occurred in both sampling seasons. The richest genera in the study were Camponotus (S = 30), Pheidole (S = 23) and Linepithema (S = 11). Seventeen species were recorded for the first time for Rio Grande do Sul state. The results indicate that this is one of the most species-rich assemblages of ants ever surveyed in a conservation unit in southern Brazil. The study highlights the importance of Conservation Units as protected environments against habitat loss for ant biodiversity. The results of this study contribute to myrmecofauna knowledge and serve as a basis for environmental impact studies, management plans and conservation of Atlantic Forest remnants.

Resumo O conhecimento das assembleias de formigas que ocorrem em Unidades de Conservação no domínio Mata Atlântica é prioritário, considerando-se o número de espécies endêmicas e os impactos que este bioma vem sofrendo. O objetivo desse trabalho foi caracterizar a assembleia de formigas que ocorre no Parque Estadual do Turvo, a maior unidade de conservação do Rio Grande do Sul que se destaca pelo seu papel na proteção da biodiversidade da Mata Atlântica austral. Foram realizadas duas amostragens no ano de 2019, uma no verão (janeiro) e a outra na primavera (novembro e dezembro), em cinco pontos distantes 2 km entre si, com armadilhas pitfall (solo e dossel), iscas de sardinha, iscas de glicose, guarda-chuva entomológico, rede de varredura e coleta manual. A riqueza amostrada no verão foi de 121 e na primavera de 120, totalizando 163 espécies. Ao todo, 78 espécies (47,8%) ocorreram concomitantemente nas duas amostragens. Os gêneros mais ricos foram Camponotus (S=30), Pheidole (S=23) e Linepithema (S=11). Dezessete espécies foram registradas pela primeira vez para o estado do Rio Grande do Sul. Os resultados se constituem em uma das mais ricas assembleias de formigas já inventariadas em uma unidade de conservação na região sul do Brasil. O estudo destaca a importância das Unidades de Conservação como ambientes protegidos contra a perda de habitat para a biodiversidade de formigas. Os resultados deste estudo contribuem para o conhecimento da mirmecofauna e servem como base para estudos de impacto ambiental, planos de manejo e conservação de remanescentes da Mata Atlântica.

Ant diversity (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) in Turvo State Park, municipality of Derrubadas, state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil / Diversidade de formigas (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) no Parque Estadual do Turvo, Derrubadas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil

The knowledge of ant assemblages that occurs in Conservation Units in the Atlantic Forest domain is a priority, considering the number of endemic species and the impacts that this biome has been suffering. The aim of this study was to evaluate ant assemblages in the Turvo State Park, which is the largest conservation unit in the State of Rio Grande do Sul and presents an important role on biodiversity protection. Two samplings were conducted in 2019, one in the summer (January) and the other in the spring (November and December), at five sites 2 km apart, with pitfall traps (soil and canopy), sardine baits, glucose, beating net, sweeping net and manual collection. We sampled 121 species in the summer and 120 in the spring, totaling 163 ant species. A total of 78 species (47.8%) occurred in both sampling seasons. The richest genera in the study were Camponotus (S = 30), Pheidole (S = 23) and Linepithema (S = 11). Seventeen species were recorded for the first time for Rio Grande do Sul state. The results indicate that this is one of the most species-rich assemblages of ants ever surveyed in a conservation unit in southern Brazil. The study highlights the importance of Conservation Units as protected environments against habitat loss for ant biodiversity. The results of this study contribute to myrmecofauna knowledge and serve as a basis for environmental impact studies, management plans and conservation of Atlantic Forest remnants.(AU)

O conhecimento das assembleias de formigas que ocorrem em Unidades de Conservação no domínio Mata Atlântica é prioritário, considerando-se o número de espécies endêmicas e os impactos que este bioma vem sofrendo. O objetivo desse trabalho foi caracterizar a assembleia de formigas que ocorre no Parque Estadual do Turvo, a maior unidade de conservação do Rio Grande do Sul que se destaca pelo seu papel na proteção da biodiversidade da Mata Atlântica austral. Foram realizadas duas amostragens no ano de 2019, uma no verão (janeiro) e a outra na primavera (novembro e dezembro), em cinco pontos distantes 2 km entre si, com armadilhas pitfall (solo e dossel), iscas de sardinha, iscas de glicose, guarda-chuva entomológico, rede de varredura e coleta manual. A riqueza amostrada no verão foi de 121 e na primavera de 120, totalizando 163 espécies. Ao todo, 78 espécies (47,8%) ocorreram concomitantemente nas duas amostragens. Os gêneros mais ricos foram Camponotus (S=30), Pheidole (S=23) e Linepithema (S=11). Dezessete espécies foram registradas pela primeira vez para o estado do Rio Grande do Sul. Os resultados se constituem em uma das mais ricas assembleias de formigas já inventariadas em uma unidade de conservação na região sul do Brasil. O estudo destaca a importância das Unidades de Conservação como ambientes protegidos contra a perda de habitat para a biodiversidade de formigas. Os resultados deste estudo contribuem para o conhecimento da mirmecofauna e servem como base para estudos de impacto ambiental, planos de manejo e conservação de remanescentes da Mata Atlântica.(AU)

Thermal condition of mate (Ilex paraguariensis) processing / Análise das condições térmicas do processamento da erva-mate

The Ilex paraguariensis is a species native to Brazil, Paraguay and Argentine, valued by its positive effects on human health. Mate processing consists of the following stages: pre-drying (rapid drying at high temperature, known as sapeco operation), drying, and milling. In order to verify the current process and to propose future improvements to the mate processing, thermal and mass balance analysis were applied to industrial mate processing units. Results showed that the consumption of energy in sapeco and drying operations exceeds the calorific input necessary for these operations. These results verify the need for a change in the management of temperatures in the sapeco and drying stages of mate processing in order to optimize the consumption of energy, resulting in lower costs, with positive effects on the quality of the mate products.

A Ilex paraguariensis é uma espécie nativa do Brasil, Paraguai e Argentina, valorizada por seus efeitos positivos na saúde humana. O processamento do mate consiste nas seguintes etapas: pré-secagem (secagem rápida em alta temperatura, conhecida como operação de sapeco), secagem e moagem. A fim de verificar o atual processo e propor melhorias futuras no processamento de mate, foram aplicadas análises térmicas e de balanço de massa em unidades industriais de processamento de mate. Os resultados mostraram que o consumo de energia nas operações de sapeco e secagem supera o aporte calorífico necessário para essas operações. Esses resultados comprovam a necessidade de uma mudança no gerenciamento das temperaturas nas etapas de sapeco e secagem do processamento da erva-mate, a fim de otimizar o consumo de energia, resultando em menores custos, com efeitos positivos na qualidade dos produtos da erva-mate.

Odonata community in transition areas between Cerrado and Atlantic Forest biomes in south-central Minas Gerais, Brazil

Faunal inventories are essential for biota management and conservation, especially in areas with potential for the creation of conservation units. Inventories of insect taxa such as dragonflies and damselflies (Odonata), which perform several environmental services in aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems, are of great importance. In view of the above, this study aimed to update and expand the list of Odonata species in the Barroso region, Minas Gerais State, Brazil. This study was carried out in three areas of forest fragments in Atlantic Forest and Cerrado biomes in October 2020, December 2020, January 2021, and March 2021. The sampling effort was 8 hours per day during 20 days, totaling 140 sampling hours. A total of 43 Odonata species were recorded, which increased the richness of the study area from 57 to 76 species. The studied areas harbor rare and endangered species. However, since the last sampling in 2009, there has been a significant reduction in diversity in the Atlantic Forest fragment. In view of the changes that forest fragments are undergoing, we underscore the need to create a conservation unit, especially in Baú Forest.(AU)

Building a baseline: a survey of the composition and distribution of the ichthyofauna of Guanabara Bay, a deeply impacted estuary

Biodiversity baselines are essential subsidies to evaluate how environmental changes and human impacts affect the special and temporal patterns of communities. This information is paramount to promote proper conservation and management for historically impacted environments such as Guanabara Bay, in southeastern Brazil. Here, we propose an ichthyofaunal baseline for this bay using gathered past data from 1889 to 2020, including literature records, scientific collections, biological sampling, and fisheries landing monitoring. A total of 220 species (203 teleosts and 17 elasmobranchs), distributed in 149 genera (136 teleosts and 13 elasmobranchs) and 72 families (61 teleosts and 11 elasmobranchs) were recorded, including the first record of a tiger-shark, Galeocerdo cuvier, in Guanabara Bay. Although the employed sampling effort was sufficient to represent the ichthyofauna in the middle and upper estuary, the Chao2 estimator indicates an even greater richness regarding the bay as a whole. Evidence of reduced abundance and probable local extinction over the decades was found, supporting the importance of implementing management and conservation strategies in the area. The ichthyofaunal distribution analyses revealed that areas close to conservation units are richer compared to their surroundings, indicating that this is an effective strategy to mitigate human impacts in the bay.(AU)

Esforços de caracterização da biodiversidade são subsídios essenciais para avaliar como mudanças ambientais e impactos antrópicos afetam os padrões espaciais e temporais das comunidades. Essas informações são essenciais para promover conservação e manejo adequados em ambientes historicamente impactados como a Baía de Guanabara, no sudeste do Brasil. Aqui, nós propomos uma linha de referência da ictiofauna dessa baía utilizando dados pretéritos de 1889 a 2020, incluindo registros de literatura, coleções científicas, coletas biológicas e monitoramento de desembarque pesqueiro. Um total de 220 espécies (203 teleósteos e 17 elasmobrânquios), distribuídas em 149 gêneros (136 teleósteos e 13 elasmobrânquios) e 72 famílias (61 teleósteos e 11 elasmobrânquios) foram registradas, incluindo o primeiro registro de tubarão-tigre, Galeocerdo cuvier, na Baía de Guanabara. Apesar do esforço amostral empregado ter sido suficiente para representar a ictiofauna do médio e alto estuário, o estimador Chao2 indicou uma riqueza ainda maior para a baía como um todo. Evidências de redução de abundância e de provável extinção local de táxons ao longo das décadas foram encontradas, corroborando a importância da implantação de medidas de manejo e conservação para a área. A análise da distribuição da ictiofauna revelou que áreas próximas a unidades de conservação são mais ricas em comparação ao seu entorno, indicando que essa é uma estratégia efetiva para mitigar os impactos antrópicos na baía.(AU)

New occurrences of the endangered Notholebias minimus (Cyprinodontiformes: Rivulidae) in coastal plains of the State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil: populations features and conservation

Notholebias minimus is an endangered annual killifish endemic to the coastal plains of the State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. This study aimed to present new occurrences in the Atlantic Forest biome, provide unprecedented population features (body and egg size, fecundity, sexual ratio, and length-weight relationship - LWR), and compare changes in land use and coverage between 1985 and 2021 in biotopes located inside and outside protected areas. Three new occurrence localities were found in shallow temporary wetlands with acidic pH (6.4 ± 0.2) and low concentrations of dissolved oxygen (2.0 ± 0.9 mg/L). Males and females total length ranged from 11.1 to 31 mm and 11 to 26 mm, respectively. Batch fecundity ranged from 18 to 40 oocytes (24.8 ± 8.8), corresponding to oocytes with sizes between 800-1,006 µm (905 ± 56). Males were significantly larger than females (W = 2193.5, p = 0.0067), but both sexes occurred in similar proportions (p = 0.472). LWR showed positive allometry (b = 3.18). Biotopes located within protected areas exhibited higher conservation. Our discoveries expand the knowledge about habitat and population features of N. minimus and reinforce the importance of establishing protected areas for the conservation of annual fish biotopes.

Notholebias minimus é um peixe anual ameaçado de extinção, endêmico das planícies costeiras do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Brasil. Neste estudo, objetivamos apresentar novas ocorrências no bioma Mata Atlântica, fornecer características populacionais inéditas (tamanho do corpo e dos ovos, fecundidade, proporção sexual e relação peso-comprimento), e comparar mudanças no uso e cobertura do solo entre 1985 e 2021 em biótopos localizados dentro e fora de unidades de conservação. Registramos três novos locais em áreas úmidas temporárias rasas com pH ácido (6,4 ± 0,2) e baixas concentrações de oxigênio dissolvido (2,0 ± 0,9 mg/L). O comprimento total de machos e fêmeas variou de 11,1 a 31 mm e de 11 a 26 mm, respectivamente. A fecundidade do lote variou entre 18-40 oócitos (24,8 ± 8,8), correspondendo a diâmetros entre 800-1.006 µm (905 ± 56). Os machos foram significativamente maiores que as fêmeas (W = 2193,5; p = 0,0067), mas ocorreram em proporções similares (p = 0,472). A relação peso-comprimento detectou alometria positiva (b = 3,18). Biótopos localizados dentro de áreas protegidas exibiram maior preservação ambiental. Nossas descobertas ampliam o conhecimento sobre as características do habitat e da população de N. minimus e reforçam a importância do estabelecimento de áreas protegidas para a conservação dos biótopos dos peixes anuais.

Natural regeneration in Atlantic Forest Fragments: using ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) for monitoring a conservation unit

The Brazilian Atlantic Forest is considered one of the most threatened tropical forests in the world due to the extensive environmental impact it has endured throughout history. Only 12.4% of its original vegetation is estimated to remain. Even though reduced and highly fragmented, it houses enormous biodiversity, and its preservation is paramount to the maintenance of the country's fauna, flora, funga and microbiota. One of the most efficient measures adopted by public agencies aimed at protecting biodiversity has been the creation of conservation units. To evaluate the preservation state of protected areas, several environmental studies have been performed; species inventories are one among them. Ants are excellent bioindicators, for they are not only sensitive to environmental changes, but they also have a history of being used in impact assessment (i.e., fragmentation). In this study we assessed the ant communities inhabiting the leaf litter in areas with different regeneration states at the RPPN Botujuru ­ Serra do Itapety (Mogi das Cruzes, São Paulo ­ Brazil). Mini-Winkler traps were used in the ant survey, and diversity analyses were performed. In total, we recorded 86 species of ants, with a highlight to Camponotus cillae Forel, 1912, a species that remained unrecorded for the state of São Paulo for over 100 years, and a possible new species of Octostruma Forel, 1912. Overall, the species found show that the areas are in the process of natural regeneration. Our data on RPPN Botujuru is unprecedented, and our species list has the potential of being used as an effective monitoring tool for this conservation unit.(AU)

Odonata (Insecta) community in the Environmental Protection Area of the Machado River hydrographic basin, southern Minas Gerais State, Brazil

Only 8% of the approximately 120 conservation units in Minas Gerais State collect information on the order Odonata, which motivated this study. We aimed to survey communities of this insect group in the Environmental Protection Area of the Machado River hydrographic basin, southern Minas Gerais State, Brazil. For this purpose, 12 areas were sampled by active searching from September 2018 to March 2019. Representatives of 71 Odonata species belonging to 8 families were collected. Seven species were found exclusively in this conservation unit, and two species were newly recorded for the state, namely Erythrodiplax chromoptera (Borror, 1942) and Micrathyria venezuelae De Marmels, 1989. This study surveyed the fifth richest odonatofauna in Minas Gerais State, underscoring the importance of the studied area for conservation of Odonata communities and necessitating actions for decreasing environmental impacts on this biological patrimony.(AU)

Impacts of the biological invasion by Ricinus communis L. on the native biota of the Atlantic Forest, Aracaju, Sergipe State, Brazil

The existence of environmental disturbances is an important facilitating factor to the establishment of biological invasions (BI). Biological invasions are considered the second biggest threat to the planet's biodiversity, behind only anthropic actions such as deforestation and habitat fragmentation. Thus, all environments are subjected to biological invasions, including Conservation Units (CU). The objective of the work was to evaluate the impacts of the exotic invasive Ricinus communis L. on the native biota of the Morro do Urubu Environmental Protection Area, Aracaju, Sergipe State, Brazil. Plots were allocated in places invaded by exotic invasive and in non-invaded places. Within the sample units, the number of individuals of each species present was counted. With these data, the statistics of the present study were performed. In the plots plotted on the non-invaded sites, 28 species were found. In the plots plotted on the invaded sites, only three species were sampled, among them the exotic invader studied, which showed to be the most abundant taxon in the area. In total, 75 individuals were counted in the invaded sites, of which 72 were from R. communis. In the non-invaded sites, 210 individuals. The average number of species was statistically higher in the plots where the exotic invader was removed, while from the second reading and remained until the eighth reading, the same happened for the average number of individuals. The results of this study showed the impacts caused by invasive exotic Ricinus communis on the composition, richness, diversity and resilience of an invaded Atlantic Forest area.(AU)

Genetic comparison of populations of Piaractus brachypomus and P. orinoquensis (Characiformes: Serrasalmidae) of the Amazon and Orinoco basins

Recently, the large migratory fishes of the family Serrasalmidae (Piaractus brachypomus and P. orinoquensis) were described as restricted to the Orinoco and Amazon basins. Both species provide important ecosystem services. They also are an important fisheries resource, which has caused that their populations have decreased in recent years. National fisheries policies still consider both species as one, which leads to inefficiencies in their management and conservation. The aim of this study was to genetically characterize these two species, using microsatellite and mitochondrial markers, and discuss the implication of these results for conservation and management. We found that both species have moderate genetic diversity and varied patterns of genetic distribution in the fluvial landscape. Piaractus brachypomus presented genetic diversity of A=6.5; He=0.72; Ho=0.67; H=1.000; á´«=0.0092, three management units related to the evolutionary process of the Amazon basin and the effective sizes of local populations were smaller compared to P. orinoquensis, which presented genetic diversity of A=6.1; He=0.66; Ho=0.55; H=0.968; á´«=0.010 and comprises only one management unit. These results demonstrate the need to design management policies that focus on species and geographically restricted populations.

Recientemente, los grandes peces migratorios Serrasalmidae (Piaractus brachypomus y P. orinoquensis) fueron diferenciados en las cuencas del Orinoco y Amazonas. Ambas especies brindan importantes servicios ecosistémicos, entre ellos la pesca para la dieta humana, lo que ha provocado que sus poblaciones hayan disminuido en los últimos años. Las políticas pesqueras nacionales aún consideran a ambas especies como una sola, lo que conduce a ineficiencias en su gestión y conservación. El objetivo de este estudio fue caracterizar genéticamente estas dos especies de Piaractus, usando marcadores microsatélites y mitocondriales, y discutir la implicación de estos resultados para la conservación y el manejo. Encontramos que ambas especies tienen una diversidad genética moderada y patrones variados de distribución genética en el paisaje fluvial. Piaractus brachypomus presentó diversidad genética de A=6.5; He=0.72; Ho=0.67; H=1.000; á´«=0.0092, tres unidades de manejo relacionadas con el proceso evolutivo de la cuenca Amazónica y los tamaños efectivos de las poblaciones locales fueron menores en comparación con P. orinoquensis, que presentó diversidad genética de A=6.1; He=0.66; Ho=0.55; H=0.968; á´«=0,010 y comprende una sola unidad de gestión. Estos resultados demuestran la necesidad de diseñar políticas de manejo que se enfoquen en especies y poblaciones geográficamente restringidas.

Tourinhos genômicos: relação da qualidade e congelabilidade do sêmen / Genomic young bulls: relationship between semen quality and freezeability

A grande demanda por sêmen congelado para inseminação artificial no Brasil está ocasionando que criadores, programas genéticos, e centros de coleta e processamento de sêmen produzam touros cada vez mais jovens para doação de sêmen. A avaliação genômica é uma nova ferramenta para a seleção de touros jovens para os centros de coleta, porém, junto vieram os problemas na seleção de bons doadores de sêmen que muitas vezes não atingem a puberdade na idade desejada, principalmente na raça Nelore que é a mais importante para o mercado de inseminação no país. A maioria dos problemas com a produção de sêmen do touro jovem genômico podem ser resolvidos com o tempo, mas ainda ocasiona vários problemas não resolvidos. Os touros jovens genômicos da raça Nelore atingem a puberdade entre 13 a 16 meses e os touros jovens das raças Holandesa e Angus entre 10 a 12 meses de idade sendo que a maturidade sexual no geral é alcançada entre 18 a 24 meses quando passam a produzir sêmen rotineiramente e produzem grandes quantidades de unidades de sêmen criopreservado para uso na inseminação artificial. Este cenário ocasionará um problema para o mercado da inseminação artificial, com a demanda de mais touros com maturidade sexual.(AU)

The great demand for frozen semen in the artificial insemination in Brazil is causing breeders, genetic programs, and semen collection and processing centers to produce ever younger bulls for semen donation. The genomic evaluation is a new tool for the selection of young bulls for the collection centers, however, along came the problems in the selection of good semen donors that often do not reach puberty at the desired age, especially in the Nellore breed, the most important for the insemination market in the country. Most problems with genomic young bull semen production can be resolved over time, but there are still several unresolved problems. Young genomic Nellore bulls reach puberty between 13 to 16 months and young Holstein and Angus bulls between 10 to 12 months of age and sexual maturity is generally reached between 18 to 24 months when they start to produce semen routinely, so producing a large quantities of cryopreserved semen units for use in artificial insemination. This will cause a problem for the artificial insemination business where more sexually mature bulls will be needed.(AU)

Composition and structure of plant communities in the Moist Temperate Forest Ecosystem of the Hindukush Mountains, Pakistan / Composição e estrutura de comunidades de plantas no Ecossistema Florestal Temperado Úmido das Montanhas Hindukush, Paquistão

Here, we investigated the relationship between Plant communities and the environment from the moist temperate vegetation of Lakoo mountainous forest District Swat. We sampled data from 162 sampling units (Quadrates) using 1x1m2 for herbs 5x5m2 and shrubs, while 10 x10m2 for trees, systematically considering six elevation gradients between the altitudinal from 1970m to 3095m. We performed statistical analysis like Canonical correspondence analysis (CCA) and TWINSPAN (two-way indicator species analysis) for ecological assessment and clustering of plant communities. To check upon the correlation of species (CR) with topographic and edaphic variables we used statistical software PC-ORD version 7. We recognized 264 species plants belonging to thirty families. We recorded key sampling measurements of density, frequency, and cover for all these species which are vital for community description. The results showed Shannon-Winner,s, and Simpson diversity values as 19.18 and 3.17 respectively. The importance value indexes (IVI) were used to identify the leading and rare species of plant in each community or cluster group. In total we recognized eleven different communities as: Berberis- Abies- Bergeni, Picea - Indigofera- Poa,Abies- Parrotiopsis- Poa, Quercus- Viburnum- Poa, Picea- Salix- Primula, Abies- Viburnum- Poa, Viburnum- Taxus- Poa, Pinus- Viburnum- Lithospermum, Abies-Berberis- carex, Pinus- Viburnum- Poa and Parrotiopsis- Picea- Poa through hierarchical cluster analysis (TWINSPAN). CCA analysis revealed that of all studied edaphic and topographic variables altitude, silt, calcium carbonate, and organic matter were the strongest factors determining plant community diversity and composition in each microclimate of the eleven communities. Visually the vegetation of the forest was dominated by small-sized trees followed by shrubs, and regenerates indicating the stage of secondary regeneration. We found severe human interference in disturbing the existing biodiversity, which requires immediate conservation to ensure sustainable management and utilization of natural resources of the Lalkoo moist temperate forest.

Aqui, investigamos a relação entre as comunidades vegetais e o meio ambiente da vegetação temperada úmida da floresta montanhosa de Lalkoo, distrito de Swat. Foram amostrados dados de 162 unidades amostrais (quadrados) utilizando 1 x 1 m2 para ervas, 5 x 5 m2 para arbustos e 10 x 10 m2 para árvores, considerando sistematicamente seis gradientes de altitude entre 1.970 m e 3.095 m. Realizamos análises estatísticas, como análise de correspondência canônica (CCA) e TWINSPAN (análise de espécies indicadoras de duas vias), para avaliação ecológica e agrupamento de comunidades de plantas. Para verificar a correlação das espécies (CR) com as variáveis topográficas e edáficas, foi utilizado o software estatístico PC-ORD, versão 7. Foram reconhecidas 264 espécies de plantas pertencentes a 30 famílias. Registramos as principais medições de amostragem de densidade, frequência e cobertura para todas essas espécies que são vitais para a descrição da comunidade. Os resultados mostraram valores de diversidade de Shannon-Wiener e Simpson de 19,18 e 3,17, respectivamente. Os índices de valor de importância (IVI) foram usados para identificar as espécies de plantas principais e raras em cada comunidade ou grupo de cluster. No total, reconhecemos 11 comunidades diferentes, como: Berberis-Abies-Bergeni, Picea-Indigofera-Poa, Abies-Parrotiopsis-Poa, Quercus-Viburnum-Poa, Picea-Salix-Primula, Abies-Viburnum-Poa, Viburnum-Taxus-Poa, Pinus-Viburnum-Lithospermum, Abies-Berberis-Carex, Pinus-Viburnum-Poa e Parrotiopsis-Picea-Poa, por meio de análise de agrupamento hierárquico (TWINSPAN). A análise de CCA revelou que, de todas as variáveis ​​edáficas e topográficas estudadas, altitude, silte, carbonato de cálcio e matéria orgânica foram os fatores mais fortes na determinação da diversidade e composição da comunidade vegetal em cada microclima das 11 comunidades. Visualmente a vegetação da floresta foi dominada por árvores de pequeno porte, seguidas de arbustos, e se regenera, indicando o estágio de regeneração secundária. Encontramos grave interferência humana na biodiversidade existente, o que requer conservação imediata para garantir o manejo sustentável e a utilização dos recursos naturais da floresta temperada úmida de Lalkoo.

Conservation Units as a protection tool for social wasps in Minas Gerais state, Brazil

Abstract Conservation Units are an important tool for the Brazilian biota protection. However, various taxa, including the social wasps, are undersampled or are unknown in these areas. Therefore, our study aimed to assess the social wasp richness and distribution in the Conservation Units in Minas Gerais state, southeastern Brazil. The social wasps were sampled between 2015 and 2019 in the Ritápolis National Forest (FLONA Ritápolis), in the Alto-Montana Private Natural Heritage Reserve (RPPN Alto-Montana), in the Rio Machado Basin State Environmental Protection Area (APA Rio Machado) and in the Serra de São José Environmental Protection Area (APA Serra de São José), using two different sampling methodologies. Fourteen species were sampled for FLONA Ritápolis, 10 for RPPN Alto-Montana, 35 for APA Rio Machado and 19 for APA Serra de São José. Ninety-six social wasp species of the known richness in Minas Gerais were sampled in 14 Conservation Units, representing 90% of the fauna of the state. Thirty-four species are exclusive to these areas, with emphasis on the Rio Doce State Park, the Serra do Papagaio State Park, the Pandeiros River Wildlife Regufe and the APA Rio Machado. Most of the Conservation Units sampled are in the Atlantic Forest areas, but further efforts are needed in this biome, because of its accelerated destruction. There is still an urgent need for more studies in the Cerrado and Caatinga areas in the state, especially in Conservation Units.

Conservation Units as a protection tool for social wasps in Minas Gerais state, Brazil

Abstract Conservation Units are an important tool for the Brazilian biota protection. However, various taxa, including the social wasps, are undersampled or are unknown in these areas. Therefore, our study aimed to assess the social wasp richness and distribution in the Conservation Units in Minas Gerais state, southeastern Brazil. The social wasps were sampled between 2015 and 2019 in the Ritápolis National Forest (FLONA Ritápolis), in the Alto-Montana Private Natural Heritage Reserve (RPPN Alto-Montana), in the Rio Machado Basin State Environmental Protection Area (APA Rio Machado) and in the Serra de São José Environmental Protection Area (APA Serra de São José), using two different sampling methodologies. Fourteen species were sampled for FLONA Ritápolis, 10 for RPPN Alto-Montana, 35 for APA Rio Machado and 19 for APA Serra de São José. Ninety-six social wasp species of the known richness in Minas Gerais were sampled in 14 Conservation Units, representing 90% of the fauna of the state. Thirty-four species are exclusive to these areas, with emphasis on the Rio Doce State Park, the Serra do Papagaio State Park, the Pandeiros River Wildlife Regufe and the APA Rio Machado. Most of the Conservation Units sampled are in the Atlantic Forest areas, but further efforts are needed in this biome, because of its accelerated destruction. There is still an urgent need for more studies in the Cerrado and Caatinga areas in the state, especially in Conservation Units.

Conservation Units as a protection tool for social wasps in Minas Gerais state, Brazil

Conservation Units are an important tool for the Brazilian biota protection. However, various taxa, including the social wasps, are undersampled or are unknown in these areas. Therefore, our study aimed to assess the social wasp richness and distribution in the Conservation Units in Minas Gerais state, southeastern Brazil. The social wasps were sampled between 2015 and 2019 in the Ritápolis National Forest (FLONA Ritápolis), in the Alto-Montana Private Natural Heritage Reserve (RPPN Alto-Montana), in the Rio Machado Basin State Environmental Protection Area (APA Rio Machado) and in the Serra de São José Environmental Protection Area (APA Serra de São José), using two different sampling methodologies. Fourteen species were sampled for FLONA Ritápolis, 10 for RPPN Alto-Montana, 35 for APA Rio Machado and 19 for APA Serra de São José. Ninety-six social wasp species of the known richness in Minas Gerais were sampled in 14 Conservation Units, representing 90% of the fauna of the state. Thirty-four species are exclusive to these areas, with emphasis on the Rio Doce State Park, the Serra do Papagaio State Park, the Pandeiros River Wildlife Regufe and the APA Rio Machado. Most of the Conservation Units sampled are in the Atlantic Forest areas, but further efforts are needed in this biome, because of its accelerated destruction. There is still an urgent need for more studies in the Cerrado and Caatinga areas in the state, especially in Conservation Units.(AU)

Agricultural activities and threat to fauna in Brazil: an analysis of the Red Book of Endangered Brazilian Fauna

Abstract The recent edition of the Red Book of Endangered Brazilian Fauna brings 1,173 threatened species, 86% of them in terrestrial or freshwater environments. For these species, the main threat vector is agricultural activities that affect 519 species (51%). This information brought by the Red Book is examined in-depth and its consistency is discussed in search of an objective view on the impacts of agriculture, its importance, how they affect the different groups of animals, the different biomes of the country, and the different types of habitats continental. Birds, fish, and invertebrates are the groups with the highest number of species threatened by agricultural activity, accounting for more than 70% of the species. Habitat loss is by far the biggest impact caused by the activity, affecting almost 90% of the species. However, there is a difference between the impact of agriculture and livestock. The work seeks to understand why livestock threatens a smaller number of species, although pastures occupy more than twice the area occupied by crops and forestry. The work brings an objective debate on the relationship between agricultural activities and the conservation of wild fauna in Brazil, without falling into the trap of the useless demonization of human activities, highlighting, instead, the need to define and implement strategies for the conservation of biodiversity in the midst the land use matrix itself, complementary to the conservation units, based on the best available information on the vulnerability of fauna to the impacts of this vector.

Agricultural activities and threat to fauna in Brazil: an analysis of the Red Book of Endangered Brazilian Fauna

Abstract The recent edition of the Red Book of Endangered Brazilian Fauna brings 1,173 threatened species, 86% of them in terrestrial or freshwater environments. For these species, the main threat vector is agricultural activities that affect 519 species (51%). This information brought by the Red Book is examined in-depth and its consistency is discussed in search of an objective view on the impacts of agriculture, its importance, how they affect the different groups of animals, the different biomes of the country, and the different types of habitats continental. Birds, fish, and invertebrates are the groups with the highest number of species threatened by agricultural activity, accounting for more than 70% of the species. Habitat loss is by far the biggest impact caused by the activity, affecting almost 90% of the species. However, there is a difference between the impact of agriculture and livestock. The work seeks to understand why livestock threatens a smaller number of species, although pastures occupy more than twice the area occupied by crops and forestry. The work brings an objective debate on the relationship between agricultural activities and the conservation of wild fauna in Brazil, without falling into the trap of the useless demonization of human activities, highlighting, instead, the need to define and implement strategies for the conservation of biodiversity in the midst the land use matrix itself, complementary to the conservation units, based on the best available information on the vulnerability of fauna to the impacts of this vector.